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BETWEEN THE LINES By AL STEEN Kid Show Hassle "THE need for a suitable product for children's Saturday morning shows or matinees has been a topic for discussion at recent exhibitor conventions and is a top topic on the agenda of the American Congress of Exhibitors. But from all indications, distribution and exhibition are not seeing eye-to-eye on the matter; in fact, they seem to be far apart. At the recent meeting of ACE's executive committee, it was reported that "progress" was being made in creating a kiddie show project but. since then, there have been munnurs to the effect that the progress if any, had been stymied. Both sides have been extremely cagey in their comments on the status of the situation but it appears to boil down to a case where ACE got a flat rejection from the major companies on a plan to provide the needed film for the Saturday shows. The Children's Film Librai-y of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America suspended operations about five years ago and ACE has been trying to reestablish it. It is said that the film companies are not opposed to supplying kid fare, per se. but they want the showings to be restricted to morning programs. The companies figure, it is reported, that afternoon shows will eat into the grosses of regularly booked pictures. The MPAA, it is said, is willing to serve as a consultant on the issue and will provide information as to what is available for the special shows but, apparently, it doesn't want to take on the chore as a project. Several ACE members have been outspoken in their disagreement with the alleged MPAA policy and the distributors' reluctance to cooperate. It was loimored last week that "something is going to pop." Just what form the "popping" will take was not clarified, but some sort of action is on the horizon. A Pay TV Slant H somewhat radical viewpoint on the matter of pay television was expressed by an independent exhibitor the other day. "If you use any of this in your publication." he said, "don't identify me. I'd be crucified." It is this man's opinion that exhibition should stop trying to fight pay-as-you-see TV. If production and distribution executives believe that pay TV is inevitable, as many of them often have said, then let them find out for themselves whether the medium can be a "convenient" success or a financial success or both, he said. The exhibitor pointed out that the various anti-pay TV committees had been insisting that the home theatre could not be successful, that it was an idle dream on the part of the promoters. If the opponents of the system are so sure that the public will not accept it, then why spend money to fight something that is going to die anyway? he asked. On the other hand, if the innovation is inevitable, it's another reason why exhibitors should save their money and not contribute to a hopeless cause, he added. "I, for one," he said, "cannot see how pay television can be a commercial success. But let the big boys find that out for themselves. It will be their loss. And yet, some of the best brains in the industry are willing to pour millions into the venture. Maybe they know something that we don't. In that case, maybe some of us should try to get in on the ground floor." In the early days of radio, theatres were adversely affected by the stay-at-homes, he continued, but that situation leveled off. Television was a blow, too, but that also is finding its level, the theatreman asserted. He expressed admiration for the zest and devotion of the anti-pay TV committees and the hard-hitting tactics of Phil Harling, the chaiiTnan, but, he asked, "Isn't he hitting his head up against a stone wall?" He conceded the fact that the danger to theatres might be in the early experimental stages of pay television in this country while the "thing" is a novelty. Then he remarked that when talking pictures made their appearance, the legitimate theatre was thrown almost on the ropes. Today, any hit play has the SRO sign out. The legitimate theatre fans deserted their favorite form of amusement for a while in order to get a thrill from pictures that talked and had sound, but they soon were trooping back to the stage plays or dividing their time between the two media. While the exhibitor quoted in the foregoing may reflect the opinions of other exhibitors, we doubt very much if even they would be willing to take the risk inherent in what he advocates. Just because some think that pay TV is "inevitable" is no more reason to give way to it than to let a third world war get started just because some people contend it will come eventually. • A Combination Hit THE combination of Columbia's "Three Stooges Meet Hercules" and "Twist Around the Clock" in approximately 100 theatres in the New York City area grossed more than $500,000 in five days. That sounds like just plain, cold statistics but there is more to it than meets the eye. as the saying goes. Here was a combo that did not. to be frank, garner rave, overboard reviews, but the success of the engagements must be credited to Harry Mandel and his staff at RKO Theatres who spearheaded the campaign for theatres, also, in the Randforce and Skouras circuits. Granted, the Stooges in person appeared in 29 of the 100 theatres but business was tops in all the houses. The exact figures were not in at press time, but in the first three days of the fiveday engagement, the picture pulled just a few dollars less than $400,000 and it had two days to go. On Sunday, some theatres were turning people away before noon. As one Columbia executive said, it just goes to prove what can be done when theatres exert a little extra energy, eagerness and enthusiasm. Feldman Sees 'Wild Side' As New 'Break-Through' NE'W YORK—"'Walk on the 'Wild Side" will be as much of a "break-through" as "Streetcar Named Desire" was in 1950, producer Charles K. Feldman said here during promotion conferences with Columbia Pictures executives. In explanation, Feldman said that when he contemplated the production of "Streetcar," he was told it never could be made and that it would be condemned by the chuixh and the Production Code Administration if he did make it. Feldman went ahead and, by using good taste, the picture met with no problems and was a success. It paved the way for other provocative films, he said. When he purchased the film rights to Nelson Algren's novel, "Walk on the Wild Side," he again was told a picture could not be made from the contents because of its brothel locale, a lesbian character and a madame. But he insisted again that any subject could be handled if done in good taste. He predicts the picture will represent another "break-through" which will permit producers to make other provocative films. Being both a producer and a talent agent, Feldman is interested in developing new talent and is strong for giving newcomers an opportunity to show their merits. Both Jane Fonda and Capucine are in greater demand for roles since being starred in "Walk on the Wild Side," even though the picture is yet to be released, according to Feldman. He said he would use new faces for important roles in all his future pictui-es because new talent must be developed. Feldman does not believe performers are overpaid if they can make successes of weak properties. He said he was the first to arrange deals for $750,000 against ten per cent of the gross for such clients as John Wayne and William Holden because they were worth it. Feldman's next film will be "Fair Game." which he vfill start in the summer for Columbia release. Samuel Friedman New UA National Publicity Director NEW YORK—Samuel J. Fi'iedman is the new national publicity director of United Artists. He has succeeded Mort Nathanson who recently resigned to become publicity chief of Embassy Pictures. Friedman recently completed a special assignment for United Artists on "West Side Story" and previously was associated with Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" and the initial roadshow campaigns on "The Bridge on the River Kwai." W. H. Schneider to Direct Bronston Advertising NEW YORK—William H. Schneider has been retained by Samuel Bronston to direct all advertising activities for forthcoming Bronston productions. Ralph Wheelwright, vice-president of Samuel Bronston Pi'oductions, said that Schneider would start immediately on the creation of campaigns for "55 Days at Peking" and "The Fall of the Roman Empire." Schneider, who created the "El Cid" campaign, recently resigned as executive vice-president of Donahue Sz, Coe to devote his full time to such projects. 14 BOXOFHCE February 5, 1962
HOW TO WIN NEW PATRONS And Cultivate the Movie-Going Habit TAKE ADVANTAGE . . . of the growing photoplay-discussion movement in the schools. Use these low-priced Study Guides designed to develop photoplay appreciation by students and their families. PHOTOPLAY GUIDE WEST SIDE STORY EVERY SCHOOL ... in your vicinity will be grateful to you for a supply of these beautifully illustrated, authentic guides to the appreciation of selected motion pictures to help build community interest in them. 6x9, 16 or 20 pages.) (Size REACH THE HOMES ... of your area through your teachers and students by supplying these guides to all classes in drama, literature and history. Let students take the booklets home for their parents and family members to read. HERE'S WHAT TO DO 1. Determine the number of Study Guides you require to get the fullest coverage oi all your schools. Use the order form below, allowing sufficient time for delivery and distribution. 2. Contact school Audio-Visual Directors and Principals for distribution of the Study Guides for classroom discussion. Natalie Wood as "Muria" Guide Prepared by Hardy R. Finch Chairman, English Department Greenwich (Conn.) High Schnol Single copies, 30c each 50 to 99, 15c eo. 100 to 999, 10c eo. 1000 or more, 5c eo. Study Guides Are Also Available On "CIMARRON" "THE SUNDOWNERS" "SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO" "RAINTREE COUNTY" "FRIENDLY PERSUASION" "HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME" To: THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH 508 S. Sixth St., Champaign, III. SEND copies of the illustrated Study Guide on USE THIS ORDER BLANK Theatre (name of picture) Playdate. Check or money order must accompany order Please advise how to ship. Allow 7 days for rail express and parcel post, 2 days Street Address Town Signature of Manager State for air express. Ship Via D Air Express D Rail Express D Parcel Post BOXOFFICE February 5, 1962 15
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