Boxoffice-January.12.1957

. . Page
JANUARY 1. 1^
/he TuAe ef im m&to&rL MctuAe
The romantic leads in "Oklohoma!"—Shirley Jones and Gordon MocRae—are shown in o
scene from the film adaptation of the famous musical, which has been awarded the BOX-
OFFICE Blue Ribbon Award for December by the Notional Screen Council. The Magna Theatre
Corp production is now being released in CinernaScope by 20th Century-Fox . 26.
B« lecoiv) fion -rartr- Oftici oT Kaniai
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION
Klutinii the Sxliaiiil Nnri Pigti o( All loitioni

.
THE ^
OF THt
AUGUS'
MOON
TEA-OFF TO
BIG BIZ TO
START THE
NEW YEAR I

"
Want to top High Society" ?
Want to beat ril Cry Tomorrow "
?
That's the experience of M-G-M's
big new hit in many of its first 43
engagements!
The hilarious stage
hit is even Bigger
on the screen!
M-G-M pr«s«nls
in CINEMASCOPE and METROCOLOR
MARLON BRANDO
GLENN FORD
MACHIKO KYO
"THE TEAHOUSE
OF THE
AUGUST MOON
co-starring
EDDIE ALBERT
with
PAUL FORD • JUN NEGAMI
NIJIKO KIYOKAWA
MITSUKO SAWAMURA
Scr.«n Play by JOHN PATRICK
Bated on a Book by Vern J. Sneider
And Iha Ploy by John Patrick
Directed by DANIEL MANN
PreducdbyJACK CUMMINGS
*
(Available In Magnetic Stereophonic,
Perspecta Stereophonic or 1-Channel Sound)

!
Susan Hayward al
y
ai
uL.^b^
laugM
L
When two
big stars
make their
first comedyand
it comes
from the
company
that gave you
'Mister Roberts'-
it's
to
bound
be
something
special!
WARNER BROS! TRADE SHOWS JAN. 16th.
ALBANY
lOlh Cenlufy-Fox Sdeening Room
mi Bwor 1 00 P.M.
'
ATLANTA
lOlh CenlurT-Foi Siieening Room
1?7 Wollon SI. N.W 7 00RM.
BOSTON
20th (enluty-foK Scieening Room
lis B»or 2 ISPM.
BUFFALO
Motion Pittute Opeiotori Holt
>9! PeoH St, 8 00 P.M.
CHARLOTTE
CINCINNATI
1307 So. Woboili tvo. 30 P.M. ' I 2219 Porno kit.
Century-Foi Scicening Room RKO Poloce Tt). Scteening Room 20th (entutf Fox Screening Room
20tli
E 12 6tliSI. 8 00 P.M.
1803 Wood St. 2 00 P.M.
CLEVELAND
DENVER
Wotnef Scteening Room
20lh Cenluiy-Foi Sdeening Room Poiomount Screening Room
' 2 00 P M 2100 Sloot St 2 00 P M.
308 S (liurili St. 2 00 P.M.
CHICAGO
of love -I]
since come
grew up
f
/
WIT H PAUL STEWART • JIM BACKUS • Written by ROLAND KIBBEEand
DES MOINES
20th Century
1300 High St.
DETROIT
Film Exchonge Sc.
Fox Screening Room
• 12 (5 P.M.
Rm.
2310 (o» Ave. 2 00 P.M.
INDIANAPOLIS
Univeicnl Screening Room
517 No. IllinoiiSl.
JACKSONVILLE
Florida Theatre BIdg. Sc.
• TOO P.M.
Rm.
128 E Forsyth St. 2 00 P M.
KANSAS CITY
20th Centory-Fox Screeni
1720 Wyandotte SI. )i3
LOS ANGELES
Fox Weitcooit Sc.
Rm.
1837 So Vermont «ve.

are ' "
it's the
t story
r
n -Produced by MARTIN RACKIN • MILTON SPERLING Supervising Producer •
Directed by H. C. POTTER • presented by WARNER BROSA*
MINNEAPOIIS
'
1 r-fn Screening flootn Werner Screening doom
20lh Cenlurjr-Foi Screening Room 20lh (enlury-Fox Screening Room Warner Screening Room Stor Screening Room Republic Screening Room S'renco Screening Room
I '>!. 3:03 P.M lOM Currie »«e. Norlh 200 S. libert> SI. 2 00 PM
10 Norlli Lee SI. 10 00 «.M. 230 No. 13lh Si. • 2 00
•
92S N.W, Hill «.e. - 221 Goliien Cole «ve. I '
3H3 Oli«i SI. I 00 P.M.
• 2 00 P.M. P.M. 2 00 P.M. 30 P.M
' KEE NEW HAVEN NEw'yORK
; orre Screening Room Slonle^ Worner Screening Room Heme Office
lconiin»ve. •lOOR.M. 70 tollejl SI. Ii30 Ml. 32I.W. 44lh SI. 2 IS P.M.
NEW ORLEANS OKIAHOMA PHIIADEIPHIA POBTLAND SAN FRANCISCO ST. lOUIS
OMAHA PITTSBURGH SALT LAKE CITY SEATTLE WASHINGTON
20th (enlury-Foi Screening Room 20lh Cenlur^Foi Screening Room 20lh Cenlury-Foi Screening Roam Egyptian Theatxe Stanley Warner Screening Room
ISa2 Oavenparl SI.
'
1.30 P.M. 171S Slvd. af Ihe tlliet -
1:30 P.M. 2U Eoil lit SauUi -
l:30.rH. 2:00 P.M. Mlb t E. Sli. N.W. • 10:M A.M.

YOU'LL FIND OUT
WHY THIS IS THE
STORY THAT HAD
TO WIN THE
PULITZER PRIZE!
rather
accused
rder!"
truth
about
yourself!'
1957's first
DRAMATIC THUNDERBOLT
is
to go
now
all
ready
over
America...
from
20th!
rin.
RAY MiIlAND- ERNEST BORGNINE
rinJRANK LOV'EJOY • NINA FOCH • DEAN JAGGER
EDWARD ANDPIeWS • FRANK FAYLEN • JAMES WESTERFIELD
^^
Produced by HERBERT B. SWOPE, Jr.
Written for the Screen and Directed by PHILIP DUNNE
CINemaScoPE

'nUOiii
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
Publiihed in Nine Sectional Editions
BEN
SHLYEN
Editor-in-Chiei and Publisher
DONALD M. MERSEREAU. .Associofe
Publisher & Generol Manager
NATHAN COHEN. .Executive Editor
JESSE SHLYEN .... Monoging Editor
HUGH FRAZE Field Editor
AL STEEN Eastern Editor
IVAN SPEAR Western Editor
I. L. THATCHER. .Equipment Editor
MORRIS SCHLOZMAN . Business Mgr
Published Every Saturday by
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llueli Frw.c. Field Editor; I. I,,
llintcher. Editor 'ITie Modern TTieatre
Section. Telephone niestniit 1-7777.
Editorial Offices: 45 liorkefeller Plaza.
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The MODEIIN TIIBATBR Section Is Included
In the first Issue of each month.
Atlanta: M.irtha Chandler, 191 Walton,
N. W.
Alliany: .1. S. Conners. 21-2:i Walter Ave.
Baltimore: (leorge Browning. Stanley Tliea
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Boston: Frances Harding. IIU 2-1141.
Cliarlolle: Annie Mae Williams. ED 2-1254.
Cincinnati: l.llllan Lazarus. 1746 Carrahen.
Cleveland: ESsle Ueb, Falrmount 1-0046.
Columbus: Fred Oeslrelcher. 646 lihoades
Place.
Ilalljs: Bill Barker, 423 NImllz.
Denver: Jack Rose, 1645 Lafayette St.
lies Moines: Buss Schoch, lieglster-Trlliiine.
Detroit: II. F. Beves, Fox Theatre BIdg.
Indianapolis: Corhin Patrick. Tlie Star.
Jacksonville: Bobert Cornwell, San Marco
Theatre.
Memphis: Null Adams, 707 Spring St.
Miami: Kllly llarwood. 66 S. Illhlscus.
Milwaukee: Wm. NIrhnl. 6:!6 N. 14lh SI.
Minneapolis: I.es Bees. 2l2.'i FreemonI Sii.
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N. Orleans:
Oklahoma
I,.
City:
Dwyer.
.loyce
8818 PrIlchard
Oiilhler. 1744
Pi.
NW
17lh St,
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Wllklnshurg. nlurchlll 1-2809,
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St, I.ouls: Dave Barrett. 5149 linsa.
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San Francisco: n.ill I.lpman. 2S7-2aih
Ave.. Skyline 1-4355: Adverllsliig: Jerry
Nowell. Howard BIdg.. YII 6 2522
In
Canada
Montreal: 300 Lemoyne St.. Jules I.aiochelle.
St. John: 43 Waterloo. Sam Bahb.
Toronto: 1675 Rayvlew Ave.. Wlllowdale
Ont., W. Gladlsh.
Vancouver: Lyric Theatre BIdg., Jack Driiy
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Member Audit Bureau of Circulations
Entered as Second Class matter at Post
Office, Kansas City, Mo. Sectional Edition.
J3.00 per year: National Edition. $7.50
JANUARY 12, 1957
Vol. 70 No. 12
W^^
\N£ll
IIILl', III! Iciiir with a mail ((Hiipatiy
of the stajie prodiution of "Janus." Donald
Cook, who played the male lead, wa.s quoted in
a newspaper article as sayinp "Theatre-goinp i,s
a hai>it. .^Jo one jrets an opportunity to make it
a habit, heeause there are too many dark
theatres."
While Mr. Cook was referring to
WORTH SAVING
the so-called
legitimate theatres, his remarks gave rise to
the application of that logic to motion picture
theatres.
There has been growing concern that the
movie-going habit, to which much of this industry's
past success has been attributed, is on
the wane. While people are seeing the big piclures
in greater numbers than ever before, the
habit of going regularly, one or more times per
week, is not what it was in the motion picture's
hey-day. This is of particular concern to the
small-town and neighborhood theatre operators
whose limitations make them greatly dependent
on the "regular" patron. But it is also of concern
to the bigger operators in key cities, for, eventually,
less of the moviegoing habit in small towns
and neighborhoods will affect them, too.
Far-seeing executives have never overlooked
or minimized the values to this industry's conliiuiing
progress owed to the |)atron-cultivation
that is an important by-product of the smalltown
and neighborhood theatres. But, recently,
there has been a growing attitude that these
situations are "doomed" and that nothing can
or should be done to save them. That is erroneous
thinking, to sav the least.
Many small-town theatres have been hard hit
by factors over which they have no control. True,
some have neglected to keep up appearances or
to improve their operational facilities; many are
outmoded and their physical properties have
become obsolete; population shifts have caused
others to suffer heavy patronage losses that cannot
be restored. But, judging from some of the
mail we have received, there are situations that
are suffering amidst favorable local business
conditions and desj)ite having updated their operations
at considerable investments in new
equipment, refurbishing, etc.
This sort of condition is not limited to U. S.
small towns as is evidenced b\ the following
letter from a Canadian exhiltitor:
"I guess the trend of the times is woshing the small theotres
out—one at a time—and as it now looks we arc joining
this parodc.
"High taxes ond wages, first, and all costs continue to
go up and no nreot relief from our main expense— the film
exchange. It seems that, since the producers hove started
to release through the television channels, they feel more
than ever thev will survive without the smoll exhibitor ond,
by the looks of things, they will hove to.
"This town continues to grow and patronage continues to
fall off. Our various licenses expire March 31, 1957, and,
OS of that dote, we will cease operation.
"After 32 years of this grand old business known as show
business, I personally hove no regrets, but dislike seeing the
small towns deprived of movies."
Whether or not this exhibitor and others like
him can help themselves is beside the point. The
fact remains, they need help. What that help
may constitute can only be determined by a survey
looking into these depressed and distressed
situations, as we urged long before these needs
reached such seemingly large proportions. Some
may be beyond saving, but those that can be
kept going, with a chance for profitable operation,
will retain for the industry just that many
more of the needed patron-cultivators. Indirectly,
if not directly, they will add to the industry's
over-all patronage— reaching into the big towns
and benefiting the big theatres, as small towns
long have been able to do. But, if the moviegoing
habit that is bred in these small towns is allowed
to be snuffed out, a damaging and, jterhaps,
irreparable loss will be sustained.
Some of these fellows may not be able to help
themselves, especially where factors over which
they have no control are involved. Take television,
for instance, and the competition that a
number of picture companies have created by
their sale of theatrical films to networks and
individual TV stations. Reports on initial showings
of these films have indicated that these telecasts
have not hurt theatre attendance. That may
be so in the bigger cities where first run films of
to]) quality are current. But what about the
small towns, the rural and cross-roads situations
that are not in position to offer counter attractions
of sufficient strength or even the type of
product on which they succeeded initially in
developing the moviegoing habit?
The theory on the part of both exhibition and
distribution interests that the patronage of a
closed theatre will automatically transfer to other
neighborhood houses or nearby towns has been
proved fallacious. This "lost audience" stays
lost insofar as theatres are concerned. These
people do their movie-viewing via television or
seek out other forms of entertainment and
relaxation. And those habits later become hard
to
break.
It has been said that some of the distressed
theatres could not make a go of it, even if they
received films rental-free. No exhibitor would
want to remain in business on such a basis.
Those who are hard-pressed desire simply to
buy their films on a basis that is commensurate
with their theatre's intake, thus scaling rentals
to their ability to pay. That would be in keeping
with the "all-that-the-traffic-will-bear" policy to
which some sales executives have adhered.
Certainly, if pictures are worth more because
they can gross more, they should be worth less
when they gross less. Fairness in this regard will
enable many so-called fringe theatres to stay in
business and continue as profitable customers
as they build up their patronage, which the cooperation
they get from distributors will help
them to do.
As one astute sales manager sagely has put it,
"We can't afford to lose a single customer."
\^*v»

NEW FILMROW ALIGNMENT:
U-l TO HANDLE RKO PRODUCT
Federal Okay to Plan
Only Remaining Step
In Unifying Selling
By AL STEEN
NEW YORK—Universal will take over
the domestic distribution of RKO Radio
if the government gives its approval. Details
have been worked out between the
two companies and only a green light by
both the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the Revenue department is
needed to wrap up the deal.
According to reliable reports, if RKO hands
over its domestic distribution to Universal,
RKO must continue production, even if only
on a small scale, in order to take a tax loss.
RKO cannot claim a tax less if Universal
should take over RKO completely, it was
learned.
TO CONTINUE OVERSEAS SETUP
It is understood that the foreign distribution
department of RKO would continue
under the present management, although it
is reported that Al Daff. executive vice-president
of Universal, currently is in Europe for
the purpose of surveying RKO's operations
there.
Executives of
both companies were playing
their cards close to their chests when reports
began circulating this week that a consolidation
of Universal and RKO was in
prospect. The answer to all queries was "no
comment."
That negotiations have been in progress
for several weeks has been generally known,
but the extent of the progress was being
kept under wraps. Late last week there were
reports that an agreement had been reached
and that attorneys for both companies had
reduced the points to writing.
There was no indication as to the disposition
of the widespread chain of domestic
exchange buildings owned by RKO, nor disposition
of personnel. Nor was it known
immediately whether, under the reported
agreement. Universal sales people will sell
both their own and RKO product, or
whether RKO will maintain a domestic sales
force in U-I exchanges.
It has been known, ever since General Tire
Republic, UA TIeup
Reported in
Works
New York—Some sort of a tieup between
United Artists and Republic Pictures
is in the offing. A deal whereby UA
may take over Republic or, at least, acquire
the latter's North Hollywood studio
is said to be under discussion. Such
negotiations were conducted last summer
and then tabled. It is now known that
representatives of both companies have
been conferring on the project during the
last week, but there has been no report
on the progress.
Fight for Loew's Control
May Now Be Averted
NEW YORK—Barring a last minute
change of mind, the threatened proxy contest
within Loew's Inc., will be averted. This
was the outlook following a tentative agreement
between management and Joseph Tomlinson,
leader of a dissident stockholders
group, as to new personnel on the board of
directors.
There was still one vacancy on the proposed
board Friday (11) but a meeting was to be
held next Monday to fill the gap. Friday
was the record day for ownership of stock
that may be voted at the stockholders meeting
on February 28.
At a meeting between Tomlln.son and management
Tuesday (8) the names of Howard
Cullman, theatrical producer and honorary
chairman of the Port of New York Authority;
James Bruce, chairman of the National Dairy
Products Corp.; J. L. Sullivan, Washington
attorney, now a director, and K. T. Keller,
former head of Chrysler Corp., were acceptable
to both factions.
and Rubber Co. through its subsidiary Teleradio
in July 1955 paid Howard Hughes $25,-
000,000 for the RKO Radio operation, that it
was interested in effecting new economies of
operation. However, it has only been within
the last few weeks that Thomas F. O'Neil,
chairman of the board and the man who
engineered the RKO-Hughes deal, indicated
the company might be trimming its sails.
In his fii'st press conference following
acquisition of the company in 1955, O'Neil
declared that he intended to expand theatre
film production. Shortly thereafter, he appointed
Daniel T. O'Shea as president who,
in turn, picked a veteran of the studio world,
William Dozier, to head production. O'Neil
then began to move his company into new
avenues of interest. He merged General Teleradio
with RKO Radio, sold the company's
pre-1949 backlog of features for $15,000,000,
set up a TV sales organization within the
framework of the company's 32 exchanges,
and contracted for National Film Service to
take over all backroom work.
As late as November 24, the RKO studios
announced a 1957 production program of
25 features, of which 15 would be made by
the company itself and the rest to come from
independent producers. However, following a
top-level executives meeting in Palm Beach,
Fla. in mid-December, O'Shea announced
that the company would reshape its program
for 1957 and concentrate on four top-budget
features during the first part of the year
"to meet changing trends and conditions in
foreign and domestic markets." He also said
However, on Wednesday, Cullman and
Bruce withdrew as nominees. Immediately,
Louis Johnson, former secretary of war, was
named to replace Cullman, but a substitute
for Bruce had not been decided upon.
On Monday, Arthur M. Loew, chairman of
the board, announced that he was withdrawing
his name as a nominee for re-election to
the board. He said, however, he would continue
as president of Loew's International.
As of Thursday, candidates endorsed or
proposed by management were Joseph R.
Vogel, president; George Killion, president
of American President Lines; Frank Pace
jr., executive vice-president of General Dynamics
Corp.; George Brownell, attorney,
and Will Parker, chairman of Incorporated
Investors.
Pi'oposed by the Tomlinson group were
Tomlinson, holder of 250,000 shares of Loew's
stock; Stanley Meyer, Television film producer;
Ray Lawson, a director of the Royal
Bank of Canada, and Fred Florence of the
Republic Bank of Dallas.
steps were being taken to modernize distribution
procedure and that eventually the
company would align some elements of RKO's
domestic and Canadian distribution facilities
with some other organization. The U-I deal
apparently fulfills that prediction.
The four pictures which the company will
get under way early this year include "Stage
Struck" with Henry Fonda and Susan Strasberg;
"On My Honor." a MacKinley Kantor
story; "Galveston," which Edmund Grainger
will produce from a novel by Niven Busch;
and "The Naked and the Dead," a World War
II best seller by Norman Maillet. About five
other pictures will get into the works in the
last half of the year.
Mention Val Peterson
As Top TOA Executive
New York—Reports from Washington
to the effect that Val Peterson would resign
as administrator of Federal Civil
Defense to become executive director of
Theatre Owners of America were said to
be premature by TOA General Counsel
Herman Levy.
Levy told BOXOFFICE that Peterson
had been one of the men under consideration
for the post, but that no decision
had been made. However, from other
sources it was learned Peterson appeared
to be the strongest possibility for the job.
Peterson served three terms as governor
of Nebraska.
i
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

VARIETY in its issue of Jan. 2, 1957 lists IC
"top money films" of 1956. Topping them all
i
GUYS & DOLLS
CHAMP OF YEARJJ
{Variety, Jan. 2,
mi)
To

Eisenhower Will Seek
Extension of Excises
The Administration throws a block at any
further film industry move to wipe out the
federal admission tax when the President
advises Congress he will seek extension of
present corporate and excise tax rates.
Small Business Administration
Rejects Three Applications
Three of four theatre loan applications
filed with the SBA have been turned down
—two for lack of unencumbered collateral,
the other because the loan was sought to
refinance indebtedness.
Technicolor Negotiating
For Pathe Laboratories
Merger with wholly owned subsidiary of
Chesapeake Industries could result in largest
TV and motion picture film processing facilities
in the world; talks have been going on
for some time, spokesman says,
*
St. Louis Theatre Files
Trust Suit for $84,000
Esquire Theatre Co., owner of Esquire in
Richmond Heights, St. Louis suburb, starts
action in federal district court against major
distributors for alleged monopoly of first
run films.
*
Teleprompter Signs Pact
With General Precision
Purchases 100 new largescreen TV projection
systems from laboratory company and
becomes national distributor of them and
allied closed circuit equipment; nears start of
full network operation in group communications
field.
*
Television Sees Hollywood
As Source of Top Talent
Emanuel Sacks, NBC programming head,
says the "theatrical brains" are there and
they can divide time with TV due to reduced
movie production; cites Aubrey Hepburn, Mel
Ferrer, Anatole Litvak signed for network
show.
•
Film Grosses in Italy Hit
$230,000,000 in 1956
Figure represents three per cent increase in
receipts from both foreign and local films
since 1955; U. S. share about 60 per cent, up
two per cent; Americans spent $50,000,000 on
production there.
French Are Experimenting
With Newsreels in Color
*
Les Actualities Francaise produces first
full-length one in that country and runs
into anticipated lighting and printing difficulties;
sees gradual improvement and hopes
one a week can be released later.
10
Many Problems to Face
Drive-ln Convention
CINCINNATI—Equipment and supply manufacturers
for the tlieatre field have now
become more interested in the developing
of good customer relations with exhibitors
rather than the distributors of motion pictures,
A. F. Myers, general counsel for Allied
States Ass'n. declared in a bulletin issued this
week on the National Drive-In Theatre Convention
to be held at the Netherlands Hilton
Hotel here January 29-31.
"The film companies which once participated
in exhibitor conventions as a gesture
of appreciation toward the customers now
stand aloof. This may not be important in
itself but it is ominous as an indication of
an unwillingness by some company executives
to cooperate with their customers for the good
of their whole industry, especially in times
like these," Myers declared.
In vivid contrast, he added, "is the realization
of the equipment and supply manufacturers
that good will and friendly relations
with customers is valuable to themselves, plus
their willingness, even eagerness, to provide
the displays and entertainment that contribute
so much to the success of the conventions."
Myers revealed that the Cincinnati convention
already has recruited more than 50
tradeshow exhibitors, and many more are
expected to make reservations within the
week.
Drive- in theatres. Myers declared, are more
than holding their own against the competition
of television and indoor houses,
although he added that it was doubtful
whether they could do so without the
substantial concessions business.
Outdoor operators, nevertheless, are interested
in problems of buying and booking,
too, and these will take an important place
on the agenda. Myers said that some of the
questions to come up include:
• They will want to know why greater
progress has not been made in organizing
the industry for an all-out, unified attack
on the problem of declining attendance.
• They will want to know whether the
film companies were sincere in their protestations
to the Senate Small Business Committee
and whether they are now willing to
negotiate an arbitration system in accordance
with that Committee's recommendations.
• They will want to learn the latest news
concerning the prospects for product in 1957
and the terms and conditions upon which
that product will be made available. They
will be especially interested in the recent
policies of certain companies in discontinuing
adjustments and in requiring drive-ins, as a
condition to licensing a picture during the
winter, to contract for a re-run thereof in
the summer.
• They will want to find out from exhibitors
who have encountered opposition in
building drive-ins the source, extent and
legal validity of such opposition and how it
can be overcome.
• They will want to hear of the success or
failure of exhibitors in year-round operation
with the use of car heaters and what types
of heaters and installations give the most
satisfaction.
Ned Depinet Is
Elected
To Head M.P. Pioneers
New York—Ned Depinet, former president
of RKO Radio Pictures and long an
industry leader,
was elected president
of Motion
Picture Pioneers,
Inc., and the
Foundation of Motion
Picture Pioneers
at a meeting
J
jr of the board of
^^4 -« organization.
Ned Depinet
William J. German
was elected treasurer, George Dembow,
secretary, and A. Schneider, Charles
Alicoate and Dembow were added to the
board.
Seek Early Approval
Of Sweepstakes' Plan
NEW YORK—Early approval of the
Academy Award Sweepstakes boxoffice promotion
plan will be sought from the executive
committee of the Council of Motion Picture
Organizations. The idea is to get it into
actual operation as soon as possible.
The decision was reached at a meeting
Monday (7> of COMPO representatives, exhibitor
groups and the advertising-publicity
directors committee of the Motion Picture
Ass'n of America, headed by Roger H. Lewis
of United Artists.
The MPAA committee has
been backing the plan with the recommendation
that COMPO put it into operation.
Walter Reade jr. of Theatre Owners of
America moved at the Monday meeting that
operation start as soon as the COMPO executive
committee gives its approval. Unanimous
approval by the COMPO committee
is required under COMPO bylaws.
Lewis was directed at the meeting, held at
the Sheraton-Astor Hotel to supply project
details to Robert W. Coyne, member of the
COMPO triumvirate, so that he can present
them to his committee.
The meeting also voted to ask COMPO
to fit its Audience Awards election into an
annual industry-wide promotion program.
Harry Mandel of RKO Theatres, chairman
of the COMPO press relations committee,
presided. He was asked to set up a
planning committee to work out a program
combining the MPAA and COMPO-TOA
business-building plans. They have been
under consideration for several weeks.
Mandel named Harry Goldberg of Stanley
Warner. Ernest Emerling of Loew's Theatres,
Charles E. McCarthy. COMPO information
director, and himself the COMPO representatives
on the committee.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

Disney Net Profit Up;
1956 Is Top Year
HOLLYWOOD—Walt Disney had the
biggest net profit year in his long motion picture
career in the fiscal year of Walt Disney
Productions which ended last September.
Net income for the company was $2,623,541,
which lepresents $2.01 a common .share on
1,305,680 shares outstanding September 29.
In the previous fiscal year, the net was $1,-
352,576 or $1.04 a share after giving effect to
the two-for-one stock split which became
effective last August 29.
Gross income from the various Disney
enterprises amounted to $27,565,394 compared
with $24,638,652 the previous year. Film
rentals, however, w-ere down—$15,054,742 compared
to $17,670,083 of the previous year, but
1955 was an all-time pace-setter, when Disney
was releasing "Davy Crockett," "Lady and the
Tramp" and 'The African Lion."
The diversification of Disney interests is
having its effect, according to Roy O. Disney,
president. Television income went to $6,996,-
890 from $4,444,378. There was a gross of
$5,513,762 in sale of Disney merchandise,
music and other auxiliary activities. This was
more than $1,000,000 over the previous year.
In addition, Disneyland was a profitable operation.
From this enterprise Disney retained
earnings of $617,929 after deducting $887,692
lor preopening ceremonies, $2,034,029 for depreciation
and $649,000 for income tax.
Producing Firm Formed
By Pakula and Mulligan
NEW YORK—Producer Alan Pakula and
director Robert Mulligan have organized Pakula-MuIligan
Productions to function in
television, motion picture and theatrical production
with headquarters in Hollywood and
here. Jona.s Silverstone is legal adviser.
The company's first property is "Laurette,"
novel based on the life of Laurette Taylor,
which it will produce for the stage.
Pakula and Mulligan are also currently
looking for film material. One possibility is
"My Friend Mr. Brown," a screenplay by
Mort Thaw which they have obtained under
option from Paramount. It will probably be
filmed here later in the year. They are considering
two other properties for 1957 filming.
Pakula is a former Paramount executive
and assistant to Don Hai-tman. He recently
produced "Fear Strikes Out," starring Anthony
Perkins and Karl Maiden. Mulligan,
who directed the film, is a well known TV
director. Pakula is now discussing advertising
and releasing plans for the film with Paramount.
John Champion to Re-enter
Independent Production
HOLLYWOOD—Returning to the field
from whence he came, writer-producer John
Champion will re-enter independent production,
with "Line of Fire," a screenplay by Earl
Felton, as the first project for his own company.
"Fire" was prepared originally as an
assignment for Champion under his contract
with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, but the studio
released him so he could make the picture
independently. Champion's last independent
production before joining Metro was "Shotgun"
for Allied Artists. No release has been
determined for "Fire."
Upbeat News From Exhibitor Front
Stanley Warner Has Rise
In Theatre Attendance
WILMINGTON, DEL. — Stanley Warner
Theatres boxoffice receipts have increased
steadily week by week
since the first week in
November as compared
with those for the
same 1955 weeks, even
though the number of
theatres operating declined.
Circuit receipts
for the week ended
January 5 were the
largest for any one
week since the organization
of the company.
S. H. Fabian
That was the cheering message brought to
stockholders at the annual meeting Thui'sday
(10) by S. H. Fabian, president. He said the
iircreased take at boxoffices reflected the release
of quality pictures, but added cautiously
that while it was "encouraging," it was "not
necessarily conclusive as to trend of future
grosses.
"I am impres.sed however," he said, "with
the boxoffice potential of forthcoming releases."
Fabian described the importance of diversification,
but said that "our theatre division
continues to be the key asset of our
business." He said that while unprofitable
theatres are being dispensed with, the company
plans to acquire good prospects.
Net profit for the quarter ended November
24 was $969,600, compared with $810,500 for
the same 1955 quarter. It amounted to 45
cents a share of common .stock, an increase of
eight cents. There are 2,153,100 shares of
common outstanding against 2,194,563 in 1955.
Theatre admission and merchandise sales,
rents from tenants, concessions income, etc.,
for the 13 weeks ended November 24
amounted to $27,143,240, compared with $23,-
802,053 for the 1955 period.
Fabian said Cinerama will be expanded
this year, principally outside the U. S. Samuel
Rosen, Nathaniel Lapkin and Fabian were reelected
directors and the employment agreement
with Fabian enterprises was extended.
Record-Breaking Grosses Reported
At Minneapolis Area Theatres
MINNEAPOLIS—There's considerable holiday
cheer in local exhibitor circles—occasioned
by the gratifying manner in which
the boxoffice here and throughout the territory
has been performing since Christmas.
As a consequence, 1957 is off to one of recent
years' best boxoffice starts and that fact
is giving rise to more exhibitor confidence
than for some time.
What makes the current boxoffice showing
all the more encouraging is the fact that it
comes at a time when the MGM and 20th-
Fox not-so-old and better movies have started
their television invasion here, accompanied
by much hullabaloo.
Two Loop theatres, the Gopher and World,
have just broken their all-time single week
boxoffice records with "Teahouse of the August
Moon" and "Anastasia," respectively, and
this at admissions raised from the regular
90 cents to $1.25. In each instance, the opening
stanza's taking were so large as to be considered
"amazing."
"Anastasia," for example, for its opening
World week, outgrossed any of the heavy
initial seven-day takings chalked up by such
boxoffice champions as "The King and I,"
"The Moon Is Blue" and "An American in
Paris" at the same house.
Charles Winchell, Minnesota Amusement
Co. president-general manager here, finds
much satisfaction, he says, in the local circuit's
holiday boxoffice accomplishments.
Christmas and New Year's weeks will run
ahead of the corresponding prosperous 1956
periods, he reveals.
That so many pictures in competition with
one another are simultaneously doing .so well
here indicates to Harry H. Weiss, RKO Theatres
division manager who headquarters in
Minneapolis, that the theatres are winning
back some of those former patrons weaned
entirely away from them by TV. At any rate,
with 1957 off to such a good start there's
reason for rejoicing, in the opinion of the
RKO Theatres executive.
"I believe that Christmas and New Year's
weeks brought more moviegoers into the
Minneapolis Loop than any corresponding
periods since TV started to flourish in this
area," Weiss said.
In Minneapolis during the past holiday
fortnight and since, in addition to "Teahou.se"
and "Anastasia," pictures that have been enjoying
profitable business while playing
against each other include "Friendly Persuasion"
(doing exceptionally well), "Hollywood
or Bust," "Baby Doll," "Bundle of Joy"
and the "Rock, Rock, Rock"-"Scandal Inc."
and "Young Guns"-"Hot Shots" twin bill
combinations.
As far- as the Mimiesota Amusement Co. is
concerned, a similar holiday prosperity has
prevailed out in the territory, too, according
to Winchell.
"Friendly Persuasion" has been an especially
strong boxoffice performer out-state and in
towns other than the Twin Cities (as well as
in them), he points out. For example, in
Sioux Falls, S. D., in six days it outgrossed
the previous high grossers of recent years'
first full weeks. Previous boxoffice champions
in that town were "The Last Hunt" and
"Giant." In Rochester, Minn., the only picture
to which it played second fiddle is
"Trapeze."
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 11

EXHIBITORS ARE ASSURED OF ¥.
THE TEN
Which In A Handful Of Noveii
In 15 Theatres, Averaging 4%
"ii^THIS
.WEEK ENDING.
NOVEMBER 1 5
NOVEMBER 22
NOVEMBER 29
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 21
1 THEATRE .
3 THEATRES
9 THEATRES
9 THEATRES
9 THEATRES
11 THEATRES
DECEMBER 28 15 THEATRES
JANUARY 15 THEATRES
$r
TOTAL $ 2,2
FIGURE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE UNPRECEDENTED ^Dlj

IHEST GROSSES .
. . LONGEST
RUNS
IeMILLE'S
TION OF
ler-December 1956 Engagements...
Veeks Of Playing Time, Grossed
TECHNICOLOR" VISTAytSIOH
$
. . . . * 62,587
. . .*115,729
.
* 343,572
.*275,836
242. 530 iM:
^81,371
?6,347
J6,749
E SALE OF TICKETS !
THEATRE CITY TO JANUARY 3
Criterion
Stanley-Warner
Beverly Hills
Ohio
Astor
Keith's
Randolph
McVlckers
Madison
University
Olympia
Beach
Capitol
Grand
New
Century
New York
Los Angeles
Cleveland
Boston
Washington
Philadelphia
Chicago
Detroit
Toronto
Miami
Miami Beach
Montreal
Cincinnati
Baltimore
Buffalo
8 weeks
7 weeks
7 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
6 weeks
3 weeks
3 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
2 weeks
AVERAGE PLAYING TIME: 4 4/S WEEKS

GROSS: $65^00,000;
PLANS FEWER FILMS FOR 1958
UA's '56
To Concentrate Only on 'A'
~
T^ ^ Z
Product After This Year
{JA Is ConsiclermQ First
Unless 'Bs' Are Needed
^
Public Issue of Its Stock
NEW YORK—United Artists grossed $65,-
300,000 in 1956, thereby meeting the target
which the company had set at the beginning
ot the year. This was revealed on Tuesday (8)
by Arthur Krim, president, in his annual
"first-of-the-year" progress report to the
trade press. Krim said that of the total, $36,-
300,000 came from the domestic and Canadian
marlcets, $27,000,000 from overseas and $2,-
000.000 from television,
Tlie company will release 48 pictures this
year, the same number as last year, but in
1958 it is planned to reduce the output to a
minimum of 36.
BIG GAIN IN SIX YEARS
When the present management took over
United Artists six years ago, the year's gross
was under $19,000,000. In 1955, the figure
reached $55,000,000, of which $33,000,000 was
derived from the dome.stic and Canadian
markets and $22,000,000 from abroad.
In explaining the reasons for the cutdown
in releases next year, Krim said that he and
other executives had been studying exhibitors'
needs and market conditions and had noted
that several companies were increasing the
number of their lower-budgeted pictures. On
tlie premise that there may be too many pictures
in that bracket, UA will reduce the
number of program pictures and concentrate
on the "A" product. Krim defined an "A"
picture as one that can play on its own. If
the decision is wrong, he said, UA can reverse
the policy and seek to .supply a bigger
lineup. He felt, however, that fewer pictures,
but bigger ones, would be of greater benefit
to both United Artists and the exhibitors.
Krim said that the product outlook for 1957
was stronger than it was in 1956 and for that
reason this year's gross would exceed the
$65,300,000 registered last year. This confidence
was based on the fact that each year
there has been at least one big picture which
has topped the grosses of the others. This
year there are three such productions, he
said: namely, "Around the World in 80
Days," "Tlie Pride and the Passion" and, for
the foreign market, "Trapeze," the latter
hitting records overseas.
8 RELEASES IN 3 MONTHS
The UA president listed eight features
which will be released in the next 60 to 90
days. They are Russ-Fields' "The King and
Four Queens," Hecht-Hill-Lancaster's "The
Bachelor Party," Earlmar's "Drango," Security
Films' "Men in War," Bryna's "Spring Reunion,"
Titanus' "The Monte Carlo Story,"
Lewis Blumberg's "The Big Boodle" and
Onon-Nova's "12 Angry Men."
The concentration on big pictures is reflected
in the production program during the
next four or five months, Krim said. Now in
pi-oduction or ready for filming are H-H-Ls
"Sweet Smell of Success," with Bm't Lan-
United Artists top executives are shown as they appeared at a trade press conference
in New York. Arthur B. Krim, UA president (seated, center), is flanlied by
Robert S. Benjamin (right), chairman of the board, and William J. Heineman, vicepresident
in charge of distribution. Standing are James R. Velde (left), general sales
manager, and Max E. Youngstein, vice-president.
NEW YORK—United Artists is "considermg"
a public stock issue and has made "some
progress" in negotiating financing deals with
major circuits for the purpose of expanding
its production program, Ai'thur Krim, UA
president, said here Tuesday (8).
Both Krim and Robert Benjamin, chair-
the board, explained the tight credit
man of
situation whereby the banks, regardless of
the security or the financial stability of a
business organization, do not have sufficient
cash to make sizable loans. Krim said that
UA had ample bank support now, but that
the company was looking ahead to the 1958
program and beyond because "nobody knows
what the national economy will be." The
new avenues of revenue are being explored
so that the company's progress will not be
impeded, he said.
Krim did not want to put much emphasis
on the public financing angle, stating that
it was just an idea that was being "kicked
around." He indicated that talks had been
held with the executives of major circuits in
~
regard to advancing production money if
necessary and that the exhibition companies
were receptive. He said lie could see no legal
barriers to the plan inasmuch as a loan by a
circuit would come under the permissive provisions
of the consent decrees.
Both plans, Krim stated, were merely new
sources of revenue because of the limited
cash resources of the banks. The circuits, he
added, might put up the money for top pictures,
such as "The Way West," which is
slated to start production in April 1958, on
a budget of $5,000,000.
Krim was asked, in the event a public
stock issue were launched, if the present
stock would be sold or if there would be new
stock issued. He said that the plan had not
crystallized sufficiently for him to make a
statement.
"Because of our ambitious production projects,
we must stand ready to pour more money
into them than we have in the past," he
said.
caster and Tony Curtis; Otto Preminger's
"Saint Joan," with Richard Widmark, Richard
Todd and Jean Seberg; Batjac's "Legend
of the Lost," starring John Wayne, Sophia
Loren and Rossano Brazzi; Russ-Field's "The
Fuzzy Pink Nightgown," Jane Russell. Adolphe
Menjou, Keenan Wynn and Ralph Meeker;
Figaro's "The Quiet American," Audie Murphy
and Michael Redgrave; Melville's
"Thieves Market," with Gregory Peck; H-H-
L's "The Devil's Disciple," Burt Lancaster,
Sir Laurence Olivier and Montgomery Clift;
Heath Pi-oductions' "Time Limit," Richard
Widmark and Richard Basehart; Bryna's
"The Viking," with Kirk Douglas; Hornblow-
Small's "Witness for the Pi-osecution," Tyrone
Power and Marlene Dietrich; Earlmar's
"Lincoln McKeever," with Jeff Chandler;
Stanley Kramer's "Inherit the Wind" and Security's
"God's Little Acre."
14 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957
,

Produced by ALAN PAKULA • Directed
by ROBERT MULLIGAN • Screenplay by
TED BERKMAN and RAPHAEL BLAU
.
THIS IS ANTHONY PERKIN
Explosive New Star in
— Explosive New Attraction .
Paramount's
.
v'
-"-^i^.
The teenagers have a new idol
-the adults have a new favorite
—the critics have a new ravestar
whose name in
polls is
important
leading all the rest:
ANTHONY PERKINS
WINS FILM DAILY'S
ANNUAL POLL AS
NUMBER 1 BOXOFFICE
FIND OF THE YEAR
ANTHONY PERKINS
WINS MODERN
SCREEN'S AWARD
AS TOP MALE
STAR OF
TOMORROW!
Paramount has Tony
Perkins' first fullfledged
starring vehicle
to be released in March.
The industry will have a
ticket-selling phenomenon
in this true-life
Saturday Evening Post
story of a twisted,
trapped kid who won
out when one girl
understood!
A.
KAFiVLDEN

—
BOTH DRIVE-INS AND INDOOR CAPACITY IS UP
Theatre Seating Doubled
In U. S. In Postwar Era
KANSAS CITY—The seating capacity of
theatres in the United States, both indoor
and drive-in theatres, has more than doubled
in the last 10 years and, despite the
closing of many theatres over the decade,
indoor houses now actually provide more
seating in 1957 than they did in 1956.
These optimistic and reassuring figures
were revealed here this week by Albert Sindlinger,
industry analyst, at the annual sales
meeting of United Film Service Co.
"During the summer of 1946," said Slndlinger,
"if everybody wanted to go to the
movies at the same time, about 12,000,000
people would have had a place to sit at any
one time. Ten years later—this past summer
—more than twice as many people, nearly
27,000,000. could be .seated at any one time."
The gain in total seating, of course, comes
from the expansion of the drive-in, allowing
four seats to a car, the analyst declared, but
there was an increase in indoor seating also
in the ten-year period.
The Sindlinger figures were considered
significant here in view of the many downbeat
reports in the general press and in
magazines regarding the closing of theatres
in overseated areas, downgraded neighborhoods
and other marginal situations.
Tliere is further significance in findings
that the estimated 5.000 drive-in theatres
now provide a greater seating capacity than
the 14,700 indoor houses in operation. This
is a situation which has existed for two years,
with the outdoor theatres overtaking the indoors
on a seat-capacity basis in 1955. In
1956, the outdoor operations, still being constructed
at the rate of about 250 a year, held
a 2,243,264 seat margin over four-wall houses.
In 1946, when the public first became aware
of the outdoor theatre as a center of movie
entertainment and exhibitors began to discover
its potential as a boxoffice attraction,
drive-ins had a total of 300,000 seats. Indoor
theatres had 11,661,937 .seats that year. The
drive-in capacity more than doubled by the
summer of 1947, and has kept a steady upward
swing with the exception of the early
1950s when materials and building restrictions
due to the Korean War virtually halted
construction.
Meanwhile, total seating capacity of indoor
hou.ses remained high, despite closings
—due from all Indications to the new larger
theatres built in many sections of the country.
While industry estimates of closings have run
around 6,000, about 2,300 new four-wall theatres
have been built in the postwar era, according
to statistics obtained in the files ol
BOXOFFICE magazine.
The seating capacity of the indoor houses
reached its low point in 1953 when the theatre
chair count totaled 11,055,720. Then, surprisingly,
Sindlinger pointed out, the total
jumped to 12,106,395 in 1954, the largest total
in the postwar year. It dropped slightly in
1955, then increased to a 10-year high of
12,191,472 seats.
The sales conference drew United Film
Service personnel from all sections of the
country in which UTS operates. W. Hardy
Hendren, president, reported business was
being maintained at a good level, and told
the conference that screen advertising prospects
were better today than ever.
Republic Plans to Make
22 Features for 1957
HOLLYWOOD—Over and above "Stockade,"
which Ray Milland will produce, direct
and topline for Republic, with a starting
date set for approximately February 1,
the studio plans to resume at the same time,
production of features for theatrical distribution.
The 1957 program calls for 22 pictures,
18 to be made on the lot, plus one each in
Canada and Mexico and two in England. Republic
president Herbert J. Yates revealed
this breakdown prior to his departure for
New York, accompanied by executive assistant
William Saal, for conferences with
general sales manager R. W. Altschuler.
Tentatively set as the first two films to
roll are "The Lawless 80's," screenplay by
Kenneth Gamet, and "Wayward Girl" by
Houston Branch.
To Film 'Women Confidential"
HOLLYWOOD—Edward Small has secured
motion picture and television rights to Lee
Mortimer's forthcoming book. "Women Confidential,"
and slated a theatrical feature for
independent production during the tall.
Boosts Theatre Screen
As Top Ad Medium
NEW YORK—One of the country's
top advertising agencies has taken
space in Fortune, Printer's Ink and Ad-
The t'ntirv tiudience in >niii>. all
fov 40^60 Wl-Rltirioii- .««..,„
vertising Age to inform America's
manufacturers that the motion picture
screen is a top trade medium through
which to advertise their products. It
was considered an unprecedented .step
by an advertising organization—the
taking of high-cost display space to
sell the vii'tues of a single industry as
an advertising medium.
Pointing out that it had just completed
a massive study of theatre screen
advertising and its audience, the most
complete of its kind ever undertaken,
the agency declared that 12,000 indoor
theatres of 14,700 accept screen advertising,
as do virtually all of 4,284 driveins.
The full-page advertisment, reproduced
above, tells prospective advertisers:
"The entire audience is yours
all yours for 40-60-80 glorious seconds."
The company says it has been doing
screen advertising for clients for 25
years not only in the United States but
all through the world, and adds that
for many products, it is the lowest
cost advertising available and in many
foreign countries remains virtually the
only mass sight and sound medium
available.
TREND IN SEATING CAPACITY
(Drive-In and 4-WaUs)
Year Drive-In* 4-Wall
1946 300,000 11,661,937
1947 624,720 11,286,875
1948 984,000 11,089,825
1949 1,510,968 11,149,614
1950 2,968,296 11,342,584
1951 4,007.280 11,191,950
1952 4,927,104 11,372,127
1953 6,505,356 11,055,720
1954 9,602,568 12,106,395
1955 .....v. 13,193,268 12,006,440
1956 14,484,736 12,191,472
*The drive-in capacity is fig:ured on the basis of 4 times the car capacity.
Total
11,961,937
11,911,595
12,073,825
12,660,582
14,310,880
15,199,230
16,299,231
17,561,076
21,708,963
25,199,708
26,676,208
Estimate Board Rates Two
Features as Outstanding
NEW YORK—Two pictures are rated
outstanding
entertainment in the January 1
listing of estimates i.ssued by the Film Estimate
Board of National Organizations. They
are "The Great Man" (U-Ii and "The Rainmaker"
(Para*. Both are recommended for
adult-young people audiences.
One picture is rated for family audiences.
It is "Dance With Me Hem-y" lUA).
There are two other adult-young people
pictures, "Anastasia" (20th-Fox) and "Nightfall"
(Col). "Wicked as They Come" (Col)
and "Tlie Wild Party" (UA) are rated for
adults.
16 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

and
BETWEEN THE LINES
By AL STEEN
UA Progress Report
ABOUT 20 years ago when we were a
new reporter on another tradepaper.
we got a phone call one day from the office
of the law fh'm of Phillips & Nizer.
The speaker said that he had a little story
about a very minor labor case and that
he'd like to get it in the paper. We said
we'd pick it up and then asked, "Who's
talking?"
"I'm a lawyer here," the voice said.
this
"My
name is Arthur Krim. Ask for me."
So we hobbled to the office of P & N
and were ushered over to a desk in a far
corner where we met the young attorney
who apparently was very proud of the
case he had just handled. Maybe it was
his first case. We didn't ask. In fact, we
weren't particularly interested. After all,
who was Arthur Krim?
Probably at another desk in another corner
at the time was another young lawyer
named Robert Benjamin. We didn't
meet him until a couple of years later.
We thought of the incident the other day
as we sat in Kiim's office and heard him
report that United Ai'tists. of which he is
president, grossed $65,300,000 last year.
Standing back of him and leaning up
against the window was Bob Benjamin,
chairman of the board.
At about the time that Arthur Krim
was handing out that press relea.se 20
years ago, a fellow named Bill Heineman
was peddling pictures for Universal on the
west coast. And Max Youngstein was just
out of law school and Arnold Picker was a
fledgling in Columbia Pictures' foreign department.
The whole point of the story is that this
quintet, who now are the co-owners of
United Artists, displayed a lot of guts—or,
if you don't like that word, intestinal fortitude—to
take on a dying duck and put
life into it. They took over the UA management
when even the then owners. Mary
Pickford and Charles Chaplin, thought it
was a lost cause.
The next time you hear a youngster bemoan
the belief that there no longer is
an opportunity in this country—or in this
industry—to get ahead, send him over to
talk to Arthur, or Bob. or Bill, or Max, or
Arnold.
Oh yes. that firm of Phillips & Nizer
now is Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim.
One Man's Family
QNE night last week, we were the guest
at the home of what might be termed
a typical American family. The husband
makes a comfortable living with an insurance
firm, the wife is an excellent cook
• I know, because I put on 10 pounds at her
supper I
there are three charming
daughters ranging in age from 12 to 17.
When their father told them that their
guest (that was mei was connected with
the motion picture business, the kids' eyes
popped. They wanted to know about all
the stars whom we had met and what they
were like. We tried to accommodate them
the best we could < after all, we tradepaper
boys know more sales managers than
stars)
and we had to draw on our imagination
and gossip columns a bit.
As the conversation progressed, we
learned that many of the star names mentioned
were not familiar to the parents.
Then we found out that the parents very
seldom go to the movies, but that the kids
are regular fans. Here was a chance to
make a professional probe, despite the fact
that we had gone there to eat and not talk
shop. Besides, that southern fried chicken
on the stove smelled mighty good.
Our first and only question was: "Why
don't you go to the movies more often? "
The answers were interesting and, while
they may reflect only the opinions of one
family, or one set of adults, a conclusion
may be drawn.
First, there seemed to be an objection to
double features.
Second, the main feature goes on—that
is, the picture they want to see—either
too early or too late. They thought that
8 o'clock or 8:30 at the latest should be
the time for the top attraction.
Third, there are either no short subjects
or not enough. On that point, the
husband became quite talkative. He said
he could remember when he went to a theatre
solely on the strength of the "added
attractions." He said he missed the oneand
two-reel comedies and the cartoons, although
he had to admit that occasionally
there are some cartoons. But, to him, a
program without short subjects wasn't a
program.
Fourth, not enough attention is paid to
keeping order among the children.
Fifth, bad weekend bookings. The wife
pointed out that a recent Saturday-Sunday
program at their neighborhood theatre
consisted of two features that were
strictly of the adult class, themes that were
far over the heads of minors. Becau.se the
kids couldn't understand it, they kept
romping up and down the aisles.
Those were the principal objections, but
another which had nothing to do with
programming was the fact that the restrooms
were not clean.
Oddly enough, the attraction of television
was not mentioned.
Just how valid these objections were, we
don't know. All we know is that they were
the opinions of one family. Maybe they
can be written off as being completely off
the beam or can be evaluated as something
that could be multiplied many times
over.
Then it was our turn. We told them of
the great product now on the screens and
the great product that was on the way.
Mama and Papa became interested. We
gave a one-man sales pitch. We think it
hit the target. Maybe that should be a
formula, multiplied, of course, for our business-building
programs—a little personal
contact.
Vaudeville Show on Film
Is Aimed at Children
NEW YORK— Artists-Piotiucer.s
A.ssociates
is offering exhibitors film.s designed especially
tor children's matinees. There will be 12 in
the series and they will be sold on a series
basLs, according to A. W. Schwalberg, president.
They are aimed at children in the sixto-12-age
group and can be projected in ratios
up to 1.85-1. The series is titled "The Big
Fun Carnival."
The first in the series presents Marian
Stafford of TV and Jared Reed, cowboy in the
role of emcee. There are Bunin puppets, humorous
cartoons, novelty cartoons with music
and more or less conventional short subjects
showing las.soing, spear fishing, trained
chimpanzees and wild animals. The idea is a
.sort of vaudeville show for juveniles on film
which runs 90 minutes plus intermission.
The bulk of the films are of Paramount
origin and have not been in circulation for
at least ten years, Schwalberg said. They were
originally in color, but are now in black-andwhite.
The music was re-recorded. He has the
theatrical rights to them for three years. He
said he did not believe there will be any competitive
showings during that time on TV.
Schwalberg claimed for the .series tie-in
opportunities with local department stores,
specialty shops, toy stores, banks and women's
groups. He said there have been a substantial
number of screenings acro.ss the country,
and that bookings in the New York-New
Jersey areas alone already have exceeded 100.
Martin H. Poll was executive producer.
Dot Records Purchased
By Paramount Pictures
NEW YORK—Paramount Pictures, which
up to now has not owned or been associated
with a record company, has acquired Dot
Records, Inc., for more than $3,000,000. The
disc organization will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of Paramount and Randy Wood,
Dot's president, will become a vice-president
of Paramount.
Dot Records was formed in 1950 and, according
to Balaban, it led the industry in the
sale of single records last year. It was reported
that the company sold more than
3,000,000 copies of "Green Door."
U-I Promotes 'Battle Hymn'
In lanuary Reader's Digest
NEW YORK—Universal-International is
again using Reader's Digest to promote a
major new release, with a two-color page on
"Battle Hymn" in the January i.ssue. This
follows a similar page on "Away All Boats"
which was advertised in the Digest last
summer with apparently good results.
U-I's ad on "Away All Boats" earned one
of the highest advertising readership scores
in the Digest, which is read monthly by more
than 32,000,000 people, the nation's largest
magazine audience.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 17

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. . . Charles
. . The
. . Representative
. . The
7i/a4Ai»t'^toH'
pHE first session, 85th Congress, opened with
a bang, as far as bills are concerned.
Exactly 2,134 bills and resolutions were
dropped into the legislative hopper of the
House of Representatives on its first day in
session. The Senate was more discreet, with
the solons choosing to wait until the other
business (debate over filibuster, etc.i was out
of the way before flooding the clerks with
bills.
Before the session is over, it confidently is
expected (based on past records) that more
than 15.000 bills and resolutions will have
been introduced by both the senators and
the representatives. Most of them, of course,
will die in committee cubbyholes, buried by
cobwebs and dust.
No one can hazard an intelligent guess, at
this stage, about the thinking of this collective
group of 531 men—435 representatives
and 96 senators. But enough is known of
their customs to know that many possible
political peril points, in legislation on the
home front, will be put off as long as possible.
As predicted, international legislation is dominating
the first days of the session.
A number of the bills dropped into the
hopper relate to matters that will affect motion
picture theatre operators, and all other
businessmen. An important development was
that no less than six congressmen introduced
separate bills to raise the minimum wage to
$1.25-an-hour, or higher. This may harbinger
a real fight between industrialists who are
opposed to such a boost and labor unions
who favor it.
A number of bills to raise social security
payments, to change the retirement age, or to
boost pensions through a new law, marked
the opening bill-dropping. Representative
Wright Patman (D.-Texas), chairman of the
House Committee on Small Business, introduced
a bill to give everyone 65 years old or
older a pension of $75 a month. This is a
slight modification of the Townsend Plan,
which originally called for $150 a month to
all persons of retirement age.
0-0-0
•T*HE inaugural festival—the first event open
the general public in Washington—will
to
take the form of a star-studded variety show
at the mine Arena at 8:30 p.m., January 19,
in Washington.
George Murphy, Hollywood's unofficial ambassador
of goodwill, called the inaugural
festival committee from Hollywood to report
that the following stars have agreed to perform
at the gala affair, preceding the inauguration
festivities:
Tony Martin, Eddie Fisher, Dorothy Shay,
Wendell Corey. Pat Boone, Tony and Sally
de Marco, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.
The orchestras of Lawrence Welk and Emil
Coleman will be on hand.
0-0-0
pRED S. KOGOD, Washington theatre chain
executive who died December 12, left an
estate of approximately $1 million, according
to a petition filed in U. S. District Court
for the District of Columbia here.
The petition, asking probate of Kogod's
will, was filed by Attorneys Milton I. Baldinger
and Solomon Grossberg. It revealed
that the estate was divided about equally between
real estate holdings and personal
^cfiont
By LARSTON D. FARRAR
property.
Under terms of the will, $10,000 goes to the
Fred S. Kogod Foundation, Inc., a charitable
organization. One half of the remainder is to
be placed in trust for the benefit of his
widow, Celia Kogod. The remainder is to be
turned over to the foundation and a lot of
it placed in trust for Kogod's four daughters
and his grandchildren.
o-o-o
f^ENERAL admission taxes in the third
quarter of 1956, totaled $26,451,000, only
a little under the $26,889,000 collected in the
same period of 1955. according to the Internal
Revenue Service.
Since the increased admissions tax exemption
went into effect September 1, at first
blush this would seem that theatres did a
better business in the quarter, but collections
reported for this quarter mostly are based on
boxoffice receipts in the second quarter. So
the figures indicate that boxoffice sales actually
were off slightly in '56, in the same
period compared to '55.
o-o-o
"FHERE now are 631 commercial television
stations,
with 472 stations actually offering
programs every day, the Federal Communications
Commission has reported here
through its chairman, George McConnaughey.
In a year-end report, McConnaughey said
there are 426 VHF (very high frequency) and
205 UHF (Ultra high frequency) stations
authorized to do business, with 382 VHF
and 90 UHF stations actually operating. Besides,
38 UHF stations which have been on
the air, but no longer are operating, have
authority to do so.
There are 46 noncommercial educational
TV stations with authority to telecast, with
23 actually on the air.
McConnaughey, who is opposed to certain
SULLIVAN IN BROTHERHOOD REEL
—Ed Sullivan, television star, will make
a film on behalf of American Brotherhood
to be included in newsreels to be
shown in theatres during Brotherhood
Week, February 17-24. Sullivan (center)
is shown with William J. Heineman
(right), co-chairman of the drive tor the
film industry, and Dr. Everett Clinchy,
president of the National Conference of
Christians and Jews, just before making
the filmed appeal. The annual interfaith
effort will be launched formally with an
industry dinner January 24 at the Waldorf-Astoria
Hotel.
procedural steps that have been ordered by
courts, scolded both the Congress and judiciary
for these procedures, which Congress
so far has refused to change.
"The FCC is saddled with more procedural
time-consuming requirements than any other
federal agency," he said.
0-0-0
puSINESS Briefs: Department of Justice
officials are expected to make a decision
soon as to whether to market a lion's shai'e
of the 93 per cent of the General Aniline &
Film Corp. stock seized in World War II.
Whatever happens, Interhandel, the Swiss
.
. . .
.
holding company and a group of stockholders
who claim they are not aliens, are certain to
contest the action in court . . The administration's
new request to extend federal minimum
wage coverage almost certainly will
affect theatres, according to observers here
The Alliance of Television Film Producers
has adopted the Television Code of the National
Ass'n of Radio and Television Broadcasters
as its own, marking the end of negotiations
that have been going on for some
months A. S. Herlong
(D.-Fla.) was expected to introduce legislation
repealing the federal excise tax on theatre
admissions, along with those on baseball
and sports events for sweet charity's sake,
in the early days of Congress . Democratic
majority of the House Committee on
Small Business here has signed a report
charging that the Federal Communications
Commission has failed to prevent monopoly
in broadcasting "whatever the motivations"
Lawlor and Mitchell Pantzer,
who operate the Independent Poster Exchange
of Philadelphia, Pa., have appealed to the
U. S. Supreme Court against a Pennsylvania
Appellate Court decision that they are not
entitled to summary judgment against National
Screen Service. The partners claim
that the Supreme Court already has directed
just such a verdict and that a trial of the
case on its merits is not required, under precedents
. U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals
has upheld the provisions of the Federal
Communications Commission rule which restricts
the number of television stations which
may be owned by the same interests. The
Supreme Court only recently upheld the
commission's powers to promulgate and follow
such rules.
Vivian Moses Is Dead;
RKO, Industry Veteran
SUMPTER, S. C—Vivian Moses, former
head of the RKO press department and a
veteran of the film industry, died at his
home here January 6, following a prolonged
illness.
Moses was with the old Fox Film Co. for
15 years, most of that time as director of its
advertising and publicity department. Later,
he was with RKO Radio for 17 years. Prior to
entering the industry, Moses was a literary
representative for publishing firms and, at
one time, was located in London.
Gabriel S. Yorke
HOLLYWOOI>—Last rites were held for
Gabriel S. "Babe" Yorke, 67, film advertising
executive, associated with 20th Century-
Fox for many yeai-s until his retirement in
1954. He died following a long illness. In
previous years he was also associated with
Paramount, Fox Theatre Corp., Fox West
Coast Theatres and the Motion Picture Advisory
Council of the Hays Office.
20 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

\ \
theji^
All-time house record first and second
weeks Joy Theatre, New Orleans • • •
Record openings Erie, Pa., Jacksonville,
Miami. Topping ''Glenn Miller"
and 'To Hell and Back" in Ft. Wayne,
Denver, Topeka, Baton Rouge.^
Many others.
2ncf week TOPPING first week in
Philadelphia
and Washington and
doing more than 90% of first week
in Pittsburgh, Boston, Providence.
Tremendous business everywhere!
FOR SECUrItY
m

na
$15,295,000 Net Profit
From Warner TV Sale
NEW YORK—The sale of Warner Bros.'
library of features and short subjects to television
for $21,000,000 resulted in a profit,
alter taxes and expenses, of $15,295,000, or
$6.16 per share. This was reported last week
by Jack L. Warner, president, in a message to
stockholders which accompanied the company's
annual financial report. The feature
product consisted of pictures released on or
before Dec. 31, 1949, and the short subjects
relea.sed prior to Aug. 1, 1948.
The profit from the television sales was
not included in the company's eainings for
the fiscal year ended last August 31. Film
rental.s and other sales for the year amounted
to $73,350,938, up from the $72,597,678 reported
for the previous fiscal year. However,
net profit dropped to $2,098,000 from the
$4,002,000 of the 1954-55 fiscal year. Per share
earnings were 84 cents and $1.61, respectively.
GAIN IN CURRENT QUARTER
Warner said that while final operating
results for the first quarter of the current
fiscal year, ended December 1, were not yet
available, indications are that the "net profit
before capital gains and before provisions
for federal income taxes and contingent liabilities
will be in excess of the corresponding
profit during each of the first two quarters,
and will be considerably higher than the
corresponding profit for each of the last two
quarters, of the fiscal year ending Aug. 31,
1956."
The recent invitation to tender stock, Warner
noted, resulted in the acquisition of 638,-
951 shares, at a cost of $17,921,000. These
shares are now held in the treasury, reducing
the outstanding stock by approximately
25 per cent. Excluding the shares so acquired,
there are now 1,843,296 shares outstanding.
Foreign activities have been expanding,
both in areas covered and in business transacted,
Warner said. A significant part of
these operations is the 37'- per cent ownership
in the voting stock of Associated British
Picture Corp., Ltd., which, he said, "has excellent
studio and laboratory facilities, a
distribution organization and one of the
largest and best theatre circuits in the United
Kmgdom, Recently this firm entered into the
British television broadcasting field in a substantial
manner."
TO EXPAND TV ACTIVITIES
The experience gained from the company's
successful entry in the television fields in this
country, he said, "warrants substantial expansion."
This activity will be continued, he
added, and additional series now are in the
planning stage.
In his report, Warner pointed to the acquisition
of important new properties of bestselling
books and Broadway plays, and the
general operating success of subsidiary companies,
both here and abroad.
Confident in the future of Warner Bros.
Pictures, Inc., Warner said: "We are encouraged
by the success of some of the early
releases of our present season, which proves
that motion pictures of quality can attract
greatly increased attendance."
Major Theatre Expansion
Abroad Is Planned by WB
NEW YORK—Warner Bros. International
is embarking on a program of major theatre
expansion. The move has been authorized
by the board of Warner Bros. Pictures which
also elected Wolfe Cohen, president of the
international division, a vice-president of the
parent company.
Cohen left Thursday (10) for a comprehensive
tour of the Far East. His first stop
will be Tokyo. His tour will also include
Australia and New Zealand. In Australia he
will give serious study to theatre construction.
Other American distributors already
have exhibition holdings there.
Warner Bros, now has a 37'= per cent interest
in Associated British Pictures Corp.,
British circuit. Company executives said the
connection has been so profitable as to influence
its decision for worldwide expansion.
They said the program will be developed
as rapidly as possible wherever there are
opportunities for acquisition of sites and the
erection of modern theatres by the company
exclusively or in association with local interests.
No indication was given as to how long
Cohen will be away. It was believed that his
tour will be a prolonged one that will take
him to countries other than those mentioned.
WB;
Ayers Returns to
Heads Playdate Dept.
NEW YORK—Norman J. Ayers has been
named head of Warner Bros, playdate department
by Roy Haines, general sales manager.
Norman J. Ayers Ernest Sands
Ayers resigned as eastern district manager of
Warners two years ago, prior to which he
had been with the company for 25 years.
Ayers replaces Ernest Sands who has been
appointed midwest district manager with
headquarters in Chicago. He will supervise
the Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit branches.
Robert Dunbar, former midwest district
manager, has been appointed branch manager
of Warners' Des Moines office.
Army Not to Show 'Doll'
FRANKFURT—The U. S. Army here has
ruled that soldiers who want to see "Baby
Doll" will have to .see it at other than Ar-my
theatres in Europe. The effect of the ruling is
to exclude the film from showings sponsored
by the Aj-my throughout the continent.
Achievement Awards
Go to Krim, Cohn
NEW YORK— Arthur B. Krim, president
of United Artists, and five entertainment
business personalities were presented "Mark
of Achievement" awards for outstanding success
in their fields at the fourth annual
awards luncheon of the amusement division
of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies at
the Hotel Sheraton-Astor January 8.
In addition, Ralph Cohn, vice-president of
Screen Gems, a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures,
accepted a posthumous award honoring
his late father. Jack Cohn, former executive
vice-president of Columbia. The others receiving
awards were Judy Holliday, Judy
Garland, Julie Andrews and Robert Weede,
all currently starring in Broadway musicals,
and Michael Todd, producer of "Around the
World in 80 Days."
AWARDED SILVER TRAYS
Oscar Hammerstein II, who is chairman of
the "Mark of Achievement" awards committee,
presented each with an engraved silver
tray, after giving praise to each for their
"achievement." Harry Brandt of Brandt
Theatres, chairman of the luncheon committee,
presided over the event and Charles B.
Moss of B. S. Moss Corp., general chairman
of the industry Federation drive, took part,
as did Lawrence Marx jr., general chairman
of the 1956-57 over-all campaign of the
Federation. Marx told the luncheon guests
that the 1956-57 campaign is seeking $18,-
100,000 to maintain a network of 116 hospitals,
child care and family agencies, homes
for the aged, community centers and camps.
Hammerstein first told how Miss Holliday,
currently starring in the hit musical on
Broadway, "The Bells Are Ringing," had
achieved her success through hard work, as
well as her talent, and was also the star of
Columbia's "The Solid Gold Cadillac" and
the forthcoming "Full of Life," to be released
this spring. He praised Miss Garland,
another Judy, for her great career culminating
in her RKO Palace Theatre engagement,
which ended a 14-week run that same
night (8 1. Weede was cited for having successfully
made the jump from concert and
Metropolitan Opera stardom to star of the
current Broadway hit, "Most Happy Fella."
Then Krim, whose career in the film business
was praised by Hammerstein, mentioned that
Robert Benjamin, William J. Heineman, Max
E. Youngstein and Arnold M. Picker were
other UA executives who deserved just as
much credit for the success of the company.
Julie Andrews, star of Broadway's greatest
hit, "My Fair Lady," was cited as the youngest
actre.ss ever to play the role, based on
Shaw's "Pygmalion."
A DRAMATIC ENTRY
Hammerstein had scarcely finished with
mentioning Todd's gift for the dramatic and
apologized for the fact that he was still en
route to the luncheon by plane and "might
even come in here through the ceiling" when
the dynamic man who gave his name to
Todd-AO dashed in to the Sheraton-Astor
ballroom—but just after his son, Michael
Todd jr., had accepted the award for his
father.
Dolores Wilson, Metropolitan Opera star,
sang the National Anthem and Rabbi Bernard
Birstein of the Actor's Temple, delivered
the invocation to open the luncheon.
22
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

Pock, prettv baby/
Premiered in Detroit to top
opening, smash week.
Setting all-time U-i house
records at Gladmer Theatre,
Lansing; Palace, Flint;
Omaha, Omaha; Bijou,
Battle Creek. Smash openings
also in Nashville,
Memphis, Harrisburg,
Albuquerque, Ft. Wayne,
Pontiac. Exciting business
everywhere!
FOR SECUrItY

. . . William
. . . Frank
George
—
'i^M^cM^od ^e^Ktnt
Republic Plans 'Stockade'
Ray Milland
In Naturama and Color
Concrete evidence that Republic is to get
back into action in tlie making of films for
theatrical use—a move
that has been promised
for sometime—is
to be found in the
fact that Robert Bless
checked into the
Valley studio to do a
polish job on "Stockade,"
an original story
and screenplay by
Franklin Coen. which
will be filmed in Naturama
and Trucolor
with a tentative starting
date of February
1. Ray Milland will star in the picture,
as well as serve as producer-director
Hole jr. has been assigned by executive
producer Aubrey Schenck as the director
of Bel-Air Productions' "Bop Girl," a
musical drama to go before the camera on
Feburary 4 for release through United Artists
Skinner has been assigned to
compose an original musical score for Universal-International's
June Allyson-Rossano
B'azzi Technicolor Cinemascope starrer, "Interlude,"
which was filmed in Munich
Les Martinson has been signed by Nacirema
Productions to direct "Hot Rod Rumble,"
which producer Norman Herman put before
the cameras January 10 at California Studios.
Conflicting Rush to Make
"The Mad Bomber' Film
Just to prove that opportunism isn't a
dead art in the business of making motion
pictures—and that sometimes, unlike lightning,
it strikes twice in the same place—is
the conflicting rush to make a feature to be
predicated upon the nefarious activities of
the homicidal screwball who has had the
New York police department running in circles
duruig recent weeks.
Twentieth Century-Pox registered the title
"The Mad Bomber of New York" and assigned
the proposed picture to Anthony Muto
for production.
Then came revelation of a similar idea
from an independent source. Elmer Rhoden
jr.'s Imperial Productions has announced
"The Mad Bomber" for immediate scripting,
with production set to start during the first
week in February. It is planned as the second
in a series of five pictures Rhoden is
making for Imperial, his own independent
outfit. First was "The Delinquents," now being
distributed by United Artists.
Four Literary Properties
Acquired by Filmmakers
Having apparently recovered from the holiday
activities and seasonal doldrums, Hollywood's
story market showed signs of picking
up, what with the new year's first week witnessing
the acquisition of a quartet of literary
properties that ultimately will find their
By IVAN SPEAR
. . Pennebaker
. . . Sidney
way into theatrical screen fare. "The House
Next Door." a novel by Lionel White which
was published last June, was purchased by
Universal-International. Albert Zugsmith has
been assigned to produce the story, a modern
murder mystery set in New York .
company's production assistant Robert
Dorff bought motion picture rights to "Beach
Red," Book-of-the-Month club selection for
December 1945, written by Peter Bowman.
Production plans will not involve Marlon
Brando's Pennebaker outfit, but will be an
independent venture for Dorff
Sheldon has acquired screen rights to the
personal story of Peter Grimes, the American
whose stepchildren were kidnaped into East
Berlin. Sheldon's original screenplay, centered
on the Grimes' attempt to reclaim their children
and counteract the pro-Communist indoctrination
to which they had been subjected,
is planned for lensing in Berlin some
time in 1957 with Sheldon directing and producing
for independent release , . . Helen
Woodbury's "The Three Pursued," a magazine-length
novel, was purchased by Bel-Air
Productions. releasing through United
Artists.
Martin and Le'wis to Reunite
As Team Later in the Year
Observers of the Hollywood scene are
prone to inquire, "just how confusing can
you get?" when considering the future individual
and collective appearances of Jerry
Lewis and Dean Martin under the banner
of independent producer Hal Wallis, whose
output, as is well known, carries the Paramount
trademark. A deal has just been concluded
whereby Lewis will star in "Sad Sack,"
a scheduled Wallis opus in which Martin will
not appear. The pact grew out of negotiations
between York Productions and Paramount
and at the same time, it provided that Martin—sans
Lewis—will topline in a Wallis picture
later in the year, the title and nature
of which is still to be revealed. Then, so that
nobody should be gettin' the best of it,
there'll be still a third movie in which the
pa:r will be reunited as a team. That one,
too, is in the future but is promised for
Making a pass at keeping
sometime in 1957 . . .
things in the family, Michael Mineo, 20,
brother of Sal, will make his motion picture
debut in Allied Artists' "Dino," which will star
Sal and is scheduled to start January 14.
Strangely enough, he will play a young gangster
in the film, which will be directed by
Thomas Carr and produced by Bernice Block
. . . Gloria Talbott and John Smith have been
set by Universal-Internat'onal to play the
romantic leads in "Ma and Pa Kettle on Old
MacDonald's Farm," starring Marjorie Main
and Parker Fennelly in the title roles . . .
Also at U-I. Lola Albright has snagged the
femme lead in "Monolith," which John Sherwood
will direct for producer Howard Christie
.. . Montgomery inked a twopicture
deal with Edward Small Productions,,
giving the actor a minimum of six starring
films during 1957. He recently signed with
Allied for a pair and also plans to turn out a
duo under his independent banner.
James O. Radford Plans
To Double Building
Reflecting confidence in the future of
theatrical motion pictures, James O. Radford
has decided to double the originally
planned size of the new building he will construct
on Sunset Blvd. to house the filmmaking
activities of his own company and
other independent producers to whom he will
rent space.
The decision to acquire the added
property and double the Radford Building
space followed revision upward in the company's
film production plans and desire for
accommodations. Ratford, who recently completed
"Shark Reef" in Hawaii, is now preparing
two additional features.
The new building will include underground
parking. The Radford enterprises will
occupy the penthouse. Fall occupancy is
scheduled.
Stephen Alexander Resigns
As RKO Studio Official
While over at the Gower street film emporium
of RKO, pink slips have been falling
like rain—even more so, inasmuch as the
Southland has been parched for the latter
there are indications that some sort of executive
setup will continue to function, albeit
apparently without a story department.
Which development augurs anything but
promising for the outlook of future filmmaking
under the company's own egis.
Stephen Alexander, assistant to William
Dozier, vice-president in charge of production,
tendered his resignation effective January
4. Alexander, who joined the studio
early in 1956, plans to enter independent
television film production. William Nutt, who
has been story editor, will take his place.
Meanwhile the axe has so far missed Mervin
Houser's publicity department, virtually
the only branch of the studio's operation that
has been completely spared. The tub thumpers
employed therein attribute this to the
fact that completed are several features that
have not as yet gone into release and which
will need the usual ballyhoo even though
production activities are more or less in a
state of moribundity. But the press agents
raise their individual and collective heads in
apprehension everytime a messenger enters
the door, figuring it won't be long now.
Samuel Marx to Supervise
MGM's TV Activities
While Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is undergoing
the expected executive personnel changes that
were widely predicted and are currently being
implemented following the resignation of Dore
Schary as production chief, it is proving to
be a two-way street. Samuel Marx, for manj
years story editor at the Culver City film
plant and subsequently a producer, has returned
to the fold and has been placed In
charge of all of the studio's television activities.
Marx is no stranger to the newcomer
medium of video. Since leaving Leo some
seasons back, he has had considerable experience
in that field, having functioned as
an executive in the TV setup at 20th Century-Fox
as well as Desilu F>roductions.
24 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

First week at Sutton Theatre,
New York outgrossed any
film ever to play this house
with exception of *'Moby
Dick" which played at
advanced prices. Top N.Y. reviews:
^'Absorbing expose"
-Times; "4-Stars"-News;
"Excellent"- Post; "Super^
film fare"-Mirror. Long
and profitable run assured.
FOR secUrIty

Roy
iinr tijj'inrlii ' .
Oklahomal' (20th-fox) Is Winner
Of December Blue Ribbon Award
By VELMA WEST SYKES
/^KLAHOMA!" originally released by Magna Theatres Corp. in Todd-AO and now playing
in the Cinemascope version, has been voted the December Blue Ribbon Award for
family entertainment by members of the National Screen Council. This is being released
by 20th Century-Fox and is chalking up boxoffice scores in key cities comparable to the
original stage version's success on Broadway. Cities which played the 70mm film will be
a little later playing the Cinemascope, but the way is cleared now for its showing in
small town, neighborhood and drive-in situations. The rustic musical which so delighted
sophisticated New York theatre-goers will thus come back to the grass-root country
where its story is laid.
In reviewing "Oklahoma!" in its issue of dianapolis Indorsers of Photoplays ... A
October 15, 1955, BOXOFFICE said: ".
. . i'ery fine picture.—Mrs. C. W. Conrad, Cleveland
Grandmother Club.
the deathless song numbers are all there,
rendered by the same characters who presented
them in the original, and . .
A spectacular and entertaining translation
of the stageplay to the screen.—Helen
While
.
they have been sung and whistled by nearly W. Oesper, Cincinnati Motion Picture Council
.. . There never has been greater screen
a generation of Americans, herein they are
so brightly delivered and are treated to orchestral
accompaniments of such stirring Station KRMG, Tulsa ... By far the greatest
entertainment for all ages.—Glenn Condon,
qualities that hearing them again will prove musical ever!—Bob Battle, Nashville Banner.
a thrilling experience for most spectators,
even though a large percentage of them
will have seen a stage presentation and will NO TROUBLE TO CHOOSE
be familiar with its story of life and love in No trouble to choose this time for the
the Sooner State while it was still a territory."
Wellington (Kas.) writer . . . There is no
whole family to enjoy.—May Williams Ward,
Reports received from key cities so far doubt that "Oklahoma!" is one of the greatest
and most entertaining films ever pro-
give the Todd-AO version a boxoffice score
of 240 per cent and the Cinemascope showings
average 181 per cent. NSC members can be heard on all sides. Everything conduced.
Nothing but praise for this feature
expressed their reaction to the winner by nected with the picture makes it tops.—
commenting as follows on their postcard Prank Grosjean, Shi-eveport Journal.
ballots:
I loved it on Todd-AO's big screen, I loved
"Oklahoma!" should be a must-see on
every movie list.—Mrs. Shirley H. Gunnels,
General Federated Women's Clubs, Fowler,
Ind. . . . Great in every detail as the stage
production, with movie magic added to its
exceptional qualities. Gordon MacRae was
his very best.—Brooks Bicknells, Alva(Okla.)
Review Courier.
A rollick of superb entertainment, lined
with pioneer overtones.—Bill McReynolds,
Amarillo, Tex. ... I thought "Oklahoma!" —Edna Riese, San Francisco League of
was wonderful.—Mrs. J. B. Hoffman, In-
American Penwomen.
The Cast
IN HISTORIC FASHION, IT ALL ENDS HAPPILY WITH
A FAMILY WEDDING IN WHICH THE NEIGHBORS SHARE '—> Curley Gordon MacRae Paw Carnes
James Whitmore
CURLY (GORDON MACRAE) COURTS LAUREY (SHIRLEY
JONES) IN HIS "SURREY WITH THE FRINGE ON TOP"
AUNT ELLER (CHARLOTTE GREENWOOD) LOOKS ON AS
THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE DOES NOT RUN SMOOTHLY
Ado Annie
Gloria Grahame
Laurey
Shirley JoNfes
Will Parker
Gene Nelson
Au7it Filer Charlotte Greenwood
Ali Hakim Eddie Albert
it in smaller Cinemascope and I'll love it
ten years from now on the 21 -inch TV
screen. Let's face it—I love it.—Ann Jones,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The afternoon spent at this outstanding
attraction was thrilling. We should have
more movies like it.—Mrs. Fred Hire, Ft.
Wayne (Ind.) Indorsers of Photoplays . . .
Excellent—enjoyed it immensely. The cast
is perfect, especially Charlotte Greenwood.
'.
Jud Fry
Rod Steiger
Skidmore
Jay C. Flippen
Gertie
Barbara Lawrence
The Marshal Barcroft
Dream Curly
James Mitchell
Dream Laurey Baivibi Linn
Production Staff
Produced by Arthur Hornblow, Jr.
Directed by Fred Zinnemann
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by
Oscar Hammerstein, II
Dances Staged by Agnes de Mille
Screenplay by Sonya Levien,
William Ludwig
Production Designed by Oliver Smith
Art Direction by
Joseph Wright
Costumes Designed by
Orry-Kelly and Motley
Originally Produced on
the Stage by The Theatre Guild
Music Conducted and Supervised by
Jay Blackton
Based upon a Dramatic Play by
Lynn Riggs
Director of Photography
Robert Surtees. A.S.C.
Color by Technicolor
A Magna Production Distributed by
Twentieth Century-Fox.
(J This Award is (jivcn each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstanding merit
and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio
film commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.

CALENDAReEVENTS
JANUARY
FEBRUARY

REPUBLIC STARTS 1957 BIG
DAVID VERA SIDNEY VIRGI
BRIAN • RALSTON • BLACKMER
•
GRE
WARREN STEVENS LEE VAN CLEEF BARRY KELLEY
• •
Screenplay by BOB WILLIAMS and W. R. BURNETT
from the novel "VANITY ROW" by W. R. BURNETT • Produced and Directed by JOE K
A NATURAMA Picture TRUCOLOR • b, co...,«.,.d f.»
A REPUBLIC PICTURE
I
CURRIHT
muses
DANIEL BOONE, trail blazer
SCANDAL, INC.
THE MAN IS ARMED
A WOMAN'S DEVOTION

!
!
I/ITH
TWO PICTURES
ACTION
WIDE SCREEN NATURAMA
'l^lU^^
•
tANNA MARIA ALBERGHETTI BEN COOPER JIM DAVIS
Produced and Directed by JOE KANE • Written by BOB WILLIAMS

I do
I cannot
was
think
do
would
personally
quite
I am
I hove
I may
demonstrate
do
hope
do
LETTERS
Ed, You Hit the Nail on the Head!
I am enclosing a letter (see below) I wrote
to Miss Arlene Francis of the "Home" television
show that appeared on the morning of
January 3 at 9:00 a.m. I don't know if you
caught the show or not, but I did. and the
enclosed letter is my answer to the panel discussion
that took place on the show.
If you desire to publish this letter in whole
or in part you have my permission to do so.
Manager.
Motion Picture Booking Agency,
Kansas City, Mo.
ED. HARTMAN
I
Dear Miss Francis:
With reference to your telecast this morning, and
discussion of Werner Bros. "Baby Doll," may I, os
a member of the Motion Picture Industry, speck my
mind. it's a shame that a picture like "Baby
Doll" IS the kind of picture that the public apparently
will pay to see. Of course, the Legion of Deceny has
been o real factor in the boxoffice success of this
picture. By arousing the public's curiosity and interest,
the Legion of Decency has, in a way, defeated
Its own purpose. Since most exhibitors are in business
to make money, and serve the public what it wants,
"Baby Doll" will be a success.
not feel that any one organization has the
right to dictate to any individual or industry what
it con see or release for viewing. There is not an
exhibitor or distributor in the country who has the
right to force or coerce any individual to see any
picture that is distasteful to him, nor would any of
them desire this responsibility.
I saw "Baby Doll" and, although I did
not care tor the picture, I not feel that my morals
suffered any from the experience, and I feel strongly
that I certainly able to judge for myself the
merits or demerits of the picture. I resent any
infringment on my right to do my own deciding.
If we are to assume that the general public are all
mental incompetents or juveniles in need of a super
mind to decide for them what is demoralizing and
what is not—then we ore indeed in bod shape.
feel this is the case, nor can I see
the moral right of punishing any exhibitor who will
not be dictated to. I am thinking, in particular, of
the exhibitor who was placed on the "block list" for
six months because he ran "Baby Doll" in his theatre.
How many "Baby Dolls" will he be playing in
the next six months? Mightn't he just be playing
such product as "Friendly Persuasion," "Moby Dick,"
"The Ten Commandments," "Vagabond King," "War
and Peace," 'Giant," "The Eddy Duchin Story,"
"Julie," "The King and I," "Awoy All Boats" (all
with Legion of Decency rotings of A-1 )?
You spoke of the Television Code of Good Practices.
What about its grondaddy— the motion picture industry's
Production Code, organized in 1930, which
is under the guidance of Eric Johnston? We are proud
of our industry's achievements, and its contributions
to fine entertainment.
There will always be those who are against anything
ond, by their very loud chorusing, would almost
leod you to believe that we are all becoming moral
degenerates but, fortunately, in a few months "Baby
Doll" will no longer be their subject matter.
About Class A Films on TV
Am attaching a clipping from the Charlotte
(N. C.) Observer. This is today's column by
the syndicated columnist. John Crosby. This
is very important to our industry and I
thought possibly you might want to pass on
this information to people who might not
read his column personally. (The Crosby
column follows this letter.)
One thing the producers in Hollywood are
going to have to keep in mind is BETTER
productions. On a recent TV program with a
panel of producers (including George Stevens,
Jerry Wald and others) I heard them admit
that production was still a hit-and-miss
proposition. I don't think this is true and believe
that if they will follow the trend of
great boxoffice successes they will find them
to be about one great theme. America. Movies,
for even world consumption, are better if
they are made about our method of life in
the U.S.A. If our movies are made about
Americans, for Americans and with the great
American background, they all seem to be
great boxoffice movies (from "Gone With the
Wind" on down to the present day). I don't
mean to go around flag-waving, but a little
of this won't hurt any movie.
I tliink. too. that the new processes are
being overlooked also. What about stereophonic
sound? Everyone knows it is superior
to all other sound, but we can't even get prints
that are stereo now. What about the standardization
of these processes? They should
settle on CinemaScope and films be made in
this ratio. The tlieatre that does not have
Cinemascope at present will not survive long.
We need all color, too. and we should not stop
at this. We should continue to get every
means of new techniques that can be presented.
Here is one thing that every exhibitor
should take In mind and keep there: IF WE
DON'T GO FORWARD IN EVERY WAY
POSSIBLE, TIME ALONE WILL PUT US
OUT OF BUSINESS SOONER OR LATER.
WITHOUT THE NEW TECHNIQUES WE
ARE GOING BACKWARDS INSTEAD OF
FORWARDS IN THE MOTION PICTURE
BUSINESS—FROM THE PRODUCER TO
THE EXHIBITOR. (The capitals are the
writer's.)
Rogers Tlieatre,
Shelby. N. C.
CLASS A MOVIES ON TV
TO CAUSE REVERBERATIONS
HALL C.
By JOHN CROSBY
HOUPE
I
The flood of Class A pictures has now been unloosed
on television and the reverberations are going to be
heard a long, long time.
In New York City, where the CBS outlet is showing
MGM's monster backlog of feature pictures on
its late and early shows, the movies creamed the
opposition just as they did in Los Angeles.
This has o ready led to some sweeping and, I
think, wholly misleading conclusions. Live TV can't
compete with Class A films that cost millions of
dollars.
Network television is digging its own grave by allowing
the film capital to compete with its high
quality merchandise in its own store.
The motion picture industry is digging its own
grave by giving the public free access in the home
to of some the movies' best pictures while still trying
to sell tickets at the boxoffice to its new pictures,
ALL THESE conclusions remain to be proved and I
think will all be proved wrong.
I still contend that you cannot make any generalities
about the respective merits of live or filmed
TV against feature pictures; the public is going to
watch some features they like and some TV shows
they like and they will turn either or both off when
they're bod.
First Late Show on WCBS-TV wos "Command
Decision" with Clork Gable ond it got a 28.4
Trendex, highest in the six-yeor operation of the
Late Show.
Well, "Commarvd Decision" is a good picture; it's
a fairly recent picture (1949); and it received the
benefit of an enormous advance ballyhoo, including
a tremendous plug on the station that night. Then,
of course, the sight of Gable on TV has quite o
novelty value, c
IN THE METRO grab bog of some 700-odd pictures,
there will be many that will be almost unusable— including
a number that were considered pretty good
pictures in their day. No one looked at all or even
o fraction of these pictures.
The reputation of the pictures, the reputations
of their, stars, made it on enticing enough
deal.
Those same factors will lure lots of people into
looking at them—for a while. But after five minutes
or so, the name value is going to wear thin, and the
viewers will be, looking at the picture itself.
And it had better be good. Because people
are not—as is the case in a movie theatre— trapped
m a theatre, the admission already paid, the evening
already shot.
They're at home. They can turn to another sta-
tion or they can turn the darned thing off and go to
bed. And I bet they will, too.
One Patron s
View on Legion Action
I thought you might be interestd in publishing
the following letter we received concerning
"Baby Doll." In my estimation it
makes a lot of sense:
I
Dear Sir;
writing to you to express my opinion on the
controversial movie "Baby Doll." If you bring this
picture to town, will see it.
am not a Catholic. not
Naturally, then, I I
understand
rule for
a religion that con
its congregation saying,
lay down a blanket
"you may not attend
any one movie." 1 feel, if a person is brought up
right, no movie, magazine, or book can corrupt him.
If to he goes this to movie see suggestive sex scenes
ond morbid thoughts,
even if they are
I feel that he will find
not brought out explicitly.
them,
He finds
them in everything he does. He thinks them and
usually lives them.
three small children and I to be able
to put across to them my views on movies, books,
etc. I feel that this is my duty and not some pressure
group. How can I right and wrong, if
all seemingly bad things are removed from their view?
You know as well as that o child will pick up
I
more from a playground from older children than
we can contemplate. How then do we explain to them
why these things are kept in the deep, deep dark and
whispered about?
not have gotten across to you my views, but
feel that the individual is the only one to decide for
I
himself about any subject.
Mrs. Charles R. Peters,
3571/2 Silver St,,
Marion, Ohio
Incidentally, you will note the writer of the
above letter is a woman and. considering the
type of story contained in "Baby Doll." this
fact in itself is unusual.
LEE KRAMER
Manager.
Ohio Theatre,
Marion, Ohio.
'Commandments' Dates
Are Increased to 36
NEW YORK—Bookings of "The Ten Commandments"
increased to 36 early in the year
as 13 were added to the 23 previously signed,
according to Charles Boasberg, Paramount
supervisor of worldwide sales on the picture.
The reserved-seat policy is being continued.
The new bookings are:
Daytona Theatre. Daytona Beach, February
6; Palace Theatre, Dallas; Metropolitan.
Houston; Palace. Fort Worth; Aztec, San
Antonio; Plaza, El Paso, and Roxy. Kansas
City, all February 14: Brown, Louisville,
February 20 ; Fifth Avenue. Seattle ; California.
San Diego, and Lyric, MinneapKDlis, all
February 21; Ritz, Tulsa, February 28, and
Clyde, Fort Wayne, April 18.
RCA Service Co. Appoints
Eight Regional Managers
NEW YORK—Managers for eight regions
have been named by W. L. Jones, vice-president.
Technical Products Service Department,
RCA Service Co. They will be responsible for
field service and installation activities, including
the installation supervision and maintenance
of RCA equipment in theatres, industrial
plants. AM-FM broadcasting stations
and two-way radio communication systems.
The managers follow:
B. D. Bachin, eastern region, New York:
M. E. Wheaton, mideast, Philadelphia; C. L.
Swlnney, southeast, Atlanta: W. W. Gilreath,
southwest, Dallas; E. D. Van Duyne. west
central, Kansas City; F. W. Hamre, central,
Chicago: H. M. Madison, western. Hollywood,
and H. E. Frisbie, east central. Cleveland.
30 BOXOFFICE :: January 12. 1957

;
Para. Holding Two
National Sales Meets
PHILADELPHIA—The m.^t ul a two-part
national sales conference of Paramount home
office executives, division and branch managers
and field merchandising representatives
was held here Wednesday and Thursday
19. 10 1 for divisions in the eastern part
of the United States. A similar meeting
will start in St. Louis next Wedne.sday '16i
and continue through Friday.
The new year's product, sales policies and
advertising, publicity and exploitation plans
will be discu.ssed.
The Philadelphia sessions were addressed
by George Weltner, president of Paramount
Film Distributing Corp.: Jerry Pickman.
advertising-publicity vice-president; Hugh
Owen, vice-president; Sidney Deneau, western
sales manager, and Charles Boasberg,
supervisor of sales for "The Ten Commandments."
AT PHIL.ADELPHIA SESSIONS
Division managers who attended the Philadelphia
sessions were:
John G. Moore, eo3tern; Howard G. Minsky, mideastern,
and W. Gordon Bradley, southeastern.
Branch managers of these divisions who
were present were
Gosper Urban, Boston; Daniel R. Houlihon, Albany;
Hugh Moguire, Buffolo, Henry Germaine, New Haven;
Ulrik F. Smith, Philadelphia; Edmund C- DeBerry,
Cincinnati; Horry S. Buxbaum, Cleveland; Dove Kimelmon,
Pittsburgh; Herb Gillis, Washington; Foster
Hotord, Atlanta; Lowrence Terrell, Charlotte; E. G.
Chumley, Jacksonville; William Hollidoy, New Orleans;
Howard A. Nicholson, Memphis; Myron Sattler, New
York.
Division managers who will attend the St.
Louis sessions are:
Bryan D. Stoner, central; Tom W. Bridge, southwestern;
H, Neol Eost, western, and Phil Isoocs,
Rocky Mountain.
Branch managers of these divisions who
will be on hand are:
J, H, Stevens, Chicago; G, R. Frank, Indianapolis;
Ward Pennington, Milwaukee; J. T, McBride, Minneapolis;
Thomas F. Duane, Detroit; Fronk Rule,
Dallas; C. H. Weover, Oklohomo City; Horry Hamburg,
Kansas City; Horry Hass, St. Louis; Alfred
R. Taylor, Los Angeles; Wayne Thiriot, Portland;
Jock L. Stevenson, San Francisco; Henry Houstein,
Seattle; James Ricketts, Denver; F. H. Smith, Salt
Lake City; Donald R. Hicks, Des Moines, and Marion
Anderson, Omaha.
Herb Steinberg, Paramount national exploitation
manager, was to ottend both meetings. He was
loined at the first by field merchandising representatives
Arnold Von Leer, Boston; Mike Weiss, Philadelphia;
Ralph Buring, Cincinnati; Leonard Allen,
Atlanta, Ed Wall, Albany, and Winston Barron, Toronto.
The second meeting will be ottended by field
merchandising representatives James Costle, St. Louis;
E. G. Fitzgibbon, Chicago; Pete Bayes, Denver; Walter
Hoffman, Seattle; Bob Blair, Los Angeles, ond Robert
Bixler, Dallas.
OTHERS AT BOTH MEETINGS
Other home office executives at both meetings
include: Robert J. Rubin, a vice-president
of Paramount Film Distributing Corp.;
Morris Lefko, a "Ten Commandments" sales
executive, and Oscar A, Morgan, who is in
charge of group sales for the DeMille picture.
Each meeting will devote at least a full day
to discussion of "The Ten Commandments."
Eugene Jacobs, assistant to Owen, and Jack
Perley, assistant to Deneau, attended the
Philadelphia and will attend the St. Louis
meetings, respectively.
Six Paramount branch managers from the
eastern half of the United States were cited
as winners in the first phase of the recently
concluded "Salute to George Weltner" sales
drive. They were Howard Nicholson. Memphis;
Bill Holliday, New Orleans; Ed Chumley,
Jacksonville: Caspar Urban, Boston: Myron
Sattler, New York, and Foster Hotard,
Atlanta.
^um^
'J
u i^
RECEIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS—Oscar Hammerstein II, Awards chairnuui,
third from left, presents annual "Mark of Achievement " awards given by the Federation
of Jewish Philanthropies to, left to right, Arthur B. Krim, Judy Holliday, Judy
Garland. Julie .Andrews and Robert Weede. Story on page 22.
'Brave Men' Previews Win
Support for Fox Picture
NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox reported
during the week that its 34-city
screening campaign to win support for
"Three Brave Men" is proving successful.
The company said that 5.000 opinion-makers
have voiced approval at special showings in
Boston, Detroit and Philadelphia. It is being
previewed before various groups through
Tuesday (15).
In Boston, Luther Knight MacNair, executive
director of the American Civil Liberties
Unioii called it "the finest picture of its
nature I have ever seen" and said he will
urge all his constituents to see it and tell
others about it.
Mrs. R. Griffiths, president of the Boston
Federation of Women's Clubs, said it pictures
a "never forgettable struggle for true freedom
for mankind." and that she hoped her
organization can aid its showings when it
opens at theatres.
Robert Segal, chairman of the American
Jewish Committee, hoped that "every true
American will view this film."
In Detroit, the Rev. John Sanford of the
Central Methodist Church said everyone
"should be compelled to see it." Saul Gottleib.
regional director of the American Jewish
Congress, said it will directly aid the administration
of security laws. Mrs. Max Williams,
president of the Motion Picture Council,
said all chapters will support engagements.
The Philadelphia showing also elicited
promises of support from representative
groups.
Court Okays Use by Fine
Of His Name in Business
NEW YORK—Justice Owen McGivern in
Supreme Court has denied a motion by
Loew's and Fine Sound, Inc., to restrain
C. Robert Fine from using his name in
connection with a new company or from
engaging in direct competition with Fine
Sound. He ruled that Fine can operate as
Fine Recording but must not try to solicit
business away from Fine Sound.
Fine previously filed a suit against Loew's.
Fine Sound. Paramount, Warner Bros, and
others, charging he had been deprived of
his invention, Perspecta Sound.
Harrison Plans Series
Of Fox Regionals
NEW YORK— Alex Harrison,
general sales
manager for 20th Century-Fox, will hold a
series of division managers' meetings in exchange
centers during January to review the
company policy and detail the program of
merchandising for the expanded product
lineup of features for 1957 release. Managers,
salesmen and head bookers of the 39 20th-Fox
branches in the U. S. and Canada will attend.
The first meeting was held in Toronto January
9, 10 to bring together executives of the
Canaaian district, managed by Peter Myers.
C. Glenn Norris, central-Canadian division
manager, flew to Toronto with Harrison for
the meeting.
HarrLson will preside at a meeting of Harry
G. Ballance's southern division in Atlanta
January 16, 17. Paul S. Wilson, southeast
district manager, and Mark Sheridan jr.,
southwest district head, al.so will participate.
Martin Moskowitz's eastern district will
meet in Philadelphia January 23, 24 with
Abe Dickstein, Atlantic district manager, and
Al Levy, northeast, joining Harrison and
Moskowitz in conducting the gathering.
The fourth meeting will take place in Chicago
January 25, 26 with Morton A. Levy,
midwest district manager, and Thomas O. Mc-
Cleaster, central district, on hand.
The final meeting will be in Los Angeles
January 30, 31 with Herman Webber, western
division head, and RevUle Kniffen, assistant
division manager, joining Harrison in leading
the
discussions.
Ginsberg Made Assistant
To Trans-Lux President
NEW YORK—Sidney Ginsberg has been
made assistant to Richard Brandt, president
of Trans-Lux Television Corp.. a new post.
He has been with the company 15 years,
starting as a theatre manager. He has also
been a booker and theatre supervisor, and
recently aided in forming the new distribution
company. He will direct promotion and act
as liaison between the sales divisions of the
two companies.
Col. Dean Hess's home town, Marietta, Ohio,
has been chosen as the premiere site for U-I's
"Battle Hymn," based on the life of Hess.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 E-1

I
2310
—
—
—
—
—
—
.
'Teahouse/ 'Anastasia
Continue Big;
NEW YORK—Although business at the
Broadway first run film palaces was down
from the smash Chj-istmas-New Year's holiday
periods, when the younger fans were
vacationing in New Yorii, the big attractions
were still drawing crowds, particularly "The
Teahouse of the August Moon," "Anastasia"
and "Baby Doll." The lone important newfilm,
"The Great Man," received fine reviews
and had a strong opening week at the tiny
Sutton Theatre, the biggest since "Moby
Dick." which played at advance prices last
July.
"Teahouse." plus the annual Nativity stage
pageant at the Radio City Music Hall, had
a very big sixth week at the huge house and
will play a seventh and final stanza before
another MGM film, "The Barretts of Wimpole
Street," moves in. "Baby Doll." which
was still stirring up controversy and making
news headlines, had a terrific third week at
the Victoria Theatre, right under the block
long sign for the film and "Anastasia."
coupled with a holiday ice revue, had a big
fourth week at the Roxy.
Also continuing to good business were: "The
Wrong Man." in its third week at the Paramount:
"The Rainmaker," in its fourth week
at the Astor: "Hollywood or Bust," in its
third week at Loew's State, and "Zarak," in
its second week at the Globe. The only holiday
attraction to end its run was "Bundle
of Joy." which had three good weeks at the
Capitol before being replaced by "Written
on the Wind" Friday (11).
The three two-a-day attractions, "Around
the World in 80 Days," which has added
one morning show weekly for its 12th week
at the Rivolj; "The Ten Commandments,"
in its ninth smash week at the Criterion, and
"Seven Wonders of the World," still very good
in its 39the week at the Warner Theatre, were
capacity and the first two also had big advance
sales.
At least two of the art house films, "Lust
for Life," in its 16th week at the Plaza, and
"La Strada," in its 25th week at the Trans-
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THEATRICAL ADVfRTISING CO.
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and 'Doll'
'Great Man Strong
Lux 52nd Street Theatre, were given a boost
by being included on most "Best Ten" lists
and both are expected to play long into 1957.
Also strong were "Don Giovanni," three hour
opera film, in its second week at the tiny
Baronet: "Pantaloons," in its second week
at the Fine Arts, and the longer-runs, "Wee
Geordie," in its 14th week at the Little Carnegie,
and "The Silent World," in its 15th
and final week at the Paris.
(Average Is 100)
Astor The Rainmaker (Para), 4th wk 1 40
Baronet Don Giovanni (Independent), 2nd wk 140
Capitol Bundle of Joy (RKO), 3rd wk 120
Central Flight to Hong Kong (UA) 105
Cameo Tel Aviv Toxi (Fnsch), 2nd wk 1 00
Criterion The Ten Commondments (Para), 9tti
wk. of two-a-day 250
Fine Arts Pantaloons (UMPO), 2nd wk 140
55th St. Vittoloni (Janus), I 1 th wk 1 05
Globe Zorak (Col), 2nd wk 1 50
Guild The Mogniticent Seven (Col), 7th wk 120
Little Cornegie Wee Geordie (Times), 14th wk. . .125
Loew's State Hollywood or Bust (Para), 3rd wk. . .135
Moyfair The King and Four Queens ((JA),
3rd wk 125
Normandie La Sorciere (Ellis), 2nd wk 130
Paramount The Wrong Man (WB), 3rd wk 140
Palace Crime of Passion (UA), plus vaudeville,
opened Jon. 9.
Pans—The Silent World (Col), 1 5th wk 125
Plaz3 Lust for Life (MGM), 16th wk 170
Radio City Music hlall The Teahouse of the August
Moon (MGM), plus Xmos stage show, 6th
wk 155
Rivoli Around the World in 80 Doys (UA), 12th
wk. of two-a-day 250
Roxy Anastosia (20th-Fox), plus holiday ice revue,
4th wk 170
Sutton The Great Man (U-l) 200
Trans-Lux 52nd La Strodo (Trans-Lux), 25th
wk 175
Victoria Boby Doll (WB), 3rd wk 175
Vi'arner Seven Wonders of the World (SW), 3rd
wk 150
World Manon, The Bed, foreign revivals 100
'Baby Doll' Opens With 210
At Buffalo Center
BUFFALO—"Baby Doll" tacked up a 210 in
its first week at the Center and was held.
"The Teahouse of the August Moon" hit 180
in its second week at Shea's Buffalo and "You
Can't Run Away Fi'om It" was good for a
135 in the Lafayette.
Buffalo Teahouse of the August Moon (MGM),
2nd wk
] 80
Center Boby Doll (WB) ^..^^210
Century The Ten Commandments (Para),
3rd wk 200
Cinema Secrets of Life (BV), 2nd wk 115
Lafayette You Can't Run Awoy From It (Col) .... 1 35
Paramount The Wrong Man (WB) 140
"Baby Doll' Continues
In Top Baltimore Seat
BALTIMORE—"Baby Doll" continued to
lead the boxoffice figures for the week. Also
a strong first run was "Written on the Wind."
At the art houses. "Wee Geordie" almost
broke records at the Five West Theatre.
Century Ho'lvwood or Bust (Para), 3rd wk. . 90
Cinemo The Snow Was Block (Cont'h, 2nd wk 100
Film Centre Around the World in 80 Days
(Magna). 3rd wk
300
Five West Wee Geordie (Times). 2nd wk 125
Hippodrome Bundle of Joy (RKO), 2nd wk. ... 100
Little Mutiny on the Bounty (MGM) 95
Mayfoir Written on the Wind (U-l), 2nd wk 150
New—The Ten Commandments (Para), 3rd wk...250
Playhouse John and Julie (Dominant), 2nd wk...l00
Stonley Baby Doll (WB), 2nd wk 200
Town The Iron Petticoat (MGM), 2nd wk 125
'Barretts' to Music Hall
NEW YORK—"The BaiTetts of Wimpole
Street," MGM CinemaScope picture starring
Jennifer Jones, John Gielgud and Bill
Travers, will open at the Radio City Music
Hall January 17, following a seven-week run
for MGM's "The Teahouse of the August
Moon."
Prudential Drive-ins
Open Weekend Nights
NEW YORK—The Bay Shore Sunrise,
the
Commack and Massapequa Drive-In theatres
are now open for weekends for the balance
of the winter season, according to Prudential
Theatre officials. Performances are
given at these theatres Friday, Saturday and
Sunday evenings, starting at 7 p.m. Heated
concession stands and restrooms are available
at each drive-in.
The Prudential's new Route 27, all-weather
drive-in, on sunrise Highway, Amityville, is
nearing completion and is slated to open
early in March. This drive-in will feature a
combination indoor and outdoor theatre with
accommodations for more than 1.500 cars for
outdoor viewing and about 1,200 seats in the
indoor theatre, with a parking area for another
500 cars. An added feature is a dining
and viewing terrace in front of the ultramodern
concession building.
Todd Film in San Antonio;
New Orleans to See Soon
NEW YORK — Michael Todd opened
"Around the World in 80 Days" at the Broadway
Theatre, San Antonio, Thursday (10)
and is preparing to open it January 23 at the
Panoramic Theatre, New Orleans. All theatres
will continue to show it on a limited
performance basis with all seats reserved.
It has been playing in New York, Philadelphia,
Los Angeles, San PYancisco, Baltimore,
Miami Beach, Houston, Detroit and
Dallas.
'Albert Schweitzer' Set
For Guild January 21
NEW YORK—"Albert Schweitzer," the
feature-length documentary produced and
directed by Jerome Hill, will open at the Guild
Theatre January 21, following an eight-week
run for "The Magnificent Seven."
Dr. Schweitzer appears throughout the picture,
with commentary by Fredric March and
narrative spoken by Biu-gess Meredith.
"Albert Schweitzer" has received the Parents'
Magazine award for January, according
to Mrs. Catherine Edwards, motion picture
editor of the magazine.
'Doll' 200 at Syracuse
SYRACUSE—"Baby Doll" closed its oneweek
run at RKO Keiths with "double normal
business" despite its denunciation from
pulpits of Catholic Churches and the "no advertising"
decree by both Syracuse daily
newspapers. Neither television station accepted
"Baby Doll" advertising. Announcements
were made over radio stations. Keiths
Manager Sol Sorkin. used small ads stated
continuous showings from
"new feature . . .
last main feature on at 10 p.m."
11 a.m. . . .
and gave the telephone number of his theatre.
'Oedipus Rex' Bows
NEW YORK—The New York premiere of
"Oedipus Rex," the film version of the
Sophocles tragedy, was held at the 55th Street
Playhouse Monday (7). A special showing for
more than 100 dignitaries of the United
Nations was held on Sunday night, following
a reception at the home of Harry A. Scott,
consul general of Canada. The picture is an
Irving Lesser presentation, released by Motion
Picture Distributors. Inc.
E-2 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

Disney Music Firm
Expects Big Gross
NEW YORK—Walt Disney, who formed
his own recording company, Disneyland Records,
as recently as May 1956. expects this
•subsidiary to gross a total of S5.000.000 in
sales in 1957 on the basis of the huge sales
already taken in on the album and single
records from "Westward Ho. the Wagons,"
the Disney hve-action picture which went
into theatre release Christmas, according to
James Johnson, vice-president of the music
subsidiary.
John-son feels that the music from the
many Disney features has been a big factor
in their success and, at the same time, the
picture is very important in promoting the
song—to the extent that it often prolongs
the public demand to see the picture. The
Disney company didn't recognize the impact
a song can have at the time of release of
"Davy Crockett" to theatres two years ago.
At that time. Bill Hayes' recording of the
title song, "Davy Crockett," and other popular
recordings sold into the millions—but
the money was made by RCA Victor and
other labels.
Now. with "Westward Ho, the Wagons"
just going into release, Disneyland Records
has already sold 18.000 albums of the sound
track and songs and 300,000 single records
of the title number and "Ringle Rangle,"
both sung by Fess Parker. The latter song
has been in such demand by disc jockeys
throughout the country that it has far outdistanced
the title tune and the picture is
even being advertised as the "Wringle
Wringle" film. Johnson estimates that the
latter song will sell close to 2,000,000 records.
However, it often takes the picture to put a
song into the smash category, as in Pittsburgh,
where the record only started selling
after "Westwai'd Ho, the Wagons" opened
there, Johnson said.
Music has been an important part of Disney
films as far back as 1933. when "Who's
Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" was a smash
hit .song. A little later, "Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs" had six hit songs in 1937.
Allied Artists Closes
Two Deals in Far East
NEW YORK—William E. Osborne. Allied
Artists manager for the Near and Far East
and Africa, has concluded two distribution
deals in the Far East, according to Norton
V. Ritchey, president of the international
division.
One was with the Malaya Film Service of
Singapore, covering Singapore, Federation of
Malaya, Sarawak. Brunei and British Borneo.
The other was the L'Office Franco-Vietnamien
du Cinema of Saigon for the Indo-
Chinese areas of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
One week earlier. Ritchey reported deals
with distributors in Africa, India, the Philippines,
Japan, Hong Kong, Ceylon, Turkey,
Formosa, Pakistan and Indonesia.
Columbia Votes Dividend
NEW YORK—The Columbia Pictures board
Wednesday (9i declared a regular quarterly
cash dividend of $1.06 ',4 a share on the $4.25
cumulative preferred stock, payable February
15 to stockholders of record February 1.
Hughes, 50-Year Employe.
Honored by Walter Reade
NEW YORK—Eddie Hughes, veteran stagehand
and projectionists at the Paramount
Theatre, Long Branch, N. J., has been
Eddie Hughes, 50-year employe of
Walter Reade Theatres, is honored for his
long term of service by Nicholas Schermerhorn,
vice-president for theatre operations
(left), and John Balmer, division
manager (right). He received a scroll and
watch.
honored by Walter Reade Theatres for his
50 years of service to the organization. He
received a scroll and watch.
Hughes began working for Walter Reade sr.
in the old Criterion Theatre on Ocean Ave.,
Asbury Park, N. J., in 1906. Afterwards he
was associated with the New York Roof
Garden, the Hippodrome in Cleveland,
Capital and Trent in Trenton, N. J., and the
Rothschild, Parker, Broadway, Strand and.
last, the Paramount, all in Long Branch.
Hughes still lives at 27 Second Ave.. Long
Branch, a landmark in the "roaring 20s." His
mother, known in the boxing world as
"Mother Hughes," ran a boarding house for
fighters, including Jack Dempsey and Gene
Tunney.
Emlein Named Manager
Of RCA Products Division
CAMDEN. N. J.—Harold M. Emlein has
been made manager of the theatre and industrial
products department of the Radio
Corp. of America, according to Arthur L.
Malcarney. vice-president and general manager
of RCA commercial electronics products.
Emlein for ten years has managed the
RCA Indianapolis manufacturing plant. He
succeeds J. F. O'Brien, made manager of the
RCA northeastern region. He will headquarter
here.
Color for Gold Medal
NEW YORK—For the first
time, color film
production will start at the Gold Medal
Studios in the Bronx. Shamus Culhane Productions
has leased stage space to produce an
Eastman Color industrial film for Imperial
Oil Co. Gold Medal Studios is the remodeled
and refurbished Biograph studio.
O'Connor TNT Sales Head
NEW YORK—John B.
O'Connor has been
made national sales representative for TNT
Tele-Sessions, affiliate of Theatre Network
Television. He was recently audio-visual
project supervisor in the advertising and sales
promotion department of the General Electric
Co.
Vatican Denies Intent
Is Film Censorship
HAVANA—Motion picture art "cannot be
conceived on the fringe of moral laws," the
Vatican told members of the International
Catholic Film Office here this week. The
ICFO held its first world congress on American
soil here on January 5-10.
The letter, written in French and sent in
the name of Pope Pius XII by Msgr. Angelo
Dell 'Acqua. substitute Vatican Secretary of
State, declared that public opinion can make
"exacting demands on the artistic and moral
quality of films."
Such moral evaluation is not a form of
censorship imposed from the outside. Msgr.
Dell 'Acqua w'rote. "It is part of the judgment
of a well-formed Christian conscience.
"One certainly cannot say that the church
exercises only negative protection through the
diffusion of moral classification of films.
Through her judgment she shapes the
conscience of the faithful, guides their choice
and promotes the success of worthy films,"
the letter said.
Msgr. Del 'Acqua encoiuaged the ICFO to
found groups in schools and in adult circles
which would concern themselves with a
proper evaluation of the moral tone of movies.
"Through the development of critical
ability." he wrote, "and the sharpening of
taste and raising of the cultural level, the.se
groups can render enormous services."
He said it is "inadmissible to show films
to certain categories of spectators under the
pretext that they are studies, while the same
films have been judged bad or harmful for
them. It is likewise inadmissible to show films
to children which have been intended strictly
for adults. True cinematographic culture
cannot be conceived on the fringe of moral
laW'S."
Midland Properties,
Inc.
Is Sued by U. S.
BUFFALO—A $50,906 delinquent tax suit
has been filed in federal court here by the
U. S. Bureau of Internal Revenue against
Midland Pi'operties, Inc.. of Buffalo. It is
contended the Midland is accountable for delinquent
corporation income and excess profits
taxes owned by Buffalo 20th Century, Inc.,
because the same stockholders control both
firms. The suit charges 20th Century leased
the 20th Century Theatre, 511 Main St., from
Midland and subsequently bought new equipment
and furnishings for the theatre. In
1951, 20th Century returned the lease, including
all the assets and improvements made
to the theatre. This made 20th Century insolvent
and unable to pay taxes it failed to
report 1944-49, the suit charges.
Since Midland acquii-ed the lease and substantial
improvements to the theatre at no
cost, it should pay the taxes and interest accrued,
the government contends.
'Nightfall' to Paramount
NEW YORK—"Nightfall." Columbia picture
starring Aide Ray. Brian Keith and
Anne Bancroft, will open at the Paramount
Theatre January 23. in conjunction with a
stage show, featuring Nat "King" Cole and
Ella Fitzgerald, which will run one week.
This will be the first stage presentation at
the Paramount since Frank Sinatra played
one week there in the spring of 1956.
BOXOFFICE January 12. 1957 E-3

who
BROADWAY
THE Variety Foundation of Combat Epilepsy
win celebrate Chinese New Year's
Day with its annual Celebrity Ball on January
31 in the Grand Balh'oom of the Hotal
Biltmore. Al Gorson is president and Charles
Reed Jones is director of information of Community
Service Associates which manages
the Foundation. * * » Leo F. Samuels, president
and general manager of Buena Vista
Distribution Corp., and Charles Levy, advertising-publicity
director, are on the coast
for a look-see at forthcoming Walt Disney
product. * * * Joe Gould, United Artists' advertising
manager, also is in Hollywood for
conferences on the company's spring releases.
' * Dave "Skip" Weshner has been retained
as producers representative for Earlmar Productions'
"Drango." a United Artists release.
* * * In-again-out-again: Billy 'Wilder flew
in from Paris Thursday and hopped off immediately
for Hollywood. The producer-director
recently completed "Love in the Afternoon"
in the French capital for Allied
Artists
release.
9
Harold Zeltner, salesman at MGM's New
York branch, has been promoted to assistant
manager. Pi-ior to the new assignment Zeltner
was a salesman in several of MGM's exchanges,
following several years as an assistant
manager in the Loew circuit. • * *
Charles Reagan, MGM's vice-president and
sales chief, is back from the coast where he
installed Herman Ripps as western sales
manager, succeeding George A. Hickey who
has retu-ed. * * « Special student morning
shows of "The Ten Commandments" have
been launched by the Criterion Theatre. The
first one was held Wednesday and others
will be on February 6, 7, 20 and 27. * * * William
Dozier, vice-president and production
chief of RKO Radio, will arrive in town this
week. * * * Al Fitter, United Artists' western
division manager, is back from Kansas City.
* * * Mike Todd is in San Francisco. * * *
Arthur Levey, president of Skiatron, has
just bought 10,000 additional shares of his
company's stock.
Arnold Picker, vice-president of United
Artists, and Charles Smadja, vice-president
in charge of European production, are back
from Paris. * * * Alex Harrison, general sales
manager of 20th Century-Fox, and Glenn
Norris, central-Canadian division manager,
have been conducting sales sessions in Toronto.
* * * Maurice "Red" Silverstein, who
handles outside productions for MGM, is
huddling with independent producers and
studio executives at the Culver City plant.
" * * And Kenneth MacKenna, MGM's story
editor, has returned to the coast after three
weeks in New York where he visited with
publishers, editors and writers. » • • Mae
Bagwell, secretary to Hiller Innes, Paramount
eastern production executive, will be
married Sunday (13) to Norman Thomas
Buchbinder. * '' * Henry Gordon, Paramount's
Latin American division manager, is off for a
tour of South American branches.
Cliff Robertson, who has a costarring role
with Jane Powell in RKO's "The Girl Most
Likely," is in New York for several weeks of
press and magazine interviews to promote
the film. * * Clifton Webb, 20th Century-
'''
Fox star of "Boy on a Dolphin," the first
American picture to be made in Greece, left
for Hollywood January 8 after spending the
holidays in New York. Another 20th-Fox
player, Diana Wynyard, who completed
Darryl F. Zanuck's "Island in the Sun" in
London, is in New York, as is Patrica Owens,
new film beauty who is featured in the same
film. • * » Joan Greenwood, British film
star who will be in RKO's "Stage Struck,"
to be filmed in New York, arrived from London
Thursday (10) to start rehearsals under
Sidney Lumet's direction.
Shirley Yamaguchi, Japanese actress now
living in New York, will be hostess to a
delegation of 12 Japanese film executives and
actresses who will fly to New York for the
Japanese Film Week at the Museum of
Modern Ai-t January 20-25. * * • Audrey Hepburn
and Mel Ferrer flew in from Hollywood
January 7 to begin rehearsals for "Mayerling,"
their first live TV dramatic show together,
which NBC-TV will telecast on Producers'
Showcase February 4. Raymond Massey,
Diana Wynyard, Judith Evelyn and
Isobel Elsom have also been signed for "Mayerling."
* * * Tony Randall, who re-created
his stage role in the 20th Century-Fox film,
"Oh Men! Oh Women!" is also back from
Hollywood. * Beatrice Lillie, British
comedienne, flew in from London via BOAC
January 7 to start rehearsals for "The Ziegfeld
Follies."
The advertising-publicity staff at the
Paramount home office bought Jerry Pickman
a play pen. Not for himself, but for his
newly arrived daughter, Patti. * * * Visitors
from overseas: Milton Schneiderman, United
Artists manager in Japan, is in town on a
combined business and vacation visit. And
Maria Pia di Giorgio, UA's publicity director
in Italy, has arrived from Rome for a holiday.
' * -
A June wedding is planned for
Helenjane Katz whose engagement to Charles
S. Gross has been announced. Helenjane is
the daughter of Dave Katz, former manager
of the Roxy Theatre. * In town from
Hollywood is Frank King, president of King
Bros. Pi-oductions, . is conferring with
RKO toppers on exhibition plans for "The
Brave One." * * » Mike Todd's "Around the
World in 80 Days" will have Saturday morning
shows at the Rivoli starting January
19. The regular performances have been sellouts.
' * * Producer Stuart Millar and a production
crew are in New York for the filming
of "Stage Struck" for RKO release.
9
William Gehring of 20th Century-Fox,
Frank J. A. McCarthy of Universal and Max
Youngstein of United Artists have been
named co-chairmen of the motion picture
section of the 1957 campaign for funds for
the New York Council of the Boy Scouts of
America. Russell Downing and Rube Jackter
head up the section. * * * Marilyn Arbetter,
formerly of Screen Gems, has joined National
Television Associates as copy supervisor of
the promotion department. * * • Edward R.
Svigals has joined Trans-Lux Distributing
Corp.'s sales department. He will assist
George Roth, vice-president and general sales
manager, in the national distribution of
Trans-Lux product. * * » And Irving Kleinfeld
has been named sales service manager
for Ti-ans-Lux Television Corp. * * " Carl
Peppercorn, executive of Continental Distributing
Corp., is off on a two-week sales
trip through the southern and western states.
* " " Dave Cantor, RKO exploitation manager,
to Chicago and St. Louis on "Bundle
of
Joy."
9
British film stars headed back to London
included Michael Redgrave, who has been
signed for "The Quiet American" to be filmed
in the Far East: Dirk Bogarde, J. Arthur
Rank star, and Zachary Scott and his actresswife,
Ruth Ford, who sailed on the Queen
Mary January 5. * '* *
Jean Pierre Aumont,
French star who completed MGM's "The
Seventh Sin" in Hollywood, returned to Paris
'
January 5. * * Howard Hawks, Hollywood
producer-director, got back from Europe on
the Liberte. • • * Kenneth MacKenna, MGM
studio story head, is in New York for a
three-week visit with publishers, editors and
writers.
Gordon Given Paramount
Post in Latin America
NEW YORK—Henry B. Gordon has been
named Latin American division manager of
Paramount Internantional
by James E.
Perkins,
executive
vice-president. The assignment
covers all
*
South and Central
? American countries except
Mexico, where
Arthur L. Pratchett
will supervise. Pratchett
has been super-
_, j^^^^^^_ vising the entire area.
*' 1^^^^^^^ Gordon's assignment
Henry B. Gordon
I'elieves him of the
burden of constant air
travel. He has had more than 25 years of
distribution experience in Europe and the
Americas, beginning in Panama in 1936. Before
that he was sales manager in Germany,
with additional duties in other European
countries.
After Panama Gordon was successively
in Trinidad, Venezuela, Guatemala and
several other republics, finally becoming
managing director in Argentina with his
territory also including Uruguay and Paraguay.
Then he became general representative
in New York, working under George Weltner,
president of Paramount International. In
that capacity he had special assignments to
South Africa and Hawaii.
I»i-atchett was honored at a dinner last
month in Mexico City which was attended
by Weltner and Gordon. Weltner said then
he wanted to relieve Pratchett of his arduous
travel duties.
Gordon left at the weekend for Puerto
Rico to start a survey of his territory. He
was married December 21 to Mrs. Lotte
Marcy.
Steve Broidy in New York
NEW YORK—Plans for Allied Artists'
production program for the new season were
being discussed here this week by Steve
Broidy, president, and executives of the New
York office. A detailed announcement is expected
shortly.
E-4 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

. . Gerry
ALBANY
•The rectory of St. Claii-e's Catholic Church
on upper Central avenue, made public
copies of two letters sent to the manager of
the Strand protesting the showing of "Baby
Doll." Signed by the president of the Holy
Name Society and the president of the Altar
Rosary Society (for women), the letters
pledged. "Our parish, consisting of over 800
families, will follow with 100 per cent cooperation
the ban of our bishop, the Most Flev.
William A. Scully, from attendance at ANY
picture shown at the Strand Theatre during
the next six months." The Times-Union reported
the development under a two-column
caption. "Two Letters to Strand Pledge Long
Boycott." A salesman for one of the major
companies (not Warner Bros.i and his family
are among the members of St. Claiie's parish.
. . .
Jerry Slass, eastern division manager for
Berlo Vending Co., huddled with Neil Hellman,
in from Florida for the weekend
Max Zuckerman, dough guy of the Variety
Club, and wife were among the 5.000 attending
a Bo.ston pops orchestra concert at
the RPI Field House in Troy . . . Pete Dana,
eastern division manager for U-I, and Joe
Gins, district manager, traveled to Gloversville
with branch manager Norman Weitman
for meetings with George V. Lynch,
chief buyer for Schine circuit, and Bill
Kraemer, chief bcxDker . Swartz resigned
as manager of the Rockland Drive-in,
Spring Valley. Jack Smith was advanced
from assistant manager to succeed him.
Swartz is working during the winter for
Arthur Steele at the first run Jacksonville
Theatre in Jacksonville, Fla. Steele, who for
a time operated the Overlook Drive-In at
Poughkeepsie and employed Swartz as manager,
now conducts the Sunset near Hudson.
It is reported that Swartz will be back in
the Albany territory next season as a drive-in
manager.
Projectionists Local 324 elected Edward
Wendt as president, Charles Hill as secretarytreasurer,
Rocco Memole recording secretary,
Al Antoinette sergeant at arms, and Arthur
Deitz, Claude Watkins, Prank Matthews,
and George Seeley, trustees . . . Settlement of
a strike by operating engineers Local 106 at
Fabian's Palace was effected at a meeting
held by the state mediation board at its
Albany office. Picketing was then dLscontinued
after it had been conducted for four
days. The dispute, affecting three engineers,
stemmed from an impasse in negotiating a
new contract to replace one which expired
last September.
Nancy Watkins, daughter of Claude E.
Watkins, chief projectionist at the Strand,
Albany, returned to Boston University after
the holidays, to resume studies for a Master's
degree. An honor graduate of Syracuse University,
she will become a hospital social
worker after receiving her MA ... Ed Fisher,
operator at Fabian's Palace, had a two-week
vacation.
Steven Weitman, who has completed his
preparatory studies and is entering the dental
. . .
school of Brandeis University near Boston,
was a holiday visitor in the home of his
brother Norman, U-I branch manager
"Giant" enjoyed fine business as a New Year's
attraction in Kallet and Schine theatres . . .
While no copy for "Baby Doll" appeared in
Glens Falls and Troy papers, insertions in the
Syracuse dailies lalso refusing to advertise
the picture* listed "Show" at the theatre playuig
it, with opening time and with the telephone
number spotlighted. Filmrow heard
that the engagement for "Doll" at the Paramount,
Glens Falls, was shortened a day.
.
. . Phil Engel was due
.-\lbany employes of 20th-Fox enjoyed an
extra flavor of the holiday season because
they had been awarded four weeks' salary as
a bonus for exceeding the branch's quota in
the final quarter of the World Drive. The exchange
was .said to be the only one to so
qualify. Clayton Pantages is the manager . .
Bill Helbertt is now working with Dick Young
on the booking desk at 20th-Fox . . . Al Kucin,
auditor, was at Fox .
from Boston to beat the drums for "Three
Brave Men" . . . Sid Kallet, chief buyer for
Kallet Theatres of Oneida, has been suffering
from a painful sinus condition.
Illnesses hospitalized several of the lATSE
crew at Proctor's in Troy. Jim Breen, stagehands
union leader, was stricken with pneumonia
and was taken to an Albany Ho.spital.
Charles McCarthy, former president of the
projectionists local, was a patient at St.
Mary's, Ti'oy. Ron Thompson was in Albany
Hospital. John Whalen, onetime stage worker
at the Strand in Albany, is now a regular
member of the backstage unit at Proctor's in
Troy. He replaced James Parselles, who died
several months ago at the age of 78 after
serving as a stagehand in Ti'oy houses for 60
years. Parselles worked at the old Griswold
for a long time.
Errol Flynn Is Critical
Of Foreign Production
NEW YORK—The disadvantages of production
in Europe outweigh the advantages.
Ei-rol Flynn said Monday (7). He said that
from now on he hoped to make most of his
pictures for theatrical distribution either in
Hollywood or New York. He added that he
was interested in New York opportunities,
and is studying facilities here. He excluded
England from his criticism of Europe, which
included lack of technical cooperation.
Flynn recently completed "The Big Boodle,"
a United Artists release produced by Lewis
P. Blumberg which will go to theatres this
month. The adventure drama was made on
location in Havana. Blumberg and he are
planning another release for United Artists,
but have not yet selected a story. He has a
25 per cent production interest in "The Big
Boodle." He has also completed "Istanbul"
for Universal-International.
The new U. S. Ti-easury ruling increasing
taxes on certain types of independent production
will not affect him retroactively because
he has operated through a producing company
set up abroad, but it will affect his 1957
production, Flynn said. He did not think that
any campaign against the new tax will be
successful.
Flynn has a financial interest in a series
of 26 half-hour shows being made for television.
He will appear in six of them and will
"host" the others. The first of them have already
proved succe.ssful in London, he said.
Negotiations for U. S. showings are in work.
The producing company is Inter-TV of Canada.
He plans visits soon to Santo Domingo and
Jamaica and may then go to London in connection
with his TV series.
Variety Work With Boys
Lauded by Judge Gutman
ALBANY—Boys camp activities, such a.s
Variety clubs conduct in Albany and elsewhere,
are vitally important in building and
maintaining the United States as "the outstanding
democracy in the Free World," said
Judge Daniel Gutman, counsel to Gov. Averell
Harriman. in the feature address at a testimonial
dinner which Tent 9 gave for Jack
Goldberg, retiring MGM manager, in Keeler's
restaurant Monday night. Eighty guests, the
largest number to attentd such an affair
here in recent years, heard the 29-year veteran
with MGM lauded by Judge Gutman,
John P. Byrne, MGM eastern division manager:
Chief Barker Al Kellert and Norman
Weitman, co-chairmen of the dinner committee.
Weitman, on behalf of the diners, presented
Goldberg a set of driving irons and a golf
bag. The honored guest, in a brief acceptance
speech, said: "A man, as they say in
Variety, can not be measui'ed by worth of
his goods, but by the worth of his friends.
You have proved this."
Byrne, who intertwined salty humor, intraindustry
kidding, reminiscing and philo.sophy,
declared: "Jack Goldberg has been a credit
to his family, his friends and his company.
We are sorry that he is leaving."
Gutman, a onetime state .senator for many
years and a judge in Brooklyn, delivered an
encomium on the work of Variety Clubs and
the importance of boys camps. He .spoke
from experience, having been a volunteer
leader at a summer camp for needy, often
tough East Side lads which the Ethical Culture
Society operated for some years near
Harriman, N. Y.. He stressed the imperative
necessity for adults to "show an interest in
youngsters, especially those from homes which
are broken, homes that are spiritually broken,
homes which are inharmonious." Such boys,
who often feel frustrated, neglected and
even rejected, must be shown the proper understanding,
must be given sound guidance,
must have inculcated in them a sense of responsibility,
Gutman said.
Seated at the head table with Goldberg
were Judge Gutman, Byrne, Susse, Kellert,
Peter T Dana, U-I division manager, Weitman
and Jack Hamilton. A Schine circuit
delegation included George Lynch, Bill
Ki-aemer, Bernard Diamond, Chris Pope and
Dick Dickerson. Jack Mundstuk, MGM manager
in Buffalo, and Steve Plrozzi, fieldman,
al.so attended. Telegrams were received from
Edward L. Fabian, Charles A. Smakwitz, Mr.
and Mrs. Saul J. Ullman and Bernard Meyerson.
Consolidated Schedules
Six Color Seminars
NEW YORK—Consolidated Film Industries
will hold color seminars on six consecutive
Tuesdays starting Tuesday (15) at its film
processing plant at 521 West 57th St. Douglas
T. Yates, in charge of eastern operations,
said they will demonstrate the laboratory's
experience in all types of color film processing.
They will be conducted by Albert ^.
Duryea, manager of the Fort Lee laboratory.
There will be screenings of 35mm Eastman
Color printing, 16mm Eastman Color
prints made by reduction and by the internegative
system. 16mm Kodachrome masters
and 16mm release prints made by internegatives
from 16mm Kodachrome masters.
EOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 E-5

. . With
. . . The
. . The
. . Leo
. . Harry
BUFFALO
. . .
f^olonel Bill Shirley, UA, was here assisting
Manager Edward F. Meade of Shea's
Buffalo in a big campaign for "The King and
Four Queens" ... J. Don Schlaerth, radio
editor of the Courier-Express, discussed TV
films as follows. "One of the most important
developments in television in 1956 was the
release of top-grade pre-1949 movies
Network officials are rather worried, however,
that the films will gobble up the advertising
dollar for as long as two years at the expense
of current live and film shows. The high
ratings of "Wizard of Oz,' and 'Hamlet'
proved the power of movies on TV."
Optical illusion? George Rosing, operator
of the Roosevelt, East Buffalo community
house at Broadway and Fillmore asks. "Does
the taller of two spires atop St. Ann's Chiu-ch
in my community lean slightly to the south?"
It seems the strange sight can be seen by
anyone driving east on Broadway and is
especially noticeable 12 to 14 blocks from the
church at Broadway and Emslie .
the
art policy gaining in popularity, Supervising
Manager Carl Rindcen of Shea's North Park
and Kensington, presented two more features
in the former house's Finer Films series last
Friday and Saturday instead of the usual
one night stands. The two films were "Bread,
Love and Dreams" and "The Little World of
Don Camillo."
The year 1957 begins in the Rochester
entertainment world as the year that George
David's byline is missing from the theatre
pages of the Democrat and Chronicle. After
nearly a lifetime of writing about the theatre
and the movies, David has retired. For
45 years, David's presence "on the aisle" has
signified the opening of a new production
on the stage or screen in Kodak Town. That's
thousands of fu'st nights—the sweep of the
entertainment history from almost the beginning
of the stage career of the late John
Barrymore and from the year that the late
Wallace Reid of the silents made his first
picture. If David has favorites among the
beautiful gifted women who have lit up his
life as a reviewer, the tipoff may be the
pictures hanging in his office of Katharine
Cornell, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo and
Joan Crawford.
Elmer F. Lux, former industryite who now
is president of the Buffalo Redevelopment
Foundation, called on Rotarians the other day
to "reinoculate ourselves and our neighbors
with a vibrant civic spirit." which he said
Buffalo, in some respects. lacks. He spoke
before a meeting of the Rotary Club in Hotel
Statler on "Horizons Unlimited in Buffalo
and the Niagara Frontier."
Phil Engel, 20th-Fox, arranged a screening
of "Three Brave Men," last Wednesday (9) in
the Niagara Theatre, when Charles B. Kosco
branch manager, and Arthur Krolick, district
manager, Paramount Theatres, acted as hosts
SAM FINEBERG
TOM McCLEARY
JIM ALEXANDER
84 Von Braam Street
PITTSBURGH 19, PA.
Phone Express 1-0777
MoTin Art Brtter Than E»(r How-j Your EguiDmrnt?
and addressed the capacity audience composed
of representatives of many local organizations
participating in the promotion for the
picture. The film will open at the Paramount
late this month.
Dave Miller, past chief barker of the
Variety Club who volunteered to act as chairman
of a new membership drive, has appointed
every member of the club as a "committee
of one." In a communication to members,
Dave said: "Since I had originally
sparked the very first organization meeting
of Tent 7, in 1934, I felt it appropriate now,
that I volunteer to lead again this new membership
drive. Elmer Lux, the chief barker,
immediately accepted my offer, with the
suggestion that I choose my own committee.
I have decided to choose you, as a committee
of one. Every barker is likewise delegated."
Miller, for many years manager at U-I here,
now is retired.
An $8,000 Theatre Robbery
PITTSBURGH— Police pressed then- search
for a tall, skinny, spectacled, colorfully clad
bandit who got away with $8,000 after holding
up four employes of Loew's Penn Theatre at
10:50 p.m. Saturday (5). The red gloved thug
loitered in the inner lobby for some time and
when Charles Punk, assistant manager,
cashier Mrs. Barbara Kohl, and David Otey,
an usher, left the boxoffice with $60, he
followed them to a small office just off the
main lobby, where he whipped out a large
caliber revolver and told his victims to
"Take it easy and don't do anything foolish."
Funk had to open a safe and turn over the
money. William Zeilor, manager, was standing
nearby unaware of the holdup.
Refuses Rezoning Drive-In
PITTSBURGH— A petition involving the
extension of a proposed drive-in theatre in
Monroeville has been vetoed by the Monroeville
council. The theatre destined for
Route 22 one mile east of the Pittsburgh interchange
of the Pennsylvania turnpike
sought additional rezoning to alleviate congested
traffic conditions. The petition was
given the polite "no" because Route 22 carries
only two-lane traffic there, the proximity
of the Monroeville elementary school, and the
possibility of a hospital and clinic being constructed
on an adjacent site.
National Theatres Dividend
LOS ANGELES—The board of directors of
National Theatres has declared a quarterly
dividend of 121l. cents per share on the outstanding
common stock of the corporation.
The dividend is payable January 31 to stockholders
of record at the close of business on
January 17.
Boxing on Stage
PITTSBURGH—SW Enright Theatre, East
Liberty, on February 25 will turn its stage
into a boxing ring under special arrangements.
If successful, other boxing shows will
be staged here.
UA Manager Kappa Nu Prexy
PITTSBURGH—Jim Hendel,
UA manager,
a Pitt graduate, was elected national president
of the Kappa Nu at the fraternity's
recent national convention in Rochester, N. Y.
PITTSBURGH
Tim
Naughton, National Carbon representative,
will attend the drive-in convention in
. . Al Morgan, wrote "The
. . .
Cincinnati January 29-31 . . . "Oklahoma!"
in CS will be at the J. P. Harris Theatre
who next month
.
Great Man," will be here January 14, 15 to
exploit the film version which has been
booked into the SquiiTel Hill Theatre
. . . Homer
Sun-Telegraph editorial: "The McKeesport
council has followed McKees Rocks solons in
abolishing the film tax on theatre tickets.
Which may be some consolation for future
reference— for Pittsburgh showmen who get
nothing but the brushoff from the taxmakers
in their own backyard"
Michael of the Liberty Theatre, south side,
was up all night Thursday a week ago. One
of his ponies had a colt at his South Park
ranch . Byron F. Moores vacationed
in Miami. He's the SW district manager.
The Guild Theatre, Squij'rel Hill, will exhibit
"Wee Geordie," a Scottish comedy, January
15 at 7 and 9 p.m., as a benefit for the
uniform fund of Carnegie Tech's Kiltie band.
The Kiltie bagpipe and drum corps and the
Bonnie Highland dancers will perform at
both shows . Satori, manager of the
SW Rowland Theatre, Wilkinsburg, staged a
Seek Hawkins Club show, as did Warner
Zeockler. SW Ambridge Theatre, Ambridge,
and Jack Weisser, manager of Morris Finkel's
Arcade Theatre, Carson street, south
side . . . Kaspar Monahan. Press Show Shopper,
nominated as the worst pictures: "Love
Me Tender," "The Swan," "D-Day the Sixth
of June" and "Madame Butterfly."
Bill Reister. manager of the SW Columbia,
Sharon, was hospitalized, and Rube Harris of
the local Belmar, Homewood district, relieved
him. with Carl Shaner, assistant at the
downtown Stanley, filling in at the Belmar
Minute Car Wash on the Lincoln
highway near the intersection of Route 686,
operated by Joseph and Martin Warren of
Irwin, suffered a fire damage estimated at
$5,000. The Warrens operate the nearby Blue
Dell Drive-In and the Greater Pittsburgh
Drive-In.
Pvt. Richard J. Crosby jr., writes from
Ft. Devens, Mass. He was manager of the
Plaza. Brownsville, prior to going into the
Army, and before that he had managed the
Hollywood, Cahfornia. Pa., and had been
with the Manos circuit . . . Cora, wife of
Charles Baron, hou.se manager at the Warner,
spent the holidays in California . . .
Two of five persons killed in a two-car collision
December 29 in Baldwin borough were
Warner Theatre (Cinerama) usherettes, Mary
Alice Healy. 18. Hazelwood, and Barbara
Hines, 17, Hazelwood.
. . . Joe
Gordon Gibson, Atlas Theatre Supply, is
back on the job following surgery and recuperation
at Montefiore Hospital
Miller, projectionist at the Arsenal, moved
into Loew's Penn booth, replacing the late
Angelo Diodati . Rees, retired film
salesman, forwarded his holiday greetings
from the Sunshine state. Florida.
Remodels at Pottsville
POTTSVILLE, PA.—The Agbet Corp. is
remodehng
the Pottsville Drive-In following its
recent purchase from the heirs of the late
Walter Schumacher for $30,000. Bernard
Friedman heads Agbet.
E-6
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

. . Manager
. . Chief
. . Wilbur
. . Joseph
. . . Exhibitor
. . . Tobe
WASHINGTON
. . .
lUTaureen O'Leary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John O'Leary of 20th Century-Fox, who
excels in tap, ballet, acrobatic and jazz dancing,
as we.] a.s in voice, wa.s one of two
winners in the Silver Spring surburban shopper
"Christmas Personality Contest." Maureen,
12. appeared in stage shows both here
and in New York .
Ira Sichelman
visited the Levine circuit office in Norfolk,
Va., Tuesday 181. He was accompanied by
salesman Harry Valentine Sympathy is
extended to Mrs. Clara Taylor in the death
of her brother-in-law.
Dorothy Kolinsky, Variety Club secretary,
.
was seriously injured when she was struck
in the eye with a snowball while on her way
to work . . . Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs.
Jack Keegan on the birth of a daughter. The
mother, the former Helynn Lee, is on leave
of ab.sence from Universal accountant
Ida Green, Paramount Pictures,
underwent a thyroid operation. She is in
Garfield Hospital.
. . .
Local WOMPI held a regular luncheon
meeting in the Commodore Hotel Tuesday
(8). Mrs. Madeline Ackerman presided
Local F-13 met Tuesday evening (81 and
discussed terms of the new contract . . .
Gus Lynch, Schine zone manager, reported
that the Ritz Theatre, Salisbury, Md., is operating
part time. Theatre is closed on Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday of each week
. . . Sally Myers' husband Sammy was in Mt.
. . . "Walter Teed, E. M. Loew
. . Out-of-
Alto Hospital
Theatres, has a new Oldsmobile .
town exhibitors seen on Filmrow included
T. I. Martin, Laney Payne, Tom Halligan,
Harry Montgomery, K. Tanner, Denver Aleshire,
Ivan Rosenbaum, Ralph May and
Flovd Davis.
SMPTE and Union Set Up
Sound Recording Course
NEW YORK—Sound men actively engaged
in the motion picture and television industries
can take advantage of a course in sound
recording organized by the Society of Motion
Picture and Television Engineers in cosponsorship
with Motion Picture Studio
Mechanics Local 52, lATSE. It will have the
cooperation of the Office of Special Services
to Business and Industry of New York University.
The cla.ss will meet Wednesday evenings
for 20 weeks beginning February 6. The first
four sessions will be held at the Washington
Square Center of NYU. Later meetings will
occur in various local sound studios. Specialists
will lecture. Burton F. Perry, recording
engineer, Westrex Corp., will be moderator.
Tuition is $50 and includes the cost of reference
material. Application should be made
to the SMPTE Education Committee, room
1004, 55 West 42nd St. before Friday (18).
Sign Gary Grant
HOLLYWOOD — JeiTy
Wald Pi-oductions
has signed Cary Grant to costar with Deborah
Kerr in "Love Affair" at 20th Century-Fox.
Slated for a February 14 start, the feature
will be directed by Leo McCarey, who wrote
the original .-.'oiy from which Alfred Hayes
scripted.
Batjac Is Co-Producing
'Legend' With D.E.A.R.
GUADAMES, LIBYA .— "Legend of the
Lost," starring John Wayne, Sopliia Loi-en
and Rossano Brazzi, started production here
January 7 as a co-production of Batjac-
Panama Production, Inc., and D.E.A.R. Films,
Rome, according to Robert Haggiag, head of
D.E.A.R. After the Libya location, the company
will return to Rome to film interiors
at Cmecitta.
United Artists will release "Legend 01 the
Lost," which will have a 12-week shooting
schedule and is budgeted at close to $2,000,-
000. Produced and directed by Henry Hathaway,
it will be photographed in Technirama
by Jack Cardiff. The picture, which will be
one of the most important co-productions
made in Italy, follows the pattern of "Beat
the Devil" and "Summertime," both of which
were made by Haggiag and D.E.A.R. and
both were distributed in the U. S. by United
Artists. Ben Hecht wrote the screenplay and
Kurt Kazner, Broadway stage actor, was
signed for the feature role of Dukas January 5.
Haggiag is seeking two or three more properties
for annual co-production in Italy, he
said.
BALTIMORE
Bill Alexander, manager of the Timonium
Drive-In. just outside Baltimore, has been
transferred to the middlewest as a zone manager
for his company. Floyd McCullan,
Rutherford, N, J., succeeds Alexander as
Timonium manager, with Carl Bottger, also
from New Jersey, as assistant . . Art Hallock,
.
manager of the Paramount, was
delighted
with the holiday season visit of his
son-in-law and daughter, Lt. and Mrs. Robert
C. Huber from Lubbock, Tex., where he's
a jet pilot. They brought along Art's grandson
Ronald.
Morton Gerber. head of the district Theatres
Washington, was in town on business , . .
Dave Polland was here on U-I's "Inherit the
Wind" at the Mayfair ... Hal Gardner, film
critic, on the Sun, returned from a threeweek
vacation Grant, owner of
.
the Northwood, is driving a new foreign-made
sports auto .
Brizendine, an executive
of the Schwaber Theatres, was in
New York on business.
Dudley Davis is the new assistant manager
at the Mayfair. He's a native of Maryland's
Eastern Shore . . . Max Weinberg, formerly
of Baltimore and now with United Artists in
New York, was home for the holidays.
Winsten to Present Award
For IMPDA 1956 Film
NEW YORK—Archer Winsten, motion picture
critic of the New York Post will present
the Independent Motion Picture Distributors
Ass'n of America's annual Joseph Burstyn
Award for the best foreign-language film of
1956 to "La Strada" at a cocktail party at
the Hotel Plaza Januai-y 15.
Richard Basehart. one of the three stars of
the Italian language film, will accept the
award. Manleo Brosio, Italian Ambassador
to the U.S., will be guest of honor.
PHILADELPHIA
TT S. Senator Clifford T. Case of New Jersey
was the principal speaker at the Variety
Club ceremony Monday at the Bellevue-Stratford
Hotel when Maxwell Gillis was honored
as outgoing chief barker and Sylvan M. Cohen
was installed as the new chief barker. The
scheduled industry speaker was Morey Goldstein,
general sales manager of Allied Ai'ti.sts
Sam Shapiro is promoting formation
of a three-million-dollar chain of
drive-ins in this area, according to Vine
Street scuttlebutt.
The Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen
has installed Max Bernstein as president;
John McFadden. vice-pre.sident; Joe Schaeffer
secretary, and Alan Stroulson, treasurer
Kalman, daughter of the late Jack
Kalman, is engaged to Anthony G. Amsterdam,
according to an announcement of her
mother. Mrs. Jean Kalman . . . Al Davis and
Bill Madden are co-chairman of the January
21 testimonial dinner to be given by Motion
Picture Ass'n of Philadelphia to Gene Tunick
and Stanley Kositsky. Tunick has advanced
from Philadelphia branch manager at United
Artists to eastern division manager while
Kositsky was transferred to the UA branch
from Buffalo.
The escapades of the mad bomber in New
York spread to Philadelphia and suburbs.
Saturday afternoon, last week, the Keswick
Theatre, Glenside, received an anonymous
phone call that a bomb had been planted in
the auditorium and would explode during the
children's matinee. A search of the theatre
revealed a homemade bomb which consisted
of gunpowder in a can with a fuse. The
Three 13-year-old boys
bomb did not go off.
were arrested as the ones responsible
Andy Walsh, former manager of the
. .
SW
.
Sedgwick Theatre, Mount Airy, is now at
. . Lansdowne . Peter Marinos plans improvements
at his Wyoming, Pa., theatre.
Sam Resnick, formerly of the Blumberg
Bros. New Mayfair Theatre, has been appointed
Philadelphia district manager for the
David Milgram, Howard, Avenue and Park
theatres.
Mike Todd, producer of "Around the World
in 80 Days," and William Goldman, owner of
the Midtown Theatre where the production
opened, hosted the press and radio folk at
a luncheon held at the Warwick Hotel . . .
The Hamilton in Lancaster, which closed recently,
will be remodeled with the lobby being
converted into a nightclub and the auditorium
a warehouse.
Annual Catholic Event
In New York Feb. 7
NEW YORK—The seventh annual Communion
breakfast for Catholics in the motion
picture industry will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria
Hotel Sunday (February 3), following
a Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Rev. John J. Cavanaugh, director of the
University of Notre Dame Foundation and
former president of the University, will be the
principal speaker at the breakfast. Similar
affairs are held annually in Hollywood, New
Orleans, Detroit, Toronto and Montreal.
Fred MacMurray and his wife, June Haver,
will tour the South for his U-I starrer, "Gun
for a Coward."
30X0FFICE January 12, 1957 E-7

—
s^

I Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD
AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER.
Ofjicc— Suite 21'J at 6404 HolUjKovd Bird.. Ivan Spear, Western Manager
i
921 Foreign Visitors
At Studios in 1956
HOLLYWOOD — Motion picture studios
were hosts to 921 official guests from 65
foreign nations during 1956. according to
figures compiled by the international committee
of the Ass'n of Motion Picture F*i-oducers.
The total is up 175 over the number
entertained in 1955.
The majority of the visitors were on nationwide
tours sponsored by the U. S. State
Department. Numbered among the guests
were 310 government officials. 165 newspaper
editors and correspondents, 137 educators.
40 motion picture producers, exhibitors and
technicians. 135 industrialists, businessmen,
labor leaders and others. The total also included
108 foreign exchange students who
were studio guests through the cooperation
of the AMPP with various national educational
organizations.
Most notable of the guests during the year
was President Sukarno of Indonesia, who was
accorded a top level industry dinner hosted
by Eric Johnston, president of MPPA.
International committee studio members
are: Carl Schaefer. Warner Bros., chairman;
W. M. Bishop. 20th Century-Fox: Louis
Blaine, U-I: William Gordon, U-I: Elba
Guenther, MGM: Ely Levy. Columbia; Luigi
Luraschi. Paramount: Frank McCarthy, 20th
Century-Pox; Roy Metzler. 20th Century-
Fox; Adele Palmer. RKO; George Pardon.
Warner Bros.; Robert Rhodes. Allied Artists;
Edward Schellhorn. Paramount, and Robert
Vogel. MGM.
Serge Krizman Steps Up
HOLLYWOOD—Serge Krizman has been
elevated to the presidency of the Society of
Motion Picture Art Directors, it was announced
by business representative Norman
Lowenstein. Formerly vice-president, Krizman
succeeds George Davis, who relinquished
the office because of new duties. Merrille Pye
was elected veepee.
College Magazine Awards
To Baker and Douglas
HOLLYWOOD—College Magazine, locally
published humor periodical, has announced
its selections for its fifth annual "merit
awards."
Named as best actor was Kirk Douglas for
"Lust for Life." with Carroll Baker winning
best actre.ss kudo for "Baby Doll." Best film
of the year was Michael Todd's "Around the
World in 80 Days." Best supporting actor
award went to Robert Stack for "Written
on the Wind," with Mildred Dunnock selected
as best supporting actress for "Baby Doll."
Special awards were accorded to Michael
Todd for "imaginative and creative effort,"
to George Murphy for "industry public relations"
and to Eugene Loring for "outstanding
choreography" for "Meet Me in Las
Vegas."
To Produce Sea Drama
HOLLYWOOD—MGM has signed Alfred
Hitchcock to produce and direct "The Wreck
of the Mary Deare." a suspenseful sea drama,
which is scheduled to roll early this summer
after Hitchcock has completed a prior commitment
at Paramount.
SPG Enrolls Alan Armer
HOLLYWOOD — The Screen Producers
Guild has accepted into full membership
Alan A. Armer. TCF-TV producer. Addition
of Armer brings SPG total to 184.
Warner Bros. Steps Up
TV Film Produciion
HOLLYWOOD—Warner Bros, studio will
triple its production for television in the
early months this year.
The just-announced expansion program
calls for launching two full-hour shows and
a half-hour show as soon as possible, according
to William T. Orr, executive producer of
the studio's TV division. These shows are the
outgrowth of recent meetings between Jack
L. Warner and Leonard H. Goldenson. president
of AB-PT.
Declared as being "further in line with
Warner's policy of building Warner Bros,
leadership in the field of television film entertainment."
it was revealed that the studio
IS planning a number of other productions
for the general market.
First of the new shows for ABC-TV will
be a half-horn- dramatic adventure series
titled "Amazon Trader" and will consist of
stories filmed in the Amazon jungle. Air debut
dates for "Trader" and the two new fullhour
shows have not been determined.
Adventures of the outlaw. "Billy the Kid,"
will be dramatized in one of the shows
planned for
the general market and another
series of half-hour mystery dramas is in
work. Contemplated also is an hour-long series
based on the legend of "Calamity Jane,"
with still other productions in consideration.
Music by Leigh Stevens
HOLLYWOOD—Leigh Stevens ha,s been
.=.igned by Paramount to arrange, compose
and conduct the score for "The Five Pennies,"
forthcoming film biography of Red Nichols,
which gets under way February 4 w'ith Danny
Kaye in the role of Nichols. It will be produced
and directed by Mel Shavelson and
Jack Rose.
To Script 'Never So Few'
HOLLYWOOD— Scripting chores on MGM's
"Never So Few" have been assigned to
Millard Kaufman.
BORN IN A BARN—The old barn where Cecil B. DeMille, in association with
Samuel Goldwyn and Jesse L. Lasky, started feature film production in 1913 was
dedicated this week at Paramount Studios as "Hollywood's first major film company
studio and as a state landmark. Speakers at the dedication spanned DeMJUe's career
"
from his first picture, "The Squaw Man, ' to his present work. Shown left to right are
Goldwyn, Lasky, DeMille, veteran Adolph Zukor, Leo Carrillo, a member of the State
Park Commission, and Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount's studio chief.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 W-1

Ca^ecutUf-e.
West: Milton Sperling, producer of "Marjorie
Morningstar" for Warner Bros., returned
from New York after discussions with WB
home office brass on filming of the Herman
Wouk novel.
East: Alfred E. Daff, U-I executive vicepresident,
departed for a swing through the
company's exchanges in Europe.
East: William Dozier, vice-president in
charge of production at the RKO studio,
planned to leave for New York to supervise
the rehearsals and initial shooting of "Stage
Struck." Dozier also expected to confer with
home office toppers anent current and future
productions.
* * *
East: Seymour Poe, eastern representative
for Bel-Air Productions, and Edward Small,
Charles Reagan Casting
MGM Plans for Year
HOLLYWOOD—MGM's plans for
the coming
months are being formulated by Charles
Reagan, Loew's sales department head, here
for a week's studio visit and a look-see at
upcoming features. He was accompanied by
Herman Ripps, newly appointed western division
sales manager.
Following conferences with Ben Thau,
studio administrative head; E. J. Mannix,
general manager; and other executives, Reagan
screened "The Little Hut." "Something
of Value," "Designing Woman," "Ten
Thousand Bedrooms," "The Vintage," as well
as footage from "Gun Glory," "Silk Stockings,"
"This Could Be the Night" and "Man
on Fire."
George Nichols Opens
Beverly Hills Office
HOLLYWOOD—George Nichols, who for
the past 16 years has been a member of a
major studio publicity department, has
opened his own editorial and public relations
offices in Beverly Hills.
Up to the first of the year, Nichols headed
MGM's special projects department under
Howard Dietz, vice-president in charge of
advertising and publicity. In addition to
representing motion pictui'e, television and
radio producers and personalities. Nichols
will act as liaison between several national
magazines and west coast writers.
Foreign Press to Present
Awards on February 28
HOLLYWOOD—Reporters covering Hollywood
for publications in 50 foreign countries
are planning to attend the Hollywood Foreign
Press Ass'n annual Golden Globe banquet
February 28 at the Ambassador Hotel's
Cocoanut Grove.
The highlight of the event will be the presentation
of awards to the most popular actor
and actress as determined by votes of the
moviegoers in those 50 countries. Awards will
also be given to favorites selected by vote of
the membership of the HFPA in categories
including actor, actress, supporting actor and
^n

Paramount. Wilde Ink Pact
For 'Fastest Man on Earth'
HOLLYWOOD—Cornel Wilde and Paramount
have closed a deal whereby Paramount
will finance and release "The Fastest Man on
Earth" for the actor's independent film company.
Theodora Productions. Wilde will produce
and direct the feature as well as costar
with his wife, Jean Wallace.
It will mark the third time the Wildes have
costarred on the screen and the actor has
produced, directed and starred in a film.
Based on an original screenplay by James
Edmiston, "Fastest Man" is a story of sports
car racing. It will be filmed in VistaVision.
Novelist Frank Gruber
Joins Overland Prod.
HOLLYWOOD— Novelist Frank Gruber has
joined Nat Holt's newly former television
organization. Overland Productions, as a
story consultant and a shareholder in the
firm.
Gruber's novel, "Wells Fargo," will be the
basis for the first of several coast-to-coast
video series being planned by the company.
Holt, who is president of Overland, will produce
this initial series, which will be spon-
.sored by the American Tobacco Co.
Overland has establi-shed headquarters at
the Republic studios.
WB Hosts Roses Band
HOLLYWOOD — Director Raoul Walsh
hosted 150 member.s of the Baker, La., band
at Warner Bros, studio Friday (Dec. 28). The
band, from a town of 1,800 population, was
here to participate in the Tournament of
Roses, New Year's day. Next month, Walsh
will location near Baker for WB's "Band of
Angels."
LeRoy Prinz Back to WB
HOLLYWOOD—LeRoy Prinz has been
signed to direct the dance and musical numbers
for "The Jazz Age, " which Michael Curtiz
is directing and Martin Rackin is producing
for Warner Bros. The assignment
returns Printz to the studio where he directed
song and dance specialties for many
years.
To Direct 'Riesel' Story
HOLLYWOOD — Producer Richard Heermance
set Joseph Newman to direct "The
Victor Riesel Story," which is to go into production
at Allied Artists in February.
Pick "Ten Commandments'
HOLLYWOOD—Offered a choice of several
attractions, the 115 members of the University
of Iowa marching band elected to see "The
Ten Commandments" New Year's night after
they performed at the Tournament of Roses
and the Iowa-Oregon State football game
in the Rose Bowl.
Romson Assigns Wallace MacDonald
HOLLYWOOD—Wallace MacDonald has
been assigned as executive producer of "The
Hard Man." Romson Productions' next picture
for Columbia release. Scheduled to roll
in May, the film will star Guy Madison, with
Helen Ainsworth producing.
THERE
was a time— and it wasn't too
long ago—when the slightest development
indicating further expansion in
the liaison between the motion picture and
television industries became the reason for
screaming tradepress headlines and much
tradewide viewing with alarm. Now such
situations present themselves with increasing
regularity and generate little more than
perfunctory interest and attention. The closing
months of 1956 were freighted with them.
For example there was the deal through
which National Telefilm Associates Network
committed $30,000,000 for 390 motion pictures
from 20th Century-Fox and the acquisition by
the latter corporation of a 50 per cent interest
In the NTAN. Then there are the current and
hydrafaceted negotiations between the producers
and distributors of films and Hollywood
craftsmen which are undertaking to
determine to what extent the unionites will
participate in the revenues derived through
the sale to TV of post- 1948 features.
Perhaps the most significant indication—
and one that was apparently taken in stride
—was a statement made by John L. Dales,
national executive secretary of the Screen
Actors Guild, at the annual meeting of that
organization. In stressing the necessity for
bilateral contractual arrangements between
filmmakers and troupers. Dales opined:
"There isn't a theatrical picture made today
which will not ultimately find its way into
television. So the problem gets bigger day
by day."
Even the diehards among industryites
should be arriving at the conclusion that television
is here to stay.
A singularly ironical facet of the relationship
between films and video came to light
on the occasion of the local premiere of
Paramount's "The Ten Commandments." In
connection with that debut at the Warner
Beverly Theatre, Paramount tub thumpers
initiated something new. Instead of the prepreview
ceremonies, interviews, l>ow tailing
and other activities standardly an accessory
of such clambalies, these headline-inviting
enterprises were staged after the DeMille
mastodon had been screened for the invited
first-nighters. They were filmed and taped
and were widely telecast and broadcast the
next day—not before the performance as per
established routine.
That evening, and while "Commandments"
was being unfurled, scores of persons called
the theatre to inquire about what had happened
to the expected telecast of the premiere
festivities. Dozens of others came to
the foyer to ask the same question. The
explanation given them, and one that seemed
to be generally disappointing, informed that
they could see the fireworks the next day on
TV programs including the popular Art Linkletter's
"House Party."
Paramount and DeMille exploiteers claim
that the departure from norm is an improvement
over previous modus operandi
inasmuch as it permits greater coverage and
a smoother show, because of the opportunity
for editing the confused footage exposed in
the teeming entrance while stars and other
celebrities are arriving en masse and jockeying
for a piece of the limelight.
Whether or not they are right in this
theorizing, one certainty was again demonstrated:
People are still reading about and
are avidly interested in motion pictures and
those who make them, even if in too many
cases they prefer sitting in the comfort of
their own living rooms and observing the
results on their respective squawk boxes.
Breaking this deeply-seated habit is the
Herculean task that confronts the trade's
masterminds who have undertaken an overall
campaign to rewin the much-discussed
lost audience.
As a contribution to the department of
doubtful distinctions. Bill Hendricks' Burbank
blurbers advise, "Fattest ducks in town are
the quackers in the lake at Hollenbeck Park.
During location filming ... fed them almost
500 pounds of popcorn to keep them happy
and tractable for picnic scenes in 'The
Pajama Game.' "
This may be true, but Allied Artists still has
the fattest pigeon, namely, Sandy Abrahams.
From Al Tamarin, assistant publicity director
of United Artists and chairman of the
MPAA subcommittee on merchandising and
promotion in New York, an editorializing news
release holding that, "The decision of the
board of governors of the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences not to oppose the
proposed Academy Awards Derby this coming
year deserves the congratulations and support
of the entire motion picture industry."
As was widely reported, the Academy board
had magnanimously voted not to bring "legal"
action against the Derby if it adheres to
certain specifications and restrictions, among
them an emphatic taboo on using the image
of Oscar in connection with ballyhooing the
proposed boxoffice building venture.
Inasmuch as every dollar donated to the
lush support of the Academy, regardless of
its ultimate source, originates in the cash
drawer of some theatre, the Academicians'
smug acquiescence, with its obviously implied
condescension, appeared anything but
generous and cooperative.
Tamarin further opines that an additional
vote of thanks is due the "Advertising and
Publicity Directors Committee in Hollywood,
particularly to Mr. William Hendricks, chairman
of the committee, and to his committee
members, Mr. Teet Carle, Mr. Jack Diamond,
Mr. Leon Roth, and to Mr. Charles Wales (his
name is Clarke), for invaluable cooperation
and guidance."
In view of which, it is difficult to decide
whether Tamarin was being subtly sardonic
or shrewdly tactful.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 W-3

. . Jerry
. . Producer
. . Jack
WGA to Vole on Strike
Against Todd & HHL
HOLLYWOOD — Strike action against
Hecht-Hill-Lancaster and Michael Todd for
refusal to negotiate a collective bargaining
agreement is contemplated by the Writers
Guild of America. West. The action will depend
on a vote to be taken at a special membership
meeting of the screen writers branch
of the guild, scheduled for Thursday (24).
WGAW's recent deal with
At the meeting.
Matty Fox on a group of post '48 pictures released
to television will also be submitted
to screen membership for approval.
Also on the agenda is a discussion of the
general question of the guild's position on
release of motion pictures to TV. the forthcoming
guild and Academy Awards, details
of a proposed new contract with agents, and
a suggested investment plan for funds remaining
in the screen writers branch.
Members of the Writers Guild of America.
West, are being polled by mail for approval
of new and stringent modes of dealing with
unfair producers, as recommended by the
guild's
council.
One such proposal is that a strike list be
added to the present unfair list of producers,
each defined as follows: All producers who
have refused to negotiate a collective bargaining
agreement with the guild, or failed
to conclude such an agreement having once
commenced negotiations or failed to pay cash
minimums. be placed on the strike list. All
other producers who have acted unfau-ly or
irresponsibly or who have made substandard
deals with writers are to be placed on the
unfair list.
Members of the television-radio writers
branch will also vote on whether to rescind
a regulation previously passed dealing with
apportionment of residuals between screen
and TV writers, where their combined work
is involved. Tliis is necessary in order that
the problem of residual sharing may be considered
on an overall basis as regards radio,
screen and TV writers, live as well as film.
» « *
A first draft of its new film television contract
with the networks has been received
by the Writers Guild of America. Also, its
contract with major film television subsidiaries
is being signed, and consummation of
its pact with the Alliance of Independent
Film Television Producers is expected to take
place momentarily.
Pi'ovision has been made for expedition of
all its future contracts in a new ruling of the
branch board, confirmed by general vote of
the branch membership, stipulating that no
pacts will ever again be presented for membership
approval until reduced to final writing
by the producers; and if not so presented
within 60 days after negotiations have been
completed, strike action will be taken.
•^ * *
Toppers from the Writers Guild of America,
East—including Stanley Niss, vice-president;
Evelyn Burkey, executive director, and Richard
Jablow, counsel— arrived in Hollywood to
meet with heads of WGA, West, to expedite
a number of pending guild projects and labor
negotiations.
The continuing study of industry trends
in the TV field, which has been carried on in
the east for some time, is being joined in by
the western chapter of the guild. To guide
writers in their efforts to meet the demands
of the market, the study is endeavoring to
discern a pattern of change in TV entertainment,
an indication of type of programs
which are growing in popularity and types
which are falling off.
One important phase of the trends study
is to learn how much telecast time, which
might be used for new live or film dramatic
presentations, is being pre-empted by showing
as old movies.
Pakula-Mulligan Planning
Three Media Productions
HOLLYWOOD—Pakula-Mulligan Productions
has been formed by producer Alan
Pakula and director Robert Mulligan. The
first property bought by the company was
stage rights to the novel "Laurette." based on
the life of Laurette Taylor, which Pakula and
Mulligan will produce on the stage next year.
The company plans to function in three
media—television, motion pictures and theatrical
productions—with offices in both
Hollywood and New York.
Pakula, who was formerly an executive in
the Paramount front office and assistant to
Don Hartman, recently produced "Fear
Strikes Out" starring Anthony Perkins and
Karl Maiden; while Mulligan, a TV director
functioned as director on "Fear Strikes Out"
and has previously directed such network
shows as Kraft Theatre, Studio One, Alcoa-
Goodyear Playhouse and Suspense.
Ripps and Hickey Honored
At MGM Luncheon in LA
LOS ANGELES—Charles Reagan. MGM
sales head, was host Wednesday (9^ to a
group of California exhibitors at a luncheon
in the Ambassador Hotel to introduce Herman
Ripps. newly appointed western division
manager, and to honor George A. Hickey.
retiring from that job.
In presenting Ripps. Reagan stressed the
importance of the western territory and expressed
high tribute to Hickey for the years
of devoted service.
Reagan and Ripps then left on a toui' of
MGM exchanges, including Seattle, Portland,
Salt Lake City and San Francisco.
Jack Diamond Elected
HOLLYWOOD—Jack Diamond. U-I publicity
director, has taken over the chairmanship
of the studio publicity directors committee of
the Ass'n of Motion Pictures Producers. He
succeeds Bill Hendricks, Warner Bros, blurb
chief, who served in the post for the past year.
Mervin Houser. RKO publicity du-ector, was
elected vice-chairman and will succeed
Diamond in 1958.
MGM Grants Request
HOLLYWOOD—Ronald Neame asked for
and received his release from directorial
contract on MGM's "The Seventh Sin" due
to differences of opinion. Vincente Minnelli
will assume meggine chores on the picture.
To Play at SDG Dance
HOLLYWOOD—Leighton Noble and his
orchestra will play for the Screen Directors
Guild annual awai'ds dinner dance February
2 at the Biltmore Bowl.
LOS ANGELES
Jnasmuch as National Theatre Supply
closed its Omaha office. Glenn Slipper,
manager there, returned to work at the Los
Frank Fauce, producer
Angeles office . . .
and owner of theatres in Mexico, returned
from a trip to Cuba . Sherriff of DCA
exchange headed for San Diego.
.
Booking: and buying on Filmrow were Mr.
and Mrs. Bill Alford, Palm Springs theatre
managers: Lloyd Katz, Nevada Theatre Corp.;
Burton Jones, Capri, San Diego, who was
conferring with Roy Dickson; Mr. and Mrs.
Joe Markowitz. Encinitas; Roy Lamucchi,
Bakersfield, and Ronnie Lefton, Pan Pacific
Theatre Zigmund, district manager.
Paramount Theatres, was visiting the
local exchange . Herman King
of the King Bros, was making the rounds on
the Row.
Dick Carnegie, manager. United Ai-tists,
and Scottie Finlay, UA salesman, have returned
from their vacations . . . Saul Mahler,
Vinnicof Theatre circuit, and his wife have
come home after two weeks in Arizona . . .
Mr. and Mrs. Herb Jack—he's in the seating
business—are back from San Francisco where
they visited their children.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Grossman. Magnolia
Theatre. Burbank, announced the forthcoming
marriage of their daughter Marilyn to
Travis Izen. The ceremony is to take place
March 23 . . Sonny Amusement's George
.
Friedland and his wife are celebrating their
19th wedding anniversary.
. . . Bernie
Phil Hoffman, Hoffman & Helm Theatres,
was injured in an automobile accident and
Norman Newman,
resultantly is in a cast . . .
Metropolitan Theatres, was admitted to the
Glendale Hospital for surgery
Wolf, National Screen Service, is bedded with
virus.
William Z. Porter, Allied Ai'tists home office
field representative, planed to San Francisco
to confer with James Myers, manager of the
exchange there.
March 1 Start Planned
For 'Stalin's Children'
HOLLWOOD—Industry veteran Edward A.
Golden is planning a March 1 start for his
impending independent venture, which
was formerly titled "The Stalin Story"
and has been redubbed "Stalin's Children."
No release has been set for the feature,
although negotiations have been conducted
with United Artists. Golden revealed
further that the undertaking has
been budgeted at $500,000 and that Charles
Green, the 20th-Fox minority stockholder
whose past activities in heckling that company
have been widely publicized, is partially
financing the production. The script has been
writen by Hugh Gray, a UCLA professor, and
treats with the activities of Stalin and those
with whom he surrounded himself in the
Russian hierarchy.
Karl Maiden to Seven-Year Pact
HOLLYWOOD—Karl Maiden has been
signed to a seven-year, nonexclusive contract
by Warner Bros,
which commits him to one
picture annually.
W-4 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

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Budweiser Clydesdales
Welcomed at Cocktails
HOLLYWOOD—More than 150 personalities,
press representatives, Anheuser-Busch
executives and D'Arcy Advertising toppers
turned out Tuesday (8i for the old-fashioned
cocktail party given by U-I to welcome the
famous Budweiser team of prize-winning
Cydesdale horses which is in Hollywood to
appear in a series of TV color films.
Among those attending were N. J. Blumberg,
chairman of the board, U-I; John Wilson,
executive vice-president of Anheuser-
Busch: John Flanigan, vice-president of
A-B; Harry Chesley jr., executive veepee of
D'Arcy; Dan Duryea, Jay C. Flippin. Bill
Williams, Barbara Hale, William Bendix,
Robert Middleton, Jane Howard, Robert
Wilke, Jock Mahoney. Lola Albright, Ken
Murray and June Lockhart.
Ozoner Sixth Anniversary
Observed With Free Shows
GLOBE, ARIZ.—Mr. and Mrs. O. K.
Leonard, owners and managers of the Apache
Drive-In on the Globe-Miami highway, celebrated
the sixth anniversary of the theatre's
opening by offering natrons a free show two
successive nights last month.
"It was our way of saying thank you to all
our customers for past and present patronage,"
said Leonard.
The "thank you" shows bracketed one hour
of cartoons with a feature, supplemented by
free candy for the youngsters, six Elvis Presley
hats and other prizes.
Host to Purple Hearts
HOLLYWOOD—Warner Bros, planned to
host representatives of the Military Order
of the Purple Heart, Thursday (lO with a
studio luncheon and tour of the lot. Guests
were to include William Eaton, Commander,
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Coughlan, Adolph Sutro
and Mrs. Mable Patton.
Temple Re-Elects Corwin
LOS ANGELES — Metropolitan
Theatres
Corp. F*resident Sherrill C. Corwin has been
re-elected for a third consecutive term as
president of Hollywood's Temple Israel. Reelected
also as chairman of the board was
Steve Broidy, president of Allied Ai-tists.
Planning Bellevue Theatre
BELLEVUE, WASH.—Architect B. Marcus
Priteca is working on plans for the new
theatre to be built here this year by Fred
Danz of Sterling Theatres. An opening date
in the fall is scheduled, according to Danz.
Assigned to 'Bop Girl'
HOLLYWOOD—Ed James has been contracted
to write the script of "Bop Girl" for
Bel-Air Productions. Howard W. Koch will
produce and William Hole jr. will direct the
music*drama.
To Co-Star in
'Bombers B-52'
HOLLYWOOD — Efrem Zimbalist. New
York actor, has been set for the romantic
lead opposite Natalie Wood in "Bombers B-
52," and has been signed to a term contract
by Warner Bros.
Moon' Opens af Seattle Orpheum
With Terrific Gross of 500%
SEATTLE — "The Teahouse of the August
Moon" opened at the Music Box with a
smash 500 per cent. "Baby Doll," opened at
the Orpheum with 200. "Oklahoma!" was
.still
big business at the Blue Mouse.
f Average Is 100)
B'ue Mouse Oklahoma! (Magna), 10th wk
Music Box— The Teahouse of the August Moon
200
(MGM) 200
Music Hall Written on the Wind (U-I) 170
Orphiurr- Baby Do!! (WB) 200
Teahouse' Soars to 400
First Week in Portland
PORTLAND— Business over the holiday
period wa.s excellent, with four out of six
first runs rating 250 per cent or better. The
top mark went to "The Teahouse of the August
Moon." which soared to 400 at the Liberty.
"Anastasia," "Baby Doll" and "Oklahoma!"
were the other high grossers.
Broadway Oklahomo! (Todd), 3rd month 250
Fox Anastasia (20th-Fox) 270
Guild— Secrets of Life (BV), 3rd wk 125
Liberty The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM)
400
Orpheum Boby Doll (WB)
250
Paramount Hollywood or Bust (Para)
100
LA Postholiday Grosses
Well Above 1956 Level
LOS ANGELES—Despite the fact that there
were no newcomers to local first run screens,
postholiday business continued at a promising
pace, with the total gross considerably
more than that reported for the parallel
period last year. Topping the current crop of
blockbusters was "Around the World in 80
Days," which hit 370 per cent in its third
canto. "The Ten Commandments," in its
eighth, hit 235. Tied for third place with
200 were "Anastasia" in its second stanza
and "The Teahouse of the August Moon" in
its seventh week.
Carthoy Circle Around the World in 80 Days
(UA), 3rd wk 370
Chinese Anostasio (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 200
Egyptian Bundle of Joy (RKO), 3rd wk 65
Fine Arts Secrets of Life (BV), 4th wk 100
Four Stor The Rainmaker (Para), 3rd wk 160
Fox Beverly Full of Life (Col), 3rd wk 115
Fcx Wilshire The King and Four Queens (UA),
3rd wk 85
Howaii, Orpheum Hollywood or Bust (Para);
White Squaw (Col), 3rd wk 90
Hillstreet, Hollywood Zarak (Col); Suicide Mission
(CoM, 2nd wk 125
Pontages The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGMl, 7th wk 200
Paramount Downtown, Vogue, Wiltern Baby Doll
(WB), 2nd wk '50
Paramount Hollywood Written on the Wind (U-I),
3rd wk 1 80
Warners Beverly The Ten Commandments (Pore),
8th wk 235
Warner; Hollywood Cinerama Holiday (Cinerama),
60th wk 145
Fair to Big at Denver;
Five Offerings Hold
DENVER—Business was fair to big in the
first runs last week, with five out of seven
films holding over. The entire first run setup
was on a single bill basis, and this is unusual
since it is not too long since that Denver was
mainly a double-bill town.
"The Teahouse of the August Moon" at the
Orpheum ran mighty close to its opening
week, and stayed for a third. "Written on the
Wind" was strong at the Paramount and held.
"Oklahoma!" was held for a 13th week. "Anastasia"
got at least a third week at the Centre,
and "Hollywood or Bust" went into its
foui-th week at the Denham.
Aladdin The Silent World (Col), 3rd wk 85
Centre—Anastasia (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 120
Denham Hollywood or Bust (Para), 3rd wk 130
Denver Boby Doll iWB), 2nd wk
Orpheum The Teahouse of the August Moon
IMG.iA), 2nd wk .;4u
Paramount Written on the Wind (U-I) 200
Tobcr Oklahomo! (Magna), 12th wk 80
'Teahouse' Registers 350
As Best Frisco Gross
SAN FRANCISCO— The Teahouse of the
August Moon" opened with a blasting 350
per cent high among many strong contenders
for the holiday week. Second spot honors
went to the opening of "Baby Doll" with 225
per cent.
Fox—The Girl Can't He'o It (20th-Fox), 2nd wk.. . 90
Golden Gate Written on the Wind (U-I) 115
Poramount Hollywood or Bust (Para). 2nd wk. .
.125
St. Francis Baby Doll (WB) 225
United Artiits— The King and Four Queens (UA),
2nd wk 150
Warfield The Teohouse of the August Moon
(MGM) 350
Am-Par Exhibitor Group
To Meet in New Orleans
HOLLYWOOD—Am-Par Pictures exhibitor
committee, recently formed to guide the company
in its production policies, plans to hold
its first meeting Monday (21) at the Hotel
Roosevelt in New Orleans, according to Jerry
Zigmond. chairman of the group and western
division manager of AB-PT.
AB-PT Vice-President Sidney M. Markley
will attend the sessions along with Irving H.
Levin, president, and Harry L. Mandell. vicepresident
of Am-Par: Zigmond: Louis J.
Finske. Miami: Norris Hadaway. Atlanta:
Henry Plitt. New Orleans: David Wallerstein,
Chicago, and Raymond Willie, Dallas.
Tax Reduction Tabled
PORT ANGELES, WASH.—The city
council
tabled a proposal to reduce the amusement
tax from 4 to approximately 3':! per
cent when it was pointed out more consideration
should be given to how the $4,000 yearly
revenue would be made up if the ticket levy
were decreased.
ADVRNCTi
tSoss
piUGS.
Thsse 3 frame trailers
feature art b a c k-
grounds, photos and
compelling
oH-stage
voicel NO CONTRACTS,
NO RETURNS!
FILMACK
I32JS.W*«ASH
CHICAGO 5. ILL.
eachi
THEATRE
FOR SALE
Northern California. 600 scats.
$10,000 down. Others. lAfrite
for
list.
THEATRE EXCHANGE CO.
5724 S.E. Monrot St. 260 Kearney St.
Portland 22, Oreoon San Francisco 8. Calif
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 W-5

. . Quentin
. . Les
. . Robert
. . Dorothy
. . Fox
. . Theatre
DENVER
JJenry Westerfeld, city manager at Ti-inidad,
for Fox Intermountain. has retired. He
has been with FIM
since it was organized
in 1929. coming with
K&F Theatres, which
was absorbed into Fox
Intermountain. A s-
signed to the Trinidad
post was Russell Page,
who has been manager
of the Southeast, Salt
Lake City . Intermountain
is inaugurating
a Movie Cash
Quiz in the Paramount.
H. J. Westerfeld
North Platte,
and the Fox, Sidney. both in Nebraska. Patrons
will register and a ticket will be drawn
weekly. If the ticketholder is present he will
have a chance to answer a question on fUms,
with $500 as the prize. If the person is not
present he will be notified of what he missed
and will be sent $10. The stunt made page
one in Omaha newspapers.
. . . Heading for the
Charles Bridge has taken over the Spruce
in Fraser. It formerly was operated by R.
D. Ervin, Kremmhng . Channel!
is the new receptionist at Paramount, succeeding
Mrs. Sherry Richardson, who has
moved to Texas . Selig, Fox Intermountain
division manager, and family went
to Mexico on vacation
midmonth Paramount sales meeting in St.
Louis will be Phil Isaacs, division manager;
Jim Ricketts, branch manager, and Pete
Bayes, publicity man.
Chapter 10 of Women of the Motion Picture
Industry is getting behind the Back
the Movies campaign. So far the women have
sent letters to every exhibitor in the territory,
and have other plans to boost this worthwhile
movement. The WOMPI sponsored a
fruit cake and Christmas card sale, and the
organization profited nicely from these. The
club is also running a one-day rummage sale
to boost its charity fund . . . The Denver
Shipping & Inspection Bureau has mailed
out its calendar and phone list for the year.
Anyone that wants the list and has not received
it can get one by either dropping the
bureau a line or calling at the headquarters,
2118 Stout St. It contains information concerning
exchanges and allied businesses.
Tom Bailey of Bailey Distributing Co. was
on a sales trip to Salt Lake City and on to
Montana . Horn, office manager
at RKO. became a grandfather for the first
time when his daughter, Mrs. Eloise Monnett,
gave birth to a girl named Neone Lyne.
in Sacramento, Calif., where the father is in
the Air Force . Laramie and William
Harrison, Universal salesmen, are driving
new Plymouths, company cars.
Forest Auten, assistant manager at the
ELVIS PRESLEY or JAMES DEAN
FAN PHOTOS
o xiu^
CI AHA
^^'' Thousand
• Black and White )||JUU(MinJmum Order 1.000 •
Glossy Stock
Iw—
of Either Star)
Cheek with
Order!
THEATRICAL ADVPRTISING CO.
2310 Coss Detroit 1, Mich.
Centre, has resigned from Fox Intermountain
.
folk seen on Filmrow included
R. D. Ervin, Kremmling; Lloyd Greve,
Eagle: Sam Rosenthal and son Jack, Buffalo.
W.vo.; Bernard Newman, Walsh, and
Don Beers, Santa Pe.
Dalles Contestant Wins
Sterling Circuit Contest
THE DALLES, ORE.—Mrs J. C. Brown,
one of 5,000 local entries in Sterling Theatres
essay contest open to residents of the entire
Pacific northwest, won the grand prize of a
trip to Hawaii for two persons.
Essay subject was "Why I would like to take
a trip to Hawaii." Mrs. Brown, who works
in an accountant's office, wrote that she
would like to get away from routine income
tax forms and contest officials agreed that
this was the best reason for wanting a vacation.
Mrs. Brown's husband, who was off on
an elk hunt when she was notified of her
win. accompanied her on the all-expenses
paid vacation.
Dick Lacey, manager of the Granada Theatre
here, representing the Sterling circuit in
presentation of the winning certificate to Mrs.
Brown.
PORTLAND
IVAartin Foster, Guild director, was in town
on a routine visit to the Guild, managed
by Nancy Welch. Walt Disney's "Secrets of
Life." ciuTently in its third week there, will
be followed by the IFE opera, "Madame
Butterfly."
"Oklahoma!" in a third month at J. J.
Parker's Broadway Theatre, has enjoyed a
steady run, with a phenomenal holiday increase
in business. Thomas Walsh, Parker
executive, reported that he will start a campaign
billing "Oklahoma!" as a show, not a
movie . . . Dick Newton promoted United
Ai-tists' "The Wild Party" with a jazz session
outside the big Paramount Theatre. He hired
the Braxton trio, a popular jazz spot combo,
to perform for more than an hour Friday
night.
'Shake' Released in L. A.
LOS ANGELES—Sunset Productions' first
musical, "Shake, Rattle and Rock," opened
in 17 Los Angeles theatres Wednesday (9).
released by American International Pictures.
Theatres included the Orpheum, Hollywood,
Golden Gate, Academy, Inglewood. Imperial
and Long Beach and 12 Pacific drive-ins.
Short Film at UA Theatre
LOS ANGELES—The United Artists Theatre.
Tenth and Broadway, which recently
shuttered, reopened as a television playhouse,
but for only four days and as a motion picture
set. Hecht-Hill-Lancaster took over the
theatre for interior shooting on "Sweet Smell
of Success."
"Thieves Market," Gregory Peck production
in which he also will star, will be released
through United Artists.
Phil Polsky of Portland
Dies in Fire at Hospital
PORTLAND—Phil L. Polsky, president of
the Super 99 Drive-In Theatre Co. and other
corporations, died recently in his room in
Good Samaritan Hospital of burns and shock.
The fire marshal's office examined an electric
blanket which Polsky owned and brought
to the hospital with him to determine if was
the cause of the fire. The blaze was discovered
by a nurse. He is survived by his
wife Pearl, a son Anthony, a daughter of
Sausalito. Calif., and a brother and a sister.
Rapid Renovation Progress
At Ashland Varsity
ASHLAND. ORE.—Russ Osborn. new manager
of the Varsity Theatre here, said that
a substantial part of the renovation program
recently inaugurated at the theatre has been
completed.
All seats have been inspected and repaired,
Osborn said, and interior lighting has been
increased in the auditorium and foyer. The
foyer and powder room will be redecorated
soon. Improvement also is being made in
the projection system.
March Grand Opening Set
For New Colorado Theatre
GREELEY, COLO.—A March opening is
being planned for the $250,000 Colorado Theatre,
under construction here by Cooper
Foundation Theatres. The circuit also owns
the local Greeley Theatre.
The new Colorado will be a 900-seat theatre
equipped with a 45-foot screen and stereophonic
sound.
Reopened at Everett
EVERETT. WASH.—Quality Motion Picture
Service, whicli took over Brown's Theatre
from Ken Leckvold and remodeled the property,
reopened it the Friday after Christmas
on a three-day weekend policy. Franz Beilfus
of Lowell is manager of Quality Service.
Purchase Oregon Theatre
PHILOMATH, ORE.—Mr. and Mrs. Joe
Nooncliester of Salem have purchased the
Waucomah Theatre building here and are
operating the theatre. Noonchester was in the
real estate business in Salem and will open
a real estate office in the theatre building.
Relights at Philomath
PHILOMATH. ORE. — The Waucomah
Theatre, closed about a year, has been reopened
by Joe Noonchester, real estate
broker in Salem, who purchased the property
and plans to maintain an office in the building.
Jack Lawton Retires
HOLLYWOOD—Jack Lawton, U-I location
manager, retired after 40 years at the studio.
Pat Nowell, member of the studio production
department, succeeds Lawton.
To Direct a Kettle Film
HOLLYWOOD—Virgil Vogel was signed to
direct U-I's "Ma and Pa Kettle at Mac-
Donald's Farm."
W-6 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

. . . The
. . , Bob
. . Mel
. . John
. . Hal
. . Bub
. . Clearing
New Filmasler Post
To Frilz Goodwin
HOLLYWOOD— Inaiiguralion of Filmaster
Productions' program development department,
to be headed by Fritz Goodwin, promotion
executive, wa.s announced by Robert
Stabler. pre.sident.
Goodwin, former Time-Life bureau chief
here and in San Franci.sco, wa.s most recently
with MGM. In addition to hi.s program development
assignment. Goodwin also will be
executive assistant to Stabler.
The signing of Goodwin marks Filmaster's
fu'st step toward making TV product which
the company will own outright, its current
Gunsmoke production program for CBS being
a contractual arrangement.
* * •
Jack Emanuel, story editor of the Warner
Bros, television division since last June, has
been inked to a long-term contract by the
studio, it was announced by William T. Orr,
executive producer of TV.
Under the terms of his new pact, the
former writer-producer also will be available
to serve in an executive capacity in connection
with the general production of WB's
augmented TV schedule for the coming
season.
The studio plans to launch two new fullhour
.shows and one new half-hour program
in the early months of 1957 to join the
Cheyenne and Conflict series over the ABC-
TV network. In addition, a number of other
productions are planned for the general TV
market.
* * *
In connection with Gross-Krasne's O.
Henry Playhouse vidseries. Thomas Mitchell,
who portrays the title role, is on a two-week
personal appearance tour of several southern
cities, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge,
Birmingham. Atlanta and Greensboro, N. C.
SPG Screens All Entries
In Collegiate Awards
HOLLYWOOD—The Screen Producers Guild
executive board has screened all entries in
the fourth annual Intercollegiate Awards
competition sponsored by SPG and Look
magazine. With over 100 U. S. colleges and
universities invited to participate, the SPG
board has narrowed the entries for awards
to ten finalists eligible for top honors. The
ten entries are "The Expanding City." University
of Wisconsin; "Who Killed the Tiger."
Wayne State University; "The Black Cat,"
use; "The Highest Ideals." University of
Nebraska; "The Shore Wall," UCLA; "Beyond
Teaching," University of Illinois; "The World
of Mosaic," UCLA; "Swamp," University of
Minnesota; "Bunker Hill, 1956," USC; "The
Locks of Sault Ste Marie," University of
Michigan.
Sign Elsa Martinelli
HOLLYWOOD—Bryna Productions has a-
gain picked up its option on Italian actress
Elsa Martinelli. now working in England and
who will report in late spring to star opposite
Kirk Douglas in "King Kelly" for MGM release.
U-I. w'hich borrowed Martinelli for
"Four Smart Girls." also has exercised its
option with Bryna to use her again this year.
Gordon Douglas has received the directorial
assignment for WB's "Bombers B-52."
SAN FRANCISCO
'Dobert K. Reagan, sound engineer, has
joined Dayco Electronics Co. Reagan.
Stanford graduate, was with Altec for ten
years, and prior to that with International
Telephone & Telegraph .
and
leveling operations are under way for the new
Alpine Drive-In near Weaverville. Roy Avery,
owner of the Tiinity Theatre, said he expects
the project to be completed by late
spring ... A Japanese Airlines hostess
presented a scroll of greeting and friendship
from the governor of Tokyo to Governor
Knight in Sacramento in the presence of a
photographer and Richard Mears. manager
of the Alhambra Theatre, in promotion of
the opening of "Teahouse of the August
Moon."
"Anastasia" opened at the Fox Theatre, and
"Baby Doll" started at a near record pace at
the St. Fi-ancis. In the past two years it was
outdistanced only by "Moby Dick," "Caine
Mutmy" and "Mr. Roberts."
The U-I, Columbia, WB and UA exchanges
are participating in the "Shooting for the
Stars" membership drive to help underprivileged
children to become members of
the YMCA. Stan Lefcourt. general chairman,
said the kickoff dinner will take place soon,
with the drive continuing through February
latest addition to the Golden Gate
YMCA is Barney Rose, district manager for
U-I. Word is that Barney thinks that the
steam room is a place for letting off steam
Hazzard, UA office manager who was
transferred to Denver as salesman, has been
called back to the local exchange as salesman,
replacing Jack Finley, transfeiTed to
Los Angeles,
Frank Harris, UA manager, reports his secretary,
Lorraine Bargagliotti, is leaving the
city. Rony Green. UA booker, is resigning to
enter the military service. Nancy Hale, biller,
is expecting a baby . Levin of San
Francisco Theatres, newly elected chief
barker of Variety Tent 32. announces his intention
to raise $120,000 for the Blind Babies
fund. The Variety induction banquet will be
the 18th at the Fairmount Hotel.
A tremendous vote of credit and appreciation
goes to Al Adolph for his part as Santa
Claus in the two Variety Christmas parties.
Poor Al was so worn out from his performances
that he nearly collapsed but maintams
it was worth every bit of exhaustion
and he hopes to be able to play the part
next year . Klein spent his vacation
building a bar in his new home.
U-I Manager Ted Reisch was home with
the flu a few days . Gruber, FF, broke
110 at golf . Coyne. MGM, made a
brief appearance at the exchange to say
hello and that he is recovering rapidly from
his recent illness and expects to be back at
work shortly . . . Mel Hulling and Jim Myers,
Allied Artists, are looking mighty happy these
days and there's no doubt about it having to
do with the excellent results from their
"Friendly Persuasion."
The Vine Theatre, which opened recently
in Livermore. is designed in the modern
California style. Phil Harris, district manager
for West Side Theatres, stated: "Rather
than conform to outmoded concepts of theatre
architectiu-e. we have built the Vine in
a manner that blends with the t»ste anci
style of living in the community."
First run theatres broke out in a rash ol
top holiday attractions. "Anastasia" at the
Fox on New Year's day found competition in
the second week bookings of "The King and
Four Queens" at the United Artists; "Baby
Doll" at the St. Francis; "The Brave One"
at the Stage Door, and "The Teahouse of the
Augu.st Moon" at Loew's Warfield. Commented
one exhibitor; "It's either feast or
famine."
'Three Violent People'
Premiere in Phoenix
HOLLYWOOD—Paramount's "Three Violent
People" will be world-premiered in
Phoenix Wednesday (16) with stars. Arizona
state and city officials, civic and society
leaders and members of the Hollywood press
corps attending.
Charlton Heston, Anne Baxter and Tom
Tryon, three of the picture's stars, and Pi'oducer
Hugh Brown will be at the special
screening at the Paramount Theatre. The
picture was filmed mostly in the area near
Phoenix.
Heston and Tryon will al.so make personal
appearances at other openings, Heston going
to Salt Lake City Thursday (17) and Denver
Friday. Tiyon will appear in Tucson Thursday
and Albuquerque Friday.
Jimmy Stewart Party
On Latin America Tour
HOLLYWOOD—James Stewart, accompanied
by Mrs. Stewart and Texas friends, Mr.
and Mrs. F. Kirk Johnson, flew to Miami
on the first leg of a Latin American tour.
Stewart's itinerary includes several day stops
for vacation tom'ing and meeting of the press
in Panama, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay,
Brazil and Venezuela.
The star plans to return to this country
in time to attend the opening of his Warner
Bros, picture "The Spirit of St. Louis,"
scheduled for early spring.
Norman Retchin Signed
To Produce 'Revenge'
HOLL'YWOOD—Norman Retchin has been
signed by Kirk Douglas' Bryna Productions
to handle the production reins of "Ride Out
for Revenge" from his original screenplay.
The western is slated to roll March 18 for
United Artists release.
Following "Ride," Retchin plans to film
"The Eagle Flies Alone," biopic of Polish
aviator Frank Jarecki, under his own independent
Thunderbird Productions banner.
Grant Williams Named
HOLLYWOOD—Grant Williams has been
assigned to star with Lola Albright in U-I's
forthcoming science-fiction production,
"Monolith." Williams, who recently completecJ
playing the title role in U-I's "The Incredible
Shrinking Man," wil portray a young scientist
in love with Miss Albright.
Ronald Howard, son of the late Leslie
Howard, makes his American film debut in
UA's "Drango," an Earlmar production.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 W-7

. . Most
PHOENIX
•The Fox Leaders Club held its tenth annual
canned goods show at the Pox, Theatre
the Saturday before Chi-istmas. Children
were admitted free if they brought one or
more cans of food. The club also promoted
turkeys, citrus fruits and fresh vegetables.
After the screen program, the club packed
50 baskets and delivered them to needy
families whose names had been provided by
local welfare agencies. The Fox Leaders is
the oldest continuously active theatre organization
and kiddy show in the nation, having
been active for 26 years. In fact. Manager
Sam Bagwell can remember attending Fox
Leaders when he was a boy.
Twentieth Century-Fox is returning here to
make "The Way to the Gold" . theatre
managers here reported the usual holiday
slump but businss picked up right after
Christmas. The Palms Theatre had them
standing in line for "The Teahouse of the
August Moon." The Fox Theatre was doing
the same kind of business with "Oklahoma!"
Bernie Borane. manager of the Cinema
Park Drive-In, started the New Year with the
first drive-in showing in Phoenix of "Friendly
Persuasion." This picture was doing very
well ... In Tucson, Columbia Pictures wound
up the shooting of "3:10 to Yuma." This is
the Glenn Ford starrer, filmed on the set of
"Old Tucson."
Score by Andre Previn
HOLLYWOOD—An original musical score
for MGM's "Designing Woman" is being
written by Andre Previn. The comedy stars
Gregory Peck, Lauren Bacall and Dolores
Gray. Film was directed by Vincente Minnelli
and produced by Dore Schary with George
Wells as associate producer.
'Lust' to 8 January 9
LOS ANGELES—MGM's "Lust for Life,"
which completed its 13-week run in the Fine
Arts Theatre in mid-December, began its
regular engagements in eight local theatres
January 9. Thsy are Loew's State, Downtown;
Hawaii, Hollywood: Valley Guild, North Hollywood:
State, Pasadena: Garmar, Montebello;
5th Avenue, Inglewood, and Wilshire,
Santa Monica.
AUTHOR CHATS WITH MAN.4GEK—
Oscar Nyberg, Fox-Evergreen Portland
district manager, invited Mary Jane
Carr, Portland author of "Children of the
Covered Wagons," to be on hand for the
opening of the Walt Disney adventure,
"Westward Ho. the Wagons." Disney
adapted the classic juvenile book for the
picture. Miss Carr saw the film and autographed
copies of her book, which was
written in 1934, then reprinted in French
and other languages.
Gordon Schedules 'Girl'
HOLLYWOOD—Producer Alex Gordon has
scheduled "Dragstrip Girl," Lou Rusoff's
original screenplay about teenage hotrodders,
as the next Golden State production. Edward
L. Cahn will direct "Girl," which is slated
to roll January 14 for American International
release. Samuel Z. Arkoff is executive producer.
Inger Stevens to Debut
HOLLYWOOD — Inger Stevens, young
Swedish-born actress, has been signed to
make her film debut in Sol C. Siegel's production
of "Man on Fire" at MOM.
HANDY

;
$84,000 Trust Action
Filed by Esquire Co.
ST. LOUIS—An antitrust suit, seeking
$84,000 damages from several distributing
companies and the owners of rival theatres
was filed by the Esquire Theatre Co.. owner
of the de luxe 1.400-seat Esquire Theatre in
Richmond Heights, which entered the competition
for first run pictures several months
ago.
The action, brought in U. S. eastern district
court January 5, also asked that the
court issue an injunction to restrain the defendants
from continuing their alleged conspiracy
to prevent the plaintiff from showing
first run pictures in the Esquire.
The petition charged that the Esquire
Theatre was denied the opportunity to compete
for first run pictures and asks $28,000
actual losses since Sept. 19, 1956.
The film distributing companies named as
defendants in the suit are Loew's, 20th-Fox,
Columbia, Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount
and RKO. The defendant exhibitors
include St. Louis Orpheum Corp., operator of
the Loew's Orpheum Theatre; Loew's Dayton
Theatre Corp., operator of Loew's State;
St. Louis Amusement Co., operator of the St.
Louis Theatre; Eden Theatre Co., operator
of the Fox Theatre, and Fanchon & Marco
Enterprises, which manages the Fox. St.
Louis and Missouri theatres.
The Esquire Theatre Co. is controlled by
Sam Schucart, Sam Levin, et al, with Howard
Zuloff
managing the theatre.
New Year Snake Story
Regales KC Filmrow
KANSAS CITY— It is not uncommon for
snakes to be seen around the New Year period
but Dorothie Warneke. Buena Vista office
assistant, has a different kind of snake story.
She picked one up by the tail!
It happened on a Sunday at the Warneke
home when she went to the basement on an
errand and saw what seemed to be a piecg
of rope sticking out of the drain. So she took
hold of it and started to pull it out. That's
when she discovered that it was a brown,
striped snake about a foot-and-a-half long.
She dropped it and started screaming.
Her husband dropped his paper and r.an
down to see what was the matter and found
her hysterical, but killed the snake and then
got her upstairs.
Her boss, "Tommy" Thompson, called a
few minutes after she got upstairs, wanting
some information about office matters, but
she was too hysterical to talk to him. In
fact, Dorothie says she is not over the shock
yet but finds friends and acquaintances more
amused than sympathetic, so she has quit
telling about it. Too many listeners say to
her: "Did you say it was New Year's Eve you
saw that snake and grabbed it by the tail?"
A Sale Day Matinee
PRINCETON, MO.—Rex Cool, manager of
the Lamber Theatre here, inaugurated what
he terms a "Friday Sale Day" matinee recently,
with special admission prices. Shows
begin at 2 p.m., allowing rural people plenty
of time to return to their homes for evening
work. Cool said.
Charge on Weekends
For New Smoking Room
Chicago—The Glen Theatre has announced
some "rules and regulations"
in connection with the use of its new
smoking lounge. It is proving to be extremely
popular and has only 20 seats.
Patrons under 21 are not admitted. The
lounge will be used Sunday through
Thursday without extra admission, but
a service charge is in effect on Friday,
Saturday and on holiday nights. Patrons
view the film from behind a glass wall.
Johnson Leases Two
Rockford Theatres
ROCKFORD, ILL.— J.
Albert Johnson and
his son Bayard have leased the Park and
Auburn theatres here to J. J. McFarland,
Sycamore, and have retired from the motion
picture business.
McFarland also operates the local Rex,
owned by the elder Johnson, the Family and
State theatres in Sycamore and the Polo in
Polo. Johnson purchased the Rex, at 322
Seventh St., in 1943. He built the Park in
Loves Park in 1948 and he purchased the
Auburn last year.
Bayard has been associated with his father
in the operation of the theatres since his
graduation from Beloit College. The Johnsons
plan to devote their time to the two
Johnson-Guler appliance stores owned by the
elder Johnson.
Findlay. Ill„ Businessmen
Seek Theatre Reopening
FINDLAY, ILL.—A group of interested
citizens and businessmen met recently to discuss
plans for reopening of the Okaw Theatre,
300-seater, which was closed indefinitely
by Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Janssen December
10. The Janssens, who operated the theatre
for the last 20 years, gave poor attendance
as the reason for the decision to close the
house. Findlay has had a motion picture
theatre since the early days of silent pictures.
The closing of the Okaw brought a full
realization
of the importance of a theatre to all
other business interests in the community.
So the meeting was called in the hope that
some plan for the reopening of the theatre
on a profitable basis could be worked out.
Faddis and Hall to Open
New West Plains Airer
WEST PLAINS, MO.—A new drive-in
theatre
on Highway 63 between here and Thayer,
will be opened in the spring by B. D. Faddis,
local drive-in restaurant operator, and his
partner Frank Hall, both of West Plains.
The drive-in will accommodate about 400
cars.
Faddis and Hall have entered into an arrangement
with Andy Dietz, owner-manager
of Cooperative Theatres of St. Louis, to book
and buy films for the new drive-in. The new
drive-in will provide competition for the 63
Drive-In, also on Highway 63, opened in May
1952 and operated by William Dean Davis of
West Plains, Mo.
Tony Peluso Elected
Tent 4 Chief Barker
ST. LOUIS—Election of the crew of V:inct\
Tent 4 for 1957 has been announced by David
G. Arthur, chief barker in 1956 and 1955.
The new officers are Dion "Tony" Peluso,
manager of the Fox Theatre, chief barkei
Robert F. Hyland, first assistant chief barker;
Robert Hausfater, second assistant chief
barker; Joseph C. Ansell, dough guy; Michael
J. Riordan, property master; James H.
Arthur, fixer, and M. L. Plessner, press guy.
The canvasmen for 1957 include Tommy
James, Carl Mclntire, John Menardi, Joseph
H. Laba and P. J. "Mike" Lee.
David G. Arthur, the retiring chief barker,
was named international canvasman and
delegate to the 1957 convention of Variety
International. Roy Muehlmann also was
named a delegate, with Joseph C. Ansell and
George L. Wiegand, first and second alternates,
respectively.
The major heart fund activity of the St.
Louis Variety Club is the St. Louis-St. Louis
County Day Nursery care program. A special
award of appreciation was given recently to
the club by the Social Planning Council of
St. Louis. The St. Louis Variety Club four
years ago, when Edward B. Arthur, brother of
David G. Arthur, was chief barker, underwrote
$40,000 of the cost of erecting a new
building for the South Side Day Nursery.
The club also contributes to the professional
casework service. Edward B. Arthur and
other members of the Variety Club stepped
into the breach when the former home of the
South Side Day Nursery was condemned to
make way for an expressway. Until Tent 4
took action it appeared that the day nursery
that serves hundreds of working mothers
might be put out of business.
Another important Heart Fund activity of
the tent is providing eyeglasses for needy
school children in cooperation with the
boards of education of St. LouLs and the
various school districts in St. Louis County.
Jim Millspaugh jr.
Dies;
A Fox Midwest Manager
jr.,
EL DORADO, KAS.—James H. Millspaugh
manager of Fox Midwest's El Dorado Theatre,
died of a coronary thrombosts in a
Wichita hospital early Saturday morning
(5). The 35-year-old theatre manager had
gone to Wichita Friday and had dinner with
C. C. Murray, Wichita FMW city manager,
and Mrs. Murray. He mentioned not feeling
well, so instead of starting back to El Dorado,
he went to the Orpheum Theatre to watch
the late show. There he became ill and was
rushed to the hospital, dying a short time
after he arrived,
Millspaugh, who was a native of Springfield,
Mo., started working for FMW there
and managed the Springfield Gillioz and
Landers theatres. He was transferred to El
Dorado in 1951. Unmarried, Millspaugh is
survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James
H. Millspaugh sr. of Springfield, a sister and
a brother. Funeral services and burial were
held Monday (7) in Springfield.
The deceased was active in El Dorado civic
affairs and a member of the Elks, Kiwanis
and Masons and of the Methodist church.
RKO's "The Naked and the Dead" has been
slated for filming in the South Pacific starting
May 15.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 C-1

. . . The
. . Paul
ST.
LOUIS
pxhibitors on Filmrow included Helen Beck.
Thayer, Mo.; Albert Smith, Nashville,
111.: Harry Blount, Potosi, Mo.; Al Keuss,
New Athens, 111.; Louis Odorizzi, Mount Olive
and Staunton, 111.; Kenneth. Hirth, Pacific,
Mo., and Izzy Wienshienk, Alton, 111. . . .
Edward Williamson, new division sales manager
for Warner Bros., and his wife and
family passed through here on the 2nd en
route from Dallas, to New York City, their
new home. Williamson, prior to his promotion,
had been southwest district manager at
Dallas.
. .
Funeral services were held at Centralia for
the father of Erman Aired, manager of the
Orpheum at Marion, a Fox Midwest house
Joy at Pawnee, 111., was reopened
January 5 by the Frisina circuit . . Dick
.
McGraw, the new lion tamer at the St. Louis
zoo, has been a tamer for the past five years
in the California animal compounds that
provide wild animals for motion picture
scenes . "Damn Yankees" has been booked
by the American Theatre for two weeks opening
January 28. Bobby Clark heads the cast,
while Sherry O'Neil plays the original Gwen
Verdon role of the devil's beautiful assistant
. . . Plans for converting the former La Cosa
Theatre building into a St. Louis County
branch library have been completed. The
building is located at 10267 St. Charles Rock
Rd. in St. Ann's.
Something new in film distribution sales
campaigns has been announced by Herman
Gorelick and George Phillips, co-owners of
Realart Pictures of St. Louis, for their Exhibitor's
Participation Playdate Drive, which
opens February 1 to run through June 1, to
celebrate their tenth anniversary as an independent
film exchange. Of course, playdate
A.A. THEATRE CONCESSION
Distributors . . .
SUPPLY
CO.
• CASTLEBERRY'S FOODS
• CANDIES
• POPCORN
• SEASONING
• PAPER ITEMS
1538 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis 10, Mo.
Phono MOhawk 4-9579
EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE
St. Louis Theatre Supply Company
Mrs. Arch Hosier
3310 Olive Street, St. Louis 3, Mo.
Telephone JEfferson 3-7974
RCA Theotre Supply Dealer
"SELECT" FOUNTAIN SYRUPS
DRINK DISPENSERS
Select Drink Inc.
4210 W. Florissant Ave.
St. Louis 15, Mo.
Phone
Evergreen 5-5935
drives are not new but as far as can be recalled
by oldtimers along Filmrow, this is the
first time that the exhibitors are to share in
the prizes to be handed out on June 4.
Don Hayes of Du Quoin was in town to see
the St. Louis University-St. John's of Brooklyn
basketball game at Kiel Auditorium the
night of January 5, which St. Louis won, and
he was given an opportunity to plug via radio
the Hambletonian harness race championship
to be staged in Du Quoin several months
hence. Don's dad was a member of the theatrical
firm of Reed. Yemm & Hayes that
operated motion picture theatres in southern
Illinois towns, including Du Quoin, for many
years. The circuit sold its holdings to the
Fox Midwest.
Mrs. Russell Armentrout of Louisiana has
returned home from the Mayo clinic at
Rochester, Minn., where she underwent a
checkup . Krueger. president of Fred
Wehrenberg Theatres, and his son Ronnie
landed eight sailfish, four tunas and three
snooks on their recent fishing expedition to
Acapulco, Mexico. Ronnie landed the largest,
a 150-pounder. on a 35-mile trip out into the
Pacific ocean.
Mayor R. R. Tucker Vetoes
Parent Liability Bill
ST. LOUIS—Mayor Raymond R. Tucker has
vetoed a board of aldermen bill providing
for the recovery of damages from the parents
of boys and girls found guilty of willful
destruction of property. Mayor Tucker was
advised by the city counselor's office that the
bill was invalid and could not be enforced.
He said that the supporters of the measure
were "obviously well-intended in their efforts
to reduce juvenile vandalism." The city
counselor's office advised Mayor Tucker that
the mere fact of paternity does not make the
parent liable for such actions by a minor
child.
The bill, passed by the aldermanic board
on December 7, provided for recovery of
damages in cases of vandalism up to a total
of $500 through court action. It applied to
parents of children under 18 year old. who
are living with or otherwise under the jurisdiction
of the parent, who are found guilty of
malicious destruction of property, real, personal
or mixed. It provided that any person,
partnership, corporation, agency of municipal,
state or federal government, religiou.s
and charitable organizations would be entitled
to bring action for damages to property
under the terms of the bill.
Mayor Tucker asked the board of aldermen
to sustain his veto.
J. W. Cosby Promoted
KANSAS CITY—J. W. Cosby, who has been
representative in this area for the arc carbon
sales of National Carbon Co., has been
promoted to manager of arc carbon sales
with headquarters in Cleveland, effective
February 1. He will succeed E. R. Geib, veteran
of 49 years, who will retire in June or
July. Jack LeMay, division manager out of
Dallas, was here this week introducing Cosby's
successor for the local area, J. B. Hoynes, who
comes from New York.
New Rialto to Be Built
On Elgin, III, Ruins
CHICAGO—Plans are under way for the
construction of a completely new theatre on
the site of the 1,000-seat Rialto in Elgin, destroyed
in a $250,000 fire December 30, it was
announced here by John Balaban, president
of Balaban & Katz and Publix Great States
Theatres circuit which operated the house.
Balaban said architectural plans include
"the widest screen installation best suited for
all scopes, built-in stereophonic sound, luxury
seats fanned out for perfect sight and sound,
the most modern year-around air conditioning
system, and the latest mechanical equipment
utilized everywhere from kino-booth
to the boxoffice."
Reopenings and Closings
MASCOUTAH, ILL.—Charles Dee jr.,
who
reopened the Gem here on a lease last October
26, has closed it indefinitely.
NEW HAVEN, ILL.—Henry Absher, who
reopened the Nox last September 28. closed
it
again.
ST. LOUIS—Clarence Kaimann, who has
been operating the Salisbury, 689-seater at
2504 Salisbury St., darkened the house completely.
The Janet, 425-seater on West Florissant,
also at one time a Kaimann operation,
now is being used as a Gospel center.
SHELBY'VILLE, ILL.—Charles Beninati of
Carlyle is operating the Roxy, 496 seats, on
lease from the Frisina circuit.
WEST FRANKFURT, ILL.—It is reported
Fox Midwest will reopen the Roxy, dark
almost a year, on January 16.
DODGE CITY—The building which housed
the Cozy Theatre for a number of years,
now closed, is being remodeled to house an
appliance store. The Cozy was once operated
by Fox Midwest and later purchased by Mr.
and Mrs. Glen Cooper, who changed its
name to the Loy.
SMITHVILLE, MO.—Harold and Bob Ad-
brothers, have reopened the State The-
kins,
atre, which has been closed more than a
year. It was formerly operated by Mr. and
Mrs. Donald Cotter. Considerable renovation
was done to the theatre, including a new
widescreen added.
PIERCE CITY, MO.—John Travis, who
has operated the Strand Theatre the last
four years, closed it December 1. For several
months it had been on a schedule of weekend
operation (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
but business did not warrant keeping the
house open. Keith Stotts, who owns the
building, said if the theatre remained closed
he might remodel it and move his pharmacy
into the building.
Screening Room Incorporated
ST. LOUIS—The Art Theatre Screening
& Recording Co., 408 Olive St.. has been
incorporated to operate a film screening room
and motion picture theatre. It was authorized
to issue 300 shares of $100 par value
stock. Incorporators w-ere listed as J. W.
Sidel, A. L. Leigh and J. W. Sandweiss.
C-2 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

—
—
—
—
—
. . Variety
. . The
—
Loop Houses Thrive;
All Newcomers Hold
CHICAGO—Business here left littls or
nothing to be desired. All the Christmas arrivals
came in strong and they continued
strong. In fact, extra shows for New Year's
Eve were well attended, and were responsible
for a boost in grosses in some instances.
(Average Is 100)
Carnegie The Third Mon (20th-Fox), reissue .... I 85
Chicago Boby DolJ (WB), 2nd wk 230
Esquire—You Con't Run Away From It (Col),
2nd wk 200
Grand— 7»h Covolry (Col); Rumble on the Docks
(Col), 2nd wk 200
Loop—Oklohomo! (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 215
Mbnroe Don't Knock the Rock (Col); The Houston
Story (Col), 2nd wk 210
McVickers The Ten Commandments (Para),
6th wk 335
Oriental—Anastosia (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 230
Palace Seven Wonders of the World (SW),
4th wk 365
Roosevelt Westward Ho, the Wagons (BV),
2nd wk 250
State Lake Hollywood or Bust (Para), 3rd wk...210
Surf The Silent World (Col), 2nd wk 210
United Artists— Written on the Wind (U-l), 2nd wk.220
Woods The Teohouse of the August Moon
(MGM), 7th wk 200
World Playhouse ^Lo Strada (Trons-Lux), 2nd wk..215
Ziegfeld—Only the French Con (SR), 2nd wk 200
Ten K. C. First Runs
Playing Holdovers
KANSAS CITY— All first run theatres were
playing holdovers, except for a reissue at
the Glen. However, boxoffics grosses were
well above average in almost every instance.
The Missouri sold out "This Is Cinerama" on
three occasions to conventions and special
groups during the week.
Esquire, Fairway and Granada The Girl Can't
Help It (WB); plus The Desperodos Are in Town
(20th-Fox) in Esquire and Granada, 2nd wk. . . . 1 I 5
Glen Open City (Burstyn), reissue 125
Kimo Lo Strada (Trans-Lux), 2nd wk 140
Midland The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM), 2nd wk 150
Missouri- This Is Cineroma (Cinerama), 30th wk.. .300
Paramount Hollywood or Bust ;Para), 3rd wk... 80
Rockhill Papa, Momo, the Maid and I (Col-lnt'l),
2nd wk 70
Roxy—Bundle of Joy (RKO), 3rd wk 100
Uptown— Anastosia (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 175
Higher First Run Levels
Hang on in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS— Business, which started
with a bang here New Year's Eve. continued
to be very good at first run theatres. All attractions
were held over. "Written on the
Wind," at the Circle, "Bundle of Joy" at the
Indiana, and "Teahouse of the August Moon"
at Loew's were almost equally prosperous, and
"Anastasia," playing the smaller Lyric, also
was doing well.
Circle—Written on the Wind (U-l), 2nd wk 200
Esquire—A Kid for Two Forthings (Lopert), 2nd wk.100
Indiana Bundle of Joy (RKO), 2nd wk 210
Keiths—Anastosia (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 1 50
Loew's The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM), 2nd wk 215
Lyric Oklahoma! (Magna), 19th wk 175
Open on Alternate
Nights
ST. JOHN, KAS.—John Caylor recently
started operating the Fix and Stafford theatres
on alternate nights because he said
there is not enough business to warrant keeping
both open all the time.
INDIANAPOLIS
Toe Cantor cancelled plans to show "Baby
Doll" at the Esquire, art film house, in a
. . .
di.spute over terms. Warners' now is trying to
line up a day-and-date booking with a small
downtown house, a drive-in and a neighborhood
theatre, as was done with "The French
Line" Howard Lee. booker at U-I, has
been made salesman in the .southern Indiana
and Kentucky territory, succeeding Bill Brenner,
who left to go into the iasurance business
Earl Cunningham has cut the
. . . Fountain Square, largest South Side theatre,
back to one showing a night Monday through
Friday.
Dick Lochry has completed his remodeling
program at the Arlington and now is operating
with a wall-to-wall screen and 250 more
seats. It's the only indoor theatre expansion
here in recent years. The Arlington is situated
in a rapidly developing shopping area
with lots of parking space . Allied
Theatre Owners of Indiana will hold its
January board meeting in the Variety Club
at noon Tuesday (15) . Club directors
voted funds to buy athletic equipment
for the Muskatuck State School, an institution
for handicapped children.
Dr. M. Sandorf and William Rosenthal both
withdrew variance petitions for new drive-ins
when neighborhood opposition developed at
the December meeting of the Marion County
zoning board Dal Schuder, manager of
the Circle, is
. . .
now on the mend after being
stricken by pneumonia Christmas Day.
Walter Wolverton. advertising manager of
. . . Ray
Greater Indianapolis, has been filling in for
Exhibitors throughout
him at the Circle . . .
the area report better than average business
with their New Year's Eve shows
Schmertz, 20th-Fox manager, screened "Three
Brave Men" at the Indiana Friday morning
for PTA, women's clubs, church organizations,
etc. A similar preview is scheduled for the
Rialto in Louisville on the 14th.
Sylvia Puterbauch reopened the Albany at
Albany January 1 . . . Assistant booker Ed
Bass has left 20th-Fox to resume studies at
Indiana University. Roy Baker, former assistant
shipper, is taking his place. Bill
Roeder is the new assistant shipper . .
.
Dale McFarland, general manager of Greater
Indianapolis, has booked "The Ten Commandments"
to open at the Lyric January 30,
succeeding "Oklahoma!" after a run of five
months.
Closes for Employes
CANEY, KAS.—Joe Gregg followed his annual
custom and closed the Gregg Theatre
Sunday. Monday and Christmas Day to allow
employes to enjoy Christmas at home.
Reopens at Montpelier, Ind.
MONTPELIER. IND.—The Palace Theatre
here has been reopened by Mrs. Cosby and
son.
Says TV Films as Outdated
As 1920 Clothes, Cars
DETROIT—Claiming that being arkeci to
watch old films on TV was like "asking me
to drive a 1920 automobile," a Detroit Free
Press reader has penned a spirited attack
upon an article that appeared in Parade
magazine. "Is Hollywood Committing Suicide?"
Reader Bud Starwas of Flint, in a letter
published by the Free Press December 31,
declared that the article in Parade was "an
insult to those of us with fine and discriminating
taste who enjoy the current movies
very much."
"I wouldn't think of staying home," continued
Starwas. "like an old grandpa of 80,
to watch some pictures made 20 years ago.
No wonder we are becoming a nation of selfish
individuals and softies!
"I am living in 1956 and I want something
new and different—the latest processes, high
fidelity. CinemaScope and Technicolor to
enjoy. I know I wouldn't wear the clothes of
1920, so why watch something outdated that
much?
"To watch the old movies on TV would be
like asking me to drive a 1920 automobile
but I don't want to live in the past. Movies
are still .vour best form of entertainment."
Seasonal Classification
Asked for Drive-Ins
COLUMBUS—The Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio has made application on behalf
of all Ohio drive-ins which operate less
than 36 weeks a year to have the outdoor
theatres declared a seasonal business. This
would have the effect of preventing employes
laid off at the end of the season from
claiming unemployment compensation, on the
ground that they knew the job was temporary.
Unemployment compensation could be
claimed by any employe who was dismissed
while the theatre was still running.
BOWLING
KANSAS CITY—Filmrow Bowling League
standings after last week's play as follows:
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
Team Won Lost Team Won Lost
Alley Rots 45 19 Monley 33'/2 14Vi
K. C. T's. 37 27 Jones 30 18
Monley .. .36 28 Manley, Inc. 281/2 I'Vi
Steeplechase .30 34 Borg & Kim 26 22
Shreve 291/2 341/2 Hortmon's ...21 27
Dixie 291/2 341 2 New 50 20 28
Mode O'Doy. .27 37 Dixie Ent 16 32
Hi Lo S 22 42 101 Service. 16 32
The New 50 Drive-In took over the season's
high ten, with a score of 962.
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m Konsos—THEATRE SERVICE Co., Inc., Topeko— Tel 3-7225
in Illinois— KAYLINE CO^'PANY, Chicago-lei. Webster 9-4643
NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY. Chicago—Wabash 2-8266
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 C-3

. . Missouri
. . Theatres
. . R.
KANSAS CITY
pred Souttar, district 3 manager for Fox
Midwest, reports Charles Reed, manager
of the Fox at Hays, Kas., won the district's
Chris Bean and Woodie
project contest . . .
Latimer will exhibit the Roto -Grille and the
new Servette popcorn warmer at the National
AUied-ITO drive-in convention in Cincinnati
January 29-31 . . . Margaret
new general secretary at
Pierce is the
the Capitol Flag &
Banner Co. Nat Hechtman reports their business
barometer shows these highest in demand:
"The Girl Can't Help It." "Anastasia,"
"Baby Doll."
The local Paramount Pictures exchange
was almost depleted of bookers by the local
draft board. Robert Cloughley left January
2 for Fort Leonard Wood and Don Conroy
left Friday (11) ... Shreve Theatre Supply
Co. furnished a new widescreen, lenses and
lamphouses for the State Theatre at Smithville,
recently reopened by the Adkins Bros.
Shreve also furnished the Christian church
at Warsaw, Mo., with carpet and chairs in the
sanctuary.
. . .
KMTA will hold a monthly board meeting
M. B. Smith, Commonwealth
Wednesday (16) . . .
district manager and publicity direc-
tor, visited Creston and Shenandoah, Iowa,
working out some managerial changes. Roy
Tucker, his assistant, made a trip to Great
Bend
. exhibitors seen on Filmrow
included J. Leo Hayob, Marshall; Ed
Harris, Neosho; Jim Cook, Maryville; Mr.
and Mrs. Joe Ghosen, Sedalia Jack Leewood,
exploiteer for Allied Artists, was here
working on "Friendly Persuasion," opening
at the Uptown Theatre January 23. From
"OUR BUSINESS IS SOUND"
PHONE 3-7225,
TOPEKA
THEATRE SERVICE CO., INC.
827 WAYNE TOPEKA, KANSAS
RELIABLE SOUND SERVICE PAYS
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. .
There
. . Mr.
. .
Zenith
—
lESEARTHllEAiJ
L
for
ODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
V. Van Brunt Blvd.
r.sas City 24, Mo.
.jenllemen:
1-12-57
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
•o receive inlormation regularly, as released, on
:rie lollowing subjects for Theatre Planning
D Acoustics
Air Conditioning
D Architectural Service
D "Black" Lighting
Building
Carpets
Material
D Lighting Fixtures
Q Plumbing Fixtures
^ projectors
n Projection
Seating
Lamps
D Coin Machines ^ Signs and .Marquees
D Complete Remodeling
D Decorating
^ Sound Equipment
lD Television
D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
D Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment
D Other Subjects
Theatre
iSeating
Address
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State
Capacity..
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards tor your further convenience
in obtaining informotion ore provided in MODERN
The
THEATRE Section, published with the first issue of
each month.
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957
CHICAGO
T es Wcinrott resigned as vice-president of
Kling Studios, Inc.. here to return to the
During December, the
ad agency field . . .
local censor board reviewed 58 films. One of
the 15 foreign films was rejected. For the
. . . Wilding Picture
first time in months none was classified
Productions
for
adults only
has acquired a studio at 157 East 69th St. in
New York City, and will concentrate its
eastern television production and personnel
under one roof. The company occupies the
old Essanay studios in Chicago.
Henry Salkin, projectionist at the Hamilton
Theatre, was taken to the Woodlawn Hospital
following a heart attack were
.
no celebrities on hand to glamorize the opening
of "The King and Four Queens" at the
State Lake but UA publicist Wally Heim had
four of the city's most beautiful models on
a colorful float traveling State street. Heim
also worked on the opening of "Drango" at
the Roosevelt, scheduled for the 23rd. One or
two of the stars in the film are to be here
to help out . . . Vi Dane of the Filmack organization
and her husband Morrie celebrated
their 26th wedding anniversary.
"Love Me Tender" gave several neighborhood
theatres above average grosses for the
week. Early reports from both the State and
the Four Star theatres indicate capacity
houses at every performance.
Donald Mack, head of Filmack's New York
studios, attended a two-day conference at
the Filmack Trailer Co. headquarters here on
future company plans. Don has appointed
Max Landow head of the television production
department in New York. Jack Saperstein
is manager of the theatre trailer department,
Don himself directs TV sales and
Max Herschmann is in charge of theatre
sales . . . Police ushered some 500 patrons out
of the Indiana Theatre after receiving an
anonymous telephone call that a bomb had
been planted in the building. A thorough
search, however, was fruitless. Manager Joe
Clark said patrons made an orderly exit inside
of ten minutes, and within 40 minutes
all were back in their seats for resumption of
the program.
Fred Cory, manager of the Surf, was surprised
over the big response to his offer made
in promotion of "The Silent World" of free
skin diving lessons to anyone viewing the
film. Sixty applied for the lessons in the first
four days. The film continued in its third
week to do above-average business.
"La Strada" is breaking boxoffice records
at the World Playhouse, where it entered its
third week with grosses approximating $7,500
weekly. A. Teitel said the excellent business
means it w'ill be extended two months . . .
The State Lake welcomed back two employes
who have been ill—boothman James Sicco
and Dan Pagen, electrician . . . Harry Birch
directed the Filmack film in which Mayor
Richard Daly made a report to the people of
Chicago on what he has done for the city
since taking office a year ago.
Clarence Phillips has been appointed Chicago
representative for DCA . and Mrs.
N. S. Barger were vacationing in Florida.
Fred Niles, head of Fred Niles Film Productions,
returned from 1957 program conferences
in Hollywood with Chris Petersen
of the Niles studios and RKO executive Freo
Ahern Radio Corp. distributor.^
.
sold more Zenith television receivers la.',;
month than during any other December in
the company's history, it was announced by
L. C. Truesdell, vice-president and director of
tales. Truesdell said an important contributing
factor in the sales strength was Space-
Command remote TV tuning, which uses
ultrasonic or "silent sound" to control and
activate television from across the room.
The shuttered Forest Theatre will be reopened
by Nate Slot . . . Jack Belasco, energetic
Woods Theatre manager, and RKO
field representative Ralph Banghart who
shares Bela.sco's talent for setting up successful
campaigns, are busy on the January 15
opening of "Bundle of Joy." If all goes well.
Eddie Fisher will be here in person to highlight
the opening. However, the film is getting
plenty of effective publicity. The campaign
includes a heavy schedule of radio
spots. All the major disc jockeys on the local
stations are running spot announcements and
playing music from the film, and all music
dealers are participating in a series of cooperative
ads. Banghart is also setting up
preopening publicity for RKO's release, "The
Brave One," which will have a January opening
at the Loop Theatre.
Old York at Chicago Now
Is Almost Entirely New
CHICAGO—There is barely a .shred of the
old York Theatre remaining since the completion
of a front to back remodeling job.
Manager Lee Applebeck said all seating is
now on the main floor. The new candy
counter, he added, "ranks with the best in
this entire area." Another feature is a "sitting
lounge" right off the lobby area for
patron comfort.
CANDY-POPCORN
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I THEATRICAL
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Republic Reduces Space
In Commonwealth Bldg.
KANSAS CITY—The Commonwealth Theatres
building at 215 West 18th St. is being
remodeled on the west side of the first floor
which formerly housed Republic Pictures
Midwest. Only the front part will be used
in the future by the Republic exchange, now
operated under the home office, with Ray
McCafferty, who also manages the St. Louis
exchange, supervising the Kansas City office.
McCafferty spent several days in Kansas
City this week. He has been ten years in the
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Toronto Telegram Critic
Announces Ten Best
TORONTO— Clyde Gilmour, film commentator
of the Toronto Evening Telegram,
announced his selection of the Ten Best Pictures
of 1956. comprising a mixture of Hollywood
and British features. They are. Richard
III. The King and I. Around the World
in 80 Days, Private's Piogress. The Man Who
Never Was. The Killmg, The Solid Gold
Cadillac. The Ladykillers, The Piisoner and
The Court
Jester.
For the best actor of the year Gilmour
picked Sir Laurence Olivier and his best actress
was Deborah Kerr, with Anthony Quinn
and Katie Johnson as best supporting actor
and actress. Other personal selections; best
director, Olivier; best producer, Michael Todd:
best screen script, "The Ladykillers" by William
Rose; best adapted script. S. J. Perelman;
best color photography. "War and
Peace," and the best black and white. "The
KilUng."
GUmour named "The Ten Commandments"
as the "vastest" epic and he picked four pictures
as the best foreign films—"The Last 10
Days" (Austria); "La Strada"
i Italy), "Marcelino"
(Spain) and "Diabolique" (Fi-ancei.
Ten pictures were named as "worst of the
year" in the following order; The Spoilers,
Josephine and Men, Odongo, Charlie Moon.
Let's Make Up, Satellite in the Sky. The
Come-On, Dance Little Lady. The Naked
Hills and Crime in the Streets.
Worst performances w'ere Fred MacMurray
in "The Rains of Ranchipur" and Rhonda
Flemmg in "Odongo." Worst singing was by
Frankie Laine in "Meet Me is Las 'Vegas"
and the silliest dialog by Maureen O'Hara in
"Lisbon."
Omar Ranney Quits Press
To Head Up Opera Ass'n
CLEVELAND—Omar Ranney, who has been
with the Pi-ess for 28 years and for 15 years
has been drama and film editor, has resigned
to become general manager of the Northern
Ohio Opera Ass'n. This association, headed by
Vernon B. Stouffer. president, sponsors the
annual local engagement of the New York
Metropolitan Opera company.
Succeeding Ranney as drama and film
critic will be Stan Anderson, also a Press
veteran of 15 years who has been radio-TV
editor since 1945. Prior to joining the Press
in 1942, Anderson was guest lecturer on speech
and drama at Kenyon College, Gambler, Ohio.
Before that, he was with the Play-House as
manuscript reader, actor and playwriting
instructor.
Jim Frankel takes over the post formerly
occupied by Anderson. His assignment on the
Press has been to write art and music features
and to conduct a classical record column.
He has also served as editor of the
Press Saturday magazine page.
Montreal Exhibitors
Expect Firmer 1957
MONTREAL—Exhibitors in this territory
expect a slight improvement in business during
the coming year. Although most of the
theatremen questioned described boxoffice
returns in 1956 as irregular and not very
satisfactory, they looked forward to modest
gains, mostly in anticipation of the better
films being released.
Local exhibitors pointed out that TV has
passed the novelty stage here and the public
should return to the theatres in greater
numbers for entertainment.
Some pointed out that the automobile has
become a major factor here and its influence
will continue to increase with employment
and wages maintaining a high level. The
increase of weekend motoring has caused
some theatres to change their programming
from weekend starts to midweek or Friday
night changes.
Prices have held steady all over the province
of Quebec. The concession business has become
a greater factor in theatre revenue.
Louise Phillippi Named
By Kansas City WOMPI
KANSAS CITY—The Kansas City chapter
of WOMPI met Monday (7) in the Paramount
screening room and elected Louise
Phillippi of RKO as president. The election
was a special one. called because of the resignation
of Myrtle Cain of MGM. whose family
obligations made her continuation in office
inadvisable. Miss Phillippi has been active
with the DOES here and WOMPI members
felt this experience would be valuable for
their own organization.
1,200 at Food Benefit
KEWANEE. ILL.—Harry L. Orr. manager
and Wilbur Nelson, assistant, said approximately
1.200 children brought canned or
packaged food to the benefit .show arranged
for the Salvation Army Christmas basket
charity.
HANDY
New Dog Racing Measure
Proposed for Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY—A bill to create a state
racing commission of three members and to
legalize betting on dog races in Missouri wa.^
presented to the Missouri Senate January 3
by Sen. Edward J. Hogan jr. of St. Louis and
other members of the Senate. Senator Hogan
estimated the measure would raise about
$10,000,000 annually to be earmarked for the
public schools. The license fees would be
from $1,000 a day for tracks in or near cities
of more than 500.000 population, including
Kansas City and St. Louis, to $100 for those
Aids Goodfellows Drive
LYONS. KAS.—Wallace Bruce, manager of
the Fox Lyons Theatre, arranged a benefit
show for the Goodfellows Club to collect
grocery items for the needy before Christmas.
in or adjacent to cities of less than 25,000.
Track operators would be permitted to retain
7'i- per cent of the proceeds of wagers
conducted under the parimutuel or Australian
totalizer systems. The operators also
would be required to set aside 4'j per cent of
the wagers for transfer to the State Department
of Revenue. Several horse and/or dog
racing bills have been presented to the Missouri
general assembly from time to time
but none reached the governor's desk since
1933. when the then Governor Guy B. Park
vetoed a combined dog and horse racing bill.
Dark at Clay City, Ind.
CLAY CITY, IND.—The Photoplay Theatre
here has been closed because of lack of
patronage.
^
HOLLYWOOD takes top
... a screen game,
honors. As a box-office attraction,
it is without equal. It has
jeen a fovorite with theatre goers for
over 15 years. Write today for complete details.
Be sure to give seating or car capacity.
HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO.
3750 Oakton St. • Skokie, Illinois
Theatres Collect Food
TUSCALOOSA, ALA.—Three Tuscaloosa
theatre managers sponsored shows benefitting
the Goodfellow Fund here for Christmas
gifts to deserving families. One or two
cans of food were the price of admission.
The shows were sponsored by Otto Miller,
Druid Theatre; Fred Barton, Bama, and
J. H. Cleveland. Skyline Drive-in.

. . take
A
Delta Air Lines Gives
$225,000 Bonus in U, S. Savings Bonds
JJe/ta j[ir fines, in c.
GENERAL OFFICES ATLANTA AIRPORT •
ATL ANTA, GE ORG I
TO:
All Members of Delta Family
FROM: President and General Manager
This has been a difficult but successful year.
Each of
us has had a hand in our accomplishraents.
Again we want to share our good fortune with all our
people and it is a pleasure to announce that all personnel
with more than six months of service as of May 2/», 1956, will
receive a $50.00 U.S. Savings Bond. All personnel with six
months of service or less as of that date will receive a $25.00
U.S. Savings Bond. The total value of these bonds will be
about $225,000,00.
The bond is both a share in our achievements and an added
expression of appreciation for your contrilmtion t^ them.
C. E. WOOLMAN
President and
Genera/ Manager
DELTA AIR
LINES
If you are wondering whether \jaur employees would
prefer Savings Bonds to Cash . a quick glance
at these figures:
. . . 8,000,000 Americans enrolled in the Payroll Savings
Plans of 40,000 companies invest $168 Million per month
in U.S. Savings Bonds.
. . . 40,000,000 Americans hold S41 Billion ( cash value)
in Series E and Series H Savings Bonds ... a huge reservoir
of future purchasing power.
. . . 67% of all Series E Bonds that matured up to June,
1956— more than 821 Billion — are being held bv their
owners under the automatic extension program.
Join Delta Airlines — and many other fine companies —
give vour Bonus in Bonds — the gift that grows. Savings
Bond Di\ision, U.S. Treasury Department, Washington
25, D. C.
The United States Government does not pay for this adx^ertising. The Treasury Department
thanks, jar their patriotic donation, the Advertising Council and
BOXOFFICE
C-8 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

PTA Pledges Support
In Theatre Problem
DOUGLAS. GA.—When Manager Paul
Cummings had exceptional difficulty in maintaining
order and cleanliness at the Mai-tin
Theatre here, he took the problem to the
local elementary school PTA, which pledged
its support in handling child behavior.
Cummings told the PTA that he has had
much difficulty in controlling the children
attending the theatre without their parents,
that the theatre is being used too much as a
baby sitter and that the children are allowed
to stay too long at a time. Some children, he
said, spend the entire day Saturday in the
theatre, eating popcorn and Cokes for their
noon meals. When certain children are put
out of the show, he added, their parents reprimand
theatre personnel. Cummings urged
parents to insist on their children behaving
when attending the theatre.
He protested that despite several cleanings
each day, the restrooms are terribly
abused and obscene expressions are written
on the walls with lipstick. Budget expenses,
he added, do not allow for a full-time maid
to enforce cleanliness and police the restrooms.
Cummings said that he was trying to get
student tickets put through for Coffee
County High School, Douglas Jr. High School
and college .students.
He pledged his cooperation with parents
who object to certain pictures being shown on
Saturday morning, and he said he would show
the western, comedy, serial, advertisements,
then the entire bill again before showing the
double feature. Parents calling for their children
around 12:30 on Saturday would be assured
their youngsters would not see the
double feature.
Cummings also complained that odors in
the theatre are causd by spilled drinks, spilled
baby bottles and failure on the part of small
children to use the bathroom facilities upstairs.
Foreign Film Series Pays
At Columbia Sub Run
COLUMBIA, S. C—A neighborhood theatre
here has found that a carefully planned foreign
film series stimulates wide interest and
pays off at the boxoffice.
The Five Points Theatre has entered another
year of semimonthly Columbia Pine
Films Committee programs in a tie-in with
local citizens that Manager Robert Scott says
has been mutually beneficial.
The citizens group selects the film titles
it
feels should be played. It submits the titles
to Scott and he makes arrangements to play
the pictures. Then, the committee contacts
the local newspapers and other publicity
sources in advance of playdates.
It adds up to SRO business on nights when
dated films would be playing to scant crowds.
Dislike French Quarter Films
NEW ORLEANS—Father John Julian, pastor
of the historic St. Louis Cathedral, and a
thousand residents in the French Quarter
have petitioned the city council against what
they termed as "low moral type pictures"
being shown in the French Quarter Gaiety
Theatre. Two councilmen were appointed to
investigate
the complaint.
Moultrie Theatre Chain /n Georgia
Observes 32nd Year of
May Choose New Site
For Charlotte Drive-In
CHARLOTTE—Plans for construction of a
drive-in theatre on Independence boulevard
near Wallace road have been abandoned by
Consolidated Theatres due to strong opposition
to a zoning change to permit the project
brought by residents in the area.
T. A. Little, president of Consolidated, in a
letter to City Manager Henry A. Yancey
authorized withdrawal of the petition for
rezoning, which had been submitted to the
city council by the city-county planning commission
with a recommendation for disapproval.
Reports were that Consolidated plans to
move a short distance farther out beyond
Alpine creek and outside municipal jurisdiction.
Little Rock Censors Name
Woman as New Chairman
LITTLE ROCK—The Little Rock censor
board meeting here Friday (4) elected Mrs.
Christine Olds, secretary of the board for
five years, as chairman succeeding Clark P.
Manney, who became vice-chairman. Mrs.
Herbert George was named secretary.
The board talked informally about clamping
down on "lewd" magazines and the
motion picture "Baby Doll," recently blasted
by a church group. The picture has not been
shown here.
The board organized subcommittees to cover
the motion picture, magazine and carnival
fields and adjourned until February 7.
Paul J.
Pless, 52, Dies
ASHEVILLE. N. C—Paul Jennings Pless.
52, who operated the Dreamland Drive-In
here until his illness several months ago,
died at his home. Pless was part owner of
the Springs Road Drive-In near Hickory before
selling out and moving to Asheville in
1948. Surviving are his wife Marjorie and
five daughters and one son.
Role to Violinist's Son
Efrem Zimbalist, New York stage and TV
actor and .son of the famed violinist, has won
the romantic lead opposite Natalie Wood in
WB's "Bombers B-52."
75 'Baby Doll' Prints
Added: 425 in Work
NEW YORK—To meet the
demand by
exhibitors for "Baby Doll." Warner Bros,
has ordered 75 additional prints to supplement
the 350 prints currently in use.
The company said that all of the 425
prints Will be utilized by theatres around
the country during the coming week.
The picture already has been booked
in 1.118 cities, according to Warners' sales
department which pointed out that the
only "problem" areas were in Albany and
one circuit in New England.
Operation
MOULTRIE. GA.—The Moultrie Theatres,
Inc.. which owns and operates the Moultrie,
Harlem, and Colquitt theatres and the Sunset
Drive-In here, has rounded out 32 years
of providing motion picture entertainment
lor this community.
Originally the Grand Theatre Co., owned
by the late J. L. D. Powell and his son
Charles H. Powell, the firm for a number of
years has been known as Moultrie Theatres,
Inc. Today it is owned by C. H. Powell, the
estate of J. L. D. Powell and Georgia Theatre
Co. Charlie C. Clarke is general manager
of the organization.
It was in 1924 that the elder Powell and
his son bought out the old Grand Theatre
here and started a program of motion picture
entertainment. Powell had owned the
building in which the old Grand was located.
BUILT THEATRE IN 1929
With the coming of sound, the Powells
built the Moultrie Theatre in 1929, classed as
one of the state's finest. As the city grew,
Moultrie Theatres expanded and in 1942
Colquitt Theatre was built. This house
burned on Mar. 3, 1956. while a big Saturday
night crowd was enjoying a show. Plans
have been mapped for a newer and better
Colquitt Theatre soon.
The company also operates the Sunset
Drive-In and the Harlem Theatre for Negro
patrons.
C. H. Powell, who is president of the
company, is a native of Colquitt County and
a veteran of World War I.
Community project work has for years been
his hobby. He has served the Chamber of
Commerce in many key positions and is a past
president of the organization. During World
War II he was executive secretary of the Colquitt
County rationing board, is a past president
of the Kiwanis Club and currently is
serving as a director in the Moultrie Banking
Co., vice-president of the Moultrie Federal
Savings & Loan A.ss'n and trustee of Vereen
Memorial Hospital, as well as being actively
connected with the Elks Club and Sunset
Country Club.
HAVE TWO CHILDREN
Powell is married to the former Sarah Benton
of Mansfield. Ga., and they have two
children. Judy (Mrs. Virgil Steele jr.) and
Charles jr.. a student at Georgia Tech.
The elder Powell, a native of Worth County,
came to Moultrie in 1894 and four years later
was elected to the city council. It was during
his regime that Moultrie took over operation
of the light and water plant. It was
on his motion that the city agreed to purchase
the light and water plant—today among
the major revenue producing assets of the
municipality.
Charlie C. Clarke, general manager since
1942, has been with local show business since
1922. A native of Adel, Ga., he first came to
Moultrie in 1919 and finished his education
at Moultrie High School. His first job was
with the old Grand Theatre.
Clarke is married to the former Susan Elizabeth
Woolard of Moultrie and they have two
children. Mrs. Ray Hendrick and Charlie C.
Clarke jr. Clarke is a member of the Elks
Club and formerly of the Lions Club.
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 SE-1

. . Lewis
ATLANTA
The March of Dimes got off to a rousing
start Sunday (6) with a program featuring
Lizabeth Scott, Rusty Draper, the Atlanta
Pops orchestra and a host of other local and
national stars. No admission was charged to
the concert at Municipal Auditorium but donations
were accepted for the year-round
fight against polio. Miss Scott was sponsored
by a local department store, where she was
guest commentator at two fashion shows on
Monday (7i. Her new picture, "The Weapon,"
will be released soon in this territory.
Teenagers had a field day here recently
when handsome Johnny Saxon, youthful
U-I star, and Sue George, the producing
company's most promising young actress,
made personal appearances. They were here
in connection with "Rock, Pi-etty Baby,"
which opened Thursday (10) at the Pai-aflLdl
BOOIil OfflCf
Experience — Industry Integrity
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tel. Jackson 5-8314
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atlanta. ga. t^^^
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Serving thcotres in the South for 36 years.
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mount. The couple was escorted by Ben
Hill, U-I's eastern publicist, and Don Morgan,
studio representative, appearing on all
local radio and TV stations. There was an
autographing party immediately upon their
arrival at the airport and police had to
handle the throng of kids. The couple, accompanied
by Hill and Morgan, left by air
for Columbia, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham
and other points where radio and television
appearances were set up by Hill.
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Blue, Jackson Drivein,
Jackson, returned from Mississippi where
they spent the holidays with his family . . .
Fire damaged the Grand in Tallapoosa on
Christmas Day, causing a temporary shuttering.
E. H. Moon, operator, hopes to get his
theatre reopened by February 1.
Police recently found a homemade, bombiike
object with an unllghted fuse at the
suburban Gordon Theatre. The object, dismantled
at Ft. McPherson, contained a firecracker
jammed against a loaded 12-gauge
shotgun shell. The object was five inches
long, fashioned out of iron pipe. It was
found in a restroom ... A baby girl was born
to Mr. and Mrs. Jay Solomon of Chattanooga
December 29. Jay, who is head of the
Independent Tlieatres of Chattanooga, was
on the Row passing out cigars celebrating
arrival of his new "Bundle of Joy," Lmda
Eileen.
Another actor-singer appearing here was
Dick Haymes. Haymes was also sponsored
by a local department store and was the
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OFFICE
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"man-in-your-life" at a fashion show. Since
HoUjrwood stars captured prominence on the
1956 best-dressed list, they are going all-out
to foster fashion to greater importance with
all women . "Lucky" Ingram, salesman
for 20th Century-Fox, resigned January
2 to join WAGA in the same capacity.
Another salesman leaving the industry was
Jim Cronin, formerly with Universal Pictures,
covering east Tennessee. He resigned
to become affiliated with the New York Life
Insurance Co. His headquarters will be Atlanta.
He has not been replaced at Universal.
Recently a safe at the suburban Kirkwcod
Theatre was broken open and $88
stolen, according to owner-operator Earle
Hathcock . . . R. J. "Hap" Barnes, ABC
Booking Office, and his wife and daughter
Jerry spent the New Year holidays with Mrs.
Barnes' family at Lake City, Fla. Mrs. Barnes
. . . The
remained at Lake City for several days due to
the hospitalization of her mother
Bailey ciixuit closed the Augusta Drive-In,
Augusta, Tuesday (1) for the winter season.
Ruth Roberts, one of Filmrow's oldest employes,
retired as of the first of the year.
She was associated with Allied Artists.
Atlanta has become the mecca for film personalities,
the latest being Fred MacMurray
and his wife, June Haver, who will be here
January 27 for personal appearances and the
world premiere of MacMurray's U-I Cinema-
Scope Eastman Color picture, "Gun for a
Coward," at the Paramount Theatre. While
here, MacMurray will be commissioned a
honorary colonel on Gov. Marvin Griffin's
staff and will appear before a joint session
of the Georgia legislature. He will also be
honor guest at a local department store's
style show. MacMurray goes to Charlotte
for two days following the local visit, both
situations handled by Ben Hill. The Mac-
Murrays will be accompanied by David Polland,
U-I's Washington publicist.
Addie Addison jr., UA publicist, was here
arranging for the personal appearance of
Jeff Chandler, star of "Drango," which is
scheduled for a first showing at Loew's
Grand Thm-sday (17) . . Visiting the Row
.
were Nat Hancock. Roosevelt, Jefferson; O.
C. and Tommie Lam, Lam Amusement Co.,
Rome: Wendell Welch, Strand and Judean
Drive-In, Dallas; P. J. Gaston, Rex and Lincoln,
Griffin; J. W. Peck, Pex. Sparta; W. W.
Fincher jr., Fincher Theatres, Chatsworth;
Ernest Ingram, Ashland and Lineville, Ala.;
Dan Davis, Norwood, Florence, Ala.; C. S.
Simpson, War Eagle, Auburn, Ala., and
Riveria, Knoxville, Tenn. ... P. J. Gaston
visited his mother over the holidays at her
home at Americus.
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SE-2 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

. . . But
Tohn Saxon and Sue George, stars of the pic-
* ture Rock. Pretty Baby." made personal
appearances here Wednesday i9i. Ben Hill.
U-I press representative, arranged for the
visit. The couple went to Raleigh late the
same day. The picture opens at the Center
Sunday (13) . . . Will Rogers jr. spoke at the
Friday (11) dinner meeting of the Charlotte
Executives Club.
Emery Wister, Charlotte News amusement
editor, selected his choice for the ten best
pictures of the year, in this order: Picnic,
Somebody Up There Likes Me, War and
Peace, The King and I, Friendly Persuasion,
The Rose Tattoo, Giant, The Harder They
Fall, High Society and Moby Dick. His selection
for the ten worst: The Conqueror, The
Search for Bridey Murphy, The Vagabond
King, 7th Cavalry, Three Bad Sisters and
your pick of the mole men, monsters, creatures
from beneath the sea. men from Mars
and other creeps that crept into the theatres."
Carrollton, Ky., Newspaper
Lauds Changes in Code
CARROLLTON, KY.—The News Democrat
here has editorially applauded the new production
code changes and commented recently,
"After 26 years we feel that it's about
time to consider modernization."
The editorial added:
'Who though, should control movie morals?
One group of persons or the overall general
movie public? We lean toward the latter.
Naturally there must be primary regulations
regular alterations in the movie codes
should be conducted with the public's asassistance.
A change every 26 years is no
good . . .
•Yes, an adoption of new rules and regulations
is fine. It must now, however, move
forward with more regularity. The public
should be the greatest factor in that movement.
After all, the viewers nod yes or no
to
a picture."
Girl Ends 14lh Year
As Theatre Boothman
ASHEBORO. N. C.~Pretty Reba Clarke has
wound up her 14th year as projectionist at
the Sunset Theatre here, and she's just as
enthusiastic about her job as she was when
she took over the booth position in 1942.
Reba's name came up for the projectionist's
job when her brother Kermit, then boothman
at the Sunset, was called to the armed
forces in 1942. She had spent many hours
with Kermit in the booth learning all about
carbon arcs, generators, sound systems and
splicing film.
Soon she was making changeovers and
building shows with the skill of a master operator,
a title she's well qualified for in view
of her long experience.
Reba likes the fact that her work shifts
are short and the rewards ample, but she admits
there's one drawback to that job. That
it that it's confining.
"Sometimes," she said, "I'll go through the
whole day without seeing anyone at all."
The unusual working hours also can play
havoc with her social life, but despite the
drawbacks, Reba likes her work and takes
pride in it. On off hours Reba frequently
takes a busman's holiday and watches a motion
picture.
Reba dresses strictly for comfort and usually
wears a shirt and pedal pushers. There's
a solid reason for the pant: With all the
bending and stooping the operator does to
load the machines, a skirt would be dragging
the floor too often.
She views her work as an interesting job
for a woman and a good one. but she said,
"not for every girl." She observed that before
a girl set out to become an operator she'd
have to decide to work frequently at night
and to work completely alone for many hours.

.
. . Bennie
. . From
. . Zebra
. . Norman
—
MEMPHIS
JTie Ritz Theatre, local first run art house
owned by Jack Katz, which was completely
gutted October 15 by fire, has been
rebuilt and opened for business. The remodeled
Ritz has improved acoustics, a new
screen and more leg room, since the new
seating is wider spaced. Katz has been operating
at the Memphian Theatre, a Malco
house here, since the fire. M. A. Lightman,
sr., arranged for the Ritz to move its program
into the Memphian until the Ritz could
be rebuilt. The Ritz reopened with "The
Ladykillers."
W. F. McCann, owner, reported an early
FIGURE IT
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It's smart business when a small investment
can bring in large returns It
costs a lot less than you think to have
your seats cozy and comfortable without
interrupting your show schedule
Boxoftice returns prove how smart it is
to provide your patrons with what
they're looking for Call
for a free estimate today.
Write, Wire
or Phone
ALpine 5-8459
MANUFACTURERS
Fojm liuWar
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• tA^-i~Ai^AaJi.ViiMi!>^.,
.
. . . R. S. Chap-
morning fire destroyed the Mox Theatre at
Blytheville, Ark. The interior will be rebuilt.
McCann hopes the job can be finished in 60
days Rayburn, owner, has sold
his Monticello Drive-In Movies at Monticello.
Ark., to Dr. Tsiang
man, owner, has closed the Cozy Theatre at
Tuckerman, Ark., indefinitely ... 25 Drive-
In, Fulton, Miss., has been closed for the
season . Drive-In, Pine Bluff, Ark.,
was closed for the winter . . . The A&B Drive-
In, Ripley, Term., has been closed until
spring.
C. W. Browning, owner, closed the Ecru
Theatre at Ecru, Miss., for an indefinite
period . Fair. Fair, Somerville,
and Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar, were among
visiting exhibitors from West Tennessee . . .
K. H. King, Hays, Hughes; Alvin Tipton,
Tipton theatres at Caraway, Manila and
Monette; Lloyd Hutchins, Maxie, Trumann;
Mrs. W. D. Mitchell, Gem, Dumas; Walter
Lee, Gem. Heber Springs, and John Staples,
Carolyn, Piggott, were In town from Arkansas
. Mississippi came C. J. Collier,
Globe, Shaw; Bern Jackson, Ellis, Cleveland;
Vincent Dane, Crescent, Belzoni; Leon
Rountree, Holly, Holly Springs, and Valley
at Water Valley, and T. M. Jourdon, Majestic,
luka.
North Platte Theatreman
Plans Cash Giveaway
NORTH PLATTE, NEB.—A new twist in
theatre cash prizes is planned by Manager
Prank Larson at the Paramount Theatre here.
Larson said he will offer a $500 weekly cash
prize to the person answering a question on
the theatre stage.
"Everyone in the city dii-ectory will be
automatically registered for the contest and
any one else may register free," Larson said.
"We will draw a number corresponding to
a name on the register. The person need not
be in the theatre to qualify as we will have
a public address outside. We will give the
contestant picked two minutes to reach the
stage. The questions will be easy ones."
If the person whose name is drawn does
not appear, a small cash prize will be mailed
to that person, and the amount of the following
week's payoff will be increased.
"I've talked with attorneys and they tell me
they can see nothing wrong with the plan,"
Larson said.
Theatre bank nights and other "giveaway"
programs have been declared lotteries by the
courts. The practice was widely adopted
throughout the state during World War II
before stopped by court order.
Surrealist Film Booked
NEW YORK—Hans Richter's surrealist
comedy, "8x8" shot over a period of three
years in Holland, Venice, the Riviera, New
York and Connecticut, will open at the
Fifth Avenue Cinema March 1, 1957, at which
time the small art theatre will return to a
first run policy. Richter's first feature,
"Dreams Money Can't Buy," opened at the
Fifth Avenue Cinema in 1947 and had a 17-
week run.
Austen Jewell was named first assistant
director on AA's "Dino," starring Sal Mineo
and with Thomas Carr directing.
Memphis First Runs
Enjoy High Grosses
MEMPHIS—The year of 1957 was off to a
flying start at all local first runs. All enjoyed
well over average business and one, the
Warner, reported twice average for "Bundle
of Joy." Loew's Palace recorded 180 per
cent with "The Teahouse of the August
Moon."
(Average Is 100)
Malco Oklahoma! {20th-Fox), 2nd wk 170
Palace The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM) 180
State— The King and Four Queens (UA) 150
Strand Hollvwood or Bust (Para), 2nd wk 110
Warner Bundle of Joy (RKO) 200
Showmen Think Changes
To Have Little Effect
CLEVELAND—Local theatre owners are
not too much concerned with the recently
announced motion picture code changes.
Feeling of those who were asked for an
opinion of the effect of the changes is that
"regardless of the provisions of the code, it
is the paying public that decides what pictures
it approves of and which ones win their
disapproval."
"We will play any picture that bears the
code seal," said an independent circuit owner,
"provided it is not offensive to our patrons.
After all, we are in business to provide entertainment
to our patrons. They make the final
decisions as to what type of picture entertainment
they want."
"The public is our best censor," another
theatre manager said. "It can generally be
counted on to reject any picture than is in
bad taste either as to subject matter or presentation."
The owner of a theatre in a small town
said that, in the course of some 20 years, he
has elevated the status of his motion picture
theatre to the level of the chmxh and the
school. "Putting the theatre in such select
company, it behooves me to maintain that
status by playing pictures which offend
neither the church nor the school. This
means the playing of family-type pictures
as much as possible. The expansion of the
code to subject matter that might not be
palatable for family consumption may
possibly arouse a threat for return of censorship."
Minn. Solons May Discuss
Tax and Censorship Laws
MINNEAPOLIS—North Central Allied in
its current bulletin warned Minnesota exhibitors
to be on guard when the state legislature
convenes this month against a proposal
for an enabling act to permit local
admission taxes and the establishment of film
censorship. The bulletin also warns that daylight
saving time will be pushed.
Exhibitors were urged to talk with their
legislators between now and the time the
legislature assembles to ascertain their feelings
regarding these matters.
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SE-4
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

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Postage-paid reply cards for vour further convenience
in obtaining information arc provided in The MODERN
THEATRE Section, published with the first issue of
eoch month.
Toronto Chain Units
Reshuffle Lineups
TORONTO—Local theatre circles have
been In a whirl over the exten.sive reorganization
of chain units in the wake of the clo.sing
of downtown Shea's to make way for the
municipal square and underground parking
garage near the city hall. Chain compatiies
involved in the process were Famous Players,
Bloom & Fine Theatres, Allen's Premier Theatres
and 20th Century Tlteatres.
Three units of the B&P circuit, Prince of
Wales, Donlands and Beaver, joined the
Famous Players Show of the Week group,
now numbering nine instead of the usual
eight houses for this policy.
The Famous Players Oakwood was switched
to Nat Taylors 20th Century Theatres, which
also gained the Century from B&F. The
Towne Cinema has been switched from 20th
Century Theatres to Famous Players for
teaming with the Eglinton starting with the
first Canadian showing of "Friendly Persuasion."
As previously announced, the Hollywood
was acquired by Famous Players from Aliens
as a partial first run replacement for Shea's
with Len Bishop going from Shea's to the
Hollywood as manager. A new first run group
consists of three Famous Players theatres,
Hollywood, Palace and Runnymede.
The 750-seat Circle in the north end, operated
for years by 20th Century Theatres,
has been acquired by Stan Jacobson.
Famous Players now has the only individual
first run theatres here, the Imperial, largest
in Canada, the University with its long run
engagement of "The Ten Commandments"
and the Tivoli where "Oklahoma!" in Todd-
AO started 36 weeks ago. Other individual
units are the Nortown and Bloor.
The lineup for the Famous Players Show
of the Week policy comprises the Alhambra,
Beach, Beaver, Capitol, College, Donlands,
Parkdale, Prince of Wales and St. Clair.
Roy Metcalfe Takes Over
Palace at Cedar Rapids
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.—Roy Metcalfe,
operator of the Times Theatre, has leased the
Palace Theatre from the Palace Theatre Co.
and has taken over operation of the house.
He acquired it on a long-term lease. He will
also continue to operate the Times. The
Palace is a second run theatre. The Times
plays both first and second run films.
The Palace building continues to be the
property of the heirs of A. J. Diebold and
Mike Ford, the theatre's founders. The
families have operated the theatre almost
continuously. William J. McGuire has managed
it for many years. The Diebold-Ford
interests also own the State Theatre building
in Cedar Rapids, which is leased by Tri-
States Theatres Corp. Metcalfe has been in
show business for 26 years and in Cedar
Rapids for ten years. His wife assists him in
theatre operation. Metcalfe said he plans to
remodel the Palace.
HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Theatres here in
Hollywood and in other resort communities
along the Florida southeast coast report
Saturday attendance is slightly better than
on Sunday.
One circuit which operates large, small,
neighborhood and drive-in theatres, recently
completed a 13-week check on attendance.
Sunday business averaged 22 per cent. Saturday
23, Monday dropped to 9, Tuesday and
Wednesday 10, Thursday 12 and Friday 14
per cent.
Of course, the morning matinees helped to
bring up the Saturday figure, as did midnight
shows in many houses.
Afternoon business all along the coast
suffers when the weather is fine and people
like to visit the beaches; a rainy day has
the reverse effect. Saturday night attendance
is greater in all the theatres than is that on
Sunday night. Several managers have explained
people like to come to the theatre
and stay through the late show on Saturday
because they are not faced with the ringing
of the early alarm clock the next morning.
They even can stay and enjoy the midnight
thriller so frequently offered.
Attendance at the neighborhood houses
averages better than in the downtown theatres.
Perhaps, the neighborhood figures are
boosted by the larger number of children attending
Sunday afternoon matinees when
parents do not want to take them out, or It
may be that it is really a family occasion when
the entire family attend. This is particularly
true when there is an extra good film being
shown. At any rate, it is pointed out, more
attention is being paid to the quality of films
shown at the neighborhood houses on Sunday
than in the larger or downtown houses.
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SE-5

MIAMI
•tiroraetco is plugging the tranquilizing effeet
of attending motion pictures. Relax
awhile, suggest the ads, and rest after
shopping, after the hectic holiday season,
after a hard day's work. Motion pictures, the
circuit is intimating, were designed as oases
of comfort and pleasure and escape from the
fast pace of today's living . . . Victor Levine,
program chairman for Variety's installation
dinner, which was held at the Golden Gate
Hotel January 7, had outstanding celebrities
in the world of sports and entertainment on
hand for the event. Guests of honor were
Gabby Hayes, Louis Armstrong, George
Jessel and members of the Hungarian Olym-
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pic team. The entire proceeds from the affair,
which attracted more than 1,000
persons, will go to the Children's Hospital,
main project of the local tent. Dinners were
donated by the hotel.
Motion pictures from 7 to 8 p.m., continuous
stage burlesque show from then to
11;30 is the format which Mack Herbert is
now following at the Bard Theatre, formerly
all
films.
Headed. "Caplan Brothers present," the
Variety Theatre lately taken over from
Claughton, has temporarily substituted stage
shows for films. Special art is being used in
ads publicizing the changeover. Reserved
seats are available . . . McComas' Tropicaire
Drive-In had a week long in-person attraction.
Twice nightly two aerialists performed
on poles 125 feet high. The thrill for the
audience was when the two pole performers
changed poles while aloft.
Tlie Olympia has inaugurated a new show
policy for all week-day matinees during the
run of "The Ten Commandments." To accommodate
many who can not fit time
schedules to coincide with the regular reserved
seat showings, week-day matinees are
on a continuous performance basis at a $1.50
admission, no seats reserved. Doors open at
9:30 each morning (except Sunday) and the
last complete matinee begins at 2 p.m. The
Beach Theatre, other house where the pictui'e
is showing, is still on a two-performances
daily, reserved seat policy. Group theatre
party information is available at the boxoffices
of both theatres.
A stage act was part of the matinee entertainment
for smallfry at the Miracle re-
. . .
cently. There was a "free surprise gift" in
addition to cartoons, serial and feature
Van Myers, "threw the book" (to quote Contacti
at 87 managers, assistants and salesgirls
of Wometco, the event being the kickoff
breakfast for this year's confection contest.
The "book" is Myers' guide book to
sales building, or how to win some of the
generous cash prizes. Marty Wucher and Joe
St. Thomas were hosts at the affair.
Walton Oakerson, now in his 20th year
with Wometco, has just been awarded a
plaque by the Hialeah Optimists Club for
"outstanding youth work over an extended
period." Now managing the Essex Theatre,
Oakerson formerly headed the Center, where
he brought Saturday matinee attendance up
past 1,000. He has made an even more impressive
record at the Essex. Sidney Meyer
dubbed him the first "double member" of
the Thousand Club. Oakerson. who has a
way with youngsters, has been interested in
them ever since he went into the theatre
business. He has made a real study of child
behavior and is often called in for consultation
by juvenile divisions of police departments.
He's a very popular man with his
matinee audiences and with the parents in
the neighborhood.
Harvey Fleischman had a long-distance
call from a Texan di.u'ing the holidays, requesting
a "Book of Happiness" gift wrapped
and sent to a Miamian for Christmas ... A
joint announcement from the Roosevelt Theatre
and the Greyhound bus lines designates
January 29 as Palm Beach County Day at the
theatre. The special day was set aside to welcome
visitors from Palm Beach County, who
have been brought in busses to see "This is
Cinerama." A sightseeing tour is included
in the program, and the party will then be
returned to the starting point.
Roy Rogers Vice-President
Of Denison Boat Firm
DENISON, TEX.—Roy Rogers, crowned the
King of the Cowboys during his years of
western roles for Republic, has been named
vice-president and chairman of the board of
the Yellow Jacket Boat Co. here.
Rogers said he was not moving to Denison
at the present time, although it may be a
future possibility. "My wife Dale Evans is
from Italy, Tex.," he said, "and I know she
would love coming back to the Lone Star
state."
The cowboy singer-actor will be in charge
of sales and public relations for the boat
firm. He said it wouW not interfere with his
film and television work.
RKO Omaha Salesmen
To Des Moines Offices
OMAHA—Norman Neilsen, RKO manager
of RKO, announced the Omaha office will
close Monday (31) but said that the same
staff of sales representatives would continue
to serve the territory. The Omaha area had
been served from an office in the film exchange
building, although the exchange had
been consolidated with the Des Moines
branch.
Nielsen, Mort Ives of Omaha and Sherm
Fitch of South Dakota will continue to serve
the Nebraska-Iowa-South Dakota territory.
Manchester, N. H., Chain
Bypasses 'Doll' Booking
MANCHESTER, N. H.—Patrons of four
leading local theatres will not be given an
opportunity to see the controversial film,
"Baby Doll," it has been announced by Edward
J. Fahey, local manager for the State
Operating Co., which owns the motion picture
houses.
Under the company's policy, according to
Fahey, films which receive a Class C rating
from the Legion of Decency are not exhibited.
The chain's local theatres are the Strand,
State. Palace and Variety.
Donate to Hungarians
TOLEDO—When the Westwood Art Theatre
booked "Stars of the Russian Ballet,"
Kent Nitz, manager, said that because the
film rental fee was to go to a Russian distributor,
it was making a donation considerably
larger than that amount to the
Hungarian relief drive.
Dixie Theatre Hosts Kiddies
BROOKS-VILLE, FLA.—Several hundred
kiddies were guests at a free show at the
Dixie Theatre on Christmas Eve sponsored
by the Klwanis Club and theatre owner Howard
Smith.
Les Baxter has been signed to write special
music and the score for "Untamed Youth,"
starring Mamie Van Doren, set for production
at Warner Bros.
SE-6 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

. . Carl
. .
. . . William
JACKSONVILLE
. .
l^ixon "Dick" Kegan, Paramount salesman,
enjoyed an uninterrupted three weeks of
vacation at home with his wife and children
Don Yarbrough, 20th-Fox publicist from
Atlanta, adressed the local Motion Picture
Council on the subject of the big Fox production
plan for 1957 at the invitation of
President John Crovo . Edith Smith, Florida
State Theatres exploiteer. returned from
a year-end vacation trip, which she spent
with relatives in Lincoln, Neb. . . . The sidewalk
in front of the downtown Imperial
Theatre literally turned into a free dancehall
when Manager Bill Korenbrot had an
outside jukebox playing 12 hours a day for
his first run of Columbia's "Don't Knock
the Rock" and "Rumble on the Docks." On
opening day, teenagers swarmed the theatre
to dance awhile on the sidewalk before
going inside to set an attendance record for
the Imperial.
Back from a lengthy south Florida tour,
MGM's Norm Levinson reported that Wometco
publicist Sonny Shepherd and Curtis
Miller, Claughton exploitation man, are busy
developing big advertising campaigns for
runs of "The Great American Pastime" and
"Slander." which have been split between
the two circuits in the booming Miami area
where motion picture houses are having
steadily increasing patronage as the greatest
winter tourist season in history has meshed
into high gear.
Mrs. John Finske, mother of Louis J. Finske,
Florida State Theatres president, died
at her home in Michigan City, Ind., January
1. President Finske left here to attend the
funeral services and later returned here by
way of New York.
.
. . .
Fred Rippendale, MGM traveling auditor,
came in to work at the local office for a few
weeks ... A special screening of "Three Brave
Men" was staged at the Florida Theatre by
Thomas P. Tidwell, 20th-Fox manager
James Brewer has been advanced from a
job in the FST warehouse to the assistant
Back
manager's post at the Imperial
from a Titusville fishing expedition were Ed
Chumley. Paramount manager, and Fred
Mathis, Paramount salesman . . . Sarah
Keller, WOMPI president, announced that
advance planning had begun for a joint
WOMPI-Variety Club charity benefit dance
to be held at the beginning of spring.
Emil Bernstecker, formerly of Atlanta
where he held an executive post as a supervisor
for Wilby-Kincey Theatres, is now associated
with Florida State Theatres, also in
an executive capacity ... A new series of art
pictures, sponsored by the Jacksonville Art
Museum, will be inaugurated at the San
Marco Theatre January 23 with the first
local run of "House of Ricordi," an Italian
operatic film which is being distributed in
Florida by Ai-thur Davis of Gold Coast Pictures,
Miami . Carter, who operates
the Ribault and Airbase drive-ins, reported
that 25 cartons of cigarets had been stolen
from his theatre supply firm. Service Concessions
Co.
Longstreet Novel to Screen
"Untamed Youth," by Stephen Longstreet,
has been scripted for the screen by John C.
Higgins for Warner Bros.
J. P. Kennedy Bans 'Doll'
In 11 M&NH Theatres
ijOc ION— "Baby Dull" has been banned
by ta^ Maine and New Hampshire Theatres
circuit, controlled by Joseph P. Kennedy,
fjrmer a:r.ba£sador to England, on the
grounds that it is "immoral."
Jolin Ford, general manager of the chain
cf 11 theatres in upper New England is reported
by newspapers to have said, '"Ws
wouldn't play the film if we got it for nothing.
We consider it immoral."
Kennedy, a prominent Catholic layman
who has donated large sums of money to
religious charities and the church, is said
to hava "definitely disapproved" of the showing
of the film, although he has admitted
that he has not seen it. The M&NH head
booker, William Sullivan, saw the film at the
tradescreening at the 20th-Fox Little Theat-e
and handed in a "very bad report" on it.
On reading the report, Kennedy expressed
strong disapproval of the film and banned it
at the 11 theatres which he controls. Maine
& New Hampshire operates three theatres
in New Hampshire and eight in Maine. The
circuit's home office is in Boston.
"Baby Doll" opened Monday 31 at the
Metropolitan Theatre. The management announced
in its ads that no one under 18 will
be admitted. Prices were $1.50 top for the
opening day and New Year's Day, with $1.25
for the regular run.
Suburban Area Discusses
Film Censorship Group
CLEVELAND—Under a banner headline,
"Weigh Board to Censor Trash Movies," the
Press carried a story on possible local censor.ship
to control the type of pictures exhibited
on weekends in a local suburban
theatre.
The council of Maple Heights, apparently,
is concerned over the weekend programs at
the Mapletown Theatre, only film house in
the Cleveland surburban area. At a recent
committee meeting, one of its members rated
the progi-ams "of low grade, questionable
variety."
The question for the suburb's legal department
to determine is whether a community
can establish its own board of film censors.
Before going too deeply into the legal aspects
of the situation, council members agreed
to confer with officials of the theatre to enlist
their cooperation for "approved" weekend
programs.
"If we don't get it (cooperation) we will
have to take legislative measures," a council
spokesman is quoted as saying.
Walter Leistico Sells
KENYON, MINN.—Walter Leistico of Waconia,
Minn., has sold his Time Theatre here,
which had been under lease, to Virgil Amundson,
owner of the Delano, Minn., theatre, and
to Richard Reckoff of Delano. Leonard Blais
of Fairbault, Minn., had been the lessee.
Ask Reopening Plan
ALMA, WIS.—The Alma Booster Club has
asked local residents for suggestions on what
can be done to help reopen the Alma Theatre,
closed recently by owner C. H. Pryce
because of "rising operating costs and shrinking
patronage."
NEW ORLEANS
/^ J. Gaudet, owner of the Magic Theatre
Port Allen, has employed J. G. Broggi to
do all booking and buying for his theatre
Sendy sold the Kenner Theatre,
Kenner, to B. M. Huff. All mail is to go to
Huff at 159 Elaine Ave., Harahan.
Recent closings included the Tone, Cantonment,
Fla.; Wakea, Waldo, Ark.; Fox,
Plain Dealing: McKinley, Baton Rouge.
United Theatres of New Orleans closed its
Algy Theatre Monday (7). The Fern Drivein,
Woodville, Miss., and the Lane Drive-In,
ArnaudvUle. have been closed for the winter.
The Joy Theatre, Simmcsport, was closed
Monday (7) for January, February and
March.
Dr. Ruth Shushan, as guest speaker at the
WOMPI luncheon Tuesday (8), discussed
Weight Control." The progi-am for the meeting
at the New Orleans Hotel was arranged
by Marie C. Berglund. who doubles as first
vice-president and program chairman.
Booking and visiting on Filmrow were
Doyle Maynard, Don, Natchitoches; Jimmie
Thompson, Don Theatre, Alexandria; F. G.
Prat jr., who operates theatres in Lockport,
Raceland, Vacherie and Thibodaux; Vernon
Dupepe, Aereon Theatre, Jefferson Pari.sh;
E. R. Sellers, Yam Drive-In, Opelousas; A.
J. and Bernie Rosenthal, Joy Theatre, Alexandria,
Midway Drive-In, Opelousas, and
Levon Ezell, Ritz and Pix theatres, Pascagoula.
William Holliday, Paramount
Miss. . . . manager, was in Philadelphia for a sales
meeting.
R. A. Edmondson jr. Elected
ATLANTA—R. A. Edmondson jr., vicepresident
of Dixie Drive-In Theatres, has
been elected a dii'ector of the DeKalb County
Federal Savings & Loan Ass'n.
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SE-8 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

Can of Corn Memorial
To Airer's War Viclim
FORT WORTH—The Isis Theatre and
Manager L. A. Wallis got special notice for
the unusual way in which they observed the
anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. The lobby
display on that day was a can of popcorn,
and it's a can of corn with quite a history.
Back in 1941, Albert Kane, a young Isis
employe joined the Navy. Kane w'as assigned
to the battleship Oklahoma. He wrote pals
at the theatre that the ship had put in at
Honolulu, which was a terrific place, but he
sure missed Cowtown, especially that good
popcorn at the Isis.
Since it was December, Wallis decided to
send some popcorn to Kane as a Christmas
gift, as sort of a gag. A can was filled with
the popcorn and sealed with Scotch tape.
It was sent to Kane aboard the Oklahoma.
But Kane never ate the popcorn. Before he
could, Japanese planes roared in and worked
over Pearl Harbor. The Oklahoma was one of
the battle wagons hit and Albert Kane was
killed.
The uneaten popcorn later was found in
Kane's locker aboard the wrecked ship. The
Navy returned it to the theatre.
So. this year on the 15th anniversary of
Pearl Harbor, Manager Wallis got out the
can of popcorn. It still was in sm-prisingly
good condition. Wallis placed the can in the
lobby and it was probably the most unusual
memorial anywhere for a victim of Pearl
Harbor.
Throckmorton, Tex., House
Closed by J. B. Thompson
THROCKMORTON, TEX. — The Texan
Theatre, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs.
J. B. Thompson, has been closed.
The theatre was established in 1927 by L. A.
Howsley. It has been owned and operated by
several persons through the years, with the
Thompsons operating it 11 years. The Texan
was not the first theatre in Throckmorton.
A
theatre was set up in 1913 by A. A. Bowman
and in 1916 another was opened by W. K.
Crowley, L. A. Howsley and Andrew Howsley.
Electric current for this house was furnished
by P. J. Foster's flour mill.
Port Arthur Managers
Shifted by Jefferson
PORT ARTHUR, TEX.—Fred Minton of
the Jefferson Amusement Co. has made
several changes in local theatre management.
Alvin Thibodeaux, manager of the Port Theatre,
has become manager of the Sabine, and
K. N. Greer. Neches T'heatre, Port Neches,
replaced Thibodeaux. In addition to the
managerial shifts, Jefferson Amusement has
installed a new brown and gold carpet in the
Sabine Theatre aisles, lobby and lounges.
Fire Destroys Theatre
VAN ALSTYNE, TEX. — Fire recently
destroyed the Royal Theatre here causing
damages estimated at $32,000. The fire was
discovered shortly after a Saturday night
midnight show had ended and more than 100
patrons had left the theatre. Origin of the
blaze was not determined. Volunteer units
from nearby towns and the Sherman fire department
arrived in time to keep the flames
from spreading to adjoining buildings.
Honored
Exhibitor Is
As Paleontologist
LEOTI, KAS.—Marion C. Bonner, operator
of the Plaza Theatre whose hobby
for a number of years has bpen collecting
fossils prevalent in this area, has gone
to New York where he is being honored
by the curator of the American Museum
of Natural History as a vertebrate paleontologist.
There are only about 50 of
these who have been so honored.
Bonner has given his collection of
fossils to the Kansas State College at
Hays, and George F. Sternberg, curator
of the museum there, is accompanying
him to New York. Mrs. Bonner is also
going and will get to see her husband
honored.
Two Enid, Okla., Houses
Drop Admission Scale
ENID—The Trail Drive-In. operated by
Video Independent Theatres, was closed for
the season New Year's Day, the first time
since it was built several years ago.
The Esquire Theatre, under the management
of Paul Shipley, city manager, has
reduced the admission price to 50 cents for
the balcony and 65 cents for the lower floor
after 6 p.m. and holidays. Matinees remain
at 50 cents. ITie admission has been reduced
at the Chief from 65 to 60 cents after 6 p.m.,
50 cents matinees.
George Jones, manager of the Trail, will
assist Shipley at the E.squire and Chief.
The Cherokee, second and third run house,
is treating its patrons to a two-for-one admission
on Thursdays. The Sonner, operated
by Roy Shield, has a two-for-one twice a
week.
All local theatres reported excellent business
during Christmas and New Year's.
Variety Tent 22 Installs
Newly Elected Officers
OKLAHOMA CITY—Variety Tent 22 installed
new officers Monday (71 at the clubrooms
in the Biltmore Hotel. Sam Brock
gave the oath of obligation.
Installed were Olen Nuckols, chief barker;
Paul Rice, assistant; Robert Busch, second
assistant: Jake Guiles, property master: C.
F. Motley, dough guy, and Paul Townsend,
C. B. Akers, Earl Snyder, Harry McKenna,
Ed Thorne and E. R. Slocum, directors.
The Monday "exhibitors night" event was
well attended.
Schwalberg Names Hearn
Southern Sales Manager
NEW "i ORK—Henry D. Hearn has been
made southern division sales manager of
Artists-Producers Associates by A. W.
Schwalberg, president. He will cover the
Charlotte, Atlanta, New Orleans and Jacksonville
territories out of Jacksonville.
Hearn's association with Schwalberg dates
back to First National Pictures. He recently
disposed of his theatre circuit with
houses in North and South Carolina and
Florida.
Dallas Tenl Insialk
New Slate of Officers
D.^LLAS—Edwin Tobolowsky was installed
as chief barker of Variety Tent 17 with other
officers and crew by Clyde Rembert, retiring
chief barker. A record number of 29 new
members were inducted at the meeting.
Starting the evening, some 350 barkers enjoyed
a delicious dinner served from the
kitchen in the new quarters. Seated at the
head table were the incoming officers and
crew and past chief barkers, including Don
Douglas, first assistant chief barker: Charles
Weisenburg, second assistant; Meyer Rachofsky,
dough guy, and W. L. Marshall, property
master. Other crew members were Duke
Clark, Jake Elder, Johnny Hicks, Paul Short,
Jack Underwood, Alex Keese, Ed Gall and
Ben Gold.
Wallace Walthall assisted Tobolowsky in
inducting the following new members:
Walter Bates
Bob
Alfred
King
Lurie
E. N. Brandt
J. Brewster Johnson Clyde Melton [r.
Harold Brooks
Dovid C. Milom
Morris Cohen
Charles McCarty
Don Cranford
Robert R. O'Donnell
Gene Cuny
William Oliver
William Davis
Lon Pace
Brandon Doak
Stan Radominski
James Flinchum
Bill Robbins
C. D. Foster jr.
Mott Franz
Clyde Rembert jr.
Carl Goldstein
James C. Skinner
Sam Hales
Edwin Staub
Bruce Jamieson
Charles Wolf
James O. Cherry, president of the Boys
Ranch, gave a short history of Variety's
charity work for the benefit of the new members.
Brother Hilarion, director of the ranch,
told about some of the objectives and outlined
possible future plans for Boys Ranch
activities.
Ruel Cain Reopens State
At Winnsboro on Trial
WINNSBORO, TEX.—The State Theatre
here has been reopened under the management
of Ruel Cain on a one-month-or-more
trial basis. After the theatre closed some
time ago, more than 20 Winn,sboro businessmen
banded together and advanced more
than $500 in cash to make it possible to reopen
the theatre.
Under new operating policies, ticket prices
were reduced and the theatre was closed on
Sunday nights well ahead of evening church
services. The house was shuttered by Tri-
State Theatres because the circuit was losing
money in its operation.
Bank Rents Drive-In
CORPUS CHRISTI—Herman Gould, manager
of the 62nd and Lexington Drive-In,
rented the theatre on the Monday night
Bank, which invited adults and children as
before Christmas to the Merchantile National
guests that night as a means of extending
holiday greetings to bank patrons.
Stages Elvis Cutout Contest
PORT ARTHUR, TEX. — Manager E.
English of the Village Theatre here gave a
life-size cutout of Elvis Presley to Mona East,
winner of a letter-writing contest on "Why
I Like Elvis Presley."
BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT
3409 Ook Lawn, Room 107 BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas, Texas
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957
SW-1

—
MOSE-ING
THROUGH
TTNFOBTUNATELY, this is our last column
for BOXOFPICE at this time. We regret
this very much but we have nobody to blame
but ourselves. It seems that we not only tried
to biu-n the candle at both ends but in the
middle as well. It was the middle burning
that got us, we fear.
It has been a year since our first column
was published in BOXOFPICE, which has
always been our favorite trade magazine. In
it, we not only kept up with production and
activities in general in Hollywood, New York
and overseas, but with local show people as
well. We had an opportunity to keep up with
them from its pages when we didn't have the
opportunity to do so in person. We kept up
with those at our own level around the area
theatres and read how they were making
an extra buck at the boxoffice.
We certainly want to thank everyone of
you who helped make our column possible
the editors and staff of BOXOFPICE and
the many theatre people in the area—equipment
dealers, projectionists, personnel in of-
• • • •"* N.Y . DAILY NEWSI
BOOKED
SOLID
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( ASTOR OFFICE IN EVERY FIIM_CE.MEr1
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.By EARL MOSEbEY.
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1956-57 TEXAS THEATRE GUIDE
ORDER NOW
TO BE SURE
OF YOUR COPY
Price
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$1000
Contact
STORMY MEADOWS
Stoneleigh Hotel Dallas, Texas
TAKi INVENTORY OF
fices on Pilmrow in Dallas and on the floors
of theatres in Central and West Texas and
the Rio Grande Valley. Perhaps we can get
together again in the future. If so, it will
certainly be through the generous coui'tesy
of
BOXOFPICE.
^- f. t-
Edward W. Fadal, owner of the Texas Arts
Theatre in Waco, took advantage of the
Chi-istmas holidays to swing away from his
art policy and return to one of his profitable
summer activities, aimed at the teenagers.
Padal presented another rock 'n' roll stage
party December 21, the night after the local
Baylor University and city schools were dismissed
until after the New Year's arrival.
Fadal booked in a new bop band featuring
a singer, Carl Moody, billed as Gatesville's
handsome Bob-Kat. Recordings of other
popular numbers were also used.
The teenagers were advised to wear their
boppin' shoes because there would be good
rockin' that night. Not only this but MGM's
The Fastest Gun Alive" and a Tom and
Jerry cartoon festival was presented on the
screen. The stage bit was scheduled for 8
p.m. and a contest was held for the amateurs
in the audience with prizes presented to the
winners.
Also during the holidays Fadal featured a
first run twin bill New Year's Eve midnight
showing of "Is Your Honeymoon Really
Necessary?" with Diana Dors (England's
Marilyn Monroe) and "Don't Blame the
Stork."
When school went into session again, Fadal
returned to his art policy.
We learned that the "H" in J. H. Davis'
initials do not stand for Harpo. In reality it
is a show business nickname. But it is one
that has become so synoymous with the Sterling
Sales and Service Co. sound service man
in Dallas that few people realize that it is
not really his name.
YOUR PROJECTION BOOTH
REPLACE WORN & OBSOLETE ITEMS
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Speakers
Tubes
Sound Heads
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Photo Electric Cells
Popcorn Machines—Reels
Sno Cone Machines—Film Cabinets
Peanut Machines—Film Tables
Deep Frye Machines—Tickets
Hot Dog Machines—Ticket Machines
Light Fixtures
Projection Machine Parts
Film Splicers
AND MANY OTHER ITEMS
Strong Lamps
Rectifiers
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HERBER THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO.
"Fair Treatment and Adequate Service for
Thirty Years"
CO
408 S. Harwood St. Dallas, Texas
"Back in my younger days around Abilene,"
he told us, "some of my friends had seen the
picture 'Animal Crackers' starring the four
Marx brothers. For some reason, my friends
just looked at me and decided they would
call me Harpo. The name stuck from that
time on. I don't know why."
It became such a part of him that he is
forced to use it for identification purposes.
"If you asked most people for J. H. Davis,
they wouldn't know who you were talking
about," he said. "But, say 'Harpo!' and immediately
they seem to know who you have in
mind."
Harpo, who has worked in several West
Texas and Dallas projection rooms since he
was in his midteens, told us that the "J"
stood for James, but he wasn't so free with
information about the H. You will have to
ask him about that one yourself.
"Just call me Harpo," he said.
Gene Chisholm, who has run the Chlsliolm
Trail Drive-In at Alvarado for the past
18 months as his first venture in show business,
has a nice twin-sided marquee fronting
the ozoner on Highway 67. It has been
his regular policy since opening to inset
the playdate for the current attraction on the
top line, such as Sunday-Monday-Tuesday,
not unlike many who, at their beginning in
theatre business, felt that it was a service
to include such playdate copy for their patrons.
Gene now realizes there are two sides
to that service and he has substituted the
dates themselves with "Now Showing" in its
place. Here is the reason:
Suppose it is either Monday or Tuesday
night and the three-night copy is still adorning
the top line of the marquee. It has been
noted by more seasoned showmen that inevitably
the prospective patron who glances
at the copy gets the impression that the management
is referring to the following week,
instead of the present week. This is especially
true of drive-ins, in that some of them have
a parttime policy. Therefore, not only is the
patron confused on that particular playdate,
but he also gets the mistaken idea that
the theatre is closed until the following Sunday
night. Consecutive ticket sales are thus
lost in the process.
The idea of a marquee sign is to make it
convenient for the passing motorist to read
correctly vi'ithout any special effort on his
part. If the wording is complicated, the
motorist will never finish reading it. If it is
misleading, the harm will result in loss of
business.
Besides, from the night the program opens,
the playdate copy is already partly dead. The
"Now showing" keeps it alive throughout the
engagement, is easy to read and is not misleading
to the reader.
Quite often, too, the feature title is of little
value without the name of the star along
with it. In other instances, the star name
might hurt the engagement and the listing
of a short subject or short catchline is more
rewarding. The manager can usually determine
this from his own individual situation.
At any rate, a marquee is a precious theatre
tool when used properly: otherwise, it can do
more harm than good.
Chisholm's projectionist is Bob Foster, who
has worked in various theatres on the J. G.
Long circuit and in Lubbock. Foster is also
an electrician and has assisted in the wiring
of several area drive-ins recently. His home
is in nearby Cleburne, where he was employed
at Video's Chief Drive-In for a time.
SW-2 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

. .
. . Mrs.
. . Film
OKLAHOMA CITY
•Theatre changes: Mrs. Theresa Haigler now
IS running the Grand Theatre at Canton
The Majestic at Temple has reopened.
. . . W. G. Wren has taken over management
from Raymond Sparks . . E. A. Butler of
.
Pond Creek has reopened the Waukita Theatre
at Waukita on Saturdays and Sundays.
C. M. Ausherman still owns the theatre .
Cooper Foundation's Plaza Theatre is still
closed.
A. L. McArthur, owner of the Beaver at
Beaver, died recently. Another recent death
was that of George Gaffaney, former Video
Theatres chief electrician who retired three
years ago. He died of a heart attack December
Some 750 attended a trade-
24 . . .
showing of "Battle Hymn" on the 4th at
the Plaza Theatre, given by the local Universal
office.
The Criterion Theatre, in cooperation with
TWA and Universal, recently put on a "Four
Girls in Town" contest in connection with
the showing of the picture in Oklahoma City.
Entrants were asked to write "Why I'd Like
to Go to Hollywood" in 50 words or less.
Winners, Mr. and Mi-s. Robert Stout of Oklahoma
City, left by TWA Airlines Friday (11)
for a weekend at the Hollywood Roosevelt
Hotel.
Personnel changes: Shirley Plumlee, Warner
Bros, secretary, is quitting to move to
Phoenix, Ariz.; the new stenographer at RKO
is Barbara Cox: Pat Weldon is new secretary
at Columbia, replacing Pat Colclasure, who
resigned.
Enjoying a vacation last week was W. G.
Carmlchael, manager at Allied Artists . . .
Among exhibitors on Filmrow were Mr. and
Mrs. R. M. Downing, CoUinsville; G. N.
Walker, Newkirk; Lee Guthrie, Wheeler; R.
R. McCoy, Edmond; Lamar Guthrie, Erick;
E. B. Anderson, Ardmore; 'Volney Hamm,
Lawton; Amos Page, McLean. Tex.; Everett
Mahaney, Nowata; Claud Thorp, Ryan; O.
K. Kemp, Poteau; Ray Hughes, Heavener;
Bill Slepka, Okemah; Jep Holman, Lindsay;
Floyd Strate, Carmen; Earl Snyder, Tulsa;
Eddie Jones, Tulsa; Mr. and Mrs. O. A.
Johnson, Keota; Mr. and Mrs. Gene Parrish,
Clayton, and Bernard McKenna, Norman.
HOUSTON
JJomer McCallon's wife Virginia, who is a
fashion artist along with being the
Houston Post's fashion editor, flew Saturday
1
5) to cover the New York Dress Institute's
bi-annual preview. She sends daily wires
about new spring styles—and illustrates by
photos and sketches. Homer is Loew's State
manager.
The annual kickoff dinner before the 1957
Houston Automobile show was held Thursday
(3), with 800 attending. Variety Club's
Fred Nahas. well-known radio executive, was
master of ceremonies. Variety's Lester Kamin
is publicity chairman for the coming show,
scheduled to begin January 26. Auto show
officials have adopted the slogan, "Better
boys today—better men tomorrow" for the
1957 show. The proceeds go to Variety Boys'
Club and Houston Little Leaguers. Variety's
Earl Stonecipher, local Pearl Beer distributor,
set the pace for the ticket-selling by buying
1.000 tickets at $1 each.
The Metropolitan Theatre ran a special
one-day preview of "Written on the Wind"
on the last day of 1956. along with their
New Year's Eve showing of the controversial
"Baby Doll. " Pi-ices all day were 93 cents.
The Majestic Theatre's New Year's Eve show
was an advance showing of "Zarak," at 93
cents. That also was the price at the Broadway
and Yale theatres, both of which ran two
"beastly horror shockers." Their ad suggested,
"Be sure your eyeballs are secure!" The Delman
Theatre ran a double horror midnight
show for 80 cents. All Interstate theatres
scheduled midnight New Year's Eve shows, a
majority of them double-horrors.
Isley Theatres leased Long's Pasadena
Theatre December 23, according to City Manager
Bill Stone, who also manages the Capitan
Theatre. Seats have been repaired, the
interior painted and cleaned up in a "general
face-lifting." The marquee will be redecorated
within a couple of weeks. Bill said. The new
manager of Long's Theatre is George Adams,
recently employed at the Red Bluff Drive-
In. Carrie Deshazo is new cashier, with Maydie
Menn as relief. Frank Daughtry is doorman.
These three came from the Capitan
Theatre.
Mortie Marks, purchasing agent for Jefferson
Amusement Co., Beaumont, was here
Friday (4) with his mother, who has been
having dental work done . . . Sebe Miller jr.,
Buena Vista salesman, was here and in Galveston
on business.
The Augie Schmitts' (Houston Popcorn
Co.) daughter Barbara was given a goinaway
like no bride ever starting a honeymoon,
following her wedding reception December
27. The wedding guests showered the departing
newlyweds with, of all things, popped
popcorn! (Now, whose idea do you 'spo.se
that was?) The new Mr. and Mrs. Sanford
Manning headed for a Las Vegas honeymoon.
More tradition-breaking. Sanford had to go on
to San Diego and Uncle Sam's Navy, while
Barbara returned to Texas. However, it's not
for long. Barbara gi'aduates from the University
of Texas this month, after which she
will fly to San Diego, too.
Tom Vincent, Southwestern Theatre Equipment
Co., has been in Weslaco, where he
equipped the Benitez Theatre's new drive-in
with the finest RCA equipment. It opened
December 27 . . . The Post Oak Drive-In was
taking no chances with having bad luck in
1957. New Year's night they gifted customers
with little containers of blackeyed peas!
Happy New Year!
To Offer Stage Shows
HOUSTON—Jack Haver, manager of the
Epsom Drive-In here, has constructed a stage
for the presentation of live "shows. The stage
was inaugurated during the Christmas season
with a vaudeville show. Haver also plans to
present amateur nights every Monday,
ministrel shows and girl shows in the spring.
SAN ANTON!
Caturday morning kiddy matinees were held
at the Olmos, Laurel and Woodlawn
neighborhood houses . . . The Varsity Drive-
In has installed new in-car speakers . . .
Exhibitors from out of town who were here
to book Mexican pictures were John Flache,
Alameda Teatro and Fiesta Drive-In, La
Mesa; Maurillio Amaya and his mother,
Amaya Teatro. Poteet, and F. F. Moore,
Azteca, Lovington. N. M.
. . .
Henry Harrell, manager for 20th-Fox,
Houston, was in south Texas recently on business
Clasa-Mohme sent out Chri.stmas
cards with greetings both in English and
Spanish . E. P. Ischey of Austin died
recently. Her husband is the Paramount projectionist
in the Capital city . . . Manager
Jewell Truex of Azteca Films here will make
business trips to El Paso and the Lower Rio
Grande valley during January.
It required Manager George Kaczmark, his
assistant manager and a policeman to keep
patrons in a block-long line on New Year's
Day in front of the Empii-e Theatre. The picture
that drew the long queues was "Rock,
Rock, Rock."
Shawnee Smith, Hollywood dancing coach,
visited San Antonio on New Year's Day on
a nationwide tour for Columbia's "Zarak,"
which opened at the Aztec Thursday (10) ...
Sam Pullen, 49, of Crystal City died January
1. He was the brother of Abe Pullen, former
manager of the Fredericksburg Road Drive-In
here.
Mrs. Amparo Alvarado, cashier of the Fiesta
Drive-In, was robbed of $35 New Year's night
by a short, stocky bandit who wore darkcolored
glasses and a blue handkerchief over
his face. This marked the first theatre holdup
so far this year . star Lizabeth Scott
was in town Friday (4) for a pre.ss-radio-TV
breakfast at the St. Anthony Hotel, an interview
over KENS-TV and to act as commentator
for two spring fashion shows held at
Wolff & Marx's store.
Lew Bray, Harlingten theatre circuit owner,
awarded golf trophies to winners in the recent
"Past 40" tournament held in that valley city.
J. D. Skyles of San Antonio, was among one
of the south Texans taking part in the
tourney.
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BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 SW-3

—
EASTERN
By ART LAMAN
THE Will Rogers Theatre in Tulsa enjoyed
good business on "Giant." J. C. Duncan,
Video city manager, engineered some good
selling on this one. The telephone gimmick
a person dials a certain number to hear a bit
by Liz Taylor—produced over 60,000 calls and
a tieup in the telephone exchange.
During the last few years Alex Blue has
given us a good part of his special trailer
business, and he has cooked up some very
novel ideas. At the present we are working on
"Get our estimate on both
little and big jobs. You get the most for
your money from Oklahoma Theatre Supply."
OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
628 West Grand Ave. Telephone: RE 6-8691
Oklahoma City 2, Okla.
^BEVui^
PittlVUE^)
ADVftSCt
tSoss
PLUGS.
FAMOUS FOR
MANY USES!
Those 3 frame trailers
feature art b a c k>
grounds, photos and
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OKLAHOMA
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voicel NO CONTRACTS,
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FILMACK I127S.WMASH r«i 751
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CHICAGO 5. ILL.
a very special job designed for his Rotary
Club. It tells the story of "The Four- Way
Test," which has been adopted by the Rotary
clubs throughout the land.
This test could well be put to good use by
America's theatres and allied industries. It's
only 24 words—in four parts:
1. IS IT THE TRUTH?
2. IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?
3. WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL AND
BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL
CONCERNED?
These four questions most certainly can be
of great benefit in this day and time.
The Ttilsa Orpheum recently completed a
long run of "Friendly Persuasion," one of the
finest pictures we've ever seen. There's not
a sordid scene in the entire show, enough
down-to-earth love, lots of good humor and
now and then a tear or two. I'd make a guess
that more good clean pictures like "Friendly
Persuasion" would help the boxoffice take.
Even Samantha the goose gives a better performance
than some of the so-called glamor
queens—and without sex.
In our travels and contacts we meet many
theatre managers who pride themselves they
know all the answers. They always repeat
the following more or less stock comment:
"Everything would be okay if the pictures
were good." This, is our way of thinking, is
the greatest piece of hocum ever created; it's
a very fine excuse for not knowing what to
do, or if not that, then for being too lazy or
too scared to attempt trying anything off the
beaten path to sell the product that is available.
All pictures have selling angles, finding the
right one or ones requires just a little imagination
on the part of the managers. They
must emancipate themselves from the habit
of running just a small newspaper ad with
a set of llxl4s displayed on the theatre front,
and get out with promotion in the places the
public is not expecting it.
Many years back we knew a very brilliant
A NEW SERVICE
FROM NATIONAL

—
—
—
'Oklahoma!' Grosses
Big 180 in Omaha
OMAHA—The first run theatre front producid
plenty of action to start the New Year.
Fans stormed the Orpheum to pace the attack
and "Oklahoma!" came thi'ough with an
average of 180 per cent. Next was "The Teahouse
of the August Moon" at the State,
barely a jump behind. The Omaha held over
"Hollywood or Bust" for a second week and
did creditable business in the face of the
fat percentages at the other theatres.
(Average U 100)
Brandeis Bundle of Joy (RKO) 1 3C
Omaho— Hollywood or Bust (Para) 85
Orpheum Oklahoma! (20th-Fox) 180
S.ote The Teahouse of the August Moon (MGM). 170
'Anastasia' and 'Teahouse' Lead
Tremendous Twin City Week
MINNEAPOLIS—Every attraction did
well
despite the fact that the competition was
tough, with so many strong pictures in opposition
to each other. Sensational boxoffice
performances were staged by "The Teahouse
of the August Moon," "Anastasia" and
"Friendly Persuasion." A fine account of
themselves also was given by "Baby Doll,"
"Hollywood or Bust," "The Girl Can't Help
It" and "Bundle of Joy."
Gopher The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM) 225
Lyric The Girl Can't Help It (20th-Fox), 2nd wk.. 125
Rodio City Hollywood or Bust (Para) 175
RKO Orpheum Boby Doll (WB) 1 50
RKO Pan Bundle of Joy (RKO), 2nd wk 135
State Friendly Persuasion (AA), 2nd wk 160
World Anastasia i20th-Fox) 250
No Damages Are Suffered
From Rock 'n' Roll Fans
MINNEAPOLIS—Although some showmen
feared physical damage to their theatres and
disorderly conduct by the teenage rock and
roll crowd, "Love Me Tender" is getting
plenty of bookings in the local subsequent
run neighborhood houses following its big
downtown boxoffice success.
Even the most de luxe theatres in the
earliest 28-day slot, with a few exceptions,
grabbed it up, although their operators said
they were playing the picture with some fear
and trepidation.
But, as far as can be learned, the theatres
escaped vandalism or disorder during the engagement.
The Volk Bros.' Terrace, newest and most
beautiful outlying house here and biggest
neighborhood grosser, caters mainly to an
exclusive adult clientele and up to now had
fought shy of rock and roll pictures or others
aimed at the livelier juvenile crowd.
However, "Love Me Tender" was set into
the Terrace and, according to the owners, produced
no physical damage nor disorder.
Gives Town Xmas Carols
OWATONNA, MINN.—Herb Fotte of the
Roxy Theatre handled the equipment which
played carols and songs in the business district
during Christmas time. The Roxy was
closed until the Sunday before Christmas
for remodeling work and installation of new
theatre sound.
Starts Saturday Matinees
ALTA, IOWA—Elmer Svendsen, manager of
the Roxy here, has begun showing matinees
every Saturday at 2 p.m. Regular admission
prices will be charged.
Omaha Attendance Firm
Despite MGM Films on TV
OMAHA—The con.sensus after the fii'st
week of presentation of MGM. pictures on
WOW-TV was that downtown theatres were
not affected greatly, although figures were
not available for a black and white report.
One manager of a popular downtowner said
that he had no noticeable drop in attendance
when the first of the films to be offered by
four Meredith Publishing Co. television stations
was shown at midweek.
The first offering from the batch of some
700 films acquired by the publishing company
was "30 Seconds Over Tokyo." Weekend
theatre crowds were heavy when two
other pictures, "They Met in Bombay" and
"Johnny Eager," were televised.
The station conducted a tremendous buildup
campaign. Spot announcements were run
throughout the day for a long period before
the date of the first offering. The publishing
company also ran a number of ads
in the local paper.
The station estimated 58.9 per cent gain of
the gi-oss potential regional audience and that
its opposition station had only 5.7. The film
was shown at 10:30 p.m.
WOW-TV is planning to increase the offerings
to four a week. It is now showing the
films on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
nights. Regina Molseed, who retired recently
as 20th Century-Fox office manager, has
been hired to handle the film library for the
company's stations.
Clawson Theatre Opens
In Suburb of Detroit
DETROIT—A welcome surprise Christmas
gift to the residents of Clawson and other
north end Detroit suburbs was the reopening
of the Clawson Theatre on December 25, after
five years as a theatreless town. The new
exhibitor is Robert Parson, who formerly was
with Columbia in Cardiff, Wales.
The Clawson is a 700-seat house opened by
Irving Belinsky, former owner of the Film
Exchange drug store, in 1941, but has been
used only as a church for the last five years.
Parson has spent $5,000 on remodeling and
renovating, including removal of church pews
and replacement of seating.
The theatre has an estimated population of
25,000 within its neighborhood drawing radius,
without direct competition. Parson plans to
play on a selective subsequent run policy,
booking product himself and running two
changes a week. He will manage the house
jointly with Pierre LaMarre, with Charles
Bonham of the Pontiac lATSE Local assigned
as operator for the opening weeks.
Only Three Legit Shows
Play Twin City Lyceum
MINNEAPOLIS—This has been the worst
legitimate theatre season ever for the local
Lyceum Theatre in scarcity of attractions.
By the end of this month, with the season
figured to be more than two-thirds over, the
house will have had but three touring shows.
This compares to some eight by the same time
a year ago.
All three offerings comprised part of the
package of five promised to local subscribers
by the American Theatre Society-New York
Theatre Guild. They were "The Lark," "The
Chalk Garden" and "Janus," the latter opening
January 16.
Ordinance Would Bar
Kids at 'Adult' Shows
MILWAUKEE — The common council
license
committee has begun study of a suggested
ordinance which would ban children
from attending motion pictures which are
rated as suitable for "adults only."
The suggestion won the approval of most
of the committee's members at a hearing
called last week to settle a dispute between
the Milwaukee motion picture commission
and the Coronet and Times theatres, which
the commission claimed had defied its recommendation
on certain films.
Aid. Clarence Heiden recommended that
the committee make a special study "to see If
we can put some teeth in the law." Committee
members agreed.
Valentine J. Wells, executive secretary of
the motion pictui-e commission, said he
thought that an enforceable ordinance giving
the commission the power to label films
"adults only," and making it illegal to sell
tickets to such films to persons under 18 was
the best solution.
Mrs. Barbara V. Hanley, Coronet Theatre
manager, agreed, although she said the theatre
had followed this policy in the past on
films not considered suitable for children.
Ben D. Marcus, Times Theatre manager,
said he thought that the suggested ordinance
was not necessary.
Wells had protested that the theatres were
showing "The Moon Is Blue" without cutting
portions objected to by the motion picture
commission. The commission reviews films
before they are shown here, but has no power
to enforce its recommendations
"If it (the film) is restricted to adults, is it
youi- feelings that the language used In the
New York play should be stricken out just
because it's in a movie?" Aid. Pi-ed P. Meyers
a.sked Wells.
"No, we would recommend no deletions if
it was restricted to adults," Wells replied.
Twin Cities Police Seek
Planter of Phony Bomb
MINNEAPOLIS—Local police have promised
to "throw the book" at the person who
planted a phony bomb in the local RKO theatre
if and when he is caught. The police regard
the culprit as someone "with a twisted
sense of humor" who took a cue from the
recent New York bomb scares and planted the
phony bomb locally.
The "bomb" was discovered after the last
show at 12:30 a.m. under a main floor seat by
a cleaning woman. The paper sack holding it
gave forth a ticking sound. Called to the theati'e,
police and fire department squads studied
a device that appeared to be two sticks of
dynamite wired to a battery and an alarm
clock. After the wires were cut, the "bomb"
was found to be two rolls of paper.
Police pointed out that "a phony bomb, by
causing a panic, could be as dangerous as a
real one."
Pellets
Damage Window
DES MOINES—Police were called to two
places of business here recently after youngsters
reportedly shot pellets through windows.
A window at the Uptown Theatre was
perforated in six places, apparently by a
pellet gun. A window of Katz dmg store was
also damaged.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 NC-1

. . Ruby
DES MOINES
pilmrowers were making trips to the hospital
to see fellow-workers last week. John
Winn. Paramount, was in Methodist Hospital
several days while recuperating from surgery.
Mayo Beatty, Iowa United, was also a patient
at Methodist. Darwina Welch. Columbia inspectress,
was at Mercy Hospital recovering
from a fall early in the week . . . Lou Levy,
whose office is gaily decorated with signs
pertaining to the Charles Feldman Drive.
held screenings of "Mr. Cory" and "The
Great Man." Lou also was busy entertaining
Johnny Saxon and Sue George, here to promote
"Rock, Pretty Baby," and meeting with
Lester Zucker, district manager, who arrived
Monday (Tl.
.
Butch DeFrenne is back at his booking
business after he and his wife vacationed for
a week in St. Louis Creighton is
the new booking clerk at Warners, replacing
Jerrie Nedderman, who resigned . . .
Pobst held a board meeting of the
Dorothy
WOMPI
officers Wednesday (9> and scheduled the
regular monthly luncheon for January 16 . . .
Don Smith, owner of the Carroll Tlieatre in
Carroll, has a new grandson, Dennis Patrick
Maher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Maher of
Local theatregoers who attended
Peoria, 111. . . .
the reopening of the Holiday Theatre
in southwest Des Moines have nothing but
praise for the beautiful job Bob Fridley and
Bev Mahon performed in remodeling and redecorating
the house to make it a high class
neighborhood theatre.
While RKO office manager and booker
NATIONAL
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1120 Kigh St. Des Moines 9, Iowa
ORDER YOUR POPCORN SUPPLIES
Thelma Washburn and her husband were in
California attending the Rose Bowl game,
thieves broke into their home and ransacked
One of the members of the winning
it . . .
Iowa football team. Randy Duncan, will have
a hard time living down the kiss planted on
him by actress Jayne Mansfield at a party
in Pasadena during festivities preceding the
Rose Bowl game . That slim figure turning
into the U-I
. .
exchange is secretary Mable
Magnusson who decided to trim off a few
pounds and did it.
Variety Stage Shows'Set
For Evansdale Theatre
EVANSDALE. IOWA—The local theatre,
vacant for nearly two years, will open again
for Floyd Warren's series of Ozark-type
shows. Warren plans to present a different
variety show each week in the 500-seat building.
Warren has leased the building from David
E. Oliphant. He describes his stage show as
"musical, comedy and variety, with a different
guest star each week." For the first
few weeks, he said, he will present talent
from the surrounding communities. The
show will include Warren's own band and
audience participation.
Bob Fridley and Bev Mahon
Reopen Holiday Theatre
DES MOINES—The Holiday Tlieatre.
formerly the Lincoln, has been reopened here
by new owners. Bob Fridley and Bev Mahon,
who also operate the Varsity Tlieatre.
The theatre was closed immediately after
the new owners took over and has been remodeled
and furnished with new seats, a
Cinemascope screen, new sound and projection
equipment. The program will consist
of two top features daily, to be shown
four to six weeks after their first run in
downtown Des Moines. There will be special
matinees for children every Saturday.
FROM US
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XXX Yellow Popcorn Per 100 lbs. 9.75
"Seazo" Coconut Oil Seasoning Per Case 13.75
Liquid Popsit Plus Seasoning Per Case 15.75
Popcorn Salt Per Case 2.95
No. 400 Automatic Bottom Boxes, 1% oz Per 1000 10.75
No. 300 Automatic Bottom Boxes, 2 oz Per 1000 11.75
Large 25c Popcorn Boxes Per 1000 20.50
1 lb. White Popcorn Sacks Per 1000 2.40
1 lb. Brown Popcorn Sacks Per 1000 1.80
11/2 lb. Printed Noiseless Socks Per 1000 4.75
1 lb. Printed Noiseless Sacks Per 1000 4.30
Vi lb. Printed Noiseless Sacks Per 1000 3.80
'/2 lb. Brown Sacks Per 1000 1.20
11/2 lb. Printed Sacks Per 1000 3.10
1 lb. Printed Sacks Per 1000 2.75
% lb. Printed Sacks Per 1000 2.30
Coca-Cola, Orange Crush, Lemonade and Root Beer Syrups.
Iowa Distributor for Silver Skillet Brond Canned Meats.
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1121-23 High St. Phone CHerry 3-6520 Des Moines, Iowa
Fred C. Souttar Named
Fox Midwest Director
KANSAS CITY—R. P. Brous, president of
Fox Midwest Theatres, reports that Fred C.
Souttar, district manager, has been elected a
director of FMW. He has also been elected a
director and vice-president of all the company's
subsidiaries.
Souttar has been with Fox Midwest since
its inception, when National Theatres took
over the old Midland circuit in 1929. He had
started his theatre career in 1918 when he
was still going to high school in Junction City
and managed a theatre at the same time. His
first work with FMW was doing advertising
and publicity and later he managed the theatres
in Springfield, Mo., and in Belleville,
111. About 16 years ago he took over the St.
Louis office. When H. E. Jameyson retired
eight years ago, Souttar came into the home
office as district manager for central and
western Kansas.
Rodgers Chain Disposes
Of Two Missouri Theatres
CARUTHERSVILLE, MO. — Sigler Carey,
son of Judge George C. Carey, owner of the
Stadium Theatre, has taken over operation
of the Gem Theatre in a deal with Rodgers
Theatres of Cairo, 111. In the overall deal,
the Rodgers has been sold to other local interests
to be converted into a supermarket.
Judge Carey and his son will continue to
operate the Stadium, 1,180-seater, plus the
Gem. The sale of the Gem and Rodgers
mai-ks the passing from the local theatrical
scene of the Rodgers family. It was back in
1918 that I. W. Rodgers and his wife Grace
purchased their first theatre in Caruthersville
and they have continued to operate one
or more theatres here since that time.
Drive-In Theatre Manager
Plugs Value of Courtesy
HARTFORD—Hector Frascadore of the
Farmington Drive-In is in Europe on a threemonth
vacation visit, his fifth since 1946.
Prior to flying to Rome, Frascadore displayed
this saying, one of his favorite quotations,
on the theatre's marquee: "If courtesy
is a disease, let's start an epidemic!"
Frascadore will return in time to reopen
the suburban theatre in mid-March.
Consider Reopening
DANBURY. NEB.—Town board members
and local businessmen met here recently to
discuss the possibility of reopening the local
theatre under municipal ownership. Board
members and other businessmen previously
met with Robert Chandler of Trenton, owner
of the equipment, to discuss preliminary plans
for the project.
The theatre has been closed
for some time and civic leaders would like to
offer a motion picture each Saturday night.
Natalie Trundy to Bryna
HOLL-YWOOD—Natalie Trundy. 16-yearold
Broadway actress, has been signed by
Bryna Productions to play the feminine lead
in "The Careless Years," a story of the problems
facing modern-day teenagers, which UA
will release. Pact also calls for Miss Trundy's
services in two pictures a year for the next
five
years.
NC-2 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

Marcus
. . Charlton
. . Andy
. . The
THEATRICAL
WAYS TO GUARD
YOUR HEART
1. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS
In case of doubt see your doctor.
2. AVOID WORRY
Worrying cures or prevents
nothing.
3. AVOID OVER-FATIGUE
When you rest or sleep, your
heart's work load is lightened.
4. AVOID OVER-EXERTION
Exercise in moderation, particularly
if over 40.
MILWAUKEE
Al Meskis, Warner Theatre manager, was
instrumental in helping to raise about $2,-
500 for the United Cerebral Palsy fund campaign.
Some 500 children, many of them
handicapped, watched a two-hour film show
at the Warner, as guests of the 40 and 8 unit.
The group sold tickets to the public at $5
each. Each child received free popcorn and
soft
drinks.
Says an official of the local public library:
Milwaukee parents who want to make sure
their children do not see movies that are 'unsuitable'
for them, often call the art section
of the public library. There, the library has
some 6,500 cards with reviews of films." Review
sources include the National Film Estimate
Board, the city motion picture commission,
the Catholic Legion of Decency and the
Better Films Council, American Ass'n of
University Women, American Library Ass'n,
National Congress of Parents and Teachers,
Daughters of the American Revolution and
the General Federation of Women's Clubs.
The film review files, said the spokesman,
are used extensively by students who have
assignments to write about the movies.
Theatres "in the doghouse" currently, are
the Warner, Coronet and the Times. "Baby
Doll" is appearing at the Warner, while "The
Moon is Blue," is running at both the Coronet
and Times. Although both are advertised
as adults only films, the motion picture commission
objects because no deletions have
been made. In a letter to Mayor Zeidler, commission
secretary Valentine Wells suggested
that the council refuse to renew the Coronet
license. He .said that the theatres booked the
film without notifying the commission, and
suggested deletions were not made. Zeidler
sent the letter to the license committee with
a suggestion that commission and theatre
managers meet to "improve relations."
Ed Borgan, press agent for United Artists,
was here to promote "The King and Four
Queens," assisted by Palace Manager Harry
Boesel. They had a big tie-in with the Halan
Food Stores, resulting in big splashes in the
full page ads; radio contests over four stations
and had four girls on four TV stations.
cameraman are expected here shortly to begin
the project.
Inez Gore, secretary to Manager Jack I,or-
. . . Fox'.s
. . .
.
. . . Robert
entz, is home recuperating after hospitalisiation
at St. Anthony's Hospital
Strand closed its 36- week run of "Oklahoma!"
Benny Benjamin, Screen Guild, is the
grandfather of a baby girl born to his daughter
.. Theatre Management has
taken over operation of the Eskin and Richland
theatres, Richland Center
Hoffman of the Royal. Milwaukee, and the
Jefferson, Jefferson, has retiu-ned from a
vacation in Florida.
Larry Beltz, manager of the Grand, Wausau,
was given a wrist watch by the Wausau
Theatres Co. for his 25 years service with
the circuit . Marcus circuit's Capitol,
West Allis, is closing at midweek and is running
weekends only for the balance of the
winter . Heston's wife and son
Fraser visited with her family during the
holidays at Two Rivers.
F. J. McWilliams, known as "Mac" to the
. . . Charles
trade, has retired after 50 years in the industry.
His son Jack will take over operation
of the Portage Theatres, which include two
conventional theatres and one drive-in . .
.
The equipment of the Florence Theatre, Florence,
closed permanently in November, has
been purchased by Harry Melcher, United
Theatres circuit, Milwaukee
Pryce closed the Alma, Alma, because of the
high cost of operation and lack of patronage.
George Mace, 70, projectionist for 40 years,
died here . Spheeris was named chief
barker of Variety Tent 14 at the annual meeting
held at the Schroeder Hotel. Eddie Johnson
was named first assistant chief barker;
Morey Ander.son, second assistant; Angelo
Provinzano, dough guy, and Harold Pearson,
property master.
"Sayonara" will be filmed in Cinemascope
and WarnerColor on location in Japan, with
Joshua Logan directing.
5. AVOID OVER-WEIGHT
Excess weight loads extra work
on your heart.
6. SUPPORT YOUR HEART FUND
Your contribution advances the
nation-wide fight against the
heart diseases through research,
education and community heart
programs.
HELP YOUR
HEART FUND
HELP YOUR
HEART
This Space Contributed by
BOXOFFICE
"There's a silver lining in every cloud,"
quoted a motion picture owner here recently.
The quote was in connection with a series of
protests registered by playgoers in this area
of late. They claim they cannot hear more
than half of the dialog spoken on stage unless
they are seated well up in front. "So,
they have to go to the movies to see the thing
all over again," said the advocate of film
houses.
Despite close to zero temperatures on both
Chi'istmas and New Year's holidays, the majority
of theatre owners reported a better
than average attendance throughout the period
. . . Cii'cuit Judge Robert Cannon, chairman
of the grand tribunal of the Eagles, presented
to screen star Pat O'Brien in Los Angeles
the 1956 Eagles International civic
award ... As a direct result of the publicity
Milwaukee received in connection with
the resettlement of Himgarian refugees, "The
Milwaukee Story" is to be filmed here by the
U. S. information agency for worldwide showing.
Martin Andrews, Huntington, N. Y., a
writer and coordinator for the agency, and a
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BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 NC-3

. . Ben
on
. . Robert
. . President
. . Lowell
MINNEAPOLIS
wzith MGM's "30 Seconds Over Tokyo"
119441 and "Babes in Arms" (1939i one
TV station's offerings last Saturday and
Sunday nights, respectively, and 20th-Fox's
"House on 92nd Street" (1945i and "Portrait
of Jennie" (1944 1 another TV station
Sunday afternoon and evening, better than
average video film fare, business still was
reported as "good" or even better than that
by the bullc of Minneapolis showhouses. In
the Loop particularly, patronage apparently
averaged better than normal . Kaplan,
Berger circuit buyer-booker and legitimate
Lyceum Theatre manager, is back after
a holiday vacation in New York.
L. E. Goldhammer, Allied Artists eastern
sales manager, was in from New York . . .
Film star Joan Bennett will be here in person
next week in the Broadway comedy hit,
"Janus," at the Lyceum . Ben
Berger has called a meeting of North Central
Allied directors for next week. At that time
he'll ask the board to appoint a committee
to find a successor to him to be voted on at
the body's annual convention here April 1. 2.
He is retiring, as previously announced, and
it will depend upon the directors to find
someone willing to take the post which he
has held since the organization's start, with
one term's exception. Nominations also will
be in order from the floor and the committee
may decide to submit several names to the
membership to vote on.
George Turner, retired MGM salesman, is
back in Minneapolis after a visit to the west
coast. In Hollywood some of his MGM studio
friends tossed a party for him and such top
film stars as Gregory Peck were among tliose
present. Later in the winter he'll set forth
for Florida . Berger, North Central
Allied president, is among the local invited
guests for President Eisenhower's inauguration
at Washington . Clary, French
singer-entertainer, now appearing at the
Hotel Radisson Flame room here, was signed
up during his local engagement to play a
leading role with Robert Taylor in "Tip on a
Dead Jockey."
The St. Louis Park, 28-day slot deluxer,
passed up "Love Me Tender" to bring back
an oldie, "Annie Get Your Gun." However,
nearly all the other houses in the same availability
played the Elvis Presley picture which
did such big business downtown.
Praise to Motion Pictures
On Twin City Radio Show
MINNEAPOLIS—There were few slams and
considerable praise for motion pictures when
they were the discussion topic of KSTP
radio's daily "Talk Time" program, which
gives listeners a chance to express their
views on controversial and other subjects
over the air.
Opinions sought on this particular occasion
were as to whether motion pictures are worse
or better and whether they contribute to
juvenile delinquency.
The majority of those expressing their views
during the half-hour lauded recent product,
particularly citing such offerings as "The
King and I," "Oklahoma!" and "Friendly
Persuasion." One view was that the bulk of
pictures "have been suitable for the entire
family." Another was that teenagers with
good moral standards "can't be hurt by any
movie."
After one feminine telephone caller had
a.ssailed motion pictures for bringing back
Ingrid Bergman, there were three calls from
other women defending the actress and lauding
her performance in "Anastasia" and the
picture itself. No support was forthcoming
for the attack on Miss Bergman.
There were complaints about too much
"murder" and other crime and violence.
Surprisingly, perhaps, two women panned
cartoon comedies as "harmful to children."
One of these women found fault with the
cartoons "because they show so much cruelty
to animals."
OMAHA
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'Ten' to Open Feb. 21
MINNEAPOLIS — "The Ten Commandments"
is now definitely set to open at the
Lyric Theatre here February 21 on a roadshow
basis. A run of at least 12 weeks is
anticipated. It is expected there will be two
showings daily. The admission scale hasn't
been determined yet.
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION

—
—
—
— —
—
Fairness of Papers
Surveyed in Detroit
DETROIT—The relative fairness of local
newspapers toward the film industry, particularly
in relation to TV, is a subject on
which local exhibitors appear to be divided.
Daniel J. Lewis, film buyer for Cooperative
Theatres of Michigan, says that the problem
can be solved through an intelligent and
properly planned approach.
"I think that an approach could be made to
newspapers generally and nationally to get
a little larger share of coverage for the industry
without antagonizing them in any
way."
SAYS PAPERS FAVOR TV
Sol Krim of Krim Theatre, on the other
hand, says, "The newspapers favor television
too much."
"Ihe Detroit News, for instance." he said,
"used to review every first run picture on the
day it broke, but now they review pictures
on one day only, and that is Sunday.
"Consequently, the total space given for
reviews for all theatres amounts to just
about one or one and a half times what they
used to devote to a single theatre."
Floyd Chrysler of Chrysler Associated Theatres,
speaking particularly of the situation
in small towns throughout the state, said,
"I don't think they favor television. The
average local newspaper is fair about space
allotment where a theatre has been advertising
for years."
Chrysler pointed out a generally neglected
factor in the revenue background comparable
for the media affected. "We must realize
that television has accounted for a considerable
amount of revenue for the newspapers—
through dealer advertising, in particular—which
the average exhibitor tends
to overlook."
A contrary view covering the same territory
was voiced by Rex Kinne, operator of
houses in Whitmore Lake and South Lyon.
"Newspapers in small cities are not fair to
motion pictures, compared to television.
Neither are the small town weeklies, but they
frankly do not have the space to devote to
either motion pictures or television.
"But the small town dailies furnish space
for television programs, and any space you
see on motion pictures is paid for."
MUTUAL INTEREST EXISTS
For a city viewpoint. Max Gealer, supervisor
of Associated Theatres, charges that
"television has been favored, because most of
the newspapers have an interest in or a tieup
with a television station." He cited the usual
case of a friendly relationship for exchange
of news or other forms of cooperation between
one specific newspaper and one specific
television station.
"Newspapers give more exploitation to
some concert artist, perhaps an opera singer,
in which only a small proportion of people
are interested, than to an ordinarily good
motion picture.
"And the motion picture business spends
more money with the newspapers than these
other sources of entertainment."
To Score Suspense Drama
Daniel Amfitheatrof was assigned to score
RKO's "The Lady and the Prowler," suspense
drama starring Diana Dors and Rod Steiger.
DISCUSS 'COMMANDMENTS'—Joseph
Alexander, RKO Theatres district manager,
and Charlton Heston, visiting: star
of "The Ten Commandments," discuss
the filming of the picture during Heston's
recent visit to Cincinnati. The picture
is playing at the Grand on a reserved
.seat basis and indications are that it will
stay for several months.
Says TV Films as Outdated
As 1920 Clothes. Cars
DETROIT—Claiming that being asked to
watch old films on TV was like "asking me
to drive a 1920 automobile." a Detroit Free
Press reader has penned a spirited attack
upon an article that appeared in Parade
magazine. "Is Hollywood Committing Suicide?"
Reader Bud Starwas of Flint, in a letter
published by the Free Press December 31,
declared that the article in Parade was "an
insult to those of us with fine and discriminating
taste who enjoy the current movies
very much."
"I wouldn't think of staying home," continued
Starwas, "like an old grandpa of 80,
to watch some pictures made 20 years ago.
No wonder we are becoming a nation of selfish
individuals and softies!
"I am living in 1956 and I want something
new and different—the latest processes, high
fidelity. Cinemascope and Technicolor to
enjoy. I know I wouldn't wear the clothes of
1920, so why watch something outdated that
much?
"To watch the old movies on TV would be
like asking me to drive a 1920 automobile—
but I don't want to live in the past. Movies
are still your best form of entertainment."
Seasonal Classification
Asked for Drive-Ins
COLUMBUS—The Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio has made application on behalf
of all Ohio drive-ins which operate less
than 36 weeks a year to have the outdoor
theatres declared a seasonal business. This
would have the effect of preventing employes
laid off at the end of the season from
claiming unemployment compensation, on the
ground that they knew the job was temporary.
Unemployment compensation could be
claimed by any employe who was dismissed
while the theatre was still running.
"The effect," said the ITO, "would be to
lower unemployment compensation rates next
year greatly, as the rates are based on experience."
New Films Open Big
In Detroit Key Runs
DETROIT—Business was encouraging all
over town, with reports ranging from good to
tremendous. "Around the World in 80 Days"
on a two-a-day basis opened to a solid capacity
week, not subject to normal measurement.
"The Ten Commandments" showed a
nice spurt, and "The Teahouse of the August
Moon" and "Baby Doll" both opened far
above average.
(Avsroge Is 100)
Adams The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM) 325
Broadway Copifol ^Roek Pretty Baby (U-l); Gun
the Man Down (UA) 175
Eastown, Rodford, Harper, Riviera, Royal Ook,
Jewel, Six Mile, Uptown and Wyandotte
Friendly Persuasion (AA); Calling Homicide (AA) 200
Fjx—The Girl Can't Help It (20th-Fox), plus stage
show 200
V.odison The Ten Commandments (Poro), 6tti wk.250
Michigan Hollywood or Bust (Para); Everything
But the Truth (U-l), 2nd wk 130
Palms Baby Doll (WB), Greot Doy in the Morning
(RKO) 250
United Artists Around the World in 80 Days
(UA) 225
"Baby Doll' Hits Huge 320
In Cleveland Opening
CLEVELAND—Downtown business was reportedly
the best in local history. Not only
did the pictures have tremendous drawing
power, but all of the downtown department
stores were closed on Monday (31 1
freeing
thousands of employes to enjoy available
entertainment. "This Is Cinerama" ran six
shows during the holiday weekend, bringing
the Palace gross to almost the opening gross.
"The Ten Commandments" also had extra
shows, stacking up the biggest week since
the picture opened at the Ohio. "Baby Doll"
did fabulous business at the Allen, with two
boxoffices used on opening day. The picture,
in spite of group criticism hit a sensational
320 per cent rating in its first week. "Teahouse
of the August Moon" in its second
week ran a close second to opening week.
"The King and Four Queens" drew a high
170 at the State, and at the Hippodrome
"Bundle of Joy" was a hit at 160.
Allen- Boby Doll ( WB) 320
H.ppodrome Bundle of Joy (RKO) 160
Heights Art A Kid for Two Farthings (London),
2nd wk 120
Lower Moll Secrets of Life (BV), 2nd wk 110
Ohio The Ten Commandments (Para), 7th wk...565
Palace This Is Cinerama (Cinerama)
S'ote The King and Four Queens (UA) 170
StJImon The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM), 2nd wk 250
Code Changes May Help
To Meet Competition
COLUMBUS—"Modernization" of the production
code will perhaps be a means of
meeting "severe competition" for patronage
from other entertainment forms, said the
Columbus Citizen
editorially.
"It is unfortunate that limitations—even
self-limitations—need be put on any art
form but due deference must be paid to
public opinion and the movies have worked
out their problems in this respect very well,"
said the editorial. "They have had to appeal
to mass audiences rather than the more
sophisticated patrons of the legitimate stage,
but have nevertheless done much to acquaint
Americans with the good things in
drama and music. They have had severe
competition for patronage in the last few
years but we trust they will find the answer
to that, as they have to other adversities.
Perhaps this modernization of their code
will be a means to that end."
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 ME-1

—
Lou Wiethe s Valley Shop-In Center
Culminates His 3 3 -Year Career
CINCINNATI—Louis Wiethe, who has built
probably more theatres in the greater Cincinnati
area than any other exhibitor, has
crowded many activities and tremendous accomplishments
into his 33 years in the motion
picture industry.
Major among the accomplishments was the
planning and execution of the first shopping
center in the area, including a de luxe, suburban,
1,500-seat theatre, the Valley. All of
his ambitious enterprises are one-man operations
in the plannmg, building, theatre operation
and promotion. In the Valley Shop-
In Center, Lou is the promotion genius for
all of the merchants, as well as the realtor,
contractor, etc.
Lou started in the theatre business at the
age of 15 as a shipping and poster clerk for
Progress Pictures. From this, he advanced to
operating a film truck for Film Delivery
Service.
FIRST AT LATONIA, KY.
In 1932, Lou took over his first theatre,
the Derby at Latonia, Ky. In subsequent
years, he built the Kentucky at Latonia. the
Ludlow in Ludlow, the Bond. Westwood and
Valley in Cincinnati, and took over and completed
the Mount Healthy Drive-In, Mount
Healthy, and the Bard in Louisville, still one
of the most modern suburban houses in that
city.
He also managed the Cleve and Beechwold
theatres at Columbus and the Ada Theatre
at Ada for Leo Yassenoff of Columbus, and
managed the Andalus Theatre, St. Bernard,
and Jackson Theatre, Cincinnati.
After the Valley Shop-In Center and Valley
Theatre were completed in 1949, Lou
gradually relinquished his other theatres so
he could devote all of his time to the Valley
enterprise.
There are 20 shops, each of a different kind,
in the center, and in the eight years of its'
fuW informotion.
THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO
1206 Cherry St. loledo 4, Ohir
^'i^m^'''
Lou Wiethe, at right, looks on as popcorn
is given to one of the orphans attending
a party at the Valley Theatre.
Mrs. A. B. Cohen is holding the little girl,
and to the left of Mrs. Cohen is Mrs.
Wiethe.
existence, additional space has been added to
several of the stores. At the moment, Lou is
planning another enlargement.
Lou is a strong believer in promotion, and
he has inaugurated many novel ideas to boost
business in the shops and in the theatre. All
promotional stunts include the theatre and
this has developed a close bond between him
and the merchants. Lou maintains his office
in the center and is always willing to discuss
problems with the store owners.
Lou feels that audience participation is
one of the best promotional gimmicks a theatre
can use. Such a stunt proved very successful
several months ago when he conducted
a Cinemascope revival week, with
patrons participating in voting for the pictures
to be shown that week. Two weeks in
advance of the revival week, audiences were
given ballots to make their selections of the
pictm-es they wanted to see repeated. A bulletin
board in the lobby had the daily tabulations
posted to show which pictures were receiving
the most votes. Keen interest was displayed
in the voting and the tabulations.
Business was phenomenal when the seven
top pictures were shown during revival week.
One picture was played each night.
Another promotion stunt was during the
fifth anniversary of the Valley. Nickel week
was held, and at certain hours each morning,
merchants offered items for sale for five
cents. A total of 1,500 items, ranging in price
from 29 cents to $6.95, were offered for five
cents. The theatre sold 100 theatre tickets
at the nickel price.
Last Easter, a 32-foot high bunny rabbit
was erected in the center. The bunny's mouth
opened and closed, and Lou, in his office,
spoke through a loudspeaker to people looking
at the rabbit. (A sign this size is prohibited
by law and Lou was hoping to make
the front pages of the newspapers as a law
violator. The bunny did make the front
pages, but as a novelty, not as a violation.)
Every Christmas, Santa makes his appearance
at the Valley. Last year, he flew in via
helicopter. This year, Lou added an automobile
giveaway to the Christmas activities.
With every $2 purchase or every adult admission
to the Valley, a ticket is given on the
new Mercury. The lucky ticket will be drawn
Sunday (23) night at the Valley.
Despite his busy schedule, Lou finds time
for other activities, too. He and his wife Jude,
together with a prominent local clubwoman,
Mrs. A. B. Cohen, organized the Mothers and
Dads Orphans Club. Every summer a party
is given for all of the children of the orphanages
in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky
at least 27 busloads of them—at the Valley
Theatre. The children see a show and receive
refreshments and gifts.
Local Girl Scouts owe part of the success
of their annual cookie sale to Lou's cooperation
in offering a free show for Girl Scouts
selling the required number of boxes of cookies.
Lou was treasurer of the Girl Scout
cookie sale for five years and has the distinction
of being a male Gii'l Scout. He probably
became interested in the Scouts through his
only daughter "Sug" who is now Mrs. Carter
Clarke and is stationed with her husband in
Germany. Lou and his wife have a son. Dale,
who is in medical school.
DIRECTOR OF OHIO ITO
Lou is state director of Independent Theatre
Owners of Ohio. He is trustee of the
Roselawn Baptist Church, which got its start
at the Roselawn Theatre. In fact, he recalls
that a number of churches began by holding
Sunday morning services in his theatres, then
moved into buildings of their own.
Lou has a deep conviction about two evils
in the industry, which he is fighting to correct.
One is the incentive selling plan by the
motion picture companies to the exhibitors.
In other words, beyond a certain gross, the
terms should recede instead of increase,
thereby giving the exhibitor the incentive to
plug a picture to the hilt, with the result that
both the exhibitor and distributor will profit.
Being convinced this is the proper way to
give both the chance to earn more, he follows
this principle in the Shop-In center.
His other hope is to see the day when a
modern, up-to-date releasing system will prevail.
He believes in multiple first runs, or
elimination of unfair clearances, that the
modern suburban theatre built in the past
ten years, which can charge higher admissions
for eai'ly runs, should be counted on to
produce greater revenues for pictures. With
the tremendous competition of TV, he feels
the industry is losing out in attendance when
have decreased.
BOWLING
DETROIT—Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply
an attraction which is valuable when new is
hidden and kept out of sight for a while, then
brought out again when its business potentials
bounced right back into first place, by beating
Altec three games while National Carbon
lost three to National Theatre Supply. Amusement
Supply took two games from Local 199,
the tailenders.
Teom Won Lost Team Won Lost
Ernie Forbes. 32 20 NTS 241/2 271/,
Nat'l Carbon. 311/2 201/2 Amus't Sup. .23 29
Altec 25 27 Local 199 ... 20 32
High scores were: Nick Forest 195-203. 569:
Jack Colwell 225, 559: Ralph Haskin 204, 535;
Robert Bloch 195, 512: Sherman Lambly, 521;
Roy Thompson 518.
Ohio Theatre Closed Indefinitely
HUBBARD, OHIO—The Palace Theatre
here closed its doors indefinitely December
23. Steve Varnarsky, operator of the film
house for six years, said that steadily declining
patronage forced him to shutter.
ME-2 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

. . Joe
. . Ernie
. . Joe
.
. . Alvah
RCA's New Light System
Demonstrated in Dayton
DAYTON. OHIO—Demonstrations of the
new RCA light system which burns 13.6mm
X 18-inch positive carbons were held at the
North Star Drive-In Wednesday i9i and at
the Belmont Auto Theatre Thursday ilO).
The demonstrations were an-anged by H. B.
Snook, president of Mid-West Theatre Supply
Co.. who had sent out invitations to exhibitors
in the area.
The demonstration at the Belmont was a
comparison test, since this drive-in is equipped
with both RCA Dyn-Arcs using llmmx20-
inch carbons and the new light system using
the 13.6mmxl8-inch carbons. Following the
Belmont's last show, two prints of the same
film were run, using both lamps and switching
from one lamp to the other to show
exhibitors the difference in lighting of the
two systems.
Both Belmont and North Star drive-ins
are equipped with RCA in-car heaters.
RESEAT OR RENOVATE
Professionol work on Seat
Renovation— factory trained
crew. Your chairs recovered,
using Foam Rubber or New
Springs. Metal parts refinished
in Baked Enamel—like
new. Estimates anywhere.
In Stock— Used —
PRICED FOR QUICK SALE
2,500 Full Upholstered
1,000 Squob Seat
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All sizes, all colors, most reasooaljle
SERVICE SEATING CO.
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Detroit S. Mich. TYIer 7-8015
CONFECTION CABINET CORP.
NATIONWIDE CONCESSIONAIRES
O^ST 30 ^eais of Ouistanding Sen/ice
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3000 W. Davison Ave. Detroit 38, Mich.
Phone TOwnsend 9-4500
ELVIS PRESLEY or JAMES DEAN
FAN PHOTOS
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THEATRICAL ADVERTISING CO.
2310 Cass Detroit 1, Mich.
DETROIT
p
. . . Harold
.
\V. Gleason is now operating the 198-seat
Maple Theatre at Maple Rapids, formerly
operated by Carl Bird
Rhodes. Paramount office manager, was vacationing
right here in town Lee,
20th-Fox manager, staged a special morning
tradescreening of "Three Brave Men" at the
Fox Theatre.
. . . Robert
.
. Bill was doing a
Nig:htingale notes: Robert London, home
from military school, proved he could bowl
right along with his dad Burt
Bloch of the EIrnie Forbes team was hot, rolling
140 pins over his average and hitting 512,
second high in his division . . . Frank Scheuer
had the only split listed for the day
Ray Gagnon rolled a score
Gagnon
that may be
. .
the
season's low . .
talking show on alleys 5 and 6 .
one-man
.
Floyd Akins says he had five splits to shoot
at but didn't make them.
. . .
.
William C. Jenkins of the Sky Drive-In at
Adrian proved he can add a bit of cartoon
fun to his penmanship . Forbes, head
of the supply firm, left Thursday (10) for
Al Greenstein,
six weeks at Hollywood. Pla. . . .
formerly of the Metropolitan Motion
Picture Service, pinch hit for Joe Sullivan
at the Film Building Exhibitor Bob
Parsons was well satisfied with the opening
of his Clawson Theatre, especially the kiddy
trade Baringhaus of Warner Bros,
was pleased with "Giant" grosses across the
state.
Norman Hansen, a newcomer to show business,
is the new booker at Columbia, replacing
David Morgan, now an RKO salesman
. . . Mary Anne Benham of RKO spent
Christmas Day in bed with a cold . . . The
Manchester Theatre, 218-seat house at Manchester,
formerly operated by Irwin J. Gill,
has gone out of business.
. .
Theatre change notes: Howard Sturgess'
Grand at Grandville is switching to one
change a week. Fi-iday through Sunday .
Carl Buermele is taking over booking for
Donald B. Lovewell's Gold Coast, Detroit . .
.
. . . Perry
. . .
. . .
Sol Krim is switching to independent booking
for the Krim in Highland Park
Yaeger and Lloyd Daesy have closed the
Chief at Mackinaw City for the winter
Richard L. Pier is closing the State at Olivet
for a month . . . Al Tribbett now closes the
DeWitt at DeWitt three days a week
Glenn 'Wallace is closing the Starlite Drive-In
Leo Swida is taking over the
at Scottville . . .
Fulton at Grand Rapids, formerly operated
by Mrs. Leo J. Robinson.
Projectionist reassignments: George Ureel,
former operator at the closed Flamingo, to
the Admii-al, succeeding Cliff Rose; Charles
Walters from the Krim to the Highland Park,
succeeding Colonel Ford McParland, who has
top responsibility in the National Guard;
Charles Stucki, in the booth at the Lakewood,
succeeding 'William J. Bayer and Horace Parsons;
Edward 'Wenclasky, formerl>
Crystal, to the Melody in Inkster.
New faces at Affiliated Theatres: Leo Jolley
has joined Mrs. 'Vivian Rabold on the office
Dominac Trepicone is managing the
staff . . .
Admiral. Bernard Samuels' old beat . . .
Arthur Conway and Vernon Ferguson have
succeeded Frank Mellon and Scott Humbert
as assistants at the Highland Park
Sidney 'W. Leamon jr., is manager
.
of
. .
the
Lakewood . 'W. Keith, formerly of
the Lakewood, has succeeded Danny Mac-
Farland as manager of the Plaza.
• MOTIOGRAPH
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THEATRE EQUIPMEMT CO,
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You con olwoirt
depend on RCA
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ERNIE FORBES
Theotre Supply
Detroit 1, MIeh.
Service Part» Repair*
DETROIT POPCORN CO.
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DISTRIBUTORS OF CRETORS' POPCORN MACHINES
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BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 ME-3

1956 in Review in Cleveland Area
By ELSIE LOEB
CLEVELAND—A chronicle of major events
in the film industry during the year:
January
Henry Greenberger re-elected president of
the Cleveland Motion Picture Exhibitors
Ass'n. Also re-elected; Joseph Rembrandt,
vice-president; Ted Vermes, treasurer, and
Louis Weitz, secretary. Martin and Mary
Smith's daughter Marilyn married Jack Born
of Kalamazoo. Steve Vernarsky, Palace, Hubbard,
received a merit award from the
American Educational Society for his cooperation
in the annual Education Week.
Nate and Sam Schultz bought assets of the
late Frank Gross, involving the Stillwell and
Bedford theatres in Bedford and the Mapletown
in Maple Heights. A. K. "Ken" Veach
put in Cinemascope and widened the screen
of the Twilight Drive-In, New Philadelphia.
manager, reported the
Max Mink, RKO city
biggest New Year's Eve business in nine years.
Danny Rosenthal, UA manager, and his
wife celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.
Rickie Labowitch started her 24th
year as secretary of CMPEA. Jack Sogg and
M. B. Horwitz were named distributor and
exhibitor chairmen of the Brotherhood Week
program. Irv Marcus of NSS was in charge
of the testimonial for Ray Schmertz, upon
Schmertz' promotion to 20th-Fox Indianapolis
manager.
AA named its March of Progress drive for
Sam Schultz, who has been with the company
for 20 years. Paula Stutz, one of Manny
Stutz' twin daughters, announced her engagement.
Louis Weitz, secretary of CMPEA,
became father of a son. Herb Ochs added a
17th pearl to his add-a-grandchild collection.
National Screen was robbed of $350 worth
of sales stamps.
Milton Mooney of Co-Op and his wife returned
from a Mediterranean cruise. Dick
Delaney returned as assistant manager at
the Valentine and Strand, Defiance, after
two years with the Army Signal School at
PM;. Monmouth. Mrs. Virdi Vob Thron, sister
of Stu Gangney, Jewel Theatre, and Mrs.
Herb Ochs were acclaimed women of the
year in Ottawa County.
February
M. B. Horwitz was honored for 45 years in
the industry and upon his 70th birthday. Sam
Weiss was transferred here from Cincinnati
to succeed Ray Schmertz as 20th-Fox manager.
Allied Artists remodeled its exchange.
Louis B. Seltzer, editor of the P:-ess, addressed
the Cleveland Motion Picture Council
on "Advertising and Publicity in the Motion
Picture World." John O. Guthrie inaugurated
a policy of one show per night,
starting at 8 p.m.
Jack Vogel of Wellsville designed the new
1,000-car Colonial Drive-In, Annapolis, Md.,
for Durkee Enterprises of Baltimore to increase
concession sales 10 to 15 per cent. E. J.
Stutz leased the downtown Standard Theatre.
General Theatres did not renew its lease
on the Sun Theatre. Allied board of directors
held a two-day meeting here. Horace Adams,
ITO president, was keynoter at the annual
drive-in convention here. Sidney Cohen,
president. National Ass'n of Film Service
Organizations and board members met and
approved corporate papers, stocks and membership
certificates.
In Toledo, Judge Paul Alexander of juvenile
court committed to Boys Industrial
School three youths involved in setting fire
to the Granada Theatre. Rudy Norton, UA
-salesman, welcomed his fifth granachild.
Carl Schwyn of Bowling Green was named
state chairman of the campaign committee
for Michael DiSalle for governor.
March
Tiffin, Ohio, eliminated its 3 per cent adm'ssion
tax. Mike Gould resigned from the
Paramount sales force to join WB in Chicago.
Bob Ullman resigned from the NTS
sales force to go into another business. Ted
Levy succeeded Leo Greenfield as Buena
Vista district manager following Greenfield's
promotion to the New York office.
Aaron Wayne was elected president of
the
Salesmen's Club of Cleveland to succeed Jim
Levitt. Jack Dempsey disposed of his interest
in three Toledo drive-ins. Harold
Raives, Schine Ohio district manager, became
a grandfather with birth of a daughter
to his son Robert and daughter-in-law.
lATSE Local 160 held a midnight dinner
dance to celebrate retirement of all indebtednes
on its 25th street headquarters building.
April
Gordon Bugie arrived from Albany to join
the Paramount sales force. Mrs. Minnie Stone,
80, UA inspector for 50 years, died. W. Ward
Marsh testimonial dinner marking 40 years
as Plain Dealer film critic, was attended by
125 industry members. H. E. McManus resigned
from Co-op to manage the Starlite,
Telegraph, Parkside drive-ins, Toledo.
Morris Lefko resigned as RKO district
manager to join Paramount as special representative
with "War and Peace" and "The
Ten Commandments." Eddie and Ethel Bergman
marked their 25th wedding anniversary.
Les Irwin moved from Paramount booker
to BV auditor. Abe Kramer, Associated Theatres,
sold his Golden Beach, Fla., home.
Mike Gould joined AA here.
May
Cleveland Cinema Club celebrated its 40th
birthday. John Dugan came here from St.
Louis to succeed H. E. McManus at Co-op. An
option to buy the Pearl Road Drive-In went
to Fi-ank Schiessel and Alfred H. Homeier.
Bert Schoonmaker, World Theatre, Toledo,
became a grandfather. Columbia world premiered
"Autumn Leaves" at the Allen. H. E.
McManus was guest of honor at a farewell
testimonial dinner. Edward Shulman and
Louis Sher leased their ninth art theatre, the
Hollywood in Milwaukee. Vince Aldert, Avon
manager, gave free canapes, cake and coffee
to patrons on the theatre's seventh anniversary.
"Lights, Camera, Questions" ended its
fourth TV series of weekly movie programs.
Marshall Fine, Variety Club chief barker,
handed out cigars on arrival of a baby boy.
Tornado damaged two west side theatres, the
Hilliard Square and Beach Cliff. Joe Lissauer
of Skirball circuit vacationed in Hawaii.
Top Pictures of Year at Cleveland
CLEVELAND—Top grossers in downtown
theatres during 1956:
400 per cent ratings—Guys and Dolls (MGM); The
Ten Commandments (Para).
300 per cent— I'll Cry Tomorrow (MGM); High
Society (MGM); Giant (WB); Oklahoma! (20th-Fox);
Alexander the Great (UA).
250 per cent— Artists and Models (Para); Trapeze
(UA); Moby Dick (WB\ The King and I {20th-Fox);
The Teahouse of the August Moon (MGM).
200 to 250 per cent— Indian Fighter (UA); All That
Heaven Allows (U-l); The Conqueror (RKO); Picnic
(Col); Carousel (20th-Fox); The Searchers (WB); The
Eddie Duchin Story (Col); The Bod Seed (WB); Godzilla,
King of the Monsters ,Trans?World); Secrets of
the Reef (Cont'l); War and Peoce (Paro); Rififi (United
MPO); Bus Stop (20th-Fox).
ISO per cent— Helen of Troy (WB); Benny Goodman
Story (U-l); Rose Tattoo (Para); The Man m the Gray
Flannel Suit (20th-Fox); The Werewolf— Earth vs. the
Flying Saucers (Col); Hot Rod Girl—Girls in Prison
(AlP); Julie (MGM); Solid Gold Cadillac (Col); Friendly
Persuasion (AA); The Mole People—Curucu, Beast of
the Amazon (U-I).
Summing up, MGM, Warners and 20th-Fox
each contributed five
top money making pictures
during the past year. Paramount and
Columbia each had four pictures that brought
people in great numbers into the theatres.
United Artists came up with three top boxoffice
attractions and U-I, RKO and AA each
supplied the market with one picture of the
type and quality that appealed to the public
en masse. Additionally, there were tiix exploitation
programs that appealed strongly
to the audiences that like thrillers.
In all, the major companies came up with
29 pictures that did business ranging from
150 to 400 per cent in the downtown first run
situations during 1956.
"This Is Cinerama" is not included in the
percentage ratings, although the Palace Theatre
has been pretty well sold out for all performances
ever since the opening of Cinerama
on November 14.
June
Herb Ochs installed Cinemascope in all of
his Canadian drive-ins. Marty Grassgreen,
Columbia salesman, became a father with
the birth of a son, Alan. Hatton Taylor arrived
from Boston to take over as RKO district
manager, succeeding Morris Lefko, who
resigned. The Granada Theatre, now an Associated
circuit house, converted from old
Spanish to modem American in a big remodeling
job.
Joe Shagrin, Foster Theatre, Youngstown,
became a grandfather. Sylvester "Sly" Pierce
was elected to a two-year term as a member
of the board of directors of the Berea Chamber
of Commerce. He manages the Berea
Theatre. Jack Armstrong sold the Springbrook
Drive-In to Nate Schultz. Sheldon
Schermer, booker, moved from Republic to
Paramount.
George Dellis, owner. East 30 Drive-In,
Canton, became father of a daughter. Morris
Lefko was honored at a farewell testimonial
dinner. Heru-y Fickensher, Gallon Theatre,
ME-4 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

Gallon, and his wife celebrated their 50th
wedding anniversary in Florida. Bill Lissner,
U-I salesman, retired after 34 years in the
industry. Tommy Manos opened the new
Manos Drive-In, Canton.
July
Rhoda Koret, Columbia booker, resigned.
Henry Deutschlander sold the Dianne Theatre,
Valley City, to Lewis Yeloda. Dale Elleman
opened the new 500-car drive-in in
Marysville. Skirball Bros, opened the new
de luxe 1,300-car Summit Drive-In. Aki'on.
Hazel and Loren Solether, Falls Theatre,
Chagrin Falls, celebrated their 40th wedding
anniversary.
Marshall Fine announced plans were completed
to move the Variety Club from the
Hollenden to the Tudor Arms. George Manos,
president, Manos circuit, suffered a heart attack.
Mr.s. Sam Weiss was named to head the
newly formed Variety auxiUary.
Some 140 area theatres participated in the
Will Rogers drive. U-I wound up in first
place in division, district and branch in the
Charles Feldman drive. Ted Mash, Imperial
Pictures, became the father of twin daughters
Deborah and Denise. Sidney Garfinkle
.sold his Candy Sales Co. to Sanford Warner.
Manny Stutz and his wife celebrated their
21st wedding anniversary. Two new driveins
opened, in Napoleon and Montpelier.
Augrust
Associated circuit sold the Uptown Theatre
property for a supermarket. Irwin Pollard of
Imperial Pictm-es acquired the Dominant
pictures for northern Ohio distribution. Fi-ed
Thacker, manager of the North and South
drive-ins. Marion, was named state commander
of the American Legion. Ted Vermes,
Yorktown, Mercury, et al., became a grandfather.
Variety auxiliary held a boat ride
party.
The Strand, Canton, was razed to make
way for a parking lot. Herb Ochs announced
permanent closing of his Cleveland office and
transfer of all business to his Dania, Fla.,
office.
"Lights, Camera, Questions" signed for
its fifth year on TV, to start September 18.
Joe Krenitz resigned as Republic salesman.
S. P. Gon-ell and Leonard Mishkind, General
Theatres, leased the Lyceum, Cleveland.
Jack Gertz acquired a kiddy auto giveaway
theatre promotion.
September
Jack Sogg and Frank Murphy were distrfbutor
and exhibitor chairmen on the
COMPO drive. Jerry McGowan resigned from
the MGM sales force. UA leased fourth floor
space in the Film building. The Palace announced
it would install Cinerama. Smith &
Beidler did not renew the lease on the Westwood
Theatre, Toledo. Lou Walters, former
local NTS manager, now of Dallas, was a
visitor. Cleveland sub run theatres hiked admission
prices. Salesmen's Club established
a memorial to Manny Glick with a donation
to the temple.
October
Phil Smith of Boston bought the Palace,
Akron, from Akron Palace Corp. for reported
$122,500. Dan Cowhig, with RKO for 36 years,
resigned. Sidney Schoen of Reliance Chemical
Co. introduced Idosol, new sanitizing disinfectant,
Henry Hellriegel, theatre contractor,
and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding
anniversary. Max Mink is managing director
for Cinerama at the Palace.
John Selby, Selby Industries, Akron, developed
new type frames for conventional
theatres. Jack Share succeeded Jax;k Lewis
as RKO salesman. Ralph Cobourne, Shoreway
Theatre, Point Place, held a successful
howl night to stop Friday night confusion.
Horace Adams denounced the showmg of
questionable films as "bad faith" since the
removal of state censorship. Herb Ochs became
a grandfather for the 18th time when
a son was born to the Jack Ochses.
November
Abe Ludacer was elected president of the
Toledo Theatres Ass'n. Ed Shulman leased
the Westwood Theatre. Toledo, to bring his
art theatre circuit to ten. Cleveland newspapers
were on strike from November 1 to
27. Gerald Shea, Shea circuit president, held
a regional meeting. Ed Graves resigned as
RKO booker. Variety auxiliary staged a
clambake. Ritz Theatre. Mansfield, was
purchased by the Eagles Lodge.
General Theatres circuit expanded into
the drive-in field with the purcha.se of the
Skyway Drive-In, Malverne, and Auto Drive-
In. Canton, both from Tom Manos. Norman
Wheaton was named manager of the State,
Cuyahoga Falls. Carl Long leased the Eastwood,
Toledo, from Smith & Beidler. "This
is Cinerama" opened November 14 at the
Palace, with all proceeds going to the Cleveland
zoo.
December
Harold Raives, Schine Ohio district manager,
became a grandfather for the second
time. Cleveland neighborhood theatres
closed Christmas Eve. Joe Krenitz joined
MGM sales force. Paul Vogel, Wellsville, prepared
to return to Ft. Meade for a month's
service as instructor at the Command and
General Staff School.
Jack Shulman and his wife celebrated 40
years of marriage. Al and Edna Sunshine
marked their 19th anniversary. Eddie Cutler,
AA salesman, became father of a baby
daughter Lori Jo and bought a new home in
Beechmont. Omar Ranney resigned as Pi-ess
movie critic to become general manager of
the Northern Ohio Opera Ass'n.
Daughter to Sam Isaacs
CUMBERLAND, KY.—Ml', and Mrs. Sam
Isaac are parents of a baby girl born December
17 and named Cynthia Gail. Tire
Isaacs have another daughter Teresa Ann,
who is I'l; years old. Isaac is vice-president
of the Cumberland Amusement Co., which
operates theatres in southeastern Kentucky
and southwestern Virginia. He also is the
company's booker and buyer.
31 Theatres Closed in '56
In Cleveland District
CLEVELAND—A total of 31 tluv.:
•
Cleveland exchange area were closed in 1950.
Of these, six theatres were permanently dismantled
and were either razed for parJung
space or converted to other uses. Most of the
closings have occurred in the smaller towns.
In the large towns, Akron had three closings.
Cleveland had four and Toledo had one.
Discontinued and permanently removed
from any possibility of reopening were the
Antwerp, Antwerp; Boulevard. Akron; Sun,
Grand and Uptown, Cleveland; Grafton,
Grafton, and Ohio, Warren.
The complete list of theatres closed within
the past 12 months:
THEATRE
Antwerp
Boulevard
Norka
Ritz
Sun
Main
Grand
Uptown
Star
Strond
Bell
Elzane
Mohawk
Park.
Lyric
Fayette
Forest
Grafton
Rapids
Savoy
Park
V^insor
Grand
Louis
Dianne
McKinley
Rex
Oliio
Pastime
Charve
Palace
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ME-S

. . Leo
i
Resume of 7956 in
COLUMBUS—Highlights of the 1956 theatre
year in Columbus:
January
Herman "Bud" Kissel, former theatre
editor of the Columbus Citizen, was recovering
from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
Fred Hartwick, projectionist at Loew's
Ohio, planned to retire and settle in Miami.
Pla. Manager Walter Kessler of Loew's Ohio
was guest speaker on the production code at
a meeting of the Columbus and Franklin
County Motion Picture Council. Manager Ed
McGlone of RKO Palace was battling a
throat infection.
February
Charles Sugarman took over operation of
the neighborhood Indianola and transformed
it into an art house. Floyd Emerson. 68,
doorman at Loew's Broad, died. Mrs. Lelia
Steam, owner of the Southern, was recovering
from injuries sustained when her garage
door fell on her. Leo Haenlein, local showman,
died at 77. Martin C. Burnett, Loew's
central division manager, went to Miami
for the opening of Loew's Riviera, which
was added to his division.
March
Albert E. Smith, 72, doorman at the Grand,
died. Jack Dolde, former assistant manager
of Loew's Ohio, was named assistant manager
of Loew's Riviera. Ted Pekras, former
local theatre operator, entered the importing
business. Johnny Jones, former manager
of the Majestic and Southern and now
Columbus Dispatch columnist, was seriously
injured in an auto accident. Mrs. Mary
McGavran Koebel, former theatre editor of
the Ohio State Journal, became the mother
of a daughter.
April
Robert Little, manager of the Bexley, was
recovering from an attack of poison ivy.
Loew's Broad had a test engagement of
"The Rack." The upright sign was removed
at Loew's Broad to make way for a
remodeled sign, which eliminated the
"United Artists" from the upright. Ed Shulman
and Louis Sher, operators of the Bexley,
added art houses in Denver and Milwaukee
to their circuit.
May
"The Birth of a Nation" played three weeks
at the Indianola. The Empress, east side
neighborhood, was being used by religious
groups and called the "United House of
Prayer." Sheldon Reynolds, producer of "Foreign
Intrigue," was a local visitor. Fire
caused damage to the Cinemascope lenses
and supplies at the Kingman Drive-In.
(Wvm) FAMOUS FOR
^^^ ^ MANY USES!
ABVRNCi;
'C^PLUGS.
FILMACK
1327
Th»sa 3 from* troilars
feature art b a < k-
grounds, photos and
cempoiling off-stag*
volcel NO CONTRACTS,
NO RETURNSI
S.WABASH r*i 751
CHICAGO 5. ILL
Columbus Area
June
Wally Jones, white hunter employed in
making "Safari," was a local visitor. Robert
McKinley was named assistant manager of
Loew's Broad. New six-channel end signs
were erected on the Loew's Ohio marquee
plus a new illuminated V-sign flasher. Vandals
caused $3,500 damage to the Rivoli. Ad
rates of the Citizen and Dispatch were
upped. Mrs. Ethel Miles was recovering from
heart surgery. Manager Walter Kessler of
Loew's Ohio was given a "master showmanship"
plaque from United Artists. Lou Holleb
installed an 18-hole miniature golf course
at the In Town Auto Theatre.
July
"Trapeze" played three weeks at Loew's
Broad, sparked by a big campaign engineered
by Manager Robert Sokol. Princess Rudivoravan,
granddaughter of King Mongkut
of "The King and I," was here to meet the
press. Manager Walter Kessler instituted
weekly shoppers matinees at Loew's Ohio.
Dale Elleman opened a 500-car drive-in at
Marysville. Milton Yassenoff of the Academy
circuit opened the 17th Avenue Di-ive-In. Ed
Shulman and Louis Sher opened the Rockhill
art house in Kansas City, Mo.
August
Robert M. Gates was named manager of
Neth's Markham. Arthur M. Holah, former
MGM representative, was to sell his home
in Newark, Ohio, and live in Miami, Fla.
Samuel T. Wilson, Clyde Moore, Ben Hayes
and Norman Dohn went to Danville, Ky.,
for shooting of MGM's "Raintree County."
"Moby Dick" played three weeks at the Palace.
Rhonda Fleming was here for publicity
in connection with "The Queen of Babylon"
at the Grand. Silent screen star Francis X.
Bushman married Mrs. Iva Richardson, formerly
of Columbus.
September
H. E. Cherrington, former Columbus Dispatch
theatre editor and publicity manager
of the Gayety, died. Anthony "Tony" Nelson,
who planned to take over operation of the
Rivoli with William Peti-akis, died. Frank
Yassenoff was completing construction of
new drive-in near Port Columbus. "High
Society" played three weeks at Loew's Broad,
and "Bus Stop" played three weeks at the
Palace. Samuel T. Wilson, theatre editor of
the Dispatch, went to Hollywood for a series
on film personalities.
October
Mrs. Lily Hofheimer, mother of Lee Hofheimer,
former Columbus showman, died.
Robert Horton resigned as manager of the
Grand to become manager of the Hollywood
at College Hill, Cincinnati. Worthington
joined Columbus, Whitehall and Grandview
Heights in passing a curfew ordinance. Doris
Day and her husabnd Marty Melcher, producer
of MGM's "Julie," were here for opening
of the picture at Loew's Broad. Prank
Marzetti started a student rate at the Linden.
The Northern, one of the oldest theatres
in Columbus, was to be torn down to
make way for the Goodale expressway. The
theatre has been dark for several years.
November
The 21st annual convention of the Independent
Theatre Owners of Ohio was held
at the Deshler-Hilton November 13, 14. Donald
Hooten, manager of the Uptown, was appointed
manager of the Grand. Carl Schultz
was named manager of the Uptown. Harry
Schreiber, former RKO city manager and
now manager of Franklin County Veterans
Memorial auditorium, became a grandfather
with the birth of Margaret Elizabeth Schreiber,
daughter of Harry jr. and his wife Peg.
The Ohio State University band made its
only downtown theatre appearance of the
season on Loew's Ohio stage in a "Beat
Michigan" rally.
December
Clyde Moore, Ohio State Journal theatre
editor, recovered from a back ailment which
kept him absent from his desk for a week.
Frank Marzetti resumed operation of the
Indianola. with Al Jarvis as manager and
Jack Needham as booker. Leo Yassenoff was
re-elected vice-president of the Columbus
Boys Club. "Giant" set a year's long run
record in downtown houses by playing six
weeks at the Palace and Grand. Charles
Sugarman installed a Cinemascope screen in
the World.
COLUMBUS
'U'oliday business was on the upbeat with
holdovers the rule. "Oklahoma!" was held
for a second week at Loew's Broad, "Bundle
of Joy" moved from RKO Palace to RKO
Grand for a second week and "The King and
Pour Queens" played ten days at Loew's
Ohio .
Kessel, operator of the Broad,
Lancaster, Ohio, has sold his 99-year lease
on the theatre to the Equitable Federal
Savings & Loan Association. The theatre
was built and opened 18 years ago. The association
plans to use the property in an expansion
program which also involves conversion
of a shoe store and women's dress
shop into space for new Equitable loan
offices.
The Ohio State Journal, only morning daily
in Columbus, will increase its ad rates two
cents, effective March 1. The new rate will
be 24 cents per agate line . . . O. P. Martin jr.
of the Ti'i-City Drive-In, Bucyrus, and Dale
Tysinger, Shea manager in Zanesville, have
been invited to address members of the Virginia
Motion Picture Theatre Ass'n about
their methods of selling pictures. The Ohio
showmen will speak at the convention in
Richmond January 16.
National Theatre Supply
Equips New Ford Booth
DETROIT—National Theatre Supply has
installed complete projection equipment in
the n ew Administration building for the
Ford Motor Co. at Dearborn, Mich., according
to Clarence E. Williamson, NTS manager.
National Theatre Supply also installed XL
mechanisms with water-cooled curved gates
in the Michigan Theatre for the United Detroit
circuit and the Royal Theatre for the
Wisper & Wetsman circuit and new carpeting
in the Strand Theatre for the Kilbride circuit.
Retired Showman Dies
LOUISVILLE — Sylvester H. Grove, 73-
year-old retired head of the South End
Amusement Co., which operated several theatres,
died recently. Grove, who was a native
of Louisville, retired about 12 years ago.
ME-6 BOXOFFICE :; January 12, 1957

. . Sid
. .
CINCINNATI
T loyd Krause, former RKO manager here,
and now Detroit manager, was here with
. . . Ruth
.
his wife Barbara during the Christmas holidays
Pat O'Connell. booker's clerk for
. . . Paramount, received an engagement ring for
Christmas from Steve Ottman
Drout. stenographer at Theatre Owners Corp..
received a ring from Eugene Summe
Stuart Jacobson, former Columbus salesman
for Paramount, resigned as of December 29.
He has not yet been replaced.
On the Row during the holiday weeks were
Howard Shclton. Vanceburg. Ky.; Bert Hukle.
Huntington, W. Va.: Jack Haynes and his
son of United Detroit Theatres; Ted Pekras.
Columbus: John Vlachos. Harrison . . . Julian
Silberstein. Huntington exhibitor, reported
that the combination "Shake. Rattle and
Rock" and "Runaway Daughters" broke records
at the Orpheum as the special New-
Year's Eve show. As a result, he brought the
show back for three days starting Thursday
(10 1. Vance Schwartz said this combination
also got off to a tremendous start on New
year's Day at his Columbia Theatre, Portsmouth.
. . Resignations
H. H. Martin, U-I southern division manager,
and James Frew, district manager,
were scheduled for a visit to the local
exchange during the week .
at U-I include those of William Schoo. booker;
Jerry Hancock, secretary to the office
manager, and Al Kolkmeyer. city salesman
Charlotte Rosskopf. Columbia Pictures
. . .
stenographer, was convalescing at home following
a cataract operation. She expects to
return to her desk by the 1st of February.
. . . Robert
Pians are being completed for the installation
dinner of Variety Club and Ladies
Auxiliary Saturday, February 2
C. McNabb. 20th-Fox manager; Tony Knollman,
office manager, and the sales staff are
planning to attend the district meeting in
Chicago January 26, 27. Alex Harrison will
preside.
Ben Cohen, drive-in theatre operator, is
leaving for a short vacation in Florida. He
will return at the end of the month with Mark
and Lida Cummins, who have been enjoying
the southern clime . . . Warner Bros, screened
their Alfred Hitchcock production, "The
Wrong Man," starring Henry Fonda, December
27, at the RKO Palace Theatre screening
room . Cooper. UA district manager,
was a visitor in the city for several days . . .
George Kirby. Republic Pictures manager, is
currently vacationing with his wife on the
west coast and in Mexico . . . Jack Finberg.
UA manager, his wife and their two young
daughters spent the holidays with relatives in
Cleveland.
Allied States Ass'n w'ill hold its fourth annual
drive-in theatre convention here January
29-31 at the Netherland Hilton Hotel.
The convention will cover films, maintenance,
concessions, exploitation and other important
features of drive-in theatre operation. National
officers will be elected during a twoday
session of the board, following the convention.
Ruben Shor. president, has announced
his decision to retire from office.
Sophia Loren and Rossano Brazzi will star
with John Wayne in the Batjac Panama, Inc.
production, "Legend of the Lost," to be
released through United Artists.
State Fire Investigators
Rout Theatre Arsonist
PARIS. KY.—Investigation of trash can
fires, which on several occasions caused evacuation
of the Paris Theatre, was closed here
recently by the state fire marshal's office.
Melvin Gaitskill. manager of the theatre,
said that the marshal believed that the "perpetrator
of the fires has been frightened away
by the investigators of the state fire marshal's
office inasmuch as there have been no
further fires since last week."
The majority of fires, Gaitskill added, were
"of the nuisance type, having been started
in trash cans."
"Only one fire could have had serious consequences
had it not been for the alertness
of the theatre staff," he continued. "In fact,
this particular fire was thoroughly extinguished
by the time the fire department
arrived."
Gaitskill also commended the theatre patrons
for "their understanding and for the
orderliness in which they left the theatre on
the two occasions that smoke made it necessary
to clear the building."
Teeners Damage Theatre
At Rock and Roll Show
EAGLE GROVE, IOWA—Approximately
$1,000 damage was caused at the Princess
Theatre December 1 at a midnight show by
teenage patrons, according to Manager Jerry
Darner. The damage took place during a
rock and roll feature picture.
Darner said that rock and roll music was
played in the theatre before the feature
started and the youths were invited to dance,
shout, whistle and generally let off steam,
but were requested to be quiet when the
show started. Things got out of hand when
the film started, however. A life-size standup
poster of Elvis Presley was ripped up
and one of the youths threw a part of it
through the silver screen. Darner stated
that as far as he knows there is no way
to repair the rip. He estimates it will cost
approximately $1,000 to replace the screen.
In addition, there was damage to several
seats.
Commonwealth Shifts
KANSAS CITY—Commonwealth Theatres
has announced changes in managerial positions
brought about by the resignation of
J. D. King as city manager at Great Bend.
Kas. Eldon Harwood of Creston. Iowa, has
taken over the Crest in Great Bend. John
Newcomer of Shenandoah, Iowa, will go to
Creston to take over the vacancy there, and
Frank Kennedy of Norton, Kas.. takes over
the helm at the Page in Shenandoah. Dick
Wommack of the Great Bend Drive-In will
exchange posts with Danny Smart at Fayetteville.
Ark.
Reopens at Irvine, Ky.
IRVINE, KY.—The newly remodeled Irvine
Theatre has been reopened by Mr. and Mrs.
Russell McClanahan. The house was repainted
and air conditioning and heating
units were rearranged to provide more comfort.
A new widescreen was installed and
sound and projection equipment was remodeled.
RESEARCH BURE ii
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825 Van Brunt Blvd.
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1-12-57
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
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(he following subjects for Theatrp Planning
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BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 ME-7

%1Help me. too #/
ME-8 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

—
—
—
—
——
Two Days 'Baby Doll'
Hits 175 in Boston
BOSTON—Despite extreme cold weather
and a major snowstorm, business over the
holiday was very good, with "Baby Doll"
leading the field at the Metropolitan. This
controversial film opened December 31 and
played a midnight show that evening. Had
the weather been kinder, the two-day gross
might have been sensational, according to
the management. "Teahouse of the August
Moon" and "Written on the Wind" were both
good in their second stanzas. "Three Violent
People" was put in for the midnight show only
at the Paramoont and Fenway and was disappointing.
(Average Is 100)
Astor The Ten Commandments (Para), 6th wk.. .160
Beacon Hill Rififi (UMPO), 8th wk 110
Boston Seven Wonders of the World (Cinerama),
18th wk 120
Exeter Street Simon and Laura (U-1) 120
Kenmore Lust for Life (MGM), 6th wk 180
Memorial WriMen on the Wind (U-l) 130
Metropolitan The Girl Can't Help It (20th-Fox),
and two days of Baby Doll (20th-Fox) 1 75
Paramount and Fenway Hollywood or Bust
(Poro), Yoqui Drums (AA) I 20
Saxon Oklahomaf (Magna), 1 6th wk 175
State and Orpheum Teahouse of the August
Moon (MGM), 2nd wk 1 35
'Baby Doll' Opening Week
Rates 175 in Hartford
HARTFORD — "Baby Doll" bowed in with
a strong 175 per cent gross, good enough for
first place among local first runs. "Rififi"
continued to draw, entering its seventh week
and no final date yet set. Weather and bomb
scares at the Stanley Warner Strand December
30 and the Central, West Hartford, on the
following day, hurt metropolitan grosses over
the New Year weekend.
Allyn Rock, Pretty Baby (U-l), The Cruel Tower
(AA) 95
Art— Rififi (UMPO), Mr. Hulot's Holiday (GBD),
7th wk 120
E. M. Loew Zorok (Col); Ride the High Iron (Col),
2nd wk 90
Meadows Dance With Me Henry (UA); The Brass
Legend (UA) 100
Paloce Four Girls in Town (U-i); The Greot
American Pastime (MGM), 2nd wk 75
Parsons The Rock (MGM); Mutiny on the Bounty
(MGM) 100
Pell Anastasia (20th-Fox); Above Us the Woves
(Rep) 115
Strand Baby Doll (WB) 1 75
'Wind' and "Wagons' Score
Tops in Providence
PROVTDENCE—Despite a series of snow
and sleet storms, two pictures were able to
report better-than-average business. "Written
on the Wind," being screened at the RKO
Albee, rolled up a tidy 150, as did the two-day
holdover of "Westward Ho, the Wagons" at
Loew's State.
Early attendance by holidaying
school childi'en played a prominent part in
registering the strong grosses of the Disney
film, while vacationing shopworkers and
trades employes chipped in their share at
both houses.
Albee WriMen on the Wind (U-l) 150
Loew's Westward Ho, the Wogons (BV), heldover
2 days 150
Majestic The Girl Can't Help It (20th-Fox). . . . 90
Strand Hollywood or Bust (Poro), 2nd wk 80
'Baby Doll' Is
High Scorer
With 230 in New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Business was booming here
the first week of 1957, with three of the major
downtowners reporting receipts 50 to 130 per
cent above normal.
College Port Afrique (Col), Reprisal! (Col) 80
Paramount Written on the Wind (U-l); Navy
Wife (AA) 210
Poll Anastasia (20th-FQx); The Greot American
Postime (MGM) 1 50
Roger Sherman Baby Doll (WB) 230
West Hartford Knights
To Picket 'Baby Doll'
HARTFORD—The Knights of Columbus in
suburban West Hartford are prepared to
picket any West Hartford theatre that proposes
to show "Baby Doll."
James M. Clark, grand knight of the Msgr.
John F. Callahan Council, KofC, said the
membership "felt all this talk of art is subservient
to Hollywood's boxoffice greed."
Support for the move, he added, "is expected
not only from our Catholic neighbors,
but from all decent-minded citizens,
parents of teenagers and all those who are
concerned with the rising trend of juvenile
delinquency."
West Hartford, which has two theatres, the
Perakos Elm and Hartford Operating Co.'s
Central, normally plays attractions about a
month after downtown Hartford, "Baby Doll"
opened at the downtown Stanley Warner
Strand December 30.
Providence Critic Picks
His 'Ten Best of Year'
PROVIDENCE—Bradford F. Swan, film
reviewer for the F^-ovidence Journal-Bulletin
newspapers, released his list of the ten best
pictures to play Rhode Island during 1956,
Not necessarily listed in the order of their
excellence. Swan's review comprised the following
films: Moby Dick, The King and I,
Fi'iendly Persuasion, Lust for Life, I'll Cry
Tomorrow, Guys and Dolls, War and Peace,
Tea and Sympathy, Bus Stop and Giant,
Each choice was accompanied by a thumbnail
comment, and some of those placed
among the first ten did not rate, in Swan's
opinion, with the top ten of 1955, however,
according to the critic and reviewer, "they
were the best of a somewhat pitiful lot."
Taking over a half-page, on the front page
of the featured amusement section in the
Providence Sunday Journal, Swan's yearend
survey said, in part, that "Our movies
continued during 1956 the trend that began
the preceding year. That is, the good ones
were often remarkably good, but there were
still far too many that should have not been
made at all."
Eric Johnston to Speak
At Springfield Jan. 22
SPRINGFTELD—Eric A. Johnston, president
of the MPAA, will address the Springfield
Public Forums for the second consecutive
year on Tuesday (22i at 8:15 p.m, at the
Technical High School auditorium.
His address is titled "The Explosive Near
East." Johnston has visited that area in the
past as a personal representative of President
Eisenhower, with the rank of ambassador,
to advance a program for unified development
of the Jordan River valley.
Named to CofC Board
HARTFORI>—Lou Cohen, manager of
Loew's Poll, has been named amusement industry
delegate to the retail trade board of
the Chamber of Commerce for 1957.
HARTFORD—Harry Goldstein, eastern exploitation
manager for Allied Artists, conferred
with Ray McNamara, Allyn Theatre, on
regional bow of "Blonde Sinner."
Bomb Scare, Protests
At Showing of 'Doll'
NEW HAVEN—Showing of "Baby Doll" at
the downtown SW Roger Sherman brought
a bomb scare and protests from church
groups. First week receipts, however, were
130 per cent above normal.
An operator at the fire headquarters
switchboard received an anonymous call the
afternoon of New Year's Day reporting that
a bomb was planted in the theatre. The
caller, who refused to identify himself,
sounded like an "intelligent" adult male,
speaking in a calm and distinct voice, the
operator said.
Twenty policemen and the fire department
emergency squad went to the Roger Sherman.
Ii'ving Hillman, the manager, told an
audience of nearly 600 persons that there was
something wrong with the projection equipment,
and asked them to leave in an orderly
manner, saying that they would be given
tickets good for another performance.
The house was then searched, with no explosives
found. Regular performances were
resumed an hour later.
The "prank" was identical to one at the
SW Strand Theatre in Hartford—also playing
"Baby Doll"—two days earlier. The
Strand incident touched off an unprecedented
epidemic of bomb and fire hoaxes in Connecticut.
Providence Censors Okay
"Doll' With Cuts
PROVIDENCE—Sitting in "extraordinary
session" some four and one-half hours after
reviewing "Baby Doll," the local bureau of
licenses finally reached a decision to grant
a license to the Majestic Theatre for the exhibition
of the controversial film, with the
provision that certain sequences be deleted.
The management of the Majestic Theatre,
where the picture will play, agreed to abide
by the ruling.
Several religious groups protested the action
of the licensing board and planned mass
boycotting of the theatre, both during the run
of the picture and for lengthy periods after.
The auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians,
even before the license bureau decision
was revealed, voted to boycott the
Majestic for six months "just for announcing
it would show the film."
The occasion of the official screening of
the picture for the censor board took up almost
a half page in the Evening Bulletin.
One of the newspaper's cameramen slipped
into the theatre and snapped a picture of the
board witnessing one of the more provocative
scenes. This resulted in a four-column spread
and showed the three members of the licensing
board, plus Harry Goldstein, city solicitor;
Albert J. Clarke, manager of the theatre;
Paul Tighe, former Majestic manager: Cmdr.
William T. Holt, in charge of the license enforcement
bureau; Bradford F. Swan, critic
for the Journal-Bulletin, and three theatre
attendants.
The splurge by the local newspapers in devoting
so much editorial space, especially on
the first page of the section, was the greatest
amount of publicity ever given any local attraction.
It even exceeded that given "Tobacco
Road" a few years back which resulted
in the arrest and prosecution of the exhibitor.
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 NE-1

BeH^BH^DSI
. . The
BOSTON
a rlene Kisloff of the booking staff at Daytz
Theatre Enterprises, was married December
30 to Charles Sugarman. a Boston merchant,
at Temple Emeth. Following a honeymoon
in Bermuda, the couple will live at 50
St. Paul St., Brookline. In addition to her
employment in the booking department, Arlene
is a member of the Medical Corps of the
United States Naval Reserve.
Yamlns Enterprises has reopened the Somerset
Theatre in Somerset, a suburb of Fall
River, for evening performances only. Norman
Galimberti is manager of this attractive showcase,
which is used as a summer stock thetre
and had not shown films for five years.
Yamins also has converted the Centre Theatre,
Fall River, into an art theatre. It was to
open Wednesday (9) with foreign and English
films. In the Fall River area there are now
eight theatres in full swing.
Song survey sheets of
the "Favorite Fifty"
recordings compiled each week by WTAO are
being distributed exclusively at all ATC theatres
in Greater Boston. The "Favorite FHfty"
sheet is augmented with a Big Ten Roundup
on which theatre patrons have an opportunity
to ballot. Correct answers are rewarded with
guest tickets. WTAO listings are made on a
basis of mail and telephone requests received
by its disc jockeys and listing of national
and local publications.
Jack "Dragnet" Webb's next film for the
screen will be written by a Bostonian, James
Lee Barrett, 26, formerly of Jamaica Plain,
son of the assistant manager at ATC's Pilgrim
Theatre here. The film will be an expanded
version of a TV script "Murder of a
Sand Flea," written by Barrett when it was
on the Kraft Theatre program October 10.
Webb saw it, bought it and engaged Barrett
to rewirte it for the screen.
Walter Pierce of Cambridge has been engaged
by Ray Feeley to manage the Milton
Art Theatre, East Milton, which reopened
with a gala premiere featuring "Vitalloni"
Thursday (10). Opening night proceeds were
given to the Milton area of the Boston Junior
League for local charities.
ADVRNCH
These 3 frame trailers
feature art b a c k-
grounds, photos and
compelling
'WSS_
PLUGS.
h In #%%i%MICAGO i.
off-stage
voieel NO CONTRACTS,
NO RETURNS!
ILL
Harry Wasserman Dies;
Stagehand at New Haven
NEW HAVEN—Harry Wasserman, a stagehand
here for many years, died recently.
Wasserman, 61, had been employed at the
SW Roger Sherman Theatre for the last three
yeai's and had worked the day before his
death. Previously, he was a longtime stagehand
at the Shubert Theatre. He was a
member of New Haven lATSE Local 74.
Wasserman was a brother of Samuel Wasserman
of this city, a theatrical producer
operating in this state and in Massachusetts.
Other survivors include his wife, two daughters,
two other brothers, three sisters and
three grandchildren.
PROVIDENCE
H Ibert J. Clarke, well-known local resident,
has been named manager of the Majestic.
Clarke, who for 14 years was manager
of the Majestic when it was owned by the
Comerford and Pay interests, resigned a few
years ago to enter the industrial real estate
business. He later managed a theatre in
Springfield, Mass., and when the Stanley
Warner chain purchased the Majestic, Al was
named resident manager. Clarke, when located
in this city, was active in virtually all
charitable and civic activities. He was a
prime mover in the Jimmy Fund, March of
Dimes and other welfare drives. As manager
of the Majestic he gave out with scores of
outstanding exploitations for his theatre.
Fran Manfred, local girl who soared to stardom
in "Rock, Rock, Rock," thrilled hundreds
of her local friends and fans when she returned
to this city to make a series of personal
appearances at the Albee where the
film was being screened. Fi'an did not do any
dancing, her demure appearance being far
removed from the character she portrays in
the film. Rather, she entertained her audiences
with comments on filmmaking and
anecdotes of her thus far brief career. At all
performances she was well received, and the
picture itself had scores of rock 'n' roll devotees
rolling in the aisles. Made up primarily
of teenagers, the Albee patrons were
nevertheless well behaved.
. . .
The outdoor season finally came to an
abrupt closing. Snow, sleet and cold weather
Many
has now shuttered all open-airers
intown and some neighborhood situations delayed
the openings on the holidays to permit
employes to enjoy festive dinners with their
With some of the
respective families . . .
jewelry and manufacturing plants curbing
activities during the week between Christmas
and New Year's Day, a slight upsurge in
matinee patronage was reported by a few
situations ... A large percentage of the department
stores and other retail outlets gave
their employes an extra day off by closing
all day December 31. This helped matinees,
also.
HARTFORD
/^het Philbrook of the Meadows Drive-In
distributed free coffee and doughnuts to
patrons on New Year's Eve ... A new ice
show. "Ice Vogues of 1957," opened its world
tour at Bushnell Memorial auditorium December
29 at $3.85 top. The production played
here four days . . . John Scanlan IV, Palace,
Torrington, advertising New Year's Eve,
noted: "Enjoy a safe and sane New Year's
here! Be out and home in time to welcome
1957!"
The State, Torrington, sold merchants on
sponsorship of kiddy shows December 29, 30,
with tickets distributed at stores . . . Recording
artist Errol Garner, here for a Columbia
Records dealers dinner at Hotel Stat
ler, told a press conference that he will provide
background music for an upcoming 20th-
Fox jazz film .
Lenny Young, brother-in-law of Morris
Keppner, Burnside and Mansfield, is again
functioning as emcee-entertainer at the
Monte Carlo Hotel, Miami Beach, for the
season. He would like tradesters to drop by
to say hello. At one time Young was assistant
to George E. Landers, E. M. Loew's Theatres.
Mrs. Hazel Florian of the Strand, Winsted,
distributed free comic books to young patrons
at a matinee performance . .. Ray McNamara,
Allyn, offered theatre facilities to downtown
Catholic worshipers for morning masses,
following a fire which destroyed St. Patrick
Cathedral. A day later, St. Joseph Cathedral
was burned in a $5,000,000 blaze.
"Ten Best Films of 1956," selected by Allen
M. Widem, theatre editor of the Hartford
Times, include "Giant," "The Ten Commandments,"
"War and Peace," "Moby Dick," "Tea
and Sympathy," "The King and I," "Carousel,"
"The Rainmaker." "Trapeze" and "Julie."
Morris Keppner and Barney Tarantul of the
Burnside Theatre Corp. distributed free Elvis
Presley photos to first 400 patrons at the
December 29 matinee performance of "Love
Me Tender" at the suburban Burnside . . .
Hugh J. Campbell, manager of the Central
Theatre in West Hartford, was reported improving,
following a heart attack. The Hartford
circuit assigned other personnel to
supervise the theatre during Campbell's absence
. opening of "Giant," in smaller
city situations throughout Connecticut over
New Year's weekend was backed by one of
the most extensive advertising campaigns of
John Silverwatoh of the Hartford
1956 . . .
Drive-In has returned from a vacation trip.
ELVIS PRESLEY or JAMES DEAN
FAN PHOTOS
S'xlO" 6 xiu Per '^^'
C4/\AA Thousand inousano
Black and White )1|IUI;(Minimum Order 1,000
Glossy Stock '*' — of Either Star)
Check with
Order!
THEATRICAL ADVERTISING CO.
2310 Cass Detroit 1, Mich.
J(^n^iac«tc
BOONTON, N. J.
Large Core
Greater Crater Area
In Mass.—MASS. THEATRE EQUIP. Co., Boston— Liberty 2-9814
means
in
MAXIMUM LIGHT
Connecticut—NAT'L THEATRE SUPPLY, New Haven-State 7-5829
Evenly Distributed j
NE-2 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

New
. . Students
. . The
NEW HAMPSHIRE Boston Theatres Aid
fiArs. Blanche K. Eames, 70. who married
John B. Eames, a Littleton theatre
owner, died recently. A.s a pianist, she made
:ippearances with philharmonic orchestras
tliroughout the East and was a pianist in theiiiss
in Littleton and Barre. Vt., during the
iiiys of silent films. She also was an ac-
(iimpanist for vaudeville acts.
State theatre patronage took another tem-
|)urary drop as the worst snowstorm of the
season hit the area while December was bowing
out. The coldest spot in the state (fortunately
there are no theatres there) was
Mount Washington, where the temperature
hit 31 degrees below, with the wind roaring
at 98 miles an hour . of Notre
Dame School in Berlin have had the thrill
of seeing a motion picture in which the
principal character was Monique Blais, a
junior at the school. The film was shot at the
National Science Fair, which the girl attended
in Oklahoma City.
The State Operating Co., owner of Man-
Chester's four leading theatres, has been
sponsoring a portion of the Gene and Julie
LaVerne radio show broadcast every afternoon
by WFEA here . State Theatre
put on what the management described as a
"gala old-fashioned " Year's Eve midnight
show. Noisemakers, hats and streamers
were distributed at the show, for which
the admission was 90 cents for all seats.
'Three Burlington Houses
Not to Book 'Baby Doll'
BURLINGTON. VT.—Due to their policy
(if not showing motion pictures with a Class
C rating from the Legion of Decency, three
lical theatres will not book the controversial
lilm "Baby Doll."
One of the theatres, the Flynn, is owned
by the Maine and New Hampshire Theatre
Corp., which recently announced that "Baby
D )U" would be taboo for its chain throughout
New England.
Other local theatres announcing the ban
were the Strong, operated by Rayden D. Cody,
who said the ban would also extend to the-
.itres owned by the same management in the
Barre-Montpelier area, and the State, oper-
•ited by Ernest Handy. Handy said: "I never
show condemned pictures. I agree with the
Legion of Decency."
Two More Bomb Hoaxes
In Manchester Theatres
MANCHESTER, N. H.—Police
and firemen
made two more futile searches of theatres
here and in Na.shua following phoney telephone
calls that bombs had been planted in
the establishments.
At the Palace in Manchester December 31,
while "Swamp Women" was on the screen,
what investigators described as a "juvenile
voice" pulled a hoax which caused evacuation
of the theatre and the fruitless search of the
premises.
December 30, Armand Pepin, manager of
the Daniel Webster Theatre in Nashua, received
a similar anonymous call which resulted
in a search of the building after 1,100
patrons had made their way to the street.
Teenagers Day Plan
BOSTON—Local teenagers are to be honored
with a day of their own, Saturday, February
23, In response to a suggestion of three
Hearst papers, the American, Record and
Sunday Advertiser. Mayor Hynes has endorsed
the suggestion and named James D. MuUin,
executive secretary of the civic improvement
committee, to head a special committee to
set up a program for Teenagers Day.
MuUin is calling together a committee of
prominent Boston exhibitors and their publicists
to decide upon the theatre programs
and other features. Mullin has suggested that
the theatres pay tribute to teenagers on the
special day, listen to their reports on types
of films they desire to see and instill in the
youngsters a feeling of pai-ticipation in the
activities of the theatres.
Mayor Hynes has requested theatre owners,
directors of the Boston Public Library and the
Museum of Science and heads of other civic,
educational and entertainment establishments
to cooperate so that "Feburary 23 will stand
out as a memorable day in the lives of our
young sons and daughters."
"The idea of a special day to focus our
attention on the teenagers is an excellent
one." said Hynes.
"If we can turn them in the direction that
leads to good citizenship, we should make
every effort to do so. By setting aside one day
during their winter vacation, we can have a
varied program appealmg to all types of boys
and girls. It would give these future citizens
a close perspective of what their community
IS and what the real values of life are."
Providence TV Station
Buys 39 Films From UA
PROVIDENCE—The first skirmish in the
inevitable battle between motion picture theatres
and television stations appears to be
shaping up on the Providence front. WJAR-
TV recently purchased 39 films from United
Artists Corp. All of the pictures are of post-
1948 vintage and feature such stars as
Gregory Peck, Kirk Douglas, Tab Hunter
and Claudette Colbert.
The films, which will be released in March,
will appear on weekdays after 11 p.m. and
on weekends at 10:40 p.m.
VERMONT
Oeventeen" was shown at the First Baptist
Church in St. Albans and all teenagers
in the city were invited to attend the .showing
. . . Vermont's tourist booths had 20,573
less registrations in 1955 than during the
previous year but receipts were higher, it has
been reported by the Vermont development
commission. The total for all vacation business
for 1956 was estimated at around 105
million
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION
dollars.
Walt Disney's "Dumbo" will be the next
film to be shown free to the children of
Springfield under the recreation progi'am.
It is to be presented sometime this month
Two Youths Are Arrested
For Assault on Usher
NEW HAVEN—Two of three youths who
fled across the nation after assaulting an
usher at the Rivoli Theatre in suburban
West Haven have voluntarily returned home
and have been placed under arrest.
William Leavitt, 20, and Richard Malone,
21. said they traveled to California and Texas
after the incident, but claimed they had
planned a cross-country junket for some time
and left West Haven the night of the attack
only by coincidence. They were arrested
for breach of the peace.
Still missing Ls John Hutchinson, 21, who
is believed to be somewhere in the south.
The trio is charged with striking John
Jennings, a 17-year-old usher at the Fishman
Theatres Rivoli, when he asked Malone
to stop smoking in the house December 10.
Cinema Corp. of New York
Buys West Haven Airer
NEW HAVEN—The 750-car Bowl Drivein
in suburban West Haven has been purchased
by the Cinema Circuit Corp., of New
York City, which operates a chain in the New
York metropolitan area. The seller was the
Bowl Outdoor Theatre Corp., headed by Seymour
B. Levine of Stratford. The sales price
was not disclosed.
The sellers constructed the Bowl five years
ago. At the time of its formation, the Bowl
Outdoor Theatre Corp. had six stockholders,
who invested a reported $110,000 in the new
business.

i
-
1956 Highlights in Boston Area
BOSTON—Highlights of 1956 included these
month-by-month developments:
January
Louis Gordon, president of Lockwood &
Gordon Enterprises, retired from active participation
in the theatre business, retaining
his financial interest and continuing as consultant,
director and officer. Harry Browning
and Hubert Glidden left New England Theatres.
Edward Klein, president of Bay State
Film Co., died. Philip Smith, president of
Smith Management Co. was elected chief
barker of the Variety Club of New England.
Al Levy was named northeast division manager
of 20th-Fox with headquarters at the
Boston office.
February
James Collins, Natick Drive-In. was named
manager of the year by Smith Management
Co., which conducted a three-day managers
session here, dii'ected by Richard A. Smith,
vice-president. Francis PeiTy, veteran exhibitor
and former president of Independent
Exhibitors of New England, died. Edward W.
Lider was re-elected president of Independent
Exhibitors of New England. Douglas Amos
was appointed general manager of Lockwood
& Gordon Enterprises. Joseph Liss, critically
injured in an auto accident in June, made
his first appearance in the district. Announcement
was made of the new Columbia
F*ictures office building on Church street.
March
Buena Vista Film distributing Co. moved
to new offices at 270 Tremont St. Henry
Sperling, one of the owners of the Belling
ham Auto Theatre, died in Woonsocket, R. I.
Yamins Enterprises took over the Nashua,
N. H., Drive-In from Joe Bronstein, et al.
April
20th-Pox held a territorial meeting for
salesmen and bookers, with Al Levy, new
northeast division manager, presiding. George
Roberts, Rifkin circuit, was elected president
of the Boston Council for B'nai B'rith,
the first industry member to have that honor.
Albert Swerdlove, head of Federal Film and
Screen Guild, died. Lockwood & Gordon
leased the East Hartford Drive-In from A. J.
Bronstein, et al.
May
Redstone Drive-ins changed Its corporate
name to Northeast Drive-In Theatres Corp.,
Michael Redstone, president. Harold Rubin,
head of Globe Premium, was named president
of Sentry Lodge of B'nai B'rith, the
theatrical lodge. United Artists hosted a
luncheon to introduce James A. Velde, new
general sales manager. Walter Young, veteran
exhibitor, Farmington, N. H., died. Peter
D. Latchis, president of Latchis Theatres,
Brattleboro, Vt., died, Arnold Eisen, general
manager of the B&Q Theatres, resigned to
join the Harry Walker Talent Agency, Miami,
Fla. Hy Fine, New England Theatres,
was named motion picture chairman of the
cerebral palsy campaign for seventh consecutive
year.
June
Michael Redstone and Nathan Yamins
were appointed chairmen of the Independent
Exhibitors of New England annual convention.
The Variety Club of New England
Louis Gordon wlio retired the first of
the old year as president of Lockwood
& Gordon Enterprises at Boston.
honored Archbishop Richard A. Cushing with
the Great Heart award at a gala dinner at
the Statler. Embassy Pictures Corp. moved
to a new building at 20 Winchester St. Edward
Ruff Associates opened new offices at
260 Tremont St. Lewis Ginsbm-g was named
manager of Federal Film and Screen Guild.
July
Hatton F. Taylor, RKO manager, was promoted
to district manager in the midwest,
replaced by Otto N. Ebert, who came in from
Detroit. Both men were honored at an industry
luncheon sponsored by the Variety
Club of New England. Ted Williams was
named general chairman of the 1956 Jimmy
Fund drive. Rifkin Theatres took over its
sixth drive-in, the Lisbon in Lewiston, Me.
The film "One Summer of Happiness" was
under scrutiny for possible obscenity by
Judge John Fox in Municipal court. Ben Williams
Enterprises moved to new quarters at
260 Tremont St.
August
Nate Oberman, MGM head booker, was
given a farewell luncheon by the industry
before his departure for the west coast. This
territory's first twin drive-in, the Medford
Twin, was opened by Lloyd Clark, Winthrop
Knox jr. and George Hackett. The Stadium
Theatre, Woonsocket, R. I., owned by Arthur
Darman reopened after investing $100,000
in alterations and remodeling. "Seven Wonders
of the World," the third Cinerama production,
opened at the Boston Theatre.
September
The Saxon Theatre, formerly the Majestic,
was reopened by Benjamin Sack with the
Todd-AO film, "Oklahoma!" after spending
more than $150,000 on alterations and remodeling.
Charles Repec was named head
booker at Metro. William Kumins, Warner's,
was named motion picture distribution chairman
of the Red Feather drive. Northeast
Drive-In Theatres Corp. took over two airers
in New York state. Phil Markell, retired head
of Markell Sanitary Products, died.
October
Independent Exhibitors of New England
held a successful 25th annual convention at
Toy Town Tavern, Winchendon, Mass. George
Abdullah purchased the Lincoln Theatre,
Quincy Point. Harry Kirschgessner. manager
of National Screen Service, retired and was
replaced by Maynard Sickles. The Strand
Theatre, Rockland, Mass., owned by B&Q
Associates, was destroyed by fire. Melvin
Wintman was named general manager of the
drive-in theatre division of Smith Management
Co. Cecil B. DeMille arrived in town
press interviews on "The Ten Command-
for
ments."
November
Smith Management Co. took over a lease on
the United, Westerly, R. I., Ernest Warren
took over a lease on the Strand, Haverhill
from Norman Glassman. ATC leased its
concession stands in conventional theatres to
ABC Vending Co. John Voudoukis, Berlin,
N. H., announced plans to spend $100,000
in alterations on the Princess Theatre. Al
Glaubinger. UA sales manager, was promoted
to manager at Buffalo. The Variety Club of
New England honored retiring Harry Kirschgessner
of National Screen at an industry
luncheon.
December
Mrs. Mary L. Lydecker, 68, president and
treasurer of Film Exchange Ti-ansfer Co.,
died. Buena Vista entertained exhibitors at
a "Cinderella" luncheon to spark the plans
for the reissue of the film for the school vacation
week in New England. Smith Management
Co. announced a new benefit program
for managers and district managers for life
insurance, hospitalization, medical and unemployment
compensation benefits. Irving
Dunn, Manley Boston salesman, was top national
salesman for the year. He was promoted
to be assistant district manager to
Lyman O. Seley. Boston and eastern executive.
"Baby Doll" was banned as immoral
by Maine & New Hampshire Theatres.
James T. Flynn Saves
Three Kids in Fire
NEW HAVEN—James T. Flynn, former
fire department theatre inspector in this city
now employed at Loew's Palace in Meriden,
heroically saved three children in a fire
which took five lives in an apartment building
adjoining the Palace.
When the first alarm came in, Flynn went
out and quickly sized up the situation. He ran
back to the theatre and brought out a 30-
foot stagehand's ladder. Placing it against
the burning building, he made three trips
into the structure, carrying a child down
each time.
Flynn stayed on the job the remainder of
the night, keeping watch on the theatre.
Doors and skylights were left open to ventilate
the Palace, which escaped with only slight
water damage in the front lobby.
About 200 persons were evacuated, without
panic after smoke pushed into the theatre.
Anthony Masella, manager, originally
went on stage and told patrons there was a
fii-e nearby and that they should not be
alarmed if they detected smoke.
NE-4 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

Depot Plan in Action
During Rail Strike
TORONTO—The country's economy was
thrown for a loss when 3,000 locomotive firemen
went on a strike January 2 in a dispute
with the 17,000-mile Canadian Pacific Railway,
bringing a halt to all rail operations and
idleness to 70,000 employes. Many communities
immediately became isolated in severe
weather conditions and industries started laying
off workers.
The film industry in Ontario was prepared
for the crisis through the prior establishment
of emergency depots in 15 strategic centers
for the distribution of film programs to exhibitors
who depended on the railway for
film shipments or whose show's had been delayed
in the confusion. The depots had been
arranged through the cooperation of the Canadian
Motion Picture Distributors Ass'n
and the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of
Ontario.
Theatres in wide areas of eastern and
northern Ontario were particularly affected.
Some places in the north depend enth-ely on
the Canadian Pacific Railway for access to
the outside world, while the other large system,
the Canadian National Railways, cancelled
eastern Ontario service because it uses
CPR tracks. Heavy snow also hindered highway
truck delivery.
The emergency shows were located at theatres
in the following places: Empire, Cochrane;
Downtown, Hamilton; Capitol. Kingston;
Capitol, London; Capitol, North Bay;
Capitol. Ottawa; Centre. Owen Sound;
Odeon, Peterborough; O'Brien, Renfrew;
Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie; Odeon, Sarnia;
Palace, St. Catharines; Capitol. Sudbury;
Broadw-ay and Palace, Timmins, and Capitol,
'Windsor.
The exhibitors in towns affected were required
to pick up available programs at their
nearest emergency depot where old shows
were to be deposited, using any means of
transportation at hand. Meanwhile film exchange
bookers in Toronto were checking
with Mavety Film Delivery and others on
extra carriers for shipments.
The available rail service between Toronto
and Ottawa, a distance of 250 miles, was by
way of Montreal, 333 miles from Toronto,
then back 120 miles to Ottawa for a total of
453 miles, all by Canadian National Railways.
73 Montreal Theatres
Grossed $8,931,625
MONTREAL—A total of 73 theatres here
during 1955 collected $8,931,625 on 16,020,829
total paid admissions, the Dominion Bureau
of Statistics reported. The theatres collected
an additional $1,308,794 in amusement
taxes.
The average capacity utilized was 17 per
cent and the average admission price was
56 cents, making the potential number of
admissions (capacity), 92,561,308.
Montreal with 73 ranked next to Toronto
in the number of theatres. The latter had
104.
There were 447 theatres in Quebec with
a seating capacity of 239,028, which collected
$19,476,949 in 1955. Ticket taxes totaled
$3,049,661; the total paid admissions 38,438,850,
which is 19 per cent of total potential of
197,390,497. Admissions averaged 51 cents.
Drive-In Total Up to 242
But Receipts Decline
OTTA'WA—The number of drive-in motion
picture theatres in operation in Canada during
1955 increased by 12 over 1954, bringing
the total number of establishments to 242,
according to the annual report of the Dominion
Bureau of Statistics.
The drive-in theatres, in all Can.idian
provinces except Quebec where legislation
prevents their operation, had a car
capacity of 97.289. An increase of 4 per cent.
The seating capacity of walk-ins was also
greater at 2,012 persons.
Receipts of the outdoor theatres, excluding
taxes, amounted to $5,755,158 in 1955,
which was 9 per cent le.ss than in 1954 when
the receipts were $6,316,947. In addition,
drive-in theatres reported collections of
$601,836 in amusement taxes. Other sources
of revenue included sales of merchandise
• candy, cigarets, etc.) totaling $2,220,961
rental revenue from concessions and vending
machines $64,066, and revenue from the projection
of commercial films $100,128. The
number of paid admissions in 1955 was
11.521,718, down 7 per cent from admissions of
12,380,246 a year earlier.
Eleven drive-in theatres reported the use
of 16mm projection equipment and these
accounted for $44,099 of receipts, excluding
taxes and 89,957 paid admissions.
'With 2,215 gainfully employed persons in
drive-in theatres, the year 1955 registered a
slight increase over the 1954 total of 2,182.
Projectionists increased from 207 to 221, assistant
projectionists from 10 to 11 and all
other employes from 1,964 to 1,983. The total
payrolls, however, decreased 3 per cent from
$1,629,400 in 1954 to $1,599,714 in 1955.
Of the 242 drive-ins in Canada, the province
of Ontario had largest number with 91, followed
by Alberta, 41. Next w'as Saskatchewan
with 37, British Columbia 34, Manitoba 14,
New Brunswick 12, Nova Scotia 11, and
Prince Edward Island 2.
Total Theatrical Rentals
$30,021,928 in 1955
OTTA'WA—There were 64 companies engaged
in Canada in the distribution of motion
pictures through 1,953 exchanges during
1955, according to figures in annual report
by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics.
Most of the new distributing companies in
the year engaged in the distribution of television
films, it is pointed out.
Receipts of the film exchange companies
decreased 1 per cent from $36,667,612 in 1954
to $36,272,019 in 1955. The distribution of
receipts by source follows; film rentals
$35,498,588; sale of advertising material
$480,554; other sources, $292,877. The film
exchange companies employed 1,450 persons
and paid $4,370,833 in salaries and wages in
1955. 'While the number of employes increased
only 2 per cent over 1954, a 5 per
cent gain was registered for salaries and
wages.
The 35mm films rented for theatrical use
were the principal source of revenue for the
industry as a whole. 'While the 4,804 films in
this class were only 16.9 per cent of the total
number of all types rented, their revenue
amounted to $30,021,928, or 84.6 per cent of
all revenue of film exchanges. In addition.
16mm film rented for theatrical use totaled
4.655 with revenue of $2,102,460.
Films rented for television numbered
12.773 with revenue of $3,072,992.
There were 2,462 new titles released during
1955 for theatrical booking. Of this total,
493 were 35mm and 969, 16mm. New feature
films (both 35 and 16mm i released during
this period accounted for 1.124 of the total.
The classification of the 1.124 new feature
films released in 1955 as to country of origin
follows: tlnited States, 649; France, 340;
Great Britain, 55; Canada, 1; Italy, 54; other
countries, 25.
Production by NFB
To 200 in Last Year
OTTAWA—The National Film
Board produces
approximately 200 films a year, it was
reported by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics,
divided into original films for theatrical,
nontheatrical and television distribution,
many into foreign-language versions
and revisions. In addition, during the NFB
fiscal year ending March 31, 1956, the board
produced new stories for distribution in
Canada and foreign countries, newsclips,
trailers and television stories of less than one
reel.
The board also produced and distributed
still photos about Canada and filmstrips of
an international nature.
During the year, the board produced 62
original films for theatrical and nontheatrical
distribution and 39 original films for television.
There were 64 language versions and
revisions of already existing films, making a
total of 205 films, or 452 reels. There were 40
news stories, 12 newsclips and 12 short T'V
stories.
The NFB films were booked into Canadian
theatres a total of 7,310 times. Bookings in
other countries totaled 21,519. The NFB's
films are also distributed in other countries
through Canadian government posts and
through educational and cultural agencies.
This type of nontheatrical distribution
reached an attendance of 17,600,383.
Nine FPC Houses Joined
To Offer 'High Society'
TORONTO—The Famous Players new lineup
of nine theatres for the combination Sliow
of the 'Week policy made wide use of "High
Society" throughout Toronto, the participating
units being the Alhambra, Beach, Beaver,
Capitol, College, Donlands. Parkdale, Prince
of Wales and St. Claii".
Sharing "The Battle ol' the River Plate"
with the Odeon Carlton were the suburban
Fairlawn and Colony, while another Odeon
pair, the Danfortli and Humber, featured
"You Can't Run Away With It."
Richard Whorf is producing "Bombers
B-52," starring Karl Maiden and Natalie
Wood, for Warner Bros.
BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957 K-1

. . . Robert
. . Noted
"» ST. JOHN
FETE 40-YEAR MEMBERS—Projectionists Local 348, Vancouver, had a banquet recently
in which it honored 40-year members with gold membership cards. A life membership
also was given to Frank Gow, retired district manager of Famous Players Canadian for
British Columbia. Recipients of the 40-year awards are shown above. Front row: VVally
Woolridge, Guy Graham, Sam Ellerington, Eddie Marshall. Second row: Ray Hanson.
Art Corriveau, Bert Pollock, International Vice-President O. M. Jacobson and Bob
Foster. Back row: Earl McMillan, John Roberts and Arthur Crute.
Slalement of Tent 28
Sets $352,701 Assets
TORONTO—The financial statement of
Toronto Variety Tent 28 for the past fiscal
year shows assets at $352,701, including investment
in the Variety Village Vocational
School at $281,960, and approximately $20,000
each in the general fund, heart fund and
Canadian government bonds.
The report, prepared by J. A. Troyer as
dough guy, revealed that $33,558 had been
raised through the benefit baseball game last
summer, while the revenue from benefit performances
under the auspices of theatre
managers associations in Ontario totaled
$5,165. Receipts from fees at Molson's parking
lot in downtown Toronto were $5,270,
while George Altman's scrap metal campaigTi
brought $4,997. Total revenue from fundraising
features was $54,243. Tlie club spent
$36,137 on the year's operation of Variety
Village.
The revenue in fees of 308 members totaled
$10,815 during the 12 months, while the club
} FOR SALE
YES! 10,000 LATE MODEL
USED OR RECONDITIONED
Also new British-Luxury Chairs ovailable
THEATRE
CHAIRS
Spring edge steel bottom seat cushions and
fully upholstered backs—spring bock types also.
Carpeting, asphalt, rubber. Vinyl tiles and
linoleum.
WE ARE FACTORY AGENTS-
AT BARGAIN PRKiS
Drop US a line—we will give /ou photographs
ond full information.
"LA SALLE"
RECREATIONS, Ltd.
Tlieatre Cliairs. Carpet. Litioleum and Tile Oivisian.
945 GRANVILLE ST., VANCOUVER
I
J MARINE '^^ 5034-5428
If „
paid $1,414 in dues to Variety International.
Sales at the clubrooms totaled $10,119, from
which was deducted the cost of wages, supplies,
license and other items. The operating
account had a balance of $329.
From the inception of the heart fund in
1945, the tent has raised a total of $697,092
and the disbursements totaled $639,920, of
which $281,960 was spent on construction of
Variety Village and $276,487 on operation of
the project to Oct. 31, 1956.
FPC's Report on 39 Weeks
Shows Profits Are Down
TORONTO—An interim financial report
for the first 39 weeks of 1956, roughly to the
end of September, issued by Famous Players
Canadian Corp., showed that net profits
totaled $2,056,949, equal to $1.18 a outstanding
share, for the period, compared with
$2,221,267 or $1.28 for each share during the
corresponding weeks of 1955.
Earnings, after all charges, including depreciation,
but prior to provision for income
taxes, totaled $3,194,163, compared with
$3,700,437 for the 39 weeks of 1955.
It was stated that business in the final
quarter up to December 10 indicated that the
per-share earnings would exceed dividend requirements.
President J. J. Fitzgibbons declared that
policies of Famous Players theatres in the
Toronto area had been changed because of
shifts in population, automobile parking
problems and the demolition of Shea's Theatre
to make way for a civic center. First run
pictures were now available in centrally located
suburban theatres as a result, and
suburbanites would find top first run attractions
in conveniently located theatres.
With big productions such as "War and
Peace" and "Giant," which warranted increased
admission prices, theatre receipts indicated
wholehearted approval of these
lengthy features as well as a return to motion
picture entertainment by many people,
Fitzgibbons said.
The Famous Players president added that
keen iriierest had been shown by the public
in the policy for certain pictures through
which seats could be reserved in advance.
The Paramount, managed by F. Harrison
Howe, has started a series of ten Saturday
morning Elmer's Theatre Party shows,
in which safety rules are stressed. Fi'ee treats
and prizes donated by merchants and films
approved by the Children's Film Librai'y are
featm-ed. Talks on safety are being given by
representatives of the police and fire departments
and organizations interested in safety.
Children attending the first Elmer show received
an identification card to be filled out
with name, addi-ess and telephone number.
Each week the card is punched; after five
punches, the holder receives a crest, and at
the end of the tenth week the card is to be
turned in at the door and used in a draw for
a bicycle and other prizes. The admission is
15 cents. Other Famous Players theatres
have been promoting these parties with
great success.
The Paramount also pai'ticipated in a "First
Baby of 1957" contest by offering a book of
Famous Players tickets to the parents of the
first child born in the new year. This contest
has been held annually here for over 20 years.
Merchants, dairies, laundries, bakeries, etc.,
all contribute prizes.
The Maritime Film Board of
Trade, consisting
of all film exchange managers here,
at an emergency meeting to discuss the shipping
problem during the Canadian Pacific
Railway strike, decided to use trucks and
buses wherever possible and deliver to nearest
points; from where exhibitors must pick
up and deliver their own film . . . Rocky
Hazel, partner of the State at Port Hawkesbury.
Rialto at Tatamagouche and Valley
Drive-In, Cambridge, stopped on Filmrow en
route to Boston where he will enter the Lahey
Clinic for a checkup. The Rialto and State
were closed temporarily.
With unusual cold weather in the Maritimes,
the theatres have suffered.
MONTREAL
T
M. Bleackley, vice-president and managing
director of Perkins Electric Co., was in
New York and other U. S. cities on business
Murphy has joined A&F Film
Corp., distributor of TV films, as salesman.
Some time ago he was transferred as Paramount
manager here to a similar position
in St. John.
The Alouette will shift to French-language
films when the run of "Oklahoma!" in Todd-
AO ends, and go back to Todd-AO when
"Aj-ound the World in 80 Days" becomes
available . . . Armand Besse, manager for
Perkins Electric here, returned from a twoweek
trip to Newfoundland to confer with
Perkins clients. He reported the theatre
business is good in the island province and
exhibitors there are happy.
The wife of Bill
Guss, MGM manager here,
left for Miami to spend five weeks. She was
accompanied by her mother, Mrs. I. Shur of
Bangor, Me. . . . Estella Schwartz, assistant
cashier at Columbia, reports her engagement
to wed Joe Frydman . on
Filmrow were Phil Karilian of the Pine at
Ste. Adele, Maurice Duhamel of the Auclair
circuit here, and George Champagne, manager
of several theatres at Shawinigan Falls.
K-2 BOXOFFICE January 12, 1957

. . . Lou
. . Fred
. . Florence
. . Kitimat.
.
VANCOUVER
Vtlly Ilayter, owner of the Starlight Drivein
at Salmon Arm, was back from a vacation
in Mexico and Texas . . . H. Hoppe, owner
.
of the 175-seat Alix Theatre in Alix, Alia..
was given a permit by the town council to
build a new theatre to replace his old house.
The new structure will cost around $20,000 . .
Maynard Joiner, B.C. district manager for
Famous Players, was in the hospital for a
checkup Wilson. Strand projectionist,
was hospitalized for an eye operation
Karp, FPC head booker for the B.C.
division, after a spell in hospital wa,s recuperating
at his home. He is suffering
from a slipped disc. Ted Ross was pinchhitting
for him at FPC.
Adding bingo to their regular film programs
is keeping many western Canada
houses from closing. More than 30 small
situations now using it have found that the
game returns a profit and attracts new patronage.
No British Columbia theatres are
using bingo at present. The government out
here on the Pacific won't allow it . . . Lorna
Tyrrell. International-Cinema cashier, was
called to Edmonton due to a death in her
family . Ward, formerly with
CKY in Winnipeg, has been appointed Vancouver
representative for S. W. Caldwell and
will make a tour of B.C. radio and TV stations
for the firm, which produces TV and
radio shorts.
Two major circuits, Famous Players and
Odeon. are working out new first run outlets
in this area. FPC is working out a combination
of the Capitol and Orpheum in Vancouver
and the Paramount and Columbia in
New Westminster. Odeon has the Vogue.
Circle and Olympia in Vancouver and circuit
houses in West Vanvouver and New
Westminster and the Plaza in Kingsway.
The plan is working out good for distributors,
who get a fast playoff on new product at
first run admissions in the outside theatres.
Canada's motion picture theatres, apparently
hit by television, recorded a 13-year
low in 1955 in number of customers, the
bureau of statistics reported. There were
202,194,000 paid admissions, down 15 per cent
from the previous year . the
town that the Aluminum Co. of Canada built
in northern British Columbia in the snow
belt, has a population of 15.000 only five
years since the fh-st workers arrived. It used
to be an all-man town but now families are
moving in and men are staying put instead
The
of coming down to Vancouver on a spree.
company town is serviced by the Nechako, a
710-seat theatre owned by the Howard-Steele
partners, who report that business is very
good.
Business in the motion picture industry
across Canada is looking up, according to
Owen Bird, president of British Columbia
Exhibitors Ass'n. Bird took exception to statements
by important industry figures predicting
a radical reduction in the number of theatres.
He said these gentlemen could speak
for their own companies but should not make
blanket statements or predictions that included
the enterprises of others. He admitted
that "we've pretty well hit the bottom
of business and there is no direction for us
j
to go now but UP." Bird operates the Ladner
Theatre at Ladner in the Fraser Valley, a
small town situation, and is also a partner
in the new West Coast Theatre Service, a
booking and buying combination with headquarters
in the new film building here.
Frank Wade, public relations head of Panorama
Productions of Vancouver, is kept busy
with many calls for his TV and radio services
and parts in the Theatre Under-the-
Siars. His firm is shooting films for TV and
Perkins Electric will
theatre use in B.C. . . .
refurnish and equip the Castle Theatre at
Castlegar, B.C., for the new owner, George
Bergeron of Trail. Complete redecorating is
beuig carried out with new stage draperies
in fibre glass and 400 Canadian Seating Co.'s
International theatre chairs. New Ballantyne
sound and equipment will be supplied
by Harry Howard of Theatre Equipment Supply
Co. and is to be installed with the entire
renovation supervised by Perkins.
Business from September to Christmas was
definitely off at theatres in this area, down
about 20 per cent compared to last yea:-, with
downtown houses not holding their own,
either. Some exhibitors put the major blame
for the business drop on television, citing m
particular the showing on local TV of such
films as "Since You Went Away," "How
Green Was My Valley" and top MOM features
. . . Exhibitors are having trouble with
blockbusters that run three hours or more.
Such films are considered too long for the
double feature houses. Showmen say that
programming has become a problem, with not
enough ace short product being made for a
well-rounded program. Many exhibitors are
passing up the long-running blockbusters.
Half of Canadian Homes
Have TV, Report Says
OTTAWA—The government has figured
out that more than half of the 3,974,000
households in the country have television
sets, the total being 2,132,000 or 54 per cent.
The statistician also estimated that 96
per cent of the homes, or 3,817,000, had radio
sets, up slightly from the previous year, while
by way of comparison. 74 per cent of all
households boasted a telephone. A year ago.
39 per cent of households had TV sets, it
was reported.
In Ontario. 915.000 of the 1,370,000 households
had television, while radio sets were
to be found in 1,314,000 homes of this province.
Of Quebec's 1,045,000 homes, 671,000
had TV's and 1,010,000 had radios.
A recent government report showed that
Canada's theatres had 202,194,000 paid admission
in 1955, the total being 15 per cent
down from the preceding year. The 1955
figure was called a 13-year low in admissions.
Theatre revenue in 1955 was $105,166,000,
which was the smallest amount since 1950.
'Oklahoma!' Ends Run
At Montreal Alouette
TORONTO—The Tivoli now is the only
theatre in Canada playing "Oklahoma!" in
Todd-AO, the attraction having concluded
its long run engagement at the Alouette in
Montreal January 3. The Todd-AO version
has completed its 36th week at the Toronto
house.
The longest current engagement in Canada
is to be found at Montreal, however, "Cinerama
Holiday" having just registered Its 39th
week at the Imperial.
it
RESEARCH MM
f or
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS

. . . Robert
. . Noted
FETE 40-YEAR MEMBERS—Projectionists Local 348, Vancouver, had a banquet recently
in which it honored 40-year members with gold membership cards. A life membership
also was given to Frank Gow, retired district manager of Famous Players Canadian for
British Columbia. Recipients of the 40-year awards are shown above. Front row: Wally
Woolridge, Guy Graham, Sam Ellerington, Eddie Marshall. Second row: Ray Hanson,
Art Corriveau, Bert Pollock, International Vice-President O. M. Jacobson and Bob
Foster. Back row: Earl McMillan, John Roberts and Arthur Crute.
Statement of Tent 28
Sets $352,701 Assets
TORONTO—The financial statement of
Toronto Variety Tent 28 for the past fiscal
year shows assets at $352,701. including investment
in the Variety Village Vocational
School at $281,960, and approximately $20,000
each in the general fund, heart fund and
Canadian government bonds.
The report, prepared by J. A. Troyer as
dough guy, revealed that $33,558 had been
raised through the benefit baseball game last
summer, while the revenue from benefit performances
under the auspices of theatre
managers associations in Ontario totaled
$5,165. Receipts from fees at Molson's parking
lot in downtown Toronto were $5,270,
while George Altman's scrap metal campaig-n
brought $4,997. Total revenue from fundraising
features was $54,243. The club spent
$36,137 on the year's operation of Variety
Village.
The revenue in fees of 308 members totaled
$10,815 during the 12 months, while the club
K^————
} FOR SALE
YES! 10,000 LATE MODEL
USED OR RECONDITIONED
Also new British-Luxury
THEATRE
Chairs available
CHAIRS
Spring edge steel bottom seat cushions and
fully upholstered backs—spring back types also.
Carpeting, asphalt, rubber. Vinyl tiles and
linoleum.
WE ARE FACTORY AGENTS-
AT BARGAIN PRICES
Drop us a line—we will give you photographs
and full information.
"LA SALLE"
RECREATIONS, Ltd.
Theatre Chairs, Carpet. Linoleum and Tile Division.
^ 945 GRANVILLE ST., VANCOUVER
J MARINE 5034-5428
^
paid $1,414 in dues to Variety International.
Sales at the clubrooms totaled $10,119, from
which was deducted the cost of wages, supplies,
license and other items. The operating
account had a balance of $329.
Prom the inception of the heart fund in
1945, the tent has raised a total of $697,092
and the disbursements totaled $639,920, of
which $281,960 was spent on construction of
Variety Village and $276,487 on operation of
the project to Oct. 31, 1956.
FPC's Report on 39 Weeks
Shows Profits Are Down
TORONTO—An interim financial report
for the first 39 weeks of 1956, roughly to the
end of September, issued by Famous Players
Canadian Corp., showed that net profits
totaled $2,056,949, equal to $1,18 a outstanding
share, for the period, compared with
$2,221,267 or $1.28 for each share during the
corresponding weeks of 1955.
Earnings, after all charges, including depreciation,
but prior to provision for income
taxes, totaled $3,194,163, compared with
$3,700,437 for the 39 weeks of 1955.
It was stated that business in the final
quarter up to December 10 indicated that the
per-share earnings would exceed dividend requirements.
President J. J. Fitzgibbons declared that
policies of Famous Players theatres in the
Toronto area had been changed because of
shifts in population, automobile parking
problems and the demolition of Shea's Theatre
to make way for a civic center. First run
pictures were now available in centrally located
suburban theatres as a result, and
suburbanites would find top first run attractions
in conveniently located theatres.
With big productions such as "War and
Peace" and "Giant," which warranted increased
admission prices, theatre receipts indicated
wholehearted approval of these
lengthy features as well as a return to motion
picture entertainment by many people,
Fitzgibbons said.
The Famous Players president added that
keen interest had been shown by the public
in the policy for certain pictures through
which seats could be reserved in advance.
ST.
JOHN
•The Paramount, managed by F. Harrison
Howe, has started a series of ten Saturday
morning Elmer's Theatre Party shows,
in which safety rules are stressed. Free treats
and prizes donated by merchants and films
approved by the Children's Film Librai'y are
featured. Talks on safety are being given by
representatives of the police and fire departments
and organizations interested in safety.
Children attending the first Elmer show received
an identification card to be filled out
with name, addr-ess and telephone number.
Each week the card is punched; after five
punches, the holder receives a crest, and at
the end of the tenth week the card is to be
turned in at the door and used in a draw for
a bicycle and other prizes. The admission is
15 cents. Other Famous Players theatres
have been promoting these parties with
great success.
The Paramount also participated in a "First
Baby of 1957" contest by offering a book of
Famous Players tickets to the parents of the
first child born in the new year. This contest
has been held annually here for over 20 yeai's.
Merchants, dairies, laundries, bakeries, etc.,
all contribute prizes.
The Maritime Film Board of Tiade, consisting
of all film exchange managers here,
at an emergency meeting to discuss the shipping
problem during the Canadian Pacific
Railway strike, decided to use trucks and
buses wherever possible and deliver to nearest
points; from where exhibitors must pick
up and dehver their own film . . . Rocky
Hazel, partner of the State at Port Hawkesbury,
Rialto at Tatamagouche and Valley
Drive-In, Cambridge, stopped on Filmrow en
route to Boston where he will enter the Lahey
Clinic for a checkup. The Rialto and State
were closed temporarily.
With unusual cold weather in the Maritimes,
the theatres have suffered.
MONTREAL
T
M. Bleackley, vice-president and managing
director of Perkins Electric Co., was in
New York and other U. S. cities on business
Murphy has joined A&P Film
Corp., distributor of TV films, as salesman.
Some time ago he was transferred as Paramount
manager here to a similar position
in St. John.
The Alouette will shift to Pi-ench-Ianguage
films when the run of "Oklahoma!" in Todd-
AO ends, and go back to Todd-AO when
"Ai-ound the World in 80 Days" becomes
Armand Besse, manager for
available . . .
Perkins Electric here, returned from a twoweek
trip to Newfoundland to confer with
Perkins clients. He reported the theatre
business is good in the island province and
exhibitors there are happy.
. . . Estella Schwartz, assistant
.
The wife of Bill Guss, MGM manager here,
left for Miami to spend five weeks. She was
accompanied by her mother, Mrs. I. Shur of
Bangor, Me.
cashier at Columbia, reports her engage-
ment to wed Joe Frydman on
Filmrow were Phil Karilian of the Fine at
Ste. Adele, Maurice Duhamel of the Auclair
cii-cuit here, and George Champagne, manager
of several theatres at Shawinigan Falls.
K-2 BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957

. . Fred
.
VANCOUVER
Velly Hayter, owner of
the Starlight Drivein
at Salmon Arm, was back from a vacation
in Mexico and Texas . . . H. Hoppe. owner
.
of the 175-seat Alix Theatre in Alix, Alta.,
was given a permit by the town council to
build a new theatre to replace his old house.
The new structure will cost around $20,000 . .
Maynard Joiner. B.C. district manager for
Famous Players, was in the hospital for a
checkup Wilson, Strand projectionist,
was hospitalized for an eye operation
. . . Lou Karp, PPC head booker for the B.C.
division, after a spell in hospital was recuperating
at his home. He is suffering
from a slipped disc. Ted Ross was pinchhitting
for him at FPC.
Adding bingo to their regular film programs
is keeping many western Canada
houses from closing. More than 30 small
situations now using it have found that the
game returns a profit and attracts new patronage.
No British Columbia theatres are
using bingo at present. The government out
here on the Pacific won't allow it . . . Lorna
Tyrrell, International-Cinema cashier, was
called to Edmonton due to a death in her
family
CKY in
Florence Ward, formerly with
. .
Winnipeg, has been appointed Vancouver
.
representative for S. W. Caldwell
and
will make a tour of B.C. radio and TV stations
for the firm, which produces TV and
radio shorts.
Two major circuits, Famous Players and
Odeon, are working out new first run outlets
in this area. FPC is working out a combination
of the Capitol and Orpheum in Vancouver
and the Paramount and Columbia in
New Westminster. Odeon has the Vogue,
Circle and Olympia in Vancouver and circuit
houses in West Vanvouver and New
Westminster and the Plaza in Kingsway.
The plan is working out good for distributors,
who get a fast playoff on new product at
fii-st run admissions in the outside theatres.
. . .
Canada's motion picture theatres, apparently
hit by television, recorded a 13-year
low in 1955 in number of customers, the
bureau of statistics reported. There were
202,194,000 paid admissions, down 15 per cent
from the previous year Kitimat, the
town that the Aluminum Co. of Canada built
in northern British Columbia in the snowbelt,
has a population of 15,000 only five
years since the first workers arrived. It used
to be an all-man town but now families are
moving in and men are staying put instead
of coming down to Vancouver on a spree. The
company town is serviced by the Nechako, a
710-seat theatre owned by the Howard-Steele
partners, who report that business is very
good.
Business in the motion picture industry
across Canada is looking up. according to
Owen Bird, president of British Columbia
Exhibitors Ass'n. Bird took exception to statements
by important industry figures predicting
a radical reduction in the number of theatres.
He said these gentlemen could speak
for their own companies but should not make
blanket statements or predictions that included
the enterprises of others. He admitted
that "we've pretty well hit the bottom
of business and there is no direction for us
to go now but UP." Bird operates the Ladner
Theatre at Ladner in the Fraser Valley, a
small town situation, and is also a partner
in the new West Coast Theatre Service, a
booking and buying combination with headquarters
in the new film building here.
Frank Wade, public relations head of Panorama
Productions of Vancouver, is kept busy
with many calls for his TV and radio services
and parts in the Theatre Under-the-
Stars. His firm is shooting films for TV and
theatre use in B.C. . . . Perkins Electric will
refurnish and equip the Castle Theatre at
Castlegar, B.C.. for the new owner, George
Bergeron of Trail. Complete redecorating is
bemg carried out with new stage draperies
in fibre glass and 400 Canadian Seating Co.'s
International theatre chairs. New Ballantyne
sound and equipment will be supplied
by Harry Howard of Theatre Equipment Supply
Co. and is to be installed with the entire
renovation supervised by Perkins.
Business from September to Christmas was
definitely off at theatres in this area, down
about 20 per cent compared to last yeai', with
downtown houses not holding then- own,
either. Some exhibitors put the major blame
for the business drop on television, citing in
particular the showing on local TV of such
films as "Since You Went Away," "How
Green Was My Valley" and top MGM features
. . . Exhibitors are having trouble with
blockbusters that run three hours or more.
Such films are considered too long for the
double feature houses. Showmen say that
programming has become a problem, with not
enough ace short product being made for a
well-rounded program. Many exhibitors are
passing up the long-running blockbusters.
Half of Canadian Homes
Have TV, Report Says
OTTAWA—The government has figured
out that more than half of the 3,974,000
households in the country have television
sets, the total being 2,132,000 or 54 per cent.
The statistician also estimated that 96
per cent of the homes, or 3,817,000, had radio
sets, up slightly from the previous year, while
by way of comparison, 74 per cent of all
households boasted a telephone. A year ago,
39 per cent of households had TV sets, it
was reported.
In Ontario. 915,000 of the 1,370,000 households
had television, while radio sets were
to be found in 1,314,000 homes of this province.
Of Quebec's 1,045,000 homes, 671,000
had TV's and 1,010,000 had radios.
A recent government report showed that
Canada's theatres had 202,194,000 paid admission
in 1955, the total being 15 per cent
down from the preceding year. The 1955
figure was called a 13-year low in admissions.
Theatre revenue in 1955 was $105,166,000,
which was the smallest amount since 1950.
'Oklahoma!' Ends Run
At Montreal Alouette
TORONTO—The Tivoli now is the only
theatre in Canada playing "Oklahoma!" in
Todd-AO. the attraction having concluded
its long run engagement at the Alouette in
Montreal January 3. The Todd-AO version
has completed its 36th week at the Toronto
house.
The longest current engagement in Canada
is to be found at Montreal, however, "Cinerama
Holiday" having just registered its 39th
week at the Imperial.
it
RESEARCH BUREAI
f or
MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS
ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION
The MODERN THEATRE
PLANNING INSTITUTE
825 Van Brunt Blvd.
Kansas City 24, Mo.
Gentlemen:
1-12-57
Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU
to receive inlormation regularly, as released, on
the lollowing subjects for Theatre Planning:
n Acoustics
n Air Conditioning
Architectural Service
n "Black" Lighting
n Building Material
D Carpels
n Lighting Fixtures
n Plumbing Fixtures
n Projectors
n Projection
n Seating
Lamps
n Coin Machines D Signs and !larqueea
D Complete Remodeling
D Decorating
Sound Equipment
ID Television
n Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts
n Drive-In Equipment Vending Equipment
n Other Subjects
Theatre
Seating
Addiess
City
Slate
Capacity..
Signed
Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience
in obtaining information are provided in MODERN
The
THEATRE Secfion, published with the first issue of
each month.
BOXOFFICE :: January 12, 1957 K-3

. . Manager
on AW A
por the first baby of the town in 1957, born
to Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Halladay, Manager
Lachenbauer of the Soper at Smiths
rails presented a set of ten double passes to
the parents. The Smiths Falls Rotary Club
also was host to 1,270 children at the Soper
for its annual theatre party for which two
performances were necessary. The kids also
received gifts of candy . Don
Watts of the Rideau had trouble on his hands
when Jacques Roussy, described as a rock
and roll devotee, threw an empty bottle
through the screen, causing damage estimated
at $800. The miscreant was arrested
by police and was remanded for sentence
when he appeared in court.
Emle Warren had two features which held
for a third week, "Friendly Persausion" at
the Main Elgin and "Secrets of Nature" at
the Little Elgin. Jim Chalmers of the Odeon
held "The Battle of the River Plate" for two
weeks, as did Bill Cullum with "Julie" at the
Regent . . . Famous Players Capitol has a
series of three stage attractions for one night
each in January. First was the concert
January 10 of the Greek pianist Gina Bachauer
which will be followed January 17 by the
Ottawa Philharmonic Society with Betty Jean
Hagen as guest violinist, and on January 24
a performance of Ballet Les Valses.
Nicholas Monsarrat, author of "The Cruel
Sea" which became a J. Arthur Rank picture,
faced a real-life mystery when his Land
Rover, a British car, vanished after it had
been towed away from the Monsarrat residence
near Hull, across from Ottawa. He had
phoned a garage to pick up the automobile
for some repair's and later watched a tow
truck take it away. In due course Monsarrat
learned that the garage did not have the
Rover. Next day it was found in the possession
of the Hull police who had taken it by
mistake.
For the engag-ement of "The Battle of the
River Plate," Assistant Manager Jack Kennedy
of the Odeon "went navy" by erecting
a sign over his lobby door which read "Executive
Officer," the title of a ship's commissioned
officer. But he didn't wear any gold
braid.
Toronto Film Critic Lists
Ten Best Films of 1956
TORONTO—Jack Karr, critic of the Toronto
Star, has provided his list of ten best
pictures of 1956, but refrained from giving
top preference to any one of his selections.
Karr remained more or less neutral in the
matter by listing his choice in chronological
order as follows:
Ransom, Richard III, Cockleshell Heroes,
The Ladykillers, Oklahoma! (which opened
April 26 at the TivoU and was still there at
the end of the year). The Swan, The Man
Who Knew Too Much, The King and I. The
Solid Gold Cadillac and Lust for Life.
Karr gave honorable mention to many
others including Attack! Reach for the Sky,
Meet Me in Las 'Vegas, War and Peace, The
Ten Commandments, Friendly Persuasion,
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, Moby
Dick, Somebody Up There Likes Me, Tea and
Sympathy, The Catered Affair, and Secrets
of Life.
—
—
—
Holdovers Are Tops;
Good Toronto Week
TORONTO—A dozen theatres in the revised
lineup of first run units featured holdovers,
mostly a second week for holiday attractions
as well as two long-termers, "Oklahoma!"
in its 36th week and "The Ten
Commandments" in its sixth week. The
popular ones included "Friendly Persuasion,"
"The Teahouse of the August Moon" and
"The Girl Can't Help It."
(Average Is 100)
Eglinton, Towne Friendly Persuosion (AA) 120
Hyland Secrets of Life (BV), 2nd wk 115
Imperial Hollywood or Bust (Para), 2nd wk 115
Loew's The Teahouse of the August Moon
(MGM), 2nd wk 120
Nortown Love Me Tender (20th-Fox) 110
Odeon The Bottle of the River Plote (JARO),
2nd wk 115
Tivoli Oklahoma! (Magna), 36th wk 1 05
Hollywood, Palace, Runnymede The Girl Can't
Help It (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 1 20
University The Ten Commandments (Para),
6th wk 125
Uptown Written on the Wind (U-l), 2nd wk 115
River Plate' Rates Excellent
In Strong Vancouver Week
VANCOUVER—The holiday weekend and
the kiddies being out of school saved the day
for theatres here. Tops were "The Battle of
the River Plate" at four houses. "Hollywood
or Bust," "Teenage Rebel" and "Secrets of
Life" were holdovers. Midnight shows prior
to New Year's Day did not smash any records.
Capitol The Iron Petticoat (MGM), 2nd wk Good
Cinema Port Afrique (Col); Cha-Cha-Cha Boom!
(Col)
Average
Orpheum Hollywood or Bust (Para), 2nd wk...Good
Paradise Dance With Me Henry (UA); Star
of India (UA) Average
Plaza Pillars of the Sky (U-l) Good
Strand Teenage Rebel (20th-Fox), 2nd wk Good
Studio Secrets of Life (BV), 2nd wk Good
Vogue The Bottle of the River Plote (JARO),
2nd wk Excellent
Revives The Gold Rush'
TORONTO — The International Cinema
found success again with a revival of "The
Gold Rush," which was held for a second
week. Odeon's Paradise went off-beat with
the playing of a German-language feature,
"Die Forsterchristl."
Crew to Southern Libya
A 70-man crew has joined John Wayne and
dii-ector Henry Hathaway on location in
southern Libya where "Legend of the Lost"
will be filmed.
—
HANDY SUBSCRIPTION
TORONTO
The big electric organ, imported from Germany
years ago, which gave out music
for silent pictures at the former downtown
Shea's, is to be put into service again. Following
the closing of the Famous Players
house to make way for a civic square, the
big instrument was sold to Maple Leaf
Gardens for the entertainment of hockey
. . . Loew's in London, fans
exclusive booking rights for
no longer has
MGM product
in that city. Under a new poUcy, second
runs of the latest releases will go into either
the Park or Centre in London,
Two theatremen in Toronto crossed swords
when Aid. Don Summerville, who is manager
of the Prince of Wales as well as being director
of the Canadian National Exhibition,
announced lie would ask for an investigation
into the alleged firing by Jack Arthur of a
Latvian-born ballet dancer. Vera Keiss, from
the grandstand show of the CNE of which
Arthur is producer. She found herself out of
the cast after being quoted in an interview
. . . The
that Canadian dancers were being exploited
by commercially minded teachers
barkers of Toronto Variety Tent 28 were
saddened by the death from a heart attack of
George Milton, 45, maitre d'hotel of the local
clubrooms.
The Detroit Symphony orchestra is playing
a concert Sunday night (13) on the stage
of the Famous Players Capitol at Windsor, of
whic'n Joe Lefave is manager. The performance
is a part of the Christian culture series
under the auspices of Assumption University,
Windsor ... In his review of "Written on the
Wind," the New Year's week attraction at
the Capitol, Hamilton, Ed Hocura of the
Spectator newspaper pulled a nifty when he
commented: "With the New Year only two
days old, congratulations to Robert Stack and
Dorothy Malone for being the best actor and
actress for 1957."
Toronto Shea's didn't get to play
"Anastasia" as announced before its doors
were closed for keeps, but the picture is
coming next at three Famous Players theatres
here, Hollywood, Palace and Runnymede
. . . The holiday season was saddened
for Gerry Collins, Loew's advertising director
in Toronto, and his wife in the illness
and death of their infant daughter.

,
^
• ALPHABETICAL INDEX
• ADLINES & EXPLOITIPS
• BOXOFFICE BAROMETER
• EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
• FEATURE RELEASE CHART
• FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST
• REVIEWS OF FEATURES
• SHORTS RELEASE CHART
• SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS
• SHOWMANDISING IDEAS
THE GUIDE TO i BETTER BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S - B U I L D I N G
^
New Hand on Art Film
Has Fine 'Lust' Display
W. p. Minnlch, manager of the Tower
Theatre at Corpus Christi, Tex., which
was converted to Todd-AO last September,
has been offering top art, foreign and unusual
U. S. pictures between runs of the
Todd productions. The art type attractions
are an innovation in the Texas city,
and Mirmich says promotion of this type
of attraction is
as new to him as the films
are to his customers.
However, his modesty doesn't cover any
lack of ability. Writing of the Tower's
mid-December showing of "Lust for Life,"
Minnich reports he has held it for an
extra week.
A high spot of his promotion was a display
of Van Gogh reproductions in the
window of the Morris variety store next
door to the Tower. Minnich dedicated the
reprints to the Corpus Christi Art Foundation,
and obtained the cooperation of the
art department of the Corpus Christi
schools. Ashmore's paint store. Browning's
picture and picture framing shop in
assembling the display. The local Caller-
Times published a three-column photo of
the window, and Minnich called
attention
to it in all his ads.
"This display attracted large crowds at
show breaks and during the day," he reports.
Neva Christian of the public school
system art department sent a bulletin on
the film to all elementary school principals,
the art teachers and students of the junior
high and high schools.
Mirmich gave a brief talk on Van Gogh
and the film to the art foundation directors
two weeks before opening.
New Dance for 'Baby'
Universal Pictures and the Pi-ed
Astaire
dance studios have developed a joint promotion
in behalf of "Rock, Pretty Baby,"
which will introduce a new rock and roll
dance routine to be promoted through local
newspapers and the 100-odd Astaire dance
studios.
Sends Special Cards
C. S. Damn of the Gibson Theatre in
Chattahoochee, Fla., mails postcards to
professional men, teachers and other intellectual
fllmgoers on special type films.
Greyhound Bus in Wedding Promotion
^'«V«tSeS-^
/^e ;^
One of the most unusual promotions in San Francisco area for quite some time wos executed by Charles
M. Pincus, Blumenfeld district manager in Stockton. When the Esquire Theatre there played "You
Can't Run Away From It," Pincus arranged to have a public wedding in front of the theatre. Music,
minister and a broadcast over radio station KJOY, with hundreds of spectators on hand, were the
order of the day. The Greyhound Bus Co. took the young couple to Los Angeles for a honeymoon. Promotion
included plenty of advance displays at the theatre, on the buses, as illustrated above.
'Passion' Spread in Look
United Artists' global promotion for
"The Pride and the Passion" went to a
huge audience with a four-page spread in
the Christmas issue of Look magazine. The
layout, combining color and black-andwhite
stills, features Sophia Loren, who
makes her English-speaking debut in the
spectacle.
Sidney Miller of the Hillside Drive-In
Corsicana, Tex., gave his operation a fillip
of human interest when he announced
birth of a baby daughter, named Melissa
Jane, in a two-column ad, "It's a Girl."
Congratulation Cards
Are Business Builders
J. W. Beach, manager of the Appalachian
Theatre, Boone, N. C, uses a postcard
pass and congratulations idea to
build business in his theatre.
"Each weelt," says Beach, "we go
through the local paper and cut out paragraphs
telling of local citizens winning
awards, bein^ elected citizens of the week,
being named to a high post or in some
other way having cause for congratulations.
We paste these clippings on a congratulatory
post card, which is also a theatre
pass, and mail it to the person mentioned
in the article."
Free Tickets Presented
In Appreciation of '56
Don Hunter, owner of the Lyric in Culbertson,
Mont., gave a free ticket to every
person buying a regular admission between
December 13 to Christmas Day as his gift
of appreciation to his patrons during 1956.
The free tickets were good for midweek
shows anytime in December, January and
February.
Prom Shows Already Set
Charles Reed, Fox Midwest circuit
manager in Hays, Kas., and Ray Mozingo
in Dodge City, Kas., already have completed
plans for their annual high school
prom shows. Contact, the Fox Midwest organ,
comments, "Long-range plarming
such as this signifies that these two showmen
have been on the ball, or should we
say. 'on the prom.' "
A Jet Car for Kiddy Prize
National Theatre Supply is offering a
1957 Jet Miniature battery-powered car as
a giveaway prize for theatres. The cars seat
two children and run at safe speeds with
automatic brakes. Contests for the prize
include a 50-word or less entry on why the
entrant would like to own one of the cars.
BOXOFFICE Showmcmdiser :: Jan. 12, 1957 — 7

Golden Age Club in Twin Cities
The Golden Age Club, recently inaugurated by the Minnesota Amusement Co.
in its Twin Cities theatres, is working out exceedingly well, according to Charles
Winchell, the president and general manager, of Mirmeapohs.
In fact, it's such a success, he says, that it's being adopted elsewhere by Paramount
circuit houses.
Under the plan, men of 65 and over and women of 62 and older sign up for the
club and receive membership cards which entitle them to admission at the circuit's
houses for 50 cents. In the downtown theatres the regular admission is 90 cents and
occasionally $1.50.
Thus far more than 3,000 persons have signed up in the Twin Cities and
they're using their cards to an extent that is stimulating grosses noticeably, according
to Winchell, who feels it has brought many of the older folk back from
TV to the theatres.
In his Minneapolis Star colxmin, Cedric Adams several times has commended
the circuit for extending reduced admission privileges to the elderly.
DeeJay Lobby Session With Giveaways
Spotlights Teenagers and Tender'
Teenagers, scads of them, enjoyed the
limelight for three nights at the Paramount
Theatre in St. John, N. B., in a promotion
arranged by Manager P. Harrison Howe
for "Love Me Tender."
Howe had local radio station CHJS conduct
a disc jockey type of show from 7
to 7:30 three evenings, starting with opening
night, in the Paramount lobby with
records, interviews and giveaways. Howe
sold about every merchant in town on the
chance to impress the teenagers and they
came through with a wide assortment of
gifts—records and albums from the music
stores, Revlon lip packs, corsages, nylons,
boxes of chocolates, magazines with the
life story of Elvis Presley, colored 8x10
photos of the wiggle star, wallets, pencil
boxes, belts and bracelets and free aftertheatre
lunches.
WITHOUT COST TO THEATRE
All this was strictly without cost to the
theatre.
Howe also saw to it that the concession
stand profited from the presence of the
hundreds of youngsters. A large display in
the form of a large container near the
popcorn machine requested the youths to
write their names and addresses on popcorn
box^ tops and deposit them in the container
and win the large Presley cutout on
display at the theatre.
"This really sold corn," Howe reports.
"On Saturday alone we sold 1,200 boxes,
with most of the sales at the afternoon
performances. We used the stunt three
days and received 1,500 entries. The winner
was decided at a drawing on Saturday
night near the end of the run."
The Paramount manager started his
general campaign three weeks in advance
with lobby and outside theatre displays.
Radio promotion got under way two weeks
in advance with disc jockeys airing Elvis
Presley recordings with plugs for
the picture.
Howe also got some very valuable free
television time. When CHSJ-TV started
selling the Presley bracelets—its own promotion—a
week in advance of the film
opening, Howe offered his large Elvis cutout
figure for use on the station's threeminute
show hawking the bracelets. The
cutout was returned to the theatre each
night after its appearance on TV.
WORTH COUPLE OF HUNDRED
Howe figured this was worth at least a
couple of hundred dollars.
A deal with Woolworth gave Howe a
main entrance window display and two
counter displays. In return, he displayed
the dime store's Presley merchandise in
the Paramount lobby. He also obtained displays
in two music stores, a restaurant,
novelty store and at newsstands and on
news trucks.
A popcorn box stunt put on by Manager Harrison
Howe of St. John, N. B., sold 1,200 boxes of corn
on a Saturday afternoon at the Paramount Theatre.
Showmanship Cash
To 19 FPC Managers
Winners in the last promotion contest
among managers of the Famous Players
Canadian circuit received their checks in
time for Christmas enjoyment. Dan Kren- .e
del, FPC director of advertising and pro- af
motion, announced the winning managers
in the December issue of Ballyhoo, the
circuit organ.
Bill Burke of the Capitol in Brantford,
Ont.. received the $50 top prize for the
best aU-around effort. Other winners:
$35—Len Bishop, Toronto Shea's, for his
Golden Age Club for the elderly folk. Ivan
Ackery, Orpheum, Vancouver, getting the
British Columbia Fur Ass'n to move annual
show to the Orpheum.
$25—Sara EUwood, Capitol, St. Thomas,
Ont., for "skillful and enthusiastic selling
of everything that hits her screen."
Freeman Skinner, Paramoimt, Halifax,
masterly handling of Elmer the Safety
Elephant. Hilary Howes, Capitol, Halifax,
"Moby Dick" campaign. Doug Mickelboro,
assistant, Tivoli, Hamilton, "Moby Dick"
campaign; Walt Bennett, Capitol, Vernon.
B. C, his Miss Vernon promotion. Harry
Wilson, Capitol, Chatham, "Richard III."
Jack Mahon, Orpheum, Prince Albert, "terrific"
all-around selling. Eddie Lamoureaux.
Palace, Windsor, promotion of stage
radio broadcast.
$15—Don Edwards, Tivoli, Hamilton,
"War and Peace." Doug Shackleford, Paramount,
Lethbridge, quick switch to Ford
dealer on "The Solid Gold Cadillac." Jack
Heaps, Metropolitan, Regina, "Song of the
South." Len Turoldo, Capitol, Brandon,
"The Lone Ranger." Bob Nelson, Palace,
Timmins, Miss Timmins beauty contest.
$10—Murray Summerville, Algoma,
Sault Ste. Marie, co-op on "High Society."
Frank Sabatini, Lake, Fort William, also
Gordon Carson, Back to School party.
Sal Mineo in Jacksonville
For 'Pretty Baby' Premiere
Buford Styles, U-I manager for Florida,
was pleased by the excellent campaign carried
out for the Florida premiere of "Rock,
Pretty Baby" at the Five Points Theatre in
Jacksonville by Bill Beck, Five Points director,
and Milton CrandeU, freelance exploiteer
from Baltimore. Their promotion
was centered around the personal appearance
of Sal Mineo, star of the film, who was
enthusiastically received by teenagers of
tlie city.
Beck and CrandeU secured the cooperation
of the Five Points Merchants Ass'n
and succeeded ui having auto traffic routed
around the Five Points by police officers
on the night when Mineo appeared in front
of the theatre on a street platform. Hun- .
dreds of his youthful admirers gathered i^^
around for autographs. He also appeared
on local TV and radio shows, addressed
civic groups, and received copious publicity
writeups in local newspapers. The merchant
group also came out with a full page ad.
'^
— 8 — BOXOmCE Showmandiser :: Jan. 12, 1957

-
Vf.ifV n
.->
Trailer-Pass Package
Preyule Stimulator
A package deal consisting of a Christmas
trailer greeting and 2-for-l passes perked
up business at the Cooper Theatre in Brazil,
Ind., during the normally slow week
before the yule holiday. Jim Morin of the
Citizens Theatre Co., which operates the
Cooper, reports:
"It has been quite some time since we
used the old standby of selling Christmas
greeting trailers. With some selling revisions
and some additions this plan worked
very well.
"To the regular trailer ads, we added a
set number of 2-for-l passes for the merchant
to give his customers, with a set
charge for any additional passes needed.
Using this approach we offered it as a
package deal giving us the advantage of a
higher price, and still an attractive selling
item. We set the goal as ten cooperating
merchants, only to find out It raised to
20, with turndowns after the trailer was
made up. The idea of a personal gift as
well as a Christmas card was the big selling
factor."
The Christmas card passes, void after
December 24, read: "Best Christmas
Wishes . . . Two-for-One Pass. This ticket
and one paid adult admission will admit
two."
Besides mention in each of the
merchants ads, the participating stores
were listed in a one column, full page deep
ad.
Florida Live Cricket Hunt
Earns Teahouse' Plugs
A hunt for a live Florida cricket earned
free publicity for "The Teahouse of the
August Moon" on Steve Allen's TV show
from Hotel Fountainebleau, Miami, and four
paragraphs in Herb Rau's Miami Daily
News column Thursday (13). Norm Levin
son, MGM Jacksonville publicist, was the
cricket hunter who tried pet shops, the
University of Miami and Miami reptile
hunters without finding a live cricket.
Levinson's idea was to place such a
cricket In a Japanese cricket cage and have
someone present it to Allen, who would
ask before the cameras, "My, my, what is
this?" Then someone would explain to Allen
that it was a cricket in. a cage supposed
to be the same cage pictured in "The Teahouse
of the August Moon."
Levinson's publicity scheme moved to
successful conclusion after an usher from
the Riviera Theatre volunteered to scout
the South Miami pinewoods and captured a
cricket which had been sunning itself on
a palmetto frond.
First Exploitations on 'Queens
In San Francisco, fire students
from the San Francisco
State College, part
of a group of card stunt
specialists who made up
cheering messages at school
football games, were retained
to tour the shopping
district flipping some outsized
pasteboards promoting
'The King and Four
Queens" opening at the
United Artists Theatre in
the Bay City. The message
on the other side: "Clark
Gable . . . The King . . .
and . . . Four Queens' . . .
United Artists, Friday."
•- •
/?4.
Selb a Yule Kids Show
Mrs. Hazel Plorian, Strand, Winsted,
Conn., had local manufacturers and merchants
underwrite costs of Christmas matinee
show for youngster patrons, with aide
in costimie distributing prizes and novelties.

Polar Bear Club Stamp Plan Again Aids
Winter Business at Missouri
Bob Walter, who last winter originated
the successful Polar Bear Club at the Tristate
Drive-In, a Commonwealth Theatres
unit at Joplin, Mo., is capitalizing on the
current public interest in stamp plans to
build up more business this winter. Each
time an adult buys an admission ticket at
the Tristate, Walter gives him a Polar
Bear stamp. When the patron has five such
stamps pasted in a folder issued by the
drive-in, he is entitled to a show on the
house.
"Almost every major store in the Joplin
area has a stamp plan," said Walter, "and
people are collecting S&H, TV and other
stamps like crazy. So I just thought we'd
form a stamp club of our own and try to
take advantage of the craze."
Total cost of the plan thus far, Walter
pointed out was for 1,500 folders, 10,000
stamps and the cuts for the stamps and
folders, amounting to around $48.
"That's the cost of one large newspaper
ad," Walter said, "so I don't feel
it is too high. Of course, I'll have to have
more stamps later and I hope more books,
but if I do, it'll mean the plan is going
to pay off."
The four-page, SVixS'^-inch folders are
printed on yellow bi-istol board. On each
of the two middle pages are ruled spaces
THE EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
Now -and
a 1000
Movies
From Now-
The One
Youll Be
Loving
Is
ABOUT PICTURES
MIRACLE IN
Miracle in the Rain (WB)—
Jane Wyinnn. Van Johnson.
PefjgiL- CasllL- Tlie Handkerchief
bncadc was out m full
force for Ihis one and the opinion
was 100 percent the same:
"What a wonderful picture'"
"Jane Wyman certainly can
L

. .*131,
. . .*79,
SHOWMANDISER INDEX:
Ian. 1
to
'56
Oct. 1
FEATURE AND SHORT SUBJECT DIRECTORY
^
(Asterisk
* denotes notional tieup)
i-J
ABDULLAH'S HAREM 190
AFRICAN LION, THE 2, >S
AIDA 92
ALEXANDER THE GREAT
10, • 16, -41,64, 101,125, 156,293
ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS .. 31, 43
AMBASSADOR'S DAUGHTER, THE
213, '226, 228, 245
ANASTASIA "251
ANYTHING GOES 128,241
AUTUMN LEAVES 174
ARTISTS AND MODELS S, 42, 97
ATTACK! 324
AWAY ALL BOATS
•177,207, 226,232, 245, 246,251,277
BABY DOLL *306
BAD SEED, THE 245
BANDIDO 245
BEAST OF HOLLOW MOUNTAIN,
THE
'247,261
BENNY GOODMAN STORY, THE
'4, 30, '42, 52, 82, 98,
109, 149, 161, 174
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE,
THE 265,268
BHOWANI JUNCTION 153,157
BIRDS AND THE BEES, THE
* 85, 125, -133, 155, 203
BIRTH OF A NATION, THE 286
BLACK SLEEP, THE 173
BOTTOM OF THE BOTTLE, THE
75,107,125
BRAVE ONE, THE 161
BULLFIGHT 181
BUNDLE OF JOY *311
BUS STOP 225, 228, 237, 243, 280, 283
CARIB GOLD 261
CAROUSEL
"2,57,96, 113,121,162, 193
CATERED AFFAIR, THE
161,165,173, 191,239
CHASING THE SUN
(short subject) 316
COCKLESHELL HEROES 77, 174
COME NEXT SPRING 55,83,91
CONQUEROR, THE 65,70
COURT JESTER, THE 120
COURT-MARTIAL OF BILLY
MITCHELL, THE 4,19,46,75,90
CREATURE WALKS AMONG US,
THE 150
DEEP BLUE SEA, THE 22
DIABOLIQUE 52
DIANE 64
DIVIDED HEART, THE 138
DOCTOR AT SEA 145
EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS 214
.
EDDY OUCHIN STORY, THE '120, 142,
• 1 74, 1 89, • 1 90, 202, 217, 226, 243
FASTEST GUN ALIVE, THE
184,201,273
FIRST TRAVELING SALESLADY,
THE 186
FLAMENCA '273
FORBIDDEN PLANET
133,139,151,277
FOREVER DARLING 38, 45, '67
FRIENDLY PERSUASION .. 273, 31 3, 321
GABY 145
GIANT 268,309,313
GIRL IN THE RED VELVET SWING,
THE 40
GIRL RUSH, THE 2
GLORY 26,31,33,81
GOODBYE, MY LADY 209
GOOD MORNING, MISS DOVE. 5, 48, 84
GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE, THE
171, 173, 190, 196,221,233, 306
GUYS AND DOLLS
13, 19,31,43,63,79,87, 135
HARDER THEY FALL, THE .
HEIDI AND PETER
. . 1 13,
19,50
HELEN OF TROY S3, 115
HIGH SOCIETY.217, 244, 247, 276,281
I'LL CRY TOMORROW
*17,83,115,121
INDIAN FIGHTER, THE 19,33
INSIDE DETROIT 27, 35
INTERRUPTED MELODY 33
INVASION OF THE BODY
SNATCHERS, THE. .70, 114, 157, 163
JAYWALKER (short subject) *137
JOHNNY CONCHO 184, '186,228
JUBAL 125
KETTLES IN THE OZARKS, THE... 109
KILLER IS LOOSE, THE 69
KILLING, THE 241
KING AND FOUR QUEENS, THE. .*297
KING AND I, THE. . 144, "159,
173, 208, 21 1 , 221 , 256, 280
KING'S THIEF, THE 22
KISMET 7,192
LADY GODIVA 3
LADY OF LISBON, THE 286
LAST FRONTIER, THE 62
LAST HUNT, THE 60, 102
LEATHER SAINT, THE 185
LITTLE HUT, THE '297
LITTLEST OUTLAW, THE .. 38, 107,133
LONE RANGER, THE 74, 109, 116
LOVE IS A MANY-SPLENDORED
THING 1
LOVE ME MADLY 144
LOVE ME TENDER. .291,297, 303, 316
LOVES OF OMAR KHAYYAM,
THE '243
LUST FOR LIFE. . .'251,255, '287, 315
MADAME BUTTERFLY 147,205
MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT,
THE '35, 58, '66, 96,
'113,123,141,180,204
MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH,
THE 142,157,268,270,281
MAN WHO LOVED REDHEADS,
THE 18
MAN WHO NEVER WAS, THE 90
MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM,
THE 51,87
MARTY 133,185
MEET ME IN LAS VEGAS
107, 109, 134, 157,173,325
MIRACLE IN THE RAIN 146
MOBY DICK 180,196,201,
207,215,238
MOHAWK 142,163,168
NAKED SEA, THE 33
NAT 'KING' COLE MUSICAL
STORY, THE (short subject) 68
1984 210
OKLAHOMA! 96,283,321
ON THE THRESHOLD OF SPACE
114,157
OPPOSITE SEX, THE 285
OUR MISS BROOKS 60, 153
PARSIFAL 166
PATTERNS 1 55
PEARL OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC. 129
PETE KELLY'S BLUES 75
PHENIX CITY STORY, THE 104
PICNIC .'38,60,84,104, 115,169,237
PRISONER, THE 49,62
PROUD AND PROFANE, THE 256
PROUD AND THE BEAUTIFUL,
THE '174
QUENTIN DURWARD 162
RACERS, THE 160
RACK, THE 325
RAINS OF RANCHIPUR, THE 29
RANSOM! 26,50,58,97,116
REACH FOR THE SKY 294
REVOLT OF MAMIE STOVER,
THE 137,160
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK
95, 119,203,219
ROSE TATTOO, THE 'M
SAFARI
'131,162.168
SANTIAGO 190
SATELLITE IN THE SKY 245
SCARLET HOUR, THE *91
SEARCHERS, THE 162,191,228
SEARCH FOR BRIDEY MURPHY,
THE 295
SERENADE 208
SHARKFIGHTERS, THE
241,270, '283,311
SIMBA 69
SINCERELY YOURS 43, 84, 139
SOLID GOLD CADILLAC, THE
267, 273, 274, 295, 306, 32S
SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME
180,209,213,231
SONG OF THE SOUTH 109,117
SPECIAL DELIVERY 27
SQUARE JUNGLE, THE 35
SWAN, THE 113, 184
TALL MEN, THE 19
TARANTULA 5, 102
TEA AND SYMPATHY. .249, 270,291
TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE. '251, 291
TENDER TRAP, THE 10,69
THAT CERTAIN FEELING 233
THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW 27
TO CATCH A THIEF 104
TORPEDO ALLEY 189
TOUCH AND 60 129,169
TOWARD THE UNKNOWN .. .271, 277
TOY TIGER 165,193,204,274
TRAPEZE. ."133, '147, -148, 157, 160
•169, 183, 216, 221, 222, 227, 270, 281
TREASURE OF PANCHO VILLA,
THE 71,103
TROUBLE WITH HARRY, THE. .79, 166
UNGUARDED MOMENT, THE '251
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS. .1M
WALK THE PROUD LAND 243, 321
WAR AND PEACE
'207, '232, '251,261,292
WEDDING IN MONACO, THE
(short subject) 172
WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS. 147, 173, 239
WORLD WITHOUT END 146
YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM IT
'282, '306
GENERAL EXPLOITATION DIRECTORY
ACADEMY AWARDS
Contests 74, 87, 1 60
ADULTS ONLY POLICY 91
ADVANCE SCREENINGS 33
ADVERTISING
Classified 5
Cooperative 27,192,213,265
Direct Mail 219,317
Oo-lt-Yourself 322
Holdover 139
Postcard 121
Programs 229
Writing 149, 175, 243, 244
ANNIVERSARIES ...191,209,282,301
ART EXHIBITS 43, 115,123
ART THEATRE OPERATION
61, 143,205,299
AUDIENCE AWARDS POLL
Prize Winning Campaigns 8
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION GAME 111
BENEFIT SHOWS 24
BIRTHDAY PARTIES. .. 38, 51, 59, 276
CASH NIGHT 99
CHILDREN'S SHOWS
Barefoot Motinees 229
Circus
lis
Fun Festival 103
Games 127, 141
Good Conduct 243
Horror 104
Kiddy Checking Service ISO
Plav Money HI
Production for HI, 305
Students Clubs 229
Sponsored .105,131,133,220,223,
239,258, 282,289,312
Vacotion Movies 122,126,166
COLUMBUS DAY 306
COOKING SCHOOL 64
DRIVE-IN SWAP SESSION 89
EASTER 67,175
FATHERS DAY 156, 163
FOREIGN FILM SERIES 323
FRIDAY THE 13TH 35,58,97
GUEST BOOKS 41
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Jan. 12, 1957 — 11 —
HALLOWEEN 274,292,294
HOMETOWN PAGEANT 240
HORROR SHOWS 214
LEAP YEAR 38, 46, 60, 86
MOTHERS DAY 111,163
MOVIE MARATHON 289
MOVIE MONEY 310
MOVIE OF THE MONTH CLUB 137
NO-COST PROMOTIONS..S, 39, 40, 111
PASSES
Anniversary 31
Blood Donors 4
Driver of Car 147
Pearl in Envelope 129
Safety Awards 1 53
PHOTOPLAY STUDY GUIDES 261
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Article on 76
Civic cooperation 1 34, 1 40, 153
Message to Public 6,211,265
Personal Appeal to Potrons
84, 98, 17S, 190, 304
ROCK 'N' ROLL SHOWS. .71,95, 119,
185, 219, 258,297, 303, 305, 315, 316
ST. PATRICK'S DAY 68
SCIENCE-FICTION SHOWS 214
SCREEN LECTURES 280
SCREENING TIPS 70
SECOND RUN CAMPAIGN 293
STAG PARTIES 229
STAR INTERVIEW RECORDS 128
TEARJERKER WEEK 240
TEENAGE VANDALISM CURBS
49,262, 280
TELEVISION ^ 31
THEATRE RENTALS 309,324
THEATRE WEDDING 55,204
TOA BUSINESS BUILDERS 252
TODD-AO PROMOTION 283
TRADING STAMPS 125,258,286
WOMETCO TIPS ON HANDLING
COMPLAINTS 213

BOXOFFICE
BAROMETER
This chart records the performance of current attractions in the opening week of their first runs in
the 20 Icey cities checked. Pictures with fewer than five engagements are not listed. As new runs
ore 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.
wXCw-X-ii^CvX-W
iCr
Anastasia (20th-Fox) 230 130 220 250 180 202
Attack! (UA)

I
.
.
.
.
Feoture productions by compony m order of (ci-^z^c. Number m iqucrc is notunal TLl^ia^c oa:c. K -; i-i .1 , , .
y
time is in parentheses. ,C is for CinemaScope; y VistaVision; s Superscope; n Noturoma. Symbol VJ
denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award: C' color photogrophy. Letters and combinotions thereof indtcat*
story type: (C) Comedy; (D) Droma; (Ad) Adventure-Drama; (CD) Comedy-Drama; (M) Musical; (W) Western.
(Complete key on next poge.) For review dates ond Picture Guide poge numbers, see Review Digest.
.
^HATUki
.
CHART
ALLIED ARTISTS g 1° COLUMBIA
M-G-M
PARAMOUNT
RKO RADIO
® Thundefslorm (81) D..560-4
is ©Great Day in the
Linda Christian, Carlos Ttaompsoo. ©Juhal (101) ©
W..833 SSQGaby (97) © 0..627 ©Birds and the Bees. The
Morning (92) ® D..613
Charles Korvln
Glenn Ford. Ernest Borgnlne.
Leslie Caron. John Kerr
(94) ft) C..5515 Viri-inia Mayo, Robert Slack.
Rod Stclger, Valerie French
George Gobel. Mltzl Gaynor,
Ruth Roman
@Navy Wife (83) C..5611
DaUd Niven. Reginald Gardner m While the City Sleeps
Joan ISetiriell, Gary Merrill,
©Cockleshell Heroes (97) ©.D..813
(100) D..615
Shirley Yamaguchl
Jose Ferrer, Trevor Howard
>-<
Dana Andrews. Ida Uiploo,
Rhonda Fleming
gi| Screaming Eagles (gl) . .D . .5610
S Murder on Approval (70). D.. 614
Tom Tryon. Jaji Merlin
Tom Conway. Delphi Lawrence
SS Crime in the Streets
©Safari (91) © Ad.. 839
(91) Cr..5614 Victor Mature, Janet Leigh,
[S ©Bhowani Junction
U©Man Who Knew Too Much
(See Reissue*)
John Cassavetes. James Whitmore John Justin, Roland Oliver
(110) © Ad.. 631 (120) ld Waj-ne, Keenan Wynn
Mountain,
Abraham Sofaer, Bill Travers
The
@ King of the Coral Sea
(68) W..S32
Leather Saint (86) (?)... .W. .5521
William Prince, Valerie
(74) Ad..
French
5617
m Catered Affair, The (93). CD. .633 John Derek. Jody Lawrance.
Chips Kafferty. lima Adey ©Storm Over the Nile
Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnlne,
i'aul Douglas
IS ©First Texan (82) ©..W..5615 (80) © 0D..829 Debbie Reynolds
Joel McCrea, Felicia Farr
Anthony Steel. Laurence Harvey
Si Three for JSmie Dawn
U©Eddy Duchin Story, The
(123)
(81) D..5618 © DM. .101 [U Fastest Gun Aliv^ The
©That Certain Feeling
Tyrone Power. Kim Novak
Laralne Day. Rlcardo Montalban
(90) W..634 (103) ® C..5522
Glenn Ford, Jeanne (^aln,
Bob Hope, Eva Marie Saint.
SI Magnificent Roughnecks
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers
Broderick Crawford
Pearl Bailey. (}eorge Sanders
(73) CD. 5^6 (83) SF..102
Jack (^rson. Mickey Kooney
Hugh .Marlowe. Joan Taylor ^ Somebody Up There Likes Me Proud and Profane, The
m Hold Back the Night
(113) D..635 (111) (?) D..5524
(80) D..5621 Werewolf, The (80) Ho.. 103 Paul Newman, Pier Angeli,
William Holden. Deborah Kerr,
John Payne. Mona Freeman
Don Megowan. Joyce Holdeo
Everett Sloane, Sal Mlneo
Tlielma Rltter. Dewey Martin
a ©Canyon River (SO) ©.W..5620 Autumn Leaves (108) D..104 a These Wilder Years (91) . . D . . 636 ©Pardners (88) (?) C..5523 ©First Traveling Saleslady
j
Cit'orge Montgomery, Peter Graves Joan Crawford. Cliff Robertson
James Cagney. Barbara Stanwyck Dean Martin. Jerry Lewis.
(92) CO.. 701 >
Lori Nelson. Jackie Loughery
Ginger Rogers. Barry Nelson,
BJ Young Guns. The (84) . .W. .5622 ©He Laughed Last (77)... M. 105 Jl©High Society (107) ®.MC..637
Carol Ctiannlng o
Uuss Tamblyn. Gloria Talbott
Frankie Lalne. Lucy Marlow
Blng Crosby, Grace Kelly. U©War and Peace
Frank Sinatra. Celeste Holm
(208) 9l D..5625
IS ©No Place to Hide
Henry Fonda. Audrey Hepburn,
(71) D..5603
Mel Ferrer, Vittorlo Gassman
David Brian, Marsha Hunt
(Special engagements only)
IS Strange Intruder (82) . .D. .5619 1984 (91) D..110 ©Lust for Life (122) © D. .701 ©Vagabond King. The
JS Back From Eternity (98). D.. 703
F>lmund Purdom. Ida Lupine
Michael Redgrave. Jan Sterling
Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn.
(88) ouglas. Eva Bartok
(96) ® CD..n2 Anita Bkberg. Pat Oowley
lluntz Hall. Stanley Oeaients Last Man to Hang, The (75). My.. 117 Bob Hope, Katharine Hepburn
Tom Conway. Qizabetb Sellars ©Teahouse of the August Moon
Rumble on the Docks (82). B.. 124 (123) © CD.. 713
James Darren, AUchael Granger
Marlon Brando, Glenn Ftrd
(Special engagements only)
SI Chain of Evidence (64). My. .5701 QZarak (99) © D..126 a Edge of the City (85).. D.. 714 ©Three Violent People
a Bundle of Joy (98) C..710
Bill Elliott. James Lydon
Victor Mature. Anita Ekberg
John Cassavetes, Kathleen Maguire (100) (8 W. .5604 Debbie Reynolds. Eddie Fisher
Don't Knock the Rock (80). M.. 125
Charlton Heston. Anne Baxter.
[9] ©Public Pigeon No. 1
@ Gun for a Town (72). . .W. .5702 Kill Haley and his Comets H Slander (81) D..717 Gilbert Roland. Tom Tryon
(79) C..708
Dale Robertson. Rossana Rory Ride the High Iron (74) D..128 Van Johnson, Ann Biyth
Red Skelton. Vivian Blaine
Don Taylor. Sally Forrest
51] Brave One (100) D..706
©Silent World, The .. Doc. .122
Michel Ray. Jol Liuislng
at Ft. Petticoat ©Raintree County D..
Commandments. The Glvnls Johns. Mitchell
Murphy. Kathryn Grant
Elizabeth Taylor. Clift C, Heston, Y. De (^rlo, A. Baxter g3 ©Run of the W..Mar
H ©Dragoon Wells Massacre
©Fire Down Below ©....Ad.. Mar
©Omar Khayyam ® Ad. . Rod Stelger. Serlta Monteil
© W..Apr lilta ILiyworth. Robert Mitchum
Steve Forrest. Lilllane Montevecchi Cflrnel Wilde. Debra Paget ©Jet Pilot ® D-.
Barry Sullivan. Mona Freeman ©Beyond Mombasa © Ad.. ©Little Hut, The C. ©Gunfight at OK Corral
B
® W. John Wayne. Janet Leigh
Daughter of Or. Jekyll. . Ho. . May Cornel Wilde. Donna Reed
Ava Gardner, Stewart Granger
Burt Lancaster. Kirk Douglas
I Married a Woman C. o
John Agar. (31orla Talbott ©Seven Waves Away © D . ©10.000 Bedrooms © M.. ©Funny Face ® MC. George Gobel. Diana Dors
61 Hold That Hypnotist C.Mar Tyrone Power. Mai Zetterling
Dean Martin. Eva Bartok
Fred Astalre, Audrey Hepburn ©Lady and the Prowler D .
Hiintz Hall. Stanley Clements Strange One, The D . Vintage, The D. Lonely Man. The
S
® W.. Diana Dors. Rod Stelger
©Oklahoman, The © W..May Ben Oazzara, James Olsen
Pier Angeli. Mel Ferrer
Jack Palance. Anthony Perkins ©Girl Most Likely, Tie C.
Joel McCrea, Barbara Hale
Tall Rider. The OD.. Hot Summer Nights D.. ©Beau James
©Hunchback of Paris
® D.. Jane Powell. (Hiff Robertson G)
© D.. Randolph Scott. Maureen O'Sullh-an Leslie Nielsen. Colleen Miller Bob Hope. Vera Miles
©Tarzan & Lost Safari Ad.
Oina Lollobriglda, Anthony Quinn ©Most Wanted Woman, The D . ©Designing Woman © D.. ©Joker. Tlie ® CD.. Gordon Scott, Betta St. John
©Love in the Afternoon CD.. Victor Mature, Anita Ekberg
Gregory Peck. Lauren Bacali
Frank Sinatra. Jeanne Crain ©Escapade in Japan Ad..
Gary (^joper. Audrey Hepburn Golden Virgin, The D. . This Could Be the Night CD.. Buster Keaton Story ® CD.. Teresa Wright, Cameron Mitchell
Joan Crawford. Rossano Brazzl Jean Simmons, Patil Douglas
Donald O'Connor, Ann Blyth
Undersea
(86)
Documentary
13 Young Stranger, The (84) D..
James MacAri hur. Kim Hun ter
m Attack of the Crab
a Cyclops, The (. .) SF..
Monsters (68) Ho.. 5703 Nightfall (78) D..127 ©Barretts of Wimpole Street,
©Rainmaker. The (120) ®.C..5606 James Craig, Gloria Talbott
Itlchard Garland. Pamela Duncan Aldo Ray. Anne Bancroft
The (..) © D..
Burt Lancaster, Katharine Hepburn, d] X-the Unknown (. .). .SF..
Jennifer Jones. Sir John (Uelgud. Wendell Corey, Lloyd Bridges
Dean Jagger, William Russell CD
63 Not of This Earth (67) . Ho . . 5704 Wicked as They Come (..).. D .. 132 Bill Travers
g Silken Affair. The (..)..C..
Paul Birch. Beverly Garland
Arlcne Dahl. Phil Carey
i^avid .Niven. Genevieve Page
m a ©Guilty? { ) My.. >
©Last of the Bad Men
Utah Blaine (75) W..129
John Justin. Barbara Laage -<
(81) © W..57e5 Rory Calhoun. Susan Cummings
in That Night! (..) D..
George Montgomery, Meg Ran dall
John Beat. Augusta Dabney
g!I©Jeannie © M..Mar Full of Life C. .Mar ©Invitation to the Dance M.. Fear Strikes Out ® D..Mar @ ©Day They Gave Babies
Tony Martin. Vera-HJen
Judy Holliday. Richard Conte
Gene Kelly. Igor Youskevitch
Anthony Perkins. Karl Maiden
Away. The CD.. Mar
B3 Footsteps in the
Bill Eauott, Don
Night. . My. .Apr
Haggerty
©Guns
Audie
W..Apr
©65
Montgomery
©Ten ®..0..
Cameron
Arrow
Living Idol. The © D .
.
I
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Jan. 12, 1957
i

FEATURE
CHART
Tin Key to l«ttara and comblnaflons tharaof Indlcatina itery typ«: (Ad) Adv«iitur»-Or«iii«; (Ac) Aat-
<
s

. . . SF . .
Auj
. D
.
. Mar
.
. May
. May
. Dec
. Dec
FEATURE CHART
^HORTS CHART
INDEPENDENT
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
Oklahoma Woman (73) (§ W. .Jun 56
Ulcliarci IPennlng. I'eggle Castle
Female Junjle (71) D .
Jun
.
56
Ja>Mi' M.uisilild, Lavtrence Tierney
OGunsiinaer (83) W. .Jun 56
John Irehnil. licvcrly GarliUid
Girls in Prison (87) Ac. Jul 56
KJdiaiJ Hennlng, Joan Taylor
Hot Rod Girl (75) Ac. Jul 56
l^tri .Nelsuti. John Smith
The She-Creature (77) Ho..Aui56
.Maria EnglLsh, Chester Mnrris
II Coniiuereii the World (75) . 56
I'.liT i;r:i\es. Iti'veily Carliind
Shake, Rattle and Rock (77) M .
. No« 56
Fal> lniniino. Li.-ia G;i\e
Runaway Daughters (90) D.. Nov 56
Maria Bnulisli. Lance Fuller
©Naked Paradise (80) Ac. Jan 57
Itirharil HunnlllE. licirrly Garland
©Flesh & the Spur (SO) Ac. .Jan 57
John .\iiar, Maria English
ARLAN
Livinj North, The (74) Doc.
Filmed In La|il:iiid; native cast
(Fliigllsh narration)
ASSOCIATED FILM
Wild Dakotas (73) W.. Feb 56
lilll VVMIami^. Coleen Gray, Jim liavis
Blonde Bait (71) D
. . Apr 56
Beierly .Michaels, Jim Oavls
Three Outlaws, The (74) §235. W. . May 56
Neville Brand. Bruce Bennett, .\!.ui H;hU
Frontier Gambler (70) W. .Jul 56
Jiihn Kromtield, fnleen Gray
Naked Gun, The (70) W.. Nov 56
\Mllard Tariter, Mara Corday, B. MacUinc
ASTOR
Dynamiters, The (74) D. Apr 56
Wayne Morris, Simone SUva
Fear (82) D.. May 56
Ingrid Bergman, Mathla^ Wleman
Passport to Treason (70) Md..Jun56
Kud Cameron, Lois Maxwell
©Men of Sherwood Forest (77) . .Ad. Sep 56
lion Taylor, li^leen Moore
Dec 56
Hour of Decision ( . . ) D . .
Jeff Morrow, Hazel Court
BANNER
©Wetbacks (86) AC. .May 56
Lloyd Bridges, Nancy (3ates
BUENA VISTA
©Littlest Outlaw, The (75) D . . Feb 56
I'edro Armendarlz, Andres Velasquez
©Great LocoJiioti« Chase (85) ©.D.. Jun 56
Fes.< Parker, .leff Hunter
©Davy Crockett and the River
Pirates (81) Ad. .Jul 56
Fess I'arker. Buddy Ebsen
OS«rets of Life (70) . . Doc. . Nov 56
©Westward Ho, the Wagons
(86) © 00. Dec 56
Fess Parker, Kathleen CrovTley
CONTINENTAL
. Night My Number Came Up (94) . Feb 56
.Michael ltedi;rave. Alexander Knox
©Ladykillcrs. The (90) D . 56
Alex Guinness, Cecil Parker, Katie Johnson
Ship That Died of Shame (79) . -Sep 56
Richard Attenonroiigh, George Baker
©Secrets of the Reef (72) Doc. Oct 56
I'ndersea chronicle
Jan 57
©Love Lottery, The ( . . ) C . .
. D .
David Niven, Peggy Ciirarains
DOMINANT
Walk the Dark Street (74) Md..
Chuck Connors, Don Boss, Reglna Gleason
DCA
Wages of Fear (106) D . . Feb 56
Yves Montand, Charles Vanel
Please Murder Me (78) D.. Mar 56
Angela Lansbury, Raymond Burr
Frisky (98) CD.. Apr 56
Gina Lollobrlglda, Vlttorlo De Slca
©Jedda the Uncivilized (88) D.. Jun 56
Narla Kunngh, Robert Tudewali
Private's Progress (99) C. Sep 56
Richard Attcnboiough, Dennis Price
Woman of Rome (93) D.. Sep 56
Glna Lollobrlglda. Daniel Gelln
Rock, Rock, Rock (85) M.. Dec 56
Alan Freed, Frankie Lymon & Teenagers
EDEN
One Way Ticket to Hell (65) D . Feb 56
Non-professional cast
©Man of Africa (75) OD..
Frederick Bljuerenda, Violet Mukabuerza
EMBASSY
Wiretapper (80) D . . Feb 56
Bill Williams, (Jeorgla Lee
Godzilla, King of the Monsters
(SO) Ho. Apr 56
Raymond Burr. Japanese cast
(English dialog and narration)
GIBRALTAR
©Fury in Paradise (77) D..
Peter Thompson, Rea Iturbide
Silent Fear (66) .
Andrea King, Peter Adams
IFE
.^Lease of Life (93) D. .Jan 56
KolKrt Donat, Kay Walsh
lKiig.l>h dialog)
©Madame Butterfly
(114) Filmed Opera. .Jun 56
K.inru Yachignsa, Nicola Fllacundl
( Main. Japanese; English commentary)
JACON
Hosanna (72) D. .Jun 56
Kus^ana l*ode-l:i, Crox Alvarado
(Dubbed In (inglKhl
Midnight Episode (78) C. Aug 56
Stanley Holloivay. Leslie Dwyer
Forbidden Cargo (83) Ac. .Sep 56
.\url Patrick. Eiizabelh Seilars
JANUS
Bullfight (76) Doc. .Jul 56
Kiiglisli narration
LOUIS deROCHEMONT
Helen Keller in Her Story (formerly
'The Unconquered") (55) . Doc. .Apr 56
Niirr.itcd by Katbcrine Cornell
MAGNA
aOklahoma! (155) T-AO DM, Oct 55
(^onliin M.icllac. Khirlcy Junes
TOP PICTURES
QFrontier Woman (80) W.. Jul 56
Ciruly Carstui, Lance Fuller, Ann Kelly
TRANS-LUX
aDancc Little Lady (87) D. .Mar 56
M li Zettcrlbif;. Terence Morgan
Lovers and Lollipops (85) CD.. Apr 56
L.iii -M.irch. Gcr.ild O'Loughlln
WOOLNER BROS.
SSwamp Women (75) D.. Apr 56
licveily Garland. Marie Windsor, C. Mathews
REISSUES
COLUMBIA
©Ten Tall Men (97) Ad..Nov56
Hurl Lancaster, Jody Lavvrance
Rogues of Sherwood Forest (80) . .Ad. .Nov 56
.lolui Derek, Diana Lynn, Alan Hale
DCA
Brute Force (98)....- D.. Jun 56
Hurt l*inca.ster, Yvonne De Carlo
Naked City (96) D.. Jun 56
Howard Duff, Barry Fitzgerald
mgm
iv;Aiinie Get Your Gun (107) . . . . M . .Jun 56
Betty lliiilon, Howard Keel, LouJa (^hern
Boom Town (116) D.. Oct 56
Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Hedy Lamarr
Mane Antoinette (149) .
.Norma Shearer, Tyrone Power
. Nov 56
Tale of Two Cities (12S) D . . Nm 56
Ronald Colman, Elizabeth Allan
PARAMOUNT
©Streets of Laredo (92) W. .May 56
William lloiden, .Macdonald Carey
Two Years Before the Mast (98) . . D . 56
-Vlan Ladd, Bilan Donlevy, William Bendlx
©Whispering Smith (89) W.. May 56
Alan Ladd. Robert Preston, B. Marshall
RKO
Big Sky, The (112) CD.. Apr 56
Kirk Dout:las, Dewey Martin, E. Threatt
Flying Leathernecks (102) D.. May 56
.Inlm Wayne, Robert Ryan, Janls Carter
Lusty Men (113) D .
56
.siisin Hayuard, Robert Mltchum
King Kong (100) F-Ad..Jun56
Bruce Cabot, Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong
I Walked With a Zombie (69) ... Ho. .Jun 56
Fr.inces Dee, James Ellison, Tom Conway
Citizen Kane (119) D.. Jul 56
firsfin Welles, Joseph Gotten
20th-FOX
Third Man, The (105) D.. Aug 56
Orson Welles, Joseph Gotten, Valll
Rebecca (127) D . . Oct 56
Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine
UNITED ARTISTS
High Noon (85) W. .Jun 56
(iiiy Cooper, Grace Kelly, Katy Jurado
UNIVERSAL-INT'L
©Tap Roots (109) D.. May 56
V;in Heflin. Susan Hayward, Ward Bond
©Kansas Raiders (SO) W.. May 56
.\iidie Murphy, Tony (^irtls, B. Donlevy
Killers, The (102) D..Sep56
Hurt Lancaster, Ava (Jardner,
lidmonrl O'Brien
Sleeping City. The (85) My.. Sep 56
Richard Conte, Coleen Gray, Alex NIcbol
WARNER BROS.
Distant Drums (101) W. .Jun 56
Carj Cooper, Marl Aldon
Dallas (94) W..Jun 56
Gary Cooper, Ruth Boman
COLUMBIA
ALL-STAR COMEDIES
8414 Come On Seven (16).. Feb 56 ± 4-21
S415 Army Daze (I6I/2) . . . Mar 56
8416 Andy Goes Wild (17). Apr 56 + 11-17
(1956-57)
1475 Pardon My Nightshirt
(16i/2) Nov 56 -f 11-17
ASSORTED FAVORITES
8424 Black Eyes & Blue
(I6I/2) Feb 56
8425 Renovated aZVz) Mar 56
8426 Get Along Little Zombie
(17) May 56
(1956-57)
1421 Clunked in the Clink
(16) Sep 56
1422Virhen the Wife's Away
(17) Oct 56
1423 She Took a Powder
(I6I/2) Dec 56
CANDID MICROPHONE
(One-Reel Specials)
8553 Subject 5. Series 2 (11) Jan 56
8554 Subject 6, Series 2
(IOV2) Mar 56
8555 Subject 1, Series 3 (11) Jun 56
8556 Subject 2, Series 3 (10) Jul 56
(1956-57)
1551 Subject 3, Series 3
(IOI/2) Sep 56
1552 Subject 4, Series 3
(11) Dec 56
CAVALCADE OF BROADWAY
1951 Cafe Society (11) Sep 56
1952 Blue Angel (IOI/2) Nov 56
. . .
1953 Village Barn (IO1/2) . 56
CINEMASCOPE FEATURETTE
(Technicolor)
8441 Wonders of Manhattan
(16) Feb 56 ff 1-21
8442 April in Portugal (20). Apr 56
(1956-57)
1441 Wonders of New Orleans
(19) Jan 57
COLOR FAVORITES
(Technicolor Reissues)
.
8606 Cagey Bird (6I/2) Jan 56
Feb 56 ....
8607 Boston Beanie (6) . . .
3608 Swiss Tease (6) Feb 56 ....
S609 Pcekoolyar Sitchecayshun
(7) Mar 56
8610 Phoney Baloney (7).. Apr 56 ....
8611 Pickled Puss (eVi) Apr 56
8612 Uncultured Vulture
(51/2) May 56
S613 Be Patient. Patient (7). Jun 56
8614 Loco Lobo (6) Jun 56
8615 Woodman, Spare That Tree
(71/2) Jul 56
(1956-57)
1601 Leave Us Chase It
(6I/2) Sep 56
1602 Topsy Turkey (6I/2) ... Oct 56
1603 Silent Tweetment
(6I/2) Nov 56
1604 Coo-coo Bird Dog (6) Nov 56 ....
1605 Concerto in B-Flat
Minor (8) Dec 56
COMEDY FAVORITES
8434 Microspook (16) Mar 56
8435 Flung by a Fling (16) . Apr 56
8436 Socks Appeal (171/2) . .Jun 56
(1956-57)
1431 Scooper Dooper (18) . . Oct 56
1432 Jiggers, My Wife! (18) Nov 56
1433 Sheepish Wolf (I71/2) . Dec 56
GERALD MC BOING-BOING
(CinemaScope-Technicolor)
8511 Gerald McBoing-Boing on
Planet Moo (7) Feb 56
MR. MAGOO CINEMASCOPE SPECIALS
8752 Magoo's Canine Mutiny
(61/2) Mar 56
8753 Magoo Goes West (6). Apr 56
8754 Calling Dr. Magoo
(6I/2) May 56
8755 Magoo Beats the Heat
(6) Jun 56
8756 Magoo's Puddle Jumper
(61/2) Jul 56
(1956-57)
1751 Trailblazer Magoo (6). Sep 56
1752 Magoo's Problem Child
(6) Oct 56
1753 Meet Mother Magoo
( .
. ) Dec 56
SCREEN SNAPSHOTS
8S57 Hollywood City of Stars
(9) Mar 56
S858 Playtime in Hollywood
(91/2) May 56
8859 Mr. Rhythm's Holiday
(9) Jun 56
8860 Fabulous Hollywood
(10>/2) Jul 56
(1956-57)
1851 Hollywood Stars at a
Party (91/2) Dec 56
SERIALS (15 Chapters)
8120 The Sea Hound Sto 55
S-40 Perils of the Wilderness. Jan 56 -)- 3-3
S16O Monster & the Ape. ..Apr 56
8- SO blazing the Overland
trail Aug 56
.120 Hop Harrigan Nov 56
STOOGE COMEDIES
j404 Husbands Beware (16) .Jan 56
3J05 Creeps (16) Feb 56 ± 3-24
3,06 Flagpole Jitters (16).. Apr 56
i, .01 For Crimin' Out Loud
(16) May 56
8408 Rumius in the Harem
(16) Jun 56
(1956-57)
1401 Hot Stuff (16) S«SS
14j2 Scheming
Schemers
(16) Oct 56 + U-17
i403 Commotion on the
Ocean (17) Nov 56 ± 12-15
UPA ASSORTED
(Technicolor)
8502 The Rise of Duton Ijng
(6I/2) Dec 55
8503 The Jaywalker (6I/2) . . May 56
WORLD OF SPORTS
8803 Swing, Rasslin' 'n Sock
(91/2) Feb 56
S804 Florida Fin-antics (9). Feb 56 -|- 3-31
8805 Navy All American (9). Mar 56
8806 T otting Topnotchers
(9) Apr 56
8S07 Nassau Holiday (91/2). May 56
SSOS Rodeo Dare-Devils (9). Jun 56
S839Ten-Pin Wizards (SVi) .Jul 56
(1956-57)
1801 Asphalt Playground
(10) 0ct5« -H U-17
18D2 Midget Musclcmen
(91/2) Nov 56 -f 12-15
1803 Topnotchers (10) Dec 56
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
CINEMASCOPE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
C-733 That's My Mommy (6) Dec 55 -f ll-M
0734 The Egg and Jerry (S) Jan 56 -f 2-18
0-735 Flying Sorceress (7). Mar 56 -f-
2-18
C-736 Busy Buddies (7) .. .Mar 56 4 4-21
(1956-57)
C-831 Muscle Beach Tom (7). Sep 56 + 7-21
C 832 Millionaire Droopy (7) Sep 56 + 7-21
C-833 Downbeat Bear (7)... Oct 56 + 7-21
C-834 Blue Cat Blues (7).. Nov 56
C-835 Barbecue Brawl (7).. Dec 56
CINEMASCOPE FEATURETTE
(Eastman Color)
A-SOl Battle of Gettysburg
(30) Oct 56
GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS
W. 861 Polka Dot Puss (S). Sep 56
W-S62 Bear & the Bean (7) . Oct 56
W-863 Heavenly Puss (8).. Oct 56
W-864 Bad Luck Blackie
(7) Nov 56
W-865Cueball Cat (7) Nov 56
W.866 Senor Droopy (7) .
56
W-867 Little Rural Riding
Hood (6) Dec 56
PASSING PARADE
P-771 That Mothers l»liottt Live
(10) Oct 55
P-772 The Story of Dr. Jenner
(10) Dec 55 + 12-31
P.773 Baron & the Rose
(10) Feb 56
P-774 Goodbye, Miss
Turlock (10) Apr 56
ROBERT BENCHLEY REISSUES
B-721 How to Sleep (11).. Sep 55
B-722 A Night at the Movies
(7) Nov 55
B-723 See Your Doctor (8). Jan 56
B-724 Courtship of the
Newt (8) Mar 56
B-725 How to Sublet (8) . May 56
B-726 Mental Poise (7) Jun 56
SPECIAL FEATURETTE
630 The Wedding in Monaco
(30) May 56 H 5-26
PARAMOUNT
CARTOON CHAMPIONS
(Technicolor Reissues)
S16-1 Mice Meeting You (7). Sep 56
S16-2 Sock-a-bye Kitty (7). Sep 56
S16-3 Casper's Spree Under
the Sea (8). Sep 56
S16-4 One Quack Mind (7). Sep 56
S16-5 Mice Paradise (7)... Sep 56
S16-6 Onct Upon a Rhyme
(8) Sep 56
S16-7 Hold the Lion Please
(7) Sep 56
S16-8 Land of Lost Watches
(9) .'J. Sep 56
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Jan. 12, 1957

. .Apr
Dec
Dec
.
. May
SHORTS
CHART
Short subjects, listed by company. In ordei of releose. Running time follows title, first Is notional release
month, second the dote of review in BOXOFFICE. Symbol between dotes is roting from BOXOFFICE
review. +f Very Good. + Good. =: Foir. - Poor. = Very Poor. Photogrophy: Color and process as specified.
S16-9TI) Boo or Not to Boo
(7) Sep 56
Sie-10 As the Crow Lies
(6) Sep 56
S16-11 Slip U) Some Redskin
(7) Sep 56
S16-12 Boo Scout (8) Sep 56
CASPER
CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
B15-1 Red, White & Boo (6) Oct 55 + 1-2S
B15-2 Boo Kind to Animals
(6) Dec 55 + 1-21
B15-3 Ground Hog Play (6). Feb 56 + 3-17
B15-4 Dutch Treat (6) Apr 56 + 5-26
815-5 Penguin for Your Thouohts
(7) Jun56+ 7-21
615-6 Line of Screammage
(6) Aug 56 + 11-17
(1956-57)
B16-1 Fright From Wrong
(6) No» 56
B16-2 Spooking About
Africa (6) Jan 57
GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS
R15-1 Sporting Dogs Afield
(9) Oct 55 -f 10-22
R15-2 A Nation of Athletes
(9) Nov 55 + 1-28
R15-3 Animal-Sports Quiz
(9) Feb 56 -f 3-24
R15-5 Carolina Court Champs
(10) Mar 56 -f 5-26
R15-4 Winter Wonder Trails
(9) Apr 56 -t- 6- 9
R15-6 Men Who Can Take It
(9) Jun56 + 7-21
HERMAN & KATNIP
(Technicolor Cartoons)
H15-1 Mousieur Herman (6) Nov 55 1-21
H15-2 Mouseum (6) Feb 56 + 3-17
H15-3WIII Do Housework
(6) Jun56 -f 7-21
H15-4 Mousetro Herman (6). Aug 56 + 10-13
(1956-57)
H16-1 Hide & Peak (6) Dec 56
NOVELTOONS
(Technicolor)
P15-3 Kitty Cornered (6) . . Dec 55 + 1-21
P15-4 Sleuth hut Sure (6). Mar 56+ 5-26
P15-5 Swab the Duck (6). May 56 -f 915
P15-6 Pedro & Lorenzo (6). Jul 56 + 10- 6
(1956-57)
P16-1 Sir Irving and Jeames
(7) Oct 56 + 11-17
P16-2 Lion in the Roar (6) . Dec 57 ...
P16-3 Pest Pupil (6) Jan 57
POPEYE CARTOONS
(Technicolor)
E15-3 A Job for a Gob (6) . Dec 55 + 1-21
£15-4 Hillbilling & Cooing
(6) Jan 56 + 1-21
E15-5 Pooeye for President
(6) Aor 56 -f 5-26
E15-6 Out to Punch (6) . . . Jun 56 -j- 7-21
E15-7 Assault & Flattery (6) .Jul 56 + 10- 6
E15-S Insect to Injury (6). Aug 56 + 11-17
(1956-57)
E16-1 Parlez Vous Woo (6) . Oct 56 + 11-17
E16-2 I Don't Scare (6) . . Nov 56
E16-3 Haul in One (6) . . .. Dec 56 ....
TOPPERS
M15-1 Three Kisses (10)... Oct 55 -f 12- 3
M15-2 Reunion in Paris(lO) Nov 55 -f 1-28
M15-3 Animals a la Carte
(10) Jan 56 ± 1-21
M15-4 There's Gold in Them
Thrills (10) Mar 56 — 3-31
M15-5 Ups and Downs (9) . May 56 -f 5-26
M15-6 Herman Hickman's Football
Review (10) Aug 56 + 12-15
VISTAVISION SPECIALS
V15-2VV Visits Panama
(10) Jun 56 4- 7-21
V15-1 Bing Presents Oreste (10). ++ 10- 6
V15-3VV Visits Gibraltar
(10) Aug 56 H 10-13
V15-4 VV Visits Austria
(17) Oct 56 ++ 12-15
RKO RADIO
BROWN-KIRKWOOD
REISSUES
63.601 Heart Troubles (16). Sep 55
63.602 Put Some Money in the Pot
(17) Nov 55
EDGAR KENNEDY REISSUES
63.501 No More Relatives
(18) Sep 55
63.502 How to Clean House
(IS) Oct 55
63.503 Dig That Gold (17). Nov 55
63.504 Contest Crazy (17).. Dec 55
GIL LAMB REISSUES
63.301 Groan and Grunt (17) Sep 55
63.302 Bashful Romeo (16). Oct 55
LEON ERROL REISSUES
63.701 Wife Tames Wolf (17) Sep 55
63.702 Dad Always Pays
(IS) Oct 55
63.703 Spook Speaks (19) . .
Nov 55
63.704 In Room 303 (17) .. Dec 55
MY PAL REISSUES
63.201 Dog of the Wild (21) Oct 55
63.202 Pal. Canine Detective
(22) Nov 55
RAY WHITLEY REISSUES
63.401 Musical Bandit (16) Oct 55 ...
63.402 Bar Buckaroos (16) .
55 ....
SCREENLINERS
54.205 Her Honor, the Nurse
(8) Jan 56 -
64.206 Fortune Seekers (8). Feb 56 -f 3-24
64.207 We Never Sleep (8). Mar 56 + 4-28
64.208 Where Is Jane Doe?
(8) Mar 56 + 4-28
64.209 Merchandise Mart
(S) Apr 56 + 4-28
64.210 Phonies Beware (8). May 56 +7-7
64.211 Emergency Doctor
(8) Jun 56 + 9-15
64.212 Law & The Lab (8) . .Jul 56 + 9-15
(1956-57)
74.201 The Dikes (10) Sep 56
74.202 Lonely Guardian
(11) Oct 56 + 12-15
74.203 Stiuggle in the
North (10) Nov 56
74.204 White Peril (8) Dec 56 ....
SPECIALS
73.101 Alert Today-Alive
Tomorrow (151/2) -Sep 56 ....
73.102 Born to Fight (15). Oct 56
73.103 Alaska Lifeboat (21) Nov 56
SPORTSCOPES
64.303 Bonefish and Barracuda
(8) Oct 55 54,304 Canadian Carnival (8) Nov 55 64,305 Headpin Hits (8). . 55 +
64,306 Island Windjammers
(8) Jan 56 54,307 Ski-Flying (8) Feb 56 +
54,308 Canadian Lancers
(8) Mar 56 64.309 Striper Time (9) , 56 +
64.310
64.311
74.301
74.302
74,303
Races to Remember
(8) May 56 +
Four Minute Fever
(9) Jun 56 It
Aqua
(1956-57)
Babes (9).... Aug 56 +
Ice Climbers (8).. Aug 56
Canoeman's
Holiday
(8) Sep 56
7-1,304 Bio Blue Goose (8). Oct 56 +
74,305 High Dive Kids (8) . Nov 56
SPORTS SPECIALS
73,901 Football Highlights
( ) Dec 56
73,801 Basketball Highlights
(..) Apr 57
12-10
1-14
1-14
3-24
4- 7
4-28
4-28
6- 9
7- 7
9-15
12-15
WALT DISNEY CLASSICS
(Technicolor)
74.101 Hockey Champ (7).. Aug 56 ...
74.102 Pluto at the Zoo
(8) Aug 56
74.103 Donald's Tire
Trouble (7) Sep 56
74.104 Purlsined Pup (7).. Oct 56
74.105 Billposters (8) Oct 56
74.106 Pluto's Playmate (8) Nov 56 ...
74.107 Donald's Snow Fight
(7) Dec 56
74.108 Society Dog Show
(8) Dec 56
WILDLIFE ALBUM
73,001 World in a Marsh
(22) , Nov 56 H 12-15
20th CENTURY- FOX
CINEMASCOPE SPECIALS—COLOR
7603-4 Adventure in Capri
(9) Feb 56 +
7608-3 Land of the Bible
(21) Apr 56
7605-9 Hunters of the Sea
(9) May 56
7609-1 The Dark Wave (23) Jun 56 ff
7607-5 Cowboys of the Maremma
(9) Jun 56
7504-2 Pigskin Pewees (9) . Jul 56
7606-7 Honeymoon Paradise
(9) Aug 56
TERRYTOONS
(Technicolor)
5601-0 The Clockmaker's Dog
(7) Jan 56 5602-8 Miami Maniacs (7) . Feb 56 +
5603-6 Hep Mother Hubbard
(7) Mar 56 i
5604-4 Baffling Bunnies (7) Aor 56
TERRYTOON-CINEMASCOPES
(Technicolor)
5631-7 Park Avenue Pussycat Jan 56
5632-0 Uranium Blues (7).. Feb 56 +
5633-3 Scouts to the Rescue
(7) Mar 56 ±
4-21
6- 9
4-21
5-26
5-26
4-2S
5-26
iz 0:0 cc cc a
5634-1 Oceans of Love (7), Apr 56
5635-S Lucky Dog (7) May 56 + 12-15
5636-6 Police Dogged (7).. Jun 56 ....
5637 4 Brave Little Brave
(7) Jul 56 12-15
5638-2 Cloak & Stagger
(7) Aug 56 12-15
TERRYTOON TOPPERS
(Technicolor
Reissues)
5605-1 Wolf's Pardon (7). May 56
5606-9 Felix the Fox (7).. Jun 56
5607 7 The Lyin' Lion (7).. Jul 56
5608-5 Paint Pot Symphony
(7) Aug 56
5609-3 Kitten Sitter (7) .. .Sep 56
5610-1 Flying Cups & Saucers
(7) Oct 56
5611-9 One Note Tony (7) Nov 56
. .
5612 7 Mystery in the Moonlight
(7) Dec 56
UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL
CINEMASCOPE FEATURETTE
(Technicolor)
2600 The Nat "King"' Cole
Musical Story (18) ff 12-10
COLOR PARADE
2672 Fighters of the Lakes
(9) Jan 56
2673 Blue CMst (9) Feb 56 + 1-28
2674 Queens of Beauty (10) Apr 56 + 3-31
2675 Olympic City (9) May 56 + 4- 7
2676 Invitation to New York
(91/2) Jul 56 ±7-7
MUSICAL FEATURETTES
2653 Lionel Hampton & Herb
Jeffries (15) Jan 56 + 2-18
Tennessee Plowboy Feb 56 -
2654 (13)
2655 Around the World Review
(16) Mar 56 + 3-31
2656 Mills Brothers on Parade
(16) Apr 56 6-9
2657 Cool & Groovy (15) . 56 + 6-9
2658 Rhythms With Rusty
(15) Jun 56
2659 Mirth & Melody (15). Jul 56+ 9-15
2660 Bright & Breezy (16). Aug 56 ....
VARIETY VIEWS
2691 Alert to Danger (9). Jan 56 +6-9
2692 Brooklyn Goes to Paris
(9) Feb 56 ± 4-7
2695 Everybody Dances (9). Jul 56 ff 10- 6
2696 Screwball Sports (9). Aug 56 ± 9-15
WALTER LANTZ CARTUNES
(Technicolor)
2612 Pigeon Holed (6) Jan 56 + 3-3
2613 After the Ball (6) Feb 56 + 3-3
2614 Get Lost (6) Mar 56
2615 Ostrich Egg and I (6) Apr 56 + 4-7
2616 Chief Charlie Horse
(6) May 56 + 3-31
2617 Room and Wrath (6) . .Jun 56 :i: 7-7
2618 Woodpecker From Mars
(6) Jul 56 + 7-7
2619 Hold That Rock (6).. Jul 56
2620 Talking Dog (6).... Sep 56
2621 Calling All Cuckoos
(6) Sep 56 + 9-15
2622 Niagara Fools (6) Oct 56 + 11-17
2623 Arts & Flowers (6).. Nov 56+ 10-13
WALTER LANTZ REISSUES
2631 Dog Tax Dodgers (7). Feb 56
2632 Playful Pelican (7) .. Mar 56
2633 Wet Blanket Policy (7) Apr 56
2634 Scrappy's Birthday
(7) May 56
2635 Wild & Woody (7)... Jun 56
2636 Drooler's Delight (7). Jul 56
3910 24-Hour Alert
Force Short
WARNER BROS.
(30) U. S.
(3 reels). .
BLUE RIBBON HIT PARADE
(Technicolor Reissues)
3301 Doggone Cats (7) Sep 55
3302 Rattled Rooster (7).. Oct 55
3303 Fair and Wormer (7) . Nov 55
3304 Mousemerized Cat (7). Nov 55
3305 Foghorn Leghorn (7).. Dec 55
3306 Bone. Sweet Bone (7). Jan 56 .
BUGS BUNNY SPECIALS
3723 Knight-Mare Hare (7). Oct 55
3724 Roman Legion- Hare
(7) Nov 55 +
3725 Bugs Bonnets (7) Jan 56 +
3726 Broomstick Bunny (7).Feb56 +
3727 Rabbitson Crusoe (7), Apr 56
ff 12-31
1-28
3-31
4-21
CLASSICS OF THE SCREEN
3101 Small Town Idol (29). Sep 55
3102 It Happened to You
(18) Dec 55 ff 2-25
3103 Dog in the Orchard
(20) Nov 55
COLOR SPECIALS
3001 Movieland Magic (19). Oct 55
3002 Golden Tomorrow (17). Nov 55 +1-7
3003 Behind the Big Top
(IS) Dec 55
3004 They Seek Adventure
(19) Jan 56 + 3-17
3005 Out of the Desert (19) Feb 56 ff 3-31
3006 Copters & Cows (17) . . Mar 56 ff 4-21
JOE
McDOAKES COMEDIES
3401 So You Want to be a Vice-
President (10) Oct 55 + 12-31
3402 So You Want to be a
Policeman (10) Dec 55 + 1-28
3403 So You Think the Grass
Is Greener (10) Jan 56 + 3-31
3404 So You Want to Be
Pretty Mar 56 + 4-21
MELODY MASTER BANDS
(Reissues)
3803 Ozzie Nelson & Orch.
(10) Dec 55
3804 Carl Hoff & Band (10) Feb 56
3805 Borrah Mincvitch (10). Apr 56 ....
MERRIE MELODIES—LOONEY TUNES
(Technicolor)
3701 Dime to Retire (9).. Sep 55 ff 1-14
3702 Speedy Gonzales (7).. Sep 55+ 1-7
3703 Two Scents Worth (7). Oct 55 + 1-14
3704 Red Riding Hoodwinked
(7) Oct 55 ....
3705 Heir Conditioned (7) . Nov 55 + 3-3
3706 Guided Muscle (7) Dec 55
3707 Pappys Puppy (7)...Dec55+ 2-25
3708 One Froggy Evening
(7) Jan 56 + 3-24
3709 Too Hop to Handle
(7) Jan 56 + 4-7
3710 Weasel Stop (7) Feb 56 ± 3-31
3711 High & Flighty (7).. Feb 56 + 4-28
3712 Rocket Squad (7) Mar 56 ff 4-21
3713 Tweet & Sour (7) .... Mar 56
3714 Heaven Scent (7) Mar 56
3715 Mixed Master (7) Apr 56
3716 Gee Whiz-z-z-z (7) ... May 56
SPORTS PARADE
3501 Picturesque Portugal
(9) Jan 56 ± 1-7
3502 Fish Are Where You
Find Them (10) Jan 56 + 4-7
3503 Green Gold (10) Feb 56 ff 4-28
3504 Crashing the Water
Barrier (10) Mar 56 + 4-28
WARNER VARIETIES
3601 An Adventure to Remember
+ 1-14
(9) Oct 55
3502 Shark Hunting (9) Nov 55
3603 Faster and Faster (9) . Dec 55 + 4-7
3604 Neckin' Party (9) Mar 56
3605 I Never Forget a Face
(. .) Apr 56
WARNERCOLOR SCOPE GEMS
(Two Reel)
3211 Journey to the Sea
(18) Sep 55 ff 3- 3
(One Reel)
3220 Heart of an Empire
(9) Sep 55 It 2-18
3222 Ski Valley (9) Sep 55 + 2-25
3221 Springtime in Holland
(9) Dec 55
INDEPENDENT
Queen's Navy, The (20)
British Information Service
Grey Ghosts (21)
British Information Service
©The Heart of England (20)
British Information Service
The Rocket (17) British
Information Service
Pantomimes (13) Go Pictures..,
©On the 12th Day (20)
George K. Arthur
The Face of Lincoln (16) Cavalcade
The Bespoke Overcoat (37)
(jeorge K, Arthur
©London's Country (18)
British Information Service.
©East Anglian Holiday (26)
British Information Service.
©Festival in Edinburgh (14)
British Information Service.
©Jungle Search (25)
British Information Service.
Operation Noah (28)
U. S. Army Engineers
©Man in Space (33) Buena Vista.
©West Country Journey (26)
British Information Service.
Ballet Girl (23) Brandon
±
(^

—
ALLIED ARTISTS
Hot Shots (AA)—Huntz Hall,
Stanley Clements, Jane Nigh.
Good Bowery Boys, thanks to the
new kid star, Phil Phillips. He
was very good. Hope they keep
him in the series. Leo Gorcey not
m this one and he wa,s missed.
What happened to him? Played
Sun.—S. T. Jackson, Jackson
Theatre, Flomaton, Ala.
Spy Chasers (AA)—Leo Gorcey,
Huntz Hall, Bernard Gorcey.
Too much like too many they
made before, but still It pleased
their fans. Doubled with "Return
of Jack Blade" for the worst Friday-Saturday
since the first year
we opened.—Bob Walker, Uintah
Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Pop. 1,463.
COLUMBIA
Fury at Gunsight Pass (Col)—
David Brian, Neville Brand, Richard
Long. An average western
with a little too much sandstorm.
David Brian and Neville Brand
are too good for the material they
had to work with. Richard Long
steals the show. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold.—Audrey Thompson,
Ozark Theatre, Hardy, Ark.
Phfm (Col)—Judy Holliday,
Jack Lemmon, Jack Carson.
Found only two reports on this
in EHHS. Bob Walker reported,
"Good." The other gave it a
"lightweight" rating. I'll go with
the second. A few funny spots,
but, as a whole, dumb. Played
Tues., Wed. Weather: Okay.—
F^-ank E. Sabin, Majestic Theatre,
Eureka, Mont. Pop. 929.
Solid Gold CadiUac, The (Col)
—Judy HoUiday, Paul Douglas,
John Williams. A real good show,
but it missed the boat here, because
of lack of attendance. I
thank Columbia for such a good
show, and by all means, don't
pa.ss it up. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Very cold.—Harry
Hawkinson, Orpheum Theatre,
Mai-ietta, Minn. Pop. 380.
LIPPERT
Simba (LP) — Dirk Bogarde,
Donald Sinden, Virginia Mc-
Kenna. Another good picture
from J. Ai'thur Rank. Cast entirely
unknown, but all did a
good job. The story was really
good and very true to life. I had
a lot of good comments on this
picture and a lot of satisified customers
and did better than average
business. The English
brogue didn't seem to hurt any
in this picture, because the picture
was too interesting. I can
use more like this. Played Mon.,
Tues. Weather: Fine. — P. L.
Murray, Strand Theatre, Spiritwood,
Sask. Pop. 355.
METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
Forbidden Planet (MGM) —
Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis,
Leslie Nielsen. Did absolutely
nothing here, although the show
wasn't so bad. Our patrons don't
like science-fiction or space shows
and they proved it by staying
away from this in droves. Played
Wed., Tliurs. Weather: Good.—
Audrey Thompson, Ozark Theatre,
Hardy, Ark. Pop. 599.
Forever Darliner (MGM)—Lucille
Ball, Desi Arnaz, James Mason.
Patrons commented, "We
see Desi and Lucy on TV." Guess
they did, 'cause they didn't come
here. MGM made some money,
but we didn't. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: B-r-r-r-r.—A Madril.
La Plaza Theatre, Antonito, Colo.
Pop. 1,255.
Showed a Profit
It is surely pleasant to write
a favorable comment for a
change. I was really afraid of
"The Kentucklan," but it did
above average business and
showed a profit, two things almost
unheard of here between
Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Good clean entertainment with
only a little too much emphasis
on brutality in spots (typical
Lancaster style), excellent
portrayals by the whole cast,
humor and no hysterics or
overdone histrionics. All in all,
it's just what we needed to send
the folks home satisfied. Cinemascope
was definitely an asset
to this production.
FRANK R. McLEAN
Roxy Theatre
Coulterville, III.
I'll Cry Tomorrow (MGM)—
Susan Hayward, Richard Conte,
Eddie Albert. Played this one too
late and too close to Christmas.
Terms were okay, but never made
any money. Played Tues., Wed.,
Thurs.-W. L. Stratton, Lyric
Theatre, Chaillis, Ida. Pop. 728.
Second Greatest Sex, The
(MGM) —Jeanne Crain, George
Nader, Kitty Kallen. This is a
show on the order of "Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers." And
it is almost that good, too. Fairly
good preview, too. So we were
well satisfied and wish they would
make more of this kind of show.
Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Cold.—B. Berglund,
Trail Theatre, New Town, N. D.
Somebody Up There Likes Me
(MGM)—Paul Newman, Pier Angeli,
Everett Sloane. I still say
folks in Linn just don't go too
heavy for pictures like this and
"Marty." They just don't understand
BroolUyn and New York
people. Most of these folks have
never been east of the Mississippi
or west of the Osage River
and they like their pictures
earthy. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Fog.—Joe and Mildred
Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo.
PARAMOUNT
Search for Bridey Murphy, The
(Para) — Teresa Wright, Louis
Hayward, Nancy Gates. This was
liked by the few that had read
the book. Others complained and
a lot of them walked out. Played
Thurs., Fri.—S. T. Jackson, Jackson
Theatre, Flomaton, Ala.
Trouble With Harry, The
(Para) — Edmund Gwenn, John
Forsythe, Shirley MacLaine. The
trouble didn't change. He was
still dead all the time he was in
Fruita. Anyway, I liked it and it's
a beautiful job of filming in color.
XHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
:5. lABOUT PICTURESi
Played Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Lovely.—Bob Walker, Uintah
Tlieatre, Fruita, Colo. Pop. 1,463.
You're Never Too Young (Pai-a)
—Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis,
Diana Lynn. A real nice comedy
in color and Dean and Jerry
usually do well at our boxoffice.
Again, they did it. I think it is
the funniest of theirs that I
have seen. Played Sat., Sun.
Weather: Cool.—Harry Hawkinson,
Orpheum Theatre, Marietta,
Minn. Pop. 380.
RKO RADIO
Bold and the Brave, The (RKO)
—Wendell Corey, Mickey Rooney,
Don Taylor. Fairly good war
story in black and white. Seems
awfully hard to find a picture
with a satisfactory ending. Some
comedy all the way through this
one. Too bad this couldn't have
ended on a happier note. Played
Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.—B.
Berglund, Trail Theatre, New
Town, N. D. Pop. 1,200.
Great Day in the Morning
(RKO)—Virginia Mayo, Robert
Stack, Ruth Roman. Great jivin'
juke boxes! They come out here
to God's country to get some
really worthwhile backdrops for
their picture shooting; they get
a story jelling that has everyone
eating it up, and then in the
last two minutes they let the
lovely lady in the plot take a
knife in the ribs and leave the
hero without a heroine. It was
like the roof caved in on me, and
you should have seen the folks
that paid to see It. I thought the
title was the reason all the boxoffice
reports were so pinkish,
but after I saw it, I knew the
word had gotten out on that
loused up finale. Wish I could
write my own endings, then maybe
I could get more folks in for
the beginnings. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Hot. — Bob Walker,
Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo.
CENTURY-FOX
20th
Abdullah's Harem (20th-Fox)—
Gregory Ratoff, Kay Kendall,
Sydney Chaplin. Fair only. But
it has an excellent trailer. And
to me, that's an important item.
Used on Saturday double bill.
S. T. Jackson, Jackson Theatre,
Flomaton, Ala. Pop. 1,036.
Best Things in Life Are Free
(20th-Fox) — Gordon MacRae,
Dan Dailey, Ernest Borgnine.
Excellent entertainment. Very
few of our prospective customers
saw this. They missed a very
fine show.—S. T. Jack.son, Jackson
Theatre, Flomaton, Ala.
UNITED ARTISTS
Beachcomber, The (UA)—Robert
Newton, Glynis Johns, Donald
Sinden. Here, again, you have a
cast that is not known, at least
in these parts. But, here again,
you have a good picture. It is a
drama with plenty of comedy.
There was a good trailer and I
had a fairly good turnout considering
the cold weather. The
scenery is very beautiful in this
picture and the color is good. I
had a lot of good comments and
a few came back the second
night. Pictures of this kind are
just right for small towns and
rural districts. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold.—F. L. Murray,
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask.
Pop. 355.
Black Sleep, The (UA)—Basil
Rathbone, Akim Tamiroff, Lon
Chaney. Okay picture. Seemed to
be well produced for this type
picture. Good cast. Used on
double bill. Played Sun., Mon.—
S. T. Jackson, Jackson Theatre,
Flomaton, Ala. Pop. 1,036.
Foreign Intrigue (UA)—Robert
Mitchum, Genevieve Page, Ingrid
Tulean. This w-as okay, with good
color, but the title and the fact
that I played it on December 23
kept business low. Played Sun.—
S. T. Jackson, Jackson Theatre,
Flomaton, Ala. Pop. 1,036.
Indian Fighter, The (UA)—
Kirk Douglas, Elsa Martinelli,
Walter Abel. Pretty good westem.
Better than average, but
murdered by the title. When will
I get wise to leave these pictures
with titles like this alone? Even
the western fans are getting tired
of killing Indians and this title,
"Indian Fighter," scared them all
away. The picture was good and
those who came liked it, but not
enough came. However, the picture
was sold to me right, so I
didn't lose my shirt. Played Fri.,
Sat. Weather: Good.—F. L. Murray,
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood,
Sask. Pop. 355.
Killer Is Loose, The (UA)—
Joseph Gotten, Rhonda Fleming,
Wendell Corey. An excellent little
picture. Used on Sunday-Monday
double bill.—S. T. Jackson,
Jackson Theatre, Flomaton, Ala.
Marty (UA)—Ernest Borgnine,
Betsy Blair, Esther Minciotti.
Last town in the U. S. to play
this. Double billed on Friday-
Saturday and it really filled the
bill as a second feature. Played
it so late because did not feel I
could play it alone at the then
asking price. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Cold.—Audrey Thompson,
Ozark Theatre, Hardy, Ark.
Pop. 599.
Doiis Hat to Leo
My hat's off to Leo° for making
such a wonderful cartoon
as "Goodwill to Men" in Cinemascope.
It sure hit the spot
during the holiday season. Sure
wish we could play it again.
Drew many fine comments.
People stayed to see it twice!
La Plaza Theatre
Antonito, Colo.
A. MADRIL
Naked Street, The (UA)—Farley
Granger, Anthony Quinn,
Anne Bancroft. Could have been
called "The Naked Theatre" as
far as we were concerned. Those
who came liked it. Those who
didn't never had a chancs to
find out. Played Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Cold.—A. Madril, La
Plaza Theatre, Antonito, Colo.
Pop. 1,255.
Trapeze (UA)—Burt Lancaster,
(Continued on following page)
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Jan. 12, 1957 11

)
—
^"^
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
(Continued from preceding page)
Gina LoUobrigida, Tony Curtis.
An excellent picture that drew
above average on a midweek and
during the pre-Christmas slump.
You can't go wrong on pictures
like this. Played Tues., Wed.,
Thurs. — W. L. Stratton, Lyric
Theatre, Challjs, Ida. Pop. 723.
UNIVERSAL-INTERNAT'L
Abbott and Costello Meet the
Keystone Kops (U-I) —Bud Abbott,
Lou Costello, Fred Clark.
A&C are always funny and they
really went over here. We had
the best Wednesday crowd for a
long time. Not a bad show,
either, and you really laugh.
Played Wed. Weather: Cool.—
Harry Hawkinson, Orpheum Theatre,
Marietta, Minn. Pop. 380.
AH That Heaven Allows (U-I)
—Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson,
Agnes Moorehead. A better than
average drama. Jane and Rock
the perfect couple in an appealing
story. Beautiful scenes and
color.—Frank E. Sabin, Majestic
Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Pop. 929.
Benny Goodman Story, The
(U-I)—Steve Allen, Donna Reed,
Berta Gersten. An excellent
musical that was a little dry in
comparison with "The Glenn
Miller Story," but the music was
terrific. Business satisfactory for
this day and age. Just doesn't
hold up like it used to. Many
said, "We really enjoyed it. It's
good." Played Sun., Mon., Tues.
Weather: Cold and wintery.—
Ken Christianson, Roxy Theatre,
Washburn, N. D. Pop. 913.
None Any Better
Believe me, boys, "Marty" is
one of the most down-to-earth
pictures I have played in a long
time. If this picture had been
in Technicolor, it would have
been tops for the season. Even
as it is, they don't make them
any better. It is just as natural
as a country picaic. Could be
that this picture is more suitable
for the masses than the
classes, but the masses make up
the greater part of theatregoers.
I say, play it, boys and
show the producers what the
exhibitor^ wants and needs. It
will make you some money and
leave a sweet taste in the
mouths of your patrons.
Strand Theatre
Spiritwood, Sask.
F. L. MURRAY
Destry (U-D—Audie Murphy,
Mari Blanchard, Lyle Bettger.
You won't be disappointed in this
western with Audie Murphy as
the hero who comes to town on
a stage carrying a bird cage and
a parasol for a lady. Pick it up
if you have not played it.
Played Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Weather: Good. — B. Berglund,
Trail Theatre, New Town, N. D.
Pop. 1,200.
Francis in the Haunted House
(U-I)—Mickey Rooney, Virginia
Welles, James Flavin, How much
can you get for a dime? On the
second night of this I came home
when the feature started, and.
12
Mildred closed up. During the
show, two little girls came to the
lobby and Mildred proceeded to
pull a tooth for each of them,
gave them salt water and a
Kleenex. Dental care and all at
the Lirm Theatre. Oh, yes,
Francis is not drawing too well,
but Mickey is as good as Donald.
Believe folks are getting a little
tired of the talking mule. The
novelty is wearing thin. Played
Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather:
Fair. — Joe and Mildred Faith,
Linn Theatre, Linn, Mo., Pop. 758.
Kettles in the Ozarks, The
(U-I) — Marjorie Main, Arthur
Hunnicutt, Una Merkel. Not a
thing in this that wouldn't make
a critic elevate his patrician
nose in horror. Yet, it has that
something that makes the family
trade turn off the TV and come
down to the old movie house.
Played to average business, less
than ten days before Christmas.
Last year at this time I hardly
got film rental on "The Country
Girl." I got people in for this
that hadn't wiped their feet on
my carpet for months. The end
of the picture left hope that the
series might be continued, and I
think Ai'thur Hunnicutt has won
a solid position in filmgo&rs'
hearts with his "Uncle Sedge"
characterization. Played Sun.,
Mon. Weather: Cool, turning
cold.—Frank R. McLean, Roxy
Theatre, Coulterville, 111. Pop.
1,160.
WARNER BROS.
Lucky Me (WB)—Doris Day,
Robert Cummings, Phil Silvers.
I say, "Lucky Me." This picture
drew well over average and I received
a lot
of good comments. I
read a lot of reports in EHHS
that were not good on this picture
and I kicked it around a
long time before I booked it.
Certainly, I didn't expect much
out of it, but believe me, boys,
I got an agreeable surprise. The
picture certainly did business,
was well received. I say, play it.
It's worth a date on your best
playing time. Played Fri., Sat.
Weather: Good.—F. L. Murray,
Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask.
Pop. 355.
Searchers, The (WB)— John
Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera
Miles. A superwestern which is
not as good as they think it is.
Heavy handed directing can ruin
an otherwise good story. Had
the scare of my life on this one.
Thought we had a reel from a
show about life in a nut house
when they showed some white
women who had been Indian
captives. Played Sun., Mon.
Weather: Good. — B. Berglund,
Trail Theatre, New Town, N. D.
Pop. 1,200.
MISCELLANEOUS
She Creature, The (AIP)—
Maria English, Chester Morris,
Tom Conway. Played with "It
Conquered the World" (AIP).
This httle double bill did better
than average business, and people
seemed to like it. National Screen
has a combination trailer on this.
Played Tues., Wed.—S. T. Jackson,
Jackson Theatre, Flomaton,
Ala. Pop. 1,036.
Columbia
SHORT SUBJECT
Hollywood Stars at a Party
(Screen Snapsh ots
REVIEWS
9V2
Mins.
Good. This features the new "Guess Who?" contest in the longpopular
series, and it is photographed by Ralph Staub in Eastman
Color. The public is invited to win prizes by guessing the identities
of masked Hollywood personalities. With exhibitor backing the
idea ought to go over weD. The personalities shown in this first
issue are Donna Reed, Alan Ladd, William Bendix, Jeanne Crain,
Walt Disney, George Burns, Art Linkletter, Lou Holtz, George
Jessel and Yvonne De Carlo.
Columbia
Hoofs
and Goofs
(Stooge Comedy) 15>/^ Mins.
Good. Fust of a new series presenting Joe Besser with Larry
and Moe. It also features a trained horse. In a dream Joe believes
his sister has died and been reincarnated in a female horse,
which he takes into the home. The mare doesn't like the idea
and wrecks the place. In the end, it gives birth to a colt.
Columbia
Meet Mother Magoo
(Magoo Comedy)
6 Mins.
Good. Mother Magoo is unhappy about a visit from her nearsighted
son as he interferes with her playing jazz on a piano. When
he cooks her a "turkey" dimier in which the fowl is a suit of red
underwear, she applies pepper liberally. When Magoo sneezes,
she gives him evil-tastmg remedies until he leaves.
RKO
Alaska Lifeboat
(Special)
21 Mins.
Very Good. A warm, human documentary about the visit of nurses
aboard a government medical boat to an isolated Alaskan community.
There is drama in the fear of children of the needle, of
old folk stricken with disease, of ignorance of the need for constant
attention to health, of emergency childbirth. Written, produced
and directed by Herbert Morgan.
RKO
Born to Fight
(Special) 15 Mins.
Good. This deals with a Portugese bullfight. The training of the
bulls and the men who will fight them is shown, then the serious
business in the ring where, unlike the custom in other countries,
the bull is not killed but it is the matador and cavalero who are
in danger.
RKO
Football
Highlights
(1956-57 Season) 15 Mins.
Good. Vivid action on the gridii'on showing many of the leading
teams of the nation, among them Syracuse, Maryland, Michigan,
Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Florida, Iowa, Michigan State, Tennessee,
Yale, Pittsburgh, Army and Navy. Produced by Jay Bonafield and
narrated by Harry Wismer.
RKO
Holland Sailing
(Sportscope)
9 Mins.
Good. A great variety of sailing craft are shown in Holland
waters where, evidently, everybody takes a busman's holiday. The
types range from toy models to big windjammers. There are also
huge leeboard boats which have been turned into comfortable
yachts. Its main appeal is to sailing folk.
RKO
Struggle in the North
(Screenliner)
10 Mins.
Good. The Eskimo is shown in his constant struggle for existence
against the harshness of the Arctic. There are unending labors
spearing fish, making lamp fuel from blubber, making clothing
and kayaks, hunting powerful quarry like polar bears, walruses
and the white whale—but through it all the Eskimo is a happy individual.
RKO
White Peril
(Screenliner) 8 Mins.
Good. Interesting and pictorially beautiful. It shows government
conservation operatives penetrating high into the Cascade mountains
in winter to study sources of water supply and determine
volume and potential run-off. The dangerous nature of the work is
made clear through scenes of an avalanche.
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Jan. 12, 1957
mammm

An Interpretive analysis of lay ond tradepress reviews. The plus and minus signs Indicate
degree of merit. Listings cover current reviews, updated regulorly. This department serves
also as on ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feoture releases. Symbol (.^ dcnores 60X0FFICE
Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Photography; £ Color; ^CinemaScope; V VistaVision; s Superscope;
N. Naturama. For listings by company, in the order ot rcleose, see Feature Chart.
Review digest
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX
-*
Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary ++ is rated 2 pluses, = as 2 minuses.
0/

REVIEW DIGEST- H Very Good; + Good; - Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary ^ is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
s
"o

Opinions on Current Productions
Feature reviews
Symbol O denotes color photogrophy; g CinemoScope; V VistoVision; s Superscope; K Naturomo. For story synopsis on eoch picture, see reverse side.
The Barretts of Wimpole Street F ''Z To
MGM (
)
106 Minutes Rel. Feb. '57
Never has that hardy perennial of stage and screen—the
drama based on the love between poets Elizabeth Barrett
and Robert Browning—been more opulently produced, more
effectively delineated or more skillfully directed than in this
remake of the venerable vehicle. Nostalgia and eagerness
to make comparisons will attract those of the older generation
and probably in sufficient numbers to assure profitable
patronage. Whether the youngsters, who are such sizable
contributors to today's boxoffice takes, can be won in paralleling
proportions can well depend upon how adroitly the
feature is sold to them; and upon this possibility rests the
difference between satisfactory grosses and hit-class business.
There is no dearth of material upon which such
merchandising can be predicated—Cinemascope and color,
the magnetism of Jennifer Jones' name and, perhaps, a
teasing hint of the incestuous connotations which herein
play as important a part in the yarn's projection as its
basic theme of romance. Producer Sam Zimbalist and director
Sidney FYanklin adhered without compromise to the
mid-Victorian aura of the subject and, although this resulted
in the utilization of impressive sets and backgrounds,
the over-all effect is inescapably stylized and stagey.
Jennifer Jones, John Gielgiid, Bill Travers, Virffinia Mc-
Kenna, Susan Stephen, Vernon Gray, Jean Anderson.
Public Pigeon No. 1
F
Ratio;
1.S5-1
Comedy
RKO (708) 79 Minutes Rel. Jan. '57
A completely zany film in Technicolor that will win roars
of laughter from all theatregoers except those weaned on a
pickle. In it Red Skelton, once a motion picture star, returns
to the theatre screen after gaining a second reputation
is a television comic. He is assisted most ably by Janet
Blair known to TV audiences as Sid Caesar's wife, and
Vivian Blaine, who played in "Guys and Dolls" both on
Broadway and in the film. All have a good following, so
the exploitation angles are clear-cut. Once the public has
been sold on the merits of the cast and gotten into the theatre,
they will find themselves getting their money's worth
in outlandish humor. Pi-om its beginning, which is slightly
plausible, to its incredible ending when prison authorities
secretly try to help Skelton escape only to have him mess
up everything, the film is just the sort of light entertainment
that juveniles will love and adults find relaxing after a
day's work. Miss Blaine comes through with some good
songs, including "Don't Be Chicken, Chicken." Larry Berns
and Don Quinn wrote the story, Harry Tugent did the
screen play and produced and Norman McLeod directed.
Red Slielton, Vivian Blaine, Janet Blair, Jay C. Flippen,
Allyn JosljTi, Benny Baker, Milton Frome.
Tomahawk Trail
F
Ratio:
1,S5-1
Western
United Artists (5708) 61 Minutes Rel. Feb. '57
As a supporting programmer for the neighborhood houses
or for action spots where the younger element predominates,
this modest-budget western produced by Howard W. Koch
for Bel-Air, has all the required Cavalry-vs-Indians excitment
to satisfy patrons. Name value is practically nil, so the
title and theme will have to sell it. Directed by the veteran
Lesley Selander (he's been making westerns since the 1930's)
and filmed almost entirely in the outdoors, the screenplay
by David Chandler borrows a Navy situation from "The
Caine Mutiny" and converts it to the U. S. Army without any
loss of dramatic effect. It shows a young sergeant of the
U. S. Cavalry traveling in hostile Apache territory taking
over command from his West Point-trained officer when the
latter goes beserk and refuses to listen to reason. The climax,
which has the patrol reaching Fort Bowie, which had already
been attacked by the Indians, and holding it against a grandscale
attack, is filled with excitement. Chuck Connors, who
has played some minor leads, and John Smith capably enact
the more heroic soldiers and Susan Cummings and Lisa
Montell, the latter as a beautiful Indian maiden, take care of
the romantic element acceptably enough.
Cliuclc Connors. John Smith, Susan Cummings, George
Neise, Lisa Montell, Eddie Little, Robert Knapp.
ul. 1,
'liird
Three Brave Men
F
Ratio:
Dram,i
2.55-1 «.
20th-Fox (701-3) 89 Minutes Rel. Jan. '57
If so-called message pictures must be made, it is difficult
to conceive of how they could be more impressively, effectively
and provocatively produced than is manifested In this
arresting expose of the hazards inherent in the too-zealous
iiion. pursuit of the armed forces' security program. A powerful
preachment against intolerance and injustice, projected in
excellent taste, but still pulling no punches, it is a feature
that should be seen by every loyal American—regardless of
age, creed or political persuasion. Whether they will or not
is subject to some question and possibly will be dependent
upon the type of normal patronage enjoyed by respective
theatres. If showmen avail themselves of every possibility
of selling the offering to the intelligent, sincere men and
women of their communities, there is no reason why the film
should not enjoy the capacity patronage it so thoroughly
merits. Otherwise, the casual business will likely be limited
to those ticket buyers who are attracted because of the cast
topliners. A double shinmg credit for Philip Dunne, who wrote
the uncompromising screenplay and under whose direction
a wisely chosen cast delivers a bevy of excellent performances.
Produced in Cinemascope and substantially mounted
by Herbert B. Swope jr.
Ray Milland, Ernest Borgnine, Frank Lovejoy, Nina Foch,
Dean Jagger, Virginia Christine, Edward Andrews.
Mister Cory F ^Z Ti
Univ.-Int'l (5713) 92 Minutes Rel. March '57
Tony Curtis, currently at the peak of his popularity, Is
ideally cast as the boy from the slums who realizes his ambition
to step out in high society in this interest-holding
drama. Dealing with professional gamblers who cater to the
upper-crust, it is lavishly produced by Robert Arthur in
Cinemascope and color and has romance and intrigue, as
well as action. Blake Edwards, who also wrote the screenplay
from a story by Leo Rosten, does a first-rate directing
job and manages to disguise the familiar aspects of the
rags-to-riches plot. Although lovely blond Martha Hyer gets
the better billing and is well cast as a snobbish heiress with
low morals, it is Kathryn Grant, playing her down-to-earth
___ sister, who displays a refreshing youthful quality and steals
~zrij every scene in which she appears. The pert, dark-haired
If: Miss Grant, who has been seen mainly in Columbia westerns,
is definitely headed for bigger things. William Reynolds, one
of Universal's promising newcomers, also stands out as a
handsome society boy, and Charles Bickford does his customary
good acting job. Henry Daniell contributes an acting gem
as the very elegant manager of an exclusive resort. Russell
Metty's photography also rates special mention.
Tony Curtis, Martha Hyer, Charles Bicliford, Kathryn
Grant, Henry Daniell, William Reynolds, Russ Morgan.
The Snow Was Black A
Ratio; Drama
Stajidard
Continental Distributing 105 Minutes Rel. Dec. '56
A powerful, but grim and extremely sordid, drama which
centers around an embittered young man who lives with his
mother in her house of ill fame, this French-language film
is strictly adult fare. Suited only to the art houses, which
might attract attention by following the Manhattan first
run's "No Children Admitted" policy. Daniel Gelin, who has
starred in many notable French films, and George Simenon,
whose original novel sold over 1,000,000 copies in the U. S.,
.should both be selling names with devotees of foreign fare.
The picture was condemned by the Catholic Legion of
Decency. While the story is undeniably fascinating as
a psychological study of vice and immorality, it may leave
some patrons with a bad taste in their mouths. Produced
by Frederic Bukofzer for Tellus Films, the downbeat tale
has been well directed by Luis Saslavsky who gets a fine
performance from Gelin, who plays the moody, unhappylooking
hero who has affairs with his mother's "girls," kills
an old lady who was kind to him and even tries to rape
a neighbor girl who loves him. Marie Mansart is appealing
in the latter role and Valentine Tessier is realistic, even
somewhat sympathetic, as the mother-madam.
Daniel Gelin, Valentine Tessier, Marie Mansart, Balpetre,
Vera Norman, Daniel Invernel, Nadine Basile.
The reviews on these poges mov be filed for future reference In onv of the following woyi: (1) In ony standord three-ring
loose-leaf binder; (2) Individually, by compony, in env rrendord 3x5 cord Index file; or (3) In the BOXOFFICE PICTURl
GUIDE three-ring, pocket-fize binder. The lotter. Including e year's supply of booking and doily business record sheets,
may be obtained from Associated Publications, »2S Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo., for $1.00, postage paid.
2048 BOXOFFICE BookinGuide Jan. 12, 1957 2047

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs
THE STORY:
"Three Brave Men" (20th-Fox)
Predicated on a factual incident which was the subject of
the Pulitzer Prize-winning series of articles that appeared
in the Washington Daily News, this tells the dramatic story
of Ernest Borgnine, for more than a score of years a civilian
employe of the navy department, who was discharged as a ^^
bad security risk because of bigoted and prejudiced false '^r^testimony
that made him suspect as a Communist. A militant
attorney, Ray Milland, interests himself in the case;
has him restored to his post with full back pay and a public
apology from the navy.
EXPLOITIPS:
Invite civic leaders, press, judges, attorneys and educators
to a special screening, following which they will be asked to
participate on a television or radio forum program to express
their views on the vital issues projected in this feature.
Lobby and marquee emphasis should be accorded Ernest
Borgnine, Ray Milland and Prank Lovejoy.
CATCHLINES:
Thrilling Dramatization of a By-Product of the Cold War
. , . "Three Brave Men" Were Victorious Over Those Endeavoring
to Build a Case Against an Innocent Man on
Rumor and Prejudice.

'
.
I'ES: 15c per word, minimum S1.50, cash with copy. Four consecutive insertions lor price
> 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. •
mmu
POSITIONS WANTED
lleveland exttianae area. Tnjimiicli liiiyer.
I kiT, rapirrii-iiiiil .ill phases :iral drive-ins. Incllne
lllslriliiUiiin sales. .Xvallallle nu». I'lat
per Itieal re. Hoxiifflre. 7.')82.
t. Louis area. Former licensed projectionist
,.. niw empinyed prinlinc liiislness lour
Wants biMith »ork. full or part time.
I, i-iasj.
lanager 43. 21 years shiraman experienced all
t,, public re'allons. ciuicesslon. exploltallon.
I'resent local lun 5 years, desire relocamedliim
sized lown. $11)0 minimum start.
i;y. sillier and lell ihle. I'refer s.iiitliMesl
Mice, ":tS7.
HELP WANTED
ernunenl job. Miisi !" eajial.le nf doing n.\n
[s and not atr^'id cif "ork, Kull details in
I'. leller. (I. Box 4.'i7. Krownmind. Texas.
'anted experienced drlve-in theatre manager,
be honest, snlier and rellalile. Conlacl
Wellson. l''ayitte\ille. N. Car.
ri»e-in manager, middle nf February, imssilily
Iter shortly tlie.eafter. Want live wire, ad-
. rxploitatlun. no buying, hoiikins. Eastern
Write sa'ary expecteil, full jnfmmatinii.
, ;:t8li.
anaoer wanted with conventional and drive-in
ience. State ipialiticatlnns In letter. Long
i. Inr .
I'.n. Box 14:il. Bay City. Texas.
HIVE-m THEATRE EQUIPMENT
itilhefl Device for spe.iker.^ giie^ complete
ctioti fur onl.v 57c per speaker! Exhibitors:
ct your siieakers now against co.sily anil
led losses. In use now throughout I' S
ier Securlt.v Co.. Hepi. 62.'!. Willow .\ve
Tih Si . lliibiiken. N. J.
mil a Oriie-ln Theatre? Save $12,000 on
lllBhii.iy ilepaitmenl took land. Will
- ili'te eiiiiijolient in excellent conditlnn
ir CinrnuiScope drive-in theatre at h.ilf
I-, ment eosl. Write or call eo"leet.
Ill lialitzkl. ti747 S.E. 31st. Portland 2.
Oi n. I'liospecl -l-OeiS.
andy Ad Order Blank
)XOFFICE,
5 Van Brunt Blvd..
1 nsas City 24, Mo.
For the S inclosed, print
i/ Want Ad limes, at
lie ol 15 cents a word (or 4 in-
^rlions at the price of 3).
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED
Excellent coated Projection Lenses— many
brand new; Wollensak "Sunray". Series I 2". 3",
3%", 3%". 5". 5M,", 6", 714"— $35 pair.
Superllie. Series III C coated; 2a;'-, 3". 3Vi"—
$150 pr. Tiades taken. Write or telephone order
today. Dept. cc. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corporation.
602 W 52nd Street, New York 19.
Ardamps galore! Forest 40/165 amp. w/14"
reflector, excellent condition. $250 pair: .\sheraft
"E." Ballantyne. $250: Strong Mogul,
Brenkert enarc, $350; Peerless magnarc. $395.
Dept. cc. SOS. Cinema Supply Corp.. 602 W.
52nd St.. .New York 19.
Late model rebuilt ultraphone .sound heads,
very reasonable. .\lso available from stock, parts
for all models of ultraphone sound heads. Write
for price list. Projection Service & Supply Co.,
Ill No. nth St., Minneapolis 3. Minn.
Used and new equipment at bargain prices, popcorn
kettles repaired. Mid-South Theatre SuppTy
Co., 502 So. Second, .Memphis. Tenn.
Good condition. 1.000 used Heywood-Wakefield
theatre chairs, upholstered backs, leather botton^i.
Will s;ictifice to clear storage space.
Boxofflee. "372.
You save at Star! Pair Tushinsky lenses,
$179.50: latest magnarc lamphouses, slightly
used, $495: Century mechanisms, rebuilt. $795
pair: 8" .Adier ;ilumlniim letters. 40c; best buys
on new and used lenses. Star Cinema Supply,
621 West 55th St.. New York 19.
Low intensity users, upgrade that light at
fraction of usual cost! Pair Strong 1 kw high
lamps, with reflectors, only $175. Ozark Playgrounds
ITleatres. Willow Springs, Mo.
For sale, complete theatre equipment and
seats. If interested send for inventory. John L.
Terrill. 310 Ashlan. Fresno, Calif.
Reconditioned pair late model Simplex projectors
with 3 point stands, IS" magazines. RCA
PS 2S snitnd lleads. amplifier, stage speaker. 30
amji are lanijis with new reflectors, new rectifiers
wl:li tubes. $1,250. Silverlile CinemaScojie screens
any size $1.00 sq. ft. Pair almost new Strong
75-90 amp rectifiers $300. Upholstered theatre
seats $8.00. CInemaScope lenses, new $395 pair.
Snaplite lenses 6" series 2. $85 pair. Howard
Theatre Supplies. P.O. Box 171. Saskalnnii. Sask..
C.inada.
EQUIPMENT WANTED
Wanted, six or eight inch plastic letters.
Bayard Theatre. Bayard. New Mexico.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW
Amazing saving! Holmes parts, new surplus:
iimow T-20C13 .Mog. prefocus lamps. $25 dozen:
iiiterrtHttenI movements. $24.50; St.ir sprocket
assembly. $10; sound lens. $9.95; EE14070 vertical
drive shaft w/5 gears, bearings, $9.75: 2000'
magazines, upper and lower (rebuilt), $25 .set.
Iiept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W.
i2nd St., New York 19.
Housi
THEATRES FOR SALE
Theatre sales!' Texas, Oklahoma. Missouri.
.\rkansas, Colorado, Kansas. Ralph Erwin, Licensed
Broker. 1443 South Trenton. Tvilsa,
West coast theatres tor sale. Write for list.
Theatre Exchange. 260 Kearney St., San Francisco
8. Calif.
Have listings on drive-in and Indoor theatres
for sale or lease in Southwest. Some towns without
competition. Bob Morley. Berger-Brlggs &
Co., 215 Third S. W.. Albuquerque. New Mexico.
For sale, Miller Theatre, a money maker, reason
for selling, ill health. No brokers. A. C. Miller,
Atkinson. Neb.
Two towns in Oklahoma. Only theatre each
town. Cinemascope, excellent equipment, one
hiiiiding. $30,000, terms. Bo.xofflcc, 7375.
For lease or sale. My theatre in Alto, Texas.
Excellent for man and wife operation. Consider
any reasonable offer. 0. L. Smith, Marlow, Okla.
Only drive-in fast growing Colorado town 13,000
poiiiilation. 400-cars, (?inemaScoped. Terms to
responsible party. Merle Swank, 1820 Dahlia St.,
Denver. Colo. DE 3-3374.
Two good Wisconsin indoor theatres. 14 miles
apart. V;iluatlnn $100,000. To trade for drlve-in
of similiar valuation in warm climate due to
health. Cm be controlled from either town with
small operating cost. Boxoffice, 7381.
For sale: 200-car drive-in, will sell or lease.
Sunset Drive-In. (lainesville. Mo.
Excellent opportunity! 3 drive-ins in fast growing
industrial city, population gained 40% since
1950, only drive-ins in 25 miles. Includes 27
acres of valuable land, two nice homes on property
one with swimming imnl, excelleul year around
operation. 600, 500 and 350 speakers, paved, lop
condition. Very attractive price, no lease, 20%
down to right party, balance in 10 to 15 years.
Have conflicting interests, must sell. Write,
Bo.xoffice. 7383.
600-car drive-in. Northern Indiana, fine location,
well equipped. Priced for tjiiick sale. Boxiilfice.
73S4.
400-car drive-in theatre for sale. Two years
old. equiiiment excellent condition. Cinemascope
icreen and lens. North Ceorgia, county seat.
$3.'i.000. Owner has other business. Box 127.
I.;if;iyette. Ca.
THEATRE TICKETS
Prompt Service. Special printed roll tickets.
100.000. $31.93: 10.000. $9.90: 2.000. $5.70.
Ivich change in admission price, including change
in color. $4.00 extia. Double numbering extra,
F.O.B. Kansas City. .Mo. Cash with order.
Kansas City Ticket Co.. Deiit 11. 109 W. 18th
St.. Kan.sas City. Mo.
THEATRES WANTED
Wanted, closed or drive-in theatre south Texas
area. Cadwallader & Company, P.O. Box 6521, San
Antunin 9. 'l'exa>.
Couple thoroughly experienced in management
and exploitation want to rent emiventlonal theatre
or drive-in. St.iie full details in reply. Boxoffice,
7380.
THEATRE SEATING
Chair supplies, iiaris for all chairs. Fensln
Seating. (Tlicago 5,
Repairing and reupholstering In your theatre
Fensln Sealing. Chicago 3.
New spring seats for all chairs. Fensin Seating,
Chicago 3.
Patch-o-seat cement, permaslone anchor cement.
Fensln Seating, Chicago 5.
Seat coverings, sewed combination, all styles,
Fensin Seating. Chicago 5.
Plastic leatherette, all colors, send sample.
Fensln Sealing, Chicago 6.
Upholstery fabrics, all types, send sample.
Fensln Seating, Chicago 5.
Cash for your old theatre chairs, Fensln Seating,
(Tiicagn 5, 111.
Professional reupholstering. Factory trained crew,
li'ree estin»ate anywhere. For sale: 5.000 good
used chairs, all types. OGl.ESBY EtlClfMENT
Co.. 20336 Grand River. Detroit. KEnwood 3 8740
Several lots of tale type chairs. Bargain price.
Write for exact photo. Chicago Used Chair Mart,
829 S. State St., Chicago 6, 111.
25"x26" plastic leatherette, good quality, 65c
each. 27"x27" tor spring edge, 65c each.
Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S, Stale St.,
Chicago.
POPCORN MACHINES
Popcorn machines, all makes and styles. Re-
[ilaeemeiii kettles for all poppers. Complete replacement
unit fits most m;iehines. $185. 120
So. Halsted, Chicago, III.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Franchises available in Los Angeles. New Orleans
and Omalia for 16mm film libraries. You furnish
sales and se vice, we fiirnisli films. Film background
neeess.iry. Boxoffice. 73S5.
Handy Subscription Order Form
STUDIO AND PRODUCTION
Mitchell 35mm single system camera with IIC.\
sound, lenses, magazines, tripod, etc., $15,000
value. $6,995; Kliegl 5000W studio spots on
stands. $300 value, $159.50; new tripod triangles.
$10 95; .Mitcliell 35mm Standard tracking camera,
$995: .Moviolas from $195; Hallcn synchronous
rnagnelic IGmm recorder. $1,495 value. $695;
Ameiican Cinematographer's handbooks, V2 price,
$2.50. licpt. cc. S.O S. Cinema Supply Corp.,
602 W. 52nd St.. .New York 19.
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
Binoo. mere action! $4.50.M cards. OLllei
games av.iilalile. on-off screen. .Novelty (lanies Co..
106 Itogers .^ve., Brooklyn. .\. Y.
BOXOFFICE:
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo.
Please enter my subscription tc BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per yeor (13 ot
which contain The MODERN THEATRE Section).
D 53.00 FOR 1 YEAR Q ?S.OO FOR 2 YEARS Q $7.00 FOR 3 YEARS
G Remittance Enclosed Q Send Invoice
Build attendance with real Hawaiian orchids
Few cents each Write Flowers of Hawaii, 670
S. Lafayette Park Place. Los Angeles 3, Calif.
Bingo-die-cut cards. Increase your boxoffice.
75 to 100 numbers, $4,50 per .\1. Best Cards,
Premium I'iuiIirms. 346 We-t 44lh St.. New York
36. N. Y
REPAIRING
STREET
TOWN
ADDRESS.
STATE
Your speakers (cones), microphones, drlver-unlls
(horiKs) completely rebuilt, \Vestern Electr.onic-
Co., 3311 Houston Ave.. Houston 9. Texas.
NAME POSITION .
pFFICE
January 12, 1957

.
.
The word-of-mouth will be TREMENDOUS
seventeen
isn't an age .
.
ifs an eternity . .
nobody knows you,
and worse,
you
hardly know
yourself
RKO RADIO PICTURES presents
THE YOUNG STRANGE
STARRING
R K
JAMES MacARTHUR (
• KIM HUNTER • JAMES DALY ^
w,r„ JAMES GREGORY • WHIT BISSELL • JEFF SILVER
Written by ROBERT DOZIER • Produced by STUART MILLAR • Directed by JOHN FRANKENHEIMER
Another profit show from the NEW RKO