Boxoffice-October.02.1978

Retired Tradepress Writer
Is Honored at Luncheon
DENVER—Jack Rose, veteran Boxof-
FicE representative, recently retired, was
Jack Rose (right) is congratulated by
Herman Hallberg, RMMPA president.
guest of honor at a luncheon of the Rocky
Mountain Picture Ass'n.
Many of the guests, including Frank H.
"Rick" Ricketson jr.. Fred Brown, Pat Mc-
Gee and Bob Spahn, remembered Jack's
BoxoFFiCE career that started in 1931.
Herman Hallberg, president of RMMPA,
presented Rose with a gold life-membership
card on behalf of the association.
Mickey Mouse's 50th birthday was celebrated
also, aided and abetted by Al Hemingway.
Buena Vista branch manager, and
Irene Robinson, office manager.
TM's Six-Screen Complex
Is Set For June Opening
TUCSON—Crowning of the Queen Theatre
of the expanding realm of TM screens
in booming Tucson has been targeted for
June. 1979, according to Jeffrey Weiner,
head of TM Theatres here.
"We have acquired the most sought-after,
most prestigious location in the city," declared
Weiner. "When El Con shopping
center's multimillion-dollar expansion project
is completed, it will be the biggest regional
shopping center in Arizona, with
1,500,000 square feet. Our new El Con
situation will beautifully complement the
already-opened glittering new Goldwater's
department store.
"When the El Con six-screen opens, we
will have a total of 19 screens out of the
current 29 hardtop in Tucson," continued
Weiner, "with TM theatres located in the
first-, third- and fourth-ranked shopping
centers in the city." On the boards are
plans for another new theatre in the Campbell
Plaza shopping center. "When Campbell
Plaza opens. TM will have theatres
serving northwest, midtown and eastside
sections of Tucson."
"Our new El Con showhousc—and it will
be just that—will be fully automated and
equipped with the finest equipment, including
Dolby sound," stated Weiner. "The six
auditoriums will have a combined seating
capacity of 1,820. The largest auditorium
will seat 520: next in order will seat 400,
300, and three with 200 seats each. The
entire situation will cover 20,000 square
feet." Architect is Douglas Seaver & Associates.
Plans for 'The Wiz'
Premiere Under Way
LOS ANGELES—Preparations for the
West Coast premiere of "The Wiz," a Motown
production from Universal, selected
by the Filmex Society for its annual fall
benefit, got underway at a kick-off reception
September 12 held on Stage 12 at Universal
Studios. Filmex director Gary Essert
introduced Filmex Society president Wendy
Goldberg, who described the upcoming
event as "the most spectacular and elaborate
premiere Filmex has ever staged."
The premiere will be held in the ABC
Entertainment Center in Century City Wednesday
(25). Arriving guests will cross "the
Rainbow Bridge" and then will be escorted
by 70 performers costumed from the film
to the Plitt Century Plaza Theatre where
the film will be shown. Emerald-green beacons
and giant strobe lights will beam from
the Century Plaza Towers as the core complex
in Century City is turned into "the
Emerald City" for the evening.
A yellow brick carpet will lead guests to
the post-premiere party to be held in a
transparent tent beneath the 50-story Century
Plaza Towers. Special entertainment
will be provided as the guests dine and
dance amidst the splendor of the Emerald
City. Special green glass lorgnettes will be
passed out as favors. Milton Williams will
cater the event.
Ms. Goldberg introduced MCA president
Sidney Sheinberg and "The Wiz" producer
Rob Cohen. Author Joel Schumacher was
also in attendance.
On display at the reception were costumes
from the film. The Grafitti City costumes
were designed by Tony Walton and Dona
Granati; the Poppy Hooker costumes were
designed by Joel Schumacher; two additional
costumes by Tony Walton, the Winkles
and Miss One. were also on display. Kamall
designed those costumes representing the
Emerald City sequence. Other costumes
were designed by Oscar de la Renta. Bill
Blass, Burrows, Scott Barrie, Ralph Lauren.
McFadden, Fernando Sancheiz and Zoran.
"The Wiz." in Technicolor and Dolby
stereo, stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson,
Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Home and
Richard Pryor (as "the Wiz"). The film was
directed by Sidney Lumet, produced by Rob
Cohen, and written by Joel Schumacher.
The production design and costumes were
created by Tony Walton.
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Nationwide
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on all brands.
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1501 Beach Streel. Moniebello, Calil 90640
Phone (2131 728-7473
Year's Goals Outlined
By Ariz. NATO Pres.
TUCSON—NATO of Arizona president
Ewart Edwards, who has been a member of
the Grand Canyon State's chapter since
1962, has outlined several ambitious goals
for the group during his administration.
"We'll
concentrate on gaining new members
and regaining lost members," states
Edwards. "I believe the effective way to do
this is to establish a rotating meeting system
among three cities—Tucson, Phoenix and
Casa Grande. In the past, the distance presented
a problem for some members. With
the three-city plan, members, for every third
meeting, will
not have to drive so far.
"Then, a concerted effort will be made
to obtain independent theatre owners in the
southeast .Arizona area to join forces with
NATO. Concentration will be on Safford,
Sierra Vista, Douglas and other areas in that
district.
"One thing I look upon with special pride
is the successful drive that NATO of Arizona
made to defeat daylight savings time,
a disaster to drive-ins. Intensive lobbying in
Phoenix proved effective, and a precedent
was set nationwide.
"As for the blind bidding question: This
certainly will be on our agenda. A couple of
meetings have been held to discuss the matter,
but as yet no definite plan of action
has evolved.
"I will be in New York for the NATO
national convention," Edwards said, "and
will wait until I return to Tucson before
calling a meeting of the Arizona unit. One
of the first things that has to be done is to
fill the vacancy of the unexpected resignation
of Pascal Agosta of Phoenix, our secretary-treasurer
who resigned due to pressure
of other business."
Present officers
of NATO of Arizona besides
Edwards are James Snelson, Bagdad,
vice-president, and William Maples. Casa
Grande, treasurer. Board of director members
are Edwards, Frank E. Hollis, John
Louis, Maples, Snelson. Sturdivant and
Agosta,
Plitt Manager Jeff Wine
Wins Big on Game Show
LOS ANGELES— Prtt City Centre manager
Jeff Wine has proved himself a winning
showman in more ways than one.
Viewers tuning in to a new game show on
NBC called "Card Sharks" the week of
Tuesday (10) will see game show history
taking place.
Wine won $39,300 in cash and prizes
over five appearances. A spokesman for the
Goodson & Todman Productions stated that
Wine may be the all-time highest cash winner
in the history of their game shows.
When asked of his plans with such a
windfall. Wine stated that he is busy househunting.
Blythe Danner will have the female lead
"The Great Santini."
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BOXOFFICE :: October