Boxoffice-October.02.1978

J
A.J.'Kal'Kalberer
Honored in Indiana
WASHINGTON. IND.—Forty years ago.
in August, 1938, A.J. (Kal) Kalberer came
A. J. Kalberer
to Washington from Louisville to manage
the Switow theatres here for two weeks until
a new manager could be found.
Kal never left, and recently some 500 of
his friends surprised him at the Indiana
Theatre with a This Is Your Life" program.
Forty years of leadership in retail business
activities and in community service
projects included such diverse things as
more than 30 years" volunteer work with
the March of Dimes to Saturday "babysitting"
for over two generations of Washington
kiddies.
Frank Bates, supervisor for Kerasotes,
present of the local theatres, owners was
master of ceremonies.
He reviewed highlights of Kal's career
in the theatre business, noting that during
30 years some 45.000 children moved
through the Indiana Theatre on Saturdays
as participants in the Roy Rogers Riders
Club. At every Saturday matinee Kal was
the biggest kid and had the most fun. but
he also reminded the youth of proper conduct
and respect for others. Games, amateur
contests and free movies on their birthdays
were part of the program.
And all the while, parents had those
Saturdays free knowing their children were
in good hands.
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Many renowned entertainers found their Everett Beasley read a letter from Indiana
way to Washington through Kal's efforts.
Gov. Otis R. Bowen, complimenting
One of the most popular was Smiley Buinette.
Kal on his contributions to the community
who appeared here frequently and in
one promotion gave a pony to a Washington
girl.
and to the state.
KaFs insight into the community's major
interest was illustrated in the late '30s and
Others included organist Ken Griffin, early '40s when he designed a "Playograph"'
"Forrest Tucker (who auctioned cakes for
the high school band), and also in the Calvacade
of Stars were Mari Blanchard, Gene
Evans. Tony Romary. Rubinoff and his violin
were here frequently.
Bates noted that KaFs activities for local
business promotions never ceased. Movie
passes were issued generously as rewards
for community service projects and infinite
business promotions.
Kal brought in top movies, highlighted by
a "Gone With the Wind"" premiere, which
included the election of a local Scarlett
0"Hara,
While his work with the March of Dimes
organization has been especially significant.
Bates noted that during World War II he
was deeply involved in the sale of savings
bonds and also served on the county ration
board.
Immediately upon coming to Washington,
Kal became active in the Rotary Club,
the Elks,
Eagles and Moose lodges.
In recent years. Kal served two terms as
a city councilman and also served as a Republican
precinct committeeman.
When Kay came to Washington, the Switow
brothers owned the Indiana and Liberty
theatres. Later, they acquired the Temple
Court Theatre. Both the Liberty and Temple
Court have been closed. In 1950 Switows
built
the East 50 Drive-In and Kal devoted
countless hours to make this the finest in
southern
Indiana.
Again using his ingenuity to give the theatre
a local interest atmosphere, Kal set up
the B&O miniature train
for the children to
ride. He personally watched over the playground
area to see no children were injured.
Harry Switow, before presenting Kal a
plaque, recalled that Kal has received many
citations from major film companies over
the years with trips to meet company officials
and film stars. Other former associates
of the Switow company present were Henry
Saag and Eddie Saag.
Mrs. Flo Cavanaugh, president of city
council, presented Kal Mayor Leo Sullivan's
proclamation of "A.J. Kalberer Day" and
the key to the city. She noted his long time
contribution to
the best interests of the city.
Margaret Harris, treasurer of the March
of Dimes, disclosed that during KaFs 30
years" direction of that organization locally,
over $198,000 had been pledged in this
county— a record that MOD officials declared
was outstanding.
CUVERAMA IS EV SHOW
BUSUVESS UV HAWAII TOO,
When you conic to Waikiki,
tion't miss the famous Don He
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
board inside the theatre so basketball fans
could watch a play-by-play of an out-of-city
game and still enjoy a movie. At tourney
times, it was noted, he opened the theatre
to visiting basketball teams between games.
Kal started in the theatre business in
Lafayette, Ind., when he was 12 years old,
running errands for the actors and stagehands.
He became an exploitation man for Fox
Film Corp.. later a manager for the Quimby-Marcus
circuit at Fort Wayne until 1927,
and then with the Fourth Avenue Amusement
company of Indianapolis and Louisville.
At one time, he was manager of the
Lyric Theatre in Indianapolis and the Strand
in Louisville. He also managed theatres in
Terr-e Haute, and in San Diego, Calif.
Kal's promotional abilities have won him
many honors in the theatre field, including
an award in 1949 from MGM.
Special recognition also was given Jeannette
Peek, who has been associated with
the theatre many years and has assisted Kal
in March of Dimes and all other community
efforts.
A special tape recording offering congratulations
by Joe Edwards, manager of
radio stations WAMW-WFML was presented.
Present and former employes of the theatre
presented Kal a plaque in recognition
of his 40 years here.
George Young of Vincennes sang a song
he had written especially for the anniversary
and presented Kal a framed copy of
the song.
Family members present included Kal's
sister Mrs. Helen Westfall. Vero Beach,
Fla.; son Stan Kalberer and his wife Barbara;
grandson Blaine (now drive-in manager)
and his wife Debbie; grandsons John
and Tim. and grandchildren Susan and Timothy.
A granddaughter. Ann. had just returned
to Purdue,
ST.
LOUIS
^ho Is Killing the Great Chefs of
Europe?"" opens Wednesday (4) at Esquire,
Crestwood, Village and Woods Mill.
Jacqueline Bissett stars as a premiere dessert
chef who becomes involved in a demoniacal
scheme to wipe out all the leading
practitioners of haute cuisine. Filming took
place in Paris. Venice, Munich and London
where Jackie is helping to cook a superb
dinner for the queen when one by one the
great chefs of Europe are found dead. The
murders coincide with their specialities; for
example, the chef who makes pressed duck
is found with his head in the duck press.
Co-starring in the comedy-mystery-drama is
George Segal as Bissett's former husband
who is in the fast food business, trying to set
up a chain of food shops in Europe. Ted
C-2
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