Boxoffice-October.03.1966

.
people that displayed jellies and jams al
county fairs. It is hard to believe that, jiisi
in the past eight months alone, we have hail
four important discussions together, in aildition
to the many phone calls in a fr.ink
exchange of ideas that involved our miitii.il
interests. Mr. Valenti has treated us as
equal partners, with respect and affeclioji
and. most important of all, he has listened,
courteously and attentively, as we have
outlined to him our points of view. In re-
\ising the Motion Picture Ass'n Code, he
and his associates have just concluded
wrestling with one of the most profound
problems that has ever faced our industrs
..nd we believe that he has found the solution
that will preserve our freedoms and.
.It the same time, preserve our luiure."
Responsibility to Cooperate
Corwin referred to a foreign film not set
released in the U.,S., dealing with subjects
never before treated on screens in this
country, and continued: "Is it any wonder,
then, that we exhibitors have a positive responsibility
to cooperate with the Motion
Picture Ass"n in finding the proper methods
111 handling the presentation of certain motion
pictures. We still ha\e time to put our
houses in order and sincere-thinking exhibitors
will subscribe to a code and a code
of ethics that will be applauded by most
Americans, the great majority of whom do
not want to see an abridgement of their basic
Ireedoms." Corvsin said he was looking forward
to the coming year when the dialog
between N.ATO, the MP.A.A, Valenti and
.\IPAA counsel I.ouis Nizer 'will be susi.iined
and implemented, debated and, hopefully,
resolved in the best interests of our
industry."
He appealed for complete exhibitor recognition
of the fiscal responsibilit> involvcil
in the successful operation of NATO, and
he called upon the regional affiliates to alter
those organizational titles still bearing TOA
and .Allied tags to create a more positive
identification of NATO in and out of the
industry.
To Give .VII the Time Needed
Speaking of his own plans as president ol
the organization, Corwin said: "It is my intention
to give as much time as is necessary
lo the administrative duties that are involved.
If that means full time, I am prepared to
take a sabbatical leave from my office to
accomplish your goals and mine. It is little
enough that I can do for an industry that
has meant so much to me. I shall always
look for guidance, counsel and perhaps a little
comfort froin all of you. particularly nn
predecessors, our executive committee and
the board. But I am prepared to go anywhere,
talk to any group, exchange ideas and
listen as well as lead."
.Addressing the distributors, Corwin reiterated
an earlier statement: "Wc are your
biggest and best customer and there are certain
basic rights and protections which justiv
must be accorded that position. NATO will
vigorously challenge any practices which
breach those rights and protections. We will
be equally vigorous in joining with distribution
to seek progressive and equitable solutions
to all differences."'
Fine Scores D of J's Lack
Of Action on Blind Bids
NEW YORK— In reviewing the progressive
events of the past year. Marshall H.
Jj^^
L.. .
Fine, retiring presi-
dent of National
^^^ .Ass"n of Theatre
Owners, told the open-
I
^J ing session of NATO's
first annual convention
here September
^^'' 28 that there had
been one major disap-
V^^^^ pointment. He cited
^^^^1 that disappointment
„
.,
Marshall
. „ ,„
Fine
as the
.
,
failure and
outright
,
neglect ol
the Department of Justice to hold promised
hearings, requested by the Federal Court
more than a year ago, on blind bidding and
other related unfair trade practices.
Fine, who delivered the convention's keynote
address, said that exhibition looked to
the government to be a fair and impartial
referee in all inter-industry problems and,
he added, "it is disheartening to have to
ponder on the fact that the referee appointed
in this case is, at best, totally disinterested
in enforcing the rules and. at worst, perhaps
a kissing cousin to one of the combatants."
"If we are going to be unpopular in some
eyes for making loud noises in our own defense,
let us at least make sure that those
Corwin Sees Industry
Continuing to Grow
M:\\ ^ORk—"And niiv> another
industry year is abmil to start, for this
exhibitor, his 3*Jth— for many of you
rtiit there, too. a lifetime spent in :i fascinating,
pro\(>eali>e, e» er ehanyini; industry."
Ihns. .Sherrill C. Corwin. ne«
president of the National Ass'n of Theatre
Owners, cear with exhibitor organizations in Canada,
linglanil and France and with the "hardworking
West Coast association," the Academy
of Motion Picture .Arts & Sciences,
Fine said. He added it was hoped that
through an open-door policy of discussions
on all industry matters, benefit shall accure
to all and "as one who firmly believes that
no problem is insoluble between men of
honest intentions, these new liaisons can only
strengthen our industry as a whole."
Movie Month Great Aid
line termed National Movie Month the
organization's greatest accomplishment, adding:
"Never before have exhibitors had such
.1 magnificent opportunity lo help themselves
in the future by helping themselves
right now." He said he hoped the promotion
wmild become an annual event and that,
lb rough its success, other weak periods
would be aided.
J-ine said he believed 1966 would reflect
another year of increased grosses and the
records would show that new theatres were
on the rise everywhere. He pointed to "population
explosion" statistics and concluded:
"The future is therefore truly great for our
industry, and it is my hope and sincere belief
that our year-old baby will develop along
with it and stand ready to case the exhibitor's
problems while he prepares to prosper with
the times. We have the vehicle, we have the
manpower, in the likes of Sherrill Corwin,
we have the leadership."
BOXOFFICE October 3, 1966