Boxoffice-February.04.1974

IN ALL OF HISTORY
ONLY THREE MEN
HA/ECOME EACE TO FACE
WITH ETERNITY...
THIS FILM
IS ABOUT
THE FOURTH
CENTRUM
FILM CO.
Charlotte
GALAXY
Milwaukee
GILBRETH
FILM CO.
FILMS
^.
Oklah
New Orl
STARLINE
PICTURES CO.
THOMAS &
SHIPP FILMS
ingh
MULTI-NATIONA.
FILMS (Nashville)
An electrifying journey to the edges of your mind where m
y

A New Worid Pictures Release
NOT EVEN THE BIGGEST RAINSTORM
IN 3 YEARS COULD STOP THE ARENA!
RAIN: 10/2 INCHES HOLDOVERS: 20 THEATRES FOR SWEEKSl
GROSS:
NUMBER ONE IN TOWN
1st AND 2nd WEEKS
BLACK
SLAVE
WHITE
SLAVE
PAM GRIER
.VRlITtN B1
lOHN & JOYCE CORKING
fX vr*^
MARGARET MARKOV
ON
rRlipniDllV
MAKK DAMON
niRlCTEDBY
bl EVE CARVER TECHNICOLOH
A NEW WORLD PICTURE
IN
151,347
THE 1st WEEK AT 41 LA. THEATRES
ALBANY-BUFFALO
FUTURAMA ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
2506 Eastern Parkway
Schenectady, N.Y. 12309
Alan Iselin: 518-377-2328
ATLANTA-JACKSONVILLE
ATCO GIBRALTAR PICTURES
ATLANTA FILM BLDG,
161 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Jack Rigg: 404-688-3031
BOSTON-NEW HAVEN
ELLIS GORDON FILMS
614 Statler BIdg,
Boston, Mass. 02116
Ellis Gordon 617-426-5900
CHARLOTTE
GALAXY FILMS
222 S. Church Street
Charlotte. N.C. 28208
Jimmy James: 704-372-6747
CHICAGO-MILWAUKEE
J.M.G. FILM CO, SUITE 1014
32 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, III. 60601
Virgil Jones: 312-346-6916
CINCINNATI-INDIANAPOLIS
J.M.G. FILM CO.
EXECUTIVE BLDG, SUITE 400
35 E. 7th Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Jay Goldberg: 513-621-1750
CLEVELAND
Selected Pictures Corp.
29001 Cedar Rd.. Rm 451
Brainard Place
Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124
Jay Shultz: 216-461-9770
DALLAS
STARLINE PICTURES CO.
629A Merchandise Mart
500 S. Ervay Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
Jimmy Prichard: 214-748-5709
DENVER
O'MALIN ORGANIZATION
1860 Lincoln Street. Suite 240
Denver. Colorado 80230
Jay O'Malin: 303-573-0271
DETROIT
J.M.G. FILMS
23300 Greenfield Rd.
Oak Park, Michigan 48237
Nate Levin: 313-968-0500
KANSAS CITY-DES MOINES-OMAHA
Thomas & Shipp, Films Inc.
now. 18th St.
Kansas City. Mo. 64108
Jon Shipp: 816-421-1592
LOS ANGELES
NEW WORLD PICTURES
291 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, Ca. 90211
Frank Bruno: 213-659-5622
MEMPHIS
Starline Pictures Co.
100 N. Mam Street. Suite 948
Memphis. Tenn. 38103
Bailey Prichard: 901-527-9424
MINNEAPOLIS
Midwest Entertainment
704 Hennepin Ave., Suite 223
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Jim Payne: 612-332-4523
NEW ORLEANS
Masterpiece Pictures,
P.O. Box 9479
Metairie, La. 70055
Inc.
Mamie Dureau: 504-837-5535
NEW YORK
NEW WORLD PICTURES
250 West 57th St., Suite 730
New York, N.Y. 10019
Jerry Frankel 212-247-3240
:
OKLAHOMA CITY
Starline Pictures
P.O. Box 18512
Oklahoma City, Okla. 73118
Charlie Hudgins: 405-842-3201
PHILADELPHIA
ALAN PICTURES. INC.
900 Kings Highway, North
Suite 205
Cherry Hill, N.J. 08034
609-779-2400
PITTSBURGH
JOHN O.GLAUS AGENCY
P.O. Box 18072
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236
John Glaus: 412-653-5493
SALT LAKE CITY
J. D. THEATRE
P.O. Box 8312
Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
John Dahl: 801-466-1554
SAN FRANCISCO
Pacific Film Enterprises
988 Market St., Room 814
San Francisco Ca. 94102
H. Paul Williams: 415-441-2474
SEATTLE
Parnell Film Distributing,
2318 Second Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98121
Bob Parnell: 206-622-0246
ST. LOUIS
Thomas & Shipp, Films Inc.
539 N. Grand
St. Louis, Mo. 63103
Gerald Banta :
314-535-111/
WASHINGTON, DC.
JERRY SANDY
1217 "H" St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Inc.
Jerry Sandy: 202-347-2442
CANADA
INTERNATIONAL FILMS LTD,
20 Bloor St. West
Toronto 189, Ontario
Mcrley Mogul 416 962-40GI

:-. : --in-Chief
I (212)
"^ "Pu^ oft^'TTlcftionT^ictuie /m(u4t>i^
THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
Published In Nine Sectional Editions
and Publisher
BEN SHLYEN
JJESSE SHLYEN Managing Editor
[morris SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mgr.
iSYD CASSYD Western Editor
CHARLES F. ROUSE III ...Equipment
Editor
Publication Offices: 825 Van Brunt Blvd..
Kip.

Adult Film Assn Re-Elects Friedman;
To Wage Campaign for Mature Films
HOLLYWOOD — Two hundred
thirtyfive
exhibitors, producers and distributors
of adult films attended the "biggest ever"
meeting of the Adult Film Assn of America
held Januar)' 26-28 in San Diego. David
Friedman, re-elected head of AFAA and
who is
president of Entertainment Ventures,
described an aggressive campaign being
waged by the association in state legislatures
and the U.S. Supreme Court.
our society for X-rated films as well as
Disney films."
Arthur Knight, reviewer for Saturday
Review, gave the critic's view of X-rated
movies. He has testified several times in
the pa.st year for the defense in obscenity
cases and told the large audience that he
looked for serious literary or artistic merit
in the films under question before testifying.
Knight urged all producers present to
make films of quality and said if the film.^
were of quality the degree of explicitness
was no hindrance to his offering testimon\
as to
the films' merit.
'Hinterlands' Found Liberal
Gayle Essary, head of Gayle Essary Research
Associates, discussed the results of a
recently conducted public opinion survey
showing that 65 per cent of the population
of Kansas City, Mo., agrees that adults
have the right to view any pictures of actual
or simulated sexual acts in pictures or magazines
of their choice. Twenty-one per cent
disagree, while 14 per cent expressed indifference.
Essary added that his own findings
in a recent Los Angeles survey showed
that 75 per cent of the area's residents
.igreed to an adult's right to self-determination
in sexual viewing habits, while 12 per
cent disagreed.
Judy Raskin, of the Freedom of Choice
group which is sponsoring model obscenity
legislation, commented that the survey's results
seem to indicate less-marked differences
in attitudes in the "hinterlands," compared
to metropolitan areas.
Legal steps taken by the AFAA, including
the case of the AFAA vs. (he U.S. Attorney
General, were detailed by famed
attorney Stanley Fleishman. The suit would
restrain
the government from acting on any
cases prior to the Supreme Court's June 22,
1973, decision.
Fleishman also discussed the anticiix
curiae brief filed by AFAA with the Supreme
Court in the "Carnal Knowledge"
case. He said the AFAA model legislative
program, which allows con.senting adults
to choose sexual material, has been introduced
in 12 state legislatures.
Mr. and Mrs. Sol Maizel, John McKee
and Jack Matlack, all Portland, Ore., AFAA
members, led an open entertainment forum
outlining the steps they will be taking in
conjunction with other exhibitors and
liberal groups to win the upcoming Oregon
referendum on censorship laws. It was their
consensus that Oregon citizens would vote
Called 'Upbeat' Convention
to abolish all state censorship or obscenit>
laws as long as movies or magazines or other
"It definitely was an "upbeat' convention,"
Don Haley of Pussycat Theatres. Keefe
to
The entire slate of officers was re-elected,
materials were sold or shown only adults.
said
Brasselle, director of the X-rated musical
"You Better Stop It or You'll Go Blind"
with Friedman to serve another
Memphis.
term as
president; Carl Carter of Tenn.,
was the opening day's guest speaker. "Xrated
as first vice-president; Nancy Lindsey of
movies, through their acceptance by
Hollywood, second vice-president; Don
the American public, have become a legitimate
form of entertainment and expression
in the U.S.," he said. "There is room in
Davis of Hollywood, secretary; Dan Cady,
Hollywood, treasurer, and Darlene Foreman,
Hollywood, executive secretary.
New members added to the board of
directors include Mrs. Carlos Tobalino of
I-os Angeles, Alan Shackleman of New York
and Ann Murray Perlstein of Hollywood.
Wide press, TV and radio coverage was
accorded the event held at the Sheraton-
Harbor Island Hotel.
Nature Documentaries
Continue High Draw
MEDFORD. ORE.—Arthur R. Dubs,
president of Pacific International Enterprises,
Inc., reported that the company's
"Vanishing Wilderness" had grossed $8,-
367,407 through January 30. In the four
weeks after January 2, the film compiled
$5,094,000 in New York City. Philadelphia,
Washington, D.C.. Florida. Texas, Kansas
City, Minneapolis and the Phoeni.x-Tucson
market areas. To date the nature documentary
has played approximately 50 per
cent of the U.S. and Canadian markets. If
it fares as well in the second half of those
markets, its total gross should be near the
$17 million mark. Dubs pointed out.
For the first five days "Vanishing Wilderness"
played in New York City (January
23-28), the total gross was $962,115. With
the remaining two days of that first week
to be added to that figure. Dubs foresaw
$1.2 million as a possibility for the initial
week in Manhattan. Opening the documentary
January 30 were Detroit. Cincinnati,
Columbus. Dayton and Indianapolis.
However, a record set by "Vanishing
Wilderness" one year ago in Los Angeles
fell la.st month when PIE's "Wonder of It
All," another nature documentary, grossed
$1,034,000 in its first three weeks in 43
LA theatres and continued into a fourth.
"American Wilderness," still another PIE
product, has grossed more than $1,020,000
since January 2 in limited market areas of
North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama
and Virginia, according to Dubs.
'Exorcist' Is Winner
Of 4 Golden Globes
HOLLYWOOD— .Members of the Hollywood
Foreign Press Ass'n, representing
newspapers in 50 countries, opened the
awards season here with the presentation
of Golden Globes Saturday night (26) at
the 31st annual dinner in the International
Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton, with over
1.200 in attendance. Warner Bros.' "The
Exorcist" was the big winner, indicating
that the picture may be slated for artistic,
as well as economic, rewards during the
season that ends with presentation of the
Oscars April 2.
"The Exorcist" was named best motion
picture of the year, took awards for best
director and best screenplay and Linda
Blair, young star of the WB film, received
the Golden Globe for best supporting
actress of 1973.
George Barrie's "A Touch of Class"
(Brut Productions) was the vehicle U>r
which George Segal and Glenda Jackson
won best actor and best actress Golden
Globes in the musical and comedy categories,
while best dramatic actor and actress
awards went to Al Pacino (for his work
in the Dino de Laurentiis film "Serpico")
and Marsha Mason (for her role in 20th
Century-Fox's ""Cinderella Liberty").
The best supporting actor award went
to veteran theatrical star John Houseman
for his role in 20th-Fox's "The Paper
Chase."
Because of HFP,\ rules, the winning
foreign-language film, '"The Pedestrian,"
has been seen only by this group locally and
cannot be shown commercially until after
the Oscar awards, for which it was entered.
Cinerama Releasing Corp. will distribute
the picture, the producer stated.
Tatum O'Neal, daughter of Ryan O'Neal,
won a Golden Globe as the most promising
movie newcomer of the year for her
appearance in Paramount's "Paper Moon."
A like award went to Paul LeMat for his
role in Universal's "American Graffiti,'"
the film which also won a Golden Globe
for best comedy of musical motion pictures.
Other Globes went to the Herman's for
their song "The Way We Were," in the
Columbia Pictures release; composer-singer
Neil Diamond, best original score for a
motion picture for his music in "Jonathan
Livingston Seagull" (Para), and the special
Cecil B. DeMiUe Award was presented to
Bette Davis for "outstanding contribution
to the entertainment field."
Eydie Gorme and Steve Lawrence shared
master of ceremonies duties for the Golden
Globes ceremonies. Among the presenters
were Ginger Rogers and Ida Lupino.
Chrysler Corp. and Metromedia co-sponsored
the TV show, which was presented
live and also is syndicated. Bud Stefan
represented the agency handling Chrysler
and executive producer of the show was
Stephen W. Jahn, with Richard Dunlap producer-director
for the FunCo presentation.
Judy Solomon, president of HFP.A. tipened
the awards dinner.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

Arthur Manson Named AlP Marks Its 20th Anniversary
Exec. V-P for BCP With Record 26 Releases for '74
9NEW YORK.—Arthur Manson has been
appointed executive vice-president in charge
of distribution for
BCP (Bing Crosby
Productions), it was
announced by Charles
A. Pratt, who is president
of the film company.
BCP is a wholly
owned subsidiary of
Broadcasting
Cox
Corp.. one of the nation's
leading diversified
communications
Arthur Manson
companies. Manson,
who has been Cinerama Inc.'s vice-president
of advertising and publicity since 1967, will
take charge immediately of sales and marketing
worldwide for the high-grossing
"Walking Tall," as well as all current and
forthcoming theatrical releases.
Pratt stated, "We are pleased that Mr.
Manson is joining us at a time when BCP
IS planning increased activity in the theatrical
motion picture field. We believe that
a complete marketing approach is a key to
success. Mr. Manson has demonstrated his
competence while developing and supervising
the advertising and promotional campaigns
on "Willard.' 'Walking Tall' and other
BCP properties at Cinerama. It was Manson
whose marketing campaign turned 'Walking
Tall,' a boxoffice disappointment in its debuts,
into one of the phenomenal successes
of the motion picture business. 'Walking
Tall' has now exceeded $30,000,000 in boxoffice
gross within the United States alone."
Manson is a 25-year veteran of the motion
picture business. Prior to his six years
at Cinerama he was at 20th Century-Fox
as executive assistant to the vice-president
in charge of advertising and publicity. Manson
was also national advertising and publicity
director for Dino De Laurentiis and
advertising manager for Columbia Pictures.
As international director of advertising
and publicity for Stanley Warner-Cinerama,
Manson launched the Cinerama process in
many parts of the world. He also served in
Canada as director of advertising and publicity
for MGM Pictures. His entry in the
motion picture field was as advance agent
for "Henry V." Later he spent several years
as the producer's publicity representative
for Stanley Kramer, Samuel Goldwyn and
others.
Mideostern NATO Confab
To Be Held in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — The eighth annual
Mideastern NATO convention will be held
here in the William Penn Hotel May 12-14.
The NATO units of Ohio. West Virginia
and western Pennsylvania participate in
these
conclaves.
The Mideastern sessions last year at the
Perrysburg Holiday Inn. Toledo, Ohio, were
hosted by NATO of Ohio.
BOXOFTICE :: Febinary 4, 1974
HOLLYWOOD—American
International
Pictures, which this year observes its 20th
anniversary, plans a record total of 26 releases
for 1974. There will be 16 pictures
set through August and another ten films
SAMUEL Z. ARKOFF
to be added for the balance of 1974, reports
Samuel Z. Arkoff. chairman and president
of the Beverly Hills-based company.
"Our 20th anniversary has started with
a great momentum." Arkoff said, pointing
to the "excellent boxoffice results" of "It
Lives by Night," "Bamboo Gods and Iron
Men" and "Hell Up in Harlem," now in release.
Leon P.
To Continue Showmanship
Blender, executive vice-piiesident
distribution, speaking January 29, at ATP's
Western division meeting of branch managers
and sales and field representatives at
the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, enthusiastically
declared:
"We intend to continue our long-established
practice of being the friend of exhibitors,
giving them not only the product for
their theatre screens, but also the dynamic
showmanship and outstanding exploitation
that goes with the selling of our pictures.
"Our policy is not a return to showmanship.
Our policy is to continue and expand
the showmanship that has made ATP a leader
in the industry today because our only
business has been and is showmanship."
Blender cited 1973 as an "outstanding
year for AIP" and pointed to the top boxoffice
results of such films as "Black Caesar."
"Sisters." "Dillinger." "Heavy Traffic."
"Scream. Blacula. Scream." "Slaughter's
Big Rip-Off" and "Hell Up in Harlem," the
latter picture released at Christmas time and
now in current release.
The Bay City two-day sessions concluded
a series of four division meetings previously
conducted in Chicago, New York and New
Orleans. In addition to Blender, speakers included
Richard B. Graff, vice-president and
general sales manager, and Milton I. Moritz,
vice-president and advertising and publicity.
Among AIP film scheduled for release in
the coming months are:
FEBRUARY— "Deranged," with Roberts Blossom,
Cosette Lee and Robert Warner; "Sugar Hill," with
Morki Bey and Robert Quarry; "They Coll Her One
Eye" with Christina Lindberg.
MARCH— "Madhouse" with Vincent Price, Peter
Cushing and Robert Quarry.
APRIL — "Foxy Brown" with Pom Grier and Peter
Brown Terence Young's "The Amazons" with Alena
Johnston and Luciano Paluzzi.
MAY— "Kung Fu Brothers in the Wild West."
JUNE— "Superman vs. the Amazons," 'The Nine
Lives of Fritz the Cat," animated full-length cartoon
feature; "Truck Turner" with Isaac Hayes and Yaphet
Kotto.
JULY— "Ebony, Ivory and Jode" with Gloria Hendry,
Cheri Coffaro; "Golden Needles" with Joe Don
Baker, Elizabeth Ashley, Ann Sothern, Jim Kelly and
Burgess Meredith.
— AUGUST "The Marseilles Contract" with Michael
Coine. Anthony Quinn and James Mason.
Releases for September, October, November
and December will be announced at a
later date. Blender said.
Cinemation to Repurchase
95.100 of Own Shares
NEW YORK—Cinemation Industries,
announced that it had consummated an
agreement with Source Capital. Inc. (formerly
SMC Investment Corp.) to reacquire
Source Capital's warrants to purchase 9.S.-
100 shares of Cinemation. These warrants
were exercisable at a price of $7 per share
and were issued to Source Capital pursuant
to a subordinated loan agreement entered
into in July 1969. Cinemation's indebtedness
to Source Capital under that loan
agreement already has been repaid.
Support the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital
with contributions throughout the year.

Cine Guarantors Unites
With London Firm
HO[-L'>A\OOD— In an unprecedented
move, Taft Broadcasting's Cine Guarantors,
Inc.. of Los Angeles, and Film Finances
Limited of London have formed a joint
operation to provide completion guarantees
and production services on a full international
basis.
The announcement of the collaborative
venture was made January 17 by the principal
parties to the agreement. Bernard Weitzman
and Fouad Said president and chairman
of the Cine Group; Terry Morse, jr.
vice-president of Cine Guarantors. R.E.F.
Garrett, chairman of the board and managing
director of Film Finances; Bernard
S. Smith, managing director of Film Finances,
and William A. Croft, executive ot
the London-based firm.
Film Finances, has provided completion
guarantees to United Kingdom and European
filmmakers on over 600 films in the
past 20 years. The new alliance with Cine
Guarantors will consolidate its entry into
the finance and guarantee market in the
United .States.
The international aspects of the project
were emphasized by Weitzman. "For the
first time in the history of the industry a
foreign producer, planning to work in the
U.S. will be able to arrange for completion
bonding through Film Finance in London
and Cine Guarantors will handle the U.S.
end."
Cine Guarantors, Inc., is an independent
financing operation set up within the Cine
Group framework, which has provided fullscale
finance and guarantees for a number
of films during the past few years, including
"Across 110th Street," "Hickey and
Boggs." "Slaughter." "Hammersmith Is
Out," and the current "Black Belt Jones"
and "The Deadly Trackers."
Cine Guarantors also is set up to provide
full production services, including
budgeting, script breakdowns, computerized
production accounting and the entire range
of equipment packages from Cinemobile
.Systems. The company is currently providing
financial services for "Bobby and Rose,"
a film from Cine Artists International.
'Sleeper' Tops Half Million
For 5 Weeks in New York
NIAV YORK- \Vood\ Allen's bo.xoffice
hit, "Sleeper." has grossed more than half
a million dollars ($504,123) during its first
vice-president.
In New York as in most of the rest of
I lie nation, the film is showing considerable
holding power, with the fifth week cumulative
gross reaching $81,316, compared
with the $82,524 for the fourth week at the
two theatres, which have appro.ximately
1.000 seats combined.
fe&l
/*
lil.li.DlAA. ,SI AKI.S DKYILIN"—
.Manfred Bernhard and Perrj Dell are
the prime movers of Bcr-Dell International
Productions. Inc., which
launched its initial feature January 29
titled "Deviliii." a bicycle racing film.
Dell directs his own screenplay. Bernhard
is executive producer.
Thevis Outlines Plans
For Atlanta-Made Film
HOLLYWOOD—"There is no reason why
Atlanta, Ga., shouldn't be one of the film
capitals of the country. We are half way between
New York, the greatest source of
talent in the theatre, Miami, where the night
club talent spends the winters, close to Nashville,
where the recording industry is powerful
and we have personnel and equipment
in the recording and visual arts second to
none." stated Michael G. Thevis. entrepreneur,
in
the film and recording industry.
Here to discuss with producers the growing
distribution arm of his enterprises.
Worldwide Distribution Co., and to boost
the acceptance of his latest feature, starring
Leslie Uggams. Thevis outlined his plans.
They encompass setting up his own branch
office, marketing his own records through
Aware Records, which is a major operation,
and the production of at least three to
four major features a year. To implement
the distribution cycle. Thevis is in the process
of buying a well-organized firm, with
the intent of making its owner, an experienced
film hand, into its top executive
officer.
Discussing the film. "Poor Pretty Eddy."
Icnscd in .Atlanta with Rick Robinson, Thevis'
co-producer, they are high on the new
image which Ms. Uggams portrays, stating
that this is the first film in which she has
used her talents as an actress, along with
her ability as a great songstress. The film
is being edited in Hollywood, where Robin-
five weeks in New York at the Coronet and son is located.
Little Carnegie theatres, it was announced Due to the expected impact of the Uggams'
film on the market when the by James R. 'Velde, United Artists senior
records
break. Thevis is planning an all-out effort
in promotion to see that all radio station
disc jockeys get their copies to tie in with
the promotion of the film.
Obey that impulse and renew your siib-
.riplion to Bo.xoi I ici to keep it coming
very week.
Two Magazines Honor
'Fantastic Planet'
NEW \ORR— -Fantastic Planet." New
World Pictures release, has been selected as
Seventeen Magazine's February "Picture of
the Month," with Parents' Magazine bestowing
a similar honor on the PG-rated
animated science-fiction motion picture.
The adventure film opened to excellent
iiMness at the 357-seat 68th Street Playuse
here. Grosses climbed over 60 per
^ciii in the second week of the run, due to
lavorable word-of-mouth publicity and rave
icMcws, according to NWP president Roger
C orman, who purchased the film after seeing
it at the Cannes Film Festival, where
it was awarded the Special Grand Prix.
The third-week gro.ss at the 68th Street Playhouse
was almost $3,000 above the holidav
opening-week figure.
In Washington, D.C.. "Fantastic Planet"
doubled its third-week gross in the fourth
week of its showing at the Janus and Cerberus
theatres, where the picture is set for
an indefinite run. Corman attributed the increase
to the launching of a powerful TV
campaign.
Fantastic Planet" now is scheduled to
debut in Los Angeles at the Beverly Theatre
Wednesday (6) with the biggest advance
of any film in the history of NWP, including
Ingmar Bergman's "Cries and Whispers."
Over 50 major playdates are set for
February.
In addition to the Cannes award, "Fantastic
Planet" received a Gold Medal at the
Atlanta Film Festival and captured first
prizes at festivals in Teheran, Barcelona and
Trieste. The picture also has been acclaimed
by NBC-TV commentator Gene Shalit.
Joel B. Deitch Named V-P
For Indep.-Ini'l Sales
NEW YORK— Joel B. Deitch has been
named vice-president and Eastern sales
manager for Independent-International Pictures
Corp., it was announced by president
Samuel M. Sherman. Deitch recently served
as national sales executive with Cinema 5.
A graduate of Syracuse University, Deitch
began his career in the industry as a sales
trainee in Paramount's New York executive
sales office. He later held sales positions
at Allied Artists and .served as director ot
branch operations for Cannon Releasing
Corp.
WOMPI Int'l Nominating
Committee Appointed
CHARI.OLIE — Amalie L. GantI ot
Charlotte, president of the Women of the
Motion Picture Industry. International, announces
the appointment of the following
past international presidents to compose the
international nominating committee for the
year 1973-74:
Hazel LeNoir, Kansas City, chairman;
,Anne Dillon, Jacksonville: Mable Guinan,
Dallas: Myrtle Parker, Charlotte, and Dorothy
Reeves. New York.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

CinemaNational
TM
The new name for Carrols Theatres
The CinemaNational chain of theatres has proven itself to be one of the fastest
growing in the nation . Forty-three additional units are committed for major mall
locations in the next year. These modem multi-auditorium theatres are in new
structures with interiors that reflect CinemaNational's attitude of providing a
quality entertainment experience. This outstanding record of growth has made
it apparent to Carrols that this division merited its own distinct identity, one
that would reflect its contribution to the continued success of the corporation.
•(lUL^
Herbert N. Slotnick
Chairman of the Boa
& President
Daniel R. Fellman
Vice President-Director
Theatre Division
p'Z^a
(Liua£ Mk/
Carrols Development Corporation /Carrols Restaurants / CinemaNational Theatres

Attend Allied Artists National Sales Meeting in NY
NEW YORK—Jem' Gruenberg. vice-president-acneral sales of Allied A.rtists
Pictures (seated, third from left) conducted the company's national sales meeting in
New York City. Films under discussion included .^llied's current blockbuster. "Papillon."
starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman; the upcoming "Three the Hard
Way." starring Jim Brown. Fred Williamson. Jim Kellv and Sheila Frazier- the film
version of Harold Robbins' "The Betsy." and the action-adventure movie. ".Such Men
Are Dangerous."
Artists

Eugene Picker
Eugene Picker to Operate
Own Consultant Company
NEW YORK—Eugene Picker has concluded
a seven-year contract as executive
vice-president of
Iruns-Lux Corp. and
will continue to serve
.IS a member of the
hoard of directors and
executive committee.
He also will devote a
rge part of his time
.IS an executive consultant
to corporations,
organizations
and individuals in the
leisure-time field,
while continuing to operate from his office
at 625 Madison Ave., New York City.
Picker was president of the Entertainment
Division of Trans-Lux. expanding the
corporation's exhibition activities. He started
his career with Loews Theatres as a teenager
in 1920, rising to president in 1959.
In 1961, he became a vice-president in
distribution and corporate matters for
United Artists, joining Trans-Lux in 1967.
Picker's industry-related activities include
two years as president of NATO and two
years as chairman of its board of directors.
He is also treasurer and a director of the
Will Rogers Hospital and Research Center;
a director of the Motion Picture Pioneers;
chairman of the Sunshine Coach committee
of Variety Clubs International; member of
the board of directors of the Broadwa>
Ass"n, and a former member of the governor's
committee of the International Film
Importers and Distributors of America.
Paul Rosenfeld Is Named
Reade Org. Film Buyer
NEW YORK— Paul Rosenfeld has been
named film buyer for the theatre division
of the Walter Reade Organization, it was
announced by Sheldon Gunsberg, president.
Rosenfeld will be responsible for buying
films for the company's theatres in San
Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, New
Orleans, and Boston, and will report directly
to Julian Schlossberg, 'VP and head
film buyer.
Rosenfeld joined the Walter Reade Organization
in November 1971, and was responsible
for booking live talent in the company's
various theatres. He formerly was
active in the management of rock groups
at the Fillmore East. In September 1972 he
was appointed assistant to Schlossberg in
the film buying department.
Rosenfeld succeeds Milly Sherman who
has resigned in order to free lance as a
consultant in the motion picture business.
Stewart Shostak has been appointed
assistant to Schlossberg. Shostak will work
directly with Schlossberg and Rosenfeld in
the booking of films throughout the Reade
circuit.
Prior to his
new position Shostak worked
in the production and technical fields of
the television industry. He is a graduate ol
Adelphi University in Garden City, Long
Island.
MOTION PICTURES RATED
BY THE CODE & RATING
ADMINISTRATION
The following feature-length motion pictures
have been reviewed and rated by the
Code and Rating Administration pursuant
to the Motion Picture Code and Rating
Program.
Title DIstfibutof Rating
Flesh Gordon (Graffitti) (x)
Foxy Brown (ALP) [g
Francy's Friday (Sam Lake) (x)
Games That Lovers Play (MacRoden) [r]
High Rise (Mature) (Xj
Kwaheri (Cardinal) \r\
Lovin' Molly (Columbia) [r]
Love Swedish Style (ScreenCom) (X)
The Lustful Vicar (Cinepix) (\j
Mark of the Devil II (HaUmark) [r]
Ministern—Home Secretary
(Worldwide)
[r]
The Mysterious Island of
Captain Nemo (Cinerama) PG
Thomasine and Bushrod (Columbia) PG
Truck Turner (AIP) \r\
CODE AND RATINGS APPEAL BOARD
PHASE IV
Rating Changed to PG
Explanation: This film was rated R by the Code
and Rating Administration (Bulletin No. 270). After
hearing an appeal by the film's distributor, Paramount
Pictures Corporation, the Code and 'Rating
Appeals Board voted to reverse the decision of the
Code and Rating Administration and to place the
film in the PG category.
MY WAY Rating Changed to PG
Explanation: This film was roted R by the Code
and Roting Administration (Bulletin No, 271). After
hearing an appeal by the film's distributor, Joseph
Brenner Associates, Inc., the Code and Rating Appeals
Board voted to reverse the decision of the Code and
Rating Administration and to place the film in the
PG category.
Douglas Netter Producing
'Ricco' for MGM Release
LOS ANGELES—Douglas Netter, who
recently announced his resignation as MGM
executive vice-president, is continuing his
association with the company as producer
of "Ricco," starring Dean Martin, according
to Daniel Melnick, senior vice-president,
worldwide production. "Ricco" is the
first film to roll under the MGM banner
since Frank E. Rosenfelt became president
and the first of Martin's films under his
new three-year, three-picture contract with
MGM. Principal photography is scheduled
to begin April 1.
Netter stated, "We are now developing
the character and personality of 'Ricco'
for Dean Martin, anticipating that it not
only will be a successful film but also may
lead to both a motion picture series and
subsequent TV series."
Netter's return to production marks the
renewal of a long-standing association with
Martin, as he worked on the planning and
production of all films in the Matt Helm
series.
Goldwyn Dies at 91;
Pioneer Producer
LOS ANGELES— .Samuel Goldwyn, 91,
one of the outstanding pioneer independent
motion picture producers, died early Thursday
morning. January 31. The cause of
death was not announced, but he had been
in the hospital for an ailment related to
age earlier in January.
Goldwyn's motion pictures included "Best
Years of Our Lives." "Wuthering Heights,"
"Hans Christian Andersen," "Guys and
The Amorous Headmaster (Cinepix) (x)
Blazing Saddles (WB)
\r\
Conrack (20th-Fox) PG Dolls," "Porgy and Bess" and "The Pride
Deep Throat Part II (Bryanston)
of the Yankees." He had been secluded in
g]
his Beverly Hills mansion since 1967, when
he suffered a stroke. His only public appearance
was on March 27. 1971, when
President Nixon visited the Goldwyn home
to present the producer with the Medal of
Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
The President praised Goldwyn for making
films that were entertaining, exciting, great
boxoffice but not square "and not dirty."
Goldwyn's pictures earned Academy
Awards and about every other honor. Until
recent years he kept up his lifelong habit of
walking, his favorite game of croquet
and his fondness for regular work and exercise.
His wife, Frances Howard, one-time
Broadway actress, whom he married in
1925, shared the important decisions Goldwyn
made and they had a "his and hers"
arrangement for many years at the Goldwyn
Studios. Her small office adjoined his.
Their son. Samuel Goldwyn jr., 43, followed
his father into the business, becoming a
director and producer.
In more than half a century Goldwyn
turned out such great stars as Will Rogers,
Eddie Cantor. Vilma Banky. Ronald Colman,
Gary Cooper. Danny Kaye, David
Niven, Betty Grable, Paulette Goddard.
Lucille Ball and Bob Hope.
In 1919 Goldwyn formed a company
called "Eminent Authors" for important
writers to turn out movie stories. In 1927
he became owner-member of United Artists
and terminated his affiliation in 1940. He
was one of the founders of Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer.
He was married to Blanche Lasky, sister
of Jesse L. Lasky, and divorced in 1915.
Goldwyn, Lasky and De Mille formed the
Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Co., which
later became Famous Players-Lasky Corp..
forerunner of Paramount Pictures. In 1913
they made the first feature-length film, "The
Squaw Man." in a rented bam.
Goldwyn sold his interests in the Lasky
company and formed Goldwyn Pictures
Corp. The name Goldwyn was formed from
the first syllable of Goldfisch and the last
Selwyn. Sam Goldwyn liked the name and
adopted Goldwyn as his own. His real name
was Goldfisch.
General Cinema Dividend
BOSTON—The board of directors of
General Cinema Corp. has declared the
company's 55th consecutive quarterly dividend
of 10 cents per share, payable March
25, to shareholders of record February 25.
of
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

Feb. 21 Israel Bond Fete
To Honor Michael Stewart
LOS ANGELES—Every facet of the
entertainment industn^ in North America
has mobilized its efforts behind the first
international tribute dinner of the performing
arts on behalf of Israel Bonds, it was
announced by David V. Picker, Two Roads
Productions, chairman of the event. The
dinner, which will honor Michael Stewart,
president of United Artists Records, is
slated for Thursday (21 ) at the Centurv
Plaza Hotel.
Arthur B. Krim, chairman of the board
of United Artists Corp., and Robert S.
Benjamin, co-chairman of the board, are
honorary chairmen of the dinner.
From coast to coast, leaders in motion
pictures, record companies, music publishers,
agencies, entertainment trade publica-
the opportunity to make this function a
truly meaningful and dramatic demonstration
of support for the economic security
of that
nation."
Reservations for the dinner are $20 per
person, with admission predicated on the
purchase of $ 1 ,000 or more in Israel Bonds.
Information may be obtained by contracting
dinner coordinator Michael Lipton at
United Artists Records, 6920 Sunset Blvd.,
Los Angeles. Calif. 90028, phone 461-9141.
Brock Peters Making Tour
To Promote UA Film
NEW YORK—Brock Peters, co-producer
(with Michael Tolan) of "Five on the Black
Hand Side" for United Artists relea.se believes
in selling his own picture personally.
He is on a multi-city, cross-continental
tour in behalf of the comedy, starting in
tions and allied industries have volunteered
to serve on the top-flight committees for
Philadelphia January 28.
Over the subsequent weeks he also will
the event. Picker said. In the coming week
four key meetings— in New York City, Chicago.
Baltimore and Los Angeles—have
visit Baltimore, Detroit, Boston, Cleveland
and Los Angeles, cities for openings of the
film. Peters already participated in numerous
been scheduled in support of the dinner.
"The entire corporate structure of United in New
television,
York
radio
with key
and
editors
press
and
interviews
writers,
and also has met with many leaders and
Artists, its affiliate companies and other
members of community, educational and
allied companies are putting their massive
efforts behind the success of this first annual
religious organizations.
Hitherto famed as an actor, Peters makes
dinner," Picker stated. "In addition, I
know that all friends of Israel will welcome his debut as a producer with this film.
CLEARING
FILMS WANTED
HOUSE
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
t
PRIVATE
ISmm
COLLECTOR
and 35mm films.
wishes
All repli(
be answered, Boxoff.ce, 3023.
BINGO CARDS. SS.75M, 1-75 Oihe.
ames available. Ofi-On screen. Novelty
James, Guymard Turnpike, Box 87, Midleiown,
N Y. 10940. (914) 386-4067.
Build
Lee's
Summit
FILMS FOR SALE
FAMOUS CLASSICS. Illustrated
: ).' mbeck Pictures, 3621-B Wa-
: v.. r-r,.-. Moines. Iowa 50321.
PROJECTORS,
MITTENTS, etc
PROJECTOR REPAIRS
chanics. Reasonable pricesi Write ior de
tails. STAR CINEMA SUPPLY, 217 Wes
21st Street, New York, lOOU.
DRIVEIN THEATRE CONSTRUCTION
SCREEN TOWERS INTERNATIONAL: Ten
Day Screen Installation. (817) 642-3591
Drawer P, Rogers. Texas 76569. In Canada,
contact local General Sound & Theatre
office or (506) 657-6220.
POPCORN MACHINES
ALL MAKES OF POPPERS,

. . Burgess
'i¥MftwMd ^efumt
A gain in production starts for February
was reported by the filmmakers as nine
films went before the cameras. American
International listed three while other majors
entered four. The previous month of January
started with only four features. There
were 19 tallied for February 1973.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
Eronv, IvdR"! ANi) Jadb. John .'\shley
and Eddie Romero, who produced Mama,"
will team again to produce this film, which
starts shooting in Manila this month. Romero
also will direct. Gloria Hendry already
has been signed to star in this Hemisphere
Philippines picture, set for release in late
July. The original story and screenplay,
about three beautiful women, a black, a
white and an oriental, who get involved in a
theft of a million dollars, is by H. Franco
Moon and Harry Comer.
Golden Needles. Actor-stunt man Clarence
Barnes has volunteered for and has
been cast as the bodyguard of Burgess
Meredith who stars in this film, and is
actually acupunctured seven times in the
picture. A romantic adventure film including
Joe Don Baker, Elizabeth Ashley, Ann
Sothern and Jim Kelly, the script is about
a worldwide chase for a statue that has
needle punctures showing the secret of restoring
male virility through acupuncture.
S. Lee Pogostin and Sylvia Schneble wrote
the script. The film is scheduled by AlP
for release this summer. Robert Clouse directs
and Fred Weintraub and Paul M.
Heller co-produce.
Marseilles Contract. Michael Caine,
Anthony Quinn and James Mason, with
French actress Maureen Kerwin, star in this
Kettledrum production now filming in Paris.
Judd Bernard is producing from his own
original story and screenplay about French
smuggling of dope into the United States.
Robert Parrish directs.
PARAMOUNT
Onc e Is Not Enough. Howard W. Koch,
who is producing the screen version of
Jacqueline Susann's novel for Paramount,
is currently checking locations abroad, with
the film's director, Guy Green. Adapted
for the screen by Jules Epstein and Green,
picture is scheduled to go before the cameras
at Paramount Studio in Hollywood sometime
this month.
20TH CENTURY-FOX
W. W. AND THE Dixie Dancekings. Burt
Reynolds is being starred in Stanley Canter's
Triangle Productions' film, the first for
Canter under his 20th-Fox pact. A rollicking
action-comedy interspersed with a
plethora of country-western music, the picture
will be filmed entirely in Nashville,
employing the fabled Grand Ole Opry for
location shots. John G. Avildsen is directing
from the screenplay written by Frank
By SYD CASSYD
Pierson and Thomas Rickm.m, based on
the latter's original story.
UNITED ARTISTS
Juggernaut. Richard Harris, Omar Sharif
and Oliver Reed are co-starred in this
production, which is scheduled to start this
month on location in London. Richard Alan
Simmons produces and Don Medford directs.
WiLBY Conspiracy. Producer Martin
Baum. with Sidney Poitier and Michael
Caine starring in Baum's Optimus/Baum/
Daniel production has set a tentative starting
date for this film, on location in Africa.
Planned for the middle of this month, the
film will be directed by Ralph Nelson.
INDEPENDENTS
Caruth C. Byrd Productions
Monkeys of Bandarpur. Shooting in
Agar, India, this film is headed by Alan
Hale and Robert Wilkie, with George
Brooks and J. "Skeet" Wilson, co-producing.
Larry Hovis collaborated with director
Tom Stobart on the screenplay, taken from
Stobart's own original story.
Won World Productions
California Split. Robert Altman's new
film, starring George Segal and Elliott
Gould is being made under the banner of
Won World Productions, a company formed
recently by Robert Altman and Aaron
Spelling and Leonard Goldberg. Actorwriter
Joseph did the original screenplay
and will co-produce with Altman, who also
directs the comedy-drama. Ann Prentiss and
Gwen Welles were signed for the two leading
feminine roles.
Cornel Wilde Has Multi Chore
For UA's The Treasure'
Cornel Wilde will serve in a multicapacity
as writer, director, producer and
star of "The Treasure," to be filmed for
release by United Artists, it was announced
by David Chasman, UA senior vice-president
in charge of production. Based on
an original story by Wilde, "The Treasure"
is an adventure of the high seas. Filming is
scheduled to begin in February on the island
of Bonaire, in the Netherlands West Indies.
Recently acclaimed Wilde films include
"Beach Red" (UA) and "The Naked
Prey." . . Universal Pictures signed Alan
.
J. Pakula to produce and direct "One More
Song" (tentative title), an original satiric
comedy by Stanley Sherman, as a co-production
between Universal and Pakula's
Gus Productions Co. According to Sid
Sheinberg. president of MCA, Inc., parent
company of Universal Pictures, the film
will begin this summer. Pakula was the
producer of "To Kill a Mockingbird" for
Universal. He also produced and directed
Universal's "Sterile Cuckoo," "Klute,"
"Love and Pain and the Whole Damn
Thing" and the upcoming "Parallax View,"
starring Warren Beatty . . . Howard W.
Koch, who is producing the screen version
of Jacqueline Susann's novel, "Once Is
Not Enough," for Paramount, left for Marbella,
Spain, where he will be joined by
the film's director Guy Green, on a location-scouting
tour. After Spain, Koch and
Green proceed to Zurich, London and then
New York. At the latter locale they not
only will spot locations, but begin casting
major roles. "Once Is Not Enough,"
adapted for the screen by Jules Epstein and
Green, will go before the cameras at Paramount
in Hollywood in early February . . .
Robert M. Weitman has concluded arrangements
for Don Siegel to direct "The
First Deadly Sin," as a Robert M. Weitman
production of a Siegel film for Columbia
Pictures release. The film is based on
the best-selling suspense novel by Lawrence
Sanders, and will shoot on location in New
York City late this spring. Weitman just
returned from London where he set the
deal with Siegel. The latter, whose recent
pictures include "Dirty Harry," "Charley
Varrick" and "Drabble," starring Michael
Caine for summer release, will take offices
at Columbia Studios here late this month.
Nicol Williamson to Co-Star
In The Wilby Conspiracy'
Nicol Williamson, one of England's foremost
actors, has been set for a leading role
with Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine in
"The Wilby Conspiracy," to be released by
United Artists. Also signed for the Martin
Baum production, which Ralph Nelson will
direct, are Prunella Gee of the top-rated
English television show, "Shabby Tiger,"
and Persis, a popular London model who
recently won Miss India title. "The Wilby
Conspiracy" will be filmed on location in
Africa from a screenplay by Rod Mateau
and Harold Nebenzal, based on a novel
by Peter Driscoll. Shooting is scheduled to
start next month . Meredith has
been signed for a special starring role, and
Jim Kelly for a starring role in American
International's "Golden Needles" by producers
Fred Weintraub and Paul M. Heller.
Filming has started on Los Angeles locations
and will be completed in Hong Kong.
Kowloon and the South China Sea. Other
stars in the film include Joe Don Baker.
Elizabeth Ashley and Ann Sothern. Robert
Clouse is directing. The story, one that
dramatizes a 12,000-mile fight for a golden
statue which embodies the secret of renewed
male virility, through acupuncture.
is by S. Lee Pogostin and Sylvia Schneble.
The film will be released this summer as
an important part of AIP's 20th Anniversary
lineup.
Columbia Casts Hackman
For 'Bite the Bullet'
Academy Award winner Gene Hackman
is the first star cast for "Bite the Bullet."
which Richard Brooks is writing and directing
for Columbia Pictures, a division
of Columbia Pictures Industries. Because
of the urgency of the storv', an outdoor adventure.
Brooks set an April 1 starting date.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 11

BOXOFFKE
BAROMETER
This chart records the performance of current ottroctions in the opening week of their first runs in
the 20 key cities checked. Pictures with fewer than engagements are not As new runs
five listed.
ore reported, ratings ore added and averages revised. Computation terms percentage is in of in
relation to normal grosses os determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent as "normal,"
the figures show the gross ratings above or below that mark. (Asterisk denotes combination bills.)
*
American Graffiti
(Univ)

ADLINES & EXPLOITIPS
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY
FEATURE RELEASE CHART
FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST
SHORTS RELEASE CHART
SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS
REVIEWS OF FEATURES
SHOWMANDISING IDEAS
THE GUIDE TO § BETTER BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S - B U I L D I N G
Giveaways, Contests Provide Spark
For Robin Hood' in Duluth, Minn,
A life-size stuffed bear, a $100 dining
certificate, records. "Robin Hood" dolls and
reward posters were all given away in related
contests sponsored in behalf of the
engagement of the new Walt Disney cartoon
feature "Robin Hood" at the Norshor Theatre
in Duluth, Minn.
Norshor manager George R. Brown arranged
to have a stuffed Little John, one
of the characters in the movie, given away
to a lucky child on WDSM-TVs Mr. Toot
program, the top area children's show.
Brown furnished Mr. Toot with 5,000
"Robin Hood" coloring contest folders, and
Mr. Toot distributed them to his live audience
on his Tuesday and Thursday programs
and advised the children that there were
contest entries available at the TV station
and in the lobby of the Norshor Theatre.
Mr. Toot had the stuffed bear sitting
next to him during all of his daily programs,
Monday thru Friday, for three weeks in
advance of the playdate, gave plugs frequently
announcing the picture's opening
at the Norshor and ran non-commercial
film clips from the picture.
The winner of the coloring contest was
announced on the air by Mr. Toot two days
prior to the film's opening. The winner was
a little girl from Eveleth, Minn., a town
located 60 miles from Duluth. Second
prize, a "Robin Hood" record album, was
awarded to the first place winner's little
sister. Brown personally delivered the prizes
to the two young ladies at their home in
Eveleth. The Eveleth News carried a picture
story of the presentation, as did the Messab:
Daily News, the daily newspaper in Virginia,
located three miles from Eveleth.
Brown announced that a number of
entries had been received from a local day
activity center and that he had invited those
entrants to a free showing of "Robin Hood"
at the Norshor Theatre.
Another "Robin Hood" contest was aired
over WAKX radio in Duluth. Prizes included
hams, gift dining certificates from
the Robin Hood Restaurant, "Robin Hood"
record albums and guest tickets to the
movie. Brown reported that hundreds of
entries were received for the radio contest.
The Robin Hood Restaurant sponsored its
own contest in connection with the film,
offering a $100 dining certificate.
Jidianna Tassoni of Eveleth. Minn,
(center), won a life-size Little John, one
of the characters in the "Robin Hood."
in a coloring contest held in conjunction
with the film's engagement at the
Norshor Theatre in Diduth. Minn.
Second prize, a "Robin Hood" record
album, was won by Julianna's tittle
sister, Nancy. Making the presentation
is Norshor manager George R. Brown.
Valentine Girl Selected
At South Dakota Theatre
A year ago manager Anthony Minchin
of the Homestake Theatre in Lead, S.D.,
began advertising a Valentine Girl contest
10 days in advance of Valentine's Day. Gals
attending the theatre on Valentine's Day
could register by listing such vital statistics
as their age, height, weight and color of
hair and eyes.
A description of the Valentine Girl had
previously been posted in the lobby listing
the age (17-23), height (5-6 to 5-7), weight
(125-30) and hair (red).
Minchin received 98 entries plus a few
boys who chose to register. The winner, a
young lady from nearby Deadwood, won a
dinner for two, a box of Valentine candy
and a two-week pass to the Homestake.
The contest received publicity in the
newspaper as well as on local radio.
Shopping Bags Boost
Way We Were' Date
This past Christmas season at the Westland
Mall Shopping Center in Columbus,
Ohio, was quite typical of years gone by
many tired, frustrated shoppers going from
store to store looking for those special gifts,
children visiting Santa—with one major exception,
last month's holiday rush found
shoppers carrying "Streisand-Redford — 'The
Way We Were' " shopping bags with them.
Prior to the Christmas day opening of
the film at the Westland Cinema 1, located
in the mall, shopping bags were distributed
to stores in the mall for the merchants to
give to their customers during the holiday
season. Shopping bags could be spotted
everywhere on the mall, according to Westland
Cinema officials— in the stores and,
most of all, in peoples' hands.
Musicland Record Store arranged a special
display themed around its Barbara
Streisand records and used copy promoting
the "The Way We Were" in the display.
The Walden Book Store displayed copies
of the novel along with posters of the movie.
The store has already sold over four shipments
of novels.
Westland Cinema employees wore white
and blue T-shirts with "Streisand & Redford
Together" imprinted on them. Badges and
key chains were handed out to patrons on
Christmas day.
During the holidays, the radio stations
in the area supplemented the Westland
Cinema promotion by playing the title
from the film, sung by Streisand.
song,
Sweetheart Party Highlights
Pre-Valentine's Festivities
When he was manager of the Crest Theatre
in Clinton, Mo., last year, Jerry Mason
held a double-bill Sweetheart Party as part
of his pre-Valentine's Day activities.
The lobby and refreshment center areas !
were decorated with cupids. hearts and clusters
of red and white balloons. Patrons al
the separate-admission late show registered
for prizes which included a fur-lined batf '
tub, a free night on the town and boxes ol
Valentine candy in heart-shaped boxes.
Mason found an old bathtub, painted i
and lined it with bright red fake fur
Dubbed the "Love Tub." it was set up ii
the lobby two weeks in advance, where i
could easily be seen from the sidewalk b;
passersby.
BOXOFFICE Showmandiser Feb. 4, 1974

Energetic Coeds Conduct Sleeper'
Marathon for Woody Allen Picture
Kung Fu Marathon Offered
At Wolfberg's Paramount
Tom Smiley, general manager, Wolfberg
Theatres, assembled five top martial arts
features on the same bill last month, following
the concept of the highly successful
"Go Ape for a Day" promotion that 20th
Century-Fox used to launch its fifth and
final "Apes" picture, "Battle for the Planet
of the Apes."
The martial arts program was comprised
iif the first-run Warner Bros, release "The
Sacred Knives of Vengeance" (as a headliner);
"Five Fingers of Death"; "Fists of
Fury"; "The Chinese Connection," and
"Kung Fu: The Invisible Fist."
On the screen, the five films ran a total
of nine hours, which Smiley said "should
be long enough for even the most avid
martial arts fan."
The martial arts marathon played one
week only at the Paramount Theatre. The
blockbuster program was promoted via a
combo ad under the headline "An All-Day
Marathon of Kung Fu Giants! See Five of
the Bloodiest Martial Arts Pictures Ever
Made."
7uiy cuiiiui;(.(H(.s. .\c-ciiiiiii;iy untiring young coeds from Northern Kentucky
Slate College participated in a "Sleeper Marathon" held in conjunction with the
ptaydate for the new Woody Allen picture at the Studio Cinemas in Cincinnati.
The girls took up residence for one week in the window at the Loll 43 Cocktail
Lounge. Amy Cordosi (top photo, left) was declared the winner after one week.
Attraction boards, like the one at the Time Towne Cinema (bottom right), were
displayed in all of the Mid States theatres in downtown Cincinnati.
By FRANCES HANFORD
VVduIJ you h.ive enough courage to sleep
ill .1 public window where pedestrians could
peck on the window for your attention,
camera bugs could constantly take your
picture and TV cameramen, with their
bright lights, would make it a point to show
you in disarray for newscasts?
Two young coeds at Northern Kentucky
State College, Covington, Ky., did it
"or fun to promote a recent engagement
)f United Artists' "Sleeper" at the Studio
rinema in Cincinnati, Ohio. The promotion
legan with a tie-in with WEBN-FM to
ind two girls to participate in a "Sleeper
vlarathon." The station ran a total of 60
promo spots in search for the two
girls. After the two young ladies were
selected, a tie-in was arranged with Loll 4.^
Cocktail Lounge, located in the Dubois
Tower on the beautiful new Fountain
Square Plaza. A big bed was placed in the
front window of Loll 43, which served as
the girls' home during the contest.
The marathon rules required that the girls
be in bed by 8:30 each evening and 2:30
in the afternoon. Each sleeper had three
hours off away from the bed each day.
The girls were required to check in and
out with an authorized contest official.
The "Sleeper Marathon," which ran for
one week, received vi^idespread publicity in
the form of extensive radio and television
coverage and attraction boards in all of the
Mid States theatres in downtown Cincinnati.
Radio, Record Shop Tie-Up
Scoring Big For 'Hendrix'
Warner Bros, used the successful teaming
of radio stations and record shops to
hypo engagements in Dallas and Houston
ol its successful musical documentary "Jimi
Hendrix."
In Dallas, progressive rock station KAFM
held a midnight preview screening at the
Esquire Theatre. For one week, through
promo spots and ad-libbed DJ banter, listeners
found out they could pick up tickets
for the preview at Sound Town record
stores, located all over the city. Each disc
outlet featured window and in-store displays,
including posters, stills and records,
as well as Jimi Hendrix standees and flags.
In Houston, the same kind of promotion
was extended with KLOL and Evolution
Tapes and Record stores. Other cities
in which the radio station-record store tieup
have taken place include Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and Sacramento.
Radio-TV Stations Herald
'Magnum Force' in Denver
Three promotions over radio and 1\'
stations covering a very broad segment of
the Denver market helped herald the smash
engagement of "Magnum Force," the
Warner Bros, sequel to "Dirty Harry."
KOA-AM gave away Clint Eastwood
personality posters to listeners who called
in and later stopped by the station offices
to pick them up.
"Magnum Force" T-shirts were offered
on the air to members of the young listening
audience of KIMN radio.
On KWGN-TV, the afternoon movie
host. Tom Shannon, showed the large "Magnum
Force" standee and asked viewers to
send in names to be eligible for winning it
Ml a drawing.
BOXOFFICE ShowmandiBor :: Feb. 4, 1974

I ger
j
became
i
Theatre
UATC Opens Triplex
In Delco Plaza Mall
NEW YORK—The United Artists Theatre
Circuit's new triplex operation in York,
Pa., opened to the public Wednesday, January
23. in the Delco Plaza Mall at Carlisle
Road and Route 30, it was announced by
executive vice-president Salah M. Hassanein.
First attractions at the triplex were
'Magnum Force" at Cinema 1, "The Paper
Chase" at Cinema 2 and "The Don Is
Dead" at Cinema 3.
Add Allen Pinsker to Board
Of UA Eastern Theatres
NEW YORK—Allen Pinsker, executive
vice-president and film buyer for United
Artists Eastern Theatres, Inc., has been
named to the board of directors, it was
announced by president Salah M. Hassanein.
Pinsker joined UA Theatres in 1968 as a
Youths Protest Showing
Of 'Superstar' in Rome
ROME, ITALY—Pamphlets protesting
the showing of the film "Jesus Christ Superstar"
were distributed in St. Peter's Square
January 6 by groups of youths who infiltrated
crowds gathered to hear the traditional
midday blessing given every Sunday by
Pope Paul. The protests followed the appearance
of hundred of posters around
Rome condemning the film version of the
rock musical.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" was slated to
open January 7 in the Italian capital with a
charity benefit premiere.
Letter of Appreciation
BROOKLYN, N.Y.—The Benevolent Society
for Retarded Children and Willowbrook
State School has written Preston R.
Tisch of Loews Corp. in appreciation of
continuing efforts by Dorothy Panzice.
manager of the circuit's Kings Theatre, the
latter arranging periodically for a busload
of the handicapped youngsters to attend a
performance. The letter thanked manager
Panzice's staff for its helpfulness.
Century Twin Opens
MOORESTOWN. N.J. — The Century
Twin theatres on Route 38 in the Korvettes
Shopping Center opened Wednesday, January
2. Both auditoriums contain 378 seats
and both have 13x27-foot screens. The
building covers 10,695 square feet.
Two Theatre Firms Fined
In Buffalo City Court
BUFFALO—Two theatre corporations
were fined a total of $5,000 in city court
here after they pleaded guilty to obscenity
charges. Judge Rudolph U. Johnson imposed
$3,000 in fines against Countrywide
Theatres of New York City, operator of
the Granada Theatre, on pleas of guilty to
promoting obscenity in showing films.
Dismissal of charges against Richard M.
Basford, manager of the theatre, was gained
on the basis of the corporation's pleas. He
also was granted a motion that a police return
fingerprints and photos taken following
his arrest, because he now is without
any convictions and is entitled to their return
under state law.
Judge Johnson also imposed two $500
fines against Avant Garde Theatres on pleas
of guilty to attempted promotion of ob-
the showing of films at the Village
scenity in
Cinema in the Central Park Plaza and the
Capri Art Theatre, which the corporation
operated at the time.
film buyer, was named head film buyer
David Gerald Jay, a local lawyer, represented
a New York the next year and a vice-president in 1970.
law firm in entering
He was elected a vice-president of the
the Countrywide guilty pleas and gaining
parent company. United Artists Theatre
dismissal of about two dozen other obscenity
Circuit, Inc., in 1972 and named executive
charges. All involved showing the same
He
vice-president of UA Eastern in 1973.
films on different dates. said the guilty
Beginning his career as a theatre manapleas
entered last month were contingent
in Hempstead, Long Island, Pinsker
an apprentice booker for the Island
on an expected ruling by the State Court
Circuit, New York City, in 1957.
of Appeals on the obscenity section of the
state penal law. The state's highest court
He was promoted to head film buyer for
that circuit before joining UA Eastern.
subsequently upheld constitutionality of the
obscenity section.
Meanwhile, in Schenectady, N.Y., the
York View Theatre Corp. of Manhattan
and three officers have been fined a total
of $3,000 for showing "Deep Throat" at the
Colony Theatre. The theatre was raided
Oct. 18, 1973, and a print of the film seized.
The theatre and three officers later were
indicted on charges of violating state obscenity
laws. They pleaded guilty in a consolidated
action before a Schenectady County
judge who levied the fine.
Columbia to
Distribute
'Santee' Outside U.S.
NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures has
acquired from Crown International Pictures
"Santee," starring Glenn Ford in the title
role, for distribution in all territories outside
of the United Slates and Canada.
Produced by Deno Paoli and Edward
Piatt and directed by Gary Nelson, the dramatic
color outdoor adventure also stars
Michael Burns and Dana Wynter as
"Valerie."
Filmed on location in and around Santa
Fe, N. M., "Santee" is about a dedicated
and resolute bounty-hunter tracking down
four desparate outlaws with high prices on
their heads.
Airer Wants 2nd Screen
EAST STROUDSBURG. PA.—The zoning
hearing board has been asked to grant
a special use permit to allow the Skyline
Drive-In to be converted to a twin-screen
operation.
Neighborhood Twin
Set for Dale City
DALE CITY. VA,—The northern division
of Neighborhood Theatres, which i.s
headquartered in Richmond, Va., will start
construction of a twin complex on or about
March I in the Glendale Shopping Center
here, according to Ray Tompkins, assistant
director, northern division. The dualer will
be known as Glendale Cinema 1 and 2.
Hilton Construction Co. of Woodbridgc,
Va., is the contractor and A. D. Hall is
the architect for the Neighborhood duo.
More Censor Board Funds
Necessary, Says Preller
BALTIMORE—David J. Preller. chairman
of the Maryland State Motion Picture
Censor Board, in a hearing on the agency's
budget before the House Appropriations
Committee January 25 in Annapolis, said,
"Either fund it properly or kill it. The state's
motion picture censor board is the Appalachia
of state government."
The board is asking for a $25,000 hike
for a total of $75,000 in its budget for fiscal
year 1975.
"We can't survive at $49,000." Preller
asserted. "We have equipment that the
Smithsonian Institution should take. Judges
have to come in and see films and we're
embarrassed. It's absolutely atrocious."
While the committee found the testimony
humorous, Preller said the board takes about
25 cases to court each year but has lost
only one. That defeat, he said, "was because
we didn't have funds to hire an expert witness."
The board is seeking approval to hire
three new investigators to check if motion
picture operators are showing films intact
the board has censored certain scenes.
after
Preller said the one inspector who does
this comes up with about ten prosecuted
cases a year. He stated the board censors
approximately 40 to 50 films a year out of
the 600 it views.
"Deep Throat' Huddle Held
KITTANNING. PA.—Armstrong County
Dist. Atty. D. Dale Claypool, borough
officials, theatre owners, area clergymen and
citizens met recently as a result of apparent
public concern over the showing of the
film "Deep Throat" at the Roxy Theatre
in Ford City. Pa. Dist. Atty. Claypool said
the following day that no legal action was
planned against the movie house, since an
agreement had been reached with the manager
of the Roxy to end the film's run within
a few days.
Believes in Individual Rights
PITTSBURGH — Andrew L. "Drew"
Lewis of Montgomer>' County opened his
bid for the GOP governorship nomination
here, charging that the Shapp administration
is corrupt. On so-called pornography,
Lewis believes that "everybody should have
the riaht to indulge his own tastes."
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 E-1

B R O A D W Ay
J^ BIG SENDOFF WAS GIVEN TO "Not
Just Another Woman" Wednesday evening,
January 23, with an invitational premiere
with various clients on CLvproduction deals.
•
Magna Pictures Corp.. announced that
at the Lincoln Art. followed by a president-executive general manager Mar-
reception at the English Pub. Some 650 shall Naify has taken a leave of absence for
people jammed into the Pub. which normally
health reasons. In his place. Robert A.
Naify, executive vice-president, will act ii\
has a seating capacity of 250. Howard
Ousley, who composed the theme for the executive general manager.
film, performed with his group and there
were topless go-go girls entertaining. ABC-
TV covered the event, which is alread>
being dubbed "the party of the year."
Featuring Tina Russell, the film is now
one of the most successful in town. Virtual-
the entire porno crowd attended, with the
ly
notable exception of Marilyn Chambers.
And, proving that this group is really a
friendly one. Harry Reams was warmly
greeted by Georgina Spelvin in the theatre
lobby following the screening. The casts
of "Woman" and of "Fringe Benefits."
screened the day before, were on hand:
Ms. Russell. Don.Mlen, Darby Lloyd Rains.
Any Mathieu. Marc Stevens. Andrea True
(also known as Inga Kissin), Eric Edwards.
Kevin Andre, and Ms. Spelvin.
Public relations, a term which can easily
be misinterpreted under the circumstances,
were handled by Mike Levine and Randie
Levine (no relation).
•
"Deep Throat II," Biyanstoii Pictures'
softcore sequel to the porno classic, did not
open on showcase Friday, January 25. as
scheduled, due to the refusal of local television
stations to accept ads. New opening
is now set for Friday (8). Linda Lovelace
again stars in the film, which is being released
through Bryanslon's sub-division,
Dainiano Films.
•
Irvin Shapiro, president of Films Around
the World, Inc., left for the Coast to confer
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•
Cleavon Little, star of Mel Brooks' western
comedy "Blazing Saddles," arrives Monday
(4) on behalf of the Warner Bros,
release, which replaces "Don't Look Now"
at the Sutton on Thursday (7). Also starring
in the film are Gene Wilder. Slim
Pickens and Madeline Kahn.
•
Martin H. Newman, executive vice-pre.sident
of Century Circuit, has been elected
chief barker of Variety Club of New York,
Tent 35, it was announced by outgoing
chief barker Bernard Myerson, who has just
completed a two-year term.
James R. Velde, .senior vice-president of
United Artists, was named first assistant
chief barker and Norman Weitinan, Paramount's
general .sales manager, will be second
assistant chief barker. Dough guy will
be Norman Robbins, vice-president and general
manager of National Screen Service,
with Phil Isaacs, vice-president of Tomorrow
Entertainment, repeating his chores as
property master.
Other members of the 1974 crew are
Meyer Ackerman, Harvey Baren. Mel Berman,
Martin Levine, Ted Royal and George
Waldman. Induction takes place this month
(Feb.) at a special luncheon.
•
Seventeen Magazine for February has
chosen New World Pictures' animated science-fiction
feature "Fantastic Planet" as
Picture of the Month. Also reviewed in
this issue are "Serpico," "Five on the Black
Hand Side," "Happy New Year," "Superdad"
and "The French Conspiracy."
•
Showcase openings for Wednesday (30)
were a kung-fu combo: "The Thunder
Kick," "Fi.sts of the Double K" aiul "The
Godfathers of Hong Kong," "Jonathan
Livingston Seagull" and the combo "Coffy"
and "The Mack." Opening Friday (I) were
the double bill "We.stworld" and "Soylent
Green." Continuing are "The Exorcist."
"Vanishing Wilderness," "The Sting," "Serpico."
"Dirty Joke." "American Graffiti."
"The Devil Made Mc Do It." "The Laughing
Policeman" and "The Seven-Ups."
"Zardoz," John Boorman's spaced-out
dream of what the future may turn out to
be, had its world premiere Wednesday (6)
at the Trans-Lux East Theatre in Manhattan.
A 20th Century-Fox attraction, written,
produced and directed by Boorman, "Zardoz"
— part science fiction, part fairy tale,
part adventure— stars Sean Connery and
Charlotte Rampling.
Bluefield Theatre Robbed
Of $400 by Lone Bandit
BLUEFIELD, W. VA.—A lone barfdit
who said he had a pistol in his coat pocket
held up Granada Theatre boxoffice attendant
Dorothy Woodie recently and escaped
with approximately $400 in cash.
Mrs. Woodie said the man approached the
ticket window at approximately 8; 10 p.m..
handed her a brown paper bag and demanded
that -she "fill it with cash."
Since the bandit appeared to be holding
a gun in his coat pocket, Mrs. Woodie
complied with the request. The holdup man
then ran west on Commerce Street. An investigation
by the police is continuing.
Young New York Critics
Cite John Houseman
NEW YORK—John Houseman, the 71-
year-old debuting star of 20th Century-Fox's
"The Paper Chase." has been awarded a D.
W. Griffith citation, given at the first annual
award presentation of The Young
New York Film Critics Ass'n.
Houseman's award was given for his
many contributions to the screen as a foremost
producer as well as for his acting
performance in "The Paper Chase."
Also cited by the young critics as Best
Song of the Year was "I Got a Name."
from 20th-Fox's "The Last American
Hero."
Sherpix to Close Doors
NEW YORK—Sherpix. which has distributed
such films as "The Stewardesses,"
"Mona" and "School Girl." will close its
doors permanently, effective March 1. Company
head Louis Scher reportedly will retain
his Art Theatre Guild circuit which is
composed of approximately 43 showhouses
in the Midwest and West. Disposition of
the Sherpix library was not disclosed.
Theatre Is Damaged by Smoke
ALLENTOWN. PA.—The Jcanette Theatre.
425 Tilghman. received slight smoke
damage Saturday (5), when a three-alarm
fire broke out in an automotive repair establishment
located adjacent to the movie
house. No damage estimate was immediatc-
Iv
available.
In New York—Joe Hornstein,
Capitol Motion
(212) 757-4510
CARBONS, INC. »
"^ ^^ Albony Theatre Supply Co., Albany, (51S) 465-8894
Box K, C«dor Knolls, N. J
In New Jersey— Nationol Theatre Supply C ^., Camden, (609) 962-9200
Sun Carbon Co., Fort Lee, (201) 224-4969
Pennsylvania— Allied Theatre Supply Co., Phlladelphio, (215) 567-2047
Virginia—Perdue Motion Pictures, Roonoke, (703) 366-0295
E-2 BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

Papillon
Cinderella
The
The
NY Boys Club to Sponsor
'Gatsby' World Premiere
NEW YORK—The Boys Club of New
York will sponsor the world premiere of
Paramount Pictures' "The Great Gatsby,"
was announced by Frank Yablans, president
it
and chief operating officer of Para-
mount Pictures, and Robert Evans, executive
vice-president in charge of worldwide
production. The world premiere wiU be
held at Loews State I Wednesday, March
27th.
Following the gala premiere of "The
Great Gatsby," Yablans and Evans will host
a party at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria.
There also will be a party at
"21" hosted by the Boys Club of New York
following the showing of the film.
Produced by David Merrick and directed
by Jack Clayton, the film version of F.
Scott Fitzgerald's classic American novel
stars Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Karen
Black. Lois Chiles, Bruce Dcrn, Scott Wilson
and Sam Waterston. The screenplay is
by Francis Ford Coppola. Hank Moonjean
is the association producer.
The Boys Club of New York committee
for the world premiere includes Virgil Sherrill,
R. L. Ireland and Sheldon Tannen as
cochairmen, while Mrs. Virgil Sherrill, Mrs.
William Hutton, Mrs. Joseph Thomas and
Mrs. R. L. Ireland are the co-chairmen of
the women's committee. Mrs. Whitfield
Carhart is honorary chairman. The Newport
committee is headed by Mrs. Peter McBean
and Mrs. Charles Grosvenor.
The Boys Club of New York serves more
than 6,000 youngsters a year at three New
York City clubhouses, a year-round camp
in the Catskills and a caddy camp on Fishers
Island. With a full-time staff and over
60 part-time instructors and volunteers, they
are devoted to helping growing boys realize
their full potential and find direction in
their lives. The Boys Club also has more
than 120 boys currently on preparatory
school and university scholarships.
Planners Approve Portion
Of CarroUtowne Center
HANOVER. PA.—The planning commission
has given approval (two years after
the plan was first presented) to the first
phase of the Carolltowne business center
near Eldersburg. The center is part of an
eventual planned unit development that will
have nearly 3,000 residents and it must
have a public works agreement from the
county commissioners before a permit will
be issued.
The business center is planned to house
a 700-seat theatre, a department store, a
drug store, smaller shops, a bank, a restaurant
and offices.
Jamesway Plaza Progressing
SOUDERTON, PA. — Construction is
continuing at the Jamesway Plaza, a new
shopping center complex in Hilltown Township.
A motion picture theatre will be included
in the plaza, which is located at the
intersection of Route 113 and old Route
309, just across Route 113 from the present
Souderton Shopping Center.
A/of Just Another Woman' Takes Top
Barometer Spot in
NEW YORK—"Not Just
Another Woman."
a new porno fihii featuring Tina Russell,
took top honors in its first week at the
Lincoln Art with a 620 percentage. Second
was "Sleeper" (No. 1 last time), averaging
515 for its sixth week at the Coronet (450)
and Little Carnegie (580). Third came "The
Sting," down from No. 2 and a composite
450 fifth week at the Cine (480), Murray
Hill (500) and State II (365).
"Resurrection of Eve" slipped a notch
to the fourth spot, pacing in at 295 for its
17lh stanza at the World. Fifth was "Don't
Look Now," also down one place, an even
200 for the seventh exciting round at the
Sutton. "Papillon" made it unanimous by
also going down a peg to sixth spot, averaging
a 180 for the si.xth round at the Orpheum
(120). State 1 (220) and Tower East
(190).
"The Exorcist" and "Serpico" were the
big winners on showcase.
really
(Average Is 100)
Cine The Sfing (Univ), 5th wk 480
Columbia Liberty (20th-Fox), 5fh wk. 55
Sleeper iUA), 6th wk 450
Coronet
Criterion Magnum Force (WB), 4th wk 175
86th Street East Mognum Force (V/B), 4th wk.
' • .150
-- (Emb), 7th wk .... 135
-Not Just Another Won
agon
.620
Little Carnegie Sleeper (UA), 6th w
Murray Hill The Sting (Univ), 5th
Orpheum— Papillon (AA), 6th wk.
Plaza Alfredo, Alfredo (Para) 6th
Riolto I—,1001 Danish Delights (Con
68th Street Playhouse Fantastic Planet
(New World), 6th wk 150
State (AA), 6th wk 220
State The Sting 5th wk 365
(Univ), II
-Don'tLook Now 7th wk 200
(Para),
Tower East Papillon (AA
East—Jimi Hendrix (WB), 5th
World—Re
Eve (Mitchell Br
17th wl.
Ziegfeld ^The Doy of the Dolphin (Emb) 6th wk
"Papillon/ 'The Seveix-Ups' Set
Slow Baltimore Pace With 120s
BALTIMORE — "Papillon" and "The
Seven-Ups" each rated 120. thereby sharing
No. I on Baltimore's weekly grossing Barometer
on a level that sharply contrasted
New York City
to the higher percentages compiled in preceding
weeks of 1974.
5 West, Cinemo II, Paramount Steeper (UA),
6th wk 100
Liberty II, Glen Burnie Moll, Patterson Mognum
Force ;WB) 5th wk nO
Towson Don't Look Now 100
(Para), 6th wk
Westview I— Papillon (AA), 6th wk 120
Laughing Westview Liberty II, Policemon
(20th-Fox) 85
Westview III, Cinema Seven-Ups
(?0th-Fox), 6th wk 20 1
Westview IV—Ash Wednesday Para), 5th wk. 75
.
Ask City Action on CATV
PITTSBURGH—A citizen group studying
the feasibility of introducing CATV to
the city finds that the important issue is
whether the system should be publicly or
privately owned and/ or operated. City
council action is asked by this group, authorizing
the establishment of CATV, as
the city is surrounded by political subdivisions
(40) which have cable TV operations.
All are privately owned in deals worked
out by municipalities on exclusive or nonexclusive
franchises.
Sheriff's Sale Postponed
READING, PA.—A sheriffs sale which
included the Park Theatre and Daniel Boone
Hotel properties scheduled for Friday morning.
January 11. was postponed by the U.S.
District Court. Philadelphia, because the
owner plans to reorganize under the bankruptcy
laws. The postponement was directed
by Federal Judge A. Leon Higginbotham jr.
at the request of the Douglas & William
Corp. of America, owner of the properties.
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BOXOFFICE-THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
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BOXOFHCE :: February 4, 1974
E-3

Cohen
PHILADELPHIA
\X7illjam Friedkin, director of "The Exorcist."
comes here to lecture on the campuses
of Temple University and Community
College of Philadelphia Monday and Tuesday
(4. 5). Both talks are free. The first
day. at Temple. Friedkin will discuss the
filming of "The Exorcist." Earlier that day
there will be a screening of his documentary
"The People vs. Paul Crump" and "The
Boys in the Band." which he directed. Both
film showings will have a 75-cent admission
charge. Tuesday (5) at Community College
he will discuss "The Anatomy of a Chase"
and a screening of "The French Connection,"
which Friedkin directed, will be offered.
Already a smash at the boxoffice at the
nearby Westmont Theatre in New Jersey.
"The E.xorcist" received added attention
when a dozen persons picked the house to
protest what they termed the "one-sided
message" of the iilm. The group included
a minister and an evangelist from area
churches.
Rhonda Fleming was honored for her
work with physically handicapped children
at the installation dinner-dance of Variety
Club Tent 13. held at the Bellevue-
Stratford Hotel. Allan Salkind was installed
as chief barker, succeeding Paul Mezzy. He
is the son of former chief barker Harold
Salkind.
The Academy Theatre in suburban Merlon
celebrated the third annual W. C. Fields
Day with a "child insulting contest" . , .
Humphrey Bogarfs 75th birthday was
marked by the center-city Casablanca with
RCA Theatre
Service
fhenation^ finest for 40 years
RCA Service Company
A Division of RCA
3310 South 20th Street, Philadelphia, Penna. 19145
Phone: (215) HO 7-3300 (Pa.)
(609) 963-2043 (N. J.)
Robert Shaw and Joanne Woodward will
come here to star in the stage production of
August Strindberg's "Dance of Death," to
be produced by Joseph Papp at the Zellerbach
Theatre March 4-16 .. . Frank Sinatra
makes his first appearance in this city in six
years when he returns to the 19.000-seat
Spectrum for two concerts April 21-22.
Unique Philadelphia Unit
Boasts of Only 29 Seats
PHILADELPHI.^— Harking back to the
early nickelodeon days, the newest movie
house in the center city is the Sackett
Screening Room. A converted storefront
emporium, it only has 29 seats—and no
lobby. A 16mm operation, the theatre aims
to establish itself with an "anything goes"
policy of old. neglected and imported films.
The project is the brainchild of Barnard
L. Sackett. who operated the Aarde Cinema,
which was located directly across the street
and was devoted exclusively to "porno"
films, particularly those a with homosexual
theme. Sackett also has produced a number
of "porno" films, with his "Eroticon" a
major success.
However, Sackett will face heavy competition
within the next month, since his
vacated Aarde Cinema also is being converted
to offer rare, unusual and neglected
films in a refurbished facility to be known
as the Academy Screening Room. While
Sackett seats only 29. the Academy will
install 120 seats and operators Ralph Moore
and Barry Hampe hope to have a price scale
the showing of the film "Casablanca" in
that will not exceed $2.50.
the eatery.
Sackett opened Wednesday, January 30.
The Refowich Theatre in Frccland staged with an uncut 1933 version of "Hallelujah.
an Old Tyme Film Festival." with the showing
of Buster Keaton's "The General"; Langdon. To bolster his initial program,
I'm a Bum," starring Al Jolson and Harry
Charlie Chase's "Midsummer Mush," and Sackett included a 1934 Fox-Movietone
Laurel and Hardy's "The Music Box." newsreel, a 1931 comedy short, a 1938 cartoon
and the trailer for "White Zombie."
"Our policy," explained Sackett. "is one
of 'no policy.' I'll play first runs, tenth runs,
foreign and silent movies."
The Sackett Screening Room also will
afford filmmakers the opportunity to showcase
their work and the locally produced
"Confessor" is scheduled for a future showing.
Right now, Sackett has no plans other
than to play what he likes.
Allied Theatre Equipment Co., Inc., of Phila. & Baltimore
The 29-seat idea came to him as a result
of his own experience of seeing too
many films in virtually empty houses. "A
few people in a big house makes the theatre
look empty." said Sackett. "But put the
same number of people in a small house and
you get a packed look."
Opening film for the Academy Screening
Room across the street some time in mid-
February will be the "I. F. Stone's Weekly"
documentary. The operators also expect
that their 120-seater will serve as an outlet
for local filmmakers and as a place to
hold retrospective films and festivals. Coowner
Moore is a movie buff and recently
had been employed by Janus Films and
currently is working up a spring film festival
for the Walnut Street Theatre, local legitimate
house. Co-owner Hampe is associated
with the .^nnenberg School of Communications
at the University of Pennsylvania.
While the Sackett Screening Room is
without a lobby, he will not lose out on the
income normally derived from candy and
popcorn. He installed a penny arcade next
door and patrons waiting for the next show
can while away the time playing pinball,
air hockey and electronic games.
BUFFALO
Cidney J. Cohen, president of NATO of
New York State, has been thanked by
Paul Roth, president of national NATO,
for sending him the new exhibitor's booking
book and has congratulated him on
rounding up over 30 pages of ads. Cohen
has sent an excellent folder on the Will
Rogers Hospital at Saranac Lake to all
members of New York NATO. Sid is one
of the directors of that excellent institution
which offers medical services to all members
of the entertainment-communications industry
.. . and his wife attended
TEXPO '74 in Dallas, Tex., as well as the
meetings of directors of national NATO.
Temple Beth EI presented "Ben Gurion
Remembers." a feature-length film portrait
of the man and the story of Israel. There
were matinee and evening showings. Simon
Hesara is the producer-director of the fihn
which was shot exclusively throughout
Israel.
Nick Snow, who made his debut at the
Rivera Theatre in North Tonawanda two
years ago, made a return engagement there
January 23. Snow won first prize in the
1970 Rochester Theatre Organ Society's
competition. Included in the evening's program
was a short silent comedy and a singalong
accompanied by Nick.
PHILADEIPHIA
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Felony charges were invoked for the first
time in city court against a theatre corporation
and manager in the alleged showing
of obscene films. Gerald Attenson, manager
of the Fine Arts Theatre, and Jabdor
Cinema, the operator, pleaded innocent before
Chief Judge .Sebastian J. Bcllomo. .Attenson
was released and further proceedings
scheduled for Wednesday (27). The felony
charge was placed on the grounds that au-
BOXOFTICE :: February 4, 1974

. . The
. . The
. . Area
. . The
. . The
. . AFT's
. . Wayne
I..
thorities found a 16-year-old boy in the
theatre viewing the allegedly obscene films.
Bingo, in a six-month period, recorded in
Erie County the second highest profits of
the 56 counties in which the game is played,
according to the New York Bingo Control
Commission. Erie County's profit was $3,-
529,410, second only to Kings County,
which scored $3,584,454.
'Witch Hunt' Film-Book
Bill Is Active in Pa.
PITTSBURGH—Film industry members
and the public here were shaken when the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
amended the antipornography bill to permit
each of the commonwealth's 67 counties to
apply its own standards of obscenity. Originally
the measure provided for a state
standard and, if permitted to stand, this interpretation
of the House members could
require the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
to render 67 different rulings on whether
a movie violates the law and at a cost to
the film industry of providing perhaps 67
different versions of release prints.
The original bill had passed the Senate
before this new House action. Sponsor of
the amendment was Philadelphia lawyerrepresentative
Martin Mullen, candidate for
the Democratic nomination for governor on
a platform based only on "public morality."
The House-passed amended bill toughens
the antipornography measure to make it
easier for local district attorneys to move
against theatres and bookstores. There was
a rwo-hour floor debate and there were two
significant changes approved for the proposal:
to allow law enforcement officials
to destroy obscene material confiscated after
the court hands down a permanent injunction
against its sale (passed 130-58) and the
67 counties to have their own standards on
books and movies (105-80).
.'\s passed by the House, the bill has been
changed in committees to leave open the
definition of "community standard," a move
supporters of the bill
complained would lead
to lengthy trials and fewer prosecutions.
Rep. Joseph Zord. Republican of Pittsburgh's
Whitehall and committee chairman
handling the proposal, is unhappy with the
changes, stating that as passed in the lower
body it could lead to witch hunts and censorship.
He hopes to get the House to send
the bill back to his law and justice committee.
The House law and justice committee
amended a bill that would allow gambling
by nonprofit institutions in the commonwealth
and give counties control over licensing.
This measure was released to the House
floor for action.
A commonwealth bill outlawing smoking
in certain public places, unless designated
areas are set aside for smokers, has been
proposed by a suburban Philadelphia legislator.
Rep. Charles H. Dager, Republican
of Montgomery County. His measure would
restrict smoking in theatres, elevators, libraries,
art museums, concert halls and
buses.
PITTSBURGH
pantastic Planet" is the new offering of the
John O. Glaus Agency . professional
theatre at the Playhouse died January
21 when its board of trustees voted unanimously
to disband. The children's theatre
will continue at the 40-ycar-old theatre
under the direction of Point Park College
and amateur groups again take over the
Playhouse stage with bookings in March,
April and May. Charles Warner, board
chairman, expressed confidence that the pro
theatre will be revived by some other group
in another location here.
Jack Van Lloyd, Tent 1 convention chairman
for the VCI convention, to be staked
at the San Francisco Hilton May 28-31, has
local registrations clearing through VCI,
Miami, Fla. Registration forms are available
at the local Variety clubrooms in the William
Penn Hotel.
Dave Silverman offers American International's
"Bamboo Gods and Iron Men" . . .
The Casino showed "Rendezvous in Hell"
and "Norm's Dilemma" . Fulton
Mini offered "The Tall Blond Man With
One Black Shoe" . Shadyside, after
"Au Pair Girls" put in "Jesus Christ Superstar"
and then "How to Seduce a Women,"
which will give way Wednesday (13) to
"Happy New Year" . Fulton, which
recently sneak-previewed "Cinderella Liberty,"
will feature this when the Disney
"Superdad" goes off screen there.
Hollis Frampton, independent filmmaker,
will show and discuss some of his films at
Carnegie Lecture Hall Wednesday (13). The
German "Variety" of 1931 will be exhibited
there at no charge Sunday (10) and the
Charlie Chaplin-Paulette Goddard "Modern
Times" of 1936 will be seen Friday (15) in
8 and 10 p.m. screenings.
Area theatres are showing "Blood Drinker,"
"Sweet Sugar," "The Ghost." "Female
Animal." "Paper Moon," "The Pai>er
Chase," "The Long Goodbye," "Midnight
Cowboy," "The Don Is Dead," "High Plains
Drifter," "Night of the Bloody Apes,"
"Feast of the Flesh," "Matter of Terror,"
"Deep Throat" and "The Devil in Miss
Jones."
. . . The
George Tidd opened the long-closed
Hollywood Theatre, California
Continental Adult Book Shop at Cressen
was completely destroyed in a $60,000 predawn
explosion. Opponents of adults films
and books had been unsuccessful in seeking
an injunction to close the busines.
"Male Chauvinist Pig" won a holdover
at the Art Cinema . theatres introduced
The Garden showed
"Siddhartha" . . . "The New Comers," the ads stating that it
features "the world's greatest all-star cast,"
plus "Gabrielle" ... In special double-feature
release are "Should a School Girl Tell?"
and "The Games School Girls Play" . . .
Atlas Theatre Supply's former famous old
building at Miltenberger and Locust, long
since razed, now is the site of a fenced-in
playground-basketball court . . . Jimmy Ley,
Universal representative for this territory
out of Cleveland, recently was hospitalized
there.
"A Walk on the Wild Side" was featured
at Penthouse 2 along with a return of "Four
Into One Goes" and on the booking chart
are such features as "The Back Row" and
"The Night Before." Penthouse 1 followed
"Sheela" with "Shot on Location" . . .
American International's two-day executive
sessions held in New York were attended
by Dave Silverman, who is enthusiastic with
the 1974 program . Callan, manager
of the Warner, is kept busy with traffic
for "The Exorcist."
Joe and Molly Mulone, favorite exhibitors
at Cheswick, state that they will have their
new theatre ready for opening this spring.
Under roof for a year, there were delays because
of surrounding wet clay which had to
dry before work could be continued. Seating
400. the all-new and modern house is located
on Route 356 at Silverville, generally
referred to as Sarver. in Buffalo Township,
Butler County, and will be named Cinema
356. Situated on the 28-acre plot are a lake
and stream. The giant lobby, about 50x70
feet, is as large as some of the cinema auditoriums
these days. The parking area will
accommodate 350 cars. Joe and his son
Nick are busier than ever at present,
building to specifications theatre screen
frames which are ordered from around the
world. This factory is located in the rear
parking lot area of their Cheswick East and
West theatres.
Morris Finkel's relief manager is the busy
Walter Struzynski, who swings from the
Whitehall, Mount Oliver, Arcade and
Margo Lovelace's
Shadyside theatres . . .
Marionette Theatre again will come up with
an adult production, "The History of a
Soldier," in late April and May . . . Teddy
Cozza, president of Teamsters 211, including
film handling, etc., has been appointed
new international organizer for the 40,000-
member Teamsters Joint Council 40, which
expects to expand at this time.
Erie ad George Stem co-hosted the January
25 party at Variety Tent 1 . . .
Handicapped
children's groups are now making
reservations for Camp Variety, located near
Bradford Woods in northwestern Allegheny
County. George Werl is summer camp director,
The John Wayne starrer, 'McQ," was
booked to open Wednesday (6) at the Fulton
and "Screaming Tiger" was moving into the
Gateway, with "Serpico" opening there
Wednesday (6) . . . "The Day of the Dolphin"
is the next offering for the Forum and
Encore .
"Rhinoceros" is the offering
at licensed participating theatres here
Monday and Tuesdav (4, 5) . . . "How to
(Continued on next page)
c
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974
E-5

. . The
NORTH JERSEY
paul Peterson and Harold Zeltner have
taken over operation of the 600-seat
K-Mart Cinema in Randolph Township, it
was announced recently. The two-and-ahalf-year-old
house previously had been operated
by Garri Theatres. John Nelson,
manager of the cinema for the past two
years, continues in that post. In addition to
K-Mart. Peterson and Zeltner also run the
Clairidgc in .Montclair and Center in Bloomfield.
Grace Cartisano has been appointed manager
of the independent Center in Bloomfield,
succeeding Ted Michele, who had
held that post nearly five years prior to his
recent resignation. Mrs. Cartisano has been
employed at the Center for the past si.x
years, having started there as a candy attendant
and later working as cashier.
Edward Furman has been appointed relief
manager at U.-X's Hyway in Fair Lawn,
succeeding John Hoflner, who recently resigned.
Retired from the CI.A, Furman resides
in Fair Lawn and was a manager for
Stanley Warner Theatres in the Newark
zone for a number of years in the early
1950s. Hoffner had been appointed assistant
manager at the Hyway nearly seven years
ago, when the house belonged to Fabian
Theatres. Following the theatre's takeover
by UA a year ago. he was named a relief
manager in the Bergen County area and
recently had been assigned to the Hyway
as well as UA"s Fox in Hackensack. Bill
Leff is manager of the Hyway.
Vince Ligouri, an industry veteran of
many years who retired nearly two years
ago as a district manager with RKO in the
North Jersey area, is presently recovering
from a cataract operation at Barnctt Memorial
Hospital in Paterson.
The Arnold Theatre in
Point Pleasant, on
the Jersey shore, has reopened following its
purchase from the Walter Reade Organization
by an independent group headed by
John Bouha. The new owners renovated
RCil
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much of the 600-seat house, including the
marquee, and installed a new front on the
theatre. Operated by Reade for many years
as a seasonal-only situation, the Arnold had
been closed since last Labor Day. The reof)ening
marked the first time that the
shore house had been opened on a regular
basis at any time other than the summer
months. First attraction was "The Way We
Were" and reports are that the opening
week was extremely well attended.
The American Film Theatre presented its
latest attraction, "Rhinoceros," on a Monday
and Tuesday, wtih regular matinee and
evening performances. Area theatres participating
in the AFT program include U.Vs
Cinema 46 in Totowa and Rialto in Westfield,
General Cinema's Hudson Plaza in
Jersey City, DeVisser's Verona Verona
in
and the independent Maplewood, as well as
eight other North Jersey houses. "Rhinoceros"
was the fourth presentation in the
AFT series. Previous shows in this area
were "The Iceman Cometh" (October), "A
Delicate Balance" (November) and "The
Homecoming" (December).
"Walking Tall" had its North Jersey premiere,
beginning with an "advance preview
week," at Nathan's Berkely Heights Cinema
in Berkely Heights and Clifton in Clifton,
UA's Teaneck in Teaneck, Schonfeld's New
Plaza in Linden and 1 1 other area locations,
prior to its regular opening the following
week at these theatres. During the "preview
week" most theatres presented the film
one show per night only. Initial reaction to
According to newspaper ads, "11 O'Clock
Movies Are Back" at the Capitol in Passaic.
The special series of shows, normally
presented on Friday and Saturday nights,
was begun over a year ago, then discontinued
in recent months. It was renewed last Friday
and Saturday night (1,2) with the showing
of "The Concert for Bangladesh," plus
"Night of the Living Dead." Coming attractions
include "Fritz the Cat," "Let It Be"
and others. Admission for the late show
onlv is $1.50.
Critics of X Films Urged
To Attend 'Clean' Movies
C HAMBHRSBLIRG. PA. - Following
legal action against a Chambersburg theatre
which was exhibiting the motion picture
"Deep Throat," the local newspaper has
been deluged with letters from area readers
expressing opinions pro and con concerning
the exhibition of adult movies in the town.
One communication took a positive direction,
urging that residents attend theatres
showing other than X-rated films.
The letter, written by Dr. Harold L.
Castleman, said: "The Capital Theatre is
to be commended for thus far resisting the
trend of movie theatres toward showing X-
rated movies. They also deserve a commendation
for showing locally the Johnny
Cash movie 'Gospel Road.' "
"I am one of those who actively oppose
the showing of 'Deep Throat.' The community
standards of Chambersburg certainly
dictate that this and other X-rated
movies have no place in our community.
May we encourage those five ministers, not
only to close "Deep Throat,' but also to
closed the X-rated movies at State Line,
Red Run and other county theatres.
" 'Gospel Road' was written and narrated
by Johnny Cash, a man who has risen from
the role of drug addict to that of a powerful
Christian disciple in just a few short
months. Although the movie was very good,
it was very poorly attended on the night
I was there. It would behoove those of us
who want 'clean' movies in our theatres to
support films such as 'Gospel Road' if we
are sincere in our efforts."
PITTSBURGH
(Continued from preceding page)
Seduce a Woman" at the Shadyside has a
Playboy Magazine tie-up.
"Mod Job" and "Black Girls" were recent
co-features at the L'Amoure . . . "Papillon"
reportedly will not be exhibited
here . Guild took in "Godspell" and
"Let the Good Times Roll" . . . "George!",
youth matinee offering January 26-27, was
followed at area theatres by "Haunted Mansion."
plus a Laurel and Hardy feature,
Saturday and Sunday (2, 3).
John M. Ridilla, one of the pioneers in
constructing drive-ins, is preparing to start
Underground Latrobe. a shopping centerparking
garage at Latrobe . . . Ne.xt at the
Kings Court will be "The Last Detail" . . .
Harry Albacker, local magician, named
•Showman of the Year" by the Pennsylvania
State Showmen's Ass'n, was honored
at a banquet January 26 in New Staunton.
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WEST COAST THEATRE SERVICE National Di
Some 5,190 admissions at $15 and $10
were registered at the civic arena for the
Ali-Frazicr affair
via closed-circuit TV January
28. this being the largest crowd for
sucii an event in the arena's history.
Smoke Damage at Theatre
Al 1 INIOWN. PA. — Firemen battled
succcsslulh' to prevent flames in an adjoining
structure from spreading to the Jeanette
I heatre, although the movie house did incur
some smoke damage. The fire apparently
sl.irted in .in :iutoniobile transmission rep.iir
shop.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

. . Academy
Fire Partially Destroys
GCC's Cinema in Totowa
TOTOWA, N.J.—A fire of undetermined
origin partially destroyed General Cinema's
Totowa Cinema in Totowa on a recent
Friday afternoon. The blaze broke out at
approximately 12:30 p.m., one hour before
the theatre normally opens its doors
It for the day. was confined to the main
lobby and was extinguished in 30 minutes
b\ members of the Totowa and West Peterson
fire departments.
Although confined to the front portion
of the house, the fire set off the sprinkler
s\ stem which caused extensive water damage
throughout the rest of the building, particularly
in the 1,500-seat auditorium, parts
of which were nearly a foot under water.
In the lobby, the concession stand was
burned and the heat-seared the walls and
nielted most of the decorative plastic fixtures.
The entire area was water-soaked and
suffered heavy smoke damage as well.
Shortly after the fire erupted, the theatre's
front windows were blown out "like
there was an explosion," according to a
fireman on the scene.
No one was in the building at the time
of the fire, although manager Carl Kester
s.nd he had been at the theatre earlier, preparing
to open for business, and had stepped
out for lunch.
GCC officials would not estimate the
amount of the damage nor would they say
when the Totowa Cinema would reopen.
Showing at the cinema was "Serpico," in
its fifth week at the time of the fire.
Guild Theatre in Newark
Closed by Elson Bros.
NEWARK, N.J.—The Guild in
Newark,
operated by Peter and Paul Elson, apparently
has closed its doors permanently after
an abrupt shuttering approximately two
weeks ago. No reason was given for the
closing of the 400-seat house, which had
been taken over by the Elsons about a
year ago and extensively renovated at that
time.
Known as the Newsreel since its opening
in 1937, the theatre's name was changed to
the Guild following acquisition of the operation
from another independent group by
the Elson brothers. The Elsons then began
a policy of showing first-run films for the
first time in the history of the house.
Anthony Wink had managed the theatre
for approximately the past year. His future
plans were undisclosed.
For more than ten years following the
original opening of the Newark house, the
theatre presented news films only, on a
continuous basis. It was the only film house
in this area to do so. Following the advent
of news shows on TV, the Newsreel Theatre
switched to regular-run films, sometimes
presenting three features on one program.
Jim Kelley Meets Press
PHILADELPHIA—Jim Kelly, actor-karate
expert, met the Philadelphia press in
conjunction with "Black Belt Jones," Warner
Bros, release, in which he stars.
BALTIMORE
garner Bros.' "The Exorcist" had its
Maryland premiere January 31 at two
JF theatres—the Tower and the Strand.
The showing, which is scheduled for a long
run (at least eight months, according to a
JF Theatres spokesman), was advertised as
"uncensored, uncut and intact!" In discussing
the booking of this film, Harry Segal,
JF district manager, had this to say; " 'The
Exorcist" . . . we're booking it indefinitely.
It has the Maryland Censor Seal, is uncut
and in its original version. John Owens and
John Lotz both are managers of the Strand
during the run of this film. We're planning
a minimum of from six to eight months. At
the Strand we put in a new screen, seats
were replaced or repaired, the theatre was
repainted and redecorated, and necessary
booth equipment added. Outside we installed
standee chains to accommodate a potential
crowd. They were placed along the entire
side of the theatre. A ticket booth also was
installed outside the theatre to insure two
cashiers working simultaneously." The boxoffice
opens at 10 a.m., with the last show
at 9:45 p.m.—five shows a day, plus two
midnight shows on weekends. At the downtown
Tower. Melvin Naiman and Roy
Adams are joint managers, just for this
picture. Bernard Silber is district supervisor
for seven downtown JF theatres.
Ted Zlatin, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Al
Zlatin (owner of Maryland Display Service),
will be married here sometime in June to
Miss Sue Sandler. The bride-to-be tentatively
plans, with her future husband, to live in
Boston, where she may do graduate work
at Harvard University.
Andrew Lewis jr., 46, president of the
Maryland-District of Columbia AFL-CIO,
died here of a heart attack January 10. He
leaves his wife Alma, three sons, two
daughters, two brothers and his mother.
Lawrence Forbes, assistant manager of
Rome's Broadway Theatre, is out of the hospital
and expects to return to work within
a short time . . . Bob Lee, formerly with
WAMD Radio in Aberdeen, was named personnel
administrator for JF Theatres January
1, according to Harry Segal, district
manager . . . Walter Teed, manager of the
Super- 170 Drive-In (Rome) manages to play
golf twice a week, despite the winter weather,
at a course in Anne Arundel County,
according to Edward A. Kimpel jr., executive
for Rome Theatres . . . Marguerite
Brown, manager of Rome's Apollo Theatre,
is back on the job temporarily. She recently
suffered a fractured shoulder in a fall.
Irwin R. Colien, chief of R/C Theatres,
and booker Bob Rackensperger, leave Monday
(4) to visit their Virginia theatres. They
also will attend the NATO of Virginia
luncheon in Lexington, Va. Cohen is a
member of the Virginia NATO board of
directors . . . Irvin Fishbone, advertising
manager for Caplan Bros. Glass Co., reports
that two vice-presidents of the firm,
Ray Harting and Morris Zappala, attended
the Glass Dealers Ass'n powwow in Phoenix,
Ariz., in late January . . . Newest staffer
at National Theatre Supply is Mrs. Inez
Callis, who became the firm's secretary in
December, according to NTS branch manager
George F. Eitel.
Since the fire at Center Stage damaged
Schwaber's World-Fare 7 East Theatre, resulting
in its closing, several of the projectionists
have found work eLsewherc for the
time being. "Randy" Chase currently is
working two days a week as a relief operator
at JF's Charles Theatre and two days
a week at the same circuit's Strand Theatre.
The relief operator who formerly was working
at 7 East, Jeff Mullen, is now employed
at Redstone's Carlin's Drive-In on a fulltime
basis.
Lee J. Cobb spent a week in this city
pushing his way through the filming of a
CBS-TV pilot for a proposed series . . .
"The Sting," starring Paul Newman and
Robert Redford, has been held over again
at the Cinema II Harundale, Hillendale,
Cinema II Security Square Mall and Randallstown
Theatre . Award-winning
actress Jane Fonda will be one of the
featured speakers in "Next Step: A Festival
of Women" at the Johns Hopkins University.
Miss Fonda's appearance is scheduled
for Monday (4) . . . Claudette Colbert is
starring in "A Community of Two," which
arrives at the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre
Monday (4) for a two-week run.
WB Names Alan Shayne
Creative Affairs Head
NEW YORK—Alan Shayne has been appointed
director of creative affairs for Warner
Bros., effective January 23, it is announced
by Frank Wells, president. Shayne's
duties will encompass full production executive
responsibilities, in addition to supervision
of feature film casting.
'Throat' Hearing Is Continued
POTTSVILI E, P.A.~A scheduled January
1 1 hearing for the owner of the Capital
Theatre, its manager and projectionist was
continued indefinitely at the request of the
district attorney's office. Three reels of the
X-rated film "Deep Throat" were seized
Dec. 16, 1973, by Pottsville police and the
district attorney's office. The film was
confiscated on a search warrant obtained
under state statutes and recent U.S. Supreme
Court rulings.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

. . . George
WASHINGTON
I? Wade Pearson, vice-president of Richmond-based
Neighborhood Theatres
and director of the northern division, accompanied
national NATO president Paul
Roth, who also is president of Silver Spring.
Md.-based Roth Theatres, to Dallas, Tex.,
for the national N.ATO midwinter board of
directors meeting, over which Roy White
presided, January 28-29 in the Fairmont
Hotel. They continued their stay through
January 31 to attend TEXPO "74. where
Roth was the principal luncheon speaker
January 29.
Area exhibitors who operate theatres in
nearby New Carrollon, Md.. have received
notification from the New Carrolton City
Council of a public meeting Wednesday evening
(20) in city hall concerning a possible
increase in the amusement tax. The city
council solicits comments on a proposal to
increase the theatre tax from the existing
4.5 f>er cent to 10 per cent of gross receipts.
Inflation has increased the exhibitors' theatre
operating costs, so any imposition of
higher admission taxes is expected to be opposed
by the industry.
Doug Marlow, featured in "Mauric." and
Jim Walkins, who has a prominent role in
"McQ," both Warner Bros, releases, were
in town to promote their respective films
Kelly. Paramount branch manager,
issued invitations to a sneak preview
of "Serpico" at Frank Storty's Tyson Twin
Theatre January 23 and to a tradescreening
of "Alfredo. Alfredo" at MPAA January
29 , . . William Zoetis, 20th Century-Fox
branch manager, screened "The Three Musketeers"
for exhibitors Januarv 31 at
MPAA.
Warner Bros.' "Manie" will open its exclusive
engagement here March 28 at the
K-B Apex as a benefit for the Soroptimist
Club. It will have a commercial opening the
same evening at the Springfield Mall in
nearby Springfield, Va.
R. T. Belcher, booker and buyer, advises
the Greenbrier Theatre, Churchville, Va.,
will open March 13 with "The Sting," a
Universal release . . . Filmrow visitors included
Charlie Freeman, ABC Theatres, and
Jim Gilliand, Stewait & Everett, Charlotte,
1

SURPRISE LUNCHEON — Ken
Friedman, National Screen Service
branch manager who has retired, is
shown receiving a number of gift certificates
from Jerry Vitus, right, general
manager of Sterling Recreation Organization,
on behalf of industryites
throughout the area. The occasion was
a surprise luncheon in the Exigewater
Inn, with Vitus coordinating the event
along with A. B. McGlinchey, office
manager of NSS; Gene Lonle, service
manager, NSS, and Bob Bond, operations
manager of SRO. Friedman retired
January 25. His successor is Lou
Burchieri.
Name Ronald Dominguez
V-P of Disney Division
BURBANK. CALIF.— Ronald K. Dominguez
has been named vice-president of
the Disneyland Division of Walt Disney
Productions, and will serve as chairman of
the park's operating committee, it was announced
by Richard A. Nunis, vice-president
of Operations—Disneyland and Walt
Disney World.
Dominguez was employed as a ticket
taker three days before Disneyland's grand
opening July 17, 1955, and has been with
the company ever since.
Part of the property on which Disneyland
is now located was once owned b\
Ron's grandfather, who purchased 30 acres
of land in the area in the late 1800's. Ten
of those acres were purchased by Walt
Disney Productions in 1954 and are today
the site of the Adventureland-Frontierland
area of the
Park.
Mort Engelberg Exits UA
To Join Rastar Pictures
LOS ANGELES— Mort Engelberg has
resigned as West Coast production chief of
United Artists to become an executive of
Rastar Pictures, primarily involved with the
development of new material under the
Rastar-Columbia production agreement. He
also will be involved as producer on many
of the upcoming Rastar-Columbia projects.
Engelberg first joined UA in New York
in 1967. serving in various capacities on
both coasts before being named West Coast
production chief in 1972. He previously
spent five and a half years in Washington,
D.C., in diverse government positions.
'Exorcist'
After Another—All
By SYD CASSYD
HOLLYWOOD—"The Exorcist" is a
happening," not a picture, said Noel Marshall,
executive producer on the film, when
he discussed the movie with the Hollywood
Foreign Press Ass'n. Events appear to be
proving that this was not a misstatement.
The initial opener for the "happening,"
Marshall said, was when his wife Tippi
Hedren read the book in galley form. "Tippi
told me right away to read it. that it was
a winner with all the built-in elements for a
'Godfather' event picture," Marshall stated.
The kickoff for building interest in "The
Exorcist," Marshall told Boxoffice, was the
release of the terms of the deal to
Has Been One Happening
the press,
disclosing that Warner Bros, had paid
$650,000 for the rights and that the author
would receive 39 per cent. There was some
muttering from Burbank, he said, but this
had the magic of new fortunes to be made
and it was great copy for the world press.
Marshall suggested that the climactic mix
occurred when the book was made into a
film. He said that film versions of "other
books have died unless they met the promises
of the novel." Carrying this thought a
step further, Marshall noted that "all the
ads and press in the world can't change bad
word-of-mouth on a picture or, conversely,
hurt the good word-of-mouth which the
movie might win."
After he read the galleys, Marshall made
23 copies for circulation but got no further
than the first one, for Warner Bros, moved
fast and tied-up the project. The rest is
history, for the grosses discussed for this
property surpass those of "The Godfather"
on a worldwide basis. The motion picture
will open in England in April, with versions
in four languages being prepared in French,
German, Italian and Spanish. Other than
these versions, subtitles will be used.
As to the other "happenings," star Linda
Blair celebrated her 15th birthday with "a
devil's food cake" at Chasens, with 100
members of the world press surrounding
her. The foreign press a day later learned
that Miss Blair rides a horse two hours a
day and hasn't dated singly yet. "for no one
has asked me."
A very solid citizen, she goes to confir-
Governor of Utah Urges
Repeal of the DST Law
Salt Lake City—Calvin L. Rampton.
governor of Utah, urged Congress January
26 to repeal the year-round Daylight
Saving Time law. An alternative,
he said, would be to allow all states to
choose what time of the year they want
DST.
Energy consumption has not been reduced
by DST, Gov. Rampton asserted
in a letter to the state's four members
of Congress. He further declared that
DST is "overwhelmingly opposed" by
Utahans.
Newsworthy
mation classes and has named the horse
director William Friedkin gave her "Best
Director."
Because of the controversy raging around
the film concerning her daughter, Mrs. Blair
was asked if, after seeing the completed
film, she would have allowed Linda to appear
in it?
Someone had complained that Linda's
parents should be blamed for allowing her
to have the role. Mrs. Blair termed all this
"ridiculous," for she knew the elements of
filmmaking and her daughter was not affected,
especially since the film was made in
bits and pieces, in different continuities.
Linda's money went into the bank where
she cannot touch it until she is 21. at which
time she will be wealthy.
Max von Sydow, discussing his role, did
not know how the people of Sweden, mostly
Lutheran, would react. He couldn't predict
what would happen. Others of the management
team see "The Exorcist" having a
great impact in Latin America. Von Sydow,
laughing about the question concerning his
reaction to the occult, thought that "The
Greatest Story Ever Told" and playing in
Ingmar Bergman's stock company of filmmakers
and actors did prepare him for the
mood, for Bergman's films are filled with
dark religious levels.
In line with the "happening" aspect of
"The Exorcist," the Beverly Hills City
Council passed an emergency ordinance
which cut down the number of performances
at the Mann Fine Arts Theatre to 25
a week, instead of 37. which had been
planned.
The background of the emergency ordinance
brought out Robert Selig. president
of California NATO: Bruce Corwin, president
of Southern California N.\TO, and
William Hertz, West Coast division manager.
Mann Theatres, to protest to the council
January 25. The ordinance was passed
three days before and, at the NATO protest,
three businessmen joined the group.
Hertz told Boxoffice that it's a difficult
situation, for he had placed exit security
guards around the theatre, for the crowds
start gathering early in the morning. The
ordinance keeps the boxoffice closed until
4:30 p.m. on weekends and 12 noon on
Saturdays and Sundays, with closings at
it's 10 p.m. Physically, a short block and
the crowds stretch around through the side
streets in
front of private residences.
This is the second Mann circuit house to
play "The Exorcist." First-night grosses for
the film equalled the weekly average grosses
and it's just startingi
GCC Triplex to Open
SEATTLE — General Cinema Corp.'s
Everett Mall cinemas I, II and 111 are scheduled
to open Wednesday (13) with "The
Sting." "Serpico" and "American Graffiti."
This is the first hardtop trio in the Greater
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 W-1
Seattle
area.

Hollywood
gOSS HUNTER, president of Brut I'roductions,
signed C. O. "Doc" Erickson
to be executive production manager for the
company. He is the second addition to the
Brut production staff, headquartered at
Warners. Hunter also has signed Eleanor
Breese as story editor.
*
Maximilian Schell will be given a twoweek
hiatus from his starring role in "The
Odessa File." currently filming in Germany,
to fly to Hollywood for meetings with producer
Zev Braun to arrange for the U.S.
opening of his second directorial effort.
"The Pedestrian." in February. The picture
is the official West Germany entry in the
Academy Awards competition.
•
Hollywood producer-director William
Castle, composer John Green and actress
Barbara Stanwyck will be honored at the
36th anniversary awards banquet of Delta
Kappa Alpha at the University of Southern
California March 3.
*
An executive committee consisting of
Steve Broidy. George Chasin. Shcrrill C.
Corwin. Monty Hall. Marvin Mirisch and
Dallas.
Morris Stoller has been appointed to conduct
the entertainment industry's campaign
*
for the Los Angeles United Jewish Welfare
Jim Mahoney & Associates has been selected
to handle all public relations
Fund/ Israel Emergency Fund. The
and
drive's
publicity
advisory committee
by the Vidtronics Co., president
so far consists of Berle
H. Adams. Samuel
Peck Prior
Z. Arkoff, Henry
announced for Vidtronics.
J.
Bamberger. Dave Barry. Howard Bernstein.
Jason Brent. Frank Cooper. Bruce Corwin. Post-war West German films are seldom
William Dubey. Bruce Geller. Charles Gold-
seen in Southern California. To remedy the
ring. Edgar Gross. Joseph Hiatt, Julius Lefkowitz.
Sol Lesser, David A. Lipton. A. M.
Maree. Jerome S. Mark. Marvin Meyer.
Jan Murray, George Slaff. Sidney P. Solow
and Saul Turtletaub.
•
Morton Segal has become a partner in
the public relations firm of Allan/Tngcrsoli.
which now will be known as Allan. Ingersoll
& Segal. The company is located in larger
quarters at 9301 Wilshire in Beverly Hills.
•
Alan Shayne has been appointed director
of creative affairs for Warner Bros., it was
announced by president Frank Wells.
•
London's famous restaurateur. Michael
Chow, opened his first U.S. eating establishment
with a celebrity preview January 23 at
th new eatery, 344 North Camden Dr.,
Beverly Hills. Jerry Moss of A&M Records
is Chow's partner in the venture. For the
Happenings
opening parl\. Peking-st\lc food was served
to industry executives William Wyler, Richard
Zanuck. David Wolper, George Schlatter.
Bud Yorkin and Walter Mirisch. Stars
at the dinner included Jack Nicholson.
Helen Reddv, Polly Bergen and Henry Fonda.
*
Hall Bartlett. producer-director of "Jonathan
Livingston Seagull," addressed Loyola
University film students January 22 following
a screening of the picture. He discussed
the problems involved in bring the best-seller
vice-president, worldwide production, left
town for meetings in Rome with Michelangelo
Antonioni and producer Carlo Ponti
and a screening of their rough cut of "Profession:
Reporter." starring Jack Nicholson
and Maria .Schneider.
*
Jim Watkins. John Wayne's sidekick in
"McQ." began a two-week tour January 27
to ballyhoo the Warner Bros, picture from
Chicago and Detroit to New Orleans and
situation. UCL.A is sponsoring a four-night
German mini-festival. Das Neue Kino (The
New Cinema). Monday (4) through Thursday
(7) in Royce Hall. Michael Verhoefen's
1970 antiwar vehicle. "O.K.." screens Tuesday
(5) with "Fata Morgana." a 1971 film
by Werner Hcrzog. The series opens with
"Jagdszenen aus Niederbayem" (The Hunters
.Are the Hunted), directed bv Peter
Fleischmann.
Producer Ken Wales is back in Hollywood
for a series of meetings following
completion of post-production on Blake Edwards'
"The Tamarind Seed."
*
European interest in AIP's "Dillinger"
is so strong that stars Warren Oates and
Michelle Phillips and writer-director John
Milius made the rounds of premieres in
Munich. Paris and Stockholm. Michelle
Phillips returned January 25 in order to attend
the Golden Globes awards dinner.
*
William Cowitt. executive assistant of the
Permanent Charities Committee of the Entertainment
Industries, retired in January
.liter 50 years in the motion picture busi-
Peter Bogdanovich tiuik the "Filmmaker
of the Year" award from Germany's .Abend
Zeilimg awards. .Anneliese Friedmann. publisher
of the German newspaper, presented
the award January 21 in Munich. Federico
Fellini was last year's winner.
•
Golden Globe presenters included Eddie
-Albert. Robert Blake. Carol Burnett, Michael
Douglas, Barbara Eden. Peter Falk,
Gail Fisher. Peter Graves. Joel Grey, Gary
Grimes. Gene Hackman. Rock Hudson,
Stacey Keach. Fred MacMurray, Maximilian
Schell, Sonny & Cher, James Stewart,
Susan Strasberg and Brenda Vaccaro.
•
Frank Sinatra will host 'The .American
Film Institute Tribute to James Cagney,"
airing as a CBS-TV special March 18. Cagney
made his first public appearance in
to the screen.
years as a participant in the press conference
making this announcement. He will
*
Frank E. Rosenfelt. MGM president and receive the .AFI's Life Achievement Award
chief operating officer, and Daniel Melnick. at a black-tie dinner at the Century Plaza
13. John Ford was the first recipient of the
award. Ted Ashley is chairman of the din-
Anne Summers. 54. stage, film and TV
actress, died at Good Samaritan Hospital
January 14. Donations to the American
Cancer Society were suggested in lieu of
flowers.
•
Elliot Abbort, an executive for the past
two years at BNB Associates, has been
named vice-president in charge of the contemporary
music division of the company,
president Sherwin Bash announced.
•
Producer Ross Hunter, who began his
professional life as a high school English
teacher, has been appointed a professor on
an adjunct or part-time basis at USC's Division
of Cinema, School of Performing Arts.
The professorial rank was accorded Hunter
in recognition of his outstanding performance
in conducting a graduate USC cinema
seminar, "Functions of a Producer," which
he began teaching last September.
*
The paperback edition of "The Exorcist"
is described as a "runaway" by Bantam
Books, with 1.750.000 copies printed since
January 3.
*
Films portraying handicapped children
and adults are being sought for the fourth
film festival of the Southern California
region, American .Ass'n on Mental Deficiency,
and USC's University Affiliated Program.
The showing will be March 1 in
USC's Edison Hall. A description of the
film should be submitted to Dr. J. F. Magary.
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles,
P.O. Box 54700. Los Angeles. Calif. 90054.
*
"An Evening With William Marshall."
sponsored by the Whittier Fair Housing
Committee, was held January 24 at Pacific's
Whittier Theatre in Whittier. AIP's "Blacula"
and "Scream Blacula Scream" were
shown and Marshall, star of the films and
an instructor at Whittier College, was on
hand to receive the Academy of Horror
Films & Science Films award (again) from
Dr. Don.ikl Reed. Academv founder
W-2 BOXOFFICE :: Februarv .1974 I

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The Exorcis!' 1335
Fourth Week in LA
LOS ANGELES—Ending a month of
playing time on National and Fine Arts
theatre screens, 'The Exorcist" grossed
L335. This was 125 grossing points under
that blockbuster's preceding LA composite
figure at those two theatres and exactly 735
points ahead of this week's No. 2 grosser.
"Wonder of It All." a nature documentary
from Pacfic International Enterprises being
shown at the Campus Theatre. "The Sting."
fourth week at the Cinerama Dome, earned
No. 3 on the LA Grossing Barometer with
565, while "The Day of the Dolphin"
claimed the fourth Barometer status rung
with 480 for a fifth week at Avco Cinema
Center 1.
{Average Is 100)
ABC II I Am o Dancer (SR) 70
Avco Cinema Center 1 The Doy of the Dolphin
(Emb), 5th wk 48o
Avco Cinemo Center 2 Cinderello Liberty
(20th-Fox), wk 5tti 3AS
Avco Cinema Center 3 The Woy We Were (Col)
13th .375
beverly Canon The Long Goodbye (UA) 5f
Beverly Hills Kazoblan [MGM), 6th wk 100
350
Brum Sleeper (UA), 5th wk
Campus Wonder of It All fSR), 4th wk 600
Chinese, Crest—Mognum Force (WB), 4th 260
wk.
Cine Cienego The Devil in Miss Jones (SR)
.230
Cin Dome The Sting (Univ), 4th \
Behind the Green Door (SR) 19th rour ;)iur wk 265
Los Fehz The Toll Blond Mon With One Black
Shoe (SR) 265
Music Hall Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams
(Col), 5th wk 350
National, Fine Arts—The Exorcist (WB), 4th wi; 1335
Pacific Hollywood The Seven-Ups (20th-Fox)
Plaza Don't Look . _ _ ^^^
'.
Regent, Egyptian—Chariot of '385
the Gods? CSun)'
UA Cinemo Center 1 The Paper Chase
(20th-Fox), 5th wk 365
UA Cinema Center 2, Wilshire Popiljon (AA)
5th wk 295
Village, Pacific 200
Pontages—Serpieo (Para),' 5th wk
'The Exorcist' Races to LOOO
Fifth Week in Denver
DENVER—Ten times average weekly
business at the Center Theatre resulted from
the fifth week's showing of "The E.xorcist."
as word-of-mouth promotion for the film
was bolstered by national and local news
stories concerning the Warner Bros, release.
Nearly all other pictures which .started their
runs as Christmas-New Year's entertainment
have fallen back to more normal grossing
levels: "The Sting." however, reported 400.
"Sleeper" had 375 and "Papillon" scored
275.
Aladdin [AA) wk Papillon 6th 275
Center—The Exorcist (WB), 5th wk.
., 70
1 000
Century 21— Mognum Force (WB), 5th wk.
1
Cherry Creek Villo Italia— The Day of the Dolphin
(Emb), 6th wk Not Available
Colorado Ash Wednesday wk 125
(Poro) 5th
Continental Sleeper (UA), 6th wk '375
Cooper Don't Look Now (Poro), 5th wk 90
Crfst—Day for Night ;WB), 5th wic 00
1
Deriham Lakeside, Villogc Square—The Sting
lUniv), 5th wk ^
^QQ
Denver—Gomes Schoolgirls Play fSR)
Should Schoolgirls Tell? SR inn
U5
Denver- Hell Up in Horlem AlP), 2nd wk
Esquirt— The Popcr Chose 20th Fox), 6th wk. 150
Four theatre, Robin Hood (BV) 6th wk
Ogdcn—Love in 3-D SR), 2nd wk
Paramount- Block Belt Jones (WB), 2nd wk.
20Q
150
^loo
'Poseidon' Multiple Run
In Southern California
LOS ANGELES— Irwin Allen's produc-
the first time that the technique of area
booking ever has been ,ipplied to a proven
blockbu.ster
film.
Said Myers, "There is no ceiling for a
popular picture and that is why we are
going back again. Unlike other similar
engagements, this area booking will be done
in partnership with the theatre, permitting
the exhibitor to share with 20th-Fox in the
gross while making a contribution to the
costs of advertising and promotion."
Jonas Rosenfield jr.. vice-president of
advertising-publicity-promotion, concurrently
announced that an all-time-high 20th-Fox
advertising budget for this area will support
the openings. A massive TV campaign
will be augmented by a substantial newspaper
and radio allocation.
Producer Irwin Allen believes there are
many potential customers who have not
yet been tapped, although "The Poseidon
Adventure" was the industry's biggest
gro.sser in 1973.
Noting that the domestic boxoffice on
the film already has passed $92 million,
Allen commented, "As well as we did in
our first time in the Southern California
market, there is a large percentage of the
moviegoing public that for one rea.son or
another misses an acclaimed entertainment
Mini the first time around. Thus, with the
support of the exhibitor, we will redouble
our showmanship efforts to insure that the
public is well aware of this 'bon voyage'
run in their local theatre prior to the film'.s
withdrawal from theatrical release."
"The Poseidon Adventure" won two
Oscars, while 16 Academy ,'\wards went
to the cast and crew of the film.
'Magnum Force' Grosses
$18,322,027 in 5 Weeks
BURBANK, CALIF.—A five-week gross
of .$18,322,027 for "Magnum Forceannounced
January 29 by Leo Green liekl,
was
Warner Bros, vice-president and gc
sales manager. Greenfield declared lli.i 1 the
new Clint Eastwood film is doing "la r su-
perior" business to its high-grossing pre-
decessor, "Dirty Harry."
'Magnum Force" was directed by
Country Transit Plan
May Aid LA Theatres
LOS ANGELES—A move which can
have a profound impact on moviegoing
habits was discussed at the January 28
luncheon of the Hollywood Radio & Televi-
tion of "The Poseidon Adventure," a 20th
Century-Fox release, will be relaunched for
a special limited engagement in 72 Southern
California theatres beginning Wednesday
(27), it was announced January 25
by Peter S. Myers, vice-president of domestic
distribution for 20th-Fox. This marks outlined a current ongoing study involving
sion Society when Mayor Thomas Bradley
a countrywide bus fare of 25 cents.
In this area of exploring methods of
energy conservation. Los Angeles, with its
4.000,000 automobiles, is looking upon expansion
of the bus system, jitneys, car pools
and other methods of rapid transit to hypo
solutions to high energy uses. If the 25-cent
bus fare works and more people transfer to
that mode of transportation, small, marginal
theatres might get a boost, for the trip from
home to theatre at night can be less expensive
than via automobile. The buses will
use the main highways and well-traveled
streets as their routes.
Mayor Bradley noted how lifestyles now
must change, especially in the design of new
office buildings. The Atlantic Richfield
Towers, recently constructed without windows,
use more electricity in this downtown
complex than did the entire city of Los
Angeles in the early '40s. Therefore, these
glass-envelope buildings, which depend on
air-conditioning completely, will be changed
as the next "go-round" takes shape in future
structures.
The mayor of Los Angeles recently gave
Paramount Pictures an award for saving
money on film production by opening camera
lenses wider and using less light. In
very professional filmmakers' language, he
suggested that "they did it without losing
definition," strictly a photo term. The series
was TV's "The Odd Couple" and the saving
in energy was from 14 to 22 per cent.
Bradley also noted that people are not repairing
their "second" TV set, thereby conserving
energy.
Asked about people's skepticism concerning
the reality of the energy crunch, in view
of developments in Washington, Mayor
Bradley, who is president of the U.S. Conference
of Mayors, noted that Los Angeles
had used 19 per cent less electricity since
the energy situation became public knowledge.
It would appear, therefore, that the
preponderance of the populace is approaching
the problem with serious intent.
Charles Rosher Is Dead;
Helped Found the ASC
LISBON, PORTUGAL — Charles A.
Rosher. last survivor of the original 15 cameramen
who founded the American Society
of Cinematographers, died January 15 in
Lisbon. He was 89. Word of Roshcr's death
CARBONS, Inc. \
*^Bok Box K. C.da, Ctdar K-.ii. Knsllt, NJ
BOXOmCE :: Fcbruarv 4, 1974

. . Seymour
. .
. .
w;is received by his daughter Mrs. Joan
Morrill of Ojai, Calif.
The British-born director of photography,
who was Mary Pickford's cameraman for
12 years, helped found the ASC along with
in Hollywood in 1969, when the ASC celebrated
its 50th anniversary. At that time he
was presented with a gold founder's pin.
A one-time photographer at the Court of
St. James in London, Rosher first went to
work with Mary Pickford in 1916. He also
worked at Universal. Paramount, MGM and
United Artists before retiring in 1960.
He leaves his wife Doris; his son Charles
Rosher jr., who is a cameraman, and his
daughter Mrs. Morrill.
Funeral services were held January 17.
with burial in Estorial, near Lisbon. Ernest
Lazzlo, president of the ASC, said a memorial
for Roshner will be held during the
society's next dinner meeting this month.
Tent 25 to Honor Lakers
At February 13 Luncheon
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—The Variety
Club of Southern California Tent 25
will honor the Los Angeles Lakers basketball
team at its first luncheon of the year
Wednesday (13) at the Beveriy Wilshire
executive, Pacific Theatres, and Jay Stewart,
announcer on "Let's Make a Deal," are
chairmen for the luncheon.
Reservations at $6:50 each are now being
accepted at the Forum, Box 10, Inglewood.
Calif. 90306. Check should be made payable
to the Heart of Variety Trust Fund. Reservations
may be made by phone by calling
(213) 674-6000.
WB Promotion Confab Held
On 'Black Belt Jones'
LOS ANGELES—A luncheon was held
at the Burbank Studios for theatre circuit
advertising executives and theatre managers
getting ready for the Los Angeles multiple
openings of Warner Bros.' action-adventure
drama, "Black Belt Jones." The film bows
Wednesday (6) in the Los Angeles area.
Addressing the theatremen at the midday
confab were top WB advertising, publicity
and exploitation staffers. Besides a discussion
of the entire promotion campaign, exhibitors
received special souvenir kits,
quantities of souvenir posters and "Black
Belt Jones" T-shirts, plus imprinted heralds.
They also had a chance to view trailers and
listen to radio spots prepared for the campaign.
LOS ANGELES
Dobert Steuer, American International Pictures'
division sales manager, flew to
Dallas for the annual convention of NATO
14 other renowned cameramen in Hollywood
in 1919. Rosher and Karl Struss were
of Texas.
the first cinematographers ever to win
Oscars, for "Sunrise" in 1927-28. He won "Black Bell Jones," Warner Bros, picture
a second Oscar in 1946 for "The Yearling." starring Jim Kelly and Gloria Hendry, begins
He was credited with several important
a Los Angeles multiple Wednesday (6).
cinematic innovations.
Charies G. Clarke, ASC treasurer and Distributor Richard Ellman makes his
longtime friend, noted that Rosher last was production debut as executive producer of
"Panorama Blue," 70mm sex comedy being
released by his Ellman Film Enterprises.
The picture premieres at the Hollywood
Paramount Wednesday (13).
WOMPI news: At the January business
meeting of the Hollywood/ Los Angeles
WOMPI Club, a nominating committee was
elected to prepare a slate of officers for
April election. Evelyn Gordon (20th-Fox),
Lili Beaudin (20th-Fox) and Helen Lee
Hanna (20th-Fox) were named to the committee,
with Elena K. Vassar, immediate
past president and parliamentarian for the
club, appointed chairman. Gail Lindsay
(20th-Fox) and Hildegard Stephens (Technicolor)
were inducted as new members. Romayne
Hoffman (20th-Fox) was named
chairman of the June installation of officers.
Her preliminary report will be delivered
Tuuesday (12) at the monthly meeting .
The WOMPI "Heart Pariy" will be held
Saturday (9) and will benefit the Heart
Ass'n. March 2 is the date for the "Glamor
Sale" in Santa Monica, with proceeds to go
to the Motion Picture Country House &
Hospital . . . Barbara Dye, past international
Hotel, it was announced by Joseph Sinay,
president and founder of the Hollywood/ Los
chief barker. TV sports announcer Chick
Angeles club, is recuperating from surgery
Hearn will be the master of ceremonies.
at UCLA Medical Center. Get-well wishes
Jim Appell, general manager of the
are extended to her.
Forum; Murray Propper, merchandising
Crown International's "Red" Jacobs,
Mark Tenser, George Joseph and Spence
Steinhurst went to the TEXPO '74 convention
in Dallas to promote their new releases,
"Horror High," "Policewomen" and ""The
Teacher"" .
Borde flew up to
San Francisco January 29 for a week of
product selling.
Cinerama Releasing announced that
"How to Seduce a Woman" did $32,489 in
the first five days in 15 theatres around Los
Angeles.
Robert Hazard, head film
buyer for Sterling
Recreation Organization, with offices
in Seattle, is moving the entire film-buying
operation for the whole circuit to Los Angeles.
"That's one of the reasons," says Nat
.A.ppleman, for the company's move this
month to 5900 Wilshire, the building now
housing the American Song Festival, a presentation
of Sterling Recreation .
"Everybody"s working hard" at Film Booking
Service, says Bruce Poynter. He noted
that Frank Hollis was in town from Globe.
Ariz.,
recently to attend the 20th-Fox exhibitor
seminar.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jacobs went to San
Francisco for the wedding of Mrs. Jacobs'
cousin Ronald Toff to Nancy Herman . . .
John Ashley, owner of theatres in the Southwest,
stopped here on the way to the Philippines,
where he is making a second feature
for AlP release.
Warner Bros.' four-wall rerelease engagement
of "Jeremiah Johnson,"" the Robert
Redford starrer, is paying off spectacularly,
according to figures released January 29
by Leo Greenfield, vice-president and general
sales manager. With a six-day gross of
$856,000, '"Jeremiah Johnson"" is almost up
to ""Billy Jack,"" which did $888,000 in a
similar four-wall engagement period. Greenfield
said that "Jeremiah Johnson," directed
by Sydney Pollack, would stay for a second
week in its new run at 90 theatres.
Richard Evanoff, Tiburon House Publishing,
Sausalito, made a huge deal of over 600
titles with London Films, Copenhagen. With
this, it is apparent that the flow of sex films
will not dry up in this country—but might
accelerate.
Milt Kahn, who handled Roger Corman's
publicity, is now running his "Milt"s Mirror."
news bulletin on sports, from the desk
of KPIX, San Francisco, where he is sports
director and sports personality for the Westinghouse
Don Andrews,
TV station . , .
formeriy with Raphael Nusbaum, now is
with Comprehensive Service Corp. on North
Highland.
The Universal City, MCA Discovision
headquarters has expanded its research and
development laboratories to double the
original size. The feature pictures and shorts
on records will hit the market in the next
couple of years. David Lipton, veteran head
of communications, and Ruder & Finn"s
Selma Halprin are guiding its public relations.
Harry Novak, Boxoffice International
president, left for a one-month European
sales tour, visiting London, Paris, Brussels,
Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Rome.
Novak plans to review the English market
for independent films in light of the prevailing
economic conditions. Last year
Novak made six trips to Europe, the Middle
East, Asia and South America ... Effective
July 1 Robert Novak will take
charge of sales for western Europe and the
Boxoffice International
Middle East . . .
currently represents the following independents
exclusive basis: on an Global Productions,
Pure Gold Productions, Boxoffice
Pictures, Lima Productions, Kathay Productions,
All World Pictures and Lx)ndon Films.
United Artists will host a press screening
of ""Five on the Black Hand Side,"" a Michael
Tolan-Brock Peters presentation, Tuesday
(5) at the Directors Guild. Rated PG,
the film was directed by Oscar Williams,
with a screenplay by Chariie L. Russell . . .
Warner Bros, announced the Los Angeles
opening of John Wayne"s ""McQ"' Friday
(1) at the Pacific Theatre in Hollywood and
the Picwood. A contemporary action drama
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFTICE :: February 1974 W-5

I
\\\OOD
LOS ANGELES
(Continued from preceding page)
filmed in the Northwest, the film is a Baijac
and Levy-Gardner production.
A press screening of "Phase IV'" from
Paramount was scheduled for January 28
but canceled temporarily due to an "unexpected
delay completing the post-production
work in England because of the energy
crisis in that country," Bob Goodfriend
announced.
AIP has acquired U..S. and Canadian distribution
rights for "The Marseilles Contract."
an adventure-thriller about to go be-
ert
Parrish.
ation. Simms is director of personnel and
facilities for AIP.
Worldwide distribution rights to Robert
Mulligan's Boardwalk Productions" film.
"The Nickel Ride." have been acquired by
20th-Fox for 1974 release, it was announced
by Jere Henshaw, vice-president, worldwide
production . . . Crown International
has acquired distribution rights to "The
Teacher," Crown president Mark Tenser
announced. Starring Angel Tompkins and
Jay North, "The Teacher" was directed and
produced by Hikmet Avedis. whose previous
film "The Stepmother" also was released by
Crown.
Jack VVodell A.ssociates has been appointed
national ageiicv of record for Columbia
Pictures. JW.'K's l.os -Xngjles office started
handling Columbia's advertising in the Los
Angeles market in mid-January and the
agency will be servicing the entire Columbia
account by the end of March or the beginning
of April.
Robert Conn has been appointed general
manager in charge of sales for General Film
Corp., it was announced by Arthur Marks,
president of the production-distribution
company. Conn, who most recently was
Western division manager for National General,
will be in charge of U.S. sales for
GFC, which currently has 16 films in distribution.
"Zardoz," an adventure story set in the
23rd century, written, produced and directed
b> John Boorman and starring Sean
Connery. ojx-ns Wednesday (6) at the Avco
Cinema Center 1 in Westwood in an exclusive
engagement.
"The Green Wall," from Peru, and
"Ramparts of Clay." from Tunisia, make
up the opening program of the 1974 Midwinter
International Film .Series starting
Wednesday (6) at the Art Theatre in Long
Beach. Following them will be "Such a
Gorgeous Kid Like Me" and "Murmur of
the Heart" Wednesday (13).
Writer-producer Gil Lasky left town for
England. Germany and .Austria on behalf of
Premiere Releasing Organization to screen
and purchase films for U.S. distribution
fore the cameras of Kettledrum Productions
in Paris, France. Judd Bernard is producing
from his own story, with direction by Rob-
. . , AIP's "It Lives by Night!" opens nationallv
in 94 situations in the next three
Al Simms, president of the Motion Picture.
&
weeks.'
Television. Radio Recording Indus-
tries Communion Breakfast Committee, announced
Maurice
.'Mjoray, announced
A. Krowitz,
the
vice-president
signing of
of
an
that the 23rd annual breakfast will agreement to distribute worldwide films
be postponed from March until summer or
The committee voted
produced at Cinema City Studios in Tampa.
G-rated musical
fall. this action {>ending
Fla. First feature is the
clarification of the energy gasoline situ-
".Agnes," starring Dorothy Keller and
Joe
WM flB MM
mw#l
Theatre
Service
The nation's finest for 40 years
RCA Service Company
A Division of RCA
IbOl Beach Streei. (VIontebello, Calif. 90640
Pfione: (213) 685-3079
E. Ross.
Anita Doohan, story editor for Sandy
Howard Productions, also is a screenwriter
with two scripts to her name, "The Victim"
and "Invitation to the Dance." Both are
horror movies, the first a psychological terror
story based on Ms. Doohan's encounter
with a rapist and the latter just a "fun ghost
story." Ms. Doohan says she always has
loved the movies, "from the moment I buy
the popcorn," and especially horror shows.
AIP will handle national distribution of
"Truck Stop Women," starring Claudia
Jennings and Lieux Dressier, it was announced
by Mark L. Lester, producer and
director of the picture. The film tells the
story of a group of female truck hijackers
operating out of a truck stop in New Mexico,
where the film was shot on location.
The world premiere is set for March 13 in
an exclusive engagement in New Orleans.
Lester, the independent producer whose first
hit was the comedy spoof "Tricia's Wedding,"
is preparing another comedy with a
glamor pageant theme entitled "The Beauty
Queens."
No Plans for Reopening
De Luxe Rheem Theatre
ORINDA. CALIF. 1 he 1 .OOO-seat
Rheem I heatre, which cost ST.'^O.OOO to
build and which was described as "the finest
theatre west of Chicago" when it opened in
1957, was shuttered early this year. The
marquee carries a message for would-he
patrons to attend the Orinda Theatre, also
owned by Donald L. Rheem.
"I here are no plans to reopen the Rheem
Iheatre. which will be kept as is." said
J.inies Dallon, vice-presiileiit ol Rheem
and Co.
I he movie house featured rocking-chair
seats, loge seals and many other .imenities
which made it a showplace.
Joe Brite Features Organ
Music Before Showtime
ALAMOSA, COLO. — Joe Brite, city
manager of the three theatres of the Murphy
circuit (Rialto, Grove and Ski-Hi Drive-
Joe Brite, cit>- manager of the Murphy
circuit in Alamosa. Colo., is seated
at the organ in the Rialto Theatre. He
plays it each night before the show
starts.
In), gets many ideas from Boxoihice. Not
long ago he read in it about a manager
who conceived the idea that "TV footh.ill
widows" would welcome special consideration
at one of the motion picture theatres
on football nights. That's why, on New
Year's Eve, Brite's Rialto featured "Ladies'
Night" at reduced admissions for these
"widows"—90 cents.
The Rialto recently has been remodeled
and is one of the most attractive motion
It picture theatres in the state. also has an
organ and usually Brite plays it before the
show starts. Unfortunately. New Year's
Eve, its generator had burned out and the
organ could not be used.
Brite began his theatre career at the age
of 16 at a time when silent pictures demanded
musicians as part of the staff. He
played in the Vitagraph and the Marquette
in Chicago.
When he first came west, he played in
Greeley. Boulder and Pueblo, Colo., theatres.
Then the mayor of Alamosa, Everett
Cole, who then owned the town's theatres,
liked organ music, so Brite came to play
here about 1941. When the Murphy circuit,
headquartered in Raton, N.M., took over
in 1944. Brite was made city manager but
continued to play the organ.
He is active in civic affairs as secretary of
the local Kiwanis Club. And Brite says he
goes over his copy of Boxofficf, weekly to
keep in touch with the industry.
Norman Palmer Appointed
WCI Travel Agent on WC
HOI. I Norman Palmer has
been named travel manager. West Co.ist.
of Warner Communications, Inc. He joineil
Warner Bros, in 1970 as a member of the
location department.
Palmer will he.idqu.irter ,it the sludii> in
Burbank, Calif.
Guy Salvatore holds the comparable
piisiiion on the East Coast.
BOXOFTICE Fcbruarv 4. 1974

Former Operator of Twin
Has No Reopening Plans
EL CERRITO. CALIF.—Three girls
from the Fairmont Elementary School recently
presented the manager of the El
Cerrito Chamber of Commerce. Del Wisenor,
a petition bearing 118 signatures calling
for the reopening of the former Jerry
Lewis Cinema in Moeser Lane Center. The
twin theatre has been closed since last
June,
ostensibly for "remodeling."
Chuck Boening, who operates the twoscreen
Showcase Theatre in San Pablo.
Calif., as well as one-screen theatres in
Danville and Antioch, Calif., formerly
leased the cinema in El Cerrito. He operated
the dualer for nine months before closing
it because the venture, he said, was unprofitable.
"The rent, ta.xes and insurance added up
to about $4,000 a month, which meant
you'd have to gross $4,000 a week— $2,000
for each screen—to break even," e.xplained
Boening. "It just wasn't making money.
The big problem was that the younger set
was too wild. They used the theatre as a
community center and a very noisy one at
that. They didn't appreciate what they had
and made it rough for anyone else who
wanted to see the show. It was more like
a juvenile hall than a theatre."
Boening stated he wasn't interested in
reopening the cinema himself. "I think El
Cerrito could stand a theatre but not two
screens," he said. "There just aren't enough
good products around for everyone to
share."
The Showcase, he disclosed, has been a
successful venture. "It has a very good
manager, Ron Bisio, who runs a very
smooth operation." Boening commented.
"He keeps excellent control over things and
the kids have been very good."
Vandalism wasn't a problem at the El
Cerrito house and it isn't at the Showcase.
As a matter of fact, Boening believes community
movies could be coming back because
of the energy crunch. "I feel that
people will have a tendency to cater to
neighborhood theatres like they used to
and wait for a good product to appear
instead of going to Oakland or San Francisco
for first-run pictures. I'm already
seeing signs of that in San Pablo."
Obscenity Not on Agenda
Of Colorado Legislature
DENVER—Since Gov. John Vanderhoof
matters, can consider only those items put
on the call.
Denver, of course, is the only city in the
state with several theatres showing only
X-rated films. The city council passed an
anti-obscenity ordinance in July and the
initial case has been heard, with a guilty
verdict having been rendered in the hearing
which involved the Studio E Theatre and
SALT LAKE CITY
Qlenn Peterburg, owner of the Grand Theatre
in Preston, was in town on busi-
Lucille Taylor, secretary to Herb Schoenhardt,
president of Universal Theatre Supply,
has left UTS to become a housewife.
The Cassia Theatre in Oakley has updated
its projection booth with reconditioned
lamphouses and projectors. Equipment
was furnished by Universal Theatre
Supply.
Ron Rodgers, Western regional director
of American National Enterprises, reports
that ANE's successful "Cry of the Wild"
the film "Deep Throat." A jury of men and
women found the motion picture to be obscene
and the case is now on apf)eal.
"Deep Throat" was seized at Studio E.
so when Kitty's Mini Theatre started showing
the film, police moved in and not only
seized that print but two other films as well,
"Girl Service" and "Fanny Hill." The theatre
went to court and obtained a restraining
order that stopped the action, so the continued
showing of "Deep Throat" at
Kitty's
is possible.
Both the state and the district attorney
say they are agreeable to letting Denver
try to enforce its anti-obscenity ordinance.
The probability is that things will quiet
down until the present case involving "Deep
Throat" is decided by the U.S. Supreme
Court.
Also cited for hearings are "The Devil
Miss Jones" and "The Magnificent Cow-
in
boys," which played at different theatres
here. The latter film has left the city, so
there is some doubt that court action will
be taken against it. The penalty for violating
the Denver antipornography ordinance
is a $200 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.
In a recent case in Colorado Springs.
"Deep Throat" was found to be obscene by
a mixed jury. The city ordinance there carries
a penalty of ten months in jail and a
fine of $250 to $1,000.
One-Year Sentence Given
For Showing 'Deep Throat'
COLORADO SPRINGS— Sam Tabron.
hind the Green Door." Sentencing on this
conviction is set for Friday (22).
After District Judge Robert W. Johnson
handed down the one-year sentence, he set
the appeal bond at $2,000. Tabron's attorney.
Bernard Norley, said the verdici
would be appealed to the Colorado Supreme
Court,
will break in the Greater Portland, Ore.,
area Wednesday (13) . . . Clair Farley, regional
director of ANE's Midwestern office,
was in town taking a breather after a
sizzling season. Clair also has spent a great
deal of time this winter in the Southeastern
region.
Mr. and Mrs. Grant Edward Clyde held
a wedding reception in honor of their
daughter Corinnc and her husband Stephen
Jay Sorenson January 24 at the La Citadelle
Reception Center here. The couple was
married earlier in a ceremony held in the
Salt Lake Temple. Mrs. Nonie Clyde is the
manager of the Southeast Theatre in this
city.
ALBUQUERQUE
^lark Conrad has been named manager of
Commonwealth Theatres' Los Altos I
and II. succeeding Joe Abouselman, who
has been transferred to Clovis as city manager.
Conrad, formerly assistant at Los
Altos, has been with Commonwealth about
three years.
John Bird, owner of Eastdale Theatre
here, announced he has the first-run booking
of John Wayne's "McQ" in his 305-seat
house after the current run of "The Way
We Were."
The University of New Mexico's Rodey
Theatre here currently is presenting a series
of Chaplin features on Sunday evenings.
The series includes "Modern Times," "The
Idle Class," "City Lights," "Monsieur Verdoux"
and "Limelight."
Fans in Mexico Are Eager
To See 'Clockwork Orange'
MEXICO CITY— After the censorship
board agreed to allow the exhibition of "A
Clockwork Orange" in Mexico, more than
2,000 fans crashed the gates at a 590-seat
government-owned theatre to see the film.
Authorities decided to let the eager spectators
stay to see the movie to avoid incidents.
"A Clockwork Orange" reportedly
was the first motion picture of its genre to
be okayed by the conservative censors.
Concurrently, censorship officials announced
that "Last Tango in Paris" also
manager of the Las Vegas Theatre, was
sentenced to one-year in the El Paso County
did not put the matter of obscenity in films
Jail for showing the X-rated film "Deep
will be exhibited in Mexico in the near
and literature in his message to the legislature,
the subject will not be taken up at was convicted by a district court jury Octo-
Throat" to audiences at the showhouse. He
future.
Explained a member of the censor board,
this session. In even-numbered years, the ber 19 after it had viewed the motion picture.
"Our policv will be that we will screen the
sessions are what are traditionally called
movies until people get tired of them and
"the short session" and, outside of financial Tabron also was found guilty last month
don't want to see them anymore."
of showing another X-rated picture, "Be-
BOXOFFICE :; February 4, 1974
for Prompt Personal Attention
Equipment, Supplies or Service
PETERSON THEATRE SUPPLY
19 E. 2nd South
Salt Laks City, Utah 841 1
Phone (801) 322-3685

. . Lynn
. . "The
I
SEATTLE
prederic A. Danz, president of Sterling
Recreation Organization and president
of NATO of Washington. Northern Idaho
and Alaska, was named chairman of the
newly formed NATO Western presidents'
division, a
prototype of a series of divisions
of the 41 NATO state units into regions.
Variety Club Tent 46 members are getting
ready for their annual telethon, which
will be held Saturday and Sunday (9. 10)
from 9 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.. 2OV2 successive
his wife applied as extras when Woody Allen
hours, on KIRO. Channel 7. Among the was in Denver filming "Sleeper." Duffy got
national celebrities scheduled are: Buck the assignment, while his wife didn't make
Taylor and .Amanda Blake, both from ""Gunsmoke":
Billy Lee. dancer: Pat Finley. to take part in the finish of the making of
it. Allen wanted Duffy to go to Hollywood
singer; Shari Lewis with her puppets Lamb the film— and a portion of Duffy's story
Chop and Hush Puppy; Myron Floren. ac-
follows:
'"Woody Allen fans are a cult. His type
cordionist with the Lawrence Welk orchestra;
Gail Fisher. ""Mannix""; Dack Rambo.
"Dirty Sally"; Betty Garrett. ""All in the
Family"; Chad Everett. ""Medical Center,"
and Jack Smith, who will emcee the telethon.
A world premiere showing took place at
SRO's Uptown Theatre January 30. where
"'A Time for Love" opened wtih star Rick
Jason, formerly of the ""Combat" TV show,
making public appearances as well as doing
media interviews . Bari was appearing
in person at Gene Kenne"s Cirque Dinner
Theatre with her stage production "Gingerbread
Lady." The company just finished
a 24-week tour in the East.
The production staff of the new John
Wayne film "McQ" was in town recently
for a special sneak preview of the motion
picture in
the Seattle 7th Avenue. The theatre
virtually was mobbed, since the title of
the John Wayne starrer was announced in
the two daily newspapers as well as the Outlook,
entertainment weekly. Among the
guests were John's son Michael Wayne,
head of Batjac productions; Jules Levy; Arthur
Gardner, and John Sturges, director of
"'McQ." The movie was lensed here last
summer, in this city, and aroimd the Olympic
Peninsula.
Still leading the town in an extended engagement
is '"American Graffiti." now in an
unprecedented 23rd week at the Renton Village
Cinema II . . . ""The Way We Were"
is still the greatest film the Bellevue National
Cinema Crossroads I ever has had and
it's in a 14th week . Sting" is still
crocking 'em at both the King and Renton
Village Cinema I
theatres.
Major filni.s booked for a Wednesday
THEATRE PROJECTION BOOTHS
NEW EQUIPMENT
USED EQUIPMENT
LEE ARTOE CARBON CO. • 1!43 Bdmom
f
(13) opening are: "'Day for Night." Uptown;
"Serpico," 7th Avenue; "McQ," Town.
Northgate. John Danz and Lewis & Clark
theatres; "The Exorcist." Cinerama, and the
United Theatres drive-ins are scheduled to
open their season.
Post Reporter Jim Duffy
A Denver 'Sleeper' Extra
DENVFR— Post reporter Jim Duffy and
of humor is a strange combination of selfeffacement
and nonsequilor jokes combined
with outrageous sight gags. At one time
during the day Allen emerged wearing ;•
New York Mets baseball cap and began
playing catch with one of the crew. We
were told to go to the Denver Technological
Center. After another two-hour wait,
while cameras and lights were set up in ;
super-modern conference room, we finally
had our chance.
"We sat in the conference room, stared
at a blank wall, exited, entered again, sat,
stared at a blank wall, exited, entered, ad
infinitum. We did this about 90 minutes.
While we entered, sat, stared and exited,
Mien, who also directed the film, was busy
peering at us from behind the camera.
Lights were being adjusted and girls were
running out for coffee. Not one inch of
film was shot. We would do that tomorrow.
"We reported to the same location the
next morning at 7:30. I climbed into the
huge dressing-room van, put on a very
wrinkled and grubby doctor's outfit, drank
coffee, ate donuts and waited. We waited
through lunch and almost through dinner.
About 5 p.m. they called for us again. It
was a repeat performance of the night before,
except for one thing: this time they
were shooting. Over the two days we must
have marched in and out of that conference
room a hundred times. We ate dinner and
then returned to the cluttered conference
room to wrap it up. I got home at 1 1 :30
the end of a 16-hour day.
'"I missed the next day's shooting in
Boulder but on the following day I managed
to get to the Currigan Exhibition Hall, the
scene of the day's shooting. I was late and
consequently missed my chance for a long,
sustained scene in which all of the local
talent, Allen and co-star Diane Keaton
marched down a long hall. I was really
angry.
"Later in the day we did more live shootuig
at Currigan. This time we had to chase
Allen and Ms. Keaton across the empty
convention hall floor. We did it about a
dozen times, until some of the older
'.itmosphere' were ready to collapse. It's
tiring, running that much in the expanse
of the hall. Later the same dav. we had
to do a scene in which we 'chasers' see
Allen and Ms. Keaton—the 'chasers' coming
up an escalator. Then, like something
out of the Keystone Cops, we ran down
the up escalator about 15 times until they
were satisfied. I couldn't believe it. A dozen
grown men and women running down an
up escalator like a bunch of kids. Moviemaking
can wear you out.
"At the end of the day's shooting one
of the assistant directors carrying the inevitable
clipboard came up and told me
"You're going to Hollywood with us.' He was
grinning and condescending, like he had
just been given the missing tapes. When
I told him Hollywood would have to wait
as far as I was concerned, he was speechless.
No one ever had turned down an
offer to go to Hollywood. At least no extra
ever had. That was the end of my association
with the silver screen until later when
'Sleeper' opened at the Continental.
"I sat through the thoroughly enjoyable
first 45 minutes of the film seeing a few
of my 'atmosphere' friends and recognizing
quite a few of the sites and scenery. Then
it happened! It was the conference-room
scene. It had survived the film-cutter's knife.
At first there was a wide shot of the whole
crowd of us watching the screen. Then
I saw close-ups of my colleagues and another
wide shot.
This had to be it!
"It was. For one glorious micro-second,
the entire screen of the Continental was
filled with my profile. It was quick, almost
subliminal, but it was no mistake. It
was I.
"Being an extra was boring and frustrating.
But that one giant profile made it all
worthwhile. So next time you're in town.
Woody, if you don't call me, I'll call you."
Stax Screens 'Wattstax'
At MIDEM Conference
CANNES, FRANCE—The Stax Organization
Tuesday night, January 22, hosted
a special screening of ""Wattstax," awardwinning
documentary filmed in association
with David L. Wolper, at the MIDEM
music conference here. All delegates to the
conference were invited to see the film,
which features many of the Stax record
artists.
"Wattstax," co-produced by Wolper .inJ
Larry Shaw and direction by Mel Stuart,
with Forest Hamilton as associate producer,
is distributed by Columbia Pictures. Shaw
and Hamilton hosted the screening here.
Tom Moyer Employees Busy
Preparing for 'Exorcist'
PORTLAND— Employees ol the Tom
Moyer Theatres circuit are bu.sy these days
getting ready for the opening of Warner
Bros.' "The Exorcist" this month at the
Southgate Quad Cinema. Due to reports of
unbelievable openings in other major cities,
much is being done in advance to handle
the expected large crowds.
Projects currently under way for fulltime
carpenter Rex Schneider include the
construction of temporary extra boxoffices
to handle the crowds.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

The Exorcist' 750
In Kansas City 4th
KANSAS CITY—With Greater Kansas
City emerging from the zero and near-zero
temperatures that characterized the eariy
wceks of January, more patrons hurried to
see holiday-introduced pictures while they
are still available. Big percentages resulted
all up and down the Barometer listings:
"The Exorcist" led the way with a composite
750 fourth week at Embassy 1 and Embassy
2; "Robin Hood." playing in the fifth
week in Kansas City, rated the report
period's lowest grossing percentage but. even
film's booking group. "Jonathan Livingston
Seagull" continues to thrive in Kansas City
more than anywhere else it is showing, this
time (fourth week) scoring 400 at Glenwood
1. Also at 400 was "The Sting" after a third
week at the Plaza and Truman Corners 3
theatres.
(Average Is 100)
1 3, Blue Ridge Ranch Mart Sleeper (UA),
5th wk 300
Embassy 1, 2—The Exorcist (WB), 4th wk 750
Fine Arts Ash Wednesday (Pora), 4th wk 300
Four theatres— Popillon (AA), 5th wk 275
wk. Four theatres Magnum Force (WB), 4th .500
1
Four theatres
Glenwood —Jonothon
Robin Hood (BV), 5th wk
Livingston Seagull
200
(Pa
3—The Sting (Unix
.400
Fifth Week Films Still Show
Power at Loop Boxoffices
CHICAGO—Nearly every film on this
week's Loop Barometer has been playing
here since the Christmas-New Year's holiday
and grosses still are running at gratifying
levels for these fourth and fifth-week
pictures. "The Sting" had the most boxoffice
punch left, banging out a fifth-week
300 at the Loop Theatre but seven fifthweekers
also were attractive enough to gross
between 150 and 275.
Carnegie The Day of the Dolphin (Emb), 5th wk. 250
Chicago Magnum Force (WB), 5th wk 250
Cinema The Long Goodbye (UA), 5th wk 175
Esquire Don't Look Now (Para), 4th wk 225
Loop The Sting (Univ), 5th wl< 300
Michael Todd The Seven-Ups (20th-Fox);
Legend of Hell House (20th-Fox), 5th wk 125
Oriental The Godfather of Hong Kong (SR),
3rd wk 200
Hell in Roosevelt Up Horlcm AlP), 5th wk 150
State Lake Popillon AA;, 5th wk 250
1 United Artists That Man Bolt (Univ), 50
wk. 5th
Woods Willie Dynomite (Univ), 5th wk 275
Ask Exhibitor Reaction
To Fund Raising Plan
CHICAGO—In
response to current questioning
as to whether the combined efforts
of exhibitors in metropolitan Chicago and
Variety Club Tent 26. plus the Women's
Variety Club, can continue the past successful
efforts to garner the many needed
dollars for helping handicapped children
via theatre collections. Jack Clark, president
of NATO of Illinois, is posing some pertinent
queries in a special bulletin. Clark said
that, specifically, the Variety Club board
had requested his office to canvas theatre
owners for their thoughts and reactions to
the following plan in lieu of the present
annual patron collection:
1. The Variety Club, working with the
motion picture exhibitors of metropolitan
Chicago, would selected an appropriate Saturday
morning to sponsor a special "children's
show."
2. An admission of $1 for all seats would
be charged.
3. Variety Club with its wide membership
representing radio. TV and newspapers,
would publicize and promote the event.
4. Blocks of tickets would be sold to
approved children's charities on a discount
basis, allowing them to resell profitably.
5. The ENTIRE boxoffice gro.ss receipts
would be contributed to the Variety Club's
children's charities.
6. The very limited expense of "staging"
for a contribution wherever they might go.
Thus, the sponsors of the plan believe
that, in addition to limiting the responsibilities
of the exhibitor, it lends itself to more
concentrated publicity and promotion for
exhibition and ultimately greater grosses for
the children's charities.
Clark urges a quick response to the foregoing
plan.
John Golladay, Dies at 62;
With Fox, Commonwealth
MARSHALL. MO.—John G. Golladay.
62, retired theatre manager, died January
24 in Lakeland, Fla., where he had been the
last six months recuperating from pulmonary
fibrosis. He had been a patient at the
Will Rogers Memorial Hospital in Lake
Saranac, N.Y.
Golladay was a veteran showman, having
started in Kansas City during 1932 at the
Fox Gladstone Theatre. Later he was with
the circuit as manager of theatres in Marshall.
Lexington. Moberly. Boonville and
Springfield. III. He left Fox in 1967 and
eventually joined Commonwealth TTieatres
in Sedalia. where he was until he became ill
and resigned.
Surviving are his wife Louise, a son William
G., Decatur, III.; a grandson, two
brothers. Herbert "Chub." Kansas City.
former National General Theatres manager
in various area houses, and Wilford. Phoenix.
Ariz. Graveside services were held in
Ridge Park Cemetery. Marshall.
The family suggests memorials to the
Will Rogers Hospital.
Joe Gregg Tearing Down
Drive-In at Caney, Kas.
CANEY. KAS.~Joe E. Gregg, owner
of the Caney Valley Drive-In here, has announced
that he is dismantling his theatre
and selling the ground in lots for the purpose
of building new homes.
The first motion picture theatre was
opened here in 1921 by Charles Gregg. Joe's
father, who retired in 1949. The drive-in
had been operating since 1953.
Barry London Assumes
Para. KC-SL Duties
KANSAS CITY— Barry London ha^
been promoted to branch manager of the
Kansas City-St. Louis area for Paramount
Pictures, it was announced by Norman
Weitman, vice-president, sales. London
succeeds Ric Zephro who resigned after six
months here.
Previously London was a sales manager
for Paramount Pictures, handling the St.
Louis district. The successor for Lond

. .
CHICAGO
•pie Way We Were" has been •charmed"
for Columbia Pictures. It continues its
long runs with hardly a dent in the grosses.
And the indications arc that Columbia has
another winner in "The Last Detail." now
set for openings in this area starting Friday
(22) and in Indianapolis theatres in mid-
March. In addition, reaction was very good
when Columbia recently set up screenings
of "Loving Molly."
A "first" for American International Pictures
involves the first motion picture dealing
with acupuncture. The film "Golden
Needles" is an adventure story about a
golden statue used in connection with acupuncture
to preserve youth and beauty. It
has an all-star cast, with Joe Don Baker.
Ann Sothern. Jim Kelly and Elizabeth Ashley.
It is one of AIP's 20th anniversary releases
for the summer of '74. Filming takes
place in Los Angeles and from there shooting
is being done in the South China Sea
and Taiwan.
"The Exorcist" continues to draw big
crowds. Reports indicate that police have
been needed to handle hordes of patrons
at the Cinema I in suburban Oakbrook and
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residents of the Gateway Theatre area here
have complained about difficulty in getting
out of their neighborhood. Frank Kveton,
manager of the Cinema I. said about the
movie's popularity: "I think it's ths sound
and visual effects. They do things that have
never been done before on the screen. The
majority of my audience is young kids. They
come to get shocked out of their minds. A
lot of people are coming back to sec it a
second and third time."
A survey indicates Teitel Film Co. is distributing
the most kung fu films. Of the
12 now being handled by Teitel, the latest.
"Karate Killers," opens for the first time
in this area at the United Artists Theatre.
•Also, "Forced to Fight," made in Korea,
may be opening shortly at the Oriental Theatre
and "Black Belt" opened here Friday
(1) . . . Roberta Teitel, daughter of the
Charles Teitels. has joined Bernard Kahn
& Associates in New York as one of the
firm's creative directors. In February Roberta
is due to go to the West Coast, where
she will work on a TV special with Walter
Matthau and others. The special has to do
with Roberta's project. "Lifestyle." She originated
the idea for the purpose of promoting
the ambitions people have in their lifetime.
Matthau performs in "Lifestyle" in
the area of horse racing.
Virgil Jones, division manager for the
JMG Film Co., was in Cincinnati for a sales
meeting conducted by Jay Goldberg, the
company's president. Major discussions concerned
the coming year's releases. Jones will
attend a Film Ventures' seminar in early
February and he then heads for Pittsburgh
to set up future openings in a series of
theatres there . . . JMG Film Co. action
here required the services of a new bookersalesman.
He is Richard Rubin, who in the
past was associated with MP and Paramount.
Wally Heini, Midwest supervisor-advertising
and publicity. United .Artists, hosted
a screening of "Busting," a film dealing with
the everyday—and night—happenings in
the life of two young metropolitan vice
squad police officers. UA also has been
screening "Kazablan." which is due to open
in this area shortly. "Sleeper" is one of the
most potent movies playing outlying theatres
currently according to Heini.
Word was received about the death of a
past Central division manager for 20th Century-Fox.
He was Mel Levy, who resided
in Minneapolis at the time of his death.
Personnel clianges at
Paramount Pictures
include Ted Lonis, who has transferred to
handle the Indianapolis territory,
with headquarters
here; Barry Eriich, formerly assistant
booker, is now local head booker:
Charles Lorrain, who was a booker, is a
salesman for the local territory; Rick Rice,
branch manager for the Indianapolis-Milwaukee
territory, makes his headquarters in
our town, and Marvin Lewis, formorlv Indianapolis
sales manager, is relocating in
San Francisco. New on the Paramount staff
is Loretta .Albright. She is bo.xoffice processor
for the Indianapolis-Milwaukee territories.
Bob Rosterman, 20th Century-Fox booker,
is vacationing in Paris and London.
The Portage Cinema, Portage, Jnd., is being
booked by Dick Walls, effective Friday
(8). Walls is with Venture Cinema, P.O.
Box 44.^. Portage. Ind. 46.^68.
Advance word indicates Vincent Price
will be in town for promotion of "Madhouse."
It will world premiere at the United
Artists Theatre starting March 22.
Mark! Bey, who played the title role in
"Sugar Hill," will be here Sunday and Monday
(10, II) to promote the movie. This
marks her starring role. The film is scheduled
to open shortly at the ABC Roosevelt
Theatre in the Loop. She will attend high
school and college press conferences when
advance screenings will be staged . . . AIP's
"Deranged" will have its world premiere
at the Michael Todd Theatre starting Friday
(8). Tom Karr, producer of this film, his
first, is a nephew of Tom O'Connor, president
of WCIU-TV, Channel 26.
John Pilmaier and John Roberts will attend
Buena Vista's three-district sales meeting
at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado
Springs. The district includes Chicago, Los
Angeles and Denver.
Midwest exhibitors and 20th Century-Fox
staffers from this ar;a who attended the
recent 20th-Fox seminar on the West Coast
appear to hold affirmative thoughts about
1974 movie business. They base their optimism
on new product on the way, samples
of which were on display. Included were
"Conrack." "Zardoz," "The Three Musketeers"
and "The Mad Adventures of "Rabbi'
Jacobs." Exhibitors say they are attracted
to the marketable value of any one of the
films for any and all theatres. They called
"The Three Musketeers" good comedy,
found "The Mad Adventures of "Rahhi"
Jacobs" hilarious, whether it is released with
sub-titles or is dubbed, and here was enthusiastic
reaction to "Conrack." Pat Conroy.
about whom the film was made, attended
the seminar and saw the movie for the first
time. "Zardoz," a new John Boorman film,
deals with this planet 400 years from now.
Several exhibitors held mi.xed reactions for
this movie, which they felt might be another
"Space Odyssey."
Extra highlights included the appearance
of Timothy Bottoms of Playboy Productions,
whose next film. "Vrooder's Hooch,"
will be released through 20th-Fox; Diahann
Carroll talked about her new film "Claudine":
Chuck Grcdin of "The Heartbreak
Kid" outlined plans for "11 Harrow
House." for which he wrote the screenplay.
and Irwin Allen, producer of "The Poseidon
Adventure," is now producing "Glass Inferno,"
which probably will be 20th-Fox's
Christmas release in 1974.
Joe Don Baker will star in AIP's "Golden
Needles."
C-2 February 4, 1974

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KANSAS CITY
gteve Durbin, head of United National
Films, while in Springfield, 111., on
business Januan' 24, visited with Louis
Kerasotes who was in St. John's Hospital
there. Bob Buscher, vice-president of United
National, was in Des Moines last week and
met with Carl Hoffman of the Dubinsky
Bros, circuit to discuss piaydates. He also
met with Jim Sparks of BNI Booking and
with Dick Day and George Capanzano of
the Central States circuit.
Milt Chamas, Warner Bros, division
manager from Los Angeles, was in town last
week to meet with branch manager Richard
Hill.
Nat Nathanson, division manager for
Allied .Artists, was in Kansas City Monday,
J.iiniary 28, from Chicago. He visited with
Mary Pickett, local branch manager, to set
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Terry Branson, president of United Films
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Bob Mason, Buena Vista branch manager,
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.^1, and Friday (1) to attend a sales seminar
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Tom and Gaye Fleming moved into their
new home in Kansas City last week. Tom is
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Bev Miller, Mercury Film, returned last
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I
dent of Atlanta-based Film Ventures Interj
national,
has rounded out plans for a three-
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Additional
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Florida NATO Plans
February 28 Conclave
JACKSONVILLE—NATO of Florida
will have its first menibership gathering of
1974 at the local Robert Meyer Hotel
Thursday (28). according to Anne Dillon.
cxccLitive
secretary of the organization.
Kihn Tomlinson has been selected as cooniinator
for the one-day gathering and
Horace Denning, president of N.ATO of
Florida, is preparing an agenda for the .session.
However. Denning's work on the program
was interrupted when he left for Atlanta
to attend the funeral of his father.
Mrs. Dillon stressed that all Florida exhibitors
are invited to attend the Thursday
(2S) sessions. In addition to the general
mc.-ting. a brief session of the board of
directors will be held.
Film Ventures Preparing
For Atlanta Convention
ATLANTA—Edward L.
Montoro. presi-
tors.
is to be this city's new
Internationale and the agenda will
include a series of merchandising seminars
forthcoming product. Features to be
include the new high camp Jack
Palance comedy. "Father Jackleg": Senta
Berger's "When Women Lost Their Tails."
sequel to the highly successful "When Women
Had Tails"; Ewa Alwin's "The Legend of
Blood Castle" and the hard-hitting FVI
gangster release, "Rico." which stars
Arthur Kennedy. Barbara Bouchct and
Chris Mitchum.
FVI products on tap for re-
lease during 1974. which will be discussed
promotional and publicity possibilities.
"The Love Factor," starring Anna Gael:
"The Rebel." with Mark Damon and Barbara
O'Neil in the leading roles, and others.
John Miller Twin Cinema
Opens in Benton, Ark.
BENTON. ARK.—John Miller, Arkansas
circuitman. opened his new west Arkansas
property, the John Miller Twin Cinema,
with a gala premiere January 9.
Among those taking part in the filmcutting
ceremonies marking the theatre's
formal debut were Cheryl Blackwood of
Benton, West Arkansas District Junior
Miss: Mrs. Tommy Weir of North Little
Rock, mother of Gary Weir, one of the
theatre owners, Mrs. Gary Weir. Weir.
Mayor Noel Butler of Benton: Larry Mc-
Adams. theatre partner; Mrs. McAdams:
Tony Ferguson, theatre owner; Mrs. Ferguson
and Gene Boggs. who is manager of the
John Miller Quartet in North Little Rock
and books the films for all theatres in the
Miller circuit.
These participants were photographed by
the Benton Courier as they faced the camera
in this order and the photo was used the
following day in the newspaper.
GTC Raising Number of Indoor I
To 70 With Many Building Projects
,A.TLANTA—A flurry of theatre construction,
marked by twinning activity, is
going on in the Georgia Theatre Co., according
to E. E. Whitaker, vice-president in
charge of operations, who finds himself
"right in the middle of it," as he puts it.
Work was completed on the circuit's
Westgate complex, where the original No. 2
auditorium was twinned into 225-seat auditoriums
and the original No. I was left
intact as a 748-seat house. The new Westgate
II was finished in time for an opening
Christmas Day, while the debut of new
Westgate III came January 4. On that redletter
day, No. I was showing "Walking
Tall." No. 2 offered "American Wilderness"
and No. Ill's first film was Walt Disney's
"Mary Poppins."
In Athens, seat of the University of
Georgia, tripling of the 1,100-seat Classic
Theatre, built five years ago. is in progress.
From this project will emerge Classic I.
500 seats; Classic II. 375 seats, and Classic
Classic is Georgia Theatre Co.'s 620-seat
Georgia Theatre, recently remodeled, refurbished
and enhanced by the installation
of rocking-chair seats. Elrod Sims is city
manager for the circuit in Athens, his responsibility
including GTC's Athens Drivein.
which has speakers for 400 cars.
In Waycross. work has started on what
was to be a 560-seat theatre in Hatcher
Mall but plans were changed "in midstream"
and Cinema I and Cinema II, also
equipped with rocking chair seating and the
(.S! !< '
SHOWMAN—At a recent
tnic iiiHMi (if Gulf States Theatres
in i\ev\ Oileaii, Joe Gianforte, left,
manager of the Don, Broadmoor and
Shreve City theatres and the Don and
Showtown drive-ins at Shreveport, La.,
was presented the circuit's Showman of
the Year Award. The presentation was
made by Jack Dobbs, the new president
of Gulf States Theatres.
latest equipment from front to back, will
emerge instead. John Harrison, former
mayor of Waycross and president of the
Waycross Chamber of Commerce, is GTC's
city manager there. He also has charge of
the circuit's Waycross Cable Co., as well as
its Lyric and downtown Ritz theatres and
the U.S. 1 Drive-In.
Now undergoing twinning is the 1,000-
car capacity South E.xpressway Drivc-In,
which is being divided into units of 600 and
500-car capacity, the extra 100 accomplished
by double ramping. This is the first
dualing of an outdoor location in Georgia
and the paving spread is solid asphalt instead
of the double treatment. An addition
to the projection room has been made and
Capital City Theatre Supply of .Atlanta is
installing a sound and platter system. The
screen for No. 2 was installed by the Selby
Screen Manufacturing Co. of Richfield,
Ohio.
Activity in the Gadsden, Ala., area in-
III. 250 seats. A feature of the Classic is the cludes the construction of twin cinemas I
beautiful formal garden fronting it and and II in the Gadsden Mall. Each auditorium
is being equipped with 250 rocking
maintained as a project of the Garden Club
of Georgia.
chairs and the units are scheduled to open
Across the street from the downtown August 1. On the drawing board for Gadsden
is a 560-car drive-in on U.S. 411 within
the city limits. This open airer will be
equipped with coaxial cable reception as
well as with tear-drop design receivers.
GTC city manager in Gadsden, the circuit's
only outside-of-Georgia location with
the exception of the Hilltop Drive-In just
across the river from Augusta in South
Carolina, is Tom Presley, former manager
of the GTC Westgate in Atlanta. Presley
was transferred from Atlanta to Savannah,
where he opened the Fort Oglethorpe Mall
Theatre, then was moved to Gadsden following
the death of Harold Bramlett. Also
under Presley's wing in Gadsden are the
new 863-seat Cinema. 860-seat Pitman.
500-Car Rainbow Drive-In and the 475-car
Rebel Drive-In.
This flurry of building new theatres and
adding screens to others will give the circuit
more than 70 indoor theatres, all with rocking-chair
seating, and GTC. headed by John
H. Stembler sr., has become famous as "The
Rocking Chair Circuit."
Open House Marks Debut
Of Roswell Village Duo
ATLANTA—^Norm Schneider and Ron
Herman, partners in the Roswell Village
Twin Theatre, a project of their newly organized
Septum. Inc., were forced to delay
until January 30 their scheduled Christmas
holidays opening after the seating failed to
arrive on time.
January 30. however, the partners invited
the public to come out and inspect the
twins at an open house party. The following
night Schneider and Herman turned
their new theatre over to the Roswell Jaycees
for a benefit performance, proceeds
going to that civic club's favorite charity.
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 SE-1

. . A
. . Bruce
ATLANTA
Qordon Craddock, president of Craddock
Films, devoted a week to calling on
exhibitors and circuit officials in the Jacksonville
territory while son Cliff, a salesman
for the Craddock company, was making
contacts with similar groups in New
Orleans . . . Judy Monroe, 20th Century-
Fox receptionist, returned to her desk after
recuperating from a tonsillectomy.
Free motion pictures continue on Sundays
in the Walter Hill Auditorium at the Memorial
Arts Center. Shown January 20 was
"Robin Hood." the Douglas Fairbanks sr.
silent-screen version . new classic film
series has been started by Stuart Culpepper,
drama director at Callanwolde and at the
Lovett School. Shown weekly at the two
locations, the nonprofit program opened
with "The Boys of Paul Street." an English
movie made in Czechoslovakia. January 21
at Callanwolde and the follownig night at
Lovett. Tickets are $1 each. The second attraction
was "Walkabout."
Clark Film Releasing Co., with branches
in Atlanta and Jacksonville, has acquired
from the Hollywood-based Joseph Green
Co. "Blade" and "Dragon Lady" . . . Added
to Wayne Chappel Releasing Co.'s string of
pictures are "Carnal Circuit" and "The Sensuous
Three."
While in New Orleans recently, James
Dixon, assistant to Glenn Simonds, Atlanta
exchange manager for American International
Pictures, was stricken with an acute
attack of appendicitis. In fact, the attack
occurred while Dixon was having dinner in
one of those famed eating emporiums on
historic Bourbon Street in the company of
Simonds and Sam Hart. AIP Southern advertising
and publicity director. His industry
companions rushed Dixon to Mercy Hospital,
where an efficient medico snipped out
the offending vermiform appendage and
pronounced him out of danger. Mrs. Dixon,
accompanied by Mrs. Simonds. flew to New
Orleans to be with her husband during his
recuperation. Simonds suggested that his
aide's story should be headlined "Jim Dixon
Loses Appendix on Historic Bourbon
is Street." Incidentally. Jim back at work.
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Sam Hart, meanwhile, moved on to
Washington. D.C., to beat the drums for
A IP's "Sugar Hill." then was to return here
for an rendezvous with Marki Bey, star of
of the film, who was booked to meet the
press Wednesday (6) at the Diplomat Restaurant.
"Sugar Hill" will open at Martin's
downtown Rialto Friday (22).
Marquee changes: Loews' Grand, "Bamboo
Gods and Iron Men"; Rialto, "Fearless
Fighters" and "Isaac Hayes—The Black
Moses of Soul"; Lenox Square, "The Don
Is Dead," five Georgia Theatre Co. driveins,
"The Screaming Tiger"; ABC's Fox,
"The Arena"; Phipps Piaza. "Cinderella
Liberty"; Atlanta, "The Thunder Kick";
Peachtree Battle, "Massacre in Rome";
Buckhead, "The Sophisticated Jet Set" . . .
Weis' Fine .\rt Cinema sneaked New
World's "Fantastic Planet" January 27 on
the same bill with 20th-Fox's "The Paper
Chase."
World Films, Inc., will present Rudolf
Nureyev in "Don Quixote," full-length film
featuring Robert Helpman and Lucette Aldous
of the Australian Ballet, in two performances
in Symphony Hall in the Atlanta
Memorial Arts Center Sunday (17). The Atlanta
engagement marks the first time this
picture has been shown outside of New
York. Prices (including tax) are $5. $4 and
$3; students get a $1 reduction if they buy
in advance.
WOMPI Notes: The Atlanta club's business
luncheon for January was held at the
Diplomat Hotel, with president Nell Castleberry
presiding. Bernice Wasso, Kay Films,
and Virginia Clifton, Columbia, co-chairmen,
gave details of the bingo party to be
held for Highview Nursing Home residents.
It will be a Valentine party, gifts are to be
distributed and refreshments served ... A
plea was issued to the WOMPIs for more
green stamps, which are being collected to
supply a wheelchair needed by the Easter
Seal Society of Georgia. The WOMPIs arc
committed to match the gift to the society
and the wheelchairs will be available to
anyone needing them.
More WOMPI Notes: Rumors are true:
the annual Bosses Luncheon, booked for
March 20, is to be held in the Atlanta Playboy
Club. Members are urged to get their
votes in for Boss of the Year to Mrs. Louise
Bramblett, c/o Wil-Kin Theatre Supply.
301 North Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30308. A
ballot will be found in the January issue of
the WOMPI Bulletin . . . The speaker at
WOMPI's Wednesday (20) meeting will be
Kitty Lofton, president of the Atlanta
Women's Chamber of Commerce and public
relations for Rich's, the largest department
store in the South. Ms. Lofton also is chairman
of Rich's Women's Broad and a nuich
sought-after public
speaker.
Trade Screenings: Columbia's Filmrow
Playhouse: "The Sensuous Three," "Carnal
Circuit" and "My Way," distributed b.\
Chappell Releasing So.; "Newman's Law,"
Universal; "Alfredo, Alfredo," Paramount;
"Run, Stranger, Run," distributed by Atco
Gibraltar; "The Blonde Connection," distributed
by C. L. Autry's General Film Distributors,
. . . Inc.; "Dirty O'Neil," AIP
Screening rooms in the Atlanta Film Building
and 20th Century-Fox exchange were
dark for the period.
Michael Parver, president and owner of
the agency bearing his name and who handles
publicity and promotions for Warner
Bros, in
this territory, returned from a foray
into Birmingham and Charlotte on behalf
of "Black Belt Jones." He went first to the
Alabama metropolis to meet Gloria Hendry,
star of the black-oriented picture, and
steered her on one of those whirlwind publicity
and interview merry-go-rounds. Their
first stop, however, was at City Hall, where
Miss Hendry was welcomed and presented
a key to the city by the mayor. Parver enlisted
the valuable assistance of Cecil Brown.
ABC Southeastern Theatres city manager
and formerly with the company in Atlanta,
who had set up engagements for interviews
with the print media writers and editors as
well as TV and radio talk show jockeys.
Parver moved on to Charlotte and went
through the same routine, except the key to
the city bit, and this time he relied upon the
assistance of Danny Deaver, Eastern Federal
Corp.'s public relations and advertising
director.
Pat Roberson, formerly with MGM and
more recently the film buyer and booker
for Central Valley Theatres with headquarters
in Atlanta, has joined American
National Enterprises, Inc., as a booker . . .
Joel Poss, Columbia Southeastern field
representative, returned from Birmingham,
where he set up campaigns for the engagement
of "The Last Detail," starring Jack
Nicholson Stern, head of the
agency bearing his name, reported that his
client in Athens, Sol Abrams. owner of the
Beechwood Twins, advises him that Columbia's
"The Way We Were" and Allied
Artists" "Papillon" are racking up record
grosses.
Walter Walker, exchange manager for
Buena Vista Distribution Corp.. and his wife
returned from a seven-day Caribbean cruise.
They flew from here to San Juan, Puerto
Rico, where they boarded the Caria C an
Italian cruise ship that took them Curacao,
a Dutch possession; Caracas, Venezuela;
Martinique Island, a French colony, and to
St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin
Islands. The Walkers did much sightseeing
in all these ports and Walter said they were
impressed with the beauties of the countries
they visited but were depressed as they saw
so much poverty. He did have this bit of
m «m MM
(Continued on page SE-4)
mb#l
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1778 Marietta Blvd.. N W
Atlanta, Ga. 30318
Phone: (404) 355-6110
SE-2 BOXOFFICE ;: February 4, 1974

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(Continued from page SE-2)
Poptorn Suppllet 300 lb«. * are in Los .A.ngeles viewing completed portions
of the production. They joined producer-director
advice to would-be travelers: "Don't select
Richard Robinson, who is han-
an Italian ship ... I gained 15 pounds." dling post-production details on the West
Back at his desk. Walter shed soon all this
busy
Coast and who has high hopes of releasing
The which
e.xtra weight, however, since he is so the film in mid-May. picture,
booking Walt Disney's "Superdad" (which stars Shelley Winters, Leslie Uggams, Slim
already has opened in the Florida territory) Pickens and Michael Christian, was filmed
in seven theatres (Leno.x Square II, Perimeter
in Athens, home of the University of
Mall. South DeKalb. Toco Hill. Green-
briar, National Triple and Miracle) for
Georgia, and is in the final editing stages.
March I. B'V also is reissuing "Alice in Chappell Releasing Co., headed by Wayne
Wonderland" as its Easter picture. Walter Chappell, has moved to Emerson Center,
reports, to be followed by "The World's near the new regional Cumberland Mall,
Greatest Athlete" and "The Snowball Express"
where the company's new address is 2S14
in combination and "Old Yeller" New Spring Rd.. Suite 102, and the tele-
with "The Incredible Journey" in June. phone number is (404) 432-3361. A new
BV e.xpects another bonanza in July, when member of the Chappell staff is cashier
the Disney release will be "Herbie Rides Carol Barrett.
Again." .sequel to "The Love Bug," whose
financial legs astounded the industry.
Weis' Broadview II held a sneak preview
of ".Ml the Young Wives" on the same bill
"Blood of the Dragon," a production of
Film Distributors, a Michael Thevis
with "The Seven-Ups" . Tango in
Profile Paris" was in an eighth week in a sub-run
enterprise, which was redubbed into English
showing at the Sandy Springs Theatre . . .
by Bill Diehl jr. and his staff, now is in its
Mike Parver Associates issued invitations to
second month. It has filled 200 playdates
a special night screening of John Wayne's
and is scheduled for 250 additional locations
new Warner Bros, picture. "McQ." January
in the next three months. It topped
30 at the Columbia Pictures Playhouse on
grosses in Chicago for a two-week engagement
Filmrow.
at the Roosevelt Theatre and finished
No. 2 (behind the Jimi Hendrix film) in a George Roscoe, exhibitor relations representative
of the National Ass'n of Theatre
Washington. D.C.. location. A Spanish subtitled
version of this action-packed martial
Owners, was in Atlanta recently surveying
filmed Taiwan, now in a
arts pleaser. in is
the scene in preliminary observations and
third week in the Miami area. The film features
preparations for the national convention of
NATO scheduled for Atlanta this fall.
an 18-minute fight scene. Flood, a
General Recording Corp. group also owned
by Thevis. composed the musical score for Dan Coursey, 20th-Fox exchange manager;
Ralph Buring. the company's Southeast-
the entire film.
Meanwhile. Thevis, president of Modern ern advertising and promotion director, and
Films of Georgia and executive producer of
his assistant Dave Tribble returned from a
the company's first film. "Poor Pretty Eddie."
sales meeting on the West Coast with high
and Leon Walters, associate producer.
praise for three new pictures: "Conrack,"
filmed in the Brunswick. Ga., area; "The
Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob" and "The
Three Musketeers." Buring said that Pat
FOR ALL YOUR THEATRE NEEDS Conroy, author of the book that is the
Cinemeccanica Projectors * Corh
source of the "Conrack" story, now resides
in Atlanta and 20th-Fox plans to use him
Automation Equipment * ORC Equip....
extensively in promoting the picture. Present
plans are to premiere the film at the Georgia
Theatre Co.'s Lanier Theatre in Brunswick
in mid-March. Buring says that a nationwide
contest is being planned for theatre
managers in three different categories
for the best campaigns in connection with
Capital City Supply Co., Inc.
124 16th St. N. W.
promotions and publicity. The three winners
will he awarded trips to Europe.
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
(404) 521-1244, 873-2545, 46, 47
"Since 7939"
Woody Sherrill Opens New
Phase of Industry Career
ATLANTA—W. W. "Woody" Shcrnll.
Southern division manager for MGM. completed
his long service with that company
BETTER HYBRID POPCORN when it was his sad duty to be the last
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his headquarters, which he shuttered
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January 1.
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SE-4
A native of Okmulgee, Okla.. Sherrill had
been with MGM 35 years during which he
had made many friends
throughout the nation
in both the film industry and other
activities. After attending the University of
Oklahoma in Norman, he started his career
in 1935 with MGM as a postal clerk in the
company's Oklahoma City exchange, earning
$17.50 per week. Later he was promoted
to student booker.
When MGM closed its e.xchanges recently,
following the transfer of its distribution
activities to United Artists exchanges, Sherrill
was asked to stay on to gather up the
loose ends associated with the closing of an
exchange. Staying with him to "the bitter
.nd" was his secretary. Mrs. Nell Middleton,
and a member of the accounting department.
Filmrow and Sherrill's many .-Xtlanta
friends arc pleased that he has decided to
remain in the industry as head of his own
distribution agency, Sebastian Enterprises.
The first picture on his list is a .Sebastian
International Pictures production, " 'Gator
Bait," starring Claudia Jennings and Sam
Gilman and featuring Doug Dirkson. Clyde
Ventura and Bill Thurman. Filmed in the
Louisiana swamps, the picture made its debut
in 90 locations in the Pelican State and
is said to have grossed half a million dollars.
Sherrill has scheduled saturation dates in
the Florida territory for Friday (15) and
Atlanta theatres will start showing the picture
in mid-March. Distribution in the Carolinas
and the Memphis territories will follow.
" 'Gator Bait" was produced and directed
by Ferd Sebastian, president of the company
bearing his name, and he and his
wife Beverly made a tour, via their own
Beechcraft Baron plane to promote their
new release. Sebastian Pictures is based in
Wcstlake Village. Calif.
Sherrill looks upon his connection with
the Sebastians as "a whole new career" and
is happy to be doing something he always
loved doing, selling films.
When he left Oklahoma City in 1937. he
transferred to Kansas City as a booker and
was transferred from there to Dcs Moines,
when he was promoted to office manager.
Uncle Sam beckoned to him in February
1942 and he joined the AW Force. He
switched to the artillery and was commissioned
a second lieutenant after attending
Officers Training School. After being sent
to Europe he flow bombing missions and
(Continued on page SE-6)
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BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 SE-5

Courageous Revival of Jacksonville
WOMPI Heart-Warming Story of 7
JACKSONVILLE—Wendy Hendrickson,
attractive young president of the Women of
the Motion Picture Industry in this city, has
revealed for the first time a closely guarded
secret of WOMPI members for the past
year.
Although publicly regarded by other
women's groups and members of the news
media as among Jacksonville's top echelon
of dedicated club women, WOMPI members
had become dispirited generally and in
January 1973 put to a vote a motion that
they disband and drop out of existence.
The downbeat vote was overthrown by a
narrow margin and the upbcaters won out.
giving WOMPI a brave new lease on the
future. Members began by paring down an
ambitious program of too much aid
overly
to too many charitable groups by such a
small band of women, which had been the
root cause of discouragement as WOMPI
funds and volunteer work were not equal to
the occasion. They also embarked on a
program of recruiting new members and
spreading responsibilities throughout the
group.
And it was at the beginning of the club's
upsurge that they tackled in January 1973 a
year-long project of competing against 39
other women's groups of the city for valuable
cash prizes awarded in the Community
Club Awards contests, whereby the 40 organized
clubs—20 in a pool for large organizations
and 20 small groups squared off
against each other in fierce competition.
Object of the game is to score more points
than opponents in amassing "golden garbage"
in the form of cash register receipts
for a list of 32 products and services available
here to the public. The entire contest
is sponsored by radio station WAPE. The
contest was long and required tenacity to see
it through to the end. That is what the
women of WOMPI did by topping the winnings
of all other 39 groups both large and
small by taking home S970 out of the several
thousand dollars awarded.
Other activities also prospered. In volunteer
work, WOMPIs handled 20 telephones
for the Channel 7. community television
station, annual 24-hour auction of donated
goods, which resulted in a collection of
$100,000 in 1973. Channel 7 officials
acknowledged that the WOMPIs contributed
more valuable service than any other
volunteer group during the drive.
Other services included hebing city
fathers with the conduct of a "Bold City-
ForTheBESTESTAnd
FAST-tSf
fest" celebrating the consolidation of Jacksonville
and Duval County, acting as hostesses
for the annual Filmrow Golf Tournament,
main social event of the year for the
men of Filmrow, and the raffling of a
"basket of cheer" before Thanksgiving as
another fund-raising project. Also, the
WOMPI Club made volunteer audience
collections in theatres for the Will Rogers
Memorial Hospital and made individual donations
of their own to Will Rogers.
Provided Film Reviews
WOMPIs provided movie reviews to
Channel 7 for broadcasting to the followers
of the station's popular Feedback program
and continued support for a Korean Foster
Child, An Sun Ok of Seoul. Club members
also sold cards, stationary, wrapping paper
and conducted a flea market. Before
Christmas. WOMPI stuffed Christmas
stockings for the Salvation Army and. as the
group's last official act of 1973, a portable
breathing machine was donated to the Will
Rogers Memorial Hospital.
The WOMPI organization also revived its
social life in 1973. A dinner gathering was
held in March for members and many
guests at Hart's Steak House. In May the
coming of summer was celebrated with a
beach party at the home of Doris Humphreys.
An installation dinner was held in
June, with Kitty Dowell doing the installing
for guests
at a dinner and wine-tasting session.
Won (yOonnell Award
In Septenrber members at the WOMPI
International convention brought back from
O'Donnell Award for
Kansas City the R. J.
Industry Service, quite an accomplishment
for a group which had been moribund in
January. Next on the social list was a Halloween
party at the home of John and Mary
Hart. Also in the Halloween mood. WOMPI
stuffed trick-or-treat bags for children in
hospitals and special homes for the handicapped.
Social festivities ended with a pre-
Christmas cocktail party and luncheon at
the Phillips Holiday Inn for the men of
Filmrow for the support they had given
WOMPI throughout the year.
President Wendy Hendrickson. in reviewing
the year, said, "I don't feel that we are
any different from any other WOMPI group
in the industry. We try to live up to the
stated aims of the organization and. in so
doing, we feel typical of and in close kinship
with all WOMPIs, as can be seen in
the news letters, exchanges of information
and social gossip from local units which result
in keeping us aware of our responsibilities
to the fine industry we represent."
As an afterthought. Wendy pointed out
ihat WOMPI received the top prize of $."^0
for the first CCA turn-in of "golden garbage"
in the second week of January. So, the
pendulum has swung around and WOMPIs
are off and running this year instead of
having thoughts of disbanding.
Matthew Urges Larger
Tent 21 Donations
ATLANTA—Herbert R. Matthews of
Benton Bros. Film Express, new chief barker
of Variety Tent 21. was installed at the
club's 34th annual cocktail party and banquet
January 19 in Variety headquarters in
the Fox Theatre Building.
Flanking Matthews, who served two previous
terms ten years ago as the club leader,
were other officers and the crew, who took
the oath of office administered to them by
Robert Hosse, Martin Theatres vice-president.
Serving with Matthews will be Henry
Harrell. National General Pictures, and
John H. Stembler jr., Georgia Theatre Co..
assistant chief barkers; Dennis Merton,
dough guy; W. J. Lowry, president of
Lowry Music Co.. property master. Other
members of the crew are Thomas Carr.
James H. Edwards, Lewis C. Ingram jr.,
Willard Kohorn and Lamar Swift.
Following Tent 21 installation services.
Hosse summoned the newly elected officers
1
of Variety Club Women to take a similar
oath. These were Louise Bramblett. Wil-Kin
Theatre Supply, serving a second term as
president; Evelyn Koslow. vice-president;
Lillian Lester, treasurer; Sharron Hamell.
recording secretary, and Lillian Guin. corresfwnding
secretary.
Stewart Harnell of Harnell Independent
Production was emcee and. in true "show
biz" tradition, kept the program moving.
He called on Matthews, who made an acceptance
speech in which he issued a challenge
to his slate of officers, directors and
cluis members to redouble their efforts in
behalf of the club's charities and urged them
to visit those institutions so they could observe
"where their money goes."
Matthews also called on the barkers to
help him in efforts to top $35,000 in contributions,
the total attained under Jimmy
Bello. last year's chief barker. Matthews
then presented Bello with a fondue set as a
token of the tent's appreciation for his outstanding
service as chief barker.
Estelle Moscow presented Mrs. Bramblett
with a golden heart gift for her charity work
in behalf of the Women's Club and a cash
award was given to Mary Humphreys for
the Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis
Ass'n. In turn, she presented a
plaque to the
Variety Club for its support.
Dorothy Miller, founder and director of
the Elaine Clark Center for exceptional
children, a particular beneficiary of both
the Variety tent and of the Variety Club
Women, was introduced ard oresentcd with
a cash award. Mrs. Grace King received a
check for Arbor Academy.
Woody Sherrill Opens New
Phase of Industry Career
(Continued ivom page SH-4)
was promoted to first lieutenant and later
to captain. His outfit was at the Elbe River
at the end of the war. waiting on orders
given them to remain in that area until the
Russians entered Berlin.
SE-6
BOXOmCE :: Febniary 4, 1974

. .
Sherrill returned to MGM in 1946 as a
saL'sman in the Kansas City territory and
v\as assigned to New York for an executive
training course in the home office, where
one of his classmates was Bill Madden.
Shortly thereafter he became sales manager
lor 20th Century-Fox in Kansas City. Later
Sherrill rejoined MGM as city salesman in
Chicago and in 1960 was transferred to
as exchange manager.
,A.tlanta
He was promoted to Southern division
niLinager in 1967; two years later he was
reassigned to Chicago as division manager
and Bill Madden was advanced to roadshow
manager. Sherrill returned to the
South in 1971 as division manager when
.Amos Boyette was transferred to the West
Coast as division manager.
Incidentally, when Sherrill first came to
Atlanta, he replaced branch manager Bill
Zocllner, the man who had given him his
first MGM job in Oklahoma City in 1935.
Zocllner, who was retiring when he turned
th.: Atlanta exchange over to Sherrill, chose
to remain here and resides at 4565 Lake
Forrest Dr.,
Northwest.
Preacherman Finishes
Filming Next Feature
CHARLOTTE—Local filming has been
concluded and West Coast editing started
on •'Barefoot County," one of the most
elaborately mounted independent films to
come from the two Carolinas.
'Barefoot County," like the highly successful
"Preacherman," is a positive film of
music, girls, comedy, e.xcitement and a solid
rural love story.
"Making positive films." said Bob W.
\IcClure, president of the Preacherman
Corp., Charlotte, which made both of the
above-mentioned features, "is what Preacherman
is interested in."
"Barefoot County," made on a $175,000
budget, is the story of a widow and her
three moonshining offspring and an undercover
"revenooer" who falls in love with the
eldest daughter. The modest budget permitted
the company to bring in the Hollywood
talents of Will Zens as director and
Austin McKinney as director of photography.
Zens has directed hundreds of films
and commercials, most notably the musicals
"Road to Nashville" and "From Nashville
With Music." The experienced McKinney
has shot an equally imoressive number of
(Continued on next page)
BOOKING SERVICE]
"Theotre Booking & Film Distribution"
22) S. Cliurch St., Chorlotte, N.C.
Franic Lowry , . . Tommy White
Phone: 375-7787
JACKSONVILLE
gob Capps, area film buyer for General
Cinema and in charge of bookings for
about 50 of the circuit's theatres, will move
his staff from the downtown Florida Theatre
Building into new quarters adjacent to
the firm's new expressway theatre . . . Jim
Langston. who began his theatrical career
with ABC Florida State Theatres in this
city about 20 years ago, now is managing
General Cinema's Parkwood Cinema in
Orlando.
It was like a modern-day Pied Piper of
Hamelin drawing thousands of children to
Edgewood Avenue as Art Castner, manager
of ABC FST's Edgewood Theatre, had the
first run of Disney's "Robin Hood" and,
down the road a piece, Emory Robinson's
Murray Hill Theatre played the first-run
of Disney's "Superdad" along with the reinforcement
of a sub-run of Disney's "Son
of Flubber."
Wendy Hendrickson,
WOMPI president,
said the group's first social event of the
William S. Baskin, ABC FST district
supervisor for northeast Florida, announced
the promotion of Tom Davalt from manager
of the Daytona Theatre, Daytona
Beach, to manage the Center Twin theatres
in Gainesville. Promoted to manage the
Daytona Theatre is Mike Arthur, who has
been serving as house manager of the local
Regency Theatre under the circuit's city
manager, Robert L. "Bob" Jones.
Cornelia Sharpe, an aspiring young actress
who attended Paxon and Lee high
schools in this city, is making her way into
the screen's bigtime. With featured parts in
"Kansas City Bomber" and "The Way We
Were," she portrays the girl-friend of actor
Al Pacino in "Serpico." Sheldon Mandell
plans to feature her in his newspaper ads
when "Serpico" opens at his theatre.
ABC FST's local Regency Theatre is set
films, including Boris Karloff's last three
features. Also chosen for past performance for the exclusive north Florida premiere of
and quality was the Technicolor Laboratory
in Hollywood to capture properly the bright
Warner
Exorcist"
Bros.'s
. . .
superblockbuster,
Stage-screen-TV star
"The
Dana
Carolina sky and countryside.
20 of the shooting days
Andrews and his wife Mary Todd are starring
here at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre
.All were filled
with work within 30 miles of here. Leads the comedy "The Best of Friends."
in
A week's advance screenings set into the
Preview Theatre by ABC FST's Nick Lewis
included "Black Belt Jones," Warner Bros.;
Johnson Films, "Made" and "Up the Chastity
Belt"; "The Blonde Connection," General
Films; "Mr. Superinvisible," K-Tel International;
"Newman's Law," Universal;
"Running With the Devil," Boca, and "How
to Seduce a Woman," Cine.
Duke de Keno, veteran assistant manager
of the Gulfgate Theatre in Naples, repwrts
that he is now assistant to Marvin R. Scott,
manager of the new Kon Tiki Theatre in
the Central Mall Shopping Center at Naples,
fast-growing southwest Florida community.
Duke said the Kon Tiki did capacity business
with the grand opening of "American
Graffiti" . . . Jack and Sally Jenkins, husband-and-wife
singing team from Tampa,
have the starring roles as Cole and Linda
Porter in the new touring stage musical
"RSVP—The Cole Porters," coming to the
local Civic Auditorium this month under
the banner of the Ford Foundation Famous
Artists Series.
Four units of Eastern Federal Theatres
teamed for weekend double matinee performances
of "Pippi Longstocking" .
Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus
went into the Veterans' Coliseum with eight
performances in four days . . . New first
runners in town were "Ash Wednesday,"
"The Laughing Policeman," "That Man
Bolt," "Magnum Force" and "Superdad."
year will be a party Saturday evening (23)
at the home of George Byrd, Universal
manager, who generously invited WOMPI
to make use of his facilities . . . Wendy
General Cinema Will
also reported that WOMPI members have
named a nominating committee to select
candidates for the group's annual election
Open North Fla. Duo
in April. Those named are Philomena
"Phil" Eckert, chairman, and Frances Conner
JACKSONVILLE—General Cinema
and Karen Lakaszewski.
Corp. plans to open its two newest Florida
theatres Friday (8) when the public gets its
first look at Cinema I and Cinema II on the
local Arlington Expressway.
Cinema I, seating 702 patrons, will make
its debut with "Serpico," sharing the north
Florida first run of this Paramount release
with Sheldon Mandell's Five Points and
possibly with one other theatre. Booked as
the first feature for the 472-seat Cinema II
is a sub run of Columbia's "The Way We
Were."
John Clark has been transferred by Bob
Daugherty of Orlando, Florida supervisor
for the General Cinema Corp., from management
of the circuit's Seminole Theatre
in Orlando to manage GCC's new Arlington
Expressway units.
Universal acquired the film rights to the
novel "Wild Card."
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BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 SE-7

. odoooooooodoooo
. . Ruth
. . Jose
NEW ORLEANS
y^amer Bros, held a private screening of
John Wayne's new picture. "McQ" at
the ABC screening room Tuesday. January
22. "McQ" is a switch for John Wayne.
who portrays a police officer instead of his
usual western film
role.
The Prytania Theatre, formerly owned
and operated by United Theatres, has become
an Energy Theatre. This is a new
concept in entertainment, offering Energy
Film and Energy State attractions. Energy
Film includes family pictures of extraordinary
merit and festivals of fine features not
otherwise available in this area. Energy
stage attractions will include professional
productions of outstanding plays. off-
Broadway touring companies, children's
theatre, an experimental series of unusual
new plays, dance programs and chamber
music concerts. Construction of stage and
backstage facilities are nearing completion
under the supervision of Mike Wheeler,
who has done similar work as technical
director of Joseph Papp's "Shakespeare in
the Park." Opening March 14 is "Jacques
Brel Is .Alive and Well and Living in Paris."
Gloria Hendry, star of Warner Bros."
film, "Black Belt Jones," was feted at cocktails
and a luncheon Friday, January 25, at
the Versailles Restaurant. The feature was
booked to open Friday (1) at the Orpheum.
Miss Hendry also will appear as a guest star
at the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony's
"Phoning for Friends" campaign
and at the Playboy Club, where she will
present the 1974 Playboy awards to Al Hirt
and Pete Fountain.
A meeting of district
managers and theatre
managers was held in Beaumont, Tex.,
by Gulf States Theatres. Attending from
the New Orleans office were .Armand Portie
and Don Woods, bookers; Marvin Brewton,
George Schmitt and Larry Gleason . . .
Flo Cuadrado. Sheryl Dempsey, Judy and
Dan Lake of Gulf States Theatres departed
Friday, January 25, for a trip to Houston
to attend a wedding in which Flo was an
attendant . Roll, GST insurance
department, has been in the hospital due to
a back ailment.
The manager of the Do Drive-In worked
up a successful gimmick for his engagement
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Southern Theatre Supply, Inc.
3S22 Airline Highway
Metairia (Naw OrlMiu), La. 70001
Phone: (504) 33-4676
s'6Trs'S'innns'S'sm'
of "Behind Locked Doors": he set up two
doors in the concessions lobby; behind one
was a skeleton and behind the other was a
mannequin with a treacherous knife in hei
hand. Keys were distributed to patrons and
the ones with keys which opened the doors
were awarded prizes.
The New Orleans carnival season is upon
us. bringing a round of balls which will
conclude Carnival Day. Bill Cobb, chief
barker of Variety Tent 45 and operator of
the Lakeside and Westside theatres, was
King of the Krewe of Zeus Ball Sunday.
January 20—an affair attended these Gull
Staters: T. G. Solomon. Bill Gehring, Jack
Dobbs, Larry Gleason. Irene Mexic and
Carolyn Roberts. Joe Mexic, Irene's husband,
was personal attendant to the King of
the Mecca Ball. Joe Castello, and Irene was
in
the callout section.
Comedian Jerry Lewis was in New Or
leans to attend a meeting of the Nationai
Muscular Dystrophy Board.
The Siing' Sustains
Strong Memphis Stand
MEMPHIS—Although yielding 50 grossing
points off its second week Barometer
strength, "The Sting" still came up with a
remarkable 650 third week at the Park and
"Hell Up in Harlem," another third-week
feature, repeated its preceding week's 500
at the Malco. Those were the big ones in
the current report but "The Day of the
Dolphin" and "Magnum Force" also comfortably
exceeded average returns as they
continued highly profitable Memphis engagements.
(Average Is 100)
Seven-Ups (20th-Fox), Crosstown The 4th wk. ..100
Guild The Music Lovers (UA) 90
Malco Hell Up Harlem wk in !AIP), 3rd 500
Memphian The Loughing Policeman (20th-Fox)
''th wk 100
Paramount Magnum Force ;WB) wk 350
3rd
Park ^The SHng (Univ), 3rd wk 650
Plaza Jonathan Livingston Seagull 1 (Para),
'Ith wk
Ploza 2—The
100
200
Day of the Dolphin (Emb), 4th wk
Village Robin Hood (BV), 4th wk 100
MEMPHIS
gig things are just ahead for Memphis Variety,
Tent 20. Wednesday (13) brings
the Ladies Luncheon at the club headquarters
in Hotel Chisca Plaza, an event featuring
Miss Variety finalists and a rubber
bridge festival. A gin rummy joust follows
for the Tent 20 barkers at 7:45 Thursday
(14) night. Saturday (16), from 2 to 4 p.m..
Tent 20 will host an open house at the
Children's Heart Institute. Saturday nighl
the tent will have a dance and party at the
club headquarters in Hotel Chisca Plaza.
MIAMI
J^llen Kuhn, one of the notorious Beach
Boys who participated with Jack
"Murph the Surf" Murphy in theft of the
Star of India diamond, has returned to his
old Miami Beach stomping grounds as adviser
on a movie to be based on Murphy's
career. Film star Robert Conrad and his
film crew marched into Miami Beach police
headquarters for a conference with Walter
Philbin (the old nemesis of the Beach Boys)
for background information. Philbin. who
arrested Murphy (now doing time for murder)
several times, appears in the movie.
Phil also is a possibility for an important
role in "Godfather II." And Kuhn was set
to appear on the Mcrv Griffin Show, a far
cry from the days when Philbin and his men
were locked in a real cop.s-and-robbers
drama with Murphy and Kuhn as their
targets.
Frank Sinatra is due in Miami Beach to
star in the 12th annual Miracle Ball program
March 28. That's the Danny Thomas
show for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Word that Sinatra will headline the
show, along with Thomas, came from Mike
Tamer, hospital executive director, to local
chairman Anthony .Abraham . Ferrer,
who had to cancel a legitimate show
date here is making it up by returning to a
familar role—Cyrano de Bergerac. He is
doing the voice-overs for Hanna-Barbera's
animated special for TV.
'Barefoot County' Filming
Completed by Preacherman
(Continued from preceding page)
Don Jones and Sherry Robinson were
brought in from New York City, although
Miss Robinson is a native of North Carolina's
mountains. Carolina character actors
rounded out the cast. The crew was gathered
from the Charlotte film industry, as
Preacherman Corp. continued its policy of
educating young professions in feature film
work.
Associated with McClure in the Preacherman
Corp. are W. Henry Smith. Hugh M.
Sikes. Robert E. Schrader. William McClure
and Donald L. Hemmingsen. All are prominent
film distributors, theatre owners or
Carolina businessmen. Smith, co-author of
the "Barefoot County" script with Joseph
A. Alvarez, is an experienced country music
performer and has composed five new songs
to be included in the film.
Milton Katselas will direct the Mike
Frankovich production of "Report to the
Commissioner" for United Artists.
CAMBONS. CAKBONS, IMC. INC C— ^^ B«. BoK r. K, C.rf_. Ctdor Knolli, ir_.ii
^^a U efie Cote
SE-8 Fcbruarv 4, 1974

Oklahoma Gains 13th
Film in Three Years
OKLAHOMA CITY — When
Woman" is
"Police
filmed here next month by Dolphin
Productions, it will be the I 3th motion
picture made in this state since efforts were
started in 1971 to attract movie-makers to
Oklahoma.
William Johnson of Dolphin Productions
told the Oklahoma City Times that Scott
Brady. Don Collier and Harry Lauter will
appear in the movie, although the title role
has not been cast. Johnson, who played the
role of Mike Fink in the Davy Crockett TV
scries, says he plans to set up working arrangements
with the state patrol and the
Oklahoma City police department in making
the movie which will contain actual police
cases. Script, writer for the film is Leo Gordon,
principal script writer for the Adam
12 TV series.
Johnson revealed, too, that Eastern Avenue
has been selected for a chase scene and
several other DC locations have been tabbed
for scene work.
Judy Ellik and Alan Hale jr., veteran
movie and television actor, are associated
with Johnson in leadership of the Dolphin
organization.
Preston 2 Gives Benefit
For Injured Employee
DALLAS—A benefit film performance
for Carol A. Branch. 17. Preston 2 Theatres
concessions employee who was run down
by a hit-and-run driver Christmas morning,
was held at the theatre at midnight Friday,
January 25, when "Bless the Beasts and the
Children" was shown.
Bill Lyday, manager of the theatre, and
Delia McFatridge, an employee of the
theatre
and president of the high school Junior
Civitan Club, originated the idea for the
benefit and it was sponsored by the Junior
Civitan Club of Highland Park High School.
All proceeds were contributed to a fund to
help pay the cost of Miss Branch's hospital
and medical care.
Miss Branch, who became one of the
theatre's first employees when it was opened
nearly five years ago. suffered multiple fractures
of her right leg. cracked left ankle,
both jaws broken, broken teeth and possible
brain damage. She remained unconscious
from the time of the accident until January
9 and still is semi-conscious in the hospital's
intensive care.
Columbia Pictures donated the film, all
theatre staffers donated their time and the
Gatteys-Evans Printing Co. printed tickets
for the benefit show free of charge.
The driver who struck Miss Branch fled
the scene but was arrested later by police.
Monty Thomas, Fconily Are
Held Captive 30 Minutes
OKLAHOMA CITY—Monty A.
Thomas,
37, manager of the MacArthur Park
Theatre, his wife and three children were
held captive in their home by two masked
men armed with pistols Monday morning.
GST Unveils Nacogdoches SC Duo
Official film-snipping by Sherri Oates, Mis.s Nacogdoches, marked the debut
of Gulf States Theatres' Northview Plaza twin cinemas in the Nacogdoches, Tex.,
Northview Plaza Shopping Center. Taking part in the ceremony, left to right, are
Ray Pike, GST city manager of Lufkin, Tex.; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Edwards, managers
of the Main Theatre in Nacogdoches; Miss Oates; Marvin Brewton, GST
vice-president in charge of theatre operations, and Doug Spieckerman, GST area
supervisor.
NACOGDOCHES, TEX.—Gulf States
Theatres, a division of Atlanta. Ga.. -based
Fuqua Industries, opened its newest twin
cinemas Dscember 21 in Nacogdoches'
Northview Plaza Shopping Center. Cinema
I seats 350 patrons: Cinema II. 250.
Known as the Northview Plaza cinemas,
the new complex was constructed in de luxe
style throughout. The all-rocking chair-seat
auditoriums are fully draped and have specially
woven carpets that match the seats
January 28. while a third man apparently
was burglarizing the theatre.
Thomas told police he was awakened
about 5 a.m. by a noise in the living-room.
When he went to investigate, he was confronted
by a man with a gun and flashlight.
The intruder ordered him back into the
bedroom with his wife while a second
masked man herded the three Thomas children
into the same bedroom.
During the half-hour the family was held
captive, the two men clad in green coveralls
and wearing black leather gloves, asked
Thomas for keys to the theatre and discussed
their companion, who apparently was
at that time inside the theatre. Thomas gave
the pair the keys and the intruders warned
him not to make any move for 15 minutes
after they left, as they had stationed still
another companion outside the house to
shoot anyone who attempted to leave. After
the intruders departed, Thomas waited 15
minutes and called police.
Investigation of the theatre determined
that the burglary was minor; machines had
been ransacked but the safe was not disturbed.
Sidney Landau Succeeds
Ende as Columbia Treas.
NEW YORK—Sidney P. Landau, vicepresident
of United Artists, has been elected
to the additional post of treasurer, succeeding
Joseph Ende, who retired at the
end of the year. Announcement was made
by L. Joseph Bos, vice-president of finance.
and drapes. A concessions center in the
spacious lobby serves both auditoriums. The
projection equipment is completely automated
and has xenon projection lamps.
The new cinemas, located near the SFA
College, are the first twin indoor theatres
to be operated here.
Charles Blanchard, formerly of Greeville.
is manager of the new complex for Gulf
States Theatres, which also operates the
Nacogdoches Main Theatre.
Xilies' World Bow
In Dallas Cine I
DALLAS— "Where the Lilies Bloom," a
Radnitz/ Mattel production released by
United Artists Corp.. will have its world
premiere at Cine I Wednesday (6) and all
tickets for that performance had been sold
by January 25. Christ the King Catholic
Church is sponsor of the premiere.
Among honor guests at the premiere, premiere
dinner and the following
'
reception
will be Robert Radnitz. the film's producer
who received the NATO of Texas' Producer
of the Year Award January 31 at that organization's
convention in Dallas. Radnitz
was recognized on that occasion, however,
as producer of "Sounder," a 20th Century-
Fox release that proved to be one of the
outstanding pictures of last year.
Radnitz will be accompanied to the world
premiere of "Where the Lilies Bloom" by
Julie Gholson and Jan Smithers, two of the
four young stars of that film.
ForTheBESTEST And
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TRAILES^
'MEHCHANTS
BOXOmCE :: February 4, 1974 SW-1

DALLAS
three
Joe Joseph of National Theatre Brokers
has been a busy man lately. He leased
Donna Easterling's Upton Theatre in Grand
Prairie to Joe Cervantes, who will convert
the Uptown to all-Spanish-language films as
soon as the present booking completes its
run. Joe says deals never become too large
or too small, too near or too far to fit into
his business: even now he's working on a
deal to sell a 500-car drive-in in the Virgin
Islands. He commented that while he had
never thought before about selling houses,
this drive-in has a three-bedroom de lu.xe
mobile home, ready for the new owner to
occupy immediately.
l!
Bill Hill of JACO Productions spent a
weekend taking a canoe trip down the
Brazos River . . . Sebe Miller. Buena Vista
exchange manager, returned from a company
meeting in Florida and a trip through
Disney World at Orlando in that state. He
was greatly impressed with the many entertainment
facilities available at Disney World
and commented that Disney World makes
Disneyland in California look "like a toy.
so to speak."
Drive-in theatre operators in large cities
might find it
profitable to contact their local
city transit systems for the possibility of
renting their parking facilities for the "Park
and Ride" programs being encouraged to
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SAN ANTONIO
Jose Feliciano and Trini Lop>ez, who have
api>eared in several films, will headline
an array of Latin American musicmakers
in a show to be staged here Sunday
(10) and videotaped for telecast on the
•'ABC Wide World of Entertainment." The
filming will take place at Plaza Nueva and
La Villita . . . The recent Supreme Court
decision on pornography was the subject of
a meeting of the San Antonio Motion Picture
Council. Ralph Langley, past president
of the group, spoke on the subject.
Paul Cezanne, one of the leading French
painters of the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, is the subject of the next Pioneers
of Modern Painting film to be shown at
San Antonio College. The French post-
Impressionistic artist is featured in the
second of a series of films provided to San
Antonio College by the National Gallery of
Art in Washington, D.C. . . . Trinity University's
International Film Series, featuring
seven critically acclaimed films, opened
January 30 with "Fellini's Roma."
"Robin Hood," "Westworld" and "Papillon"
are in their si.xth week as adventure
stories continue to grab a large share of the
San Antonio movie market. "Robin Hood"
was in its final week at the Wonder Theatre
and McCreless Cinema II. "Westworld." the
science fiction story which involves the old
West, is now showing only at the Century
South after a five-week run at various theatres.
Meanwhile, "Papillon" is being shown
at the Olmos as well as the six screened
Century South.
A reissue of "Billy Jack" will play for
one week at the Century South, Colonies
North. San Pedro Drive-In, Capitan Drive-
FOR ALL YOUR THEATRE NEEDS & REPAIRS
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915 S. Alamo St.
Son Antonio, Texas 78205
rOUR LASERLITE CARBON DEALER
In. Woodlawn. Lauerl and Atzec-3. Mission
Twin Drive-In and Universal Twin No. 1 in
San Antonio: the Arcadia. Kerrville; New
Brauntex, New Braunfels; Holiday No. 1.
San Marcos; Palace. Seguin, and the Nixon
in Nixon.
Your correspondent Mrs. Gladys Candy
had the pleasure of having her son and his
wife and their two children, Jennifer L. and
Ja.son A. Candy as house guests from Alvin.
star Mall Cinema II . . .
New SA titles: "Sleeper," Wonder and
Century South; "Black Belt." Century
South and Majestic; "Siddhartha." North-
The Universal
Cinema I and II in Universal City, near the
gate to Randolph Air Force Base, is operating
on a weekend-only policy. Robert W.
Squyres is manager of this McLendon unit.
Making of 'Rough Riders'
Recalled by SA Resident
SAN .ANTONIO—Bill Collins, writing to
the San .'\ntonio Light's Action Line said
that "The Rough Riders" was filmed in and
around San Antonio in the 1920s. "I worked
with the cast and crew on this movie and
got to know Mary Astor. Charles Farrell
and Frank Hopper, as well as scriptwriters
and cameramen. I'd like to get a group of
people together who worked on this movie
and form a club, which we could call the
Teddy Roosevelt Club. AL. could you write
ago. But AL has Bill Collins' address if
anyone wishes to write him about the picture.
"The movie, directed by Victor Fleming,
starred Charles Farrell (before his 'Seventh
Heaven" fame). Charles Emmett Mack,
George Bancroft, Mary Astor, Noah Beery,
Fred Lindsay (who played Col. Leonard
Wood) and Frank Hopper. Hopper, selected
to play Teddy Roosevelt after a nationwide
Start BOXOFFICE coming .
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BOXOFFICE—THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124
search, went into obscurity after 'The
Rough Riders' was completed and never
resurfaced on the Hollywood scene.
"For the movie. Paramount spent thousands
of dollars rebuilding the Exposition
Building at the old fairgrounds on Roosevelt
.-Xvenue (the avenue was named for Teddy
Roosevelt, who recruited and trained his
Rough Riders on the grounds of the San
.Antonio International Fair). 'Thousands of
extras.' a review in the Light stated, were
employed for the movie.' The review stated
that The Rough Riders." unlike another
San Antonio film, "Wings,' was a boxoffice
flop.
"During the filming of the Roosevelt
picture. Clara Bow, who had starred in
'Wings,' became engaged to Fleming, although
their marriage never came off.
"Rudolph Valentino died in New York
and memorial services were held on movie
sets in San Antonio.
"And Will Rogers arrived in San Antonio
on a tour of benefit performances.
The stars of 'The Rough Riders' and the
local stage players and orchestras of the
Majestic. Aztec and Texas theatres appeared
with Rogers on the stage at Municipal
Auditorium.
"Remember those days, anybody?"
Czech Documentary Award
Given 'Touch the Sky'
TACOMA, WASH.—Weyerhaeuser Company's
28-minute "To Touch the Sky" has
been judged the best documentary film in
the 11th annual Czechoslovakian International
a little something on this movie and see of
Film Festival.
there is anyone still around who worked on Czechoslovakian Ambassador to the U.S.
the movie besides me."
Dr. Dusan Spacil presented his country's
Action Line wrote the following response: award to Arthur V. Smyth, vice-president
" "The Rough Riders' was filmed 48 years
of the Tacoma, Wash. -based forest products
firm, at the 16th annual banquet of the
Council of International Nontheatrical
Events (CINE) in Washington, D.C.
Last year, the Weyerhaeuser movie was
selected by CINE to represent the United
States in international film festivals as one
of the nation's outstanding documentaries.
Steve Kopcak Re-Elected
President of Local 423
ALBUQUERQUE—Steve Kopcak, longtime
head of Projectionists Local 423,
lATSE. in Albuquerque, was re-elected to
another one-year term as president at the
annual meeting held here recently. All the
other chief officers of the 42-member local
also were renamed to one-year posts.
They include: Fred C. Johnson, vicepresident,
projectionist at Mall Cinema;
Rudy Napoleone, secretary-treasurer, also
Mall Cinema boothman, and Don Lutton,
business agent, Los Altos projectionist.

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HOUSTON
Jim Watkins, who plays John Wayne's sidekick
in the upcoming Warner Bros, detective
drama •McQ." comes to town Thursday
(7) on a promotional visit in behalf of
the film . . . Sue Edwards, publicity director
for Houston ABC Interstate Theatres,
has resigned her post, effective in two
weeks, to become an assistant vice-president
at the Liberty Bank . of the Sunliners
was a visitor to publicize a film, "The
Death of Pancho Villa."
"Day for Night," that Francois Truffaut
film named Best Film of '73 by the New
York Critics Circle, won't open as scheduled
at the Bellaire Theatre. Since there's
talk of the film receiving some Oscar nominations,
Warner Bros, has decided to wait
and S62 if the film picks up any awards,
then show it . . . Hollywood star James
Drury has an interest in a local insurance
company. His new television series, "Firehouse,"
is leading the ratings in New York
and San Francisco.
Comment Ban Lifts
In Houston Film Case
HOLSION— Dclcnsc and prosecuting
material law was abolished by the new state
penal code which went into effect January
1.
He said he appeared before the group to
keep PTA members from issuing a public
statement regarding the "Deep Throat"
The 100 members of the cast and crew
filming ABC TV's movie titled "Houston.
We've Got a Problem," are staying at the
King's Inn. The movie stars—Robert Culp,
Ed Nelson, Gary Collins, Clu Culager.
Steve Franken, Quinn Redeker. Jack Hogan
and Sheila Sullivan (Mrs. Robert Culp)—
are putting in long hours. The film is being
shot by Universal and is scheduled for
showing March 2.
Former Hoilywood movie great Gene
Tiemey Lee is co-chairman of the Glen
Campbell Celebrity tennis tourney set for
March 9, 10 at April Sound. Guests who
have signed to play so far include Bill
Cosby, George Lindsey, Ron Ely and former
Monkee Mickey Dolenz. Campbell is
scheduled to do a show at the Shamrock
Hilton in that time period . . . Hollywood
film star Shirley MacLaine will come to
Houston in March to appear at the Houston
Music Theatre.
case, in essence trying to comply with
Routt's initial order.
Clyde Woody. Spiegel's defense attorney,
claimed Hinton's remarks were intended to
prejudice potential witnesses in the state's
favor.
Woody said, "We are now at liberty to do
the same thing the state has been permitted
attorneys in the "Deep Throat" obscenity
casj will no longer be under a court order
forbidding them to make public comments to do without violating the judge's order."
about the case. County Court-at-Law Judge Routt's first ruling against further publicity
Thomas H. Routt ruled here.
by both sides was prompted by a
In lifting his own previous order, Judge
Routt also refused to grant "Deep Throat"
screening of the movie by district attorney
Carol Vance before a group of PT.A^ leaders
defense attorneys a contempt of court motion
several weeks ago.
against assistant district attorney Woody said he intends to pursue the idea
Michael Hinton.
of a similar screening before a cross-section
Hinton, who was to be one of several of the community and not just a particular
prosecutors before Routt when the case segment like the PTA.
came up for trial January 28, was reported
to have told a Parent-Teacher Ass'n group
Hinton called the effort to determine
community standards in an obscenity case
that the first "Deep Throat" jury, which a very frustrating experience. He said that
could not agree on a verdict, should have he would like to get this over as soon as
been tried for conspiracy.
possible. This case needs to be tried and
Hinton, one of four witnesses at the hearing,
said the only reporter at the meeting
have a jury to speak in the issue.
The first "Deep Throat" trial concerned
had misinterpreted his comments and that
he had never stated that any jury should be
Spiegel, operator of the Cinema West Theatre,
charged then with conspiracy to exhibit
charged with conspiracy or anything else. obscene materials, a felony.
Hinton said he actually told the PTA group State district Judge Garth Bates declared
that charges against theatre manager Joseph a mistrial and dismissed the felony charges
Spiegel had to be reduced to a misdemeanor against Spiegel. The charges were reduced
because the conspiracy to exhibit obscene
to exhibiting obscene materials, a misdemeanor.
Trial of the latter charge was to
take place January 28.
AIP's up-
Elizabeth Ashley will co-star in
coming "Golden Needles."
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24 Arrested in Raids
At Fort Worth Houses
FORT WORTH—Charges stemming
from raids on nine movie houses have be^n
filed here against 24 persons. Each was
charged with commercially exhibiting obscene
material and released on bond, ranging
from $2,000 to $500.
A law enforcement task force of Fort
Worth vice squad officers, assistant district
attorneys and Internal Revenue Service
agents raided the nine movie houses and
seized films, magazines and projection
equipment in what officials described as an
all-out effort against hard-core pornography.
One of the 24 persons charged was
arrested the day after the raids.
Warm Drinks Chase Chill
At Grandview Fine Arts
From North Central
Edition
MINNE.APOLIS—A top-drawer showmanship
idea is one hatched by Marvin
Mann. Concerned because of the long lines
waiting in sub-zero cold to see "The Sting"
at his Grandview Fine Arts Theatre, Mann
came up with the idea of serving (gratis)
cups of hot coffee or hot apple cider (complete
with cinnamon flavoring) to those
shivering in the cold.
Two girls in winter attire "work the
lines," first taking orders, then filling and
delivering them. Later they return to collect
the paper cups.
It's a thoughtful touch and Mann says
the cost "actually is minimal when all factors
are considered." Also, it takes the customers'
minds off their waiting, so that time
flies.
Patron reaction, needless to say, has been
marked by hearty enthusiasm and gratitude.
'Last Tango' Is Judged
Obscene in Texarkana
T E X A R K A N A—The controvcrsi.il
movie. "Last Tango in Paris." opened at a
local theatre January 25 and then was adjudged
to be obscene the next day.
The film, starring Marlon Brando, was
shown once Friday night, confiscated and
held for a special preview on Saturday by
justice of the peace Ben Gregson.
The film was ruled obscene, following
that showing, by Gregson and ordered to be
held as evidence.
Chuck Singleton, manager of the theatre,
was arrested by local fwlice.
Ypsilanti Theatre Loses
Films, Projectors, Cash
From Mideostern
Edition
YPSILANTI, MICH. —The Playmate
Theatre in Ypsilanti lost seven X-rated
movies valued at $14,000 and three 16mm
projectors valued at approximately $2,500
in a recent robbery. A small amount of
cash and a desk lamp also were taken by
the thieves.
It is believed a key was used to enter the
theatre at 116 West Michigan .\ve. in the
heart of the downtown area.
BOXOFFICE :: Febniary 4, 1974

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OKLAHOMA CITY
JJxhibitors in recently to take care of Filmrow
chores: John Hickman, Wigwam
Theatre. Coalgate, who also sells insurance;
Bob and Charles Smith, who recently retired
from their theatres (Bob from the Grand in
Canton and Charles from the Corral Drivein
at Wynnewood) but both still very active
in assisting these theatres (poster exchange
and old posters being their specialties):
"Andy" Anderson, Riverside Drive-In at
Norman and Skyview Drive-In, Ardmore;
G. R. "Dick" Crumpler, Gentry and 69
Drive-Jn, Checotah, who advised Filmrow
offices that he will reopen the airer March
29. In addition to running the theatres, Dick
is active in the Oklahoma .Municipal League
as a legislative representative and spends
much time early in the year here at the state
capital. He takes advantage of spare time
from league business in Oklahoma City to
set up his bookings.
New fibns on OC screens: "Cops and
Robbers." Continental (also at the Tulsa
Continental); "Serpico." North Park; "Don't
Look Now," Shepherd twins; "Black Belt
Jones," Cooper.
Note to BoxoFFiCE from T. H. "Tom"
McKean, former Paramount salesman: "I
am retired after 50 years in the film business.
In fact, I remember when Boxoffice
started. In the old days I was with A. D.
Flintom of the old Kansas City Feature
Film office, which later became Paramount
OUR CUSTOMERS^^^^^^^^^
appreciate the same day delivery of
ofders. Only a tremendous stock can
assure this service."
"Your Complete Equipment House"
OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY CO.
428 WMt GtoiKl Okkihoma Ctty
Pictures and which had two of the first
feature-length films. Queen Elizabeth" and
"Sarah Bernhardt." You people have come a
long, successful way since then."" Tom now
is handling imports and exports in this area.
a job that involves occasional travel. He
sends along best wishes to all of his former
and present customers and friends.
In reporting the retirement party for
Charles Hudgens of Universal we committed
the unpardonable sin of inadvertently
leaving out that his
wife Annabel was present
along with other members of his family.
Needless to say. after these many years.
Annie has been "the woman behind the
man"" in Charles' life. We also failed to
report that Charles" son-in-law Larry Eichor
was present. Boxoffice apologizes to both
.Annie and Larry for unintentional over-
.sight.
As when Disney on Parade appeared here
E. A. Rube had a stroke in Oklahoma
in previous years, this year"s presentation
City and is resting up at home. He is the
attracted the same sort of public response:
brother-in-law of Jim O'Donnell, Theatre
mostly sellouts of top-priced tickets at the
Booking Service, and Harry McKenna,
Myriad.
Screen Guild-American International.
WRITE—
The Exhibitor Has His Say
TO:
BOXOFHCE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd..
TiUe
Comment
Kanaas City.
YOUR REPORT OF THE PICTURE YOU
HAVE lUST PLAYED FOR THE
GUIDANCE OF FELLOW EXHIBITORS.
Mo. G4124
Many from here attended the NATO of
Texas convention in Dallas last week, including
Charles Hudgens, Starline Pictures;
M.O. Rimmer, American Automated Theatres;
Gene Oliver and his wife, Oliver Theatres.
Pryor . . . Jerry Smith, Wesamerican
Film Distributing Co.. Denver, stopped off
here on his way to the convention, taking
the time in Oklahoma City to visit his relatives
and friends.
Charles Townsend, Rex Theatre and Skyview
Drive-In of Nowata, made a trip to
Kansas City to see his family and to start
preparations for bringing his family to Oklahoma
to reside in Nowata.
Dean Fox, Tower Theatre, Selling, who
also came in to buy and book (and to carry
back some films), said that he is very much
pleased with theatre business in Selling.
Joe Johnson, Liberty Theatre in Heavener.
is kept very busy this time of year by
Company.
Days of Week Ployed. Weather..
Theatre
-Right Now
running the theatre and attending to legislaj
tive chores here at the state capitol building, i, 1
Like Dick Crumpler, Joe takes advantage of
,
slow legislative moments to get in some film
, V\
*
hooking at OC industry offices.
Doyle and Kathleen Oliver, Oliver Theatres.
Pryor. returned from Victoria, Tex.,
where they visited their daughter and family
... Ed Ray and his wife Mabel, former
Warner Bros, office manager, spent time in
Oklahoma City last week visiting friends
and his mother.
The flu bug is putting in some overtime
around here—so many folks have or have
had a visit by it. We talked to Gary Barahill,
who has the Mulkey Theatre and the SanDel
Drive-In at Clarendon, and he told us his
wife Nell was at home trying to get over the
flu. She's recovering nicely but unable to
get back to work yet at the theatres, where
she gives Gary much valuable help.
Vance Terry, Woodward Theatres, is busy
at his favorite hobby of trying to outguess
the horses at Santa Anita, Calif. Since his
son Dwight has taken over the load of
operating the theatres from him. Vance can
give much more time to following the
horses—and we wish him the best of luck!
Jo Pack, Mooreland Theatre, Mooreland,
says she is happy to be back at work in her
style shop and theatre after recuperating
from surgery . . Jake Guiles, Guiles Book-
.
ing Service and Continental Film Distributors,
came up from Dallas to buy. book and
sell.
Al Schroeder Is Winner
Of Commonwealth Title
From Central Edition
KANSAS CITY—A combination of special
newspaper ads and theatre promotions
produced 371.0 per cent over quota for
.\lden Schroeder of Atchison, Kas., who
will receive the "Medallion of Honor" as
the Commonwealth Theatres circuit's new
"King of the Sun." Manager of the Fox
Theatre, Schroeder used a "Tom Sawyer"
look-alike contest as the highlight of his
fourth-quarter activities. The event received
newspaper cooperation, with stories and
photos.
Nine to 15-year-old youngsters were eligible
for the competition and judging was
done on stage by local residents. The winner
received two days' lodging for three
persons at the Mark Twain Hotel in Hannibal,
Mo.; six meals; tours of the Twain
boyhood home, museum and caves, and
travel allowance. Runners-up won six-month
family passes.
A promotion for "The Legend of Boggy
Creek" featured free ham and beans, plus
a "live"" Fouke monster greeting patrons
in the lobby and roaming through the auditorium.
The first person to identify the
"creature" received a cash prize.
"District Manager's Week" and "Employees'
Week" also helped boost Schroeder"s
drive, with games and contests each
night during both weeks. Also featured were
refreshment center discoimt specials. All
were advertised in regular newspaper ads
.ind in the theatre lobby.
/If
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

'The Exorcist' Adds
Points in Mill City
MINNEAPOLIS— Business spurted upward
across the board— and "The Exorcist"
continued its dazzling run. climbing to a
lofty 960 in its fourth week at the Gopher
Theatre, where every house record has been
left in tiny pieces. The reason for the general
boost in grosses? Mildish, drizzly
weather that depressed outdoor activity plus
a hick of true football competition on the
tin\ screen across the key weekend period.
The Pro Bowl didn't quite hack it with local
\itk'o-grid fans. A week earlier, the Super
Boul had laid Sabbath grosses low but this
time around they came bouncing back.
"Papillon" at the Mann was looking robust
in a fifth frame, up to a juicy 420. And
The Sting" at the Cooper rated 415 in a
fourth stanza. Among all the first-run situations,
only "Robin Hood" failed to move
upward in this e.xtra-inning compilation but
that was no surprise. It did its work and
well—as a primarily juvenile offering—and
wrapped up its stay at the Southtown with
an 80 in a fifth week. Seemingly unable to
wear out its welcome is "American Graffiti"
at the Skyway II: The durable winner
climbed to a lively 280 in its 18th week.
(Average Is 100)
Academy The Poper Chose (20th-Fox), 5th wk. .145
(Univ), Cooper The Sting 4th wk 415
Gopher—The Exorcist (WB), 4th wk
IDS—The Laughing Policeman (20th-Fox),
960
Mann Papiiton'(AAJ, 5th wk 420
Orpheum The Day of the Dolphin (Emb),
Marcus' Palace Presents
Its Last Picture Show
MILWAUKEE — Marcus" Palace Theaire.
which opened some 58 yearr .->go. was
eU'sed permanently Sunday night, January
20 1 he famed showhouse at Sixth and Wisconsin
had been presenting everything from
silent movies to vaudeville to touring Broadway
musicals.
The theatre and adjoining stores eventually
will be razed and replaced by a hotel
tower which will be connected with the
Marc Plaza, Fifth and Wisconsin.
There was no staff party or closing ceremony.
Manager Harry Boesel just closed
the doors at midnight and locked them for
the last time.
Some of the theatre's equipment will be
salvaged for use in other movie houses
owned by the Marcus Corp. and the theatre
employees likewise will join the staffs of
other Marcus operations. One exception is
projectionist Roy Parringers. who had been
at the Palace eight years. He will be moving
over to the UA Riverside Theatre. Roy was
interviewed briefly Monday evening. January
21. during a newscast on WBCS-FM.
Former UCLA football coach Pepper
Rodgers makes his dramatic debut in "The
Trial of Billy Jack" from Billy Jack Productions.
Pay TV Near in
Milwaukee; Opinions
Differ as to Effect on Tfieatres
By WALLY L. MEYER
MILWAUKEE—Will the movie theatre
be affected by pay TV, which has been predicted
for years and now is reported in Milwaukee
to be just weeks or months away?
Richard Kite, vice-president of the Marcus
Corp., doesn't go along with the gloomcasters
who see only bad results for movie
houses. "Pay TV may attract an older audience
than is now visible in our traditional
crowd but people still will look for their
entertainment outside of their homes," he
said.
Jack Valenti, president of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America, is cited in a current
Journal story as being another supporter
of pay TV who points out that its success
will only help bring the movie industry more
income.
Many Do Not Fear Pay TV
Eileen Alt Powell, Journal reporter,
writes that most theatre owners believe pay
TV will not rob them of their audiences.
However, they do feel they must definitely
remain first on the lists of movie distributors;
then pay TV next, as well as cable
TV, followed by commercial free TV. Still
another optimistic viewpoint for the film
industry was voiced by George Comte, president
of of WTMJ-TV, Channel 4, who
said: "You know, pay TV might actually
help the movie industry recoup some of the
power it lost when audiences shifted from
theatres to TV."
Joe Loughlin, manager of WVTV, Channel
18, sums up any inroads of pay TV on
the entertainment picture by stating:
"There's room in this for everyone."
How close is pay TV to getting under The opinion of several other film industryites
was that pay TV would give more
way in Milwaukee? "Within a year we'll
be on the air," predicts Robert Block, pres-
compyetition; however, many said, "What
can you do? It's inevitable."
No one knows for sure whether pay TV
ident of B&F Broadcasting in Bayside, a
Milwaukee suburb. The firm received Federal
Communications Commission permission
in June 1973 to construct a pay TV
station. Plans call for the erection of a
1,000-foot tower and studio, with a UHF
signal on Channel 24 that will be strong
enough to deliver a good picture as far
away as 50 miles from our city.
Decoder $5 Monthly
Block said the programs would be broadcast
mostly at night and on weekends. For
$5 a month the clients would be able to
rent a decoder and there would be,
in addition,
an agreement to pay $2 to $2.50 for
each program the client chooses to watch.
However, since pay TVs will be required
by FCC to provide a minimum of 28 hours
of free TV per week. Block says he'll turn
this obligation over to his estimated 30-member
staff for the telecasting of local news
as well as public affairs programs. The
free fare, of course, would be supported by
advertising. Block added.
Two sites for the tower and studio have
come under consideration. The first is a
three-acre area known as the Blue Hole,
which adjoins the Milwaukee River just
north of East Capitol Drive and which the
firm is seeking to lease from the city. There
has been a delay in reaching an agreement
on this, reportedly caused by local businessmen
who urge the city to demand a higher
leasing price than B&F is offering. Also,
city officials are concerned that a pay TV
station could jeopardize the establishment
here of cable TV. Meanwhile, therefore,
the firm has looked about elsewhere and
has chosen another area of 13 acres, plus
three buildings, located at 505 East Capitol
Dr. This is the Sealtest Foods firm, now the
property of Kraftco Corp. and for which
Block reportedly offered $1 million (Sealtest
closed its operations a little over a year ago).
Among local opponents of pay TV is
James Butler, station manager of WISN-
TV, Channel 12, who is apprehensive that
it eventually could replace commercial TV.
He adds his voice to those contending pay
TV could result in X-rated films being channeled
to homes.
Block refutes this, labeling it as a "scare
tactic" used by pay TV foes. Saying he
would not allow X-rated movies to be shown
in his own home. Block added he wouldn't
take a chance at jeopardizing his broadcast
license.
Nonetheless, Boxoffice has found that
there are a number of film exhibitors who
are apprehensive of an adverse effect on
movie-house business. Andy Spheeris, partowner
of the Towne in Milwaukee and
Town in Watertown, confided he takes the
unalterable stand of NATO, which frowns
on competition from either cable or pay
TV.
will draw enough customers to pay for its
operation. Milwaukee presently is only the
third market approved by the FCC for pay
TV and none are operational as yet. "And
even if they do get started, wait until those
(Continued on page NC-4)
FINER PROJECTION -SUPER
El Hurley

MILWAUKEE
Taj M. Goldberg, president of the JMG
Filni Co., which is headquartered in
Cincinnati, will be accompanied by Virgil
Jones, division manager who heads the
branch office in Chicago, when they call
on exhibitors and industryites in our town
Tuesday (12). "We have a lot of new releases
we will want the trade to be better
informed about." Virgil told Boxoffice.
While visiting the Chicago office at 32 West
Randolph St" your correspondent noted that
Ann Jones. Virgil's wife, temporarily was
taking care of the booker's duties, succeeding
Anne Senkowski. "I'll be working a few
more weeks— at least until we get our new
staff member who'll handle the booking,"
explained Mrs. Jones.
Among the local industryites who attended
the 20th Century-Fox marketing conclave
called "A Return to Showmanship,"
held in Los Angeles for two days, were:
Marge Ondrejka. manager of the 20th-Fox
Ed Gavin, branch office manager for
American International Pictures, sent out
invitations to two tradeshowings — "Dirty
O'Neil," starring Morgan Paull. with an R
rating, January 22, and "Sugar Hill." starring
Marki Bey and Robert Quarry, with a
PC rating, January 24. Both showings were
at the Centre screening room.
A combined installation of new officers
(a first! was held by Women of Variety and
Variety Club Tent 14. The dinner event at
the Marc Plaza was attended by 104. with
Nat Nathanson of Chicago, the regional international
ambassador, handling the installations
for both groups. Roy Schroedcr,
executive secretary of Tent 14. did some
shopping about and came up with a tenpound
gavel, the handle of which was two
and a half feet long, and this was presented
to re-elected chief barker Ernie Kunz. Ex-
was present. Wally Herty, comedian and
impressionist, was the featured act on the
program. During the cocktail hour that preceded
the dinner, famed jazz guitarist
George Pritchett (who is one of four brothers
who own the beautiful Oriental Theatre)
and his trio played. The evening's entertainment
included the Stephen Swedish orchestra
playing for the dancing that followed.
Pat Halloran. three-time past chief barker,
served as the master of formality. In
addition to Kunz, other officers installed
(many of whom were re-elected) included:
Joe Loughlin, first assistant chief barker;
Roland Abrams. .second assistant chief barker;
Jerry Leroy. property master: Peter
Stocking, dough guy, and Don Metzgcr.
press guy. Canvasmen are: Harry Hallow, i\.
Aye Jaye, Johnny Logan, Jack Lee and lid
Donnelly. Womne of Variety officers are:
Mary Jane Rohn, president: Catherine Knasinski,
vice-president; LaVern Blum, trc.isurer.
luncheon specials. Then shop to your heart's
content for the many unadvertised Ladies'
Day sales." The film offering January 22,
starting at 9:4.5 a.m.. was "Butterflies Are
Free."
The following may be of interest to industryites
who like to hear about successful
undertakings aimed at the public's leisure
time. If local area Ixiat dealers were worried
about attendance and sales at the Milwaukee
Boat Show '74 this month at the Red
Carpet Inn's Expo Center they were pleasantly
surprised. The three-day event attracted
about 20.000 persons, despite unpleasant
weather conditions, and it appeared record
sales can be expected this year. Even though
his boats burn a gallon of gasoline per mile
or so, one boat store owner sold three yachts
ranging from 37 to 45 feet. Another salesman
said his bigger, more expensive boats
were selling better than the small, strippeddown
models. Still another confided he was
more concerned over a possible shortage of
boats than over the impact of the fuel
crunch. Well, you may know that Wisconsin
si>nietinies is called "the land of lakes."
The 15th annual Hal du lac (a black-lie
dinner-dance spon.sorcd by the Friends of
Art of the Milwaukee Art Center) held Jan-
NC-2
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

i
bership
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and
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mend
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Mickey
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week:
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Wayne,
. . Betty
. . The
uary 12 at the Marc Plaza was, as one
observer described it, "right out of an
old movie." As guests arrived at the hotel,
the entrance of which was lit up in a glare
of searchlights, they were besieged by
screaming autograph-seekers, really models
who wore collegiate sweaters and bobby
SOX. Throughout the dinner, the 420 guests
coLikl watch a giant screen on which clips
from classic MGM films were shown, such
as Xiiand Hotel." Predinner cocktails were
served in the East Room, the entnuice of
which was covered by a theatre marquee,
and here throughout the evening guests
could watch a nonstop showing of the Mar.x
brothers' film "A Night at the Opera." One
wall of the Crystal Ballroom, where guests
danced, was lined with life-size cutouts of
Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth. Music was
supplied by the Marshall Grant orchestra
from Palm Beach. Fla., and these musicmakers
were asked to stop playing (despite
a contract which stipulated playing four
straight hours without a break)—at least
long enough to prevail upon the dancers to
stop and sit down at the tables to eat. It's
Ellis, longtime booker with Paramount,
takes over as salesman for Paramount
covering the territory that was handled
by Tony Goodman, who retired re-
cently.
Byron Hopkins announced a change of
management at the Ritz Theatre in Plattsmouth.
giving no details . . . Seen this past
Sid Metcalfe, Nebraska City: Ken
Moore, Pappio Theatre. Papillion. and Al
Woodraska of Harlan.
Bros.' "The Exorcist" will open
\ at the Fox Westroads in March, as will the
same company's "McQ." starring John
at the Admiral . . "Magnum
.
Force." "One Little Indian" and "The Way
We Were" continue to lead the pack grosswise.
LONG BEACH, CALIF.—The Triangle
Cinema in the Triangle Park Shopping
Center. Bellflower Boulevard and Carson
Street, celebrating its grand opening, showed
the combo of "Billy Jack" and "Bless the
Beasts & Children."
MINNEAPOLIS
j^ean Lutz, locally based regional sales
manager for K-Tel Productions, left for
Des Moines to set K-Tel's Dean Jones comedy,
"Mister Superinvisible," and also "Sonny
& Jed" and "A Reason to Live, a Reason
to Die." Lutz January 29 held a local tradescreening
for the latter two films, the showing
attended by a host of area-buyers-bookers.
He scheduled similar activity in Milwaukee
for late January or early February.
Northwest-area film folk who attended
the 20th Century-Fox product seminar in
Hollywood January 14-18 returned brimming
with high praise for the way in which
it was run. Typical comments were to the
effect that "they didn't rant and rave about
the movies shown. They said, "Here it is.
We think it'll go. We hope you agree.' There
was no circus atmosphere; instead, the sessions
were held in a serious, businesslike
manner. Even the heads of the studio attended—and
without a lot of inflated ora-
of the 20th Century-Fox branch and a
sparkplug of Variety of the Northwest Tent
12 reports that star Edward Asner will be
on hand, as will local stars of the film . . .
And Warner Bros.' "Mame." the second
benefit premiere attraction, will be spotlighted
March 28 at the Mann Theatre, opening
its regular engagement the next day.
The State Theatre, Olivia, reopens March
1. Harry Hawkinson, who previously ran
the now-shuttered Orpheum in Marietta, is
the new owner-operator . Murray
Theatre. Slayton. closed since last July, reopens
Wednesday (6). New owner is Al
Mansch.
The Engler brothers circuit, previously
the Studio 97 in Bloomington and the Anoka
in Anoka, is "extremely pleased so far"
with its latest acquisition, the IDS Theatre
in this city's downtown area. The Englers
are promotion-minded and they've laid down
an aggressive campaign to inform area
moviegoers about "the best-kept secret in
Minneapolis, the IDS Theatre." One venture
has been free parking, the Englers picking
up the tab for patrons who park in the IDS
garage. The result: a lively engagement foi
"The Laughing Policeman," which has nf^:
been a world-beater across the nation.
United Artists' "Sleeper" bowed Januj. .
2.^ in its first out-territory dates in Duiuih
and St. Cloud; in Fargo, N.D., and in Sioux
Falls. S.D. ... Pat Woollcott, Warner Bros,
branch office manager-booker, reports "truly
solid enthusiasm" following the January
18 sneak of the new John Wayne detective
movie. "McQ." at the State Theatre.
Wayne's appearance at Harvard University
was front-paged here in both the Morning
Tribune and the Evening Star, completj
with generous-size photos in both papers.
'Deep Throat' Conviction
In Blair, Neb.. Appealed
BLAIR, NEB.—State industry members
following the "Deep Throat" case here find
there can be further developments, even
though Curtis Arthur Muck, 25. of Des
Moines was fined $1,000 and costs by Judge
Chester N. Sutton in county court here
January 21. Muck's attorney Walter Matejka
of Omaha immediately filed a motion
for a new trial. That was overruled. Matejka
the senators still have done nothing definite
with some four proposed measures on obscenity
generally. Two of these are holdovers
from the 1973 session and those new
this year include Scottsbluff Sen. Terry
Carpenter's LB617. on which a
public hearing
was scheduled January 29 before the
judiciary committee.
This is Carpenter's proposal to permit
pornography in Nebraska but to throw a
heavy license fee on those who want to sell
obscene materials.
ForTheBESTEST And
SPECI
FILMACK
'meschants
ADS MADE
TO OSDEI)
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974
NC-3

. . WOMPIs
DES MOINES
riwood Robbins and Ted Bohemann of
Des Moines Theatre Supply Co. were
in Burlington January 21 through January
23 installing Christie platters, custom automation
and Strong xenon lamphouses in the
Capitol Theatre there. They also installed
Christie platters and custom automation in
the drive-in at Burlington.
Eleanor Hatfield of B&l Booking .AgencN
suffered a broken ankle and dislocated right
arm in an automobile accident January 16.
Hospitalized, Eleanor was released January'
22 and reported she would be able to return
to work within a short time.
Warner Bros, provided salesman Norman
Holt with a new '74 Bel Air for use as a
company car . . . WB"s newest John Wayne
feature. "McQ," was screened January 29
at the screening room . report
that their regular January meeting was not
held due to adverse weather conditions.
Also, they say not to forget that they still
have candy and party nuts for sales.
Carl Hoffman of the Dubinsky office is
on the injured list. He suffered a painful
shoulder injury in a fall on the ice. This all
follows an earlier auto accident— in early
January—but that time Carl was lucky.
There were no injuries in the minor fenderbender.
Bob Fridley and Dick Glenn traveled to
California for a seminar held in Los Angeles
by 20th Century-Fox . . . News was received
from Paramount's office that Tony
Goodman, salesman, retired as of January
19. Effective that same date, Mickey Ellis
was promoted from head booker to salesman
and Aaron Cameron was promoted to
head booker. Dennis Naber started as booker
at Paramount January 28.
Evelyn James, Universal's Omaha biller,
is recuperating at home from a broken kneecap.
She is in a cast from ankle to hip . . .
Dale Yaryan, shipper, was hospitalized for
hernia surgery January 16. Yaryan is coming
along fine and while he is on the mend
Bob Waters, who runs the theatre in Eddyville,
is filling in for him . . . Truett Hall,
Universal's regional accounting manager,
was in town January 14-16 . . . Sara Jane
RCil
Theatre
SsrvicG
the nation's finest for 40 years
RCA Service Company
A Division of RCA
7620 Gross Point Rood, Skokie, III. 60076
Phone: (312) 478-6591
^ia^i^Ki^^
Fletcher started work at Universal January
14 as biller for this city but also is helping
out with Omaha as well while Evelyn James
is off work. Cindy Viers also was called
back to help out with the workload.
Variety Club news: New officers were
elected as follows: Steve Blank, chief barker;
Stan Reynolds, first assistant chief barker;
Ray Johnson, second assistant chief
barker; Earl Lehman, dough guy, and Lark
Billick, property master. The new officers
and members will be undertaking the biggest
function in the history of the tent . . .
A men's stag was held at Johnnie and Kay's,
with an estimated 400 tickets sold by January
16. The coaches of all the Iowa football
teams were to be on hand and either
Mike Frankovich or Samuel Z. Arkoff,
LINCOLN
Jrwin Dubinsky, president of NATO of Nebraska,
and other industry members
throughout the state feel there is a good
chance that a bill introduced by this city's
Sen. Shirley Marsh to prohibit smoking in
certain specified public places will be passed
by the Unicameral. It has been advanced
4-0 by the public health and welfare committee
toward full-scale debate on the Unicameral
floor. The legislation would mean
that theatre patrons wishing to light up
before, during or after a movie would have
to be certain they were in a designated lobby
area for smoking—something like separating
a commercial airliner's sections for
smoking and nonsmoking passengers, says
Dubinsky. The state leader says industry
members apparently feel enactment of the
Marsh measure, LB600, would not create
many, if any, problems for theatre owners
and operators. Nebraska theatres do not permit
smoking in auditoriums or portions of
them. The proposal covers other general
public places such as buses, elevators, libraries,
art museums and concert halls.
Herman Hallberg, vice-president for theatres
operations. Cooper Theatres Co., has
been appointed Nebra.ska chairman of
NATO's advertising committee . . . Lee
Levorson, manager of Douglas 3. returns
to work Monday (4) after a two-week vacation.
Filling in for Ixe and working with
assistant manager Bill Smith was Paul Ellsberry.
The latter, manager at 84th and O
Drive-In, took his own vacation earlier,
siarting it after the underskyer closed for
the
winter months.
Cooper/ Lincoln Theatre and the Women's
Division, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce,
co-sponsored another travel film
January 29, this time "The Grand Canyon,
featuring adventure-photographer Ralph
Franklin . Carl Olson of United Artists,
. .
New York City, was in town overnight January
28 to meet with local industry members
over the dinner table. He went on to
Des Moines the next day.
James and Joy Rodenberg have found just
the place they want for their first home in
this city—a large site in Lincolnshire that
will accommodate a tennis court as well as
a house for the net-playing Dubinsky Theatres
attorney and his wife, the former Joy
Dubinsky. It's hoped the family place and
court will be completed by next fall. Joy's
sister Bonnie and her husband Arthur Lapin,
along with their sons Jeoffrey and Andy,
moved into their first home here. It's located
at 503 Maplewood. Arthur is another
new Dubinsky headquarters e.xecutive who
has lived in rented quarters until the family
house was picked out, built and ready.
officers of Variety Clubs International, also
were expected to be on hand. The evening's Sandy Dennis, movie and stage actress,
entertainment was to be provided by George will return to her native Nebraska and to
Plimpton. According to chief barker Steve
Blank, "This will get the year off to a good
this city specifically April
Willa Cather centennial
2 to
concert,
narrate a
"A Program
beginning and the chief barker intends to
With Music From Willa Gather's
keep it moving!"
Writings." This will take place at Kimball
Hall on the University of Nebraska campus
and will include the University Symphony,
University Singers and student vocal soloists.
The visit will give the Hastings-bom
actress an opportunity to visit with her father
Jack, who still lives here. Sandy is residing
in Florida until May, since her husband
Gerry Mulligan, a renowned jazz saxophonist,
is teaching at the University of
Miami.
Various Effects Forecast
For Pay TV in Milwaukee
tContinucd from page NC-1)
monthly bills start coming in and the head
of the house finds out how much it's costing
him," predicted one movie-house operator.
While pay TV is not yet in operation,
cable TV is— in 15 cities, as reported in
the 1974 Cabe Sourcebook, Entrepreneurs
who are bidding to establish a local cable
TV system (the Marcus Corp. is among the
applicants) are voicing concern that goes:
"Won't pay TV, with its foot in the door,
take over and kill any chance of cable TV
making it." A citizens' committee has been
studying the draft cable TV ordinance for
Milwaukee and now. with pay TV threatening
to get started first. Milwaukee may have
a unique situation; namely, cable TV competing
with an existing pay broadcast station.
It is a building debate and could go on
1
for some time. Movie house operators,
meanwhile, are keeping out of it but watching
and listening.
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NC-4
BOXOFFICE :: Februao' 4, 1974

Severance Theatre Is
Closing for Twinning
CLEVELAND—The Severance Theatre
will close Monday (11) for twinning, with
but by the publishers of Location Highlights,
which supplies information to companies
involved in production in any way. They
check out all facilities and cooperation from
government agencies and casting agencies,
among many other important elements. Location
Highlights reports that "Detroit has
more filming possibilities than anywhere we
have been, except Vancouver. There are unlimited
possibilities for filming in Detroit.
It is a filmmakers' Utopia."
Bob Hope arrived in town for a private
benefit show at the Raleigh House in Southfield.
The proceeds of the event were to go
to the Guest House, a rehabilitation center
in Lake Orion for alcoholic priests. Hope
toured Greenfield Village and the museum
to garner ideas for a museum which he contemplates
building in Burbank, Calif. It
would house the hundreds of plaques, souvenirs,
etc., which he has picked up in his
extensive travels during his long career.
Hope's potential museum will make these
mementoes available for viewing by the
American public.
A part-time ticket-seller at the Frisco
Theatre, an adult movie theatre here, has
filed suit against city officials charging that
the city's new pornography law threatens
his constitutional rights. Suggesting that he
has been in danger of illegal arrest, he
claims the city ordinance and state laws
conflict and, therefore, the city lacks authority
to enact pornography controls. The
city's police commissioner and corporation
counsel were named as defendants in the
lawsuit.
The NAACP has gone to
(Continued on page ME-3)
TV and other
Equal Application
of Michigan Fire
Laws to All Public Sites Sought
BOXOFFICE :; February 4, 1974
cussions and meetings, both the state fire
marshal and the state fire safety board have
agreed with me in principle that the moving
picture law should be repealed and that
motion picture theatres should not be subjected
to more stringent regulation than any
other place of public assemblage."
London noted that in Michigan the construction
and operation of cinemas is dictated
and regulated by a law which has been
on the books for over 60 years and it details
exactly how a theatre may or may
not be constructed and operated. Among
its many provisions are the requirements
that every motion picture theatre must be
approved, licensed and inspected by the
fire marshal division of the Michigan State
Police. Provisions of the law may be
changed only by the legislature, an almost
impossible task.
Life Safety Has Benefited
"To the extent that this law and its strict
enforcement by the state police have virtually
eliminated all life safety hazards from
motion picture theatres, theatre owners as
well as the public have benefited," London
observed. "However, other places of public
assembly in Michigan such as so-called
'legitimate' theatres, summer stock theatres,
nightclubs, meeting halls, auditoriums,
churches and restaurants are not regulated
by state law and are not required to bo
approved, licensed and inspected by the
state police. The irony of the situation is
that there is far less hazard to life safety
in a motion picture theatre than any other
place of public assembly. Motion pictures
are permitted to be shown in all of these
DETROIT—Milton H. London of Metropolitan
Exhibitors, Inc., advertising/ public disregard for the safety of the public."
other places of public assembly with total
an end-of-March reopening target date.
Frank Hurley, division manager, Rappaport relations film, past president of NATO of London, after a recent in-depth discussion
of this matter with State Fire Marshal
Theatres, plans to stay in Cleveland until Michigan, January 21 advised the Michigan
that conversion is completed.
NATO board of directors concerning efforts George A. Catton, Det. Lt. William R.
Hurley spent October, November and to effect a change in fire laws applicable Rucinski and Det. Sgt. Donald J. Ulrey,
December in Baltimore, Md., where Rappaport
Theatres opened a triplex.
a member of the Michigan State Fire Safety public should be protected against hazards
to motion picture theatres. London has been found that the fire marshal agreed that the
Board for the past three years.
to life safety in all places of public assembly,
During
DETROIT
that time, London stated that he not just in theatres. The fire marshal also
had concentrated on two goals. "The immediate
objective was to eliminate the irri-
should be repealed and that all places of
agreed that the "Moving Picture Law"
tations and frustrations of unreasonable public assembly, including theatres, should
Prank Jones, head booker for Buena Vista,
theatre regulation by the state fire marshal be considered and regulated in exactly the
is celebrating 50 years in the motion
and other inspecting agencies. By bringing same manner to protect the public from
about changes in laws and regulations and preventable life safety hazards, according
to London, and the state fire safety board
subsequently unanimously passed a resolution
to this effect, pledging cooperation with
turettes. The new division offices are
so successful in this first objective that there
a far cry from the previous branch office has not been a complaint about an unreasonable
inspection violation notice or an Commented London, "It may take several
the fire marshal to bring about the changes.
operation, with additional space, personnel
and time-saving features.
appeal to the state fire safety board in more years of intensive effort to draft the proper
than a year," London disclosed.
legislation, to muster the necessary support,
This city again is being looked over as a
to get the bills introduced in and passed
possible locale for the filming of feature motion
pictures and apparently the impression
by the governor. Without the enthusiastic
Fire Officials in Agreement
by both houses of the legislature and signed
Pointing out that his major objective had
is favorable. This assessment was not made
and active support of the state fire marshal
been to eliminate the archaic "State Moving
by a public relations crew for a single film
division of the Michigan State Police and
Picture Law," London said, "I am pleased
is
picture industry in this city and the exchange
is enjoying a "Frank Jones Golden
by establishing a personal rapport with the
state fire marshal and his staff, I have been
Anniversary
the state fir6 safety board, this would
been an impossible project. Now it
Drive"
BV
have
mere-
on cartoons and fea-
to report to you that, after years of dis-
ly a difficult and time-consuming undertaking
which, when accomplished, will not
only benefit every theatre owner but will
protect the public from the life safety
hazards to which they presently are being
exposed in other places of public assembly."
'Coffy' and 'Mack' Combo
Scores in Toledo House
TOLEDO, OHIO—The combination bill
of American International Pictures' "Coffy"
and Cinerama Releasing Corp.'s "The
Mack," playing the Pantheon here, racked
up an impressive gross in its first six days.
The film combo was held over here and
at many other situations throughout the
country.
M. G. Wagner Buys Two
CLINTON, ILL.—The Clintonia Theatre
and the Clinton Outdoor, which had been
owned by J. C. Nelson, have been purchased
by Merle G. Wagner. A. J. Nelson, brother
of J. C, will continue as the booking and
buying agent for both properties. The mailing
address is: Merle G. Wagner, P.O. Box
86, Clinton. Ill 61727.
ForTheBESTEST And
SPEcT
JRAiLERi
rr^oMFILMACK

I
:
1243
. . Barry
1
FINER
C L E V E L AND
Qordon Bugie, Cinerama Releasing division
manager, departed Januar\' 28 for
a company divisional meeting in Los Angeles
. . . Herb Boswell, CRC branch manager,
spend the Janiiarj' 25 weekend with
his family in Washington, D.C.
Sportsenice of Buffalo, which operates
the Miles Auto Drive-In here, received the
food and ride concessions rights for Expo
74. to be held in Spokane. Wash., in April.
Al Fitter, United Artists vice-president
and general sales manager, was in the city
January 24-25. Paul Levine, UA branch
manager, met Fitter in Toledo January 23,
where UA is fighting a complaint regarding
the showing of "Last Tango in Paris" in
.Sandusky. As yet no decision has been handed
down by the federal court.
Monte Clouse, Euclid Drive-In projectionist,
and Patricia Tweedy were married
Saturday. January 26. They planned a twomonth
honeymoon but wouldn't say where
they were going to spend their lengthy holiday.
Bill Nobbe, retired Hippodrome operator,
is convalescing at Huron Road Hospital.
Frank Hurley, division manager, Rappaport
Theatres, said United Artists' "Sleeper."
starring Woody Allen, in its second
week at the' World East set a house record.
Cynthia McMahon and Bill Boica have
joined the Cinerama staff as cashiers . . .
The Cleveland Indians publicity department
is offering to show the 1973 World Series
film to any organization interested in its
exhibition.
New York-based James Sutorius, a native
of this city (he left here at age eight to move
to Great Neck. L.I.. where his father produced
industrial shows), is back in the role
Lee ARTOE XINON RECTIFIERS
SILICON
Ue ARTOE
Belmont Chicago
Theatre
Service
The nation's finest for 40 years!
RCA Service Company
A Division of RCA
5121 W. 16lst Street
Cleveland. Ohio 44142
Phone: (216) 267-2725/6
of Hamlet, which opened at the Play House
Friday (1) and will continue through March
9. Sutorius enjoyed his role in Broadway's
'The Changing Room" and got used to appearing
in the buff, as a soccer player, along
with 15 other nude actors in this play which
took place in a locker room. With the national
room temperatures cut down, Sutorius
is happy to be playing Hamlet this season.
Barbara Bel Geddes will make her first
appearance in this city when she opens at
the Hanna Theatre Monday (4) in Jean
Kerr's "Finishing Touches." Barbara complained
that though she has made many
movies— "Vertigo," "I Remember Mama,"
"Panic in the Streets," "Five Pennies,"
Blood on the Moon" and "Fourteen
Hours"—she has never been asked to appear
in a movie adaptation of the many
Broadway plays in which she has performed.
During Gordon MacRae's recent appearance
at the Blue Grass Ballroom, he recalled
Frank Sinatra walking off the set of "Carousel"
while the company was on location in
Booth Bay Harbor, Me. Hammerstein contacted
MacRae to ask if he would take over.
Within a week Gordon had finished costume
fittings and joined the others on the Maine
set. After MacRae's big success in "Oklahoma"
he wondered why at the start he had
not been chosen for "Carousel."
Among recent contributors to the Ann
Udin Memorial Fund at the public library
are writers Anita Loos and Emily Kimbrough.
both good friends of the late Higbee
Co. book-seller .
Gordon and
Ronnie Barrett, producers of the local version
of "Cabaret," recently seen at the Sheraton-Cleveland
Hotel, hope to produce a
$750,000 film version of a 1963 off-Broadway
play here next summer.
Robin Leslie, daughter of Dr. and Mrs.
Milton Brotnian. 2157 Lyndway Rd., Beachwood
Heights, just completed three weeks
of filming in Haiti in the Stuart Duncan
movie "Go for Broke." Robin also recently
made a commercial locally for Mini-Meal.
Her father is a physician here at Mount
Sinai Hospital.
Jack Hanrahan, 40, a former local boy
who recently appeared here at the Hanna
Theatre in the touring company of "Prisoner
of Second Avenue." is writing an autobiography
titled "My Life Is an Open Pamphlet."
It tells how and why a cartoonist
with the Press ended up where he is. Hanrahan
imitated everyone's voice at the newspaper.
He had people believing the entire
staff of the Press was working at midnight.
He left the city 11 years ago and since
then he has been involved in writing more
than 1,000 TV scripts on the West Coast
and was winner of an Emmy for his work
on "Laugh-In." He has written an episode
for the Waltons series titled "The Recorder,"
of which he is proud. Hanrahan would
like to try writing a film script if he can
complete it in a year. He says he never has
lasted longer than a year in any job!
TheExorcisl'LZOO
In Cincinnati Fourth
CINCINNATI—"The Exorcist" established
firm claim to No. 1 status here with
a 1 2-times-average fourth week at Showcase
3 and the weekly report also turned up
three 700-class features: "Papillon" (700).
fifth week. Carousel 1; "American Graffiti"
(775). 22nd week. Skywalk 1. and 'Magnum
Force" (700). fourth. Times Towne
Cinema. Additional evidence that people
of this area are becoming more theatregoing-oriented
came in the numerous 600s,
500s and other percentages ranging well
above average 100 business.
(Averoge Is 100)
Albee— Block Jock (AlP) 75
Carousel 1— Popillon (AA), 5th wk 700
Carousel 2 The Poper Chose (20th-Fox), 5th wk. 675
Four theatres—The Sting (Univ), 4th wk 550
Grand—Block Belt Jones (WB) 550
Internotional 70, Kenwood The Doy of the
Dolphin (Emb), 5th wk 175
Showcase 1—The Woy We Were (Col), 10th wk. .600
Showcase 2—Ash Wednesdoy {Para) .400
Showcase 3—The Exorcist WB), 4th wk 1,200
Showcase 4— The Seven-Ups ;20th-Fox), 5th wk. 300
Skywalk 1—Americon Groffiti Univ), 22nd wk. ..775
Skywalk 2—The Loughing Poliiemon (20th-Fox),
5th wk 225
Studio Cinemas—Sleeper (UA), 5th wk 600
Three theatres— Robin Hood (BV), 5th wk 200
Times Towne Cinema—Magnum Force (WB),
"The Exorcist' Tallies High 385
And Ranks No. 1 in Detroit
DETROIT—No. 2 behind 'That Man
in Bolt" the previous grossing report. "The
Exorcist" climbed to the top level this week,
although losing ten points (395 down to
385). "That Man Bolt." tumbling from 450
to 225 during the period covered by this
report, slipped below "The ExorcLst." "The
Sting" (325) and "Hell Up in Harlem"
(270) on the grossing scale.
Americana IV—The Woy We Were (Col),
11th wk "5
Eight theatres The Seven-Ups (20th-Fox),
3rd wk '05
Eight theatres The Loughing Policemon
(20th^Fox), 3rd wk 90
Eight theatres— Robin Hood (BV), 3rd wk 85
Five theatres—The Sting (Univ), 2nd wk 325
Five theatres—Ash Wednesdoy (Para), 2nd wk. . .100
Four theatres Don't Look Now (Para), 3rd wk. .
.80
Fox—Thot Mon Bolt (Univ), 3rd wk 225
Nine theatres— Papillon (AA), 3rd wk 10
Nine theatres Mognum Force ("WB), 2nd wk. . . . 1 60
Northland The Doy of the Dolphin (Emb),
3rd wk 200
Seven theatres The Poper Chose (20th-Fox),
3rd wk Not AvailoWe
Six theatres—Sleeper (UA), 3rd wk. ... ... . . . . 90
Studio IV—The Toll Blond Mon With One Black
Shoe (SR), 3rd wk '30
Three theotres— Americon Graffiti (Univ),
21st wk '90
Two theatres— Hell Up in Horlem (AlP), 3rd wk. .270
PROJECTION -SUPER ECONOMY
|

Two theatres—The Chinese Professconols (NGP),
3rd wk 80
Two theatres—The Exorcist iWB), 2nd wk 385
Two Blood of the Dragon (SR) 85
Cleveland Boxoffices Kept
Busy by Strong Patronage
CLEVELAND—Strong public response
tors. Again there was one super, superpercentage—
1.915 for the fourth week of
"The Exorcist" at the Colony Theatre—and
a flock of very substantial percentages, such
as 345 for the fifth week of "Sleeper," 370
to first-run attractions continued through
another week to the delight of local exhibi-
for the fourth week of "The Sting" and 320
for "Magnum Force." fourth week at five
theatres.
Berea, Great Lakes Mall II, Village The Sting
(Un.v), 4th wk 370
Colony—The Exorcist iWB), 4th wk 1 ,91 5
Detroit Robin Hood (BV), 5th wk 155
Five theatres— Magnum Force IWB), 320
4th wk
Five theatres The Don Is Dead (Univ) 100
Four theatres The Day of the Dolphin (Emb),
5th wk 155
Four theatres Thot Mon Bolt Univ) 145
One theatre—The Seven-Ups ,201h-Fox), .200
5th wk.
Six theatres The Loughing Policeman (20th-Fox) 125
World East, World Wcit— Sleeper (UA), 5th wk. . 345
COLUMBUS
J^oews" Arlington will be twinned shortly
after Easter, when the house will be
closed for a month. Each of the auditoriums
will seat approximately 550. Cost of the
conversion will be about $70,000.
Theatres would suffer if CATV firms
ever received city permission to install pay
TV and show first-run films, said Martin
Firestone, Washington, D.C.. attorney for
Lee Doyle flew in to replace Hans Conried
as the star of the Country Dinner Playhouse
production of "How the Other Half
Loves." Conried suffered a slight stroke at
the end of the January 22 performance. He
is recovering at Mount Carmel East Hospital.
Screen, stage and TV names being considered
for in-person appearances during the
1974 summer season of Kenley Players at
Veterans Memorial include Raquel Welch,
Rock Hudson. June Allyson, Gene Kelly,
John Gavin. Lucie Arnaz. Angela Lansbury.
Vikki Carr. Karen Valentine. Anthony
Franciosa, Paul Lynde and John Davidson.
Paramount will film the re-make
'Body and Soul" later this year.
of
CINCINNATI
Ray Nemo, who has been a publicist for
motion pictures for 35 years, has become
a partner with Dale Stevens in the Stevens
& Nemo Advertising Agency, 1035 Enquirer
. . . is Bldg. Judd Spiegle the new
sales manager for Zipp Films in the Cleveland
and Detroit territories.
MiUai^ Ochs, RKO-Stanley Warner city
manager, is the proud father of a daughter,
Kim, born December 27.
Sue Davis, general clerk for the Warner
Bros, exchange, died Monday, January 21,
after a short illness.
This city has a great number of creative
people in all of the fine arts—actors, sculptors,
painters, dancers, musicians and writers.
There is a small group of young artists
DETROIT
(Continued from page ME-1)
Completion of Cinema North I and IT in
the 2200 block of Morse Road is expected news media in a drive to rid the city of
by mid-June. Charles Sugarman. operator "violent-type movies" and has formed a special
of Cinema East, is constructing the twin
committee in an effort to persuade local
theatres to stop showing fihtis which exert
theatre. One of the auditoriums will seat
600 and the other 400.
a "poor influence" on black youngsters. The
precise target of the campaign is the type
of movie which the NAAOP says "shows
success coming through involvement in
dope and violence." One theatre manager
who appeared on a TV interview show
the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners, in a stated: "I am convinced that the filthier
hearing held here by Robert Newlon. city and more violent the movie is, the more
public utilities director. Firestone proposed people we will get to watch it." Other downtown
that the city council pass an ordinance forbidding
theatre managers expressed the defi-
the showing of first-run features on nite opinion that PG-rated films "bomb
CATV until they have had first runs at least out." They said people will not come to
one year before home showings. Newlon family movies—they want R and X-rated
will ask Mayor Tom Moody to appoint a films only. "We are giving the public what
community advisory group to make recommendations
it wants." The managers were unanimous
on uses and policies of the pub-
in agreeing that they would be willing to
lic access, local government and educational
cable channels which are required by law.
show other type of motion pictures if they
proved to be profitable at the boxoffice but
suggested, "The suburbs are the place for
family movies."
A city homicide inspector contends that
violence-filled movies "have a sickening
effect" on crime in the town and asserted
that there were many, many examples where
someone was killed or injuried seriously,
simply because someone wanted to emulate
"something out of the blaxploitation mov-
Recent offerings at downtown theatres
ies."
have included the following motion pictures:
"Willie Dynamite." Grand Circus; "Black
Belt Jones," Adams: "Black Belt" and
"Dragon's Vengeance," Colonial: "The
Black Bunch" and "The Black Alleycats,"
Globe, and "Black Girls," Pahns.
A recent photograph in the Community
News showed the Shores Madrid marquee
gob Meinerdign, former salesman for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
is the new branch cinnati, formed five years ago, which is
known as Progressive Productions of Cin-
manager for Buena Vista, succeeding Phil getting its feet wet in all branches of live
Fortune, who has been transferred to Boston theatre. All members of the group either
as branch manager.
are in school or have jobs during the daylight
hours, practice at night during the
year and perform on Sundays, mostly at
country clubs, with their season beginning
in January and ending in June. Progressive
Productions is a complete package presenting
light, happy music and theatre, mostly
from Broadway productions. They write the
skits, own the costumes, scenery, sound and
lighting equipment and their music is taped.
This year's production called "This Is Showcase"
premiered before a large, enthusiastic
audience at the Lake Ridge Lodge Sunday.
January 27. One of the mainsprings of Progressive
Productions is Larry Schwendenmann,
assistant manager of the Alpha Cinema.
He is one of the writers and also acts
and helps out in other departments. He and
his fellow artists are full of fresh ideas for
live theatre. "This Is Showcase" is inspiring
theatre, full of warmth and happiness.
advertising the Woody Allen film "Take the
Money and Run"— just a few feet from a
sign that read "Macomb Saving & Loan
Ass'n." Commented the News: "You have
to humor your photographers and their . . .
urn . . . artistic sensitivity." Hopefully, the
patronage at the Shores Madrid was such
that the manager was kept busy running to
the savings and loan cashier with the money
from the boxoffice—and nobody mistook
the picture title as an invitation to run from
the adjacent building with the money!
Wilbum Christian Buys
Anawalt, W. Va., Theatre
ANAWALT. W. VA.—Wilbum Christian
of Keystone, W. Va., has purchased
the New Union Theatre here. The movie
hou.se had been shuttered since 1959 and,
when Christian took possession, he found a
copy of Boxoffice (circa 1960) on the
premises, apparently left by the previous
operator.
Christian, who is now a subscriber to
Boxoffice himself, hopes to reopen the New
Union Theatre in April to provide cinematic
entertainment for residents of the community.
12 Cash Awards Offered
By Ohio Arts Council
CLEVELAND—The Ohio Arts Council
will award 12 cash awards totaling $20,000
to filmmakers in the state in 1974. The
fourth annual OAC Film Commissioning
Project offers four $4,000 awards to experienced
filmmakers and eight grants of
$500 each to beginners and cinematography
teachers.
The aim is to encourage Ohio film artists
to pursue ideas and assignments they otherwise
would not be able to finance.
BOXOFHCE ;: February 4. 1974 ME-3

ME-4 BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974

25-Cent Weekend Shows
Being Tested by WMT
Springfield—Nelson Wright of Western
Massachusetts Theatres, in a precedent-setting
move, announced 25 cents
admission for Saturday-Sunday matinees
at the Bing, Springfield, and Rivoli,
Chicopee.
The "going" tab for regional cinema
matinees has been three and four times
that figure in recent years.
Protest Group Files
'Exorcist' Complaint
BOSTON—"The Exorcist," which has
done I'antastic business at Cinema 57 One
since it opened during the Christmas holida\s.
now is entangled in a web of legal
dcxclopments as an upshot to protests from
segments of the public.
Alter pressure from a group led by Mrs.
Riia Warren and the Tremont Street Church
pastor, district attorney Garrett Byrne asked
Sack Theatres, owner and operator of
Cinema 57 One, to restrict persons 17 years
ol aye imd under from seeing the film. After
conferences between attorneys for Ben Sack.
president of the Boston circuit, and the
district attorney, Sack Theatres agreed to
the
request.
Then Came the Complaint
However, four hours later circuit e.xecutives
learned that a criminal complaint had
been sworn out by Mrs. Warren and issued
by Judge Joseph Nolan charging Sack Theatres
with being in violation of Section 232
and 31 and 35 of the state laws dealing
with obscenity, blasphemy and impairment
of the morals of a minor.
Friday, January 25, Sack Theatre Corp.
formally was arraigned in municipal criminal
court. At the request of the theatre's
counsel, the McLaughlin Bros., Judge Nolan
granted a continuance to Thursday (21) in
order to give the circuit's counsel time to
prepare a case which would involve the
assembling of experts, film critics, psychiatrists,
clergymen—especially the Jesuits who
were advisers on the film.
Objected to Delay
The continuance came over the objections
and shouted protestations of Mrs. Warren,
its foe of the film since opening, when she
had picketed with a group, Mrs. Warren
told the judge she wanted an immediate
trial.
Television crews moved in to film the
background of the court. Cinema 57 and
the principals involved. Alan A. Friedberg,
executive vice-president of Sack Theatres.
to have proper time to prepare their case."
During the entire "Exorcist" run. Sack
Iheatres has kept a low publicity profile,
unusual for the circuit which is heavy on exploitation.
It was explained that this course
was followed in "The Exorcist" situation
to avoid any attempt to exploit in a way
that might antagonize sensibilities of the
community. The circuit maintained this
muted policy despite vitriolic protests from
small groups and had declined to make any
statement or comment about such attacks.
Despite the circuit's silence, all Boston
TV stations and the city's newspapers have
made "The Exorcist" the No. 1 news story
in town. Lines at the Cinema 57 One gained
length with each breaking story until the
circuit responded to the public demand for
more screen time for the picture by opening
a second print of "The E.xorcist" at the
Gary. The press of attendance there, since
the Gary's first show January 30, has rivaled
business at Cinema 57.
'Deep Throat' Again Is
Blocked in Boston Area
BOSTON—Another attempt to show
"Deep Throat" in Boston met with immediate
court action and the film was barred
before opening at the advertised location,
Pru Cinema. Previously the film had been
declared obscene when it was seized at customs
and the print destroyed.
Pru Cinema bought airplane advertising
to report that "Deep Throat" was coming
to Boston. The prosecutor's office heard
about it and grounded the film, Suffolk
Superior Court Judge Harry Kalus ordering
injunctions barring the showing of the controversial
picture.
Two policemen were at the boxoffice, the
first in line, and "Deep Throat" was halted
before it opened. Judge Kalus also ordered
a trial to find out why the effort was
made to show the film after it was declared
obscene by a Massachusetts court.
Vernon, Conn., Officials
Take 'Deep Throat' Print
VERNON, CONN. — Law-enforcement
officials seized a print of the controversial
states rights' "Deep Throat," showing in
Auditorium One of Rockville theatres I-II,
and within minutes theatre manager William
Elliott jr. was showing another print.
Chief Circuit Court 12 prosecutor Eugene
Kelly explained that seizure of a print,
under a court warrant, was merely an attempt
to gather evidence to present at a
hearing, yet to be scheduled, at which time
the court would determine the film's obscenity.
William Brown Relights
Bristol, Conn., Centre
BRISTOL, CONN.—Owner William
Brown has reopened the long-shuttered
Bristol Centre Mall cinemas I-II. previously
operated by C&F Theatres. Chris Noble is
in an interview on Channel 5, when questioned
about Mrs. Warren's demand for an Brown is buying and booking through
resident manager.
immediate trial, said: "Even the Salem
Franklin E. Ferguson & Theatre Associates,
witches in the 17th century were allowed New Haven.
Opens Jaffrey Theatre
JAFFREY. N.H—Harry C. Koons, who
recently opened the New Theatre here, has
become a Boxoffice subscriber.
Jimmy Fund Raised
$830,038 in 1973
BO.STON—The 1973 Jummy Fund campaign,
led by Variety Club of New England
and the Boston Red Sox, raised $830,038
for the Children's Cancer Research Foundation,
according to Thomas A. Yawkey,
chairman of the CCRF board of trustees,
William Koster, administrative vice-president
of the Jimmy Fund and executive secretary
of Variety Club of New England,
together with Ken Coleman, general chairman
of the drive, expressed appreciation to
New England theatremen, police, the Red
Sox players, press, radio, TV people, Little
and Big Leaguers, fraternal and religious
organizations, youngsters and the general
public for working tirelessly for the fund
to combat cancer in children.
The Jimmy Fund, by supporting activities
of the Children's Cancer Research Foundation,
now cares for, at any one time, about
650 children with leukemia and all other
forms of cancer. Thousands of children,
from birth to adult life, have received total
care as part of the clinical investigation for
new methods and treatment. Many children
who have been afflicted with cancer now
are alive because of new treatments developed
in the Jimmy Fund Building.
Hartford Lyric Robbery
Leads to Youth's Arrest
HARTFORD—A 17-year-old Hartford
youth was arrested in connection with the
theft of coins, property and tickets from
the Lyric Theatre, 585 Park St.
Hector R. Diaz was charged with thirddegree
burglary and third-degree larceny
and held in lieu of $500 bond for appearance
in Connecticut Circuit Court.
Police said $200 in coins, 120 tickets and
a $20 tape player were taken.
Rep. Ella Grasso Files
Candidacy for Governor
HARTFORD—Exhibition may yet have
a tie to the Connecticut governor's office.
U.S. Rep. Ella Grasso (D., 6th Connecticut
district), has announced her candidacy
for governor in next November's state elections.
Her husband Thomas, long in
the education
field here, formerly operated the Cinema,
Sound View, Conn.
Would Dissolve Business
STAMFORD, CONN.—Pleasure Enterprises,
Inc.. Stamford, filed a certificate of
dissolution with the Secretary of State's office
at the capitol in
Hartford.
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BOXOmCE :: February 4, 1974 NE-I

BOSTON
John Wayne's celebrated confrontation with
Harvard students as he arrived by armored
car to accept the LamfKJon's Brass
Balls Award caused many chuckles in the
Boston film industry, which was delighted
to see that the Duke and his many student
challengers were all having a light-hearted
time and that the tensions of the Vietnam
War days have faded from the campus. Boston
papers gave the Wayne-Harvard Square
incidents front page pictures: networks and
national news services thoroughly covered
Hold everything! The New England Motion
Picture Club is arranging a February
luncheon to be held on or around Valentine's
Day. It should be something—so keep
some time open and be ready to attend this
event. Perhaps we can give you the exact
day and time in next week's column.
Tom O'Brien, Columbia district manager,
greeted an overflow crowd of exhibitors January
22 at a screening of "Loving Molly."
Judging by post-screening comments among
the guests. Columbia has another hit.
Minty Norton, Ellis Gordon Films booker,
set "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"
in 74 Greater Boston theatres for the January
19 and 20 weekend, with a 25-theatre
follow-up the January 26 and 27 weekend.
Minty said the Gordon company had
booked "Fantastic Planet" in General
BUX-MONT MARQUEE
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BUXMONT
Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044
CALL (215) 676-4444 or 675-1040
Cinema's Framingham, Peabody, Braintree
and Burlington cinemas for an extended run
starting Wednesday (6).
Mike Sirota, general manager at Ed
Lider's Allston cinemas opened "The Tall
Blond Man With One Black Shoe," Cinema
5"s new European release, January 23. Preceding
the opening, Sirota fashioned a bangup
publicity campaign by contacting more
than 100 colleges and schools with circulars
and mailing piece. He followed up with
mailings to social groups and clubs, sending
the event. The Boston Herald headlined its
"Wayne Shows True
press releases to all campus papers and to
story: Grit' at Harvard";
the Globe ran: "'John Wayne Beats
Harvard to the Drawl" on one of its stories
the Boston area newspapers,
following up with teaser ads.
in each case
and "Lampoon Barbs Fail to Wound Cinema Centers Corp., a Iksston-based
Wayne" on an inside wrap-up by Carolyn circuit with an increasing number of multiple
Clay of the paper's staff. With Wayne's
units in the Midwest, will build a free-
standing de luxe triplex northwest of Lima,
latest film, "McQ," a Warner Bros, release,
booked for Ben Sack's Savoy, all this Lampoon
publicity was priceless publicity.
Ohio, at the junction of Route 81 and Cable
Road in the Westgate Shopping Center. Total
capacity of the three-auditorium theatre
will be 1,100 patrons and the auditoriums
are to share restrooms, projection facilities
and lobby. Mario Mancini. district manager
for Cinema Centers and its affiliated Theatre
Management Services, will supervise construction,
due to begin in March. A mid-
June opening is planned.
SPRINGFIELD
[Jniversars "American Graffiti" is shaping
up as one of the biggest drawing attractions
of 1974: it went into a recordshattering
third month at the Paris Cinema,
West Springfield, part of Esquire Theatres
of America.
SBC Management Corp., which recently
took over the Allen-Cooley Plaza Cinema
I-IL named Claire Ziolkowski as resident
manager; she held that post under the previous
C&F Theatres operations.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra ran
a Sunday afternoon (20) "salute" to Hollywood,
performing "Great Themes From
Great Movies" and charging top admission
of $5.75 at the Springfield Municipal Auditorium.
CARBONS, INC. ^"-^ Box K, Cedor Knoili,
INCORPORATIONS
— Connecticut —
RPM Theatre Corp.. 2 Cliff St.. Norwich;
Normand R. Chasse, president-treasurer:
Wilmer Chasse, vice-president-secretary.
Entertainment Services, Inc., c/o Vincent
Romeo. 41 Hemlock St., North Milford;
I
Vincent Romeo, president; Edwin F. Sparn,
secretary-treasurer.
.\utomatic Amusements, Inc., c/o Al Romano
sr., 12 Irving St., Stamford; Al Romano
sr., president; Al Romano jr.. vicepresident;
Virginia Romano, secretary; Dottie
Romano, treasurer.
Greenwich Nutmeg, Inc., 80 East State
St., Westport; Robert Smerling, presidenttreasurer;
Norman Bialek, vice-president:
Edna Merrill, secretary. (The Smerling interests
sometime ago took over downstate
Connecticut properties previously op)erated
by Leonard Sampson and Robert Spodick,
Sampson & Spodick Theatres, New Haven).
Connecticut Innkeepers, Inc., c/o Simon
Konover. 8 Shawmut Lane, West Hartford;
Donald J. Wallace, president; Simon Konover,
secretary-treasurer; Daniel I. Konover,
assistant secretary. (Simon Konover is brother
of Harold Konover, president, H.K. Theatre
Corp., and H.K. Film Corp., Hartford).
NEW HAMPSHIRE
pive Granite State theatres participated in
recent Saturday-Sunday matinee showings
of MGM's "Magic Boy," 1962 cartoon
release. Screening the attraction were Cinema
93. Concord: Bedford Mall. Manchester:
Studio, Nashua: Stateline. Plaistow; and
Civic. Portsmouth.
Paramount's "Million Dollar Legs," 1932
release starring W.C. Fields, which opened
the first Dartmouth College Film Society
season in 1949, was the "premiere" attraction
for the 25th season Friday (1 1) at
11 p.m.. in the Spaulding .Auditorium of the
campus Hopkins Center in Hanover. Companion
feature on the initial program for
1974 was United Artists' "To Be or Not to
Be." Jack Benny 1942 comedy.
VERMONT
Richard J. Wilson, vice-president-merchandising,
SBC Management Corp., reported
"a strong response" to a contest in which
$200 worth of snowmobile gear was given
away, through courtesy of a Williston sports
equipment dealer, in conjunction with "A
Matter of Winning" Vermont premiere in
auditorium two of the Burlington Plaza Cinema
T-II. South Burlington. The cinema's
lobby displayed a finely tuned racing snowmobile
and a 1974 Polaris.
Trying 99-Cent Admission
SEYMOUR. CONN.—The Strand is now
charging 99 cents admission weekdays. A
is similar plan in effect at a number of area
theatres
for Mondays and Tuesdays only.
In Moss.—Massachusetts Theatre Equipment Co., Boston,
(617) 542-9814
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The
Magnum
Don't
.
(201)
'The Exorcist' Runs Up Fourth-Week
1800; 'Sleeper; 'Sting Each 400
BOSTON—Snow, ice and zero temperatures
took their toll of patronage that might
have supported some of the lesser films but
did not hurt "The Exorcist." 1,800 in a
fourth week at Cinema 57 One. Playing at
around the four-times average level of
weekly business were "Sleeper" (400). fifth
week. Cheri One; "The Sting" (400). fourth
week. Cinema 57 Two. and "Papillon"
(390). fifth week. Beacon Hill and Pi Alley.
Is 100)
Astor-
;SR1, 2nd
Beoco
Papillon fAA), 5th wk,
Chorif s—The Day of the Dolphin Emb), 5th n
Charit •s Eost Day for Night WBi, 14th wk.
Charit 's West Hoppy New Ycor Emb), 6th w
Chen One Sleeper UA\ 5th v\k
Chen Two The toughing Policeman (20th-Fo
5th
Cheri Three Ash Wednesdo
a 57 One— The Exorci
a 57 Two— The Sting
Cinemo Jonofhon Li ingston Seagull
Sax
-Block Belt Jones WB)
s' Abbev Two The Serpent [Emb)
: Hall The Seven-Ups (20th-Fox),
1— Robin Hood :BV;, 5th wk
/ One—Mognum Force (WB), 4th wl
/ Two— First Circle fPora), 2nd wk.
1-Jimi Hendrix (WB), 2nd wk. ..
"The Laughing Policeman' 200
At Two New Haven Houses
NEW HAVEN—Walter Matthau's "The
Laughing Policeman" pleased the ticket
buyers at both the Cinemart and Milford
Cinema I theatres and the 20th Century-
Fox action film doubled composite normal
business at those houses. "Magnum Force"
also packed ho.xoffice power (175) through
a fourth week at Showcase Cinema IL
Laughing
Cinemart, Milford Cinema I
Crown—The Proymotes SR); Gabriella !SR) .
Milford Cinema II Robin Hood ;BV), 5th wk.
Showcase Cinema I Force (V^B),
IV—Ash Wednesday
The Laughing Policeman' 225
In Four-Way Hartford Debut
HARTFORD—As in New Haven, "The
Laughing Policeman." playing its first week
at four theatres, was the brightest business
item on the Barometer—scoring 225 overall.
Below-average (percentages outnumbered
above-average figures, seven-to-six,
for the first time since the Christmas holidays.
Art Cinema The Newcomers (SR); The 'O' House
2nd wk.
(SR),
:ast III— Robin Hood (BV),
II na City The Serpent (Emb)
Kung-Fu—The Punch of Deoth
5th 50
Cinema City
2nd V
(SR),
(Capital), Cinerama SuperManChu 2nd wk 75
Five theatres The Paper Chose (20th-Fox),
5th wk 90
Four theatres—The 80
Seven-Ups (20th-Fox), 5th wk.
Four theatres The Laughing Policeman
(20th-Fox) 225
Rivoh—Mary Jane (SRI; World of Love (SR) 75
Showcase Cinema Look Now ;Para) 1 50
Showcase Cinema II—Mognum Force (WB),
4th wk 140
Showcase Cinema III American Graffiti (Univ),
5ho Cinema IV Papillon (AA), 5th wk
HARTFORD
gamett TarantuI, long-time partner with
Morris Keppner in the Bumside. East
Hartford, left an estimated estate of $254
000, according to the Hartford Probate
Court.
Sperie P. Perakos, president and chie
executive officer of Perakos Theatres Asso
ciates. the independent circuit, is using the
words. "Perakos Luxury Theatres." in h
daily advertising logo for the company
metropolitan Hartford showplaces. And
Esquire Theatres of America is incorpora
Start BOXOFFICE coming .
D 1 year for $10 D 2 years for $17 (Save $3)
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STREET ADDRESS
TOWN STATE ZIP NO
NAME
POSITION
BOXOFFICE-THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124
ing an exclamation point in its daily newspaper
advertising logo locally . . . The
Perakos State. Jewett City, an hour's driving
time from Hartford, is now advertising
in the Hartford newspapers. Theatres beyond
30-minutes driving time rarely do this.
at least in Hartford.
The Dave Jacobson Warner. Torrington.
had a "live" stage show at a recent 2 p.m.
weekend kiddie matinee. Admission was 99
cents for all seats . . . Mrs. Edith .'\lperin.
daughter-in-law of the late Connecticut industry
pioneer, Mike .Alperin. is now on
executive staff of .State Comptroller Nathan
G. Agostinelli.
NEW HAVEN
Yhe John Ahearn Robert Donat Cinema.
North Haven, hosted a regional premiere,
screening a states-rights' import, "Imperial
Venus," co-starring Gina Lollobrigida
and Stephen Boyd.
The Capitol, Milford. brought back Universal's
"Munster, Go Home," 1966 release,
for matinee showings, charging 75 cents
admission for all
seats.
The Fairmount Theatre, New Haven,
now on a sexploitation policy, brought in
states rights' "Deep Throat," charging $4.
one of the highest admissions on a regular
basis for an area showplace.
The Waterbury Republican-American
Newspapers have boosted price-per-copy of
the Sunday Republican from 25 to 35 cents,
citing "sharply increasing costs of produc-
Cinema for Glastonbury
GLASTONBURY. CONN.—The local
firm of Holland-Ruhlander. Inc., has announced
plans for an enclosed shopping
mall, to contain a cinema and 15 to 18
retail outlets, at the intersection of Hebron
Avenue and the relocated New London
Turnpike.
Peck Book to Be Filmed
DARIEN, CONN. — Author Robert
Newton Peek, who has been writing books
while commuting daily to New York, said
last week that his latest effort. A Day No
Pigs Would Die." based on his boyhood
days in Vermont, would be filmed this
spring.
Drops Monday Performance
JEWETT CITY. CONN.—The State
Cinema, part of Perakos Theatres Associates
circuit, and on an adult film policy,
has dropped Monday performances.
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February 4, 1974

'Paperback Hero' Is Children's Treatment Centre Opened
^fi'S""^^'^""!^
I" Vancouver by Variety's
TORONTO — Aencourt ons' ' '
Tent .w. ..-«-«
Productions
47
TORONTO — Agincourt
"Paperback Hero" has moved into its 15th
week at the New Yorker here, where it has
scored an impressive gross to date, with no
end of its run there yet in sight. Twelve
additional Ontario situations were opened
after Christmas and most of these now are
in the fourth week of their engagement.
The world premiere of this Canadian feature
film was held simultaneously in five
Saskatchewan houses last September and.
in two of the five, the Paramount in Saskatoon
and the Capitol in North Battlcford,
the film set a house record, beating the old
mark set by "The Godfather." The picture
has not opened as yet in British Columbia.
Manitoba, Quebec or the Maritimes but is
expected to open in all of these provinces
within the next two or three months.
To date "Paperback Hero" has grossed
$400,000 in all playdates and a $1,000,000
Canadian gross is projected, which would
be a "first" for an English Canadian film.
Sales manager Ed White of Alliance Film
Distribution told Boxoffice that an American
sale has been secured and that the
International market is now being solicited.
"A great deal of interest in 'Paperback
Hero' is being shown in that area," White
said.
Ernest O. Smithies Dies;
Longtime FP Manager
KINGSTON, ONT.—Ernest O. Smithies,
lormcr manager of the Capitol Theatre and,
in earlier days, the Tivoli and Grand theatres,
died at his home in the Annandale
Apartments. He was over 80 years of age.
Smithies came to Kingston 47 years ago
from Toronto. His experience in Canada
began in 1911 when he came here from
England and got a job as usher, cleaner
and rewind man in Toronto.
He was a member of the Motion Picture
Ass'n, charter member of the Nickelodeon
and a long-standing member of the Shrine.
Smithies for 25 years was a member of
Famous Players Canadian Corp., his employer
until retirement in 1968.
Presenting Vintage Films
EDMONTON. ALTA.—The Klondike
Cinema currently is running a series of
really great motion pictures from yesteryear
which should appeal to every movie fan. A
recent weekend matinee feature was Samuel
Goldwyn's masterpiece, "Guys and Dolls,"
starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and
Joan Simmons.
Mrs. Marguerite M. Knott
From New England Edition
NEW MILFORD, CONN.—Mrs.
Marguerite
Middletown Knott, 75, a retired
story analyst for MGM Studios, Culver
City, Calif., died at her home Wednesday
(2). She retired from MGM in 1958.
VANCOUVER—Paid for by the gencro.sity
of hundreds of thousands of British
Columbians, Variety's Treatment Centre for
Children officially was opened Friday,
January 11, by the province's Lt. Gov.
Walter Owen. The main physiotherapy section
was packed with a standing-room-only
crowd which heard a succession of speakers
pay tribute to the "ordinary people" who
made reality of what once was referred to
as "an irapiossible dream."
The first two phases—including a 20x40-
foot hydrotherapy pool—of the $650,000
Surrey treatment facility have been completed
three years after Variety Club Tent
47 undertook the building of the center.
During the Tiny Tim Fund campaigns
of 1971 and 1972, Vancouver Sun readers
contributed nearly $200,000 for the construction.
The rest of the money, $450,-
000, was raised by Variety Club telethons
which were sponsored by Channel 8.
Treatment for 170
The Surrey center provides treatment for
170 youngsters who have cerebral palsy and
other neurological disorders. Most of them
attend at least once a week and 50 of them
arc under six years of age.
Said Lt. Gov. Owen, "I am very happy
to be here to participate in the opening of
this facility, because I have had the great
privilege of being interested in this type of
work with the G. F. Strong Rehabilitation
Centre in Vancouver. 1 think there is no
finer work that can be done than to look
after these young people who are starting
life with none of the blessings most of the
rest
of us have."
Stuart Keate, publisher of the Vancouver
Sun, said he was particularly grateful to
more than 10,500 Sun readers who made
individual donations to successive Tiny Tim
Fund campaigns. "It has been a real pleasure
to work with our friends in the Variety
Club which, in the six or seven years it has
been in existence in Vancouver, probably
has done more good work than any other
organization," Keate added.
Has Raised $250 Million
He noted that internationally Variety has
raised $250,000,000 to aid handicapped
children, making it the greatest children's
charity in
the world.
Smelling gently of red cedar and alive
with color, the new treatment center is a
splendid structure.
"We backed off as far as we could get
from institutionalized white tile," said John
Wallace, architect. "We have screeching
reds alongside howling oranges. The colors
alone will knock sensitive adults on their
ear—but the kids will love them. And that's
what we're trying to do. stimulate children
who up until now haven't had very much
of anything."
The old treatment center was built in
1961 on an extremely limited budget. It
was barely adequate for the needs of a halfdozen
children. The pool, where crippled
children learn to move and strengthen weak
muscles, was a plastic Wader, with a $7.95
price tag. Now, all that has changed.
Miss Dorothy Ladner, head of the treatment
center, and Hugh Cuthbertson, president
of the Lower Eraser Valley Cerebral
Palsy Ass'n. were presented with symbolic
keys to the new facility.
Also participating in the unveiling ceremonies
were Ray Peters, president of
BCTV, Ltd.; Zollie Volchok, vice-president
of Variety Clubs International; vSurrey
Mayor Bill Vander Zaim; Provincial Secretary
Ernie Hall; Delta MLA Carl Liden,
and Jim Peacock, chief barker of Variety
Club Tent 47. Col. John Toogood, aide-decamp
to the lieutenant governor, also was
present for the event.
NFB Film Is Chosen
One of Year's Best
MONTREAL—A number of Quebec
newspapers have chosen the National Film
Board's "Tendresse Ordinaire" as one of the
best fihns of 1973. Directed by Jacques
Leduc, "Tendresse Ordinaire" has been
hailed as an artistic achievement, a fihn
highly ranked in importance in the Quebecois
cinema by French-language film
critics in Quebec.
"It is surely one of the nicest films ever
made here," wrote Andre Leroux of le
Devoir, who named "Tendresse Ordinaire"
runner-up to "Last Tango in Paris" and
"Cries and Whispers" in his best ten hst.
Robert Levesque of Quebec-Presse said:
"Tendresse Ordinaire" is an undeniably
beautiful film. In its simplicity and nobleness,
it immediately imposes itself as one
of the most authentic Quebecois films and
also as one of the most universal films to
come out of Quebec."
"Tendresse Ordinaire," which is Jacques
Leduc's second major feature after "On est
Loin du Soleil," stars Esther Auger, Jocelyn
Berube and Luce Guilbault.
Released as a noncommercial film,
"Tendresse Ordinaire" is being shown at
junior colleges across the province and also
can be borrowed from NFB libraries
throughout Canada.
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BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974 K-1

CALGARY
The Calgary Film Societj is presenting a
special retrospective film series, restricted
to society members only. This is a
form of bonus for members and the subscription
is for the entire series only (no
single admissions will be sold) at a cost of
S4. Since seating in the National Film
Board Theatre where the screenings will be
held is very limited, members are urged to
pick up their subscription immediately, as
will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The series will consist of four features that
were directed by John Huston and the first
show will be Tuesday (12). This program of
Huston films will replace the Carl Dreyer
series that originally was planned by the
society.
The Purncll brothers, Don and Gordon,
of Red Deer, well-known in theatre circles,
were in town recently and spent some time
calling on various branch managers.
Edmonton's Londonderry A Theatre is
promoting the Walt Disney production of
"Robin Hood" through a contest, with the
winner receiving a trip for two to Disneyland
through the courtesy of United Tours.
The department of communications
media at the University of Calgary is sponsoring
two separate series of films featuring
widely acclaimed documentaries. The series
is being shown on consecutive Mondays in
Science Theatre 148 and there is no admission
charge. The first series, which started
January 14, featured "The Ascent of Man,"
with episodes of one hour duration being
shown. The weekly program of two hours
is filled out with educational and entertaining
short subjects. Mrs. Sally Lawrence,
deputy director of operations for University
of Calgary communications media, is very
enthusiastic about the programs, which she
describes as a "fantastic film series," with
special emphasis on Canadian films. "The
Ascent of Man" was produced by the British
Broadcasting Corp. and has been made
available to the university through MacMillan
Bloedel of Vancouver, a giant in Canada's
lumbering industry. The other series
features "Civilization. America; A Personal
History of the U.S." This is another example
of the recent trend in Canadian business
and financial circles to
it
finance various
^^ }VATCH PROJECTION IMPROVE ^^
§ NEW TEiEhNIKOTE ^
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The
The
Skylon Cinema Debuts
With Bogarl Festival
\IAUARA FALLS, ONT.—The new
,Sk\ Ion Cinema in Niagara Falls has opened
uiih a Humphrey Bogart Festival. Director
o\ programing J. R. Cameron says the cinema,
which is located in the famous Skylon
ovvci Building, will feature Canadian
ilms.
As a 16mm house, it will not present
first-run U.S. releases but there are such
possibilities as classics—Bergman and other
foreign masters—and old horror epics.
Cameron declares the operators of the
theatre will have to learn by experience
what kind of audiences will "make" an
alternative theatre in the city.
The festival started with "Casablanca"
(1942), plus "High Sierra" (1941), presented
January 18-20; "The Big Sleep" and "Dark
Passage," January 25-27. and onscreen Friday
(1) through Sunday (3) was "The Maltese
Falcon" (1941) and "The Treasure of
Sierra Madre."
TORONTO
Jnterest in "The Exorcist" at the University
was heightened—if that is humanly
possible—^by unfounded reports that the
Ontario Censor Board was contemplating
making certain cuts in the film.
Ihe WOMPI Club held a meeting at the
lown Hall Restaurant Monday evening,
January 21.
'Selected' to Be Filmed
Entirely in Wisconsin
From North Central
Edition
TOMAHAWK, WIS. — Movie cameras
arc rolling here, where the first featurelength
film ever to be shot completely in
Wisconsin is being made by a new company,
North Star Communications. The firm engaged
veteran cinematographer Jack Willoughby
from the West Coast, technicians
from New York and a lead actor, Nick
Holt, from Chicago.
Most of the acting talent, however, is
troni local areas—Wausau, Stevens Point,
loinahawk, Merrill and elsewhere. Mrs.
Bill Rebane of Gleason wrote the script,
with a setting in northern Canada, a locale
that can be represented by the area around
Tomahawk.
The sci-fier is titled "The Selected" and
the plot is concerned with some unsolved
scientific mysteries. "There'll be no monsters
in this one." confided Mrs. Rebane. "It'll
all be within the realm of reality and deals
with man's disregard for his environment."
Members from a local theatre guild will
I ill a number of lesser speaking roles. Backers
for the new film company all were found
in the area.
'The Selected" is being produced in the
chilly winds of winter under the direction
of a local man, plus the moxie of Willoughby.
who has shot scenes for major motion
pictures. A TV special won him an Emmy.
Ten of 12 Calgary First
Excellent';
CALGARY—Below zero temperatures
and strong winds prevailed here but apparently
only made the public more inclined to
seek entertainment in the cozy comfort of
Calgary theatres. Again the weekly results
were just about all that exhibitors could
hope for: ten "excellent" and two "very
good" gross ratings for the 12 available
first-run screen programs. With such a
powerful lineup across town, of course,
there was no chance—or reason—for a new
film to start a run.
Calgory Place —Jonathon Livingston Seagull
3), 2nd wk Very Good
Chinook Robin Hood (BV), 3rd wk.
1 Grand Sleeper (UA), 3rd wk Excellent
Grand 2 The Laughing Policeman (BVFD),
2nd wk Excellent
Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams (Col),
North Hill
2nd wk
Very Good
.
Odeon The Way We Were (Col), 9th wk. .Excellent
Palace The Seven-Ups (BVFD), 2nd wk. ...Excellent
1 Polliser Square Magnum Force (WB),
2nd wk Excellent
Towne Cinema—Americon Graffiti (Univ),
th wk Excellent
1 Uptown The Sting (Univ), 2nd wk Excellent
Westbrook All the Way Boys! (BVFD),
1
3rd
.Excellent
Eight Toronto First Runs
Achieve 'Excellent' Level
TORONTO—Eight "e.xcellent" ratings, a
significantly large number to such top grossing
marks for this city, featured this week's
Barometer report and all were recorded by
holdover films. Earning spots on Toronto's
'excellent' business honor rolls: "Don't Look
Now," "American Graffiti," "Sleeper,"
"The Exorcist," "Cinderella Liberty," "Papillon,"
"Magnum Force" and "The Sting."
Coronet—The Wrestling Queen (C-P);
Karate—The Hand of Death (C-P) Good
Four Seasons 1—Executive Action (NGP),
8th wk Very Good
Four Seasons 2 The French Conspiracy
(Cine Globe) Good
Hollywood (North) Ash Wednesday (Para),
2nd wk Good
Hollywood (South) The Day of the Dolphin
(BVFD), 2nd wk Good
1 Hylond The Sting Excellent
(Univ), 2nd wk
Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams (Col),
Hyland 2
9th wk
Good
Imperial I The Tall Blond Man With One
Black Shoe (AFD), 3rd wk Good
2, Imperial Mississauga Square 3 Magnum
Force (WB), 2nd wk Excellent
Imperial 3 The Chinese (NGP),
Professionals
2nd wk Good
Imperial 4, Mississouga Square 4 Popillon (AA),
.
3rd
Excellf
-Paperback Hero (Alliance),
Towne Cinema Cinderello Liberty (
2nd wk
University The Exorcist (WB), 2nd
Uptown 1 ^Sleeper (UA), 3rd wk. .,
Upto
Graffiti
9th
ellent
Uptown 3 Don't Looit Look Now (Par( (Para), 2nd wk.
Uptown Backstage I Mean Streets (WB),
2nd wk Good
York I—The Way We Were '(Col),
1 I th wk Very Good
York 2 ^The Seven-Ups (BVFD), 2nd wk Good
Yorkdale, others Robin Hood (BV), 3rd wk, . . Good
Six "Excellent' Grossing
Mark by Vancouver Films
VANCOUVER—With few exceptions,
this was another report week of superlative
boxoffice performances. Both "The Exorcist,"
third frame at the Stanley Theatre,
and "American Graffiti," 15th week at the
Varsity, topped their previous record week
totals at those playhouses. Naturally, Vancouver
exhibitors are thoroughly enjoying
every day and night of this public surge to
Runs Rate
Other Two Very Good'
iheir theatres to view widely heralded prod-
Capitol Magnum Force WB), 3rd wk Excellent
Coronet The Sleeper ;UA), 4th wk Average
Denman Place The Sting ;Univ), 4th wk. ..Excellent
Downtown The Day of the Dolphin (BVFD),
2nd wk Good
Odeon The .Excellent
Way We Were (Col), 3rd wk. .
Orpheum Papilion (AA), 4th wk Excellent
Pork Jesus Christ Superstor (Univ),
28th wk Very Good
Stanley The Excellent
Exorcist (WB), 3rd wk
Varsity Americon Graffiti iUniv), 15th Excellent
wk.
Vogue The Laughing Policeman (BVFD),
Average
3rd wk.
Five Winnipeg Features Still
Gross in 'Excellent' Class
WINNIPEG—Grosses continued steady
but off slightly from the previous week, as
Christmas business waned. Still "excellent"
were holdovers "American Graffiti," "The
Sting," "The Way We Were," "Robin Hood"
and "Magnum Force." "Sleeper" and "lonathan
Livingston Seagull" were "very good"
and "Last Tango in Paris," nearing the end
of its third month, was still above average.
Capitol Magnum Force (WB), 3rd wk Excellent
Downtown Girls Are for Loving (tFD);
School Girls (IFD), Good
Eve—Alyse and Chloe .Excellent
(C-P); Pick-Up (C-P)
Garden City—Till Death Do Us Part (IFD):
Up the Front (IFD) Average
Garrick Way We Were (Col), 3rd wk. Excellent
II Gornck
Grant Pork
Sleeper ;UA), 4th wk
No Sex Please—We're British
Very Good
(Col),
2nd wk
Average
Hyland, Park Instinct for Survival (Sun) Good
1 King's Last Tango in Paris (UA), 0th wk Good
Metropolitan Robin Hood (BV), 4th wk. ...Excellent
North Star I Seven-Ups (BVFD),
3rd wk Very Good
North Star II Jonathan Livingston Seagull
(Para), 3rd wk Very Good
Odeon—The Sting (Univ), 3rd wk Excellent
Polo Park—American Groffiti (Univ),
12th wk Excellent
Windsor—Come, Come All (Mardon);
The Masterpiece (Mardon) Average
Edmonton Grosses Sustain High
Levels Despite Bus Strike
EDMONTON—This city's bus strike
goes on and on; yet support for first-run
theatres has remained consistently strong
throughout the strike and in the face of
cold winds and below-zero weather.
bitterly
Although a couple of the holiday-booked
films faltered and tumbled to the "fair"
level, everything else held up admirably on
the "excellent" and "very good" planes of
weekly returns.
Excellent
Garneau
Londonderry
The Poper Chose (BVFD), 2nd wk.
A— Robin Hood (BV), 3rd wk. .Excellent
I Odeon The Sting (Univ), 2nd wk Excellent
Odeon 2 ^The Laughing Policeman (BVFD),
2nd wk
Very Good
Paramount—Mognum Force (WB), 2nd wk. .Excellent
Ploza I—The New Land (WB), 2nd wk Fair
Plaza 2—The Long Goodbye (UA), 2nd wk Fair
Rialto—Sleeper (UA), 3rd wk Very Good
Varscona American Graffiti (Univ),
I 3th wk Excellent
Westmount B Jonothan Livingston Seagull
(Para), 2nd wk Excellent
'American Graffiti' Keeps Adding
To Montreal Weekly Gross
MONTRE.-XL — ".American Graffiti."
which completed its 13th Montreal week
with another "excellent" grossing total at
the York Theatre, continues to amaze the
local film industry: the film just keeps on
building up its grossing returns each week
and a longer run than anyone dared forecast
now seems easily possible. "American
(Continued on next page)
BOXOFFICE :: February 4, 1974
K-3

VANCOUVER
Tollie Volchok, Variety Clubs International
vice-president, made a special trip here
from Seattle to attend
the official opening
of Variety's Treatment
Center for Children
Friday. January
II. Volchok officiated
at the unveiling
of the Variety Club
plaque.
Lucille Courchine,
president of Women
of Variety, and Vi
Zollie Volchok
Hosford. vice-president
of Women of Variety, were busily engaged
in seeing that catering and refreshment
services for the affair were attended
to
properly.
Doug Isman, Canfilms, returned from the
embattled South—wcatherwise, that is
just in time to hit one of the wildest weeks
we have had in a long time. Meanwhile.
Charles Backus of the same firm headed
toward San Diego, Calif., to escape our
downpours. If he left his galoshes behind,
however, he made a big mistake!
EVERY
After viewing four episodes of the locally
produced musical "When We Danced," the
Global TV brass in the East asked Rai
Purdy to provide ten more shows. The program
people at the new network flipped out
over veteran singer Norma Locke who, at
what normally would be considered retirement
age, would appear to have a brand new
career ahead of her , . . CBUT sent local
"Hourglass" emcee Mike Winlaw down to
Texas to interview William Peter Blatty, the
producer of Warner Bros.' "The Exorcist,"
in
his home territory. The result was a halfhour
special in prime time over the local
CBC-TV outlet. Residents around the Stanley
Theatre, already up in arms due to loss
of curbside parking, got scant solace from
the fact that "The Exorcist" is locked in the
house for 24 weeks, 20 more weeks assured
in a moveover.
'American Graffiti' Has
Another 'Excellent' Week
(Continued from preceding page)
Graffiti" was only one of five "excellent"
grossers for Montreal exhibitors. Also in
that category were "The Paper Chase."
"Magnum Force," "Papillon" and "Sleeper."
all
holdovers.
Avenue The Poper Chose (BVFD), 3rd wk. .Excellent
Claremont Robin Hood (BV), 3rd wk Good
Loews-—MognMm Force (WB), 3rd wk Excellent
Palace— Papillon ;AA), 4th wk Excellent
PVM I Sleeper (UA), 3rd wk Excellent
PVM 2—The New Lond !WB), 3rd wk Good
Westmount Jonathan Livingston {'Poro),
Seagull
3rd wk
Good
..Excellent
York Americon Graffiti (Unjv), 13th wk.
WEEK
Opportunity
in
Knocks
Film Production Seminars
To Continue in Hollywood
HOLLYWOOD—A .seminar on low-budget
film production attracted so much community
interest that the Hollywood branch
library has decided to extend it for an indefinite
period. The seminars, presided over
by Les Tremayne, are held Saturday mornings
at 1 1 a.m.
"Making It in the Film Industry" was the
overall title
for the Saturday (19) discussion
led by young industry professionals Jim
Edwards, Tom Anderson and Edward
Roach. All are affiliated with O.xford Films,
the educational subsidiary division of Paramount
Pictures.
Roach was production manager of the
School of Visual Arts in New York City
and he now operates his own film photography
studio in Lx)s Angeles. Edwards and
Anderson both have been cinematographers
on films that won Sine Golden Eagles and
Columbus Chris Awards.
Admission to the seminars is free. Librarian
Mona Neels will be announcing future
programs soon.
James Caan in National Rodeo
DENVER— Actor James Caan, who is
known for his starring roles in "Brian's
Song" and "The Godfather," was one of
the celebrities competing in the National
Western Rodeo here. Caan is a member
of the Denver-headquartered Rodeo Cowboys
Ass'n.
BOXOFFICE
• CLEARING HOUSE for Classified Ads
• SHGWMANDISER for Promotion Ideas
• FEATURE REVIEWS for Opinions on Current Films
• REVIEW DIGEST for Analysis of Reviews
Don't miss
any issue.
K-4 BOXOFTICE ;; Fcbniaiy 4, 1974

Tango
Col
BOXOFFMCE BOOKINCUMDE
An lnterpr*tiv( onolviii of lov and trodepraii revicwa. Running time ii In parentheiai. Th< plui and mlnut
tigni indicote degree of merit. Listing! cover current reviews regulorly. ® Is tor CinemoScope; ig Ponovision;
8 Techniromo; S Other Anomorphic processes. Symbol W denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award; All
films ore in color except those indicoted by (b&w) for block & white. Motion Picture As^'n (MPAA) rotings;
H— General Audiences; PG— All ages admitted (parental
under 17 admitted accompanied by parent
guidance
guardian;
suggested);
^?C—
B— Restricted,
Persons under 17
with
not
persons not unless or odult
admitted. National Catholic Office for Motion Pictures (NCOMP) ratings: Al — Unobjectionable for General
Patronage; A2— Unobiectionable for Adults or Adolescents; A3—Unobjectionable for Adults; A4— Morolly
Unobjectionable for Adults, with Reservations; B—Objectionable in Part tor Ail; C—Condemned. Broadcasting
and Film Commission, National Council of Churches (BFC). For listings by company, see FEATURE
CHART.
12E VIEW DIGEST
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX
H Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor the summary -14 is rated 2 pluses, = a« 2 minuses
i
Africa
Unctnsored
(93) Doc Trans-American 9-10-73
4652 Alfredo, Alfredo (100) C Para 12-24-73 B
4640 All-American Boy. The
(US) P> D WB 11-12-73 m B
4610 ^American Graffiti (110) C . . Uni» 7-23-73 PG A3
Andrei Rublev (146) ® Hi b&w . 10-29-73
4637 Arnold (94) Ho-C CRC 11- 5-73 PG
4654 Arnold's Wreckino Co.
(75) C Cine Globe 1- 7-74 PG
4646 Ash Wednesday (99) ® D .... Para 12- 3-73 E A3
Autumn Afternoon,
An
(lU) D Niw Yorker 7-23-73
4612 Badge 373 (117) Cr Para 7-30-73 OS B
4634 Badlands
(95) (S) D WB 10-22-73
4657 Bamboo Gods and Iron Men
d
(87) Ac AlP 1-21-74
46.5 UBang the Drum Slowly
(97) C-D Para S-13-73 PG A2
4645 Battle M the Amazons
(92)

, Infl
Kenneth
- , Arrow
...CRC
. Emb
. WB
AlP
REVIEW DIGEST
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX +- very Good, ^ Good
- Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. is roted 2 plus«, = as 2
I E I ,.
d
I
5
-^
"i i l^ ^- ^
a: i= K K D I = £ sc
:
Jimi Hendrix (102) M-Doc ,
4634 ^Jonathan Livingston Seagull
10- 1-73 E -f
o
4lsS
illlill
I
y
Golden Circle 8-13-73
s -
•!='
^ - •§ a .
(114) t F Para 10-22-73 El Al -f
4631Just Before Nightfall (107) D ..Col 10-15-73 +
4633 Just the Two of Us
(82) Boxoffice Infl 10-22-73 H +
—K—
4618 Karado—The Hong Kong Cat
(85) (D Ac Hallmark 8-27-73 H C +
Keep on
Rockin'
(90) Doc Pennebaker 1-2S-74 PG +
4655 King in New York. A
(105) b&w C Classic Ent. 1-14-74 m -
4611 Lady Ice (100) Ac-M NGP 7-30-73 PG A2 ±
4631 Udy Kung Fu (99) ® Ac-Melo NGP 10-15-73 e ±
Lake ot Dracula (82) .f Ho ...Toho 9-24-73 +
Land of Silence and Darkness
(90) b&w Doc Herzoo Films 12-17-73 -f
4658 Last Detail. The (105) D Col 1-21-74 m +
Late
Autumn
(127) b&w Melo .New Yorker 12-17-73 ±
4645 Laughing Policeman. The
(112) Ac 20th-Fox 12- 3-73 E B +
4620 Legend of Hillbilly John, The
(86) F Jack Harris 9-3-73 83 +
Elliot 1-28-74 x ±
Lialeh 175) Sex M
Une (101) Melo ..Danish Film Insf. 8- 6-73 -f
Long Darkness. The (120) D ...Toho 9-24-73 ±
4617 Luana (91) Ad CaplUI 8-27-73 PG +
—M—
4614 Mackintosh Man, The
(105) p Sus WB 8- 6-73 PG A3 +
4650 Magnum Force (124) Ac WB 12-17-73 H C ++
4630 Man Called Noon, The
(98) ® W NGP 10- 8-73 H ±
4655 Man from Clover Grove, The
(95) C American Cinema 1-14-74 g) +
4643 Man from Deep River
(90) ® Ac Jos. Brenner 11-26-73 m +
4619 Muihandleri, Thi (85)
Melo Premiert Rtl. 9- 3-73 IS +
4652 Marco (109) M CRC 12-24-73 S) +
4639 Massacre in Rome (103) D .NGP 11-12-73 PG A3 +
4659 Matter of Winning, A
(84) Ac-D American Cinema 1-28-74 g! +
4614 Maurii (110) (B D NGP 8- 6-73 gB Al -f-
4632 Mean Streets (110) Melo WB 10-15-73 H A4 ±
4623 Mister SuperHivisibli
(91) IS C K-Tel 9-17-73 Bl +
Mother ,111(1 the Whore. The
(215) Melo b&w Elite 12-10-73 ±
4628 Muddy Mami (90) Sex C ..Horizon 10- 1-73 Bl -f
Muzzers (53) F ..Open End Th«itr« 9-10-73 ±
My Fair Baby (82) Sex D , 12-10-73 •% ±
—N—
4646 Naked Ape. The (85) D-F .
4658 Neither the Sea Nor the Sand
(92) F-D -
Univ 12- 3-73 PG A3 ±
Amusement 1-21-74 (Rj +
4660 Never Look Back ||
(88) ^s Ac American Cinema 1-28-74 m +
4628 New Land. The (161) D WB 10- 1-73 PG A2 ft
4617 Night Watch (99) (g> Sus-D 8-27-73 PG +
Operation
Leontine
(85) Ac Audio Brandon 7-23-73 +
4632 Optimists. The (110) (h C-D ..Para 10-15-73 PG Al +
14
141-
14
244-
1+
14
14
2+
543
4648 Sacred Knives of Vengeance. The
(100) s Ac WB 12-10-73 H) 4
Sambizanga (102) Melo ..New Yorker 1-28-74 4
4615Santee (93) OD Crown Infl 8-13-73 PG +
Sasuke Against the Wind
(99) b&w Spy YamauchI 9-24-73 A3 ±
4630 Save the Children
(123) M-Doc Para 10- 8-73 8S Al ++
SI 4638 Scalawag (93) Ac-C Para 11- 5-73 A2 *
4643 Screaming Tiger. The
11-26-73 m ±
(107) .|i Ac
Second Gun. The (110) Doc NGP 11-12-73 PG A3 +
464SSerpico (130) p D Para 12-10-73 Bl A4 +
4637 Seven Blows of the Dragon
(84) Ac New World 11- 5-73 E 4
4652 Seven-Ups, The (103) Cr 20th-Fox 12-24-73 PG A3 4
Sex Shop, Lt
(92) Sex C PepLcrcorn-Wormser 8- 6-73 (g) C 4
4635 Shanghai Killers, The
(90) Ac Hallmark 10-29-73 H B ±
4616 Siddhartha (86)

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:
Michel
: ©1001
' Raj
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MISCELLANEOUS
ACE INTERNATIONAL
9Race Drifln' Woman
(90) Ac.
;w Wflkeraoo, Mike Moslej
ALTURA
, ©LAmour (90) C
The Adversary (110) b&» C
• (reviewed 11/27/72)
, ATLAS FILMS
i OCrypt of the Lliing Dead
'
(81)
QStamping Ground f (83)
L
CAMBIST FILMS
©Affair. Die (91)
Latne. Judith Btrelnpr
I ©Bordello (90)
, Lonnle Pedderson, DIii Be*
Name Trixle
(reviewed as "The Crajles"
(103) Ho
©Minor's Wife. The (86)
.laojt. Anne Craf
Danish Delights
(90) C
Gertie June, nirrhe P.i.swr
, CENTAUR RELEASING
fILM VENTURES INT^L
LIMA PRODUCTIONS
©When Womai Had Tails
©Wet Lips (80) !
(9S) C. Jan 74
Senu Berget
L.T. FILMS
©Love Factor (85) SF. Jan. 74 ©Steel Arena (99) .
.Anna Dad
©Rebel (84) Ac. Feb 74
.Marii namon
©Legend of Blood Castle
MEDIA CINEMA
(85) Ho. Mar 74 ©The Killing Kind
B>a .^iilin
( ) Sus Sep 73
©Rico (88) Cr..Mar74 Ruth Human. Ann R..lherii
Christopher Milrlium. Barb.ira
Bouchet
MIRAGE FILM DISTRIBUTORS
©Father ©Chaperone.
Jackleg
The
(97) . . C. Apr
(87) Sus Sep 73
74
Jack
Sandy
Palance
Dempsey. Pniila Lane
©When Women
©I Love You. I Love Yon Not
Lost Their Tails
(84)
(95)
Auo 73
C. May 74
Lynn Harris. Marsha 1
Sc.^t3 Bereor
©Maids. The (86)
May 73
Ilsrhl (Meart
FREEWAY FILM CORP
©There Was a Little Girl
WILLIAM MISHKIN
(86) D. July 73
Jnhn .Mderm&n. Lyllah Tnrena
GATEWAY FILMS
©Ballad of Billie Blue
(90) Rel May 73
SENENI
FILMS
Frandne
Yoi
NEW LINE
©Teach Me (80)
©Swinging
CINE GLOBE
Cheerleaders.
Feb 74
. ©The French Conspiracy
Nw73
.'125) Ac
• Jean-Lntils Trlntlcn.int, .lean Si+erg
GROUP 1 FILMS, LTD.
©Pepper & His Wacky Taxi
John .\8tln. Frank Sinatra ]r
:OSome Call It Loving (90) Nov 73
Tlsa Farrmv, Itlrhard Pryor
©Eaoles Over London
(100) Ad N.
FVederlrk Rtafr..r.l. Johnsor
Van

Opinions on Current Productions
Symbol © danotes color; ® ClnemoScopa; (E
PaiMvision; CC Tochnlromo; (§) other onamorphic
Feature reviews
;set. For ftory synopsis pjctur*, sea reverse
MCQ PG Act.n D.an,a
Wamer Bros. (302) 116 Minutes Rel. Feb. '74
For his first non-western since •Hellfighters" (1968',
big John Wayne essays the part of a toned-down Clint
,
Eastwood type. Opening scenes are similar to the "Mag- c
num Force" theme: a policeman committing mm-ders. J«
Motivation here, in Lawi-ence Roman's original screenplay,
is pure greed. At the end, most of the characters
seem either corrupt or tainted—even Wayne isn't above
beating prisoners or bribing information from assorted
shady people. With a heavy ad campaign being provided
by Warners. "McQ" got off to a fast start via the recent
news coverage of Wayne defending his image—and plugging
the film—at the Harvard Lampoon rally. Seattle
is a fresh location choice, the story bringing in a wealth
of characters to keep the action moving. There are a
number of excellent actors in support, from Eddie Albert
on down and three leading ladies to gi-ace the proceedings:
Diana Muldam-, Colleen Dewhurst and Julie Adams
(as the ex-Mrs. McQ). Black angle hasn't been overlooked,
with Jim Watkins as a detective and Roger
("Sweet Jesus, Pi-eacherman") Mosley playing an informer.
Masterfully directed by John Sturges. Executive
producer was Michael Wayne. Panavision and Technicolor.
"McQ" has all the markings of a big hit.
Diana Muldaur, Colleen
John Wayne, Eddie Albert,
Dewhurst, Clu Gulager, Al Lettieri

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adlines for Newspapers and Programs
THE STORY: "Rhinoceros" (AFT)
Elegant Zero Mostel disdaiias the way his friend Gene
Wilder lives, di-iiiking himself insensible because of a
dull accounting job. The two react differently to the extraordinary
sight (Off-screen) of a rhinoceros charging
down the street. When Wilder's co-worker Karen Black
arrives at the restam-ant in which Mostel and Wilder Ann
are conversing, the place is torn apart by the pachyderm.
At work, boss Percy Rodi-igues and workers Joe Silver
and Robert Weil discuss the rhino situation. Marilyn
Chris, wife of another worker, hysterically joins her
husband as he tui'ns into a rhinoceros. Wilder barricades
himself in his apartment and notices that Mostel is acting
strangely, prior to becoming a rhino himself. Although
Black confesses her love for Wilder, she decides that her
sympathies lay with the rhinos and leaves him. Wilder
begins to give in, but finally asserts his independence and
climbs to the top of his building—possibly the last human
on earth.
EXPLOITIPS:
Use the AFT Playbill for views of the meaning of lonesco's
play. Arrange a display of Zero Mostel's stage and
screen work.
CATCHLINES:
Zero Mostel Recreates the Role He Originated on
Broadway and for Which He Won a Tony ... An Attack
on Collective Hysteria and the Epidemics That Lurk Beneath
the Suaface of Reason and Ideas.

;:: . Tiqe
1 Pnve-in
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Warren
He was 25 years old.
He combed his hair like James Dean.
He was very fastidious.
People who littered bothered him.
She was 15.
She took music lessons and could
twirl a baton.
She wasn't very popular at school.
For awhile they lived together
in a tree house.
In
1959, she watched while he killed
a lot of people.
Pressman-Williams I'n'st-nts A Jill Jakes Production "Badiani
Starring Martin Sheen • Sissy Space
Ramon Bieri and Oatesj written. Produced and Directed byTerrence Mali"
|
Executive Producer Edward PreSSman • From Warner Bros.© A Warner Communications Com pa ny jPGE'a"