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Memphis Subs Open
But Strike Goes On
MEMPHIS— All Memphis neighborhood
theatres were back in operation this week,
but the strike which closed five of them for
about a week continues. Owners of all but
five of the houses operated their own projection
booth machines when the union
walked out February 4. Those five theatres
continued to remain closed for about a week.
Pickets were put in front of the theatres
by the union. Owners reported business about
the same in most cases and a little off in
some instances.
The Memphis Neighborhood Theatre
Owners Ass'n made a public statement at
week's end. It read, in part:
HIGHEST BOOTH SALARY
"The Memphis neighborhood motion picture
machine operators receive by far the
highest operators' salaries in comparable and
larger southern cities," the statement read.
"Their basic weekly salary is $112 for around
four hours work each night plus matinee on
Saturday and Sunday. Overtime usually I'uns
this up to $120 or $130 and frequently much
higher . . .
"Memphis neighborhood theatres were
willing to pay this considerably higher salary
as long as they were able, but for the last
four years they have been negotiating for relief.
This year theatres requested a 25 per
cent reduction which still would have left
Memphis neighborhood salaries considerably
higher than those in other southern cities.
This relief was not only refused, but no
compromise rate reduction was offered by the
operators.
"In a last effort to keep harmony, theatres
offered to pay $2.52 per hour plus time
reduction, which would give operators over
$100 per week plus overtime.
"Finally, the operators were told on Jan.
21, 1957. that the theatres could no longer
afford to pay the old salary and that they
would pay it only through Feb. 3, 1957. Theatres
offered to pay $2.52 per hour plus time
and one half for overtime (10 per cent decreasei
commencing Feb. 4, 1957. This would
amount to over $100 per week minimum.
"All this the operators obviously have rejected
by refusing to work for this salary.
Theatres stand ready and willing to negotiate.
Until a settlement can be reached,
some theatres will be operated by theirowners
or key personnel. Some others will
close temporarily.
SYMPATHETIC TO U>aON
"The neighborhood theatres are actually
sympathetic to the position of the operators
because regardless of how high a person's
income is it's hard to take even a small cut
during rising costs. Also, these men have
been friends and co-workers, and it's regrettable
when friends can't compromise a serious
problem.
"The theatres feel that except for the pay
issue the operators are friendly, too, and
understand and are sympathetic to the theatres'
problems. The theatres hope that the
operators will be appreciative of the many
years during which they received the highest
neighborhood operators' salaries In the south
and will reciprocate by accepting a little less
at this time while the theatres are in trouble
—at least until more big movies are available
causing business to improve."
STAR VISITS CHARLOTTE—Touring
southern key cities on behalf of saturation
openings for U-I's "Gun for a Coward,"
Fred MacMurray is seen here In
Charlotte with Ernest O. Stellings, Theatre
Owners of America president and
head of Stellings-Gossett Theatres.
William Bolen, 64, Dies;
South Alabama Showman
JACKSON, ALA.—William Locke Bolen,
64, .south Alabama theatre circuit operator
and one of the pioneers in the industry in
this state, died in his office here.
Bolen, who got his start in the theatre
business in 1912, died on the eve of his 65th
birthday. A director for Allied Theatre Association,
Bolen was an active civic worker
and in 1950 was chosen for the Civitan Club's
first Man of the Year award.
Bolen operated the Jackson, Grove Hill
and Thomasville theatres. Survivors include
four sisters and two brothers.
Storm Blows Down Tower
KEY WEST, FLA.—A sudden storm blew
down the screen tower of the new Riviera
Drive-In being readied on Stock Island just
off Key West. The tower was under construction,
so the contractors have taken
means of making it stronger to withstand
heavy winds.
the best source of supply for the finest
in approved
equipment
Memphis Mayor Plans
To Name 2 Censors
MEMPHIS— Instead of aboUshing the
Memphis censor board, in line with a citizens
committee recommendation about a
year ago. Mayor Edmund Orgill now plans
to increase its strength from three present
members to the full five members allowed by
law. The mayor made his intentions known
this week.
"While we haven't gone into the matter
as thoroughly as we should," the mayor said,
"I feel that all of the commissioners think
there should be a board of censors. And,
while I think the three ladies who have been
carrying on have done a satisfactory job, it
probably would be advisable to add two more
members so they can share the work and it
won't be so burdensome on just a few."
Mrs. B. F. Edwards, acting chairman, and
Mrs. Walter Gray and Mrs. St. Elmo Newton
sr. make up the present board.
The city code provides for a total of five
members, but there have been two vacancies
for months since the resignation of Avery
Blakeney and the late Lloyd T. Binford.
Attorney John Apperson, Dr. Donald
Henning, Dr. Payton Rhodes, John A.
Osoinach and Dr. M. W. Lathram jr. made
up the citizens committee which recommended
that the censor board be abandoned.
Apperson. prominent lawyer, documented
his report with what he said was legal proof
that "previous restraint censorship" as
practiced by the Memphis board is unconstitutional.
His report said that if a test
case is taken to the Supreme Coui't, the committee
believed the board would be declared
unconstitutional.
Vacation at Clear^vater
CLEARWATER, FLA.—Peter Perakos sr.
and John Perakos, assistant general manager
of Perakos Theatre A.ssociates of New Britain,
Conn., are enjoying a midwinter vacation at
Clearwater.
.^MASCOP^
k. ^RtOPHONIC SO
^IDC SCREEH'
everything
for the
theatre
except film
wil-kin tiieatre supply, inc.
atlanta, ga. • charlotte, n. c.
BOXOFFICE February 16, 1957 SE-1