Boxoffice-September.04.1978

Plitt Feels Inieresi
In Cinema Is Growing
CHICAGO—Chicagoland magazine carried
a story this month dealing with the
worth of theatres.
Jim Feelcy. in his Cityscope column,
notes that film houses are not becoming
obsolete. He quotes Henry Plitt. head of
the 412-lheaire circuit, who said he "acknowledges
the trend of smaller theatres in
shopping centers, suburbs, outlying areas
and within inner-city high-rise complexes."'
He also concedes the strong attractions
of home TV. But he feels strongly that
there
will be a major revival in the public's interest
in cinema offering what TV cannot. Patrons
soon will realize a desire to get out
of the house for a break and change of
pace, he said.
To further attract patrons and satisfy
their desires, many houses arc adding a
complete food and drink service within
their lobbies in addition to the popcorn,
candies and soda pop already served.
Barrels of Grease 'Sold'
As Part of Plitt Promo
C HIC ACiO— Never assuming that a film
will appeal to the public through the usual,
routine advertising. Plitt Theatres' managers
go all out to set up effective promotion.
Recently "Grease" was the focal point for
reaching patrons. The effort took place at
the Plitt Town & Country Theatres 1 and 2
in Mishawaka. Ind.
Dennis Hutchins. assistant advertising director
in Plitt's Chicago office, relates how
area business houses joined in creating added
interest among townspeople. "Grease"
jeans outfits supplied by Lion's Den Clothing
were first displayed in the theatre lobby
and then given away via WRBR-FM radio
programs. This particular radio promotion
included LPs from the soundtrack supplied
by local stores. Other tie-in promotion included
free dance lessons at Arthur Murray
School of Dance, and special discount prices
during opening weekend at Ponderosa restaurants.
As a bit of spoof, staff members
dressed in attire typical of the '50s and oflered
lo sell
barrels of grease.
Admiral Theatre Combines
Posh Decor, Adult Films
( Hl( Ado -I'al Ricciardi, whose ellorls
have awarded him the lille ol Millionaire
Showman," and Mario Niizzo are once
again doing a bang-up job in an effort to
lei their audiences know and feel that Ihey
le in the "Show Palace of Adult F-'ilms."
Top films make up the Ricciardi/Nuzzo
iiirmula for success. Hut proper decor is
also a high point observed in ihe Adniiral
Theatre operations.
Northwest Drapery is installing pt)sh
! ipcs, new seats arc being placeil Ihrough-
II the theatre's auditorium and ihe latest
st:ir-!ighting, plush carpeting and modern
ithroom fixtures are being installed as new
•
novation features.
All work is being done by local business
establishments under the supervision of
George Hamilton, general contractor.
.•\nd the Admiral's exterior is not being
overlooked. There will be a new and ultraswank
canopy to draw attention to this first
run movie house, the entire exterior will
be sand-blasted and Perma-Stone will enhance
the outside.
Recently, with the personal appearance>
of starlets Annette Havens and Sharon
Mitchell, almost every top entertainer appearing
in local clubs dropped in to catch
the show. More important, they voiced enthusiastic
comments about the management
of the theatre as well as the stars.
It is recognized that the Admiral operations
are especially successful due to the
professional efforts of Mrs. Wanda Travis,
daytime manager Anthony Spavone and
night manager Al Kopiec and his staff.
Important is the fact that in the industry,
the Ricciardi-Nuzzo team is commend
ed for having the insight and initiative to
remove the "dark veil" that tends to cover
a medium which millions and millions ol
mature adults have indicated they want b\
frequent attendance at the Admiral.
University Wins Chicago
Intercom Film Fest Award
CHICAGO — Concordia University in
Montreal. Canada, is the winner of a newh
inaugurated award at the 14th annual Chicago
International Industrial Film/ Video
Competition, Intercom '78. The prize, a
Chromapro professional slide copier, will be
presented by John Brenneman, manager of
dealer marketing for the Durst U.S. /Sickles
Co.. sponsor of the award, at the awards
banquet November 15. The banquet takes
place in the Crystal Ballroom of the Blackstone
Hotel here.
The Chromapro, a new and sophisticated
system of slide reproduction, is awarded to
Concordia's slide show, "The University Experience,"
a production entered in the guidance
category of the competition.
Lucille Wallace, governing board vicechairman
and coordinator of Intercom '78.
stated, "We at the Chicago Film Festival
welcome the participation of this fine company
in supporting the most important business
and industrial audio-visual competition
in Ihe United States. We congratulate Concordia
University on its award-winning production."
Intercom is a presentation of Cincni.i
Chicago, which also presents the aniui.il
Chicago International Film Festival each
November. Honorary chairman for the I97S
Intercom awards awards banquet is the Honorable
Michael A. Bilandic, mayor of Chi
cage.
Intercom '78 is made possible in pari b\
grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a
'.'ale ageni.y: PhiUonu'ihinls ntaga/ine, .i
Ziff-Davis publication, and ihe Cilv of Chi
cago.
Warbrook Productions and W illi.ii
Orr will produce "Legacy of a R»>gui
biographical look al Errol Flynii.
Fit to be
TIDE
OR
how WE kept
ourhead
above waterIN
1812.
all
Freedom of the seis.
That's what the War of 1812 was
about.
But It would have been sink or
swim for our Navv had Americans
not bought $1 1.000.000 worth of
government securities to keep our
flag upon the wa\cs.
Back then, folks took stock in
.America bv putting their monev
where their country was. To save
the good old Navy.
Today. o\er 9' i
.^merlcans still
million modern
take stock in
.\merica bv buving U.S. Savings
Bonds.
When \ou join the Havroll
Savings Flan, vou help vourself
to safe, automatic savings, .^nd vou
help vour countrv. too.
So buv U.S. Savings Bonds.
Thcv'll keep vour savings on an
even keel.
Now F. Bonds pi^ 6" inlcrot when held
to mjturitv ol vcats M •.' ,'
the lust
PH:
vcarl Interest is not suhicct lo sUfe ot
local income Ijxc-., and Icdcril tax raav he
dclcllcd until
rcdcmrtion
Take .
.stock .
iny^enca.
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