Boxoffice-November.06.1978

:ongratulations Grateful Dead, You've Created a Masterpiece" Lou O Neill, NY Post
Available for immediate bookings from Electra Scope Pictures. Contact Allen Michaan or Lloyd Carpenter
209 29th Street, San Francisco, California 94131 Telephone: (415) 826-3908
Most territories open for sub-distribution, U.S., Canada & Mexico.

Igrr^.^r,!!'^.'?:'":::!
Starting November 8th in New York and November 15th in selected cities,
a motion picture will premiere that will touch the hearts of all who see it
A JOHN G. AVILDSEN FILM
„troouc,nc.
"SLOW DANCING IN THE BIG CITY" PAULSORVINO ANNE DITCHBURN
WRITTEN BY BARRA GRANT DIRECTED BY JOHN G. AVILDSEN
MUSIC BY BILL CONTI PRODUCED BY MICHAEL LEVEE & JOHN G. AVILDSEN
'
ACIPFEATURE RH DOLBY STBRJ^ Now A PAPLRBACK FROM WARNKR BOOKS
!
I
T
ttlUJ^nSSS

E
Il St , 08103.
. .
NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY
jbrished In Nine Sectional Editions
BEN SHLYEN
iitor-in-Chief and Publisher
iPH M. DELMONT ..Managing Editor
RIS SCHLOZMAN ...Business Mgr.
lY BURCH Efluipment Editor
iPH KAMINSKY ....Western Editor
ication Offices: S25 Van Brunt Bl»d.
i:as City, Mo. 64124. (818) 241-7777
ern Offices: 6425 Hollyivuod Blvd.
Iwood, Ca.. 90028 (213) 4651186.
jsrn Offices: 1270 Sixth Avenue. Suite
;, Rociiefeller Center. New York, N.V.
pO. (212) 265-6370.
:on Office: Anthony Oruner, 1 Wood-
Way. Flnchley. N 12. Telephone
Ide 6733.
IB MOUEnN THEATRE Section Is
ded In one Issue each month,
ila- Genevieve Camp. 166 Lindbereh
Ive, N.B. 30305.
more: Kate Savage. 3607 Sprhigdale.
316.
)n: Ernest Warren. 1 Colgate lioad.
edham. Mass. 02192. Tele. (617)
4-1657.
do: Ednard F. Meade, 760 Main St.,
202. Tele. (718) 854-1555.
igo: Frances B. Clow. 175 North
mllworth. Oak I'ark, 111. 60302. Tele.
;12) 383-8343.
lotte: Blanche Carr, 912 B. Park
c.. 28203. Tele. (704) 376-1815.
las J. Leonard sr.. 319 Queens Kd.,
204. Tele: (704) 333-0444.
land: Blatae Fried, 3255 Grenway
I. 44122. Tele. (216) 991-3797.
a: Mable Gulnan. 5927 WInton.
er: Bruce Marshall. 2881 S. Cherry
U. 80222.
Moines: Cindy Vlers. 4024 E. Maple.
317. Tele. 266-9811.
lit: Vera Phillips. 131 Eliot St.
!St. Windsor, Ont. N9A 5Y8.
'ord: Allen M WIdem, 30 Pioneer
Ive. W. Hartford 06117. Tele. 232-
01.
napolls: Robert V. Jones. 6385 N.
rk. 46220. Tele. (317) 253-1538:
onvllle: Robert Cornivall, 3233 Cole
St.. 32205. Tele. (904) 389-
44.
phis: Bill MIntus. 6855 Poplar Pike
,. 3. 38138. Tele. (901) 683-8182.
J: Martha Lummus, 622 N.E. 98 St.
lukee: Wally L. Meyer. 301 Heather
oe. Fredonia, Wis. 53021. Tele:
14) 692-2753.
spoils- Bill DIehl, St. Paul Dlsch,
63 E. 4th St., St. Paul, Minn.
Orleans: Mary Greenbaum, 2303
ndez St. 70122.
oma City: Eddie L. Greggs, 410
ith BIdg.. 2000 Chissen Center,
106.
Beach: Lois Baumoel. 2860 S.
MU Bhd.. No. 316. 33480. Tele.
)5) 588-6786.
Jelphla: Maurle H. Orodcnker. 312
Park Towne Place. 19130. Tele.
15) 567-4748.
lurgh: R. F. Kllngensmlth. 516
nette, WUkinsburg 15221. Tele.
,2) 241-2809.
ind. Ore.: Jane Cometord, 236S NW
rthrup, 97210.
ouls: Fan R. Krause. SUA Long-
B Drive. 63132. Tele. (314) 091-
j'ke City: Keith Perry. 264 E. 1st
th. 84111. Tele. (801) 328-1641.
Antonio: Gladys Candy, 519 On-
.atl Ave. Tele. (512) 734-5527.
'ranclsco: David Van, UATC, 172
den Gate Ave.. 94102. Tele: 928-
iO.
t: Sttl Goldman. Apt. 404, 101 N.
Tele. 782-5833.
i: Anna Kline, 4330 Willys Pkwy.,
12.
i: 01b Clark, 433 N. Grande. Apt.
85705.
igton: Virgtala R. Collier. 6112
necllcut Ave.. NW. 20008. Tele.
2) 362-0892.
IN CANADA
y: Maxine McBe,in, 420 40th St..
'.. F3C IWl. Tele. (403) 249-
9.
?al: Tom Cleary, Association des
irlelalres de Cinema du (Jiiebec,
Van Home. Suite 4-6, H38 1R8.
Garfield •WUlle" Wilson. 758
i:
isford A>e.. KJK 2K1. Tele. 746-
0.
": J W. Agnew, 274 St. John's
MOP 1V5.
Davie, 3245 W. 12.
; 2R8.
eg: Robert Hucal, 500-232 Por-
Ave.. R3C OBI.
iber Audit Bureau of Circulation
leJ weekly, except one issue at
1, by Associated Publications, Inc.,
an Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, MIs-
>4124. Subscription rates: Sectional
I, $15.00 per year, foreign. $25.00.
al ETOullve Edition: $25.00, for-
$30.00. Single copy, 75c. Second
jnstage paid at Kansas City, Mo.
ition No. 062260.
'EMBER 6, 1978
114 No. 5
|^n';^5^ ^7^ 4f^^ TktuAe S,uU6i^
THE
IN STEP WITH THE TIMES
TENTH BIRTHDAY of the film
industry's voluntary Rating System
was celebrated November 1, marking
a significant milestone for everybody
connected with this business. And, as indicated
by the statistics quoted in the
news story which is published in this
issue, it was a happy birthday. According
to Jack Valenti, president of the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America, the MPAA's
recent survey showed that "some ticothirds
of moviegoers declare the Rating
System is useful in deciding what films
children should or should not see."
Certainly this acceptance represents a
giant step from that troubled point at
which the industry stood Nov. 1, 1968,
wnen the MPAA's voluntary Motion Picture
Code and Rating Program became
effective. We well recall the specter of
government regulation which seemed imminent.
Local censorship ordinances
were being proposed at the state, city,
town and village levels. Most were unconstitutional,
but they presented the
haunting possibility that national distribution
of motion picture prints might
be disrupted. News publications were
overflowing with stories of litigations
against exhibitors, distributors, producers,
actors and even concession workers
and cashiers.
Commenting at that time on the revision
of the Production Code which had
been initiated in 1966 by Mr. Valenti, it
was observed on this page: "The industry
had to recognize the necessity of meeting
the demands of the changing times and
conditions surrounding the exhibition of
motion pictures. The move it has made
will serve to keep control of its products
in its own hands, as it were, and make
possible the rendering of a greater service
to the public; to keep it properly informed
on the content of its films and
their suitability for the varying types of
audiences, to all of whom the industry
must cater . . . The vital purpose of the
film-rating plan is survival of the industi-y's
freedom to make and exhibit motion
pictures suitable and acceptable for eveiy
type of audience."
When the details of the Rating System
were announced by Mr. Valenti in late
October 1968, he emphasized: "Much will
depend on how well the new plan is communicated
to the moviegoing public.
This, in turn, will depend on how many
daily or weekly newspapers cany the
rating legend on their entertainment
pages each day (so that audiences will
know what the symbols mean)—and how
effectively public opinion in each community
m-ges individual theatres to participate
in the plan to enforce the ratings."
At the late-November 1968 convention
of the National Ass'n of Theatre Owners
in San Francisco, Julian Rifkin told the
assemblage it was imperative that exhibitors
cooperate in enforcing rating restrictions.
"What we would not do voluntarily,
we will he forced to do by law .
This is our ijidustry's last chance," he
warned.
It was in this gloomy atmosphere that
the Rating System was laimched—and
the road to birthday No. 10 was not without
its bumps. There ivas a communications
problem, apparently because the
press had become irrationally hostile toward
contemporary film fare. A working
relationship was restored only after long,
arduous efforts on the part of many industry
leaders who devoted much time
to informing the print media.
Sometimes the public was difficult to
educate. Some people said they couldn't
understand what "M" meant, that they
could not comprehend the ramifications
of the "mature" label on pictures. That
rating became GP and then was changed
to PG—for "parental guidance advised."
In June 1973, the MPAA, producers,
distributors, exhibitors and others wrestled
with a new Supreme Court ruling
which would apply local "community
standards" in determining the worth of
a work of art (or otherwise). But, by the
mid-1970s, some of the "new" freedoms
had lost their fascination for filmmakers;
moviegoing again became the "in" thing;
storylines changed; fewer outraged cries
were heard from conservative communities,
and the Rating System obviously
had accomplished its pre-stated goal of
"voluntaiy regulation" of motion picture
fare. The anxiety induced by censorship
threats began to abate.
No doubt changes will materialize in
the futui'e which will further enhance
the effectiveness of the ratings as they
now exist. For the present, however, the
entire industiy has cause to salute those
men and women who labored so long and
so well to formulate the Rating System
which, for a decade, has continued to preserve
the freedom of the screen.
\J^ yOn^^f/i^^^t^

Lords Grade, Delfont Have Formed
New Film Distribution Company
By RALPH KAMINSKY of AFD. Leo Greenfield, veteran distribu-
HOLLYWOOD — Associated Film Dis- tion executive, will be senior vice-president.
tribution Corp., newl\ formed by British He is serving as marketing and distribution
Martin Starger
brothers Sir Lew Grade and Sir Bernard
Delfont, will be geared to handle upwards
of $200,000,000 ^in new product, with 22
pictures already in various stages of preparation
by their separate companies, the
two announced at a press conference here.
Grade said AFD is capitalized at $40,-
000,000. He added that he considers the
newly created distribution company as ranking
"eighth among the major distributors."
AFD will handle up to 12 pictures per year
coming from his own Associated Communications
Corp., and Delfont's EMI Films,
compared to the "four or five" that a
major studio produces and distributes as its
own product. Grade said. In addition. Grade
left the door open for AFD to pick up
other independently produced films.
Martin Starger, president of Grade's
Marble Arch Productions, will be president
Leo Greenfield
vice-president of Marble Arch, which he
joined this year, moving over from MGM
where he was senior vice-president of worldwide
distribution. Grade will be chairman
and Delfont will be vice-chairman. Fred
Mound will be vice-president and general
sales manager. Mound resigned October 20
as vice-president and assistant general sales
manager of United Artists.
Grade revealed that one of the AFD directors
and holder of 10 per cent equity in
the new company will be Jacob Rothschild,
director of N. M. Rothschild Sons, Ltd.,
and chairman of the Rothschild Investment
Trust, Ltd. Other directors include Jack
"We are a major as of this moment,"
Delfont stated. He stressed that AFD will
build its
own network of distribution offices
across the country. He emphasized that
AFD will not use existing sub-distributors
but will create its own total operations.
"I have every faith in the theatres of
this country and the big screen. More people
are going to the movies, especially young
people," he pointed out.
"Bernie and I will be going into very
heavy production on major films and some
that don't come up to that category," Grade
said. He made clear that worldwide, outside
of AFD operations, he and his brother will
continue to compete as they have in the
past.
"We'll fight—and I'll always win," Grade
quipped. "But Bernie, no doubt, will be
very happy, too," he observed.
Starger Outlines Slate
Starger, former president of ABC Entertainment
and now involved in films such
as "Movie, Movie," a Marvin Starger production,
and "The Muppet Movie" of which
he is executive producer, outlined the slate
of films planned by Grade and Delfont.
In addition to those two, other films
include:
"Raise the Titanic," set for Christmas
1979 release, is based on the novel by
Clive Cussler. Filming on the adventure
film, a Martin Starger production, will start
in February in Malta and in London.
"The Story of Maria Callas," directed by
Franco Zeffirelli, will use the late opera
star's singing voice extensively. With John
Van Eyssen producing for EMI, shooting
will be on locations in the U.S., France.
England and Italy.
"Saturn III," with Farrah Fawcett-Majors
and Kirk Douglas starring in the sciencefiction
suspense film, is set to begin shooting
January 8 at Shepperton Studios in London.
Stanley Donen will produce and John
Barry will direct.
"Cafe Society," to be produced by Allan
Carr for EMI, is set to begin shooting next
summer. Set in contemporary London, the
film features an all-star international cast.
Carr also is preparing a major musical
production, to be filmed in the U.S. for
EMI, planned for a Christmas 1979 release.
"Firepower," an adventure film starring
Sophia Loren and James Coburn, was produced
and directed by Michael Winner on
locations in St. Lucia, Antigua, Curacao,
Miami, New York and Washington, D.C..
for release in late spring or early summer.
Bergman Film in English
An Ingmar Bergman film, now in the
planning stage by Grade and Starger, will
star an important American actor. It will be
produced and directed by Bergman in the
English language.
"Escape to Athena," a comedy-adventure
film shot on location on the Greek
Island of Rhodes, was produced by David
Niven jr. and Jack Wiener. Roger Moore,
Telly Savalas, David Niven and Stephanie
Gill, deputy chairman and deputy chief
executive of Associated Communications
Corp., chief executive of EMI Films and Powers star and a spring or summer release
head of worldwide production for that company.
planned.
is
"Vengeance," a new Lina
Wertmuller
BOXOFTICE :: November 6, 1978

—
dramatic film which has completed production
in Italy, with Sophia Loren, Marcello
Mastroianni and Giancarlo Giannini
starring. Planned for release next fall.
"The Wife" is a contemporary comedy to
be directed by John Schlesinger, with Joseph
Janni producing for EMI.
'Movie, Movie' Series
"Movie, Movie Two,'" will follow "Movie,
Movie," starring George C. Scott, and is
expected to be the next in a long series
of "Movie, Movies."
"The Lone Ranger," a Sir Lew Grade-
Jack Wrather presentation of a Martin
Starger production will be launched next
spring.
"The Chinese Bandit," an epic actionadventure
set in China after World War
II, will be shooting for EMI next fall with
Mitch Brower and Bob Lowenheim producing.
"Eleanor Roosevelt's Niggers" is based
on the actual story of the 761st Tank Battalion
which fought with Gen. Patton
throughout Europe in Worid War II. A
summer start on the Martin Starger production
is scheduled.
"The Golden Gate" will be executiveproduced
by Martin Starger from the Stanford
Whitmore screenplay based on the
novel by Alistair MacLean. Production is set
for next summer.
"French Villa," a love story with a
iniystery-suspense background set in the
south of France, will be directed by Stanley
Donen. It is set to begin shooting next
summer.
"Green Ice," an adventure story set in
South America to be produced by Jack
Wiener and David Niven jr., will start next
summer.
"The Gemini Contenders," a Martin
Starger production based on Robert Ludlum's
novel with a script by Richard Mailbaum,
will start filming next summer.
"Trans-Siberian Express" is a love story
with an adventure background set in contemporary
Russia, with Heywood Gould
writing the screenplay based on the novel
by Warren Adler.
"The Scarlatti Inheritance" will be based
on Robert Ludlum's novel, with Blanche
Hanalis writing the screenplay for the Martin
Starger production to be produced by
Norman Rosemont.
AIP Names Geo. Royster
Southern Div. Manager
BEVERLY HILLS—George Royster.
branch manager for American International
in Chariotte, N.C.. has been promoted to
Southern division manager, effective Monday
(6), reporting to Eugene Tunick, vicepresident
and general sales manager.
Royster will be in charge of the company's
distribution exchanges in Dallas, Oklahoma
City, Jacksonville, Memphis, Charlotte,
Atlanta and New Orleans. He will be
based in Chariotte.
Royster started in distribution in 1944
with Universal Pictures and in 1968 was
with National General Pictures. In 1972
he entered independent distribution and in
1974 joined AIP.
BOXOmCE :: November 6. 1978
Moviegoers Reaffirm Strong Support
Of Film Industry s
WASHINGTON—"After ten years in the
marketplace the rating system persists in
receiving high marks from the public," Jack
Valenti announced in releasing a survey appraising
the public's response to the classification
program for children.
"Some two-thirds of moviegoers declare
the system is useful in deciding what films
children should or should not see," said the
president of the Motion Picture Ass'n of
America. 'The program celebrated its tenth
anniversary Wednesday (1). By its very durability
this advisory service for parents has
proved its value and its worth. It is now a
recognized part of the American entertainment
scene. Families look to it for assistance
in guiding the moviegoing habits of
children. This is what we started out to do
ten years ago and it is what we are doing
Plitt Acquires ABC's
258-Screen Circuit
NEW YORK — American Broadcasting
Cos. and the Plitt Cos. have announced
completion of the sale of ABC's motion
picture theatre division to Plitt for approximately
$50,000,000 in cash and notes. The
gain on the sale of the theatres and the
operating earnings of this division through
the closing date will be repwrted as discontinued
operations by ABC.
At the end of 1977, ABC operated 91
single-screen theatres, 79 twins and three
triple-screen houses, or a total of 258
screens in 1 Southern states. Plitt operates
1
approximately 140 theatres in the Midwest,
Mountain and Western states. Most of the
Plitt theatres were purchased from ABC in
1974. ABC originally had disclosed its intention
to sell the Southern theatres March
30, 1978.
Ross to Produce, Direct
Pictures for Paramount
NEW YORK.—Herbert Ross will produce
and direct motion pictures and his company
will produce TV for Paramount Pictures
Corp., it was announced by Michael D.
Eisner, president and chief operating officer
of the company.
The first of the film projects will be
"Nijinsky," directed by Ross from an original
screenplay by Hugh Wheeler. Set to
commence filming in February. "Nijinsky"
will be produced by Nora Kaye and Stanley
O'Toolc. Ms. Kaye was executive producer
of "The Turning Point" and O'Toole
is co-producer of "The Boys From Brazil."
Howard Jeffrey has been set as associate
producer and Harry Saltzman will serve as
executive producer.
Ross produced and directed "The Turning
Point" and directed "The Goodbye
Girl" last year, gathering 16 Academy
Award nominations.
Rating System
today. This latest survey confirms the public's
approval of that objective."
The survey, completed in late August, is
the tenth in a series of annual nationwide
scientific polls conducted by the Opinion
Research Corp. of Princeton, New Jersey.
It is based on interviews with 2,663 persons
in
the U.S.
Highlights of the
1978 survey:
• Those who know the movies best
those who attend—approve the rating
system by two-thirds majorities.
• Moviegoing adults by 65 per cent perceive
the program to be very useful to
fairly useful—the highest mark ever for
this group. Twenty-seven per cent
found the ratings not very useful; 8 per
cent had no response.
• Those for whom the program is especially
designed—families with children
under 18—report by 60 per cent they
find the ratings to be very useful to
fairly useful as guides to children's attendance.
The 1978 result compares
to 57 per cent in 1976. The not-veryuseful
category was 29 per cent and
no response, 1 1 per cent.
• The 67 per cent approval vote of frequent
adult moviegoers is the highest
since 1971.
• For all adults, age 18-29, the approval
verdict reaches 67 per cent; for those
between 30-39, the favorable margin
is 60 per cent.
• Adults who never attend the movies
and therefore have no first-hand
knowledge of the ratings approve the
system by 33 per cent. Much of the
criticism of the program centers in this
nonmoviegoing group and among infrequent
older attendees.
Awareness of the rating system is at a
virtual saturation level of 97 per cent with
the total moviegoing public age 12 and
older. This has been a stable figure. Valenti
pointed out.
The program was created and is supported
by three national industry organizations:
the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, the
National Ass'n of Theatre Owners and the
International Film Importers & Distributors
of America.
Western Named Official
Miami Festival Airline
MIAMI—The hoard of directors of the
Greater Miami International Film Festival
announced that Western Airlines has been
selected as the festival's official airiine.
Western serves the area with two daily
nonstop DC- 10 flights from Los Angeles
and is cooperating with the Miami International
Film Festival in trade advertising,
promotion, delivery of special packages and
other considerations.
The festival, being held Friday (10)
through Sunday (191 will unspool 100 new
feature
films.

Fox Reports Record
Nine-Month Results
BEVERLY HILLS—Twentieth Century-
Fox Film Corp. reported that net earnings
for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 1978,
were $18,440,000. or $2.26 per share, compared
with $31,607,000, or $4.02 per share,
for the comparable period a year ago.
Net earnings for the first nine months of
1978 were a 'record $51,402,000, or $6.43
per share, compared with $40,061,000, or
$5.16 a share, for the same period in 1977.
Revenues for the third quarter of 1978
were $161,001,000. compared with $171.-
473,000 in 1977. The nine-months 1978
revenues were a record $469,130,000.
against $361,628,000 last year.
Dennis C. Stanfill, chairman of the board
and chief executive officer, said that the
third-quarter and record nine-month results
are attributable to the continued outstanding
performance of the company's filmed entertainment
operations, along with increased
earnings from TV broadcasting and international
theatres operations, as well as from
soft drink bottling operations which were
not owned by the company until the fourth
quarter of 1977.
Separately, it was announced by Alan
Ladd jr., president, 20th Century-Fox Pictures,
that Fox has reached various agreements
in principle with two networks. CBS
and NBC, for the license of 20 motion pictures
at an aggregate license fee to Fox of
$61,500,000. 'under terms of the agreements,
the films will become available for
network showing at the completion of their
domestic theatrical play-off in the period
1979-81.
AIP Transfers Steinfeld
To Ad-Pub Post in NYC
BEVERLY HILLS—Larry Steinfeld,
Northeast advertising-publicity representative
in Philadelphia for American International
Pictures, has been transferred to a
similar capacity in New York City, it was
announced by Milton I. Moritz. senior vicepresident
in charge of advertising and publicity.
Steinfeld, who previously was assistant
to Ruth Levinson in the New York office
before being assigned to Philadelphia earlier
this year, succeeds Levinson who resigned
October 27 after 19 years' tenure with the
company.
A successor to cover the Northeast area
will be announced later by AIP.
'Torquay Summer' Global
Rights Acquired by Col.
NEW YORK — "Torquay
Summer," a
contemporary romantic adventure, will be
released worldwide by Columbia Pictures.
Set against the background of a popular
English beach resort, it is presently filming
on location in Torquay.
Produced by Davina Belling and Clive
Parsons, Harley Cokliss is directing the
picture.
NATO A\\ ARI) — Melvin Simon,
right, president of Melvin Simon Productions,
was presented the "NATO
Award of Merit" by Marvin Goldman,
outgoing president of the exhibitor organization.
Melvin Simon Productions
hosted the convention's opening dinner
Sunday night, October 15.
Univ. Signs a 3-Picture
Pact With John Belushi
NEW YORK — John Belushi, currently
starring in the hit "National Lampoon's Animal
House" for Universal, has been signed
by the studio to a three-picture deal, it has
been announced by Ned Tanen, president
of Universal theatrical motion pictures. Before
"Animal House," Belushi was best
known through his comic appearances on
NBC's "Saturday Night Live," now in its
fourth TV season.
The young actor-comedian got his start
with the famous Second City Troupe and
also can be seen currently with Jack Nicholson
in the latter's "Goin' South," for Paramount.
Belushi recently completed "Old
Boyfriends," opposite Talia Shire.
Bernie Brillstein will serve as executive
producer on the three films to be developed
with Belushi.
Yvette Mimieux to Star
In Disney's 'Black Hole'
BURBANK—Yvette Mimieux has been
signed to star in Walt Disney Productions'
"The Black Hole." the studio's $17,500,000
science-adventure, it was announced by producer
Ron Miller.
'Up in Smoke' National
Gross Hits $7,018,600
New York—Paramount Pictures'
"Up in Smoke," now in its national
general release, has grossed $7,018.-
600 to date, it was announced by Frank
G. Mancuso, senior vice-president, domestic
distribution.
Currently playing in 537 theatres in
the U.S. and Canada, "Up in Smoke"
racked up a $3,905,325 gross in three
days.
A Lou Adier production, the film
Tommy Chong and Cheech Mar-
stars
in, Tom Skcrritt, Edie Adams, Strothcr
Martin and Stacy Keach. AdIer and
Lou Lombardo produced, with Adlcr
directing.
Melnick Exits Columbia
For Independent Status
NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures Industries
has confirmed that Daniel Melnick,
head of its Columbia Pictures division, has
indicated his intention to exercise his contractual
option to become an independent
producer working exclusively with the company,
according to Francis T. Vincent, president
and chief executive officer of CPI.
Vincent emphasized that "we will work
together closely over the next month or
two to assure an orderly transition."
Expressing gratitude to Melnick for "his
extraordinary performance and his commitment
to Columbia which will be continuing,"
Vincent added: "We are confident that
the Columbia Pictures management team
will continue to make important progress
imder the leadership of Frank Price, president
of Columbia Pictures Productions;
Norman Levy, president of Columbia Pictures
Distribution, and Patrick M. Williamson,
president of Columbia Pictures International."
Those executives, with full responsibility
for their operations, report to Sy Weintraub,
chairman of the film and entertainment
group of CPI, on their respective areas,
Vincent explained.
AIP Appoints Bill Doebel
Central Division Manager
BEVERLY HILLS — Eugene Tunick,
vice-president and general sales manager of
American International, announced that
Willis "Bill" Doebel has been named Central
division manager, effective October 30.
With headquarters in Detroit, his area will
cover the Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis,
Des Moines, Omaha, Cleveland, Cincinnati,
Detroit and Indianapolis territories.
Doebel started his sales career as a student
booker for 20th Century-Fox in 1957.
In 1969, he joined the newly formed National
General Pictures handling Minneapolis,
Des Moines and Omaha. He worked
for United Artists in 1974 and most recently
has been branch manager in Detroit.
Neil Bogart Salute Sets
Record for Fund-Raising
HOLLYWOOD—The United Jewish Appeal-Federation
dinner honoring Neil I
gart, president of Casablanca Records &
FilmWorks, as Music & Entertainment Division
"Man of the Year," was a sellout,
surpassing the initial fund-raising goal of
$500,000. The total raised as of October
23 was $750,000, making the Bogart dinner
the highest fund-raiser in the newly
expanded division's history.
Contributions continued to be accepted,
as a major fund-raising drive was under
way for individual memberships for the
UJA-Fcderation Executive Club.
Dick Clark was emcee of the highly successful
affair, with Casablanca recording
star Donna Summer as the headline entertainer
at the dinner, which was held Saturday,
October 28, at the Americana Hotel in
New York Citv.
November 6. 1978

I
.
Boudouris Presented
The Rembusch Award
INDIANAPOLIS — Tom
Patterson,
Jonesboro, Ga. -based president of the National
Independent Theatre Exhibitors
Ass'n, was in attendance at the annual
convention of the Theatre Owners of Indiana
here Wednesday (1) to present to Al
Boudouris, president of NATO of Ohio, the
coveted Trueman T. Rembusch Award for
1978.
The inscription on the plaque read: "Be
it known that Al Boudouris, through faithful,
diligent, selfless, persistent, brilliant,
tireless and courageous service to the independent
theatre owners of these United
States, has so distinguished himself through
such service as to have the honor of being
designated the third recipient of this award,
given this first day of November of the
year 1978. Said award is given and sponsored
by the National Independent Theatre
Exhibitors Ass'n annually to the person
who most closely emulates the achievement
of Trueman T. Rembusch in his service to
the theatre owners of the U.S."
Patterson noted: "Al was the leader and
principal fighter in the effort by exhibitors
to have the Ohio Legislature pass a blindbidding
proposition bill. Not only has Al
distinguished himself through his efforts regarding
blind-bidding but he has. for many
years, been in the forefront of technical
improvements for motion picture presentation,
having himself conceived and developed
numerous technical improvements. Truly,
Al's achievements emulate those of Trueman
T. Rembusch."
Boudouris was selected as the third annual
recipient of this award by the national
board of advisers at a meeting held in
Clark, N.J., Sept. 26, 1978, Patterson added,
emphasizing, "The vote was unanimous."
Manette Beth Rosen Joins
AIP as Veep's Exec. Ass't
BEVERLY HILLS—Manette Beth Rosen
has been employed by Louis S. Arkoff, vicepresident
of American International Productions,
to be his executive assistant.
Rosen's background includes production
coordination, writing, directing, publicity,
story editing, research and producing of
motion picture TV attractions. She has been
associated with Dino De Laurentiis, Roger
Corman, Henry Jaffe, Judd Bernard, David
Shechan and Dan Curtis. She was born in
Oklahoma City and was graduated in fine
arts from San Francisco State College.
Zeffirelli Charts Epic
For Paramount Release
NEW YORK— Michael D. Eisner, president
and chief operating officer of Paramount
Pictures, announced that Franco Zeffirelli
will produce and direct the drama
"The Story of Peter and Paul" for Paramount
release. The film will cover the first
four decades of Christianity.
"The Story of Peter and Paul" will be
distributed by Paramount.
Para. Names Buffy Shutt
Exec. Head of Publicity
NEW YORK— Biiffy Shult has heL-n appointed
executive director of publicity for
Buffy Shult
the motion picture division of Paramount
Pictures Corp., it was announced by Eddie
Kalish, vice-president, publicity and promotion,
for the division.
The appointment marks the second executive
promotion for Ms. Shutt, who assumed
the title and responsibilities of director of
publicity for the motion picture division in
September 1978. She joined Paramount's
New York publicity staff in 1973 and has
been magazine contact for the past two and
a
half years.
In her new post, Ms. Shutt succeeds
Laurence M. Mark as head of the publicity
office in New York. She will work closely
with Mark, newly appointed vice-president,
production marketing, in coordinating all
publicity activities with filmmakers.
Prior to joining Paramount, Ms. Shutt
had been with Harper's Bazaar as assistant
to the managing editor.
Bornstein to Head AIP's
Contract-Playdate Dept.
BEVERLY HILLS—Allen Bornstein
joins American International Pictures Monday
(6) as manager of the contract and playdate
department, it was announced by Eugene
Tunick, vice-president and general
manager.
sales
Bornstein comes to AIP from Warner
Bros., where he had been national coordinator
of playdates, prints and grosses. Previously,
he held sales positions with 20th
Century-Fox, Buena Vista and Cinerama.
The Wild Geese' to Open
In 150 Theatres Nov. 10
NEW YORK—"The Wild Geese," an
Allied Artists release starring Richard Burton,
Roger Moore, Richard Harris, Hardy
Kruger and Stewart Granger, will open in
450 theatres throughout the U.S. and Canada
Friday (10). it was announced by Jerry
Gruenbcrg, Allied Artists' senior vice-president.
FORfILL
OF YOUR
CMiLDREN'S
MflTiNEE
PROQRfiMMiNG
At a flat price your
ttieater can afford.
In great profit
building plans.
Choose from proven film
successes including . .
"OLIVER"
"TOM SAWYER"
"CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG"
"JACK AND THE BEANSTALK"
"HUCKLEBERRY FINN"
"THE CHRISTIVlAS THAT ALMOST WASN'T"
"GODSPELL"
"1776"
"MAN AND BOY"
"MAN OF LA MANCHA"
"PINOCCHIO"
"RUMPLESTILTSKIN"
"SHOEMAKER AND THE ELVES"
"HEIDI"
"HEIDI AND PETER"
"ALICE IN A NEW WONDERLAND"
"INHERIT THE WIND"
"WEST SIDE STORY"
"MIRACLE WORKER"
"VISIT TO A CHIEF'S SON"
Bring ttie children back into
your theater.
Call Roger Doria collect.
Phone (215) 563-4415 or
write for free brochure.
We'll be glad to help you
plan your matinee schedule
Now.
_
'CONSOLIDATED
PRODUCTIONS
_j INCORPORATED
1511 Walnut street. Philadelphia PA 19102
BOXOFFICE :: November 6, 1978

Ray Rivas Ready to
Try American
Market Following Success Abroad
By RALPH ICAMINSKY
HOLLYWOOD—Ray Rivas, a highly
successful, award-winning maker of TV
commercials, short TV films and documentaries,
went to Spain to make a "strictly
European" movie which he thought would
play only on the Continent and. with the
film already turning a profit there, the
young filmmaker has begun to yearn for
an opportunity to try the American market.
Rivas has formed Ray Rivas Associates,
both to continue making movies and to see
what he can do to distribute his Spanish
feature. "El Monosabio," the story of an
aging man who always yearned to be a
bullfighter and who finally got his chance.
"It's a black comedy, really," Rivas explains,
"about a man who takes a young kid and
Rivas declared.
The art theatres might be persuaded to
book the film, he thinks, and theatres that
cater to the Spanish communities in various
parts of the country also may be potential
customers.
"I'd like Americans to see what an American
director can do with such a picture,"
he said, referring to the fact that he deliberately
made the feature as a European
production. "The point of view isn't American,
it's entirely Spanish," he said. The
screenplay is based on his short story and
is couched in the Spanish vernacular, the
Spanish idiom and Spanish nuances.
Went to College in Spain
For Rivas, working in Spanish was easy.
His father is a native of Spain, his mother
is an Irish-American and, adding to that
cultural background, Rivas went to college
in Spain on a scholarship and returned to
his native America as a biology teacher.
"I was the only American working on
the picture," he said. All the others were
Spaniards, including Jose Luis Borau, the
producer, and Pedro Beltran, the screenwriter.
"We shot it last year in seven weeks,
working six days a week, seven-hour days,
nonstop with no breaks. Wc completed the
film one hour ahead of schedule and $30,-
000 under the budget," he said.
The film opened June 29, 1978, in Madrid,
originally for a three-week run, but it
was held over for another four weeks. TTie
picture went into profit, he said, before the
end of summer.
In America, Rivas is associated with Enipressa
Cinema International based in New
York and, with that distribution potential,
he is hoping to get "El Monosarbio" into
theatres.
Rivas got into film work when he made
a short while he was a biology teacher.
His short science film won an award
and, after that, the doors of commercials
opened for him. For 12 years, he worked in
advertising, making commercials for such
accounts as Ford Motors in his role as vicepresident
in charge of production for Grey
Advertising.
Basic Role of Technirama
Is Outlined by Lepanto
NEW YORK—R. P. Lepanto. president
reason, has kept many of these situations
from complete shutdown."
Technirama. he said, was created to fill
a particular need in the industry and it is
new in the concept that it also represents
manufacturers who occasionally need someone
to handle a warranty problem and do
not wish to send factory people who, in
many cases, are technically qualified in the
plant but are not necessarily familiar with
the idiosyncrasies of theatre management
and operations.
"We are theatre installation experts with
hundreds of jobs successfully completed as
a reservoir of experience on which to draw.
There isn't a product made from Altec to
Xetron with which we are not familiar,"
Lepanto asserted. "Since we sent out several
letters in August, our phone hasn't stopped
ringing."
Lepanto is the former director of field
engineering for National Theatre Supply.
Prior to that, he was national sales manager
for Altec. In those positions, he told Boxoffice,
"I became aware that many small
but could not sustain people on a full-time
basis. Service companies with full-time employees
were not always the answer, since
they require contracts and do not cover all
areas of the country."
Reflecting on Technirama's operations to
date, Lepanto spelled out the intention of
the firm: "We hope that we can continue
to grow and serve the industry in our chosen
capacity."
'Delirium' Shooting Done;
Editing Now Under Way
ST. LOUIS—Worldwide Productions ir
St. Louis has announced the completion o
principal photography on the feature "De
lirium," produced by Peter Maris and Sunn)
Vest. The duo previously produced the picture
"Take Time to Smell the Flowers."
Described as a suspense-action picture
"Delirium" involves a group of St. Loui:
businessmen who hire an underground para
military organization to assassinate knowr
criminals who have been released on legaj
technicalities. The police slowly becomii
aware of the organization's existence wher
one assassin goes berserk and goes on
murder-and-violence rampage.
According to Maris, who also directec
the film, "The public will be looking fo
violent action pictures such as 'Delirium,
now that TV virtually has eliminated th(
genre."
Ms. Vest claims that the picture, techn
of newly formed Technirama, disclosed that cally, is of high quality and the acting "firs
tries to promote him as a bullfighter, reaching
the company is booked through November rate." She stated, "We used local actor
vicariously for the life he never was
able to attain."
with StarScope, Dolby and twinning assignments.
who are. in every sense of the word, pro
fessionals. They have worked in the pro
Overtones of Black Comedy
"Considerable work has come in from fessional repertory companies here. Als(
exhibitors
In the end the old man gets his chance who went to manager/ operator many of the actors used were involved ii
to
earlier productions."
situations only to find several years later
fight the bull, when the young fellow is injured
and ends up in a hospital. Through-
that the demands of management had resulted
in deterioration of maintenance and answer. "Why not?"
Why film in St. Louis? Maris and Ves
out, Rivas said, the film has overtones of
black comedy, contrasting the man's actual
Ms. Vest says, "It's absurd to recreate th(
resultant impending disaster in the equipment
department," Lepanto stated, adding, Midwest on a Hollywood backlot when it'
life as a janitor at the bull-ring, with the
irony of his day-dreams.
"I'd love to distribute
"Only the traditional quality of American here for the taking."
manufacturers and some foreign, who have Now that principal photography has beei
it in this country,"
incorporated a durability above and beyond completed and editing is under way, th<
search for distributors for "Delirium" goe
on. However, the pair says there is a goo(
chance they will distribute the film them
selves. "We learned a lot from our las
film," Ms. Vest said, "and we're going t(
see that the distribution of 'Delirium
handled property."
Maris added. "We know that 'Delirium
will make money. It can't help but mak
money. So, unless a distributor comes u)
with the right package, we'll take it out oi
our own. Of course, going through a dis
tributor would mean we could start imme
diately on our next project. Our goal is t
produce two pictures a year. There are ad
vantages to both distributing the film our
selves or using a national distributor. Frank
ly. we're still undecided."
While the editing of "Delirium" contin
ues. Maris and Vest already have startei
preproduction on their next feature, aisc
to be shot in St. Louis. As yet untitled, th
film will be an exciting adventure story in
volving the exploits of a beautiful and mys
terious woman. Currently, the producers ar
circuits and supply dealers had a need for searching for a talented actress to play th
an engineering or projection department leading role.
Ford Set for 'No Knife'
BURB.^NK: — Harrison Ford has bee
signed to co-star with Gene Wilder in War
ner Bros.' "No Knife," it was announce
by producer Mace Neufeld. Robert Aldricl
is directing the western comedy, which be
gan pincipa! photography October 30 o;
locations in Colorado and Arizona.
BOXOFFICE :: November 6, 197

1
Rights to Made-in-Japan
Sci-Fier Acquired by UA
NEW YORK— United Artists has acquired
the U.S. and Canadian distribution
rights to "Message From Space," a Japanese-made
science-fiction spectacular, it was
announced by Al Fitter. UA senior vicepresident
for domestic sales.
Such top action stars as Vic Morrow and
Sonny Chiba head the international cast
which also presents Philip Casnoff, Peggy
Lee Brennan, Sue Shiomi, Tetsuro Tamba
and Mikio Narita in key roles.
The film was produced by Banjiro Uemura,
Yoshinori Watanabe and Tan Takaiwa
and directed by Kinji Fukasaku from
a screenplay by Hiroo Matsuda with Toro
Nakajima as director of photography. The
director of the entire special effects is
Nobuo Yajima.
"Message From Space" is a joint production
of Toei Co., Ltd.. and Tohokushinsha
Film Co., Ltd.
Fred Mound Has Resigned
UA Ass't GSM Position
NEW YORK—Fred Mound, United Artists
vice-president-assistant general sales
manager, has resigned effective Friday (17).
it was announced by Al Fitter, senior vice-
Louis, as Dallas branch manager and later
as regional manager, operating out of Dallas.
He became Southwest division manager
in 1970 and in April 1977 was named assistant
general sales manager. He was promoted
to his present post in June 1978 and
moved his headquarters from Dallas to New
York.
AIP's 'Defiance' Is Now
Under Way in New York
BEVERLY HILLS—American International's
"Defiance" started shooting on location
in New York City October 30, according
to Jere C. Henshaw, senior vicepresident
in charge of worldwide theatrical
production.
Theresa Saldana has been signed to play
opposite Jan-Michael Vincent in the drama
which is to be directed by John Flynn.
James Whiteside to AIP
As Assistant to GSM
BEVERLY HILLS — James Whiteside
has been appointed assistant to the general
sales manager at American International, it
was announced by Eugene Tunick, vicepresident
and general sales manager.
Whiteside was in sales with Columbia Pictures
for 25 years, then joined Cinerama in
1971, becoming Southern division manager
in Atlanta. More recently he has been vicepresident
in charge of sales and marketing
at
Bing Crosby Productions.
Whiteside assumed his duties October 30.
BOXOmCE :: November 6. 1978
Audiences Are Having love Affair
With Movies, Kinsolving Declares
NEW YORK—Charles M. Kinsolving jr.,
vice-president, marketing management.
Newspaper Advertising Bureau, told NATO
delegates attending the recent convention
at the Americana Hotel, that "audiences
are having a love affair with your movies."
He said that the latest in a series of
studies of moviegoing, moviegoers and
movie advertising conducted by NAB,
which involved interviews and follow-up
phone calls with about 1,000 theatregoers
selected from lines at ten theatres in six
cities,
established that:
• A total of 70 per cent liked the movie
they had just seen, saying it was good or
"among the best."
• More than two-thirds agreed that going
to the movies is "a great way to get out of
the house."
• The majority said that movies are "a
good bargain"—a good buy for the money
because "they are well done."
Movies Chosen Carefully
• For most audiences, choosing and actually
going to a movie is a very careful pro-
president for domestic sales.
cess—and more deliberate than is often
Mound has been with UA since 1953, supposed. The decision to go today most
when he was appointed as a booker in the often is the result of several weeks of advertising,
word-of-mouth and other influ-
St. Louis exchange. He subsequently worked
as a salesman in Kansas City and St. ences.
• Practically everyone goes to the movies
with somebody else. While 6 per cent go
alone, only 11 per cent usually attends with
the whole family, indicating that "getting
out of the house" means "getting away from
the kids."
• Word-of-mouth has a critical role in
selecting the movie to see. Nearly half, 48
per cent, say they would take a friend's
recommendation even if they knew nothing
personally about the film recommended.
• The study supports the view that the
need to escape tensions is a major reason
for moviegoing—37 per cent of frequent
moviegoers say their most important reason
for going is "to laugh and be happy." Another
12 per cent said they go to the movies
for social reasons (a chance to do something
with someone else): 15 per cent want to
"keep current with the movies." and 1
per cent go "to improve myself and to
think."
Most Like Escapist Films
• When moviegoers were asked to choose
between a movie that "lets you forget everyday
problems" and one that "makes you
think," 56 per cent chose the escapist movie.
Older people with higher incomes are likely
to prefer escapist movies as are married
people, especially if they have children.
Kinsolving noted that people get their
information about movies from a variety of
sources—advertisements, reviews, features in
newspapers and magazines and directories.
However, 94 per cent look at movie ads at
least on the day they see a film and one in
four look almost every time they open the
paper. Furthermore, frequent moviegoers
are especially likely to rely on newspaper
advertising for movie information, and they
are almost twice as likely to look at the ads
as those who go less
often.
High 'Recall' Rating
He further noted that the opinion-leaders
who influence moviegoing by others are
most likely to use newspaper advertising and
newspaper reviews as sources of information.
They are more likely to recall a newspaper
movie ad because they look at more
ads more often.
Kinsolving also reminded his audience,
"Today, at least one daily newspaper is published
in 1,548 cities and towns—more than
ever before in our history."
CLEARING HOUSE
BUSINESS STIMULATORS
BUILD ATTENDANCE with real Hawaiian
orchids. Few cents each. Write Flowers
oi Hawaii, 670 S. Lafayette Place, Los
Angeles, Calif. 90005.
THEATRE MONTHLY CALENDARS, weekly
programs, heralds, bumper strips, daily/
weekly boxoffice reports, time schedules,
passes, labels, etc. Write for samples,
prices. Dixie Litho, Box 882, Atlanla, Ga
30301.
BINGO CARDS DIE CUT: 1-75, 1500 combinations
in color. PREMIUM PRODUCTS,
339 West 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10036.
(212) 246-4972.
SUPERMAN IN PERSON. The man ci
steel now cfccepting bookings. Alexander
Productions, (817) 774-9467.
SERVICES
INDOOR THEATRE MUSIC programming
tor today's audiences, today's movies and
today's theatres. C & C Music Service,
(815) 397-9295.
INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS? Send us
your tired, your noisy intennittents. Call
precision Intermittent Service Company
at (412) 356-6036. Imermittents are our
specialty. We offer; Flat labor rateswarronty-fast
service. We are the Pittsburgh,
based dectler for La'Vezzi Machine
Works, the finest manufacturer of precision
projection ports. Call or write today.
Precision Intermittent Service Company.
156 Sobon Lane, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15237.
FILM BUYTNG-BOOKING SERVICE for
Denver, Colorado exchange area. For information
call Herman Hallberg, (30.,
320-1774 or (303) 973-0372.
MISCELLANEOUS
etc., etc. (any quantity—older the better!'
Martinez, 7057 Lexington Ave., Los Angeles,
CA 90038.
WANTED: Any title, quantity, must be
complete; Your used movie posters, any
size, pressbooks paying 15c each. 35mm
trailer 40c each. Stills paying 3c each.
Ship COD freight collect to: Jerry Ohlinger's
Movie Material Store Inc. 120 W 3rd
St. NY, NY. 10012. (212) 674-8474 after 1
More Classified Listing
On Inside Back Cover

'Watership' Launches
Windy City Festival
LOS ANGELES — "Watership
Down,"
Martin Rosen's film adaptation of Richard
Adams' best-selling novel which Avco Embassy
Pictures will release in November,
was the opening-night attraction Friday (3)
at the 14th Chicago International Film Festival,
according to Bob Rehme. Avco Embassy
senior vice-president and chief operating
officer.
Producer-writer-director
Rosen was present
at the Bismarck Theatre festival premiere
and at the black-tie gala reception
which followed the showing.
Thirty nations are participating in the
Chicago International Film Festival this
year.
Alfred Hitchcock Named
Recipient of AFI Award
WASHINGTON—The trustees of the
American Film Institute have selected Alfred
Hitchcock to receive its seventh annual
Life Achievement Award. The presentation
will be made at ceremonies to be held in
Los Angeles March 7, 1979.
Bestowed each year by vote of the AFI's
board of trustees, the Life Achievement
Award is given to an individual "whose talent
has, in a fundamental way. contributed
to the filmmaking art; whose accomplishments
have been acknowledged by scholars,
critics, professional peers and the general
public, and whose work has stood the test
of time."
Henry Fonda. Bette Davis, William Wyler,
Orson Welles, James Cagney and the
late John Ford were the six previous recipients
of the Life Achievement Award.
George Stevens jr., director of the American
Film Institute, will produce the tribute
which will be telecast nationally by the
CBS-TV Network. The presentation ceremony
will follow the traditional awards
dinner.
Para. Concludes Overall
Pact With Paul Schrader
HOLLYWOOD — Paramount
Pictures
has entered into an overall agreement with
Paul Schrader, it was announced by Don
Simpson, vice-president in charge of production
for the motion picture division of
Paramount. He will write, produce and
direct under the new agreement.
Schrader currently is writing the screenplay
for the first project, "Covert People,"
on which he also will serve as executive
producer. He then will produce, direct and
provide the original screenplay for a second
project to be developed.
Schrader already is set to direct John
Travolta, from his own original screenplay,
in "American Gigolo" for Paramount.
"American Gigolo" will be filmed on location
in Los Angeles, with a January 1979
start scheduled. Schrader presently is completing
post-production on "Hard Core,"
starring George C. Scott, which he directed.
Salute to Gloria Swanson
Nov. 15 at Astoria Studio
ASTORIA. N.Y. — Gloria Swanson will
be honored by the motion picture industry
with a benefit at the Astoria Studio
Wednesday evening (15). She will receive
a tribute for her achievements and contributions
to the industry and particularly for
her role in establishing the Astoria Studios
as a capital of moviedom in the '20s and
'30s. Barry Diller, chairman of the board
of Paramount Pictures, is serving as general
chairman of the affair.
Swanson's earlier films shot at Astoria
were under the Paramount banner and included:
1923: "Zaza"; 1924: "The Humming
Bird," "A Society Scandal," "Her
Love Story," "Wages of Virtue" and "Manhandled";
1925: "Stage Struck," and 1926:
"Untamed Lady" and "Fine Manners."
In addition to many community leaders
and political officials, guests will include
Sidney Lumet, who directed "The Wiz" at
the Astoria Studio; comedian Alan King,
and Roy Scheider, star of Columbia's "All
That Jazz." The dinner-dance is the first
of what will be an annual event for the
Astoria Foundation. Tickets are available
through the studio or from Robert Sunshine
at (212) 246-6460.
Winners of Raffle Prizes
Announced by Pioneers
NEW YORK—Winners in the raffle held
in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria
immediately following the annual "Pioneer
of the Year" dinner, according to
Robert Carpenter, chairman of the special
revenue committee, were as follows:
First prize, 1979 Dodge Aspen sedan,
Helen Greenberg, New York City; second
prize, 1979 Dodge Aspen sedan, Sam Spiegel,
New York City; third prize, 19-inch
RCA color TV, Shelley E. Schmidt, Chicago;
fourth prize, 19-inch RCA color TV,
Dick Nathan, West Orange, N.J., and fifth
prize. Pioneer AM-FM stereo, Al Fitter,
New York City.
Other winners were: sixth prize, full set
of golf clubs, Peter Simpson, Hidden Hills,
Calif.; seventh prize, 13-inch RCA color
TV, Sheila T. Schreiber. Glendale, Calif.;
eighth prize, 13-inch RCA color TV, Bob
Mack, Hammond, La.; ninth prize, Kodak
Ektralite camera, Louis N. Friedland, New
York City; tenth prize, Kodak Ektralite
camera, Harry Greene, Minneapolis, and
11th prize, Linde Star sapphire ring. Bert
Anshien, Paramus, N.J.
Chuck Murray Production
Manager on Edwards' '10'
HOLLYWOOD — Chuck Murray has
been reset as production manager for Blake
Edwards' "10" by executive producer Tony
Adams.
Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews star in
the Orion picture, to be released through
Warners, which will start principal photography
in Los Angeles Monday (6).
Disney's 'Black Hole'
Veiled in Secrecy
HOLLYWOOD—Principal
photography
began October 1 1 on Walt Disney Productions'
costliest and most ambitious film,
"The Black Hole," a $17,000,000 sciencefiction
feature that is veiled in secrecy. All
four of Disney Studios' sound stages in
Burbank will be used for the vast undertaking.
They will be closed to the public.
The script by Jeb Rosebrook and Gerry
Day also is labeled "Top Secret." Two filming
units will be working simultaneously,
independent of each other, and neither unit
will know what the other is doing. Reportedly,
only a handful of people at the studio
will know how the picture ends.
Starring in the film are Maximilian
Schell, Jennifer O'Neill, Anthony Perkins,
Joseph Bottoms, Ernest Borgnine and Robert
Forster. Filming is expected to continue
through April on a 122-day shooting schedule.
Gary Nelson is directing and Ron Miller,
executive vice-president in charge of
creative affairs, is the producer. Miller said
he is planning for a Christmas 1979 release.
The project originally was titled "Space
Probe" and it has been in the planning
stages since Dec. 22, 1977. Preproduction
began five years ago with Winston Hibler
overseeing the work until he died in 1976.
Production designer Peter Eilenshaw has
supervised construction of miniatures and
preparation of the extensive special effects.
Black holes are a mystery to scientists,
Miller pointed out. No one know how the
phenomenon in the outer reaches of the
universe functions. "Some speculate that
time slows and finally stops at their edge.
Others say that a black hole may be a path
to another universe," he said.
Martin Rabinovitch, director of marketing
planning, has been at work on marketing
phases of the big-budget film for more
than six months. He will serve as associate
producer for marketing and will coordinate
that aspect of the project. He helped conduct
the surveys to find a title for the picture.
Special photographic effects will be handled
by Eustace Lycett and Art Cruickshank.
Danny Lee will handle the special
visual effects. Frank Phillips will be director
of photography. He is a veteran of numerous
Disney films, while Bill Thomas will
be the costume designer.
The film's $17,000,000 budget far outranks
any previous Disney project. It exceeds
that of "Mary Poppins" by $10,000,-
000 and it is $6,000,000 over the cost of
"Pete's Dragon."
Eastwood Starrer Now Filming
HOLLYWOOD—"Escape From Alcatraz,"
starring Clint Eastwood, has started
filming on location at Alcatraz in San Francisco
Bay, through the cooperation of the
city of San Francisco and the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area. The film is the
first motion picture to shoot at Alcatraz
since Eastwood's "The Enforcer." Paramount
will release the movie.
10
BOXOmCE :: November 6. 1978

Avco Embassy Is Involved
In 'Goldengirl' Financing
HOLLYWOOD—Avco Hmbassy Pictures
will participate in its fourth financing deal
for a major motion picture under an agreement
signed with producer Elliott Rastner
and Danny O'Donovan's Backstage Productions,
Ltd. Paul A. Rosen, vice-president in
charge of creative affairs worldwide, said
Avco not only will participate in the financing
but also will have worldwide distribution
rights to "Goldengirl." which is being
planned for a late May release.
James Coburn will star in the film which
will introduce Susan Anton, who has become
known as the spokeswoman for a
cigar company's commercials and for her
nightclub singing engagements, performing
in the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, the Fairmont
in New Orleans and Harrah's clubs
in Reno and Tahoe. As Miss California, she
was first runner-up in the 1970 Miss America
Pageant.
She will play the title role of a statuesque
and beautiful woman athlete who seeks to
win a gruelling series of Olympic events.
"Susan Anton, who is both beautiful as
well as athletic, is the perfect individual
for the role of a human being who must
fight to overcome those who would exploit
her," Rosen declared.
Coburn will portray Anton's manager,
fighting to help her survive the exploitation
she faces as an Olympic contender. Filming
began October 23 in Hollywood with
Joseph Sargent directing John Kohn's
screenplay based on Peter Lear's novel.
Kastner is executive producer with O'Donovan
producing.
Coburn and Anton will be the nucleus for
a massive publicity campaign that Avco
plans to launch in exploiting the picture,
according to Rosen.
"Goldengirl" will be the fourth picture
in which Avco is participating financially.
he pointed out. The company already has
completed production on "The Bell Jar,"
starring Marilyn Hassett and directed by
Larry Peerce. The other two were "Murder
by Decree," shot in London as a big-budget
mystery thriller, with Christopher Plummer
and James Mason heading an all-star cast,
and "A Man. a Woman and a Bank." now
shooting in
Macao, with Noel Black directing
a cast topped by Donald Sutherland,
Brooke Adams and Paul Mazursky.
CALENDARofEVENTS
Group I Executives Take
Upcoming Films to Milan
HOLLYWOOD—Brandon Chase, head of
Group L and his wife Marianne, who serves
as head of foreign sales, took three of the
company's forthcoming release to the
MIFED sessions in Milan, which opened
October 23.
They planned to show "Girl in the Web."
starring Shelley Winters and Leslie Uggams.
"Disco Fever" and "The Plague. ' In
addition. Chase also intended to discuss
joint ventures with European and U. S.
companies for possible TV series and movieof-the-week
projects as part of his plans
for Group I to enter the video production
field.

Governor Tells
Assist in
SALT LAKE CITY—Utah Gov. Scott
Matheson was the keynote speaker at a recent
meeting of the Motion Picture Ass'n
of Utah to which persons involved in every
aspect of the industry, from production to
concessions, had been invited. The two-day
affair culminated in enthusiasm and hope
for the future of filmmaking in the state.
A morning meeting at the Little America
Hotel kicked off what could be viewed as a
grass-roots movement to unite as a body
those businessmen and women involved in a
vital industry," according to a spokesman
for the group.
Industry Growing in Utah
Gov. Matheson stressed that the formation
of the Motion Picture Ass'n of Utah
marked what he termed "a new launching
point in the industry." an industry which he
said he felt was growing ever stronger in
Utah. He noted that there is a 'remarkable
resurgence in interest in motion pictures
today." adding that he expects filmmaking
to expand in Utah because of the state's
great physical beauty and diversity of locations.
The governor promised support from
the state government in the promoting of
growth of the picture industry.
Matheson also pointed to the rapid expansion
of exhibition in the Salt Lake area
alone, emphasizing that two-dozen screens
have been added to the existing facilities
during the last several years. He said that
people in greater numbers every day are
choosing to "go out" for an evening's entertainment—dinner
and a movie—instead
of staying at home with their TV sets.
He also announced plans to build a sound
stage in Kanab, Utah, to accommodate demands
inspired by greater use of the area
as a filming location year-round by a number
of studios. Matheson asserted that Utah
is interested in 'investing in the future of a
growing industry which means jobs and
revenue for the state."
Production Support Cited
Following Gov. Mattheson's address, Jivan
Tabibian, consultant and production
representative for Sunn Classic Pictures,
told the assemblage that Utah is an ideal
location for film production because it "supports
production." He declared that a supportive
environment drew Sunn away from
Hollywood and has attracted persons into
the filmmaking field who 'are more interested
in substance than razzle-dazzle." Tabibian
also remarked that Sunn's commitment
to the making of family films has been
joined by its commitment to an "intelligent
approach to the industry, especially to distribution
and to achievement."
MPAU State Will
Promoting Filmmaking
Jack Sawyer, acting president of the association,
outlined the rest of the agenda
for the conclave and warned that "there are
no free rides." He stated that exhibitors
need to provide better service to bring
people back into their theatres.
Representing Dr Pepper was Steve Redford,
who said that quality of drinks offered
at the concession stand should be tested
on a weekly basis, stressing the importance
of point-of-purchase materials in refreshment
sales. Richard Lintner. general
sales manager for Weaver Popcorn, warned
that with decreasing corn crops, exhibitors
"should be wary of any deal in the purchase
of raw popping com."
Robert Selig, chairman of the board of
Theatres West, announced plans for Sho-
WesT '79 at the MGM Grand Hotel in
Las Vegas, pointing out the importance of
attendance at this annual convention. He
promised a fine lineup, calling it "the most
unique convention ever," with a special
show to be put on especially for ShoWesT
by MGM.
Following remarks by John Earle, Utah
Film Development Division, who re-emphasized
the state's support of the film industry.
Sawyer, Ed Brinn and Harold Chesler
took the spotlight, each appealing for unity
in the film industry in Utah. Brinn termed
it "vital." Chesler noted the importance of
MPAU as a lobbying force in the face of
damaging state legislation and Sawyer introduced
an organizational constitution
which was taken home by all present for
consideration, with marked copies to be returned
to him within a month's time. The
group resolved to reconvene in early November
to elect officials; in the meantime, it
was voted to retain all acting officers, as
well as to make every attempt to recruit new
members for the association.
Fox Names Bennett V-P,
Public Affairs, Taxes
BEVERLY HILLS — Ray Bennett has
been named corporate vice-president, public
affairs and taxes, it was announced by
Dennis C. Stanfill, 20th Century-Fox chairman
of the board and chief executive
officer. Bennett, formerly vice-president,
taxes, joined Fox in 1974 as assistant controller,
corporate taxes.
Stanfill said that the addition of public
affairs to Bennett's title is in recognition
of his liaison with federal and state legislatures
and administrative agencies.
He will continue to have responsibility
for corporate taxes.
1979 Brittanica Awards
Presented in Chicago
CHICAGO—Mortimer Adlcr. chairman
of the board of editors. Encyclopedia
Brittanica, announced the presentation of
the publication's 1979 "Achievement in Life
Awards" to nine men and women from
North America October 25 in Chicago.
The recipients of the Britannica Award
included Steve Allen, Pearl Bailey and Lucille
Ball, all of whom have appeared in
films.
Motion Picture Industry
In Greece Is on Decline
WASHINGTON—A recent unclassified
State Department memo reveals that motion
picture production and exhibition in
Greece has suffered a distinct decline within
the past year. The latest figures available
for publication are for the fiscal year
1976.
The number of films produced in Greece
totaled 119. Of these 90 films were produced
by Greek companies, while 29 were
co-produced with foreign concerns. The
number of films released in fiscal 1976
totaled 564. accounting for 6.800.000 admissions,
as compared with 581 films and
7.500,000 theatrical admissions in fiscal
1975.
On the exhibition side, the total number
of cinemas in the Athens area declined
from 233 to 206 and in Thessaloniki from
77 to 72. Most theatres in Greece operate
either during the winter season (October to
May) or the summer season (June to Sep
tember). A few operate on a year-round
basis or extend operations into the summer
season.
The State Department maintains that
theatres in that country are equipped with
35mm projection equipment, with the exception
of one in Athens and one in Patras
which are equipped with 70mm projection
systems.
There are only two drive-ins in the Attica
region and one in Thessaloniki. i
The drop in the number of admissions}
and the number of cinemas is attributed to;
increased TV viewing. It also is due, claim
department sources, to the low aesthetic
quality and technical caliber of films. Another
possible reason is the high price of
real estatj in Greece which makes it more
profitable for to landlords replace outdoor
summer theatres with multi-storied otfice
and apartment buildings.
Figures supplied by the General Accounting
Office show a total of 39,900,000 tickets
sold during fiscal 1976 as compared with
47.900.000 tickets in 1975. This is a drop
of 16.7 per cent.
According to Bank of Greece figures.
American motion picture producers received
royalties of approximately $296,000 during
fiscal 1976, a marked decrease from the
$522,000 in 1975. The leader in films exhibited
and number of admissions was 20th
Century-Fox which exported 28 features
and reaped 619,305 paid admissions for
1976. Close behind that company were Warner
Bros., with 26 pictures and 581,3'-)5
admissions, and United Artists, with 23
motion pictures and a total of 426.154 admissions.
Censorship classifications were requested
for 424 motion pictures from July 1 to Dec.
31. 1976. A total of 297 were classified as
unsuitable for minors and 12 films were
rejected (France 6. Greece 1, Germany 1.
U.S. 3 and Canada 1). From January 1 to
June 30, 1977, censorship classifications
were requested for 323 films. Some 241
were classified as unsuitable for minors and
17 were rejected (France 6, Germany 4,
Switzerland 1, U.S. 5 and Sweden 1).
12
BOXOFFICE :: November 6, 1978

. . . Joseph
. . . "The
. . . "Alpha"
. . Producers
. . "Super
. . . Also
. . . "Main
. . Bellini-Loeb
. . Sammy
. . Ray
. . Foster
. . Joan
H ^J^olluwood rCeport mi
f
m
on "Curve Ball," a Marimark Productions
feature, with Marilyn J. Tenser producing.
The baseball satire will involve the first
female pitcher in the major leagues who
wins the Cy Young Award and leads her
team to the World Series championship
Changeling" will be produced by
Joel B. Michael and Garth H. Drabinsky.
with George C. Scott and his wife Trish Van
Devere starring in the Gothic ghost story
for which William Gray and Adran Morrall
will write the screenplay.
January Film Start Scheduled
For United Artists' 'Corky'
United Artists has scheduled a January
start on "Corky." a romantic thriller starring
Talia Shire to be produced by Michael Lo-
bell. Barry Siegel has written the screenplay
to be directed by cinematographer
lATA Productions has
Gordon Willis . .
has set Hubert Cornfield to write the screenplay
and direct "This Perfect Day," based
on the novel by Ira Levin . . . "Three Wishes
for Jamie" is planned as the first film for
MAN International Pictures, newly formed
movie-TV subsidiary of AFM. Inc.. to
be headed by Bernard Wiesen as president
will be the first in a series of
pictures to be made under a multiple-film
deal set by Rastar and Orion Pictures. The
adventure-thriller will be directed by Jeannot
Szware from an original screenplay by
Claire Nolo . Gianni Bozzacchi
and Valerio De Paolis plan to shoot
"Suffer or Die." with Michaclangelo Antonioni
directing in Rome
. . . Producer Jennings
Lang is putting together an all-star
cast for Universal Pictures' "Airport '79:
will produce "The Bump on Brannigan's
Head." with a screenplay by Oscar Bordney,
based on the novel by Myles Connolly, with
Arthur Lubin directing on location in Australia
. . . Executive producers Stanley
Chase and Dan Blatt began shooting in
Toronto October 16 on "Old Fish Ha'wk"
with Will Sampson in the title role. Don
Shebib is directing the screenplay Blanche
Hanalis adapted from Mitchell Jay ne's novel
Event." starring Barbra Streisand
and Ryan O'Neal as a First Artists presentation
for Warner Bros, release, has begun
shooting in Los Angeles. The Jon Peters
production of a Barwood film is produced
by Peters and directed by Howard Zieff.
from the screenplay by Gail Parent and
Andrew Smith. Streisand portrays a perfume
manufacturer who is stuck with a
broken-down prizefighter and tries to make
him into a chapmion.
Triton Productions Purchases
Film Rights to The Pigman'
has taken an option on Neil Frame's screenplay
"Tout" . Productions
has optioned "Caravaggio." a screenplay by
Michael Straight about a 16th century
Renaissance artist.
Cast Additions Are Announced
For Warners' 'The In-Laws'
Fran Drcscher. Arlene Golonka. Michael
Lembeck. Richard Libertini and Ed Begley
jr., have joined the cast of "The In-Laws,"
Warner Bros, feature shooting in Washing-
20th Century-Fox's 'Brubaker' Concorde." on which he will begin production
late in November. David Lowell Rich
ton, D. C. . . . Richard Roundtree is playing
the leader of a group of freedom fighters
To Feature Robert Redford
will direct the multimillion-dollar supersonic
air adventure written by Eric Roth
in "Game for Vultures," shooting
Robert Redford will star as a warden
on location
in South Africa . Brooks,
trying to reform a corrupt prison system
for Universal, the Mirisch Corp.
Ruth Buzzi and Strother Martin have roles
in the 20th Century-Fox feature "Brubaker,"
set to begin shooting next February
began shooting October 16 on location in
in "The Villain," which began shooting October
18 in Tucson . Sharkey will
Cornwall on "Dracula." starring Frank Langella
and Laurence Olivier, with Walter
with Bob Rafelson directing for producers
co-star in "Heart Beat." an
Ted Mann and Ron
Edward R.
Silverman . . . Casablanca
FilmWorks began production late ing W.
Mirisch producing and John Badham direct-
Pressman-Further production . . . Dion
D. Richter's screenplay.
Pride, 16-year-old son of country and western
singer Charley Pride, will sing the
last month on "Ladies of the Valley." starring
Jodie Foster in a story about four
opening
Kris Kristofferson Will Star
teenage girls growing up in San Fernando
and closing title songs in Mulberry
In UA's 'Johnson County War' Square's
Valley, with Adrian Lync directing from
"The Double McGuffin." Young
a
script by Gerald Ayres. David Puttnam will United Artists' "The Johnson County Pride also makes his acting debut in the
produce and United Artists will distribute War." written and to be directed by Joe Camp film . . . Keenan Wynn and Alejandro
Rey have roles in "Sunburn." the
E. Levine will produce "The Michael Cimino. is set to begin principal
Sea Kings" with Richard Lester directing photography January 29, with Kris Kristofferson
starring in an epic drama to be proco
. . . Casablanca recording artist Pattie
Hemdale/Bond thriller shooting in Acapul-
William Goldman's pirate story . . . Paramount's
"Starting Over," starring Burt duced by Joann Carelli. The story is set in Brooks has been signed for her film debut
in
Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh and Candice Bergen,
will begin shooting Monday (6) in when many states were torn by savage war-
and also will sing the title song . . . Jessica
America just before the turn of the century, Hickmar Productions' "The Fifth Floor."
Boston and New York, with Alan Pakula fare waged by armies of paid mercenaries
Lang, in her second role since debuting in
directing and co-producing with writer against the newly arriving hordes of emigrants.
Kristofferson will portray a Har-
character in "All That Jazz." being di-
"King Kong." will play a mystical, dreamlike
James L. Brooks . Duper Service
Station," directed by Joel Bendier from a vard-educated scion of a wealthy Boston
rected by Bob Fosse . . . Jack Warden has
script he wrote with David A. Davies, has family, who turns against
signed to
his class
co-star in
and
"And Justice for All."
gone into production for American Screen becomes the principal survivor
for Columbia
in a
Pictures . Darling
tragic
with Huntz Hall starring . . . Crown International
plans to start shooting next
love-story
has
. . . Lifetime Associates.
been signed
Ltd..
for a role in producer Robert
Schaffel's "Sunnyside."
spring
Burt Reynolds Signed by Orion
To Star in 'Sharky's Machine'
Burt Reynolds has been signed by Orion
Pictures to star in "Sharky's Machine,"
based on the new novel by William Diehl.
Reynolds, recently named "Male Star of the
Year" by NATO, will portray a detective in
the Atlanta police department trying to solve
the attempted murder of a sophisticated callgirl
who is having an affair with a U.S.
senator. The film will begin lensing
in 1979. with Diehl adapting his novel for
the film . . . Paul Sand has been signed by
producer Jon Peters to play the role of
Barbra Streisand's ex-husband in the romantic
comedy. "Main Event" . . Blake
.
Edwards has signed English actor-comedian
Dudley Moore as the new star of "10," succeeding
George Segal as the lead in Edwards'
romantic fantasy, which is scheduled
to begin production in Hollywood Monday
Triton Productions has purchased movie
"The Pigman." by
Casting Company Is Selected
rights to a novel Paul
Zindel. The rights were obtained from Meredith
For 'High Road to China'
MacRae and Linda Henning. who will Fcnton-Feinberg Casting has been signed
by producer Paul Heller to handle casting
be retained as producers of the film . . .
Hollywood and Vine Productions has acquired
on his "High Road to China." set to begin
"Once It Was Human." an original lensing next May on Euro{>ean and Mid-
screenplay by Daniel B. Cady. Herman
Lynn Stalmaster will
Saunders, president of the film company, be the casting director for "The Onion
is planning a January 8 start on the film Field." slated to begin shooting by Black
. . . Professional Films of New York City Marble Productions later this month on
(6).
location in Central California . . . Bill Conti
will write the score for "Rocky II." He won
.
an Oscar nomination for his original
"Rocky" score Fain has been
signed to score "Just You and Me. Kid."
BOXOmCE :: November 6, 1978 13

Low Admission Prices
Policy in Nepiune City
NEPTUNE CITY,
N.J.—The increasing
popularity of the discounted admission
prices and special, low-price screenings has
become a way of movie life for families in
this resort area of central New Jersey. While
the $1 and $1.50 admission policy prevails
in about a dozen area theatres, one of the
most successful operations, gives a penny
change from the dollar. The 99-cents admission
policy of Mrs. Diane Teufel has
turned her Neptune City Theatre into a
highly successful operation.
When she took over the theatre some
three months ago. she was warned by film
distributors that she should pull out of the
purchase deal because the theatre was located
in a "bad" neighborhood and nobody
has been able to make a go of the 15-yearold
house in recent yeais. However, a determined
Mrs. Teufel proved al' her wellmeaning
advisers to be dead wrong. And
for the first time in 15 years, there are lines
forming in front of the boxoffice to get in.
99 Cents Equals Success
A major reason for her success is that
the theatre's admission price since she reopened
it has stayed at 99 cents. The price
policy has been highly effective in attracting
a lot of people who want to see a good
movie but are unable to pay $3.50 to $4
per person for a ticket. With features like
Burt Reynolds' "The End." the bulk of her
business comes from family trade. She pointed
out that nowadays, a family has to pay
up to $25 to spend a night out at the movies
in some theatres. At her Neptune City Theatre,
they don't have to spend more than four
or five dollars for the entire family, and
still see a good film feature.
However. Mrs. Teufel is
only one of many
theatres in these resort-oriented Ocean and
Monmouth counties which have some type
of reduced admission policy. And all report
that the low prices attract bigger attendance,
which in turn enables the exhibitor to buy
bjtter film product—even if it is on the
third or fourth-run. Five other houses in
the area have a 99-cent tag over the boxoffice.
Four are Music Makers Theatres, an
independent circuit based in Lakewood: the
Town Theatre with "Jaws 2" current, and
Country Theatre with "Hooper." take 99
cents.
Music Makers' Cinemas 1 & 2 in the
Berkeley Shopping Center in Bayville, with
the same product, also take 99 cents. Also
on the 99-cent circuit, with "Hooper" current,
is Cinema Lavallette in Lavallette. Several
others, including the Strathmore Twin
Cinema in the Strathmore Shoppng Center,
Matawan (half price for children and $2
for adults on Saturday nights); the Middlebrook
Movies, Ocean Township, and the
Movies in Red Bank, have a $1.50 admission
policy at all times.
Other theatres, such as United Artists
Theatres in Middletown and in Hazlet, drop
the admission to $1.50 for only specific
films. Milton Daly, general manager, said a
(Continued on page E-4)
First Australian Film Festival
Will
Open in NY's Lincoln Center Nov. 27
NEW YORK.—The first Australian Film
Festival in America will be held in New
York's Lincoln Center Library, Monday
(27) through December 2, it was announced
by Samuel W. Gelfman, president of Australian
Films Office, sponsor and organizer
01 the week-long event. During the festival,
films w.ll be shown nightly, beginning at
7 p.m.
Prompting the festival, says Gelfman. is
the tremendous interest generated by 13
Australian films exhibited at this year's
Cannes Film Festival, including Phil
Noyce's "Newsfront," which this year became
the first Australian picture ever to
participate in the New York Film Festival.
Another factor to industry excitement over
two Australian-produced pictures, "Picnic
at Hanging Rock" and "The Last Wave,"
soon to be released commercially in the
U.S. by Atlantic Releasing and World
Northal, respectively.
The films chosen for the festival represent
a cross-section of the Australian film
industry over the last eight years, a period
viewed by industryites Down Under as a
"renaissance in Australian films."
Represent a Cross-Section
Opening the festival is the 1974 release
"Sunday Too Far Away." In 1975, it was
the first Australian film ever selected for
the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes and was
a triple winner at the Australian Film Institute
Awards (equivalent to the U.S. Academy
Awards), winning best picture, best
actor (Jack Thompson) and best supporting
actor (Reg Lye).
"Sunday Too Far Away" takes a straight,
hard look at the life of an Australian sheepshearer,
a character legendary for his
strength, resourcefulness and masculinity in
Australian folklore. Jack Thompson stars as
the swaggering, arrogant shearer Foley.
Among the films being exhibited during
the festival is the highly acclaimed "Newsfront,"
which won eight of 13 possible
Australian Film Institute Awards for 1978,
and was considered by one New York critic
as the only film which justified this year's
Cannes Festival. "Newsfront" covers the period
from 1948 to 1956 in the lives of
brothers working for rival newsreel companies,
set against the backdrop of Australian
and world events.
The other films in the festival cover a
wide range of themes: "Caddie" (1976) is
a woman alone trying to support her two
children in the 1920s and early '30s: "Storm
Boy" (1977) portrays three outcasts living
on a wildlife sanctuary; the California carconsciousness
of "American Graffiti" infects
Australia in "The F.J. Holden"
(1977); Jim Sharman, of "The Rocky Horror
Picture Show" fame, directs the nihilistic
"The Night the Prowler" (1978), from a
screenplay by Nobel laureate Patrick White:
"The Devil's Playground" (1976), the first
feature by director Fred Schepisi, examines
a young man's coming to terms with his
sexuality in a Catholic seminary; an ex-con
goes "In Search of Anna" (1978), the woman
he left behind when he went to jail, and
"Backroads" (1977), an earlier film directed
by "Newsfront's" Phil Noyce, explores the
mistreatment of Aborigines in .Australian
society.
"Backroads" will be on a dual-bill with
"The Singer and the Dancer" (1976), a
film by Gillian Armstrong, which compares
and describes the social choices available
for women in Australia today and yesterday.
Ms. Armstrong, who started with Phil
Noyce as a student in the first class of the
Australian Film and Television School in
1973, is now preparing her first full-length
feature, "My Brilliant Career," for the New
South Wales Film Corp. Based on Miles
Franklin's famous novel of the same name,
the film is about a woman liberated before
her time.
Raymond Longford's silent film, "The
Sentimental Bloke" (1919), regarded as
Australia's first screen classic, and Charles
Chauvel's historic film epic "Forty Thousand
Horsemen" (1940). covering the famous
charge of the Australian Light Horsemen
in the Sinai Desert during World War
I, will also be included in the festival.
The Australian Film Festival is being presented
by Australian Films Office, an organization
set up specifically to bring Australian
films to the American audience. AFO
is affiliated with the New South Wales Film
Corp., which is headquartered in Sydney,
the main base for Australia's film industry.
With offices in Los Angeles, the Australian
Films Office is headed by American
Samuel W. Gelfman. a former independent
producer and studio executive.
Gelfman stated that he forsees a great
influx of Australian pictures into the Amercan
theatrical market. "Australian filmmakers
are producing movies in the English
language enjoyed around the world." he
said. "Just as Hollywood is a small enclave
that exports films to the rest of America
and the world, so Australia, and the cadre of
moviemakers developed in the past ten
years, will produce films that will play
everywhere."
U.S. Premieres of French
Films at Temple University
PHILADELPHIA—Nine newly released
full-length feature French films are celebrating
their American premieres at Temple
University here this week. Just flown in
from Paris, the films are in French with
English subtitles. The screenings are in the
Ritter Hall Annex on campus with admission
set at $1.
The opening films include Maurice Ronet's
"Bartleby"; Coline Serreau's first film.
"Mais Qu'est-ce qu'Elles Veulent?". a study
of the condition of French women which
was banned in France until recently, and
"La Horse," a western with Jean Gabin.
BOXOFFICE :: November 6. 1978 E-1

—
I
—
BRO ADM^ AY
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL opened its
holiday show Thursday (2) with the
world premiere of "Caravans,'" a Universal
release of an Elmo Williams production
based on James Michener's novel of desert
adventure. Anthony Quinn. Jennifer O'Neill.
Michael Sarrazin. Barry Sullivan. Christopher
Lee. Joseph Cotlen. Jeremy Kemp and
Behroon Vosoughi head the cast. James
Fargo directed and Nancy Voyles Crawford.
Thomas A. McMahon and Lorraine
Williams did the screenplay.
The combined Thanksgiving-Christmas-
New Year's program features a two-part
stage show, the annual pageant "The Nativity"
and the holiday revue "A Merrie
Olde Christmas." produced by John Henry
Jackson. The Rockettes. special guest artists,
the choral ensemble and the symphony orchestra
appear, under the direction of Will
Irwin. Settings are by John William Keck,
costumes by Frank Spencer.
•
Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thursday (23) will he highlighted by. among
other attractions, the "Lord of the Rings"
float. 30 feet long. 20 feet wide and 30 feet
high. Based on the characters created by
J.R.R. Tolkien, the float will promote the
United Artists film of the same name.
Frodo. some Hohhits. the wizard Gandalf
and other characters will be represented both
live and in
three dimensional replicas on the
float.
The film was produced by Said Zaentz
and directed by Ralph Bakshi from a screenplay
by Chris Conkling and Peter S. Beagle.
•
Opening: Delayed because of the newspaper
strike, which now appears to be about
over, "A Dream of Passion" began an exclusive
engagement Friday (3) at the UA
Gemini 2. Melina Mercouri and Ellen Burstyn
star in the Jules Dassin film, an Avco
Embassy release, which has received rave
reviews.
•
Universal and Motown's "The Wiz" broke
the opening day boxoffice record at Loew's
Astor Plaza October 25. The premiere
of the film version of the hit Broadway musical
was held Tuesday. October 24 with
such stars as Diana Ross. Lena Home. Richard
Pryor, Michael Jackson and Thelma
Carpenter in attendance. Director Sidney
Lumet and Mayor Ed Koch, a star in his
own right, also attended. A special BMT
train took the celebrities to a reception afterwards
at Windows on the World in the
World Trade Center.
•
In the magazines: Seventeen magazine for
November features a seven-page ad section
on "The Wiz." Also in that issue are an
article on Paramount's forthcoming "Star
Trek" feature and interviews with John
Travolta and the Bee Gees.
•
Book Reviews: Doug McCleUand's "The
Golden Age of B' Movies." reviewed here
la.1t week, is publicized by Charter House
and is being distributed by Two Continents.
a New York publishing firm. The hitter's
blurb managed to misspell the author's mime
(as McLelland) three times.
For those who can't get enough of America's
Singing Sweethearts, turn to "The
Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson
Eddy" (Citadel Press) by Philip Castanza.
The author, who works for Buena Visia
here, has brought forth a most handsome
book, with an introduction by personal
friend Eleanor Powell, who starred with
Eddy in "Rosalie" (1937).
•
The Fondas have taken over the Regency
Theatre for the latest retrospective series,
six weeks of films with Henry, Jane and
Peter beginning Sunday (5) with Henry's
"The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) and "The
Ox-Bow Incident" (1943). The actor, currently
appearing on Broadway in "First
Monday in October," was expected to be at
the theatre on opening day.
Henry holds forth with double-bills until
Tuesday (14) when the fare will be Jane in
"Fun With Dick and Jane" (1977) and
Henry in "Stage Struck" (1958). Peter's
first offering will be Tuesday (21) with
"Lilith" (1964), co-billed with Jane's "Cat
Ballou" (1965).
•
The United Jewish Appeal-Federation
dinner honoring Neil Bogart. president of
Casablanca Record and FilmWorks. as their
music and entertainment division Man of
the Year, was sold out with more than
$750,000 raised. Dick Clark was emcee of
the affair, held October 28 at the Americana
Hotel. Former While House aide
Midge Costanza was a guest speaker and
entertainment was provided by Donna Summer
and a disco show.
•
Showcases for Wednesday (1): a new arrival
in "Comes a Horseman"; "Interiors"
on a wide break: the double-bills "The Buddy
Holly Story" and "Somebody Killed Her
Husband" (Columbia) and "Sgt. Pepper's
Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Almost
Summer" (Universal), and the X-rated
"High School Bunnies" on mini.
For Friday (3), "Piranha" (New World)
and "Watership Down" (Avco Embassy),
the latter on mini, were new attractions.
Also playing: "Halloween," "A Wedding,"
"The Big Fix," "Foul Play" and
"Grease."
The 'Ultimate Cross-Plug'
Is Cinema Shares Int'l's
NEW YORK—The ultimate cross-plug
finally has occurred, according to Cinema
Shares International Distribution. Universal
Pictures, says CSID, is selling a Cinema
Shares feature. About midway in "The Big
Fix," Richard Dreyfuss' son says "Daddy,
I want to see 'Godzilla vs. Megalon.' "
The Godzilla epic is
one of three starring
the classic lizard that CSID now has in both
theatrical and TV release. CSID officials
figure the cross-plug will not hurt the company
or the films.
In New York 'Sonata/
'Boys/ 'Days' Gross
NEW YORK — "Autumn Sonata"
was
still No. I, a hefty 405 in its thiid Baronet
round. Second again came "The Boys Fro ^i
Brazil," down to 215 in the fourth Ziegfcid
week. "Days of Heaven" inched up one
place to third, with a close 210 in the seventh
segment at Cinema I. "Violette"
changed places with it in fourth spot, .m
even 200 in the third Paris week.
Showcase held up with "National Lampoon's
Animal House," "Midnight Express.
"
"The Wiz," "A Wedding," "Halloween" and
"Foul Play."
(Average Is 100)
-Autumn Sonata (New World),
3rd wk
Yor 3rd wk.
Little Carnegie Bread and Chocolate
(World Northal), 14th wk
Pans—Violette (Ga^imont-New York,-),
3rd wk
63th Street Playhouse—No Time lor Breakias
(Dcniel Bourla), 7lh wk
Victoria Count Dracula and His Vampire
Bride (Howard Mahler/Dynamite), 2nd wk
Ziegield The Boys From Brazil (20th-Fox),
wk
'Madame Rosa' Is Still Big
In B'more; 'Coconuts' Bows
BALTIMORE — Topping the weeks
glosses here for the third straight time is
"Madame Rosa." The former prostitute
turned a trick of 275 as she turned on the
audiences' tears.
Bowing was "Goin' Coconuts," a Donnie
and Marie romp through the Hawaiian islands
which milked a mere 75 at two houses.
Others who at least broke even were "Interiors,"
"A Wedding," "Up in Smoke" and
"The Boys From Brazil."
Cinema II— Interiors (UA) 4th wk 100
Liberty National Lampoon'j Animal House
(Univ). 12th wk 90
Mini rlik I, Senator—A Wedding (,C:h-Fo>:l
3rd wk, ,150
,275
Nassau County's Central
Opens With a Big Splash
NASSAU COUNTY. N.Y.—The new
Central Theatre opened Friday. September
29 with what the management called a "big
splash." Agatha Christie's "Death on the
Nile" celebrated the event along with a
WGBB Radio live broadcast from the theatre,
as well as drawings for prizes.
The Central's appointments and decor,
created by interior designer Dorothy Doran,
are intended to make filmgoing once again
a luxurious experience. The house has an
all-new Dolby sound system and some of
the finest sound and projection equipment
in Nassau County.
The Central Theatre is part of a circuit
of first-run motion picture theatres owned
and operated by the New York-based B.S.
Moss Enterprises. The Moss firm operates
six theatres in Manhattan, as well as others
in New Jersey, Westchester County and
California.
E-2
BOXOFFICE :: November 6. 1978

. . . "Tommy"
. . Arlene
. . "Comes
'Once in Paris' Opens
At 68th St. Playhouse
NEW YORK— 'Once in Paris," a film
produced, written and directed by Frank D.
Gilroy, starring Wayne Rogers, Gayle Hiinnicutt
and intioducing Jack Lenoir, will
have its world premiere here at the 68th
Street Playhouse Thursday (9).
The story of an American screenwriter's
first trip to Paris, his involvement with a
French chauffeur he has been warned not
to trust and an English woman who appears
like a restless husband's dream, "Once in
Paris," independently financed and distributed,
was filmed entirely on location in
Paris with a French crew.
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of
"The Subject Was Roses." Frank D. Gilroy
has written and directed two previous films:
"Desperate Characters" starring Shirley
MacLaine and "Froom Noon Till Three"
starring Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland.
Wayne Rogers, who portrays the screenwriter,
played Trapper John for the first
three years of the TV series "M*A*S*H"
and starred in his own series, "City of Angels."
His credits range from off-Broadway
to feature films.
Gayle Hunnicutt, one-time Universal
starlet, resides in England where film and
theatre work, including her performance in
the acclaimed BBC series "The Golden
Bowl" have established her as a serious
actress.
Jack Lenoir, after 20 years in the French
film industry as extra, stunt man and chauffeur,
makes his acting debut as the formidable
driver.
Music was composed and conducted by
Mitch Leigh, best known for "The Man of
La Mancha."
Asked why the film is independently financed
and distributed, Gilroy said: "I
wanted to make my own mistakes." Asked
if "Once in Paris" is a comedy or a drama,
he replied: "Yes."
Huntington Film Festival
Will Continue on Sundays
HUNTINGTON, W. VA.—The Sunday
Film Festival of foreign and art films has
resumed at Huntington's Keith Albee after
a summer hiatus. According to Dennis Ferrell,
a spokesman for the Greater Huntington
Theatre Corp., most of the scheduled
productions have received high acclaim
critically.
Showtimes are 1 and 9:30 p.m. Sundays,
unless otherwise noted. Admission is $3,
with senior citizen prices set at $1.50.
Most recently, "Blue Collar." starring
Richard Pryor and Harvey Keitel, was
screened. Upcoming offerings include the
French comedy "Pardon Mon Affaire" Sunday
(12). Bernardo Bertolucci's "1900"
Sunday (19), Simone Signoret in "Madame
Rosa" Sunday (26) and Lois Bunuel's "That
Obscure Object of Desire" December 3.
The film series originated in April 1976
and has been continued ever since with brief
interruptions for summer vacations and the
Christmas season.
BALTIMORE
gill Steele celebrated a decade as manager
of the E.M. Loew's Governor Ritchie
Drive- In October 10 Rehmann,
secretary at Claude Signs, will have
Neon
been with that firm eight years Thursday
Other Claude Neon news: Vincent
Church recently joined the staff as an apprentice.
A bull roast was planned for Saturday
(4) at the shore property of Bill Dauses
who is in charge of outside sign installations.
It was the second annual roast.
Evelyn Keyes, veteran actress, was in
town recently to promot; her autobiography
"Scarlett O'Hara's Younger Sister" . . .
"King of Hearts" advertised a midnight
show on a recent weekend at the Mini Flick
in addition to its regular five-show schedule
came to town at the Westview
and Cinema I October 20 . . . Another
film which opened on that date was "Shame
of the Jungle" at
the Charles.
Maryland Comptroller Louis Goldstein
reported that night clubs have contributed
more tax revenue to the state than any other
entertainment source. He stated that Maryland
residents spent over $233 million on
taxable entertainment during fiscal 1978, an
increase of 30 per cent over the previous
year. Entertainment spending included $41.3
million for motion pictures, producing $2.1
million in taxes.
George F. Eitel, regional manager for
National Theatre Supply, returned from the
NATO convention in New York City with
his wife. Of the event he had this to say:
"I thought it was very good and enlightening.
They had a wonderful turnout. We introduced
our Simplex X-LIl Unitized Projector
complete with sound head and projector."
"The River Rhine" will be the second
film in the "Round the World Adventures"
series sponsored by the Maryland Academy
of Sciences at the Lyric Theatre Thursday
(9) and Friday (10). The film will be narrated
by Eric Pavel who was born and
schooled in Europe and lived in South
America before settling in the U.S. He
speaks seven languages fluently.
A suit to abolish the state's Motion Picture
Censor Board has been filed by the
operators of the Follies Bookstore. Burton
W. Sandler, attorney for the Follies, said
that the recent court decision that struck
down the Maryland anti-pornography law
protects the operators of motion picture theatres
from prosecution but unfairly allows
prosecuton of workers in book stores, like
the Follies, which have peep shows.
Leon B. Back, general manager of Rome
Theatres and president of NATO of Maryland,
and Robert Rapport of Rapport Theatres
have been appointed to the Baltimore
Commission on Motion Picture Promotion
and Development by Mayor William Donald
Schaefer.
R. H. Gardener, film critic for the Sun,
wrote of "Death on the Nile," "Christie
fans, who are legion, will doubtless like
'Death on the Nile' for the way it recalls the
book. Others will have to settle for the
beauty of the scenery, the elegance of the
decor and the mi.xed pleasure of seeing a
lot of very good actors wasting their talent
in
quest of an easy buck."
"Midnight Express" bowed here Friday
October 27 at the Towson, Westview and
the Movies . a Horseman," starring
Jane Fonda, Jason Robards and James
Caan. opened Wednesday, October 25 at the
Campus Hills Cinema, Jumpers, Rotunda
Cinema, Cinema 11, Pike and the Movies.
The Baltimore Film Forum will screen
several new French films which have never
been shown commercially in the U.S. before.
The series, sponsored by the Film
Forum and the Baltimore Museum of Art
in cooperation with La Cercle Francais of
the Johns Hopkins University, is titled "Les
Semaines Universitaires de Cinema Fran
cais" and is made available to city audiences
by the cultural services office of the
French embassy.
"Mickey's Birthday Party Show," advertised
as running matinees only the weekend
of October 21-22, was featured at the
Boulevard, Carrolltowne, Cinema Columbia
City. Cinema Harundale, Cinema Perring
Plaza. Cinema Security Square Mall. Grand,
Harford Mall Cinema. Hollywood and the
Movies.
The South Baltimore Local Development
Corp., is trying to gel a federal grant to
reopen the McHenry Theatre on Light
Street as a neighborhood film house that
will featur; special programs for senior
citizens and children, as well as weekend
evening programs for families and oldtime
movie festivals. The funds being sought
would be used to start a nonprofit corporation
to run the programs and equip the auditorium.
"Kiola to Jamaica" and "Reckon With
the Wind," two ocean-racing films, were
presented as a part of the Maritime Lecture
Series at the University of Baltimore Library.
Baltimore Home Theatre, whose monthly
offerings include X-rated films, is engaged
in a subscription drive. Meanwhile, Baltimore
County's cable TV franchise holder,
Caltec, is featuring Home Box Office. The
two services use entirely different transmission
systems: Home Theatre broadcasts
from a microwave system in Towson. Md.,
and Home Box Office programs are carried
by satellite from New York to Catonsville,
Md.. and then arc picked up through the
county's cable system. Both systems charge
subscribers a flat monthly fee for their
services.
Walter Gettinger of Gettinger Enterprises,
with interests in the downtown Howard
Theatre and the Stowaway Motel in Ocean
City, celebrated his birthday October 14.
BOXOFFICE November 6. 1978 E-3

. . . Brother
PITTSBURGH
jyjagic," a Joseph E. Levine presentation
via 20th Century-Fox. is on screen at
the Fulton Showcase Cinemas . . . Village
and North Hills have Walt Disney's "•Fantasia"
. . . "The Wild Geese" is seen at a
number of neighborhood theatres . . . Exploited
as "the most important film of the
decade." "Midnight Express" is at the Gateway
. . . "Bloodbrothers" is on screen at the
Bank Cinema and at several suburban
houses.
Gene Connelly is the 1979 chief barker
of Variety Club Tent 1. succeeding Jeffrey
Weiss. The new top man. to be honored at
the club's 52nd annual banquet Friday (10)
at the Holiday House, is not related to the
"original" Gene Connelly, who in 1905
coined the word nickelodeon to describe the
v/orld's first all-moving picture house. Harry
Davis's innovation at Smithfield and
Forbes here.
Herman Hartman, Kings Court manager,
reportedly normal throughout the week, becomes
Hairy Herman, a gorilla, for the
weekend midnight showings of "The Rocky
Horror Picture Show," now in its 27th week.
Kings Court was turned into a haunted castle
for a Halloween treat. Count Dracula
in his coffin greeted patrons while Igor
played haunting melodies on the house organ,
and a spooky double-feature was offered
on screen. Herman started the pumpkin
rolling when he sent two witches out onto
the streets of the Oakland district college
area. Those in attendance were costumed
and prizes went to the funniest, scariest and
most unusual.
Bill Anderson, former 20th Century-Fox
branch manager here who now holds a sim-
Monroeville zoners were cautious in approving
an FCC tower-antenna to rise 60
feet above a three-story rooftop at the Holiday
House . . . South Hills Child Guidance
Center directors and consultants observe
that children's TV-watching habits arc crucial
to their developing personalities.
Jimmy Bojalad, retired veteran DuBois
projectionist, returned there after residing
in Washington. D.C.. for several years . . .
Grove City finally has Sunday movies. With
the 300-year-old Pennsylvania blue laws
recently declared unconstitutional, any such
business within the Commonwealth may
open on Sunday without any political subdivision
referendum.
The Forum, a Cinemette unit, finally goes
dark December 1, following the moveover
run of "Girl Friends" and a showing of the
French "Cat and Mouse" . . . Cinemette's
Manor, being twinned, will reopen at Christmas.
The opening of "Lord of the Rings" at
Kings Court was set back to Wednesday
(15) . . . "Comes a Horseman" is in release
throughout the area . . . "Heroes" returns
here Friday (17) . . . Warner and the Showcase
Cinemas previewed "Paradise Alley"
October 27 . . . "Hired Hand" topped three
adult films at the Liberty . . . Opening at
the Fiesta and Showcase Cinemas is "Message
From Space."
Also featured at area theatres were "Calendar
Girls," "Overnight Models," "Dirty
Lil," "Night of the Spanish Fly." "The Toolbox
Murders," "Thru the Looking Glass,"
"Tender Loving Care," "Honeymoon Haven,"
"Disco Lady," "Liquid Lips," "Hard
Soap," "Secrets," "Almost Summer,"
"Sweethearts," "Newcomers," "Maniac,"
"Misty Beethoven," "Barbara Broadcast,"
"Goin' South." "Saturday Night Special."
"Grease," "Suspiria" and "Truck Stop
Women."
¥r.
^/
'^
ilar post in Cleveland, recently rode 40 miles
in a Cancer Crusade Bike-A-Thon . . , Carnegie
magazine features William Judson. Cinemette's Monroe, closed several weeks
curator of the film section of the Museum ago. is being remodeled into a record mart
of Art, Carnegie Institute, who has written
Richard Emendecker. 39, of the
an article on Spanish film director Luis Catholic diocese communications branch,
Bunuel.
has opened his office as supervisor of cable
TV operations for Pittsburgh. Council members
and the city's legal department are preparing
bid offers for a single 15-year franchise
for a CATV system.
^"''^ oOdto^j
Merchant
ADS
UPON
WEN
REQUEST)
^ FILM5
DATE
NO SMOKING '^Ol.|DA^
STRIPS'
HEADERS
SPECIAL ANNOUNcf
trailerette;
FILMACR STUDIOS, INC.
The Penn in Mount Pleasant features
double-bill adult movies . . . Lois Miller
(Mrs. Lois McGill). in years past Loew's
Penn organist and organist at Atlantic City's
Convention Hall, died at 77 in Highstown.
N.J.
Mecrcy Braff Weiner, who has departed
as executive secretary of NATO of Western
Pennsylvania after 25 years, may be addressed
as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Marvin
L. Weiner, Wilshire East, 1300 Miami Gardens
Drive #307. North Miami Beach, Fla.
33179.
Lower Ticket Prices Build
Business in Neptune City
(Continued from page E-1)
recent showing of "Go Tell the Spartans"
in the Middletown Theatre charged only
$1.50 but only because the film had already
played the area.
General Cinema Corp.. with a duplex in
the Seaview Square Mall, and triplex houses
in the Ocean County Mall at Toms Ri\cr
and in the Shrewsbury Plaza, features "bargain
matinees." Currently, the theatres
charge $1.50 until 2:30 p.m. However. Cy
Evans, a GCC spokesman, said that the
circuit recently has begun experimenting
with a so-called "home matinee" which
would extend the bargain matinee period
imtil 5 p.m. If the idea proves successful
it probably will be used in this area as well.
Evans said that senior citizens along with
housewives form the bulk of the audiences
at the bargain matinees.
A few movie houses have a special discount
for senior citizens, requiring proof
of age to receive the price discount. Michael
—
Frankel. owner of the Belmar Cinema in
Bradley Beach, offers group rates to senior
citizens along with special matinees, but
only if a particular picture warrants it.
Corbson Cinema Corp.. which owns and
operates two theatres in Jackson Township
— Director's Chair and Jackson Cinema
has two different reduced-price policies.
One is a Monday night "Date Night." which
allows a female to be admitted free when
accompanied by a paying male escort. The
other is a promotion that is done in conjunction
with the local Foodtown store.
Jim Corbett. one of the partners in the
cinema corporation, explained that the
Foodtown operation is something similar
that was set up by several local merchants.
Whenever someone gets a sales receipt from
the store, a coupon is included on the back
of it. The coupon entitles a person to twofor-onc
admission for any of the two theatres
on Mondays through Thursdays.
Almost all of the theatres that had reduced-rate
policies reported that they were
able to conduct a profitable operation—not
forgetting increased patronage also accounts
for increased sales at the concession
stand. General Cinema's Evans said that if
Ihc bargain matinees were not profitable,
the circuit would not keep them going on
thinking of expanding the time period.
Corbett noted that about 75 per cent more
people come out to the two Jackson Township
theatres on a "Date Night" than durina
the rest of the week.
E-4 November 6. 1978

. . "Comes
. . "The
. .
. . Ginny
1 658 Cordova Street Los Angeies Calil 90007
;;
I
Future of Philadelphia, Pa.
Cable TV Is in Jeopardy
PHILADELPHIA—Cable television lor
eentcr-city residents and most other parts
of Philadelphia doesn't loom in the im
mediate future. Members of a special state
senate committee probing the absence of
cable TV in most of the city were told by
industry officials that the installation of
cable systems is economically unfeasible in
many neighborhoods of the city.
James W. Stillwell, vice-president of
Telesystems Corp.. said that while the demand
obviously is there, "it has not been
possible to cope with the economic cost to
extend the servxe." Telesystems operates
the only cable franchise in the city at present,
but services some 1 1.000 homes in only
one area of South Philadelphia.
The industry officials said the cost of
installing cable systems is prohibitive in
center-city, the fastest growing population
center, because most of the wires must be
placed underground. While it may be possible
to offer the subscription TV sports
and movie services provided by Home Box
Office and PRISM, which can be handled
with special equipment added to the regular
TV set. it was recognized that such efforts
can easily be blocked by owners of highrise
apartments.
Due to the poor TV reception in centercity,
apartment owners carry master antennas
for which residents pay a rental
charge. They can easily block the subscription
service unless they receive a commission
from the services. In addition, a single
homeowner can prevent his entire block
from receiving cable TV by refusing to allow
the cable to cross his property.
Pennsylvania Court Rules
Scrambling Device Illegal
WILKES-BARRE. PA.—A lawsuit started
by two cable TV companies against a
local firm which allegedly sold television
signal unscrambling devices has been resolved
by a Luzerne County court here this
week. The court has approved a stipulation
that permanently enjoins the firm and three
individuals from selling or distributing the
devices which enable purchasers to receive
television programs for which the cable
companies' customers are required to pay
a monthly fee.
The suit was initiated by Service Electric
Cable TV, Inc.. of nearby Hazleton,
Pa., and Northeast Pennsylvania TV Cable
Co., of suburban Dunmore. Pa., against
Wallco, Inc.. a local firm, and three individuals—Russell
Wall, J. Frederick Pope
and Charles Ferguson. The concern raised
by the Service Electric and Northeast Pennsylvania
TV firms was the Home Box Office
sports and movie programing provided
to their subscribers at a special monthly
charge.
The cable TV firms contended that Wallco
and the three company individuals were
selling a device that unscrambled the Home
Box Office signal, and, according to the
complaintant, the defendants" actions constituted
theft of telecommunication services.
BOXOFHCE November 6. 1978
BUFFALO
gilent films in the Saturday series at the
. . , Attorney
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
will include Greta Garbo in "The
Kiss" (1929) and "As You Desire Me"
(1932) and "Show People" by King Vidor
(1918) with Marion Davies
Daniel S. Mark, Buffalo native and Canisuis
College graduate, has joined O. J. Simpson's
new Orenthal Productions, as executive
in charge of production. A major responsibility
will be overseeing details of the
five-year agreement Simpson just signed
with NBC. Mark's expertise is in entertainment
law.
putting
together.
.
"Slave of Love" opened October 25 at
the Maple-Forest Theatre . . . "Bread and
Chocolate" was rescheduled to open the
same day in the Amherst Theatre . . . "Midnight
Express" was booked into the Boulevard,
Seneca and Thruway Mall Cinemas
for Friday, October 27 . Obsessed
One" and "The Tormented" bowed the same
day at Loews Teck a Horseman"
started Wednesday. October 25 at the
Colvin and Como 8 theatres.
"The Manitou" started Friday, October
27 exclusively at Holiday 2 ... "A Dream
of Passion," Avco Embassy's release with
Melina Mercouri and Ellen Burstyn, will
have an exclusive Western New York showina
at the Granada Theatre starting Fridav
(10).
Todd Wilhelm, sales trainee at the 20th
Century-Fox branch here and son of independent
booker John Wilhelm, will be married
December 2. The bride to be is Mary
Anne Casaregola of Catskill, N.Y.
The Friday-Saturday evening films shown
by "Friends of CAC," which raise funds
for University of Buffalo's Community Action
Corps will include "Carnal Knowledge."
"Dirty Harry," "Deliverance," "Annie
Hall" and "American Hot Wax" .
Monday evening films shown by the Jewish
Student Union include "Gentlemen's Agreement,"
"The Great Dictator." "The Man in
the Glass Booth" and "The Shop on Main
Street."
Frank Arena, manager of Loews 167th
Street Theatre. North Miami, Fla.. was in
town for a few days finalizing some Buffalo
business and visiting friends. Frank was
formerly manager of Loews Teck . . . Neil
Simon's "California Suite" made its first
showing in the Buffalo area October 26 on
the stage of Shea's Buffalo, with Carolyn
Jones.
Center. Her concert was October 25.
.
"Grease," the touring musical, took the
stage October 27 Krebs, secretary
to Ed Meade Advertising Agency, took
her children Marty and Katy to the 1979
Ice Capades recently in Buffalo's Memorial
.'\iiditorium.
Talia Shire, wife of Buffalo native and
Hollywood composer David Shire, is on the
set of the forthcoming "Rocky 11" these
days . . . Just as "Midnight Express" opened
in Buffalo, one of its stars happens to be
here on other business. Actor Mike Kellin
is in this area as the actor-in-residence at
the Jewish Center in connection with the
Joe Conley, the former South Buffalonian
center's
who
Book Fair. He is familiar to filmgoers
from such films as "Freebie and the
plays the storekeeper in "The Waltons,"
made a shart visit to Buffalo to visit friends
Bean." "Next Stop Greenwich Village" and
and do more research on his grandfather,
"The Boston Strangler."
"Snake Oil Johnny" McMahon, who
The 12th annual
will be
Jewish
the leading character in a TV Community Book Fair is schcdLiled
series Joe is
Saturday (4) through Tuesday (14).
Donna Summer, soul singer and disco
movie star, was the first popular performer
to appear in the new Buffalo Convention
Discotronics, Inc. Catalog
Features Over 600 Films
CANBURY. N.J.—A new 1979 catalog
of pre recorded films for video cassette
recorders has been issued here by the Video
Cassette Exchange Division of Discotronics,
Inc. About 600 feature films from Hollywood
and foreign film studios are listed
for both purchase and exchange.
IIIIIII
TTTTTT
IIIIIIIIII
RELAX
MR. EXHIBITOR!
No more running through airports
for your accessories.
UTA(Jelivers them on time.
Ask any theatre about
UTA's accessor/ service.
Contact: ARMANDATAMIAN
213-734-0510
TTTttmiiiiniiimnmm
C
f

:
PHILADELPHIA
Joe BaJtake, film critic at the Daily News,
returned his "Sneak Preview Club" to
the Walnut Street Theatre Film Center. For
a S3 single admission, with dates depending
on product availability, movie fans take
their chances on the brand new screen product
offered. No titles or clues given in advance
to make it a true "sneak preview."
Milt Tatelman, author of "How Hollywood
Rips You Off." is one of the star attractions
at the suburban .^bington Township
(Pa.) .Adult School's Celebrity Series.
He's due for a spring date following a
March 19 performance by Tony Randall.
The now-defunct old house, the Royal
Theatre, which was the first movie theatre
to serve the Philadelphia black community,
will experience a rebirth by former actor
and theatre producer Joe! Peters, joined by
David Wildmann and Reed Apaghian. Plans
call for the construction of a 1.200 square
foot structure, for live theatre, movies,
d.inces and community festivals.
The seven-story IMAX movie screen in
the closed-down Living History Museum.
considered the largest movie screen in the
world, and the 850-seat theatre in which
it is housed, will be retained by WHYY-TV.
the public broadcasting station which acquired
the multi-million dollar building for
its new broadcast studios.
Larry Steinfel, regional publicity and promotion
chief for American International
Pictures, is wild posting the town with special
one-sheets for "Count Dracula and His
Vampire Bride." He also is using the posters
as giveaway prizes at area movie houses.
The contest conducted by the Journal, with
35 winners invited to a private screening,
was a tremendous success in drawing over
5.500 coupons.
The original 1925 silent version of "The
Phantom of the Opera" will be screened
with musical accompaniment on the Curtis
Organ at a special benefit showing in the
Irvine Auditorium. The $1.50 admission
will benefit the restoration of the famed
Curtis Organ, a pipe organ with 10.791
pipes that was built especially for the Sesquicentennial
Exposition here in 1926.
'Wiz Breaks First-Day
Gross Record in NYC
New York— "The Wiz," Universal/
Motowji's multimillion-dollar musical
film which stars Diana Ross as Dorothy,
October 25 broke the opening-day
boxoffice record at Loews Aslor Plaza
Theatre on Broadway. The previous
record-holder was "Star Wars," with
$20,322.
Also starring Michael Jackson, Nipsey
Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Home and
Richard Pryor, "The Wiz" was produced
by Rob Cohen and directed by
Sidney Lumet, from a screenplay by
Joel Schumacher.
Photographed in Technicolor and
Dolby Stereo, "The Wiz" was filmed
entirely in New York City on 32 separate
locations in four boroughs and
with 20 sets built at the Astoria Studios
in Queens.
Barbara Jenkins Appointed
Budco Pub, Promo Director
PHILADELPHIA—Rob Arnold, advertising
director for Budco Theatres whose
department has been handling the publicity
duties as well, announced that Barbara
Jenkins has been appointed director of publicity,
promotion and group sales for the
circuit which operates more than 50 theatres
in this region and in Florida.
Ms. Jenkins has been with Budco in
various capacities for a number of years
and most recently was assistant to Linda
Goldenberg. who was director of publicity,
promotion and group sales until she joined
Columbia Pictures here last year.
Nei-Ali Productions Formed
BELMAR, N. J.—Cliff
Hores announced
the establishment of his own film production
business here in the Newman Building.
The company, which will operate under
the name of Nei-Ali Productions, will specialize
in all phases of film production, including
TV commercials, educational films,
filmstrips, documentaries and research. The
company also will function as a media consulting
firm.
SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE: 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE
D $15.00 FOR 1 YEAR D $28.00 FOR 2 YEARS
Outside U.S., Canada and Pan American Union, $25.00 per year
n Remittance Enclosed Q Send Invoice
THEATRE
STREET
TOWN STATE ZIP
NAME
POSITION
CHEFS AT CINEMETTE HOUSE
—The recent opening of Warner Bros."
"Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of
Europe?" was given special attention at
the Cinemette East theatres in Monroeville.
Pa. Engineered by Carol Sloan,
publicity and promotion director with
Kahn & Wallen, the promotion featured
an appearance by an award-winning
chef and various culinary delights
whipped up by theatre staffers and
friends. The Bombe Richelieu pictured
above, a replica of the desert prepared
by Jacqueline Bisset in the film, was
created by Josephine Sige, employee at
the Blue Dell Drive-In concession stand.
Jon J. Gould Is Appointed
Para. Marketing Director
NEW YORK—Jon J. Gould has been
appointed director of marketing administration
for the marketing group of the motion
picture division of Paramount Pictures
Corp. The announcement was made by
Gordon R. Weaver, senior vice-president of
marketing for the division.
Gould comes to Paramount from Straight
Arrow Publishers, where he was East Coast
sales manager for the publications Rolling
Stone and Outside. He joined Straight Arrow
in August 1977.
Parcnnount Names Throne
Counsel, Admin. Director
HOLLYWOOD—Paramount Pictures has
appointed Judith Merians Throne director
of administration, merchandising and licensing
division. In this newly established posi-
tion she will report directly to Richard'
Weston, vice-president, merchandising and
<
licensing division.
Ms. Throne will serve as counsel to the'
division and also will be responsible for the
day-to-day administration of all merchandising
agreements for both theatrical and
TV properties.
C UVERA91A IS Vi SHOW
BI'SL\ESS MX HAWiUI TOO,
When you come to Wulkikl,
don't miss the famous Don Ho
Show ... at Cinenuna's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
E-6

I
WASHINGTON
The American Film Institute's lull program
includes a continuing series ot lectures
and seminars on various aspects of film
and filmmaiving, which will begin with a sixsession
film introduction Thursday (9). There
will be a day-long seminar on "Careers in
Film" Saturday (11), with Mel London as
moderator. London received an Academy
Award nomination for his documentary "To
Live Again" and authored "Getting Into
Film." Among the guest lecturers are locally
based Larry McMurtry, novelist and
screenwriter ("The Last Picture Show,"
"Hud"), and Charles Guggenheim, filmmaker,
who received Academy Awards for
"Robert Kennedy Remembered" and "Nine
at Little Rock." The introduction to film
sessions will be taught by Albert Ihde,
president of the Washington Film Group,
and continue through December 3. It will
be a survey integrating an overview of film
history and esthetics with the production
of a short film.
Charles Jordan, Warner Bros, branch
manager, will tradescrcen "Movie, Movie,"
starring George C. Scott, at the Motion
Picture Ass'n of America Thursday (9).
Warners has two Christmas releases;
"Superman," will premiere at the Kennedy
Center December 10, to be followed by area
playdates, and Clint Eastwood's "Every
Which Way But Loose" will have a multiple
debut December 20. The Warners release
"Hooper" was among Burt Reynolds last
four films which together had made $400
million for which the superstar had been
cited by the National Ass'n of Theatre
Owners at its 1978 convention in New York.
The following day Reynolds met with the
media, sans mustache. The new Burt Reynolds
at 42 indicated he would like to make
romantic comedies in the Cary Grant tradition.
Modern Talking Picture Service is offering
motion picture theatres ModernCinema
35's "Short Subjects Celebration," These
nine new 35mm sound and color film subjects
includes three of which premiered this
season at Radio City Music Hall in New
York.
Columbia's "Midnight Express" had an
eight-theatre unveiling October 27. Billy
Hayes, the young prisoner who co-authored,
with William Hoffer, the book on which the
movie is based, was here promoting the
film. (Brad Davis plays Hayes in the film.)
Hayes exclaimed that he cannot watch the
movie anymore, that it is very uncomfortable
for him, and that he knows it is not
real, yet it seems all too real. The Star's
ASC
PO Box 5150
TECHNICAL SERVICES
CORPORATION
• Richardson. Texas 750aO
TOTAL BOOTH SERVICE. SOUND,
PROJECTION, PARTS, INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE
aOH3UVBTBe)~ 21')-234-3270
— STAR TREATMENT SERv'cE*
critic lorn Dowling wrote, in pail: "1 he
acting, direction, script and dramatic structure
amount to a stunning piece of work
that would have been disturbing to ponder
had its self-serving moral focus been dropped."
The Halloween ritual was in traditional
form at the White House with ghosts and
pumpkins for the White House staffers. The
features included Carol Channing singing
"Hello, Mr. President . . . It's great to have
you here where you belong," accompanied
by the Marine Band, and the President's
story about ghosts in the White House.
Channing's "Hello, Dolly" company is continuing
its run at the National Theatre.
Livingston L. Biddle jr., chairman of the
National Endowment for the Arts, left for
Paris Friday (3) at the request of the White
House, to go as adviser to the 20th
UNESCO general conference. This mission
prevented chairman Biddle from appearing
as guest speaker at the National Society of
Arts and Letters meeting Tuesday (7) at the
Embassy of Mexico, hosted by Mrs. Margain,
wife of the ambassador. As the society's
program chairman, your Boxoffice
Washington correspondent obtained Louis
W. Scheeder, director-producer of the Folger
Theatre Group, a division of the Folger
Shakespeare Library.
Filmrow mourns the death of Edna Barrett,
vice-president of Film Exchange Employees
Local CE-13. lATSE. Mrs. Barrett,
head inspector for national film service, Molitch
Film Service local branch, died while
vacationing in Texas October 21. She was
a charter member of her union and also of
its predecessor Local B-13, where she was
serving as president when B-13, lATSE,
combined with Local F-13 and became Local
CE-13.
Jose Amerlco of the Voice of America's
Brazilian branch is a writer-editor-interpretor
and specialist in motion pictures. He
also collects motion picture memorabilia
v/hich will be donated to the Library of
Congress. Americo is
the annual representative
to the Academy Awards for Brazil's
largest TV network, Globo. Americo's wife,
Lazze, has a post at the Brazilian Embassy.
As we go to press, we learn that superstar
Elizabeth Taylor Warner, by her U. S.
BUX-MONT
Marquees—Signs
LEASING
Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044
Call (215) 676-4444 or 675-1040
National Film Board Is
Honored at Harvard U.
From Canadian Edition
MONTREAL—The National Film Board
of Canada and its founder John Grierson
are being saluted by Harvard University in
Cambridge, Mass.
Andre Lamy, government film commissioner
of Canada, October 20 introduced a
two-weekend program of NFB films entitled
"John Grierson and the National Film
Board of Canada."
The event was organized in collaboration
with the Canadian Consulate General in
Boston and it forms a part of Center Screen,
a one-month project of the University Film
Study Center, Harvard.
The program includes: "The Grierson
Years" and those NFB documentaries produced
during World War II; "The Grierson
Legacy" featuring NFB documentaries
at the '70s, including the American premiere
of Donald Brittain's recent film on
Pierre Trudeau and Rene Levesque, "The
Champions"; Brittain's "Henry Ford's
America"; "Los Canadienses," d rected by
Albert Kish; Michael Rubbo's "Sad Song
of Yellow Skin," and "Healing." directed
by Pierre Lasry.
Carole Francesca Is Named
Licensing Director for UA
NEW YORK—Carole Francesca has
been appointed assistant director of merchandise
licensing for United Artists, it was
announced by William Dennis, director of
merchandise licensing. In her new position,
effective immediately, she is involved in all
aspects of licensing of the major UA motion
picture properties, with particular concentration
on foreign operations.
A graduate of the University of California
at Santa Barbara, Francesca formerly
was with Columbia Pictures, holding the
positions of marketing services administrator
and licensing administrator in the merchandising
division.
Writer Sues Sunn Classic
For 'Beyond' Royalties
From Western Edition
SALT LAKE CITY—A Virginia man
has claimed in federal court that Sunn
Second Classic Pictures violated a copyright
he held when it made a 1977 film.
George Gordon Ritchie, Wightstone, Va.,
of
filed the action in U.S. District Court
Senate-candidate husband's side attending
Utah. He claims he is the author of "Return
rallies, receptions and handshaking, became
From Tomorrow" and that Sunn in-
annoyed with throat spasms which interfered
fringed his copyright by writing, producing,
with her breathing. So Miss Taylor
distributing and exhibiting the motion
was admitted to the hospital for 48 hours.
picture "Beyond and Back." which was
The annoyance is believed to be related to
largely copied from his
her swallowing a chicken bone while campaigning
story.
with her husband October
12.
ISound and
Projection Service
Nationwide — on all brands.
RCA Service Company, A Division of RCA
43 Edward J Hart Rd . Liberty Industrial Park.
Jersey City. N J 07305. Phone (201) 451-2222
.-mber 6. 1978

Short Independent Films Are Gaining
Wide Distribution, Public Acceptance
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — One Academy
Award-winning film of 1974 didn't receive
broad national distribution until 1978, even
though it was available to theatre owners at
rentals ranging from $25 to $50 per week.
Now "Frank Film." produced by Frank
and Caroline Mouris. and three other critically
acclaimed short independent films
have been viewed by more than 1,500,000
theatregoers who have benefited from the
"Short Film Showcase" of National Endowment
for the Arts.
First Round Success
After noting the success of the first round
of films, which were received favorably by
88 per cent of viewers responding to a survey,
the NEA announced a more ambitious
second year of funding that will underwrite
the distribution of ten additional films.
"Theatre owners are finding that audiences
appreciate the opportunity to view
short experimental films," reports Caroline
Mouris. "Their rationale for avoiding shorts
in the past had been that six runs of a tenminute
film could eliminate one feature
showing, reducing revenue."
However, some exhibitors who participated
in the program during its first year
found that the shorts could be accommodated
by adding a half-hour to either end
of each play day with no loss in "grind
time," says Alan Mitosky, project administrator
for the Foundation for Independent
Video and Film, a national service organization
dedicated to the growth of independent
video and film that is handling the
Short Film Showcase for the NEA.
"We wrote to thousands of exhibitors,
offering the first round of films at no rental,"
Mitosky says. "I followed up by phone,
and found that 75 per cent of those contacted
felt the short films were a good idea.
Many were willing to underwrite the overhead
expenses of keeping their theatres
open that extra hour each day."
Filmmakers Choose Winner
The first four short features were selected
by a panel consisting of filmmakers Ed
Emshwiller, Martin Scorsese and Francis
Ford Coppola; exhibitor Richard Brandt,
and critic Pauline Kael. The NEA provided
the winning filmmakers with $2,000 honor-
control over quality of the blowup as they
had in the production of the original film,"
Mitosky notes. Filmmakers were free to
choose their own lab and working methods,
and to pass final inspection on the 35mm
release prints. Films produced either on
16mm negative or positive film were eligible.
In addition to "Frank Film," an autobiographical
collage of cutout images, three
other experiments with imagery were selected.
"Lapis," by James Whitney, is a
well-known computer-generated film.
"Clay," by Eliot Noyes jr., is a classic animation
of clay animal transformations. Jordan
Belson's "Light" explores revolving,
swirling images in an evocation of the creation
of the universe.
Praised by Critics
"These are all films that have been
praised by critics, but not generally distributed
as widely as they deserved," Mitosky
says. "Distributors have been reluctant to
pay the estimated $13,000 cost to produce
a set of 35mm release prints from a 16mm
original short and for advertising and promotion
when the most they can expect is
$25-$50 per film per week in rentals."
By subsidizing the distribution of excellent
short films, he continues, the NEA
hopes to prove the popularity of these
shorts, and help create a demand for them.
It is not too far-fetched, Mitosky says, to
envision short films eventually standing on
their own in the distribution network.
The filmmakers appreciate the chance to
exhibit their work widely without the need
to tie in with organizations that dictate the
content of the films. "We entered 'Frank
Film' in the Oscar competition at a time
when the Academy would only consider
35mm films," Caroline Mouris says. "So.
we had to do the blowup ourselves."
"Frank Film" was originated on Eastman
Ektachrome commercial film 7252 and enlarged
to a 35mm intermediate from which
duplicate negatives—used for release printing—were
made. Consolidated Film Industries
made the blowup and TVC Laboratories
the release prints. Doubletrack sound
was done by Tony Schwartz.
Serve as
'Appetizers'
The first four films were shown by 90
exhibitors at 2,000 theatres in 28 states,
Mitosky says. They served as "appetizers,"
or "dessert," with every major U.S. feature
release, including "Star Wars," "Goodbye
Girl" and "Grease." United Artists and
Warner Bros, also participated in the distiibution
of the films, although the bulk of
film bookings are handled from the FIVF's
aria for non-exclusive rights to distribute New York office.
their productions for three years. (That figure
has been raised to $2,500 for this year's allocated a certain percentage to big exhibi-
"We made 50 prints of each film, and
round of films.) In addition, the filmmakers tors in major cities, and a smaller number
were funded to cover the cost of making to groups with only one or two theatres in
35mm blowups from 16mm originals.
small towns," Mitosky says.
"This allowed them to maintain the same The NEA realized some prints would be
viewed by only 1,000 theatregoers a week,
while others would be seen by that many
in a single day. but the aim was to reach
as broad an audience as possible.
Viewers were highly enthusiastic in their
comments. Theatregoers in New Orleans
wrote on survey questionnaires that " 'Frank
Film" is a masterpiece in animation," and
remarked on seeing "Clay" that, "The guy
who made that short was a genius."
A viewer in Portland, Ore., wrote that it
was exciting to see good experimental work
— and those not necessarily in the mainstream
yet.
Exhibitors have written
Mitosky with enthusiastic
comments. A theatre owner in
Provincetown, Mass., reports: "I was privileged
to
play one of the short subjects sponsored
by your organization at our theatre.
The audience was delighted to see the return
of fine short films to our screen and made
very favorable comments. Continued participation
in this worthwhile project will
open new horizons for independent filmmakers
and enhance the quality or programing
in the theatres throughout the
country."
Even before an announcement was made
concerning the second round of selection
of shoit films, Mitosky's office received several
hundred requests for applications to enter
the competition. By the time notices
appeared in major filmmaking journals announcing
round two, the stream of letters
became a flood. Ten of the many hundreds
of films that were received before Wednesday
(1) will be selected by juries of qualified
filmmakers and industry representatives for
next year's distribution.
Producers of last year's winning entry
have been surprised and pleased with the
extent of the promotion given their work.
"They are really pushing the films."
Mouris noted. "We get a call nearly every
day from someone who has seen our film
and liked it enough to want to get in touch.
In a single year we probably reached more
people than we would have in decades left
to our own means of distribution."
Mitosky acknowledges that film distribution
is an area where many filmmakers lack
background. "Even the large film producers
work through distributors for that very reason,"
he concludes. "Our job is to provide
an interface between the small filmmaker
and the distribution-exhibition networks so
that broader audiences, who are intercMcJ
in seeing short independent films, can ii.iin
the opportunity to do so."
Philly Science Academy
Features Midnight Films
PHILADELPHIA—The midnight movie
fever that has struck so many film houses
in the area, spreading out until dawn with
the Halloween season, has hit the movieoriented
museums as well. In what was
considered a most unusual film program
for any museum or cultural institution, the
Academy of Natural Sciences in center-city
here staged a "Mummy Movie Marathon."
The screenings started at 8 p.m. Friday,
October 27 and continued until 6 the next
morning.
Only "mummy" movies were shown, including
"Abbott and Costello Meet the
Mummy." "The Mummy's Hand," "The
Mummy," "The Mummy's Ghost," "We
Want Our Mummy," "The Mummy's
Tomb," "In Search of the Mummy's Curse"
and "Curse of the Mummy's Tomb." Admission
was $3.50 with free beverages provided
while ghoulish goodies were on sale at
the concession stand.
E-8
BOXOFFICE :: November 6. 1978

—
'Midnight Express'
Roaring in Denver
DENVER—Some Halloween treats
proved
to be a little tricky at the boxoffice.
"Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride"
drew an anemic 100, while "Halloween" at
four theatres reached only 150. "The Billion
Dollar Hobo" debuted at 150. Topping
the list, however, was "Midnight Express"
with 300. "Girl Friends" fell to an
unfriendly 75.
(Average Is 100)
Century 21 The Boys From Brazil (20th-Fox),
4th wk 200
Cherry Creek, Villa Italia—Who Is Killing the
Greal Chefs of Europe? (WB), 4th wk 135
Coloracfo Four—Girl Friends (WB), 5th wk 75
Cooper—Death on the Nile (Para), 5th wk 100
Hick—Bread and Chocolate (SR), 3rd wk 180
Tamarac Six—A Wedding (20th-Fox), 5th wk 135
University Hills—Interiors (UA), 6th wk 100
3 theatres Comes a Horseman (UA), 1st wk 200
3 theatres Goin' Coconuts (SR), 4th wk. .100
3 theatres Midnight Express (Col), 1st wk 300
3 theatres—Up in Smoke (Para), 5th wk 140
4 theatres—Halloween (SR), 1st wk 150
4 theatres—Goin' South (Para), 4th wk 110
4 theatres National Lampoon's Animal House
(Umv), 13t!: •.vk .. .180
4 theatres—The Big Fix (Univ) 4:h -.vk .185
4 theatres The BilUon Dollar Hobo
(Infl Picture Show), 1st wk 150
8 theatres Count Dracula and His Vampire
Bride (SR), 1st wk 100
Plitt's Woodland Ozoner
Installs Cinema Radio
SALT LAKE CITY—Janis Doom, manager
of Plitt's Woodland Drive-In, announced
the installation of a new sound system,
Cinema Radio. She also announced that the
Woodland will now be open the entire year,
instead of closing for the winter as has been
the practice in the past.
Cinema Radio is described as a sound
system that eliminates the familiar windowhanging
speaker and all its drawbacks. Patrons
dial their car radio to a specified frequency,
resulting in sound comparable to
that of an indoor theatre. No connections
of any kind are required.
Ms. Doom explained that the Cinema
Radio installation is the equivalent of a
small radio station whose range is restricted
to the theatre itself. Moviegoers get the
benefit of vastly improved sound, through
any AM car radio or through the use of a
portable transistor. Ms. Doom advised that
those without car radios would be able to
borrow a portable radio for a small deposit.
Aside from the superior sound quality,
further advantages of Cinema Radio lie in
doing away with speaker problems, such as
getting a faulty speaker and having to move
to a new parking space, poor sound quality
and the discomfort of having the speaker
blaring in the driver's ear while others in the
car strain
to hear.
It was emphasized that there is no battery
strain with Cinema Radio. A car radio can
be played for five hours, with the motor off.
and draw less energy than it takes just to
start the car. And energy drained by Cinema
Radio is regenerated within five or ten
minutes of the drive back home.
Until now, the Woodland Drive-In has
not been equipped with heaters for use
during winter's coldest months, and has
therefore always closed. However, with the
installation of the "Cinema Radio" sound
system, the necessary additional electrical
work was accomplished to accomodate
Now the Woodland will be open the
heaters.
year-round.
The current feature at the Woodland is
"Scalpel" with co-feature "The Manitou,"
broadcast over Cinema Radio. Both films
are rated PG.
Arson Has Paramount
'Down But Not Out'
DENVER— "We are down, but we are
not out!" declared John Simms, president of
Wolfberg Theatres, after a near-disasterous
fire in his big deluxer, the Paramount.
The Denver Opera Company's production
of the Puccini classic "Madame Butter-
scheduled for October 27 had to be rescheduled
fly
at the Denver Municipal Audiflytorium
Theatre for Friday (3).
"The stage area,
including the screen and
curtains, went up in flames," Simms said,
"and extensive damage was done to ceilings,
tapestries and seats."
"Projection equipment suffered heat
damage and some lenses were cracked.
Damage will exceed $100,000. "Fortunately."
Simms added, "the twin Wurlitzers were
saved as they had been covered to accommodate
a fashion show."
"The Paramount will be closed for six
weeks for extensive repair and we will reopen
on December 4 with a benefit performance
of 'The Phantom of the Opera,"
an early Lon Chaney film which was to
have been presented October 30 for the
Jefferson Symphony Ass'n."
Denver's fire chief Myrle Wise said the
3:50 a.m. blaze was set by a vengeful burglar
who was disappointed at not being
able to break into an office where money
was kept. "It definitely was arson, a fire set
on the stage," said the chief. "We found
traces of a flammable fluid."
Arson investigators theorized the
thwarted burglar hid in the theatre before
it was locked about 1:30 a.m. the chief
said. He couldn't break into the office,
which had a dead bolt lock. A doorknob
from the office was found on the burned
stage.
Actor Rues H'wood's
Image of Mexicans
TUCSON—Tony Aguilar, in an interview
with Pat Moran Benton of the Arizona
Daily Star, during a recent Tucson
visit, is far from an afficianado of Hollywood's
portrayals of Mexican-Americans.
Aguilar, having starred in over 116 films,
declares that "for the most part, American
films insult the moviegoers' intelligence."
In one film, "The Undefeated" with John
Wayne, Aguilar "had to correct the script"
because of several cultural and historical
inaccuracies. He agreed to co-star only because
"it was the first time a Mexican wins.
"Here we are, trying to be better friends
and have a better understanding between
the countries of the world, and here Hollywood
is producing pictures that are an insult
(to other nationalities)."
But with Mexican graciousness, Aguilar
smiles, "On the other hand, I don't know
what Hollywood would do without Mexicans
and Indians."
Aguilar continued: "A definite improvement
would be more family-oriented entertainment.
There are many, many talented
Chicanos—the only thing they need is an
opportunity." He goes on to chide the stereotyping
of Mexican-Americans. "Take 'Chico
and the Man.' I bet that young man
(Gabriel Melgar) doesn't speak off-camera
or use his hands the way he does on the
show. We can't laugh at ourselves professionally."
Aguilar points to President Carter's fluency
in more than one language as a major
factor in improving world relations. "This is
a strong bridge to mutual understanding."
says Aguilar. who also speaks Italian.
"The day Latin-Americans get together,
they will have a strong hold on their future,"
Aguilar predicts, pointing to the 60 million
Latin-American descendants in America.
Aguilar, together with his wife and two
sons, produce and travel worldwide with
their show, the National Mexican Festival
and Rodeo.
Frank Yablans will produce "North Dallas
Forty," starring Nick Nolle.
BOXOmCE :: November 6, 1978 W-I

Hollywood
QAROLE FRANCESCA has been appointed
assistant director of merchandise
licensing for United Artists. She comes
from Columbia Pictures where she was
marketing services administrator and licens-
will announce his first project shortly.
•
The board of directors of 20th Century-
Fo,x Film Corp. has declared a quarterly
dividend of 30 cents per share on its common
stock, payable Tuesday (21) to shareholders
of record as of November 6.
•
Lucy Fisher has been named vice-president
of creative affairs for 20th Century-
Fox Pictures. She previously was executive
in charge of creative affairs for MGM's motion
picture division.
•
Veteran showman Sam K. Decker. 77,
lonutime distributor and theatre owner.
TTtt!!!fttT!mf!milllll
RELAX
MR. EXHIBITOR!
Happenings
suffered a heart attack October 23 and is
lecuperating at Cedars Sinai Medical Cen-
Ltd., feature stars Raymond Winstone,
Tony London, Julie Shipley and Emily
More.
•
Crown International Pictures has scheduled
a Thursday (16) showcase opening for
Mae West's "Sextette" at the Warfield Theatre
in San Francisco, with the film also
set to run in 12 other theatres in the Bay
Area the following day.
•
Irwin Yablans, president of Compass International
Pictures, is predicting that "Halloween,"
on which he was executive producer,
will hit the half million mark in
grosses by the end of its first week in 72
theatres in the New York City area. The
film grossed $321,500 in i s first three days.
•
Columbia Pictures has picked up distribution
rights in the U.S. and Canada for
"Fast Break," starring Gabe Kaplan and
directed by Jack Smight. Release of the
Stephen Friedman production is planned for
next year.
Internat'l Film Fest
A Salt Lake Success
LAS VEGAS—"Superb films for the discriminating
adult who demands more than
mere entertainment" was the theme for
Gene Goodman has been named vicepresident
Plitt Theatre's first annual Salt Lake City
International Film Festival, which was a
ing administrator for the merchandising division.
and assistant general sales man-
•
vice-president
success.
ager of United Artists to succeed Fred
Mound, who resigned. He had been UA"s "We have had a lot of good comments
Southern manager since 1970. headquar-
from people who are already looking forward
Cliff Dektar. of ICPR
Public Relations, has been elected first vice-
to our next festival," remarked manager
Gary Hill, manager of the Utah III.
tered in New Orleans. He joined UA as a
salesman in 1954.
president/ president elect for 1979 of the
Los Angeles area chapter of the Public Relations
•
The festival was promoted in a variety of
Society of America.
Columbia Pictures has acquired world-
ways. A special four-page brochure was de-
*
wide release rights to "Torquay Summer," signed by Susan White of Plitt Theatres,
Sidney J. Furie has signed to direct four now shooting on location in Torquay, with which was sent to the Utah Cinema Council
Lake films for Golden Harvest Productions and Harley Cokliss directing the screenplay written
membership, plus all Salt City
by Jamey Pregor from a story by Tony group activity ticket sales accoimts. Brochures
Attard. The Films and General Productions.
displayed pictures plus story material
for each film.
The informative brochure was also distributed
to the local media. Separate articles
about the film festival were printed in the
Desert News, Utah Daily Chronicle. Utah
Holiday Magazine and the Daily Tribune.
Rick Easter, director of advertising and publicity,
spoke via telephone on the Dave
Blackwell radio program the morning of
the first day of the festival.
Each film was well attended and a great
deal
of excitement was generated for future
exhibition of such films.
Each of the following films played one
day only with matinees each day: Fellini's
"Amarcord." Truffaut's "Story of Adcle
H," Bergman's "Cries and Whispers," Truffaut's
"Small Change," Jeanne Moreau's
"Lumiere" with "The Romantic Englishwoman"
and "I Never Promised You a
Rose Garden."
Nino Mastorakis has optioned "Odyssey
of the Meek," an original screenplay by Fred
Perry.
No more running through airports f
for your accessories.
UTA delivers them on time.
Ask any theatre about
UTA's accessory service.
58 Cordova Street, Los Angeles Calif 90007 "
Contact: ARMANDATAMIAN E
213-734-0510
IIIM I IIlM
STARVk^PHONE
Here is a service that can benefit every theatre owner or manager, drivein
or hardtop, chain and independent! We all know the high percentage
of theatres that use answer phones which play a tape when a prospective
patron calls for information about the times your films are run. Usually
the voice is straight that gives out the information. But—instead of
your straight voice answering your phone—what if it was—the voice
of a star??? Not the real star, of course, but an authentic-sounding
impression of John Wayne, Walter Brennan, Jimmy Stewart, Boris Karloff,
Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable etc. These voices answering your phone!
Personalized for your theatre, giving the times your films will start!
What an edge to have over your competition! And at an incredibly low
price! As many tapes and voices for as many changes of your bill of
fare, only $25.00 a month! Less if fewer tapes required. Nothing else like
it! Fast service too! Be different! Send for FREE sample tape today! No
obligation. Indicate reel tape or cassette. Send today!
STAR^PHONE
Box 26132 Belmar Station
Denver, Colorado 80226
W-2 BOXOFFICE :: November 6. 1978

SEATTLE
John and Pamela Costa are the proud parents
of a boy named Joshua, born October
18 weighing six pounds and 15
ounces, at Swedish Hospital. John is the
manager of GCC's Aurora Cinema triplex.
In town for a few days working on the
world premiere scheduled for "Ice Castles"
in December as well as "California Suite"
was Jack Scanlan, representing the publicity
department of Columbia Pictures at
the Burbank Studios.
Bud Dunwoody, division manager of
Tom Moyer Theatres for Washington and
Idaho, reports that the triplexing of the
State Theatre in Olympia, Wash., was started
Monday, October 23. Tentatively it is
expected to be ready by December 8 and
is set to open about a week later.
The Bay Theatre in Ballard began a 3-D
program of "Mag Magician" and "Man
in the Dark" October 25.
United Artists Corp. ran the reel for
"The Champ." an MGM picture to be
released by UA, at the Jewel Box screening
room October 26.
The First Artists film "Stevie." being
handled by the Seattle-Portland Film Co.,
was screened at the Jewel Box Wednesday
(1).
Universal's "Paradise Alley" was sneaked
at the Crossroads Twin and at the SeaTac
Mall Cinema. It will have an exclusive engagement
at the Coliseum Theatre in downtown
Seattle beginning Friday (10).
New openings: "Midnight Express" at the
Everett Mall. Renlon Village, Seattle Aurora
and Bellevue Overlake cinemas as well
as the Tacoma Villa Plaza Cinema; "Count
Dracula and His Vampire Bride" in the
Valley, Bel-Kirk and Aurora drive-ins;
"Texas Detour" at the Valley and Kenmore
drive-ins; "Starhops" at the Midway and
Sno-King drive-ins, and "Bloodbrothers" at
the Admiral Twin, Lewis & Clark 3 and
Lynn Four.
Another new film for Halloween went
into the Sunset and Puget Park drive-ins:
"Cemetery Girls" along with "Grave Desires."
The weather has continued basically diy
throughout the entire month of October in
CUVERAMA IS MX SHOW
BUSLVESS LV HAWUI TOO,
Wlicn you come to Walklki,
don't miss the famous Don Ho
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
the greater Seattle area, which really helps
the drive-in operations. This string, though,
could end anytime, as normally the month
of November brings some five inches of
rain in the greater Seattle area.
The Northgate, Admiral Twin, Lewis &
Clark 3, John Danz and Lynn Four had a
special Halloween combination of "Squirm"
and "Terror in the Wax Museum" at their
theatres as a midnight show Saturday, October
28. All .seats were $2.
SAN FRANCISCO
Caniillo, Westside-Valley Theatres, advises
that books have been closed for
J!^\
this year's Variety Club Golf Tournament,
reflecting a net profit of $6,240. The tournament
chairman reports that the annual
tournament has generated $95,000 for the
club's coffers over the past nine years.
Gene Margoluis, Columbia's Western division
manager, visited the local branch October
27.
UATC film buyer Mark Donovan was in
New York City for a week of visits with
family and friends the week of October 29.
Gary Meyer, Parallax Theatres partner,
was in Chicago and other Midwest cities
Peter Marshall was at McGovern's Music
Hall from October 20-29, followed by Dick
Shawn from Wednesday (l)-Sunday (5). for a week beginning October 31.
Up next is Peggy Lee from Tuesday (7)-
Sunday (12).
Ralph Silver is now affiliated with Electroscope
Pictures and the Renaissance Rialto
circuit of repertory theatres as promotion
and marketing consultant. The circuit
now operates the York and 4-Star, San
Francisco, the Cinema, Walnut Creek and
the Rialto 1-2-3-4, Berkeley.
Lucille Schafer, who was feted a few
years ago for over 50 years of employment
in UATC's booking department, sails
Wednesday (8) from Los Angeles aboard
the Fairsea bound for Acapulco. a ten-day
excursion.
"Beatlemania," a long time enroute.
opens at the Orpheum Theatre December
7. On the other hand, "The Elocution of
Benjamin Franklin" and Joel Grey in "The
Grand Tour" are to have pre-Broadway
engagements here.
PETERSON
THEATRE
455 Bearcat Drive
Times Square Park
SUPPLY
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
801-466-7642
ZOlh-Fox and Pebble
Beach Plan Merger
BEVERLY HILLS—Twentieth Century-
Fox Film Corp. and Pebble Beach Corp.
jointly announced that a definitive merger
agreement has been signed by both companies.
Under terms of the agreement, as
previously announced, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Fox, will acquire 100 per cent of
the outstanding common and preferred
stock of Pebble Beach Corp., in exchange
for the payment of $42.50 cash per common
share and $44.41
cash per preferred share.
A special meeting of shareholders of
Pebble Beach Corp. to approve the merger
is expected to take place in January, 1979.
The estimated closing date is May 1, 1979.
Further details on the transaction will be
contained in a proxy statement which Pebble
Beach Corp. expects to mail to its
shareholders
in December, 1978.
It previously announced by Fox that it
has purchased 107,400 shares of Pebble
B-ach Corp. common stock, at a cash price
of $40 per share, from an institution in a
privately negotiated transaction, as well as
2.500 shares on the open market at the
same price. The shares constitute approximately
7.5 per cent of the Pebble Beach
shares outstandina.
Walt Lloyd Now Snazelle
Video Operations Director
SAN FRANCISCO — Gregg Snazelle,
president of Snazelle Films/VTR, has announced
the hiring of Walt Lloyd as video
operations director for the multimillion-dollar
production facility that produces TV
commercials and corporate image films.
"Walt will be taking on increased responsibilities
in the expanding area of videotape
production," said Snazelle, "as we develop
our full capabilities for the latest state-ofthe-art
videotape production services."
Lloyd, who lives in Berkely, Calif., formerly
was a producer and director with
WTVI-TV in Charlotte, N.C., where he
adapted plays for TV, produced several
public affairs series and a concert program
for regional distribution.
DRIVE-IN
THEATRE SERVICE
Screens Painted
& Repaired
* * •
GENE TAYLOR
Post Office Box 3524
Shawnee, Kansos 66203
(913) 631-9695
HAROLD JOHNSON
D & D Fabrication
4200 White Sf.
Ft. Worth, Texas 76135
(817) 237-3306
November 6, 1978

Construction Begins
On TOI Twin Theatre
BILLINGS. MONT.—Construction has
begun on a twin theatre to be operated by
Shown at the site of the new World
West Theatre in Billings, Mt are (left
to right) TOI general manager Tim
Warner, citj' manager Lanny Wagner,
president Doug Williams and chairman
of the board Ross Campbell.
TOI in this city, according to Ross Campbell,
chairman of the board of the company.
Located in the extreme northwest
section of the Rimrock Mall Shopping Center,
the twin complex has a tentative March
1979 opening date.
To be named the World West Theatres,
the twin operation will be completely automated
with de luxe appointments throughout
featuring rocker-type chair seating. Facing
east into the shopping center, the freestanding
building will seat more than of 800
and will be color coordinated throughout.
Designed by Mel Glatz and associates of
Denver, the facility will be equipped by
Western Service & Supply of the same city.
Les Hardy Construction Company of Billings
is in charge of the project.
This will bring to ten the total number of
screens TOI operates in the Billings area.
Additionally. TOI has 23 other screens in
eight cities in current operation with a triplex
slated for a mid-winter opening in
Bozeman, Mont. Booking for all TOI Theatres
is handled by Warner Marketing out
of Bozeman. Lanny Wagner, city manager
WM tftt ^Sound and
mUP#lProjection Service
Nationwide — on all brands.
RCA Service Company, A Division of RCA
1501 Beach Street. Moniebeilo, Calil 90640
Phone (2131 728-7473
for TOI in Billings, will supervise operation
of the new World West Theatres.
TUCSON
yoga parties" are the latest college campus
caper nationwide (University of Wisconsin
came up with 10.000 toga-clad, havoc-causing
students) as a result of "National
Lampoon's Animal House." At the University
of Arizona, sheets and laurel
wreaths were not fitting raiment even for
the hardy students who braved intermittent
rain and cool temperatures. They flapped
from the big mall into the welcoming confines
of the Arizona Ballroom inside the
Student Union.
The whole dig is an ingenious promo
hyping "Animal House" sponsored by Universal
Pictures. Said Randy Achee. publisher
of .Ampersand magazine in Los Angeles,
who planed to Tucson to aid in staging
UA's Toga Day, "it's like a secondary advertising
campaign, to hit the college students.
'Animal House' was a low-budget movie,
and Universal was spending most of its advertising
money promoting films such as
'The Wiz' and 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band.' But 'Animal House'
turned into a surprise moneymaker and already
has grossed more than $70 million."
Universal provided the prizes for contestants
including free movie passes, T-shirts, records
and posters. A "grape" time was had
by all.
"Rodeo Week," the fifth annual, rounded
up on FCC main west campus starting October
27 with "The Great American Cowboy"
as the featured film. Sponsored by
Pima College Rodeo Club, activities consisted
of western culture week exhibit in
Student Center art gallery and contests and
rides on the El Toro bucking machine on
the Student Center Mall.
"The Emerald Isle" was the featured film
on Sunday Evening Forum October 29.
"Muhammad Ali— Skill, Brains. Guts"
will be screened Wednesday (15) in PCC's
Student Center Movie Room at noon and
8 p.m. Free admission.
Wahoo! to you western students at accredited
colleges and universities. Deadline
for entries for the sixth annual Academy of
TECHNICAL SERVICES
AST CORPORATION
PO Box 5150 • Ric
TOTAL BOOTH SERVICE. SOUND.
PROJECTION. PARTS. INSTALLATION
AND MAI NTENAN CE
DaoOLBVBTEnHI''' 214-234-3270
STAR TREATMENT SERVICE'
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Student
Film Awards competition is April 2, 1979.
So corral your favorite in four categories,
dramatic, experimental, documentary or
animated, and tie a hitch (for Arizonans) to
University of Colorado, Hunter 102, Boulder,
Colo. 80309; attention Virgil Grillo.
Two great oldies are slated for Monday
(6) and Tuesday (7) at 7:30 p.m. in U of A
Social Sciences Auditorium, sponsored b\
Audio Visual Services. Double-billed are
"China Seas" (1935), action-comedy starring
Jean Harlow. Clark Gable, Rosalind
Russell and Wallace Beery, and "Morning
Glory" (1933), with Douglas Fairbanks and
Adolphe Menjou. Admission is $1 students
and $1.50 nonstudents.
Old Tucson Corp. board of directors approved
a cash dividend of two cents per
share payable Jan. 5. 1979. subject to approval
of OTC's primary lender. Second
succeeding year a two-cent dividend paid.
Old Tucson stock quote on NASDAQ was
4' 2 bid. 51/4 asked.
Gonzaga to Raise Funds
For Bing Crosby Statue
SPOKANE, WASH.—Gonzaga University
has announced a $50,000 fund-raising
campaign for a bronze statue of the late
Bing Crosby, to be situated in front of the
university's Crosby Library.
The long-time Hollywood personality donated
some $600,000 to Gonzaga for the
library several years ago. The facility's
Crosbyana Room contains many of his
music and entertainment awards.
Crosby, who grew up in the neighborhood,
attended Gonzaga before embarking
on his performing career in the 1920s.
Diane Keaton Will Star
In 'Captain Grown Up'
HOLLYWOOD— Diane Keaton has been
signed to star in "Captain Grown Up." set
to go into production next year as a Rothberg-Gerber
production for release by Orion
Pictures through its arrangement with Warner
Bros.
The contemporary comedy, based on the
novel by Kit Reed, will be adapted for the
screen by Susan Miller. Arlyne Rothberg
and Bill Gerber will serve as producers. Location
shooting in New York City and in a
small Pennsylvania town is planned.
/\ani,K/\r ACHruAPT cxiol -
1
cxio:, NEW
scioi- SCIOZ, new-
Solt Lake • Boston • DolliH • New York
NIVERSAL THEATRE SUPPLY
- HOME OFFICE -
264 Eas» 1st South, Salt Lake City. Utah 84111
W-4

14th Chicago Festival
This year's competitive categories include
feature films, animation, short subjects,
documentaries, educational films, student
films. TV production and commercials, independent
video and posters.
Thirty-eight countries will be represented
by 62 feature films, which represent the
largest sampling of features in the festival's
14-year history.
Highlights during the Friday (3)-Sunday
(19) festival series are the local premiere of
Martin Rosen's "Watership Down"; Federico
Fellini's "Orchestral Rehearsal"; the
U.S. premiere of Billy Wilder's "Fedora,"
ind Orson Welles' "The Filming of Othello."
As a part of Illinois Filmmakers' Day.
"Stony Island" will be shown. Governor
lames R. Thompson personally will present
the Lincoln Award to honor this film made
;ntirely in Illinois.
Mickey Mouse will continue to celebrate
lis 50th birthday at the festival by making
sersonal
appearances.
Prior to the official opening Friday (3).
ipecially selected entrees from competition
"ilms were given free showings at the Chi-
;ago Public Library Cultural Center theare.
Michael J. Kutza jr., founder and direcor
of the Chicago festival, is the recipient
)f recognition from Jimmy Carter. Illinois
jov. Thompson and Chicago mayor Michlel
Bilandic. In expressing satisfaction over
he city's supplementary effort in behalf of
estival finances, the mayor said. "Our seekng
is that it is an investment in the encourigement
of not only good cinema, but reated
arts as well."
The 14th Chicago International Film
-estival is presented by Cinema/ Chicago, a
("ear-round, not-for-profit, tax exempt culural
and educational corporation formed to
mcourage the art of films.
The Ambassador East Hotel, a Chicago
andmark for over 50 years, has just been
:ompletely refurbished and has been named
he official hotel for this year's festival.
Four-Plex Construction
Begins in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — Construction of a
bur-auditorium complex has begun at Laayette
Center North, on Georgetown Road
)etween 1-65 and Lafayette Road. The proj-
:ct was announced by Bernard Mkyersion,
^resident of Loews Theatres, and Richard
•Vest, president of West Baking Co., Inlianapolis.
The complex is the personal de-
'elopment of West.
Loews also operates a twin theatre in the
>Jorgate Shopping Center.
CHICAGO
^^ith "Midnight Express" on its way to
becoming a fall blockbuster, Columbia
publicist Jerry Downey is starting a new
Outshines the Rest
CHICAGO—With each year, the Chicago
International Film Festival has been making
important strides, and it seems apparent campaign for "California Suite." This film,
that this year's festival, the 14th. will excel starring Alan Alda, Jane Fonda and Walter
all others.
Matthau, is scheduled to open in the area
As a showcase for new talent, the Chicago
festival literally brings the world of "Midnight Express" has already opened are
in December. Reports on grosses where
international cinema to the United States. reported as phenomenal. The film caused a
OXOmCE :: November 6. 1978
big stir when it was first screened at the
Cannes Film Festival. In London, Sweden
and Finland attendance has been recordbreaking.
October and November film offerings at
the Oak Park Library include "Harlan
County. U.S.A.," "The Sorrow and the
Pity," "Marjoe," "Hester Street." "Visions
of Eight" and "The Hellstrom Chronicle."
There is no admission for the film series,
planned especially for adults.
Warren Heen, an AIP booker, returned
from a vacation in Florida Monday. October
30.
A 1,000-seat theatre will become a new
segment of Marriott's Great America
Amusement Park. It will be called the Pictorium,
and top features will include fourchannel
sound and a 70-by-97-foot screen.
In a joint statement, John Ling, president
of Standard Theatres, and Alan Silverman,
president of Essaness Theatres Corp., announced
that Silverman's theatre interests
have acquired Standard. The amount involved
in the transaction was not disclosed.
Standard Theatres is the second-largest theatre
chain in Wisconsin. The acquisition
brings Silverman's holdings to 40 screens
in Wisconsin. Illinois and Indiana.
A twin structure is being added to the
Essaness Theatres Corp. Halsted Outdoor
Theatre in Riverdale. III. The construction
schedule will total 1.400. The new title will
be Halsted Twin Outdoor Theatre. The addition
gives Essaness six drive-in screens
plus 14 hardtop theatres.
Ron Adams is the new manager of the
Essaness Century Theatres in the Hoffman
Estates
^/
area.
Charles Agnew, well-known band leader
during the '30s and '40s. died at the age
of 72. While Agnew grew up in New Jersey,
he spent most of his band-playing days
in the Chicago area. He did travel and perform
throughout the U.S. and was a regular
on WGN in the late '30s. Agnew. who had
been a resident of Waukegan, 111., in the
past years, is survived by his wife Luy. son
Steven and daughter Barbara.
The River Oaks 4, a part of the Plitt
Theatre circuit, opened Friday f3) with
"The Boys From Brazil." J. Schenkel has
been named manager of this additional
property. Plitt publicist and advertising head
Jerry Bulger has arranged for a contest to
heighten patron interest. Through the cooperation
of Chandris Steamship Lines,
there will be four Caribbean cruises for two
each offered as prizes in a premiere contest.
Patrons simply have to fill out an
entry blank and then await news of the
winners next January 12.
Universal's "The Big Fix." starring Academy
Award winner Richard Dreyfuss. and
"The Wiz" started first runs in this area
October 27. "The Big Fix" is described as
a modern-day detective thriller that combines
a murder mystery with some very
contemporary comedy.
The help of Lee Gluckman and the Producers
Group. Ltd.. Marshall Film Productions
made it possible to produce the
science-fiction film "Bog." This film is
scheduled to open in this area this month.
Most of it was shot in northern Wisconsin.
Mickey Mouse's birthday celebration
might possibly go on for another 50 years.
He scampers into town as part of a whistle
stop tour on Wednesday (15). at which time
he will be saluted at the 14th Chicago International
Film Festival. Academy Award
animator Ward Kimball will be here also
to address audiences at both the Biograph
and Varsity theatres.
Newlyweds Carol and John Davis spent
their honeymoon at Disney World, and the
(Continued on page C-4)
C3*vn^ot>n

—
—
—
'
Aclress'X-FilmRole
'Shows Me As I Am'
INDIANAPOLIS — David Mannweiler.
columnist for the Indianapolis News, observed
the appearance of Leslie Bovee. X-
rated film actress, as she greeted patrons
at
a film house recently. His report follows:
Leslie Bovee was having a hard time
giving away her nude photographs.
The men congesting the lobby of the Art
Theatre, a porno movie house at 5760 W.
Washington, were islands-unto-themselves
as they gawked at her. They looked like
first-day campers waiting for a choose-up
game of stickball.
"What color are your eyes?" Miss Bovee
(pronounced "bow-vay") crooned to one of
the sheepish fellows who had plunked down
$5 to see the first-day showing of "Sex
World," the actress' 14th X-rated film in
four years.
"To Blue Eyes." she wrote on the startling
photograph, in which she leans against
a tree while a thin chain embraces her
waist. She held out to him. coaxing him
it
forward.
"You're gonna get writer's cramp," said
a man whose sideburns were guillotined
just above the tops of his ears. "I don't
mind," she said. "You boys come down to
see me so I don't mind." The "boy" was 60,
at
least.
The red roses (which were stuck into two
empty wine carafes) on the table in fronl
of Miss Bovee competed with the color of
the faces of some of the watchers. Why they
should turn shy in the presence of the
clothed actress, when they had come to sec
her unclothed and forming a social unit
with an actor on the screen, was a mystery.
"Where you from?" a man asked. "I'm
from Oregon." she replied. "A real small
town girl. I used to milk the cows and bring
in the horses. How often do you come
here?" The man said every week. Another
man who gave her a locket inscribed with
her initials garnered a kiss.
"This is a very tame group, believe me."
she said, sipping a soft drink through a
straw. She's touring the country to promote
her latest film, she said, "because this one
is an epic. We took 22 days to film it"—
HADDEN r^
THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
Making Films Sound Better
nm DOLBY SYSTEM ll^^
Noise Reduction - High Fidelity ^^"^^
THE ONLY DEALER
WITH EXPERIENCED,
24 HOUR MAINTENANCE IN THE
KENTUCKY/ INDIANA AREA
(502) 896-9578
3709 HUGHES ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY. 40207
most X-rated films take 5 days to make,
she explained—and it was budgeted for
more than $200,000. (It costs Hollywood
studios an average $3,500,000 to make a
film). It's been reviewed by major papers
and magazines who find no fault with it.
"They're surprised prono stars can act. Of
course we can act. We're real people. We
have emotions."
Porno films used to be known for stark
lighting, incredibly thin plots and performers
who had as much acting ability as an
artichoke, but all that has changed in the
last two years, she said. "I'm really glad to
see it. Pornography is beginning to portray
honest human emotions. In the past an actress
would be given two lines and then
boom boom, into bed."
She defends acting in X-rated pictures
because "sex is all over the place. All the
commercials on TV have sexual overtones.
'Charlie's Angels' is sex. So why come down
on a place where sexual entertainment is
offered? Some people go to the movies or
the theatre to escape or to see violence or
to be frightened or to laugh. Well, some of
them go to X-rated movies to be titillated.
"I was a stewardess for TWA in Los Angeles
but I got laid off three times in
eight months." Miss Bovee said. "I worked
as a secretary at a PR firm, a swimwear
company and a savings and loan but I got
totally tired of the 8-to-5 routine. I tried to
go on welfare but it was too much work.
They wanted me to sit in their office three
days a week.
"A girl friend got me a job dancing in a
bikini club and that's where I discovered
I enjoyed turning men on. I was working
three nights a week and earning three times
as much as 1 did when 1 was a secretary."
she said.
After she was arrested for indecent exposure
one night (the charge was dropped)
and a police officer stole the underwear
she took to the station house. "I got mad
at the hypocrisy about sex. I put an ad in
an LA paper saying I was an accomplished
actress who wanted to make movies, but
all I got was replies from weirdos. I
knocked on some doors and found 'Tapestry
of Passion." starring John Holmes. It
was my first picture and my career soared
from there."
She chooses films that "portray what I
feel about my own sexuality." she said. "I
want the public to see me as I am. My sex
life on the screen is hardly different than
it is off-screen. I have an open relationship
with a very stable man in Los Angeles with
a 7-year-old son. I cook. I clean. I wash
the car. I'm a very straight person who believes
people should not be afraid to show
they are sexual beings."
Her new film co-stars Annette Haven,
Sharon Thorpe, Desiree West and Ambei
Hunt.
Oh. yeah. Some guys are in it, too.
'Count Dracula' Bites
Firmly Into Chicago
CHICAGO— It was one of those weeks
and the only newcomer was not
for reissues,
precisely the biggest grossing picture of the
week. A gross of 375 per cent was credited
to "Count Dracula and His Vampire Bride
in the second week at the Chicago Theatre
in the Loop, and also to "Days of Heaven
in the third week at the Near North Carnegie.
""A Wedding" held up with 275 per
cent in
the third week.
(Average Is
ICO)
Biograph, Edens 1—Girl Friends (WB),
4th wl; 235
Carnegie Days ol Heaven (Para), 3rd wk 375
Chicago Count Dracula and His Vampire
Bride (AIP). 2nd wit 375
Water Tower 2—Interiors (UA) 5th wk 250
5 theatres—A Wedding (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 250
5 theatres— Coin- South (Para), 3rd wk
5 theatres—The End ol the World in Our Usual
Bed in a Night Full of Radn (WB), 1st wk
5 theatres-Up in Smoke (Para), 4!h wk 150
8 theatres The Boys From Brazil (20th-Fo
3rd .225
8 theatres-Death on the NUe (Para), 4th wk 250
9 theatres—Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of
Europe? (WB), 3rd wk
10 theatres Notional Lampo' Animal House
(Un 9th 300
'Wedding' Marches Down Theatre
Aisles to Take First in Kaycee
KANSAS CITY—Robert Altman's "A
Wedding" has eclipsed "Up in Smoke," last
week's winner, the former attracting a big
360-grossing crowd. "National Lampoon's
Animal House" gained, at 230. a 15-point
lead on "Smoke." while "The Big Fix" also
grabbed a few more dollars to tie at 215
with "Smoke" this week.
Blue Ridge, Metro North—Hooper (WB),
2nd wk 85
Chouteau, Ranchmart Foul Play (Para),
14th wk 95
Chouteau, Ranchman Heaven Can Wail
(Para), 17lh wk 115
Embassy, Watts Mill A Wedding (20'h-Fox)
1st wk - 360
Empire Count Dracula and His Vcmpiie Bnde
(SR), 2nd wk 55
Fine Arts—Girl Friends (WB), 2nd wk 135
Glenwood—Grease (Para), 19th wk 125
Midland Sgl. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
(Univ). 14th wk. 50
Valley View Bloodbrothers (WB), 1st wk 50
3 theatres—The Big Fix (Univ), 3rd wk 215
3 theatres—Death on the Nile (Para), 3rd wk 90
3 theatres— Interiors (UA), 3rd wk 65
3 theatres National Lampoon's Animal House
(Univ), 12th wk 230
3 theatres—Somebody Killed Her Husband
(Col), 4th wk, 55
. .
4 theatres The Boys From Brazil (20'r,Fox),
3rct wk 145
4 theatres Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of
Europe? (WB), 3rd wk . . 85
5 theatres Goin' Coconuts (SR), 3rd wk 55
5 theatres— Coin' South (Para), 3rd wk 95
5 theatres-Up in Smoke (Para), 4th wk 215
7 theatres They Went That-a-Way and That-a-
Way (Infl Picture Show), 1st wk 130
10 theatres—Secrets (SR), 1st wk 115
10 theatres—Take All of Me (SR), 1st wk 120
When you plan to install your Dolby system,
call the service company with the most
Dolby system experience.
A C/^ TH:HNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION
/\u\^ P.O. 80x5150 • Richardson, Texas 75080 • 214-234-3270
—^-^^^—^^^-^^^—^——^—^-^^^—^^—^^— STAR TREATMENT SERVICE '
C-2
November 6. 1978

KANSAS CITY
Ualloween night concluded the successful
ten-day run of the third annual Variety
Club Haunted House. Gene Krull. one of
the driving forces behind the Haunted
House project, issued some special "thank
yous" to David Shipp, John Pocsik, Pam
Dasta and Gary Pulver for their unstinting
Carole Alt, former branch manager here
of New World Pictures, returned to town
from Los Angeles where she is now the assistant
to the general sales manager for New
World, Carole's trip here coincides with the
arrival of Frank Moreno who was recently
named general sales manager for New
World Pictures;
Tuesday (7) is an election day and not
only do the liquor stores close down, but
so do the major film exchanges. The union
contract, you see. allows workers the full
day off for national elections.
There was no mistaking that Tuesday was
Halloween in the Buena Vista office last
week. First a gorilla (identity still unknown)
entered the office and threw boxes of
Cracker Jack to everyone. Later Count
Dracula appeared with a pitch to provide
"new blood" in the way of secretarial help:
he was representing an employment agency.
Betty Rothschild, National Screen Service,
returned last week from a nine-day vacation
in Memphis where she visited relatives.
About two months back we reported that
a couple of itinerant film bookers and buyers
had formed a POMPI organization:
Peons of the Motion Picture Industry. Dues
for the organization were 25 cents per new
member. Well, the response was terrific
and the club founders report that the 75
cents thus far collected is safely salted away
to be saved for use at club functions such
as the forthcoming Aluminum Recycling
Festival held annually at the Eudora. Kas..
dump.
Jerry Jones, Boxoffice correspondent,
who underwent knee surgery last month.
wishes to thank the folks who were kind
THEWTRE EQUIPMENT
Evervihing for the Theatre"
No. CAPITOL AVE., INDIANAMLIS, IND.
enough to caTI, write cards and send flowers.
Jerry particularly wants to thank American
Multi Cinema booker and buyer Ed
"Woody" Durwood for handling the column
for him during the month of October. In
the meantime Jerry is enjoying the 12
pounds of plaster which encases his left leg
from hip to foot. He compares it to sitting
through two successive screenings of "War
and Peace."
"The Silent Witness," a Screenpro production
released by Independents International
Films, was screened Wednesday
morning and afternoon (1) at Mid-America
Cinema Corp.'s Seville Cinema on the Country
Club Plaza. The documentary, described
as "an investigation into the Holy Shroud
of Turin," is rated PG and is distributed in
this territory by Thomas & Shipp. "The
Silent Witness" opens Wednesday (8) at the
Oak Park. Metro North. Seville. Truman
Corners. Blue Ridge and Spring 4 theatres.
Bev and Mary-Margaret Miller, after a
short but informative trip through the nearnorthern
Missouri area, "unwound" by joining
the goblin set. The dynamic duo took
part in nonghoulish tasks both October 27
and October 28 at the Variety Club's
Haunted House.
The Variety Club Women of Kansas City
held their first general membership meeting
of the new fiscal year Friday morning. October
27, at the Woman's City Club. 3715
Broadway, reports Ruby Meyers, publicity
chairman. The delicious luncheon was followed
by entertainment by Mrs. Don (Jill)
Burnett, a lovely and thrilling soprano (and
piainist), who sang selections from Broadway
tunes and musicals. Jill is quite well known,
having sung for the World's Cup Tennis
Tournament, the Kansas City Scouts hockey
C1IVERA91A IS EV SHOW
BITSLVESS m Hi\WAII TOO,
When you come to Waiklki,
don't miss the famous Don Ho
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
team and for many organizations throughout
our area. A brief business meeting included
a report from membership chairmctri
Mary-Margaret Miller (she's recruited another
member!), discussion of future plans,
which include a dinner party in December,
and the announcement that a board meeting
will be held in the near future.
ST.
LOUIS
efforts. Also. Gene made special note of the
assistance of the WOMPI. Women of Variety,
members of Union Local F-23. the
^idnight Express," based on a true story of
Sunflower Officials Ass'n, Boy Scout Troop
Special thanks go
drug smuggling
to the boys and
and its
ghouls
consequences
186 of Lenexa, Kas.. and all the friends of
in a foreign country,
who've contributed
opened October
extra
27 at
effort to this year's
Filmrow who made the project a success
the Esquire.
Haunted House: David Shipp. John
Northwest Plaza.
Pocsik
Jamestown
. . . Participants in the Haunted House, by
and Pam Dasta are some of the more
and South County. Brad Davis portrays
energetic
and effective monsters who have
the
the way, relaxed over the weekend at a
young American traveler
contributed
to the premature aging and
caught at the Istanbul.
Saturday night hayride at Benjamin Stables.
Turkey Airport with 20 kilos of
frightening
screams
The hayride was organized by Gene Krull
hashish as
of many of
he is about to fly home.
the patrons He is
this
and associates to provide an opportunity for
year. Just think what they could have done
imprisoned and a long nightmare begins, involving
beatings
those who had worked hard together to have
if they'd worn their costumes!
and other violence intensified
when an attempt to escape is made.
a little fun together.
Randy Quaid, John Hurt and Bo Hopkins
Screenings at Commonwealth: Thursday
(2). "Some Like It Cool" (PRO Int'l) and are featured.
"The Long Shot" (PRO Int'l), both distributed
by Thomas & Shipp
Quite
. . . Screenings
a different setting is that for
at Midwest: Monday "Comes a Horseman," opening Wednesday
(October 30) and
Wednesday (8) at
(1). "Midnight Express"
Crestwood, Village, Woods Mill and
(Col);
Wednesday the Eastgate, Alton. 111.
(1), "Alaska Wilderness Adventure"
(Cannon), distributed by Mercury, and
The locale is Montana
in 1945 and Jason Robards is cast as
Thursday (2). "Magic" the last of a line of great cattle kings. Costarred
in the action-drama are Jane Fonda,
(20th-Fox).
James Caan and Sterling Hayden.
Aimed at the younger set is "The Seniors."
a comedy from Cinema Shares involving
more goings-on among the college
crowd, especially the gals from 18 to 21.
In wide multiple starting Wednesday (8),
it carries the tag: "Behind every BA there's
a little BS." Featured players are Priscilla
Barnes and Jeffrey Byron.
"Magic," a suspense drama from 20th
Century-Fox. opens Wednesday (8) at
South City. Des Peres. Halls Ferry. Cypress
Village and the Stadium, along with showings
at the Lincoln, Beleville, 111., and the
Alton Cine. Alton. 111. Anthony Hopkins
stars as Corky, a magician and ventriloquist
who takes refuge in an illusionary world
away from his hidden fears, longings and
aggressions. Produced by Joseph E. Levine
and his son Richard, the film also features
Ann-Margret as a woman who longs to ful-
(Continued on page C-4)
= DRIVE-IN=
THEATRE SERVICE
Screens Painted
& Repaired
* • *
GENE TAYLOR
Post Office Box 3524
Shawnee, Kansas 66203
(913) 631-9695
HAROLD JOHNSON
D & D Fabrication
4200 White St.
Ft. Worth, Texos 76135
(817) 237-3306
BOXOFHCE :: November 6. 1978 C-3

ST. LOUIS
(Continued from page; C-3)
fil! her youthful dreams. Ed Lauter as her
jealous husband and Burgess Meredith as a
high-living, cynical theatrical agent who
guides the talented Hopkins and then proves
his
undoing.
An animated feature, "Watership Down."
is on the screens at South City and Lewis &
Clark. Featured are the voices of Sir Ralph
Richardson and Zero Mostel. among others,
in the Avco Embassy PG-rated drama.
Avco closed its local office Friday. October
27. Sales and bookings will be handled
from the Kansas City office with Jerry
Brethaur acting as sales manager for both
territories. AE's office in our sister city is
located at 3706 Broadway. Kansas City.
Mo. 64111. The telephone number is (816)
931-4525. Jeanine Wieczorek who has been
with the local office more than three years
and doing yeoman duty the past several
months has secured a position outside the
industry. We wish her well in her future
endeavors as the exchanges in the White
Building dwindle down to
four.
Yet another planetary adventure debuts
in a Mid-America Theatres multiple Wednesday
(15). Titled "Message From Space,"
the only familiar name in the Japanese production
released by UA is Vic Morrow.
Johnny Giachetto, representing Frisina
Theatres based in Taylorville. III., was a recent
visitor, lunching with Jerry Banta. Ed
Stevens and Luis Benavides.
Pete Piccioni, owner-manager with brother
Nick of the Varsity Theatre. University
City, was a guest on the KMOX-TV 10
p.m. newscast recently in connection with
the ongoing success of "The Rocky Horror
Picture Show." the regular Friday midnight
showing which attracts students throughout
the area. Many in the audience dress like
the characters on the screen and love to feel
that they are part of the action. Some have
seen the film 70 times. They dig the music,
throw rice during the wedding scene and
when a toast is proposed, bits of burned
toast are tossed. It takes a bit of housecleaning
afterwards but it brings the kids into
the theatre and off the streets! Tim Curry,
a British movie star, in town promoting his
new film, was a member of the audience.
Tab Hunter, appearing at the Plantation
Dinner Theatre in "Here Lies Jeremy
Troy" through Saturday (18), was guest
speaker at a rap session in the Student
Center of the St. Louis Community College
at Florissant Valley.
The football Cardinals may be having a
disappointing season but they have the Super
Bowl XIII championship clinched
thanks to a crucial "bolo pass" by comedian
Flip Wilson. Flip and company were in
town recently for a three-day filming of the
mythical Super Bowl special for an upcoming
TV special: "Flip Wilson's Salute to
Football." Cieraldine Jones made a halftime
dcbul before some 48,000 fans at Busch
Stadium as top cheerleader of the Big Red
line, trailing a red feather boa and wearing
a gold lame gown, glamorously slit up the
leg. TTie plot of the special involves a
fluke two-year contract Flip has with the
football team, some wild goings-on and a
finale with Flip and his "discoverer." a
Cardinal scout, winding up as a peanut-andsoda
stadium vending team!
John Denver will be appearing in concert
at Kiel Auditorium Sunday (12) at 8 p.m.
and Maynard Ferguson and his band ar; at
the Plantation Monday (6).
CHICAGO
(Continued from page C-1)
next stop was this city where they plan to
establish residence. Carol is the daughter of
Morris Cantor, head of Consolidated Theatres
in Indianapolis.
In a recent edition of the Tribune Arts
and Fun Edition, a headline stated: "1,958
entries later—From coast to coast, the
movie trivia quiz ends and our first champ
is . . ." We now have the name of the
winner; he is Jeff Williams. Jeff won first
prize for knowing the answers to 1 60 questions,
and he is $500 richer. Jeff has been
associated with AIP as salesman for the
past few years, and he will be moving to
Columbia Pictures as branch manager. He
succeeds Jerry Jorgensen, who is taking over
as branch manager for Columbia's Cleveland
and Cincinnati exchanges. Jorgensen
succeeds Joe Livingston, who is retiring after
15 years with Columbia. He also served
with Republic Pictures prior to joining Columbia.
Reports indicate Oak Industries, Inc., will
develop over-the-air subscription TV markets
in Chicago, Phoenix, Miami, Philadelphia,
Minneapolis and Dallas. They would
be independent of its pay-TV venture with
Chartwell Communications Group in Los
Angeles, which, according to reports, now
has 88,000 subscribers.
The Uptown, Congress and Peoples theatres
now are operating under the title of
Rabiela Enterprises, with headquarters at
1809 So. Loomis. 60608. telephone 312-
421-3789. The Rabielas are owners of a
well known furniture establishment, American
Furniture Co.
We regret to report two deaths of Local
110 members: Sol B. Katz and Roscoe J.
Trainor.
Richard Adamson will produce Group I's
'The Actresses."
Sound and
I Projection Service
Nationwide — on all brands.
RCA Service Company, A Division of RCA
7620 Gross Point Road, Skokie, III 60076
Phone (312) 476-6591
Big Turnout Expected
For Pioneers' Dinner
KANSAS CITY—A large turnout is expected
for the United Motion Picture Ass'n
dinner to be held Wednesday (29) at the
Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club,
when four "Pioneers of the Year" will be
honored.
Pioneer awards are to be presented by
UMPA to Bev Miller, Ben Marcus, Jim
Lewis and Dale Danielson, all well-known
throughout the industry, nationally as well
as
locally.
In view of the response to date, according
to a spokesman here, those who wish
to join in honoring these popular and deserving
showmen are urged to make immediate
reservations for the dinner. Call the
UMPA office at (816) 931-2835 or Martin
Stone, chairman of the event, at Stone Enterprises.
(913) 384-0025.
Rezoning Plan Dropped
By Wichita Commission
WICHITA—A request to allow more
than 550 apartments to replace Meadowlark
drive-ins was pulled off the City Commission
agenda Tuesday, raising the possibility
that the request might come up again soon.
Commonwealth Theatres, owner of the
drive-in at 4445 E. Harry, had sought a
zoning change to allow construction of the
apartments by a Tulsa developer.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission
had recommended against the zoning
change, and the City Commission seemed
likely to reject the change. Commonwealth
asked that the request be taken off
the City Commission agenda.
If city commissioners had rejected the
change. Commonwealth would have been
prohibited from making the same request
'
for a year.
Taking the issue off the agenda, thus
avoiding City Commission action, raises the
possibility that Commonwealth could take
its request directly back to the planning
commission.
Under questioning by city commissioners,
city attorney John Dekker said the law is
not clear on whether Commonwealth may
take its request back to the planning commission.
Dekker said he would have to study
the law before giving a final opinion.
'Halloween' Is Providing
Treat for KC Exhibitors
KANSAS CITY—John Shipp, president
of Thomas & Shipp Films, reports that the
Compass International Pictures release
"Halloween" has proved to be anything hui
ghostly at local theatres.
Playing an eight-screen multiple in the
metropolitan Kansas City. area. "Halloween"
racked up a $37,032 gross in the
first five days of its engagement. The collective
gross for the eight situations for
one day. October 30. was tallied at $4,250
—and the picture was. of course, holding
over for a second week.
C.4 November 6. 1978

Gulf States to Build
Four-Plex in Natchez
NEW ORLEANS—George Solomon,
general manager of Gulf States Theatres of
New Orleans, announced today that construction
will begin immediately on a new
four-plex cinema for the Natchez Mall in
Natchez. Miss. The mall is being developed
by the Continental Development Co.
The new four-plex cinema will have a
seating capacity as follows: Screen 1—238,
Screen 2—204. Screen 3—100 and Screen
4— 100. The new cinema will feature rocking
chair seats with the ultimate in luxury
and comfort. Coordinated colors in fireproof
drapes and carpeting are to be incorporated
to enhance the decor for the
patrons' relaxation and enjoyment. There
will be a large concession area in the spacious
lobby to serve all auditoriums, and will
feature the latest in equipment and the best
in a large variety of food items. The most
modern and completely automated projection
equipment, including Dolby stereo,
will
be installed to furnish the patrons the finest
in sound and viewing in the South.
There will be a free, lighted parking area
for the patrons' convenience and safety.
The new cinema will be designated so that
two additional screens can be added in the
near future.
Gulf States Theatres presently operates
the Tracetown and the Clarke Cinema in
Natchez. The circuit also has theatres in all
principal cities in Mississippi. Louisiana, Arkansas
and Alabama.
The Tracetown and the Clarke will continue
their de luxe operations as usual.
When the new four-plex is complete this will
give Natchez seven Gulf States screens.
NEW ORLEANS
^he WOMPI meeting was held Tuesday,
October 24 at Bruning's West End
Restaurant. Enjoying the cool Lake Pontchartrain
breeze were club president Anna
Clare Leggitt and a total of 41 members
and guests. Program chairman Georgette
Leto presented to the group a representative
from Home Interiors and Gifts offering
many Christmas items along with colorful
and gay accessories for the home.
new position with Delta Steamship Lines.
Sandy, a farmer Gulf States employee, is
this year's WOMPI bulletin chairman.
Welcome to Columbia Pictures which has
returned to this city, and taken office
space in the Plaza Towers. Jeff Lee from
Los Angeles will be the branch manager,
ably assisted by his office force consisting of
Eunice Peeples, formerly with Star Advertising;
Gerry Gaudet and Roxanne St. Romaine
from Tidelands, Inc., Marcia Miranda,
Mickie Hobbard from California, Nancy
Coplin from Dallas and Bill Vaden from
Jonesboro, Ark.
S/Sgf. Gary Glaeser, son of Nell Glaeser
of Gulf States Theatres bo.xoffice department,
and his wife flew home from Prague.
Czechoslovakia, for a three week's visit.
S/Sgt. Glaeser in the United States Marines
is
and is stationed at the American
Embassy
in Prague.
Dina Merrill was in town promoting her
picture "A Wedding" currently playing at
the Lakeside Theatre. Dorothy Lamour,
New Orleans' contribution to the "Road"
shows and who has appeared at the Beverly
Playhouse, is planning a visit to her home
town at the completion of her engagement
of ""Barefoot in the Park" in Tampa, Fla.
Glenda Jetho, Film Inspection, is back at
work after an enjoyable vacation spent visiting
Memphis. Nashville and Gatlenburg.
CATV Firm to Broadcast
Madison Square Events
RALEIGH. N.C.—Cablevision of Raleigh
plans to carry Madison Square Garden
sports, the system's general manager Edward
R. Gunther says.
"There is a good possibility of starting
within the next few weeks." said Gunther
recently. He said the system is waiting for
a single length of cable to arrive so it can
begin the service.
Live sports events will be carried on
Channel 13. At times when there are no
sports, Channel 13 will continue as the system's
music and public information channel.
At a later date, Gunther said, Cablevision
will carry the PTL religious network,
initially on Channel 13 at 10 a.m.-l p.m.
'That-A-Way' Opening
Delights Allantans
ATLANTA— It was fun time at the Fox
Theatre October 5 night where the world
premiere of the International Picture Show's
(TIPS) "They Went That-A-Way and That-
A-Way" was screened for a near sellout
audience (3,500) which was in a mood to
have a good time. The picture was filmed
largely in Atlanta, and the audience, spotting
familiar locations, responded with
applause.
The premiere crowd, dressed for the occasion,
made a full evening of it. Festivities
got under way shortly after 7:30 p.m. when
the Lakeside High School Band gathered
on the sidewalk in front of the theatre and
began playing a series of tunes that became
louder and louder with noisy welcomes every
time a celebrity stepped out of a limousine.
A float depicting the movie's prison
scenes provided a platform for the notables
so they could address the crowd on historic
Peachtree Street.
For those who fled from the mounting
decibels or the band and made their way
into the auditorium, an organist provided
tunes from the Mighty Moller.
Two radio personalities took their places
in front of the curtains and served as masters
of ceremonies and ran out of things to
say until the celebs began to arrive.
All of the actors' speeches outside the
theatre were brief. Even Tim Conway, star
of the picture, had to have his little joke
when he told the crowd he was not going
to attend the screening. After Conway finished
his turn an uncountable number of
white balloons were turned loose.
When the outside activities were over
everybody poured into the huge auditorium.
During a brief ceremony on stage, the emcees
again took over in introducing the
principals. Conway was accorded a standing
ovation.
After the movie, some 800 guests gathered
after the movie to attend a reception at
the Peachtree Plaza Hotel.
In addition to Conway a number of stars
were on hand for the premiere. They were
Chuck McCann. Conway's co-star; Dub
Taylor, Hank Worden. Reni Santoni, Ms.
Timothy Blake and Lonn\ Montana.
Deepest and nio.st heartfelt sympathy to
WOMPI Joan Winstell on the death of her
father, Henry Winstell. Sympathy cards may
be sent to Joan at Buena Vista. 2 Canal St.,
Suite 913, New Orleans 70130.
Looking perky was Gladys Villars after
a recent stay in Hotel Dieu Hospital.
Congratulations to Eunice Peeples, making
her way to the newly opened Columbia
Pictures office as cashier. Also joining the
staff at Columbia are Roxanne St. Domain
and Gerrie Gaudet. both formerly with Joy
Theatres. Good luck and much success to
these ladies in their new ventures.
To Sandy Staub, congratulations on her
i7
> w .'MERCHANT
FILM ADS
ALOG AVA
PECIAL ANNOUNCEM^^''^ ^^°'^ ^^°^^
'^ENT F
TRAILERETTES
holioa
y
NO header;
SMOKING
ST)
'l-MS •
DATE STRIPS'
FILMACR STUDIOS,INC.
BOXOmCE :: November 6.

ATLANTA
l^enibers of the Atlanta Historical
Society.
as well as the myriad fans of the novel
and film "Gone With the Wind." are in
for a treat. Just released is a special issue
of the Historical Society's journal, which
features the two complete diaries kept by
Wilbur G. Kurtz during his tenure as technical
advisor for the filming of Margaret
MitchelKs famous book. These diaries provide
inside and bchind-the scenes glimpses
of the filming and have been edited for this
publication by localite Richard Harwell, an
expert on the War Between the States and
on this city's most famous book. Harwell
was the editor of Margaret Mitchell's
"Gone With the Wind" Letters from 19.^6-
1949."
Mrs. Annie Pye Kurtz, widow of Wilbur,
as well as Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Kurtz jr.
and other members of the family, to whom
the letters were written to form the diaries,
gave their permission for their publication,
as did Stephens Mitchell, an Atlanta lawyer
and brother of the famous author. Kurtz,
an expert photographer, made many snap-
.•hots on the Hollywood sets, which are used
in the journal. The cover, in color, is a
photograph of the spectacular burning of
Atlanta.
Universal Pictures has a problem on its
hands with "Paradise Alley," a comedydrama
written, directed and starring Sylvester
Stallone. Although "Rocky" was a
big hit, Stallone's followup picture
"F.I.S.T." was a commercial disappointment.
"Paradise Alley" staged a sneak preview
before a large crowd recently at Stonemont
Theatre. The film is set in the Hell's
Kitchen section of New York City in 1946.
Stallone plays a ne'er-do-well with two
brothers. The three of them live in a cockroach-infested
garrett. Universal requested
that no reviews be written on the basis of
the screening at the Stonemont, so comments
will have to be reserved until later.
A tentative schedule for the agenda of the
Southeastern NATO convention (Alabama/
Georgia/Tennessee) is being circulated by
Weldon Limmroth of the Giddens & Rester
Theatres based in Mobile. Convention headquarters
are at the Sheraton Inn and the
dates are May 6, 7 and S. The theme of
the convention is "Movie Magic Blossoms
in Mobile." The schedule is as follows:
Sunday (May 6): Arrival and registration.
12 noon to 7 p.m. Reception with hot and
cold hors d'oeuvres starting at 7 p.m. Monday
(May 7): Registration, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Continental breakfast. 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.;
official opening of the convention. 8:45 to
9 a.m.: advertising seminar, 9 to 10:30
a.m.: Concession seminar 10:30 to 11:30;
Luncheon 12 noon to 2 p.m. with a style
show during luncheon. Operations seminar
(downtown theatre) 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.; product
screening. 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.; NATO
state presidents meetings at 5 p.m.; cocktails,
7:30 to 8:30 p.m., dinner 8:30 to 9:45
p.m.; authentic Mardi Gras ball (presented
by Crewe de Bienville) to be followed by
dance. Tuesday (May 8): New Orleans style
breakfast, 8 to 9 a.m.. followed by more
product screening at 9:15 a.m. Closing with
remarks and announcements and checkout.
(Note: Cutoff date on reservations is April
6, with all registrations going to Weldon
Limmroth. P.O. Box 15624. Mobile. Ala..
36616.
Century Cinema Corp.'s tradepress
screening list has come alive, to wit: "Car
Hops." distributed by C.L. Autrey's Dixie
Films; "The Love Bug." Buena Vista; "The
Pack." "Secrets of the Bermuda Triangle"
and "Big Wednesday," Warner Bros. United
Artists screened a one-reel sampling of
"The Champ," starring Jon Voight and
Faye Dunaway.
A sneak preview October 20 at Loew's
Tara Theatre was the first public showing
of a Melvin Simon's presentation of "Tilt,"
a RLidy Durand film. Producer-directorwriter
Rudy Durand personally selected the
location for the test screening. "Atlanta,
for me, represents the heartbeat of America,"
Durand says. "It is cosmopolitan, yet
it also represents the South, the East. Middle
America, the country, the arts, everything."
The $3 million film is the culmination
of a longtime effort for Durand, who
says he had complete artistic control. His
major investor was the reclusive Indianapolis
multimillionaire Mel Simon.

Mack Grimes Agency. "The Pack" and
"The Bermuda Triangle." Warner Bros.;
"The Champ." United Artists; "Midnight
Express." Joel Poss for Columbia Pictures;
"Behind the Green Door" and "The Resurrection
of Eve." Fantasia Films.
Glenn Sinionds, American International
Pictures' local branch manager, and Dave
Tribble. AIP's Southeastern publicist, are
scheduled to attend a national sales meeting
in Phoeni.x. Presiding at the sales session
will be Joe Sugar. AIP's president, and his
two aides. Gene Tunick and Milt Moritz.
Their Christmas picture will be the $10
million picture. "Force 10 From Navarone,"
based on Alistair MacLean's best-selling
Roosevelt; "Midnight Express." Akers Mill.
Loew's Tara. National Triple, Perimeter
Mall and South DeKalb: "Goin' Coconuts,"
Lenox Square. South DeKalb Quad. Cobb
Center 4. Greenbriar Mall Twin, N.E. Expressway
and South Expressway Drive-in;
"Comes a Horseman," Arrowhead. Cinema
75. South DeKalb and Weis Doraville: "Watership
Down.". Loews 12 Oak Twin; "The
Sabertooth Dragon vs. the Fiery Tiger,"
Martin's Rialto.
Starting October 22 the Silver Screen
Theatre had two favorite films for a full
week. On the same program were "Casablanca"
(1943) and "The Maltese Falcon"
(1941) . . . Starting October 23 the Film
Forum had the Atlanta premiere of "Szindbad,"
a 1970 Hungarian film. It's a variation
on the Sinbad legend, but is set at the
turn of this century. Visually, it is "opulent
in the style of Max Ophuls."
Martha Williams, secretary to United
Artists branch manager Robert Tarwater.
has returned from a week's vacation that
took her to Cumberland Island and she visited
Disneyland on her way back home.
Joan Fontaine, who was in town to promote
her autobiography "No Bed of Roses."
disputes recent accounts that Norma Shearer
and Joan Crawford stayed at each other's
throats during the production of "The Women."
She said: "To my knowledge, there
was never any problem on the set." Her
recollection of "The Women" is that of a
"fantastic cast" guided by "the world's
greatest director of women. George Cukor."
Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan and Pecos
Bill are stars of a cartoon film. "Festival
of Folk Heroes." screened October 28 in
the Hill Auditorium at the High Museum
of Art. The "Folk Heroes" is a collection
of Walt Disney cartoons, including the
Pecos Bill episode recounting the life of a
lotte to enjoy his 40-foot boat on Lake
coyote-raised cowboy, who. according to
legend, created the Grand Canyon and the
Rio Grande. The Johnny Appleseed sequence
tells about the preacher who planted
Wylie.
T. Melvin Cook of American International
and Cathy were
Pictures his wife visiting
apple orchards in the wilderness. Also included
were stories of the mammoth Paul
Bunyan, a lumberman whose prowess with
Md.
their daughter and son-in-law in Salisbury,
an ax was fantastic. Then there was Windwagon
Smith, the man who invented a can-
Mrs. Tommy Melton and Mr. and Mrs.
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Phillips, Mr. and
J. K. Tipton of Charlotte Theatre Supply
vas-propelled covered wagon, and Casey
returned after a four-day trip to the "Big
of the Mudville Nine, an account of a
celebrated baseball game. The High Mu-
Apple." enjoying Broadway shows and attending
the NATO convention.
seum's Junior Committee announced that
other films in the series will include "Tom
Sawyer," "Pollyanna" and "Snowball Express."
Tickets to the Saturday screenings
are 50 cents for children, $2 for adults
novel.
and $1 for museum members.
Marquee changes— "Viva Italia." Tower Z39 Radio has decided to alternate the
Place 6; "High Rolling in a Hot Corvette," production of its annual Toys for Tots concert
Westgate. Parkaire Twin. South Expressway,
between local promoters, so this year's
North Starlight. Lithia. Bankhead. affair will be handled by Rich Floyd instead
of Alex Cooley, who produced the
prev'ous two sell-outs.
CHARLOTTE
Yeresa King of Charlotte Theatre Supply is
now Mrs. Warren Dover, having been
married Saturday. October 21 in a very
quiet wedding. Teresa was feted around
Filmrow with several showers, which attests
to her tremendous popularity. Teresa's husband
is a handsome 210-pound, six-foottwo
county patrolman, so look out, you
"wolves" on Filmrow! Good luck, Teresa
and Warren.
Ken Benefield, Valdese Theatres, Valdese.
N. C. who used to come to town about
every two weeks, has been a total stranger
due to extra duties. He was back on Filmrow
last week making his rounds in the
film exchanges and winding up at th: theatre
supply houses, going home with his station
wagon full of supplies.
Patti Allen, secretary to Bobby Benefield,
Avco Embassy Pictures, spent the weekend
with relatives and friends in Louisville.
Actress Jean Stapleton was in town after
a visit with Jimmy Carter in Washington.
She was here to promote the Equal Rights
Amendment at an ERA dinner honoring
Grace Tillet. well-known Democrat. Stapleton
said that TV son-in-law Mike and
daughter Sally Struthers had left "All in the
Family" due to commitments, but will appear
in one episode Christmas week. They
have been replaced by nine-year-old Danielle
Briehoise who will bring hard-boiled
Archie into great tenderness.
Walter Pinson of Charlotte Booking was
on a week's vacation spending a few days
in Jacksonville and then returning to Char-
Bill Simpson and John Reece of Simpson
Distributing Co.. were on a business trip to
Greensboro and Raleigh and then to Washington
where they parked their car and
went on to New 'York and attended the
NATO convention.
New films on the marquees: "Barracuda"
(Tryon Mall II). "The Eagle's Claw" and
"Furious Monk From Shalo-Lin" (Carolina).
"Go Tell the Spartans" (Capri II).
K&H Enterprises, which leases the Dilworth.
Center and Visulite theatres, will
not renew its lease for the Queens Drivein.
which closed for the winter October
15. The Queens' owner. Rudy Howell of
Howell Theatres, Smithfield, N. C. has had
the drive-in on the market for a year.
However Howell said if the property isn't
sold, it may be leased again next summer.
Top grosses of the week: "Up in Smoke"
(Eastland Mall III), "The Boys From Brazil"
(Eastland Mall II), "National Lampoon's
Animal House" (Eastland Mall I),
"A Wedding" (South Park II).
Congratulations to Walter Pinson of
Charlotte Booking on the birth of his first
grandson. Walter's daughter Pam Eisenhower
is doing fine.
Screenings this week at Car-mel; "Red
Neck Miller" (Independent Co.), "Comes a
Horseman" (United Artists Corp.), "The
Love Bug" (Buena Vista), "Super Docs" (C.
L. Autry. Atlanta).
"Nothing can be finer than to be in Carolina
in the morning," but Bob and Teena
McClure of Variety Films changed the
words to "Nothing could be finer than to
be in Carolina's mountains," They sojourned
to a chalet in Beech Mountain, where
nature's foliage burst forth in magnificent
beauty and splendor. In the mountains one
seems nearest to a Utopian dream.
Johnny Martin of Dominant Pictures was
on a weeklv visit to his sister in Easley,
S. C.
Frank Jones of Southern Booking is humming
around the office these days. Your
correspondent cannot divulge the secret . . .
but it really is a lulu!
lOOKING SERVICES^
230 S. Tryon St., Suite 362, Charlotte, N.C.
Frank Lowry . . . Bill Cline
Phone: (704) 377-9341
BOXOFFICE :: November
©
CAPITAL CITY SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
COMPLETE THEATRE EQUIPMENT AND CONCESSION SUPPLIES
OUR 39th YSAR
21Z4 lackson Parkway, N.W. 713 Sudekiun Bldg.
©^
Allonta, Georgia 30318 Nasbvills. Tennessee 37219
(404) 792-8424 (815) 256-0347

TucKer.
I
I
TIPS Adds Full-Time
Producer to Staff
ATLANTA—The International Picture
Show (TIPS), which has expanded rapidly
in the 18 months
since its formation,
has added its third
fulltime line producer,
Eric Weston of
Los Angeles.
Lloyd Adams,
chairman and founder
of the Atlanta-based
production and distribution
company, said
the hiring of Weston
Eric Weston ..-^ another step toward
meeting our 1979 production schedule
being prepared."
TIPS, which has grown from three employees
to nearly 50 and opened sales offices
in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco
and Dallas, presently has five films
in distribution, two of which it has produced.
Its latest production, "They Went
That-A-Way and That-A-Way," starring
Tim Conway, recently premiered in Atlanta
and now is playing in 300 theatres.
"Eric worked with us on our first two
movies and we know him to be extremely
competent and talented." Adams said. "He
actually was the creative force behind both
'The Billion Dollar Hobo' and 'That-A-
Way.'
"In fact, when we lost the director midway
through the shooting of 'That-A-Way'
and parted ways with our producer. Eric
stepped in and not only directed, but did
most of the post-production work as well.
He was instrumental in turning around a
very critical situation and impressed us all
with his competence and commitment."
are producers with TIPS. Jaffee, who has
worked with such well known talents as
Sam Spiegel, Mike Frankovich, Charles
Feldman and Sir Carol Reed, also has produced
"A Reflection of Fear," with Robert
Shaw and Sally Kellerman, and "Man
on a Swing," with Cliff Robertson and Joel
Grey.
Hopman, who was assistant New York
production manager and literary liaison for
Walt Disney Productions, served as associate
producer of "Devil's Rain," starring Ernest
Borgnine and William Shatner. with John
Travolta in one of his early roles.
"We have some very ambitious production
plans for next year which we plan to
announce soon. That's why we wanted Eric
on board full time," Adams said.
"While we intend to continue concentrating
on family movies, ws expect to broaden
our scope with a couple of our upcoming
productions," he added.
Memphis Music, Film
Stars Keeping Busy
MEMPHIS—Jane Sanderson, writer for
the Press-Scimitar, traced the schedules of
some home-grown talent and filed this report:
Several Memphis stars are busy this fall
in new movies, recording sessions and concert
tours.
Actress-singer Cybill Shepherd, who
spent several months earlier this year in
her hometown, Memphis, making a new
record album and reading scripts of new
films, wound up shooting her first TV movie
in California and left 30 minutes later for
London. There she will star in a new version
of "The Lady Vanishes," which was
first filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1938
with Margaret Lockwood, Paul Lucas,
Michael Redgrave and Dame Mae Whitty.
Cybill will co-star with Elliott Gould. The
director is Anthony Page, who directed "I
Never Promised You a Rose Garden." and
producers are Arlene Sellers and Alex Winetsky.
who produced Cybill's last movie
"Silver Bears," also filmed in England.
Shooting is scheduled for 12 weeks at Pinev/ood
Studios.
Cybill's recently completed NBC Movie
of the Week titled "Guide for the Mar-
Woman" was directed by Hy Averback
and was shown this fall. Also in the
Weston, besides being a producer, has
ried
acting and directing experience. He has
cast
appeared in a number of TV series and
are Eve Arden and Nanette Fabray.
West Coast publicist Dick Gutman, who
motion pictures, most recently co-starring
with Tim Conway in "The Billion Dollar
represents Cybill, said that there are a
number of film offers coming Cybill's way,
Hobo."
but she has not decided which one she will
Howard Jaffee and Gerry Hopman also
accept after "The Lady Vanishes." Meantime,
he said, a record album Cybill made
last fall with jazz great Stan Getz is about
to debut in Japan under a Japanese label,
and negotiations are under way to release
it in the United States. Its title is "Vanilla
Fudge."
Cybill's Memphis-made album, recorded
with all Memphis musicians at Sam Phillips
Recording, is expected to be released
early next year.
Hitting the concert trail again is Memphis'
own Silver Fox, Charlie Rich, who
recently completed his first movie role in
Clint Eastwood's new comedy for Warner
Bros. "Every Which Way But Loose." Charlie
sings a new song "I'll Wake You Up
When I Get Home."
In recent weeks. Charlie has been recording
a new United Artists album in Nashville
for November. His last album. "I Still Believe
in Love." remained high on the charts
tor a number of weeks.
Beautiful Ginger Alden, who became a
Memphis celebrity as the fiance of Elvis
Presley at the time of his death, goes before
movie cameras for the first time next
week in a co-starring role—that of a music
superstar's girlfriend. The film, "The Living
Legend," was scheduled to start in June but
was delayed while music soundtracks were
being made by singer Roy Orbison. Producer-director
Earl Owensby plays the superstar.
Filming will begin at Owensby's EO
Corp. Studios in Shelby, N.C., and then
move out on location to Asheville. N.C.,
and Nashville, where many singing stars
have recorded, including Elvis Presley.
Popular Filmrow Figure
A. W. Hap' Bell Is Dead
CHARLOTTE—A. W. "Hap" Bell, one
of the most beloved men on Filmrow, died
Thursday, October 19.
"Hap" was a nickname derived from
'
"Happy." a sobriquet earned because of his
congeniality, optimism and nonworrisomc
nature.
He spent the early part of his career
working for MGM in the booking department
and was known for his astute booking.
It was said he could circuit a print from
Mantee to Murphy, from the east coast of
Carolina to the mountains of western Caro- i
lina, over night. I
After a decade or more, he left MGM to !!
start a booking agency and was associated
with Hugh Sykes, presently of Queen City
Booking & Amusement Co.
After his stint in the agency he went to
work for Warner Bros., from which he
retired at an early age.
"Hap" then went to work at a motel as
a night clerk, in which he was able to pursue
his true profession, writing. His father
also had been a writer, having worked on
a Charlotte newspaper.
He fulfilled his dream and wrote "Watergate,
the Conspiracy That Succeeded" and
had the book published by the Vantage
Press, New York City.
He was very active in civic affairs and
worked diligently with the March of Dimes.
His big project with L. A. Ireland of Charlotte
Booking was the annual Will Rogers ^
golf tournament on Easter Monday. The
\
money derived was sent to the Will Rogers '
Hospital. Thousands of dollars were sent to
the hospital through Hap's efforts.
C UVERAJ»L\ IS m ««HOW
BrSLVE9»4» IS HAWAII TOOi
\\'hcn you come lo Wuiklkl,
don'tmlss tliefuinousDon Ho ^*^'
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel.
FLORIDA THEATRE
EQUIPMENT
& SUPPLY CO., INC.
IVIRYTHINC YOU NEED FOR VOUR THEATRE'
1%6 N.E. 149th SI. • N. Miami, Fla., 33181
Tei: (3051 944-4470
Sound and
Projection Service
Nationwide — on all brands.
RCA Service Company, A Division of RCA
4508 Bibb Blvd , Ga 30084
Phone (404) 934-9333
BOXOFFICE :: November 6, 1978

. . Burt
. . "Race
TEXPO'79Tradeshow
Registration Now Open
DALLAS— Booth sales for TEXPO •79's
"Show-in-the-Round." the popular annual
tradeshow held as a part of the Southwest
Regional Convention for motion picture exhibitors,
have been brisk and filling fast,
according to George Roscoe. convention
chairman.
Eight Booths Added
Roscoe said eight additional booths have
been added to the TEXPO "79 show since
more space will be available in the Reunion
Ballroom of the luxurious new Dallas Hyatt
Regency Hotel.
"Show-in-the-Round," the descriptive
trademark of the unique circular exhibit
arena, has gained national prominence as
one of the leading tradeshows in the coutitry
during the last eight years it has been
conducted by NATO of Texas, the host
association for the three-state convention
which last year attracted over 700 showmen
from Oklahoma. New Mexico and
Texas, as well as from throughout the U.S.
Latest Equipment on Display
Roscoe said TEXPO '79 will bring together
theatre people who buy and dispense
over $25 million annually in food and beverages.
These showmen will be able to see
the latest in new projection and sound
equipment, advertising and exploitation
service items and other materials necessary
the operation of movie theatres.
in
The convention in the new Dallas Hyatt
Regency Hotel is being planned so that visiting
showmen from all over the Southwest
will have the opportunity to spend hours
viewing "Show-in-the-Round" exhibits during
the
three-day conclave which opens January
30. 1979.
Texas Theatre Owners Will
Oppose New Ticket Taxes
DALLAS—Whether the Texas legislature
will try to impose a ticket tax on the theatre
boxoffice is a question that has prompted
speculation among some exhibitors in the
Lone Star State, according to the NATO
of Texas Bulletin.
Since the tax on theatre admissions was
declared unconstitutional in September,
1975, film tickets have been free of taxes.
And since June 10. 1977, when the legislature
removed the sales tax on film rentals,
theatre owners have enjoyed the first respite
from taxes since 1917 when the first admission
tax was levied as an emergency war
measure.
Some exhibitors believe the state may
attempt to legislate a state sales tax on the
price of theatre tickets, while others ponder
the possibility of an all-encompassing admission
tax to cover every type of entertainment,
including professional sports, musicals
and bowling, as well as movies.
The NATO of Texas legislative committee
reports that it will be busy monitoring
all bills introduced during the upcoming session
with an eye toward opposing any new
tax at the boxoffice.
SAN ANTONIO
J^rs. Margaret Overstreet, cashier at the
New Laurel Iheatrc spent the past
week with her children and grandchildren
in Houston. Ms. Overstreet reported that
her mother is recuperating from a recent
illness.
The Town Twin Drive-In Theatre has
instituted a new admission policy of $3 per
car. Films being shown there are the doublebill
of "The Chosen" and "Good Guys Wear
Black" on screen one and the double-bill of
"American Graffitti" and "Avalanche" on
screen two.
"Dirty Hands," a film based on Jean Paul
Sartre's novel "Les Mains Sales." was presented
recently at the science building at
Our Lady of the Lake University as part
of the university's Intercultural Film Series.
The series, sponsored by OLLU's newly established
Institute for Intercultural Studies,
is one of many intercultural events and
activities planned for this academic year.
Upcoming presentations of the film series
include "A Doll's House" Tuesday (28).
"Ulysses" January 23 and "Raisin in the
Sun" February 21. The public is invited
to all films in the series and no admission
will be charged.
Red Buttons, an Academy Award winner,
will headline the second vaudeville show at
the Majestic Music Hall Saturday (11) in a
special Veteran's Day salute. The show is
to be on behalf of the American Legion
posts in the city and Audie Murphy Veteran's
Hospital Christmas-Patients Welfare
Fund . Reynolds is being seen on
a number of local screens in "Hooper" and
"Gator."
New films opening and films returning
for additional playing time include "Count
Dracula and His Vampire Bride." "Soul
Brothers of Kung Fu" plus "The Karate
Killer." "Comes a Horseman," "Midnight
Express," a double-bill of "Pink Panther
Strikes Again" and "Revenge of the Pink
Panther," "The Melon Affair," "Saturday
Night Fever," "The Adventures of Jody
Shanan" and the double-bill of "Mustang,
Horse of Pleasure" and "The Young Playmates."
Special film showings recently included
"Beatles 11" at Southwest Texas State University
in the TV-Stereo Room at the LBJ
Center. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
at Southwest Texas State University Chautaqua
Room, LBJ Center and "Casino Royale"
with two showings in the Chautaqua
Room, LBJ Center of Southwest Texas State
"The River Niger" was screened in Marian
Hall of Incarnate Word College ... At
Trinity University's Multi-Purpose Room
.
"What's Up Tiger Lilly" and "Dr. Strangelove"
played With the Devil"
was seen at University of Texas-San Antonio
.... "Let Joy Reign Supreme" was
shown in Chapman Auditorium at Trinity
University and "Soldier in Skirts" was
howled at in the San Antonio Country
Lounge.
'Gifts of an Eagle' Leads
Off Wildlife Film Series
SAN ANTONIO— "Gifts of an Eagle,"
a film by Kent Durden, opened this season's
series of Audubon Wildlife Films October
24 in Thiry Auditorium at Our Lady of the
Lake University here.
For more than 16 years, filmmaker and
wildlife photographer Kent Durden lived
with a Golden Eagle named Lady while
capturing on film many unique sequences
on eagle behavior, intelligence and flying
ability.
A Bird Returns
"Gifts of an Eagle" has been described
by the National Audubon Society as "the
marvelous story of a proud and noble bird,
its
relationship with a human family, and its
ultimate and dramatic return to the wild."
Durden has contributed footage for several
Walt Disney films and has photographed
wildlife scenes for many episodes of the
TV series "Lassie." Additionally, he has
produced several wildlife documentaries and
has completed a library of over 60 nature
education films.
During the past several seasons. Audubon
Wildlife Films have been presented at
OLLU in conjunction with the university's
Cultural Entertainment Series which provides
a variety of educational, artistic and
a public affairs events as service to members
of the San Antonio and OLLU communities.
Open to the Public
This open-to-the-public series, now in its
24th season, is sponsored by the San Antonio
Audubon Society as well as the National
Audubon Society.
In addition to "Gifts of an Eagle." other
Audubon Wildlife Films include "The
Marsh—A Quiet Mystery." December 13;
"Adventures of a Wildlife Photographer."
January 10. and "American Heartland: The
Great River Story." April 4. All films will
be shown at 8 p.m. in OLLU's Thiry Auditorium.
Texas NATO to Ask Solons
For Anti-Blind Bidding Laws
DALLAS—The N.ATO of Texas legislative
committee announced that the trade association
will ask the Texas legislature for
relief from blind bidding practices when
the session opens in January, reports the
NATO of Texas Bulletin.
The NATO-sponsored Fair Competition
.\ct. dealing with blind bidding, guarantees
and bidding procedures, was passed by the
state Senate during the 1977 session. However,
the legislature adjoiu^ned before it
could be introduced in the House.
Five states have passed anti-blind bidding
laws and 15 others are introducing similar
legislation, concludes the Bulletin.
BOXOmCE :: November 6. 1978 SW-1

. . The
. . The
HOUSTON
J^ickey Mouse and friends Pluto. Goofy
and Minnie Mouse came to Houston
on October 25 and were at Almeda Mall
and Northwest Mall through Saturday (4).
A Mouseketeer membership booth was
available for the youngsters to sign up to
become Mouseketeers. Participating stores
included Foleys. J.C. Penney, Battlestein's
and Palais Royal.
Children's films have been scheduled for
showing at various libraries and include
"Paddington Marches" at the Ring Branch
Library; "Ghosts & Ghoulies," "Georgie
to the Rescue" and "Story of the Pirate"
at the Looscan Branch Library; "Noah's
Animals" and "Riki Tiki Tavi" at the
Heights Branch Library, and a "potluck
at film" the Lakewood Branch Library on
Saturday.
Eric Gerber, Post film writer, was in
New York where he interviewed Peter Ustinov
who appears in "Death on the Nile."
Ustinov has written eight screenplays, directed
seven films, appeared in a number
of others and had Oscar-winning roles in
"Spartacus" and "Topkapi." The film, in
which he plays the role of Belgian detective
Hercule Poirot, is currently at Loews Sak
2, Loews Town & Country, Clear Lake 2.
Westwood 3 and Greenspoint 5.
Kris Kristofferson is being seen in two
films on a number of local screens. In
"Semi-Tough" and "Convoy" at Allen Center
3, Bellaire. Festival 6, Northwood 6,
Southmore 6, Westchase 5, Gulfway 2. Irvington.
King Center 2, McLendon 3, Telephone
Road 2, Thunderbird 2 and Town &
Country.
Among the new films opening and films
returning for additional playing time are
"Chess Player," at the Greenway IIL
Satyajit Ray's first film in Hindi with a
goodly portion in English; "Take All of
Me" and "They Went That-A-Way and
That-A-Way." and films at the Miller Fall
Festival at Hermann Park: "Benji." "Rock
Around the Clock" and "Drive-In."
Special film showings included "Samurai
Spy," "Chronicle of Anna Magdalen Bach"
in Brown Auditorium at the Museum of
Fine Arts. At the Rice Media Center films
included "The Big Heat." "Pound," "Little
Women," "McCabe and Mrs. Miller" and
Rossellini's "Paisan" .
Galleria Cinema
III and IV is featuring a special return
engagement of the musical "Camelot," starring
Richard Harris, Vanessa Redgrave and
Franco Nero .
Deauville is presenting
a special Linda Wong double-feature
which is X-rated and includes "The Oriental
Baby Sitter" and "China De Sade."
Perrin Plaza Twin Getting
New Look for Housewives
SAN ANTONIO—The Perrin Plaza Theatre
is taking on a new look these days.
According to manager Rudy Bartel. it's the
"finest the theatre has ever looked."
Anyone who goes to Perrin Plaza Twin
will see a "redecorated and rehabilitated theatre,"
which has had everything completely
steam cleaned.
In addition, the theatre will offer a
"Wednesday afternoon getaway" especially
for housewives, which began Wednesday
(1). Beginning at 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday,
free coffee will be served for all
participants
followed by an afternoon movie. Following
the movie, a drawing for certificates
from Perrin Plaza merchants will be held.
It's a good way to get away from the
normal daily routine, said Bartel. Anyone
purchasing advance tickets in five or tenweek
blocks will receive a discount, he
stated.
The theatre also will offer a nine-day
"kiddie matinee special." for children on
oMwes/ern Jheaire OmfimenJiDo.
1702 Rusk Avenue
Houston, Texas 77003
(713) 654-1461 - Office
(713) 931-0748 -After Hrs.
YOUR TOTAL THEATRE SUPPLY DEALER
„ , ,, Projection & Sound Equip. ,. .. ^ .
Bob Mortensen ••"" ^"Stord
A..A«r:..«, «. I ^kkw F/ii.in
Dan Waggoner
Auditorium & Lobby Eq up. jg„„„ig G,„ham
Concession Equip. & Supplies
SALES — SERVICE — INSTALLATIONS
in I
DOLBY SYSTEM
Birmingham Educational
Fest Set for March 7-14
From Southeastern Edition
BIRMINGHAM. ALA. — The seventl
Birmingham International Educational Filnr
Festival will be held March 7-14, 1979, a
the campus of the University of Alabamz
here.
Six persons have been added this yeai
to the festival's advisors. They are Heini
Gelles, president. Phoenix Films, New
York; Dr. Richard Gilkey, director, Depart
ment of Educational Media, Portland Public
Schools. Portland; Mrs. Jane Head, chairman.
Festival of Arts, Birmingham; Dr
Paul Hubbert, executive secretary-treasurer
Alabama Education Ass'n Montgomery
Mrs. Ruby Murchison, consultant foi
the gifted and talented. South Central Region
Educational Center, Carthage, N.C.
and Dr. Joseph F. Volker. chancellor, Uni
versify of Alabama System, Tuscaloosa.
All films will be prescreened by volunteei
committees of teachers, media and subjec:
specialists and students. Films selected toi
final screening will be submitted to a distinguished
panel of judges for top awards
Judges for the 1979 festival are: Rober
Allen, director of Audio Visual Services
Pennsylvania State University, University
Park, Pa.; Mrs. Elaine Barbour, 1978 Na
tional Teacher of the Year, Coal Creek
Elementary School, Montrose, Colo.; Ms
Leila Grace Cooper, director, Audiovisua
Library, South Carolina Department of Ed
ucation, Columbia, S.C; Ms. Helene Kos
loski. curriculum supervisor, Sprimgfiek
Public Schools, Springfield, N.J.; Dr. Phil
lip Lewis, president. Instructional Dynamic;
instructor in educational media, chairmar
of the Education Committee of the Chicagc
Association of Commerce and Industry, ed
ucator. author, lecturer and businessman
Chicago; Prof. Frank McLaughlin, associ
ate professor. College of Education, Fair
vacation, December 23 to 31. Bartel announced.
leigh Dickinson University, editorial direc
Selections from "Tom Sawyer" to tor of Media & Methods magazine, anc
"Heidi" will be shown, with advance tickets
also available.
editorial advisor to Children's World maga
W
zine, Teaneck, N.J., and Prof. John
Youne, chairman, Theatre Arts department
UCLA.
Nicholas Meyer is directing "Time After
b<
Inquiries about the festival should
Time" from his screenplay.
own
made to: Birmingham Intennational Educa
tional Film Festival, c/o Alabama Powe
Company, P. O. Box 2641, Birminghan
35291.
NATIONAL
Changeable
Letters
lO-in. $2.40
IZ-in S3.I0
/ I
I
17-in $5.30
24-in $8.00
Other siM»
proportionately low
Hard boJied enamel on y^" Maaonite/hardboart
resUte weather ond abuse. Clamp hooks with bronii
spring hold letter »o any track (describe when order
ing). Letters stay put, are easy to change, easi
to read, arcdlable in a choice of colors. Available a
your theatre supply dealer. Sample on request. Asl
for literature.
Prices subject to change.
NATIONAL DEVICES CO.
NATIONAL CHANGEABLE LETTERS DIV.
1535 16th St. Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 892-107:
BOXOFTICE :: November 6. 197!

—
. . . Plans
A 'Rocky Horror' Audience
Surprised by Lone Cyclist
Lucia, costumed as a vampire, was checking
the receipts in the front office midway
through the film, when she heard a rumbling
outside.
On the screen. Meatloaf was wailing
through a song and ready to drive his
motorcycle through the wall of Frank 'N
Furter's medieval castle.
As Meatloaf crashed through the stone
wall, the doors to the cinema swung open
and a motorcyclist dressed in a black leather
jacket powered through the lobby and into
the theatre.
'This Was the Craziest'
"Nobody knew what was going on," said
Lucia. "We've encouraged people to play
along with the film, like, throw rice during
the wedding scene, or provide their own
rain—when it's raining on screen. But this
was the craziest."
Revving his cycle until the song concluded,
the intruder circled the theatre then
drove back out. He caused no damage at
all.
And he hasn't been heard from since.
The theatre has decided to hold over the
film for more Friday and Saturday midnight
showings through the fall.
DALLAS
From New England Edition
GLOUCESTER. MASS.— I.ucia DcSantis
thought she had seen it all at the mid-
Jhe Dalla.s VVOMPI chapter will help spiinsor
a benefit musical show Sunday (12)
cationing for a week, fishing and taking
advantage of the beautiful weather we are
. . . Evey Hughs is the new
. . . Henry
Times. The story is quoted below.
ing the recent convention here. Service is
Through the summer, the daughter of from the performance, which will take place vacationing for two weeks in Hawaii.
Cape Ann Cinema owner Anthony DeSantis
had joined in the hilarity twice weekly from 3 to 7 p.m.. will go toward the medi-
in Scotland Yard. 3039 Northwest Highway
Cindy Bland, cashier at United Artists,
resigned effective
as crowds masqueraded in monster outfits, cal bills of Lynn Hanna. one
Thursday (2)
of Randall's
so as to
return to school
fired squirt guns and threw rice in the air fellow musicians, who died at age 29
and further her education
recently.
Other performers include members
are being made for the forth-
in the zaniest audience-participation film
coming
ever.
of Buggs Henderson's
NATO of Texas convention which
group, the Festival
will
At 'Final Showing'
group, the Dallas Rhythm Session and Polly
be held January 30-31 and February 1
at the Hyatt
But that was until a recent Saturday Logan, accompanied by George
Regency Hotel here.
Beatty.
advertised as the final showing of the Tickets may be obtained from Mary Congratulations are in order for Colleen
picture,
Crump, Claudia Patterson or Polly Logan. Woollard of Paramount. Colleen was trans-
by Larry Randall, the saxophonist who has now enjoying
night showing of the cult film. "The Rocky
Horror Picture Show." reported the Daily performed at recent WOMPI events includ-
Proceeds
assistant bid clerk at Universal
Gatehouse of National Screen
Christopher Wayne Boovy now is working
at Grimes Film Booking assisting Bill
Bond in the shipping department. He wants
to learn the film business from the bottom
to the top. Christopher is the son of Bob
Boovy of Texas Cinema Theatres.
Kelly Lee O'Donnell, bom October 23.
the daughter of Johnny and Leslie O'Donnell
is
and granddaughter of Bob and Joan
O'Donnell . . . Marcetta Smith resigned
her post at Avco Embassy to return to her
home in Kansas City.
Joe Nelle Bain, secretary to Sue Edwards
at American International Pictures for the
past two years, resigned to take on the
duties of assistant to Dale Chappell in the
publicity and advertising department at
United Artists Theatres.
Bob Bowers, regional sales manager at
Universal, held a one-day sales meeting at
his office October 25 with branch managers
Mike Dunn of Des Moines, Steve Miller
of Kansas City and Robert Taylor of New
Orleans in
attendance.
"Go Modem...For All Your Theatre Needs"
Lois Vance, secretary to Bowers, is va-
,.,„yPlo€/&tn
SALES & SERVICE, INC.
~C« MoJtrm . . . E^ifmtml, .Sufplia 6 Strrk^
ferred to Dallas from Puerto Rico to train
for a sales position and she now is officially
on the payroll as a salesperson.
Only Xenia. Ohio Theatre
Reopens After 14 Months
From M.de.Gstern Edition
XENIA. OHIO—Nearly 14 months after
a fire destroyed this city's only theatre and
three other nearby businesses, the theatre
reopened Saturday (14) as the Xenia Twin
Cinema. The theatre is the last of the four
destroyed businesses to resume operations.
The original theatre was gutted in August
of 1977, when the fire swept through a twostory
building on Greene Street downtown.
Dewey Vanscoy, manager, said the 14-
month delay in reopening the theatre was
the result of a disagreement between the
owner of the building and the operator,
which leases the space, over who should
be responsible for what. Once the area of
financial responsibility was decided, work
moved swiftly.
The twin houses feature a new 300-seat
auditorium alongside the original 500-seat
house.
2200 YOUNG STREET • DALLAS, TEXAS, 75201 • TELEPHONE 747-3191
Pinkston Sales & Service
MOTION PICTURE EQUIPMENT
Complete Sales Service or Repair
AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTORS FOR MANY MANUFACTURERS
Ed Cernosek
R.W. (Pinky) Pinkston
2017 Young St.
214-741-1637
Dallas, Tex. 75231
or 741-1638
GRIMES FILM BOOKING
500 So. Ervay, Suite 603-B
Dollos, Tx. 75201
A C ai4) 744-3165
BOXOFHCE :: November 6. 1978

. . . "They
Tucker,
OKLAHOMA CITY
Jn town to do their film chores were Anne Walt Disney's "Fantasia" is
Kendrick of the Perry Theatre in Perry. the Quail Twin, in stereophonic
playing
sound
at
for
Mike Brewer of the Royal Theatre and the first time.
Brewer's Drive-In in Pauls Valley, John and
Lou Buffo of the Liberty Theatre in Hartshorne.
Charles Townsend of the Allred
Theatre and Pryor Drive-In in Pryor and
the Thunderbird Twin in Miami, Gene
Banks of the Crystal Theatre and Jewel
Drive-In in Okemah and Jake Guiles of
Continental Film Distributors at Dallas.
Everett and Jo Ann Mahaney, Guymon
and Perryton Texas theatres, are taking time
off to do a little vacationing and a little
business in Las Vegas. Nev. We hope they
have more luck than we did at the gaming
tables.
A product reel of MGM's forthcoming
"The Champ" was screened at the Westwood
Theatre recently. The screening was
attended by many e.\hibitors who thought
it looked like a potential winner.
The national TV promotional campaign
on "Comes a Horseman" has caused the
local UA office to receive numerous inquiries
as to when it can be booked. It is
playing now at the Northpark and Southpark
theatres here and at the Woodland
Hills in
Tulsa.
The Westpark Theatre hosted a special
preview of Sylvester Stallone's "Paradise
Alley" from Universal.
"Midnight Express" from Columbia is the
new attraction at the Park Lane in Tulsa
Went That-A-Way and That-A-
Way" has opened at the Quail Twin, Reding
4 and Apollo Twin here and the Movies in
Moore.
Nationwide
Sound and
Projection Service
on all brands.
RCA Service Company. A Division of RCA
4508 Bibb Blvd , Ga 30084
PHone (4041 934-9333
= DRIVE-IN =
THEATRE SERVICE
Screens Pninted
& Repaired
* • *
GENE TAYLOR
Post OHice Box 3524
Shawnee, Konsos 66203
(913) 631-9695
HAROLD JOHNSON
D & D Fabrication
4200 White St.
Ft. Worth, Texos 76135
(817) 237-3306
Admissions Tax Protested
By Suburban Theatregoers
From Mideastern Edition
FAIRLAWN. OHIO—This suburban
community of Akron has had a 5 per cent
admissions tax for more than two years, but
now film fans are being asked to sign petitions
protesting the ta.\. Theatre managers
here say the tax is unfair because most of
their patrons do not live in the community
and do not benefit from the parks supported
by the admissions tax revenue.
Steve Sabitsch. manager of the Village
Theatre on North Miller Road, and the
Fairlawn Cinema in Fairlawn Plaza, said
about 90 per cent of his patrons live outside
the city.
200 Have Signed
Sabitsch said about 200 local voters have
signed petitions against the tax at his two
houses during the past two weeks. At the
Summit Mall Theatre on West Market
Street. Dolores Aloi, manager, reported
about 400 Fairlawn residents signed similar
petitions during a one-week period.
Meanwhile, Ted Bare, head of the company
that owned the Village Theatre and
Fairlawn Cinema, said the three theatres
have retained an attorney and are considering
filing a suit against the city. The three
charge $3.50 for adults, and $1.50 for children
under 12, but the tax is beginning to
cut into profits. Bare said the average distribution
fee is about 50 per cent of ticket
sales.
Law director Robert Maxson said the tax
has raised about $78,000 since it became
effective in October, 1976. Council decided
to adopt the tax because of the crowds attracted
to the Firestone Tournament of
Champions pro bowling contest held here
the past 13 years. The tax is levied on all
events held for a profit and charging ad-
ASC
TECHNICAL SERVICES
CORPORATION
rd50n, Texas 75080
TOTAL BOOTH SERVICE, SOUND.
PROJECTION, PARTS, INSTALLATION
AND MAI NTENAN CE
DDOUVBTBCO" 214-234.3270
STAR TREATMENT SERVICE'
Filmland Inaccuracies
'Massacre of History'
From Western Edition
TUCSON— "It's a massacre of history,"
derisively declares the president and platoon
commander of Tucson's 5th Cavalry
Memorial Regiment. Bruce Smith, who
adds. "Hordes of Hollywood directors and
screenwriters have played hell with history!
"Among the pits is a movie made right
here in Tucson, 'The Great Sioux Massacre,'
" snorts Smith. His anger is caused
by the appearance in the film of giant saguaro
cacti. The saguaro is nonexistent in
the Little Big Horn part of the Dakotas.
Surrounded by the nostalgic authentic
gear of the 1880s cavalry in his antique
shop "Fiddler's Green," Smith asserts that
"Hollywood had to adopt the Winchester,
or how else could a single cavalry squad
wipe out thousands of Indians?"
Other movie manglings of authenticity
cited by Smith are "the historical maiming
of uniform and gear. The army never
issued yellow scarves or white hats. The
trooper would use whatever scarf he had
available, even if it were polka-dotted."
Hollywood's errors were debunked during
last year's Tucson Festival. First the
tinseltown version was given, showing Indians
gaudily outfitted with feather headdresses
and multihued warpaint attacking
a group of miners. Of course the cavalry
arrived "in the nick of time."
"That was a crock," explained Smith to
the disillusioned crowd as it then watched
the real thing: loin cloth-covered Apaches
stealthily creeping, followed by the silent
death of the miners. "The cavalry arrived
too late, which is the usual way the Indians
liked to work." said Smith.
Regiment cavalry members and 4th Artillery,
Battery A appeared at the Fort Lowell
Living History Day event.
Exhibitor Urges Caution
Dealing With CATV Issue
DALLAS—Frank Poye, NATO member
in Weatherford, Tex., says that caution
should be observed when exhibitors talk to
city council members about cable TV, according
to the NATO of Texas Bulletin.
Poye made reference to a suggestion
made in the September issue of the Bulletin
that exhibitors should notify city officials
to scrutinize pay TV programing before
granting franchises.
Poye says that the implication of the
moral aspects of some scheduled R-rated
cable films could trigger similar discension
about showing R-rated pictures in theatres.
C LVEKAMA IK L\ SHOW
BITSLVESS LV IL\Wi\II TOO^
Mien you conic to Walklki,
don't miss the famous Uon Ho
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
SW-4 BOXOFFICE :: November 6. 1978

—
—
Mill Cily Sees 'Days/
'Smoke' and 'Animals'
MINNEAPOLIS—"Days ot Heaven."
aimed more or less at the so-called "art
audience" and not expected to be a barnburner,
opened with a 220 at the Park
Theatre.
The Park had been playing "Heaven Can
Walt" which was doing well in its 16th
week. But Paramount (both "Heaven" films
are from that company) was eager to open
the newer film, and the Park had the Dolby
sound system (and the 70mm projection
setup) Paramount wanted for showcase purposes.
In this case. "Heaven" for "Heaven"
was not an even trade.
Only one other opening took place—and
it was all but ignored by the public. "Bloodbrothers"
slipped into town at the Terrace
Theatre and the Movies at Burnsville for
what was to be a "week in and then out."
It could claim nothing more than a 50.
"National Lampoon's Animal House" at
the Skyway II remained loud and lusty
and it actually nudged upward to a 310,
perhaps aided by a Newsweek magazine
cover story on star John Belushi. "The Big
Fix" also inched upward in a third week
at the Northtown and Southdale.
Elsewhere, those films that had been doing
business moved downward only marginally
while pictures that had been held
over only because of product lack continued
to shrink.
(Averaae Is 100)
Brookdale, Southdale Who Is Killing the Great
Chefs of Europe? (WB), 3rd wk 95
Cooper—Interiors (UA), 5lh wk 100
Edina II— Girl Friends (WB), 4th wk 135
Hopkins—Foul Play (Para), 13th wk 100
Northtown, Southdale—The Big Fix (Univ),
3rd wk -170
Stafe of Nebraska Crusades for Film
Business; Two Spearhead the Effort

. . doors
MILWAUKEE
Qhildren's matinee shows once again are
getting the big play in this area and
the recent long Halloween weekend is a
good example. Brown Port had a children's
matinee daily Thursday through Sunday
with all seats SI. 50, offering the "all-new"
G-rated "Gulliver's Travels" plus a three
Stooges short and a cartoon. In addition,
iill children received free Pepsi-Cola, popcorn,
candy and a surprise gift. Complete
shows were at 1,3 and 4 p.m.
On the south side, the Avalon Theatre
had a "Giant Halloween Show" at 12:30
p.m. Sunday, and there were "prizes, surprises
and a raffle" in addition to the film,
"Godzilla vs. the Thing." Hartford Theatre
in Hartford had a "special Halloween treat
Sunday at 2 and 4:15 with free popcorn
to anyone in costume." The movie was Disney's
"Hot Lead and Cold Feet."
The New Towne Theatre had a free children's
matinee both Saturday and Sunday
with three showings of "Raggedy Ann &
Andy" at 1:30 and 3, The Towne also
was prepared to take advantage of the annual
Teachers Convention Thursday (2)
and Friday (3) to announce: "School's out,
free admission to the first 100 students with
school ID . open 11:30 a.m."
Adults were not overlooked, however, as
the Avalon also had a giant Halloween show
for them starting at 8 p.m. Sunday with all
seats at $2. Program included Arousing
Polaris live, plus a double horror show of
"Phantom of Paradise" and "Legend of Hell
House." Strand Showcase had an exclusive
showing at midnight Saturday of "The
Loved One"— "in the tradition of 'The
Rocky Horror Picture Show.' " All seats
were $1.75. Oriental Landmark Theatre
where "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
has been a steady weekend feature for many
months now, had a "Horrorific Halloween
Party" October 31 with "two movies, two
bands and lots of prizes and surprises" for
those who came in costume.
Wherever "Girl Friends" plays, one can
expect to see Vicki Polon, co-author of the
story and writer of the screenplay, turn up
SOUND PROJECTION
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
TROUTS SOUND AND PROJECTION
MANUAL." Simplified service data on
Leading makes ol projectors, Step-by-
Step Service instructions on Sound equipment,
xenon lamps, screens, lenses, him
transport equipment (platter), motors,
soundheads, speakers, etc. Schematics on
sound equipment and drawings. This helpful
Service Manual endorsed by the industry.
Authentic maintenance data for
the projectionist, the exhibitor. Simplified
data. You should have this Manual and
save on repair work and obtain better
proj. and sound. Send TODAY. Special
i^rice per copy, ONLY $8,50, prepaid. Don't
wait— order now at this special price
($8.50). Over 200 pages 8I/2 x H" Loose-
Leaf Practical Manual— Data is Reliable
Editor, the MODERN THEATRE. (Remittance
to:
payable Wesley Trout, Cash,
Check 01 MO.—No CODs) WESLEY
TROUT, EDITOR, Box 575, Enid, Oklahoma
at
—
the theatre to meet with the manager and
his staff and talk about the film. She did
this here when "Girl Friends" opened at
the Downer Prestige Theatre and she was
interviewed by local media. She revealed
that she has completed two more screenplays,
"Mountain Charley" and "Hearts,"
both of which she hopes to direct herself.
When asked by a reporter, Roxane Orgill,
about the so-called women's films being
made today she replied: " 'Julia,' 'An Unmaried
Woman' and 'The Turning Point' are
valid movies—but they lack so much that
it's heartbreaking, 'Hester Street' and 'Harlan
County'—films directed by women
have had a real impact."
Downtown's Strand Showcase Theatre
has announced its Christmas holidays show:
four performances daily for seven days of
"South Pacific" in 70mm widescreen and
full six channel stereophonic sound. It opens
December 20. Admission is $2.50 for adults,
$1.75 for students, $1 for children . . ,
Advance tickets were on sale for an entire
series which features "Around the World
in 80 Days," "The Prince and the Pauper,"
"Till the Clouds Roll By" and "Three Little
Words," "The Chocolate Soldier" and
"Naughty Mariette," "South Pacific," "The
Wizard of Oz" and "The Sound of Music."
These were available at $12.50 for adults,
$8.75 for stLidents and $5 for children.
The Genoa City Theatre is in the same
building as the Genoa City Cinemette, a
cafeteria, which was badly damaged by a
fire recently. According to a news report in
the Lake Geneva Regional News, the movie
theatre, which is located at the corner of
Walworth and Freeman streets, will remain
open "although smoke did enter it." The
cafeteria will be closed, however, from four
to five weeks.
Roger Bullis, assistant professor of communication
and film director at the University
of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has completed
two films. One is "The Great American
Drinking Machine: A Portrait of Alcohol
Myths," which explores, through a
series of humorous sketches, some commonly
held misconceptions about drinking. The
movie is geared toward increasing awareness
and responsibility among young people
in high schools and colleges, and, says Bullis,
"We tried to convey an underlying serious
message through an entertaining, not a
boring film." He said that many alcohol
abuse films are both serious and moralistic.
The second film, an earlier and more serious
one called "99 Bottles," has been successfully
received by schools, conferences and
other groups throughout the country, a!
third film dealing with alternatives to alcohol
through the promotion of physicaland
mental well-being currently is being
planned by the filmmaker. These films may
be rented at a rate of $30 for one day, $50
for three days, $75 for seven days, or it may
be purchased at $325 from UW-SP's student
life division.
La Belle Theatre in Oconomowoc had a
"Friday the 13th Special" with a coupon
deal included in its newspaper display ad
permitting the bearer a seat for $1.50. The
double-bill of "Jennifer" and "Terror in the
Wax Museum" was announced as being the
"first time in this area" . . . Goetz Theatre
in downtown Monroe had a week-long
showing of "Foul Play" from October 20
to 26 with four screenings on Sunday and
a special Wednesday matinee at 1:45, with
"all seats $1.25."
El Lago Theatre is one of over 30 local
merchants in Rice Lake, Wis., who have
joined the Dairy State Bank to offer discounts
to senior citizens who present an ID
card. Called the "Golden Years Club," it is
available to those 62 years of age or older
who can join by applying for the card at the
Dairy State Bank.
Mill City Film Houses Now
Feature Low Ticket Prices
MINNEAPOLIS — The Academy Theatre,
a General Cinema Corp., house located
in downtown Minneapolis and once the
"home" of top first-run attractions, is the
latest Twin Cities theatre to go "the buck
bargain route." Ticket prices in this metropolitan
area have, in recent times, headed
in two directions at once.
On the one hand, general admissions, responding
to inflation, have gone from $2,50
to $3 to a general current top of $3.50 (with
a rare $3.75 on pictures such as "Close Encounters
of the Third Kind"),
But on the other hand, the trend toward
bargain-basement prices also has grown. E,\-.
hibitor Marvin Mann was the first on the
current scene to make a 99-cent policy click.
Mann instituted the rate at his Boulevard
Theatre here—and it paid off. In fact, it's
proved so popular at that situation that the
Boulevard currently is closed for remodeling.
It will reopen in November as a twin.
The Volk Theatres here, the Nile, Camden
and Riverview, also have gone to a $1
policy, the circuit ads asking in bold, black,
type: "Why pay more?" The Academy
switch was announced in ads that said:
"Now—new policy! New shows every Friday
and Monday! All seats all times $1."
The Academy launched its new policy with
"Saturday Night Fever" followed by "The
Turning Point." Results will be closely
watched.
Meanwhile, a 99-cent policy finally
brought to life the Highland Theatre in St.
Paul, another Marvin Mann house. Located
in a "silk stocking" ward, the theatre
wouldn't seem a likely candidate for a penny-saved
policy—but the "buck down andi
a penny back" policy keeps the seats filled.
NC-2 BOXOFnCE :: November 6, 1978

. . Bigelow
MINNEAPOLIS
T airy Bigelow, American International
Pictures
branch manager, announced that
the annual film industry Christmas party
will be held this year Wednesday. December
13 at the downtown Kahkr Motel with a
4 p.m. start. Again this year, live music
will be provided .
himself may
be hard-pressed to be back for the event:
On December 12 he'll be attending an AIP
sales meeting in Scottsdak, Ariz.
Peter Latsis, American International Pictures
publicist, was here recently to contact
the various Minneapolis-St. Paul reviewers,
critics and film columnists to inform them
of AIP's new image and product concept,
which boils down to bigger, more important
pictures. These include "Meteor." "Amityville
Horror," Harold Robbins' "Dreams
Die First" for a December 22 bow at the
Studio 97, Shelard Park, Northtown and
Chief theatres here, and at the Cina 4 and
the Movies at Maplewood in St. Paul.
Adrienne Utz, who has been operating the
Spring Theatre, Springfield, Minn., has purchased
the show house from the city, effective
December 1 . . . Filmrow visitors:
Jim Eshelman. Cinema and Lawler theatres,
Rochester, Minn., and Tom Doughty.
Grand, Northfield, Minn.
Forrie Myers, Paramount branch mana-
ger, returned from a sales conclave held in
New York City October 18-20 at which
forthcoming Paramount product was the
Jennie Kylander, secretary to
Myers, departed for a vacation trip with
her father, the two flying to Washington.
D.C. There, they were to begin a bus tour
which was to cover the nation's capital and
then also cover New York City.
The Warner Bros, branch here was closed
October 23, the branch workers opting for
that day off for the one their contract gives
them on Veterans Day. Most other branches
will take that day off on the day following
Thanksgiving, which will translate into a
four-day holiday.
PES MOINES
^ike Dunn, Universal branch manager,
flew to Dallas October 24 to attend
the regional sales meeting there.
Linda Stewart, the Columbia branch manager's
secretary, took a vacation recently
and traveled to Omaha and Kansas City.
Rick Sands, Columbia sales trainee, spent
two days in New York visiting his family.
Nationwide
Sound and
Projection Service
on all brands.
RCA Service Company, A Division of RCA
7620 Gross Point Road. Skokie, III 60076
Phone (312) 478-6591
United Artists held a product reel screening
October 26. The product was "The
Champ" which features Jon Voight, Faye
Dunaway and Ricky Schroeder, a new juvenile
star.
Glen Lambert, former owner of the
Monte Theatre in Monticello, stopped in
recently to say hello to friends on Filmrow.
Lillian Gish Appears
At Fargo, N.D. Benefit
FARGO, N.D.—Miss Lillian Gish, one
of the greatest actresses of the silent screen,
appeared in person at the Fargo Theatre
Thursday evening (2), for a special showing
of her fihns.
Scenes From Silents
Miss Gish presented scenes from some
of her best-known movies and shared anecdotes
about her fabulous film career. She
also introduced one of her finest and most
popular screen performances, the role of
Anna Moore in D. W. Griffith's 1920
drama, "Way Down East." This feature
film was scored live by Lance Johnson at
the Fargo Theatre's Mighty Wurlitzer pipe
organ.
Career Spans History
Lillian Gish is one of the most respected
and honored screen actresses of this century.
Her career spans a lifetime of acting
in film, stage and television. As a young
performer Miss Gish had leading roles in
such classics as "The Birth of a Nation."
"Broken Blossoms." "Orphans of the
Storm" and "The Scarlet Letter" among
others.
Many Stage Roles
Her distinguished career on stage includes
major productions of "Uncle Vanya," "Camille"
and "1 Never Sang for My Father."
On television she has had starring roles in
"The Late Christopher Bean," "The Grass
Harp" and "Arsenic and Old Lace." In
1971 Miss Gish received an Academy
Award for her "superlative artistry and for
distinguished contributions to the motion
picture." The tireless veteran has just completed
another major film (her 100th). Robert
Altman's "A Wedding." currently being
shown throughout the country.
The program was the eighth in a series
of "Silent Movie Night" presentations sponsored
by the Red River Chapter of the
American Theatre Organ Society, a nonprofit
group organized to support public
film concerts.
John Conboy Productions has acquired
rights to Belva Palin's historical novel.
"Evergreen."
Merchant Chrislnids Trailers
FAST SERVICE—HIGH QUALITY
Color—Tint—B&W.
PARROT FILMS, INC.
LINCOLN
^^oody Alien's long-awaited "Interiors"
opened at Lincoln's Commonwealth
Plaza 2 October 27. Termed by many critics
around the country as a masterpiece. Lincoln
critics have not yet piinted any reviews
of the dramatic offering. Also showing at
the Commonwealth Plaza Theatres are Robert
Altman's "A Wedding" at the Plaza 1;
"Heaven Can Wait" at the Plaza 3, moving
over from the competitive Stuart Theatre,
and Richard Dreyfuss in "The Big Fix" at
the Plaza 4. At the only movie theatre not
located in the downtown business district,
the Commonwealth, is Agatha Christie's
"Death on the Nile" in its fifth smash week
at
the Cooper/ Lincoln.
Currently the Dubinsky Bros. Stuart Theatre
is doing landslide business with "Foul
Play" featuring Goldie Hawn and Chevy
Chase. Local talk has Chase being listed as
one of the sexiest new male leads to come
down the pike.
Douglas Theatres' Douglas 3 is featuring
:he long-rimning Burt Reynolds film "Hooper,"
Cheech and Chong's raunchy boxoffice
success "Up in Smoke" (doing especially
well with university audiences) and
the delicious mystery "Who Is Killing the
Great Chefs of Europe?" with actor and
part-time banjo player George Segal.
For Halloween the State Theatre brought
back two super, supernatural thrillers, "Escape
to Witch Mountain" and "Return
From Witch Mountain," from the Walt Disney
studios. At sister houses Cinema 1 & 2,
manager Bruce Smith has the very successful
"National Lampoon's Animal House"
and the newest Jane Fonda film, "Comes
a Horseman," which also features James
Caan and Jason Robards.
Great Britain's John Hotchkis, who composed
the opening and soundtrack music
for the Robert Altman film "A Wedding."
currently playing at the Plaza 1 Theatre,
will be in Lincoln next May to give a performance
at the First Plymouth Congregational
Church. Hotchkis' exclusive American
appearance in Lincoln came about
through his friendship with Jack Levick.
First Plymouth's music minister.
Variety Acquires Rights
From Western Edition
LOS ANGELE.S—Deno Paoli, president
of Variety International Pictures, announced
that the company had acquired "The
River Horse," a novel by John Clark, lor
production next summer.
C L\fJtAMA IS L\ SWm
BI'SLVE^K L\ ILUV.\]I T

"
Nebraska Crusades for Film Business
(Continued from page NC-1)
Atwater knows that until he actually gets
a movie company into the state, he can only
guess about how much money that will
mean for Nebraska.
He has a pretty good idea, however,
based on a study the state did of what
filming portions of '"Centenniar" at the
Stuhr would have meant to Grand Island.
Universal Studios was expected to spend
a total of $70L555 while in Grand Island.
The company would have taken 140
rooms at a Grand Island motel for roughly
60 days and. if the rooms had been rented
for an average of S21 a day. the motel tab
alone would have been $176,400.
Atwater sits calmly puffing a cigaret in
a conference room at the State Office Building
in Lincoln as he talks big money and
big glamor. Mrs. Nogg is a bundle of nervous
energy as she eats a dieter's lunch in
Omaha. And there are times when Mrs.
Nogg lets the frustration show, balanced by
moments of cheerful good humor.
Asked how Nebraska hoped to compete
with scenic Colorado, she said: "We don't
have the mountains of Colorado, but photographed
from the right angle, we've got
some acceptable high hills."
The frustration of not having mountains
is minor because of what the state does
have, but the frustration caused by what
Mrs. Nogg considers to be the failure of
some Omahans to fully appreciate her
dream lasts longer.
"I am frustrated," she said. "Frustrated
"It makes my job. well. I won't say impossible,
but for every hour of productive
work. I have to spend 15 minutes explaining
to people what I am. who 1 am and
that it is legitimate."
She said there are businessmen and others
who can not do enough but too often she
has to "waste my time selling people who
shouldn't have to be sold."
She points to Austin, Tex., however,
where a movie called "Outlaw Blues" was
made in which the chief of police and his
department were made to look foolish.
Mrs. Nogg said she was surprised at first
the city allowed it, "but not only did the
governor see it, the mayor saw it and the
chief of police was in it. Half of the police
department was in it."
Atwater said there are probably some
movies the state would just as soon not be
shot in Nebraska, but so far he has not had
the luxury of rejecting any—not even "Badlands."
a thinly veiled story of the Starkweather
killings. The locale was moved to
South Dakota, and it was shot in New
Mexico.
He sa!d an outline of a proposed movie
usually is sent to his office along with
letters requesting assistance. Atwater said
by what I consider to be apathy on the part he would see any shooting script before a
of businessmen—and I could name names movie is begun.
but I don't want to because that is, you
is What Nebraska prepared to do for
know, indelicate. But companies have rejected
film companies is scout locations, help get
bank potential film things for the town
permits, help establish accounts, get
based on either an inability to und.;rstand.
hotel or motel reservations, provide ground
personal prejudice, you name it.
producer transportation for the or director
and, if there are no commercial airlines
flying to the location, the state will help
with air
transportation.
If a movie company needed to rent cattle
or hire wranglers or buy or lease props,
Atwater would help put it in touch with
people providing such services.
Dealing with Hollywood is not Atwater's
only job with the Department of Economic
Development, but it is becoming a bigger
one.
So far, though, he has been able to
handle the job alone. He does not think
he will need an assistant until the day Nebraska
gets two movie companies shooting
in Nebraska at the same time.
Atwater said the location scouts and
producers he has dealt with "are very intense.
They don't eat right. They don't
sleep right. They are up before dawn and
they are home after dark.
"When they are on location there is no
messing around. It is all business."
Translation for Paleface:
"Don't waste time with old-fashioned
way sending message. BEST way to
SELL used equipment, find HELP, SELL
or BUY theatres, is with
BOXOFFICE CLEARING HOUSE
You get year-round service.
RATES: 50c per word, minimum $5.00, cash with copy. Four consecutive insertions for price of tlin
BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124.
Please insert the following ad times
the
CLEARING HOUSE
Classification
(Enclosed is check or money order for $
Blind ods figure two additional words plus 75^ extra)
NC-4 BOXOFFICE :: November 6. 1978

—
—
—
'Animal House' Climbs
In 13th Cincy Week
CINCINNATI—Week number 13 proved
lucky for "National Lampoon's Animal
House," as the film gained strength to overtake
"Up in Smoke" as the leading Cincinnati
production. "Animal House" scored
600 at two showcase cinemas, while "Up
in Smoke," also at two showcase houses,
dropped to 500. Meanwhile Robert Altman's
"A Wedding" remained strong in its
second week at the Carousel and Studio
with a 475 rating. "The Big Fix" in its
third week at four Mid States cinemas
stayed at 400. Long-term holdover "Foul
Play" completed the 1 4th lap at the Times
and Tri County with a 350. "Grease," down
to only one theatre, finished the 19th week
with 250.
Carousel Studio—A Wedding (20thTox),
2nd wk
Kenwood Interiors (UA), 4th wk
Northgate Sgl. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club
Band (Univ). 14th wk
Princeton—Bom Again (Emb), 3rd wk
Showcase Cmenias—Grease (Para), !9th wk
Showcase Cinemas Coin' South (Para),
3rd wk
Showcase Cinemas—Up in Smoke (Para),
4lh wk
Showcase Cinemas—Death on the Nile (Para)
4th wk
Showcase Cinemas^The Boys From Brazil
(20th-Fox), 3rd wk -
Showcase Cinemas National Lampoon's
Animal House (Univ), 13th wk
Times/Tn County Foul Play (Para), 14th wk.
3 theatres Hooper (WB), 14th wk
4 theatres-The Big Fix (Univ), 3rd wk
4 theatres Who Is Killing the Great Chefs ol
Europe? (WB), 3rd wk
Togas Put the Wraps on Univ.'s
'Animal House' in Cleveland
CLEVELAND—The togas have it. judging
from the grosses of "National Lampoon's
Animal House," still going strong
in its tenth week with a 245. "Up in Smoke"
was hot on its heels with 190.
2 theatres Heaven Can Wait (Para),
16th wk 120
2 theatres—Interiors (UA), 3rd wk 170
5 theatres—The Big Fix (Univ), 2nd wk 135
5 theatres—Death on the Nile (Para),
3rd 155
5 theatres Coin' South (Para), 2nd wk 165
5 theatres Who Is Killing the Great Chefe ol
Europe? (WB), 2nd wk
5 theatres—National Lampoon's Animal House
(Univ), 10th wk
5 theatres—Up in Smoke (Para) 3rc! wk
CINCINNATI
J^edstone's Chuck Dunn reports patrons are
likely to ".see most anything" in the
Showcase Cinemas lobbies on weekends.
"Unofficial" toga partying is the reason.
Last week five toga-clad young ladies showed
up "on a dare," while two men and a
woman have also attended a showing of
"National Lampoon's Animal House" in
Grecian garb. Dunn said parties have been
held in conjunction with local radio stations
at discos, but as yet none at the theatre
itself. However, he plans to do just that
when the grosses on "Animal House" start
to dip.
Mid States is
the center of attention when
it comes to new product. Florence and Tri
County unveiled "Comes a Horseman," the
Carousel, Northgate, Florence and Skywalk
arc playing "Midnight Express," and six
other Mid States houses picked up a secondrun
of "Heaven Can Wait."
"Bread and Chocolate," an Italian offering
opened at Mt. Adams. Cincinnati Enquirer
film critic Tom McElfresh called the
film a "brilliant blend of comedy and drama
in which each enriches the other."
Oakley, Florence and Dixie Gardens underskiers
celebrated the Halloween weekend
with "Two shockers of unbelievable
horror"— "Body Snatcher From Hell" and
"The Devil's Nightmare."
Showcase Cinemas scheduled a sneak
preview of Sylvester Stallone's "Paradise
Alley" at their Spingdale and Erlanger locations
. . . Also,
one of the auditoriums
at the Erlanger complex has been closed
for the purpose of splitting it into two
separate auditoriums.
A duo release of "Almost Summer" and
"American Graffitti" went into saturation
runs on four drive-in and ten walk-in
screens.
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" continues
Friday and Saturdays at midnight
at the Skywalk. Cincinnati Enquirer reporter
Renee Miller penned an article describing
the late-night ritual. She said local
followers "garbed in everything from
straight horror to glitter to punk to
monster drag" gather at the cinema each
week waiting for the door to open. Antics
on-screen generate off-screen activities including
a shower of rice in the theatre,
water pistol battles and bread bombardments.
Miller quoted Don Wirtz, assistant
to the president of Mid States TTieatres,
who said the film seems to appeal to the
late-night folks who like to "let loose and
have a good time." Wirtz indicated he will
continue playing "Rocky Horror Picture
Show" so long as it's successful.
Many Honored at Ohio
Theatre's Anniversary
COLUMBUS—Few theatres in the United
States can boast of tributes paid fay a
president, a governor, and some of the
greatest showpeople in the nation. But the
Ohio Theatre can.
Saved from demolition only two years
ago, the theatre became the star of u dazzling
gala October 22 in which Bob Hope,
former president Gerald Ford, and Gov.
James Rhodes honored the elegant house.
At the ceremonies which were taped to
air on NBC-TV in December. Ford unveiled
a plaque marking the Ohio Theatre as a
national landmark. Then Ohio Governor
Rhodes unveiled a similar plaqfc which
declares the Ohio to be the "official" state
theatre of Ohio.
Bob Hope emceed the ceremonies in
which silent screen star Lillian Gish was
honored. Also paid homage to for their
efforts in saving and restoring the 3.000
seat showplace were: John Galbreath. developer
and financier; John McCoy, chairman
of the board of City National Bank;
Sherwood Fawcett. president of Battelle
Memorial Institute; Dean Jeffers. president
of Nationwide Insurance Cos.; Charles Y.
Lazarus, chairman of the board of F, & R.
Lazarus Co.; Bob Banner, producer of the
show; David Petterson. chairman of Huntington
National Bank; Melvin Scottenstein.
attorney and developer; Joe Worman. stage
manager at the Ohio Theatre for the past
25 years; Eleanor Jelpi, chairman of the
board of the Columbus Symphony; Evan
Whallon. conductor of the Columbus Symphony;
Mary Bishop, who played an int.-
gral part "saving" the structure; Carl Slallard.
chairman of the board of the Columbus
Ass'n for the Performing Arts, and
Susan Perkins, 1976 Miss America.
STAR^PHONE
Group 1 will produce "The Treasure.
Here is a service that can benefit every theatre owner or manager, drivein
or hardtop, chain and independent! We all know the high percentage
of theatres that use answer phones which play a tape when a prospective
patron calls for information about the times your films are run. Usually
the voice is straight that gives out the information. But—instead of
your straight voice answering your phone—what if it was—the voice
of a star??? Not the real star, of course, but an authentic-sounding
impression of John Wayne, Walter Brennan, Jimmy Stewart, Boris Karloff,
Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable etc. These voices answering your phone!
Personalized for your theatre, giving the times your films will start!
What an edge to have over your competition! And at an incredibly low
price! As many tapes and voices for as many changes of your bill of
fare, only $25.00 a month! Less if fewer tapes required. Nothing else like
it! Fast service too! Be different! Send for FREE sample tape today! No
obligation. Indicate reel tape or cassette. Send today!
STAR^PHONE
Box 26132 Belmar Station
Denver, Colorado 80226
BOXOFnCE :: November 6. 1978

. . . Same
l
Victory Thealre May
Have to Face Defeat
DAYTON. OHIO—With a grim outlook
for the future, the 1.200-seat. 112-year-old
Victory Theatre in downtown Dayton may
yet become a parking lot. despite progress
during the past few years by the nonprofit
management group in obtaining memberships
and donations. Kent Anderson, manager,
said the Victory Theatre Ass'n in the
past three years of hand-to-mouth operalion
has succeeded in halting the proposed
destruction of the building, gaining control
of its deed and making 5170,000 worth of
avoided demolition in 1975." because it
would cut into the Victory's clientele. The
Trotwood Circle Theatre group wants to
occupy a 200-seat auditorium in the basement
of Memorial Hall, to be financed by
government subsidies, including $210,000
in CETA funds to pay for 30 workers and
artists, and a $20,000 loan from the county
for a stage and seating to enable the repertory
group to offer a winter season from
December to May.
LEXINGTON
Wedding" opened at the Crossroad J!^ Twin
to an excellent review by Lexington
Herald's Tom Carter. He called the film
"pure fun and entertainment. For those who
must look deeper than that, it is filmmaking
by people who really know their business."
General Cinema's Fayette Mall Twin
opened "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs
of Europe?" Meanwhile, a "sneak" was
i7
[^
slated Saturday, October 28 of "Midnight
E.xpress." also at the Fayette Mall.
Mid States' South Park six-plex unveiled
"Comes a Horseman." while the same complex
sneaked "Watership Down" with the
regular showing of "The Big Fix."
Family Drive-In unspooled a "fearsome
foursome" for the Halloween season. Films
shown were "The Redeemer," "Kingdom of
the Spiders," "Ruby" and "The Legend of
the Wolf Woman." Free coffee and donuts
Wire provided prior to the fourth show.
First run films on local screens are "Up
in Smoke," "Animal House," "Interiors,"
"The Big Fix," "Foul Play," "Heaven Can
Wait," "Death on the Nile," "Revenge of
the Pink Panther," "Coin' South," "Take
All of Me" and X-rated "Babyface."
X-Rated Film Screening
Given OK at Miami U.
OXFORD, OHIO— Unless a court order
at the last moment changes things, students,
faculty and administrators who present a
Miami University identity card at the door
were to be permitted to attend the X-rated
movie "Emmanuelle" October 14 on the
Miami University campus. The public will
be barred.
College President Phillip Shriver announced
October 12 he would allow the film
to be shown, but to restrict admittance to
the campus community. "Emmanuelle" was
booked several weeks ago by the studentoperated
program board for the screening
at the University Center.
Robert Etheridge, vice-president for student
affairs and chairman of the Student
Affairs Council, said an advisory committee
of the council is responsible for approval of
any X-rated films shown at the University,
but that the committee two w;eks before
asked the entire council to study the booking.
The members voted to preview the film,
and after the screening, the vote was 15 to
10 to let the show go on.
-corner -ThSS!^
;^^0^ MERCHANT '
FECIAL ANNOUNCEMrMT ^''°^ REQUEST)
MENr
TRAILERETTEl
F/LMS DATE STRIPS'
HO LIDA)
NO SMOKING HEADER!
.
FILMACR STUDIOS, INC.
312-427-3395
Former Vaudevillian Now
Manages a Mich. Drive-In
ROYAL OAK. MICH.—James E. Evans,
staff writer with the Tribune, recently met
the 90-year-old manager of the Royal Oak
Drive-In. Their conversation resulted in the
following
interview:
Al Smith is the good old days.
For the past 30 years, the exvaudeville
performer who shared the stage with Astaire,
Berle and Durante has closed the curtain
at the Oak Drive-In.
"I open and close the joint every night,"
said Smith, the 90-year-old manager of the
Royal Oak.
renovations.
It's somehow ironic that Smith, whose
He said the association is in no danger
career ended shortly after Al Jolson's 1927
of losing its deed or defaulting to its creditors,
but does suffer from
talkie "The Jazz Singer" came out, should
Chevy
a deficit, having
Chase Cinema brought back a be managing a drive-in. Yet he feels the
lost $70,000 in 1977 and
comedy
a possible $40,000
double treat, combining "Oh, God!" cycle is perfectly natural.
this year. He said this means
and "The Goodbye Girl"
stricter attention
will be paid to expenses
on one program
"You've got to keep in front of the public,"
laughed Smith. He was seated in his
theatre featuring
and programing.
screenings for $1.50. "A
midnight Friday
and Saturday
dingy office wedged behind the concession
Bov and His Dog" was screened October
Meanwhile, a proposal to establish a subsidized
repertory theatre at Montgomery
Producing a time-ravaged packet of pic-
stand.
27-28.
County's Memorial Hall here was seen as
tures, this man. known as "Uncle Al" to
"the greatest threat to the Victory since it
area moviegoers, began reminiscing about
an era of entertainment far removed from
today's dustenshrouded-outdoor screens.
"We opened in Hartford," said Smith,
yanking a circa 1908 picture of the "Fred
and Al Smith Gymnastics Act" from a yellowed
envelope.
"That's my brother and me." he said,
pointing to a pair of well-muscled young
men clad in light leotards.
Fred Smith died in 1970.
The debut at the Bijou Theatre began a
22-year stint of life on the vaudeville trail,
a period spiced with liberal amounts of train
travel and existing out of a trunk.
"It was a hell of a good life for a pair of
young guys." said Smith. "We saw every
major city in this country and Canada at
least four times."
He admitted they'd also played in some
not-so-major cities.
"Gymnasts were fairly common in vaudeville.
We used to do stunts with the rings
and balancing."
Smith recalled a time when he and his
brother played on the same bill as Milton
Berle.
"He was just a young kid back then in
HADDEN
THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY
Making Films Sound Better
DOLBY SYSTEM
Noise Reduction - High Fidelity
f^^ ^^^^^
THE ONLY DEALER
WITH EXPERIENCED,
24 HOUR MAINTENANCE IN THE
KENTUCKY/ INDIANA AREA
(502) 896-9578
3709 HUGHES ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY. 40207
ME-2
November 6. 1978

•
a children's play. I think his mother managed
him."
There was also the memory of the time
when a young dancer named Fred Astairc
was panned by the press in Minneapolis.
"The guy from a paper said he stunk,"
laughed Smith, adding similar sentiments
were expressed about the entire troupe's bill
of fare.
"Yeah, we played with all the big names:
Jolson. Durante and even Will Rogers.
"After all, in 32 years, you're bound to
run into everyone," he said.
Although he said the Fred and Al — Smith
Gymnastics Act was fairly successful "we
were on the Orpheum and B.F. circuits"—
he said life was not all curtain calls and
roses.
"I probably made a million bucks and
spent the same amount," said Smith. "One
week you'd be a rich man and the next
week, a bum."
But. for him, all vaudeville performers
had hearts of gold.
"If I saw an actor walking down Broadway
in New York who was a little down
on his luck. I'd slip him $25," said Smith.
"You'd never have to worry about getting
it back either. Even if I didn't see the guy
for, say, two years, I knew I would get paid
back the minute we did run into each
other.
"Al Jolson was a great one for lending
guys money."
Abruptly drifting back to the present.
Smith began talking about the drive-in business.
"Too much vandalism nowadays," he
said.
As for his secret to his longevity. Smith
said the key is to keep busy.
"You can't be in a hurry to retire," said
Smith. "After all. I began managing this
place when I was 60."
After retiring from show business in
1930, Smith returned to his hometown,
Hartford, Conn., and married one half of
the Garner Girls vaudeville singing duo,
Ruth.
Ruth died in 1955.
"I still can't believe I'm 90. That's a lot
of water under the bridge," he winked.
Sergio Martino will direct Medusa Productions'
"Volcano Island."
/ St mn \
RiNGOLD THEATRE
Junction City Braces
Itself for 'Brubaker'
JUNCTION CITY. OHIO— Perry County,
with a population of about 30,000 people,
including about 1,000 in Junction City,
is bracing itself for the onslaught of Hollywood—and
especially the appearance of
Robert Redford. Nothing as exciting as this
has happened to Junction City since 1928.
when a big fire took place at the nowabandoned
prison farm here that will be
used as the setting for the 20th CcntLiry-
Fox film. "Brubaker."
The $7 million film, produced by Ron
Silverman and directed by Bob Rafelson.
is a story about life in a Southern prison,
based on an incident that took place in
1968. Filming is expected to begin in March
and continue until June.
Jack Frame and Steve Landerman, who
bought the old prison in partnership with
Tom Johnson and Ralph Allen, said they
were initially unimpressed with Hollywood's
interest in their property. The Perry
County location was selected because a
prison farm site was required. The Ohio
Film Bureau was instrumental in promoting
the use of the Junction City location.
Perry County, located about 40 miles east
of Columbus, has no cities. The largest village
in the county is New Lexington, the
county seat, with about 6,000 population.
Mail from persons wanting parts as extras
in the film is flooding the Ohio Film
Bureau. Mari Barnum of the bureau said
about 100 letters a day are received.
CLEVELAND
pjerb Horstemeier, Personalized Film Buying
and Booking, is recovering from
double vision and looking very theatrical
with a patch over his eye. He enjoyed his
visit to the Village Theatre for the screening
of Universal's "Same Time, Next Year,"
starring Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn. Herb
reports that the Virginian Theatre in Carrolton.
Ohio just reopened after having been
closed for three months. Henry Myers, owner
of the theatre and of Myers Tin Shop,
has revamped the entire theatre. The house
Sales
Stock
Service
Serving Michigan and Ohio
EQyiPMENT CO.
952 Ottawa, N.W. . Grand Rapids, IVIichi. (6161 454-8852
29525 Ford Road • Garden City, IWichigan 48135 • (313)522-4650
now boasts a new screen, new carpeting and
a new look with paint and a complete newsound
system.
The Andovcr Cinema is still closed but
planning to reopen next spring with lots
of new product. Bill Duncan, owner-manager
of the Killbuch, Ohio theatre, is very
pleased with his present business. The theatre
business to Duncan is not new ... it
is a family-owned one and dates back to
1850.
On Saturday, October 21,
an audience of
nearly 3,000, including former President
Gerald Ford and his wife Betty, filled the
historic Ohio Theatre, Columbus, for the
special golden anniversary show starring
Bob Hope. After the show, guests, who paid
up to $1,000 for their theatre seats, crossed
the street for a jubilee ball in the Statehouse
rotunda. Lester Lanin and his orchestra
played for the ball. This is the first dance
to be held in the rotunda although many
receptions have been given there. Bob Hope
emceed the show from the stage of the Ohio.
The production was filmed by NBC-TV for
national broadcast on December 3. Funds
raised will be used for a matching challenge
from the National Endowment for the Arts
to enlarge the stage of the Ohio Theatre.
Rumor has it that the Colony Theatre on
Shaker Square will close at the year's end.
The Colony was formerly a Stanley Warner
theatre and was purchased by National Theatre
Corp.
Herb Brown, Loews division manager in
Cleveland, announced the conversion and
reopening of the Richmond and Riverside
theatres this week. Both theatres, previously
owned by Community Circuit, are now part
of the Loews circuit. The Richmond Theatre
has been tripled, the Riverside twinned.
(Continued on next page)
Ulf6 URGENT!!!
It is imperative that you contact:
Total Theatrical
Service, Inc.
Fred C. Lentz, President
135V2 North Main Street
Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402
(419) 352-1618 or 352-5195
or
29001 Cedar Road ii302,
Lynhurst, Ohio 44124
(216) 461-7290 or 461-7974
in order to provide yourself with the
finest in booking and buying services,
lowest prices in concession supplies and
the most original advertising assistance.
November 6, 1978

CLEVELAND
(Continued from page ME-3)
and the Berea theatre will be tripled in the
near future.
Former Community Circuit managers
Sheldon Silverman, Village Theatre, Martin
Polster, Richmond Theatre, Bill Halaney,
Riverside, retained their managerships in
the same theatres while Steven Gross is the
manager of the Showplace, and Ed Del Rio
holds the same position at the Berea Theatre.
The Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf has
gotten off to the season's start with a bright,
sparkling and thoroughly enjoyable production
of Moliere"s "The Doctor in Spite of
Himself." It is a brilliantly integrated production
of spoken and sign languages with
a cast of great enthusiasm and proficiency.
Jonathan Forman, president of the Cleveland
Cinema Guild, has announced plans
to continue working to establish the Cedar-
Lee Theatre as Cleveland's fine arts film
house. The theatre programs will include
first-run films, special programs on Saturday
afternoons called "Films for Kids" and
midnight movies every Friday and Saturday
night. The theatre also will feature its
own international cafe, offering customers
an opportunity to sample international coffee
and pastry before and after film showings.
Screenings: James Ryan, branch manager.
Universal, screened "Caravans," starring
Anthony Quinn, Jennifer O'Neill, Michael
Sarrazin, Joseph Cotton, Christopher Lee,
Barry Sullivan, Jeremy Kemp and Behrooz
Vosoughi at the Brainard screening room
Tuesday, October 24.
Stu Levin, film critic, had a lengthy article
in the Jewish News on his personal
interview with Claudia Weill when they met
at the Toronto International Film Festival.
She said that she felt the need to make a
short documentary film concerning "growing
up Jewish in America." She discussed
her college days and days as a free-lance
photographer and cinematographer. In 1969
she obtained a grant for the formation of
Cyclops Films to produce and/ or direct
documentary films such as "Joyce at 34,"
v/hich won her a Blue Ribbon Award at the
American Film Festival,
She discussed the problems, tribulations
and pleasures of filming "Girl Friends" and
said that when a film was completed, she
went looking for a distributor. She picked
We can handle it!
theatre
MOORE THEATRE
equipment
EQUIPMENT CO.
needs ond
213 Delaware Ave.
P.O. Box 782
Coll:
Choilesfon, W. Va.
(304) 344-*413 25323
up the telephone book and called the first
movie executive's name she came across.
His secretary was out, so she spoke directly
to him and he agreed to handle distribution
through Warner Bros, "Girl Friends"
opened in this city October 27.
Tri-State Ozoner Installs
Radio Sound 640 System
CHESAPEAKE. OHIO—Tri-State Drivein.
has installed Radio .Sound 640, according
to Don Wirtz. assistant to the president
of Mid States Theatres, Inc.
Wirtz believes eventually the entire country
will go this route, which uses car radios
rather than external speakers at outdoor
theatres.
"The sound has to improve," Wirtz said,
noting that the degree of improvement is
dependent upon type of radio one has in
their car.
He indicated patrons seem to like the
innovation, and some have even brought
days!
The Tri-State is the first Mid States
theatre to install Radio Sound. The theatre
is managed by Larry Wagoner.
X-Rated Theatre Closed;
Violates Safety Code
AKRON. OHIO—The Astor Theatre, an
X-rated film house in downtown Akron at
281 S. Main St.. was closed by the city fire
department last week for violations of the
state fire safety code. The theatre was a
24-hour-a-day operation, and the owner,
ArthiT Weintraub, Cleveland, had been
given two week's notice to improve conditions.
Under other ownership, the theatre lost
several films in Akron police raids over the
years. The marquee offered "The Final
Sin" and "Peach Fuzzy" as its last double
bill, but employees hoped to make needed
repairs necessary for an early reopening.
Water was dripping from the ceiling in
several places (it was raining outdoors) and
the fire exit doors were found chain locked,
among other violations. The theatre is in a
58-year-old building which has seven vacant
floors above it.
Mill City Newspaper Calls
For State Film Commission
From North
Central Edition
ST. PAUL. MINN.—With two major
motion pictures being filmed on location in
and around the St. Paul-Minneapolis area,
the Dispatch noted a growing Hollywood
interest in Minnesota as a moviemaking
locale and—calling the state "the Hollywood
of the North"—suggested it might
be high time the state leaders consider the
establishment of a Minnesota Film Commission.
Noting that many other states have such
commissions which aggressively seek out
location filming, the newspaper said that
"just bumbling along on its own and aided
by local well-wishers, the Gopher State has
managed to snare several key movie productions."
It also was observed that during the past
decade. Minnesota has received more majorfilm
attention than in all of its prior history.
"Airport," the first in that series of films,
was shot in part at the Minneapolis-St. Paul
International Airport. Over the intervening
years, several major productions for both
theatres and TV have locationed in Minne-
portable radios along so they can sit outside
the vehicle.
sota.
Responding to the question of what management
This past March, Columbia Pictures did
would do if someone showed up principal photography for its forthcoming
with a radio and no car, Wirtz laughingly production, "Ice Castles." In October, two
mused that by next summer a few seats major pictures were shooting in Minnesota.
might be installed in front of the concession "Foolin' Around," starring such personalities
stand! Not a bad idea, especially with the as Eddie Albert, Cloris Leachman, Tony
cost of maintaining an automobile these Randall and Gary Busey, was filming on lo-
CUVEKAMA IS Vi SHOW
BUSLVEKS L\ Hi\Wi\II TOO^
When you come to Wuikiki,
don't miss the famous Don Ho
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
cations in both St. Paul and Minneapolis,
an independent production with a majorstudio
release anticipated. And a made-for-
TV movie. "The Melodeon," starring Jason
Robards, Eva Marie Saint and (in a cameo
role) Joanne Woodward, was on location on
a farm near Rush City, Minn., about 65
miles north of the Twin Cities. It will be
presented on CBS as a two-hour Christmas
special.
The Dispatch noted that Minnesota
abounds in lakes, streams, forests and farms,
and experiences each season to its utmost.
What's more, the article noted, all moviemakers
who have locationed here have expressed
delight with the cooperation of the
state's officials and citizenry and with the
fact that such diversified conditions are to
be found so close to a major metropolitan
area with an international airport.
Concluded the newspaper: "Such a move
could prove to be a major money-making
factor for Minnesota and boost even further
our vital tourist economy. A Minnesota Motion
Picture Commision seems long overdue."
Fabio Testi will star in Monte Hellman's
'Going Down."
Sound and
Projection Service
brands.
on all
RCA Service Company, A Division of RCA
20338 Progress Or Strongsville, Ohio 44136
Ptione (216) 238-9555
ME-4
November 6. 1978

—
———
I
I
'Jokes My Folks' Gels
Business In Hartford
HARTFORD — New World Pictures'
"Jokes My Folks Never Told Me," slotted
into the Cinema City IV plus five underskyers,
hit a brisk 225. The SBC showplace
and the drive-ins participated in large-scale
advance and current print media advertising
campaign.
The same SBC plex had a second area
bow, EMC Pictures' "At Last, At Last,"
with 200. Same figure was registered for
World Northal's import "Bread and Chocolate"
at the downtown Atheneum Cinema.
Beyond these three attractions, however,
it was matter of holdover product and re-
Tuns. One program, significantly, dated back
40 years. The Avon Twin brought back
MGM's 1937 "A Day at the Races" and
1939 "At the Circus," both Marx brothers
starters. The twin is operated by Connecticut's
Ass'n of Theatre Owners president Sylvia
Stieber and husband Alexander.
(Average Is 100)
Cinema
Art
Slave ai PlMsure (SR), 2nd wk 185
Atheneum Cinema Bread and Chocolate
1st wk (World Northal), 200
Cinema City III At Last, At Last
1st (EMC), wk 200
Showcase Coin' 125
South (Para), 3rd wk
Showcase II The Boys From Brazil
(20th-Fox), 3rd wk 160
180
Showcase III—Interiors (UA), 3rd wk
Showcase IV—The Big Fix (Univ), 3rd 145
wk
Showcase V—Up in Smoke (Para), 4th wk. .125
Showcase VI—Death on the Nile
(Para), 4th wk 120
theatres—Jokes 6 My Folks Never Told Me
1st (NWP), wk 225
theatres—Who 3 Is Killing the Great Chels of
Europe? (WB), 3rd wk 175
3 theatres Notional Lampoon's Animal House
(Univ), 12th wk 100
thealres—A Wedding (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 185
4
'At Last, At Last' Is First
In Elm City on Triple-Bill
NEW HAVEN—EMC Film Corp.'s "At
Last, At Last," sole new arrival of the week,
generated a brisk 200. The R-rated attraction
was on a triple-bill with two other
state's rights' R-rated releases. Universal's
"National Lampoon's Animal House," presently
the longest-running film on the firstrun
circuit, hit 115 for its 10th week at
Redstone Showcase Cinemas 5.
Cinemarl II, Milford I—Who Is Killing the
Great Chefs of Europe? (WB), 3rd wk 175
Milford Twm Drive-In—At Last, At Last
1st (EMC), wk 200
Showcase The Boys From Brazil
3rd wk (20th-Fox), \e,b
Showcase II—Interiors 170
(UA), 3rd wk
125
Showcase III— Goin' South (Para), 3rd wk
Showcase IV—Death on the Nile
(Para). 4th wk 150
Showcase V National Lampoon's Animal House
(Umv), 10th wk 115
A Wedding
York Squale Cinema
(20th-Fox), 3rd wk 175
'Rio' Is Screened for Free
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—"Flying Down
to Rio," 1933 RKO release toplining Dolores
Del Rio and Gene Raymond, with
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers among
featured players, was shown as a free attraction
on a recent Thursday at the Mt.
Auburn Branch Library.
"Quadraphenia," starring the rock group,
the Who, began shooting September 21.
HARTFORD
Joan Fontaine's four decades of londiicss
for Connecticut was emphasized in
the
course of an interview in Hartford, in conjunction
with her newly published autobiography
"No Bed of Roses." She describes
the northern Connecticut town of Suffield
as "a jewel of a New England village, to
which I gratefully escaped from Hollywood."
She explained that she has been
"1 wrote the
visiting hereabouts since 1940.
book," Miss Fontaine continued, "in four
months. The original was written in longhand.
Every word is mine. I even designed
the cover." Of her many films, shi cited
six in particular: "Gunga Din." 1939; 'Rebecca,"
1940; "Suspicion," 1941; "Jane
Eyre," 1943; "Letter from an Unknown
Woman," 1948, and "Ivanhoe," 1952.
Hollywood's Carolyn Jones and James
Drury played the Bushnell Memorial Auditorium
in a one-night stand of Neil Simon's
"California Suite."
The Leonard L. Paul-operated Central,
West Hartford, has economy of marquee
space. "Tonight," film title, starting times
and continuing house admission of 99 cents,
are sole components. Obviously. Paul
doesn't believe in marquee clutter, and his
marquee style may well be worth studying
elsewhere, especially in situations where
sub-run policy is the norm. A pre-sold film
does not need exhaustive adjectives on a
marquee.
United Artists Eastern Theatres' Westfarms
Movies 3 linked-up with a formal
wear shop for promotion on 20th Century-
Fox's "A Wedding," with shop customers
invited to register for a free holiday for
two, free rental of tuxedos for wedding
party and free 41 -piece glassware set. Continuing
advertising emphasized: "If you're
planning a wedding ... see Robert Altman's
new movie at the Movies, Westfarms
Mall—-A Wedding.' "
Organist Bill Thompson performed at the
Garde Theatre in New London. There was
a 99-cents donation.
Patrick Farrell, Hartford Advocate film
critic, writing about United Artists' "Interiors"
said, "(Woody) Allen's eye is accurate,
and while he may be on shaky ground with
his audience, there's no doubt he's pleased
himself. He doesn't shrug."
Malcolm L. Johnson, Hartford Courant
film critic, commenting on 20th-Fox's "The
Boys From Brazil," called the Gregory
Peck-Laurence Olivier starrer less than
liveting entertainment, adding: "however, it
has its brilliant moments—which again
proves that Laurence Olivier can elevate
even rather pulpish material to high theatrical
art." He said that Paramount's "Goin'
South" is "one of those love stories of an
outlav/ and a lady tricked out with talk
about sex and low, hippy-flavored physical
humor." Universal's "The Big Fix," Johnson
said, "skillfully blends the most tangled
detective story since 'The Big Sleep' with a
hitter yet affecting vision of the loss of hope
and idealism over the last decade."
"The Magnificent Ambersons," RKO
1942 release directed by Orson Welles and
co-starring Joseph Gotten, Dolores Costello
and Ann Baxter, was screened as a free attraction
by the West Hartford Public Library
. . . "The Battle of Elderbush," the
David Wark Griffith silent classic with Lillian
Gish and May Marsh, was shown as a
tree attraction in Kent Memorial Library,
upstate Suffield . . . 20th-Fox's "All About
Eve" (1950 release directed by Joseph Mankiewicz
with an all-star cast) was shown as
a free attraction at the University of Hartford.
Admission was open to the public,
with seating preference accorded U of H
students.
The University of Connecticut Film Society
sponsored a double-bill showing in the
campus physics building of United Artists'
"Body and Soul" (1947, directed by Robert
Rossen and co-starring John Garfield and
Lilli Palmer) and Warner Bros.' "Pride of
the Marines" (1945, directed by Delmar
Daves and co-starring Garfield and Eleanor
Parker). Admission was $1.50.
We hear Dan Dzis, who was once with
M.J. "Murry" Levine on the Hartford area
Jerry Lewis Cinemas circuit, is now in real
estate sales. And Joe Giobbi, retired downtown
Crown Theatre manager, is working
part-time nowadays at G. Fox & Co., downtown
store.
"The Vital Connection," focusing on the
preservation of Connecticut farmland, has
been completed by West Hartford's Ellsworth
Grant, brother-in-law of Katharine
Hepburn, and is being released as a public
service (running time is 17 minutes) by
two local foundations and a bank, through
the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental
Station and other outlets. Grant, former
West Hartford mayor, has turned out other
films in the past. This latest project, via
Fenwick Productions, was written and directed
by Grant. His daughter. Katharine
Houghton, worked with Ms. Hepburn and
Spencer Tracy in Columbia's "Guess Who's
Coming to Dinner." a 1968 release.
Former Natick Underskyer
Property to Become Hotel
NATICK. MASS.—The former Natick
Drive-In Theatre property is being converted
to a commercial-hotel development,
encompassing a shopping complex to be
known as the Natick Village Mall and adjoining
200-room hotel to be called the
Hilton Inn at Natick.
Developing the 20-acre tract are Martin
Bernard of Martin Bernard Associates and
Isadore "Z" Wasserman of State Properties
of New England, both of Newton.
A Kmart branch store anchors the mall,
while a coffee shop, restaurant, lounge, indoor
pool, banquet facilities and meeting
rooms will be featured in the seven-story
hotel.
BOXOFnCE :: November 6. 1978 NE-I

. . . The
. . The
. . The
.
NEW HAVEN
j^ore Scharj, former vice-president in
charge of production for MGM, addressed
the B'nai B'rith Anti-Defamation
League at Congregation B'nai Jacob in
Woodbridge. He is past national chairman
of the ADL. The League, founded in 1913.
is a leadership group of American Jews and
one of the oldest and largest human relation
societies in the country.
The dowiistate Newtown Park & Recreation
Department sponsored a Saturday 2
p.m. children's film program at the Edmond
Town Hall Theatre, which is managed by
David Brown for the town of Newtown.
There was a dollar admission charge in
effect for all
seats.
seats both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
The show was billed as a "special matinee"
same weekend found the Branford
in Branford playing MGM's "Son of Lassie,"
1945 release, at 2 p.m., Saturday and
Sunday. A 99 cents admission was in effect.
The Branford, incidentally, appended this
line to ads: "Over 4 p.m." Some cinemas
have found specifying end-of-show in ads
is helpful to parents planning to pick up
children after a weekend matinee.
Interstate Theatres of New England shut
down the Clinton Drive-In for the season
Westport Country Playhouse, identified
with legitimate theatre for decades, has
been expanding its sights with classic motion
pictures . . . The Sampson & Spodick
York Square Cinema pitches for midweek
attendance with the line, "No waiting for
seats tonite!" in ongoing newspaper advertising.
The Strand, Hamden, with sub-run booking
of Warner Bros.' "Hooper," advertised
a "price special" (Sunday-Thursday) of 99
cents admission for all seats at all times.
Bob Eimicke, film critic for the Register,
lauded Warner Bros.' "Who Is Killing the
Great Chefs of Europe?" labeling it a
5^ WATCH PROJECTION IMPROVE WITH Vj
TlCHNIKOfE
^ * SCREENS
^
5
O XRL
LENTICULAR
^O HILUX
^ METALLIC
Theatre Equi[)ment Supply De;il(
©XR-171
PEARLESCEMT
O MATTE
WHITE
TECHNIKOTEcoRP
63 Seabnng Sl .
Brooklyn,
S
S
N Y 11231 12121624 6429
"laugh-filled farce," but he had dismal
thoughts for Paramount's "Goin" South,"
commenting: "Although many of his best
dramatic characterizations ("Chinatown,"
"Cuckoo's Nest') have been enriched immeasurably
by the comic undertow (Jack)
Nicholson has been able to bring to the
role. "Goin' South,' even allowing for its
broad intentions, is incontrovertible evidence
of his
clear deficiencies not only as a comedian—everything
is too rough and self-centered—
but as a director as well."
VERMONT
paramount's "Saturday Night Fever." a
true phenomenon in Vermont exhibition,
returned to downtown Burlington for
The RKO-Stanley Warner circuit brought
back David O. Selznick's "The Adventures
of Tom Sawyer," originally released in 1938,
another run at the Flynn Theatre, with Merrill
G. Jarvis, enterprising president of Merrill
Theatres Corp., captioning ongoing
for 2 and 3:20 p.m. showings over a recent newspaper ads: ""America's burning up with
weekend at the Cinemart 2, Hamden Shopping
fever. The cure for "Saturday Night Fever'
Center. Admission was 99 cents for all is to see it
again."
Holding over across Vermont were such
titles as Columbia's ""Somebody Killed Her
Husband" plus '"The Buddy Holly Story,"
United Artists' ""Interiors" plus ""Revenge
of the Pink Panther," Paramount's '"Up in
Smoke" plus ""Grease" plus ""Foul Play"
and Universal's ""The Big Fix" plus ""National
Lampoon's Animal House."
state . . .
MGM's "The Band Wagon," 1953 release
co-starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.
was screened at Bennington College down-
Paramount's ""The Godfather,"
1972 blockbuster with Marlon Brando and
Al Pacino, was shown in Angell Hall, University
of Vermont, Burlington.
Harold A. Sulham, 78, former owner of
Sulham's Sweet Shop in Winooski and also
projectionist at the Strand Theatre for nearly
20 years, died after a brief illness. He
leaves his wife, a son and a granddaughter.
Services were in St. Catherine's Roman
Catholic Chuch, Sholbune, with internment
in Pleasant View Cemetery, Morrisville.
Agriculture, an all-important factor in the
Vermont economy, is enjoying a brisk pace,
with net farm income reported up 25 per
cent, according to University of Vermont
findings. UVM Extension Service economist
Dwight Eddy says that most farmers have
had a good year because milk prices are
higher and production has increased. Additionally,
most farmers got in good hay and
corn crops this year, reducing quantity of
feed they must buy. The UVM survey provides
considerable encouragement for smalltown
Vermont exhibition.
11V."-I3'//-I4"
16"-16'/j"0.AM
$50.00
$81.50
MAINE
^he Federal Communications Commissior
has approved the sale of WLOB-AM/
FM, Portland, to Newport Communications,
Inc., for $800,000, by Donald Wilks
and Michael Schwartz. The buyer is principally
owned by Peter W. Kuyper, a former
vice-president of Paramount Pictures
and Peter G. Mangone jr., vice-president of
Paine Webber Jackson & Curtis, both ol
New York . Paris Cinema, Portland,
brought back AIP's "Scream and Screarr
Again" (1970 release co-starring Vinceni
Price, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing:
for Saturday and Sunday afternoon showings
and, for good measure, tossed in cartoons
and provided free popcorn. Admission
was $1 for all seats both matinees.
New titles on Maine marquees includec
20th Century-Fox's "A Wedding," with the
holdover bloc encompassing Paramount's
"Grease" plus ""Heaven Can Wait" plus
"Foul Play" plus "Goin' South" plus ""Up
in Smoke" plus "Death on the Nile," United
Artists' ""Interiors," Warner Bros.' '"Who Is
Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" and
Universal's "The Big Fix" plus "Nationai
Lampoon's Animal House."
Campus cinema: "My Man Godfrey,'
Universal 1936 release directed by Gregory
LaCava and co-starring Carole Lombarc
and William Powell, was shown at the University
of Maine Presque Isle campus .
""Fallen Idol," Selznick Releasing Organization
1949 release co-starring Ralph Richardson
and Michele Morgan under Caro
Reed's direction, was seen at the U Maine
Orono campus . . . ""Fellini's Roma," United;
Artists 1972 release, was shown at the L'
Maine Augusta campus.
Marty Meltz, the
hard-to-please film critic
for the Maine Sunday Telegram, founc
himself disappointed with "Interiors," remarking,
""In his self-indulgence, Woody^
Allen has left us abandoned. 'Interiors' has
a monumental display of fine acting, bui
it is elitist—and desolate." Reviewing ""Goin
South," the same critic lamented: '"Aboui,
"Goin' South,' it can be said that never ir
film
history have a man and a woman speni
so much time on the screen together without
the audience having the vaguest idee
of what was going on between them. It's
not easy to blow your charisma in one film
But (Jack) Nicholson has done it." He
summed up ""Death on the Nile" thusly:
""Our feelings of non-involvement, plus the
stereotypes,
the contrivances and the triviality
of the lines make it the wrong film al
the wrong time." He had bad thoughts
about "Somebody Killed Her Husband."
Nationwide
Sound and
Projection Service
on all brands.
RCA Service Company. A Division of RCA
43 Edward J Hart Rd . Liberty Industrial Park.
Jersey Cily. N J 07305. Phone (201) 451-2222
NE-2 November 6, 1978

. .
"
. .
'Agency' Funding May
Be Canadian 'First'
From Canadian Edition
MONTREAL—The spy thriller
featuring
Robert Mitchum, titled "Agency," could be
the first motion picture in Canada to be
financed through a public offering or securities
sold through a registered dealer, with a
prospectus cleared by the Quebec Securities
Commission, according to Estelle Dorais'
article published in the October 2 Edmonton
Journal.
Ms. Dorais continued: "Producer Stephen
Roth and broker Paul Pommier could name
only one other film, made for under $1,-
000,000 in the U.S., financed by the same
method.
'Agency' Investments Solicited
"Moviecorp III, Inc., the company set up
to produce and market 'Agency,' is
offering
an issue of participations in the project at
$5,000 each to a maximum of 810 individual
participations. Roth said in a recent interview.
"Should fewer than 610 participations be
sold by October 27 subscribers get their
money back. Shooting of the movie is scheduled
to begin here in November.
"Moviecorp expects to raise up to $3,-
580,000 and at least $2,670,000 after dealers'
commission and expenses are paid.
"Pommier, vice-president of the brokerage
house of Levesque Beaubien, Inc., said
the preliminary prospectus has been filed
with the country's securities commissions for
comments and that final clearances will
come 'by mid-October at the latest.' The
participations are labeled speculative because,
the prospectus says, 'there is no guarantee
of revenue from "Agency," oor of
recoupment of the participant's initial investment.'
100 Per Cent Write-Off
"The 810 participations are just like common
stock, Pommier said, but are called
participations because subscribers buy a
piece of film for tax purposes and not a
piece of the company producing the film.
Only companies may issue stock. The tax
purposes result from the Canadian government's
subsidy of the film industry through
permitting a 100 per cent asset write-off
for a Canadian film.
"Up to now, securities commissions have
been granting movie production companies
exemptions from submitting a prospectus
and from using a registered dealer for the
financing of films. But requests for exemptions
became so numerous after the government's
decision to subsidize the industry
that the commissions have been refusing
exemptions except for cases where financing
is too small to make the expense of a prospectus
worthwhile.
"Pommier said his firm only began to
look at films six months ago. 'We were beginning
to be approached,' he recalled.
'There were more and more requests. The
investment community, the delaers, are all
looking at them now.' "
SPRINGFIELD
^hc long-delayed Western Massachusetts
premiere of Warner Bros.' "The End
of the World in Our Usual Bed in a Night
Full of Rain," which stars Giancarlo Giannini
and Candice Bergen, was slotted into
the Redstone Showcase 8, West Springfield.
Initial national release was last February .
A flock of holdovers across the region included
Paramount's "Up in Smoke" plus
"Death on the Nile" plus "Goin' South,"
Universal's "The Big Fi.x" plus "National
Lampoon's Animal House," 20th Century-
Fox's "The Boys From Brazil," Warner
Bros.' "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of
Europe?", United Artists' "Interiors" and
Lone Star International's "Secrets."
Going into colder weather, Harry L.
Schwab is not one to take the modest step,
ad-wise, for his Parkway Drive-In, North
Wilbraham. He's carrying such best-footforward
ad captions as "Just when you
thought the drive-in season was over . .
."
Officials of the Eastern States Exposition
("The Big E"), West Springfield (largest fair
m the New England states), scheduled a
meeting with the West Springfield Board of
Selectmen on proposals to keep the Storrowton
Theatre, summer music lent in-theround,
operational. The tent, under the Ann
Corio-Mike lannucci management, has been
floundering financially, with lannucci
noting attendance has iDcen at the 25 to 30
per cent mark. His break-even point, he
says, is 60 per cent.
Another regional tie to the silent screen
era is gone. Victor M. LeDoux, 88, who
provided piano accompaniment for the silents
at Northampton's Calvin and Academy
theatres, died in Cooley Dickinson
Hospital, Northampton. He was a pianist
and organist during the "big band era."
Survivors include his wife Aldia, a son, six
daughters, 28 grandchildren and 1 1 greatgrandchildren.
The welcome news that a Springfielder,
Ashley Boone jr., had been elevated to
senior vice-president in charge of domestic
marketing and distribution for 20th Century-Fox,
got page one attention in the
Springfield press. Boone, a graduate of Classical
High School (class of 1956), is the
highest-ranking black executive in major
motion picture distribution. His dad is a retired
postal worker. Young Boone's sister
Cheryl recently joined Melvin Simon Productions
in California as coordinator for
advertising and publicity.
Enterprising John Morrison double-billed
CUVEKAM.! IS Ui SHOW
BrSL\Eft>S L\ HAWAII TOO,
When you come to Waiklki,
don't miss the famous Don Ho
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
Katharine Hepburn starrers — "Philadelphia
Story" (MGM, 1940) and "Pat and Mike"
(MOM, 1952)—at his Pleasant Street Theatre,
Northampton, for a week's run, no less.
A wire service dispatch from UPI disclosed
that Mary Pickford's husband,
Charles "Buddy" Rogers, and Matty Kemp,
managing director of the Pickford Co., have
pieced together bits of 26 Pickford films,
along with clips from newsreels and other
sources and titled a show, "America's Sweetheart—The
Mary Pickford Story," for television
viewing. Rogers is quoted as saying:
"More and more lately I've run into people
who never heard of Mary. They are younger
people, of course. But I see rock stars who
draw 60,000 fans and remember when Mary
greeted as many as 250,000 at once."
Sam Hoffman, Springfield Daily News
film critic, will be a grandfather in mid-
1979, courtesy of eldest daughter Diane .
In a review, Hoffman commented: "Yes,
Farrah Fawcett-Majors can act. She's
not great but she does handle herself well
in a slightly lighter-than-air mystery story,
titled "Somebody Killed Her Husband.'
For United Artists' "Equus," he remarked:
"If ever there was a film for a very limited,
discriminating audience it is the Lester Persky
and Elliott Kastner production of
." Newhouse News Service's
"Equus' . .
Richard Freedman called Cheech and
Chong's film debut—in Paramount's ""Up in
Smoke" "less than auspicious." With Universal's
"The Big Fix," Richard Dreyfuss'
first film since winning an Oscar for Warner
Bros.' ""The Goodbye Girl," Freedman
comments, the mystery genre "actually has
found something to say about contemporary
life."
'City Lights' Is Screened
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—Charlie Chaplin's
""City Lights," the United Artists 1931
release, was shown as a free attraction recently
at the North Cambridge Branch Library.
Custom Built
DOLBY STEREO
SYSTEMS
Making Films Sound Better
DOLBY SYSTEM
DU\D PRODUCTS Dl\ ISIO\
croLun
AUDIOVISUAL)
ENGINEERING
LINCOLN R.I. 401-751-1223
BOXOFHCE :: November 6, 1978 NE-3

. . "The
. . The
BOSTON
Fvenone came back from the NATO convention
feeling rather happy, seeing
that one of our own. A. Alan Fricdberg. was
elected president of the trade organization.
All reported that it was a wonderful confab,
Peter Miglierini, general clerk at 20lh
Century-Fox. has returned from his vacation
loaded with stories of his trip. During
five days in Los Angeles with the temperature
at 105. he saw the 20th-Fox studios,
the Burbank Studios, caught a "Tonight
Show" at NBC and attended a screening of
"A Wedding." He than spent eight days in
Hawaii where he enjoyed the waves and a
luau. Finally, he jetted to San Francisco
where the weather was a brisk 55 degrees.
Boston film fans are excited, and with
good reason. Burt Reynolds, Jill Clayburgh
and Candice Bergen are coming to town
to film "Starting Over," a Paramount piclure
to be co-produced by James L. Brooks
and Alan J. Pakula.
Variety
Club's Jimmy Fund was benefitted
to the tune of $3,200 which was raised
at a Softball tournament sponsored by
American Legion Post 405. The check was
presented by Legion commander Roy Holt
to Red Sox pitcher Mike Torrez.
New films in Beantown: "The Boys From
Brazil," "Watership Down," "Girl Friends,"
"A Matter of Love," "Days of Heaven,"
"Violette" and "Jokes My Folks Never Told
Me." Continuing were "Death on the Nile,"
"Goin' South," "Bread and Chocolate," "Up
in Smoke," "National Lampoon's Animal
House." "Interiors." "Despair" and "The
Big Fix."
NEW BEDFORD
Yhe Lockwood & Friedman Twin Cinema
140. in an innovative advertising touch,
used ad space on women's news pages in
addition to conventional amusement pages
for the southeastern Massachusetts premiere
The General Cinema Corp. Cinemas 4,
North Dartmouth Mall, usually charging
$1.50 to 2 p.m. daily, with prices going
higher after that hour, applied the $1.55
charge for all times with reprise scheduling
of United Artists" "The End" . . . Area
openings included SJ International's "The
Neil Evans, GG Communications vicepresident,
Inheritance," Joseph Brenner Associates'
double-bill "The Devil's Rain" and "The
is off to Milan, Italy to look over
new product and to sell GG's films
Virgin
"A
Witch," X-rated,
Named
state's rights release
overseas at MIFED . Man of La
Mancha" starring Richard Kiley ends its
Cadillac Desire" (playdate
at the Center Theatre in New Bedford was
. billed as "World Premiere") Holdovers
three-month run at the Music Hall after
having been seen by over 300,000.
included Universal's "National Lampoon's
Animal House" plus "The Big Fix," and
Paramount's "Up in Smoke" plus "Death
on the Nile." among others.
RHODE ISLAND
^ittorio Gassnian, back in American films
—via 20th Century-Fox's "A Wedding"—for
the first time in 20 years, told
the Providence Journal-Bulletin Newspapers
that looking to the past, the early 1950s
were "the worst moments of the American
movies . . . The studio system was very,
very strong. Very rigid. I think the directors,
with few exceptions, were conditioned to
turning out bland films. There was so much
less creativeness than there is today. Today,
there are lots of directors and new ideas
and they've accepted the ideas that movies
are a mirror of reality. But in the '50s,"
Gassman continued, "everything was so
of 20th Century-Fox's "A Wedding." Although
the film carries PG rating from the
a
corny, so conventional. At MGM they tried
Motion Picture Ass'n of America, L&F desperately to make the usual laughing, juvenile
films" . Gassman link with
deemed it prudent to incorporate the line,
"This movie is NOT recommended for children,"
"Wedding" director Robert Altman proved
in those ads. The amusement page so strong that the actor has since completed
ad carried the PG rating, but no supplementary
another film for Altman— "Quintet." to
line.
be released by 20th-Fox in January. Co-
star is Paul Newman.
Mann Theatres' Warwick Cinema, in the
Warwick Shopping Plaza, came up with
something rare— 11:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday
shows (admission was separate from
regular programs), featuring "Night of the
Living Dead" and "Elvis on Early TV."
Admission was $3.
Continuing films included Paramount's
"Up in Smoke" plus "Goin' South" plus
"Death on the Nile" plus "Heaven Can
Wait," United Artists' "Interiors," Universal's
"National Lampoon's Animal House,"
SJ International Pictures' "The Inheritance"
and Warner Bros.' "Who Is Killing the
Great Chefs of Europe?"
SACK, STARS. .STUDENTS AT GALA—A "Footlight Parade"
to benefit the revitalization of Boston's theatre district was
staffed recently with dozens of celebrities and some nof-so-celebrated
celebrants in attendance. The photo on the far left shows
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, stars of Paramount's "Up in
Smoke." Center, college students in a appropriate toga dress reenact
a .scene from UiiiMTsal's "National Lampoon's Animal
House." Far right, A. Alan Friedberg, National Ass'n of Theatre
Owners and Sack Theatres president, gets into the act with u
frightening re-recreation of the theme of "Eyes of Laura Mars."
Sack publicity director Christine Lamonte is shown standing above
Friedberg.
NE-4 BOXOFHCE :: November 6. 1978

VANCOUVER
The postal strike caught Dawson Exiey of
Bellevuc Films right in the middle of
processing the promotional kits for the Disney
50th anniversary multiples. As a consequence,
all material had to go out by express
to the Vancouver Island and upcountry
situations, Dawson told your correspondent
that his latest holiday, which covered
most of the territory below the 54th parallel,
was most enjoyable as he caught the
fall colors in the cottonwood and aspen
trees in full bloom. Over near the coast, the
vine maple was in all its autumnal scarlet
brilliance. The weather was warm and balmy
and he and Dorrie were just in time, as the
very next week it turned wet and cold. Exley
says that Slim Buchanan of Smithers is justly
proud of his fine new theatre and that
he long will remember the hospitality of
Bill Young at Terrace.
The team of Leonard Scheim and Allen
Stevens continues to demonstrate that the
day of the showman is not yet over. Their
Ridge Theatre continues to innovate and is
growing rapidly into the cultural center of
the western end of the city. The doors recently
were opened for a German film, "Eiger
Walzer Hochwurden Grucht Ein Augezu."
and a few days later the musical group
Oregon, which has a large following here,
took over the stage. All of this is offered
in addition to the regularly scheduled, carefully
screened film fare.
On Main Street, the Empire, originally
opened as an ethnic house catering to the
East Indian community, gradually has embraced
a full-time policy of conventional
English-language films. Weekend fare, including
programs such as "The Bad News
Bears in Breaking Training," followed by
"New York, New York" and "Bound for
Glory," is offered.
Hy Seeley of the Yukon, White Horse,
traveled over to Yellow Knife to stay with
her daughter until her grandchild is born.
Ringo Starr of the Beatles enjoyed a couple
of weeks of quiet holiday here before
he went to work at Mushroom Records to
cut a few sides with his old friend Harry
Nilsson. They both were in "Son of Dracula."
It is interesting that two such diverse
talents did not cut something "outre left
field" but rather did a lot of traditional
Christmas music, which may be released as
an album. Ringo also did "White Christmas,"
a private cutting, which he plans to
send to his friends at Christmastime.
A thought-provoking brief was submitted
at the CRTC hearings which have been tying
up Channel 10 and some other TV outlets.
It was submitted by a rock "n roll type
who complained that "the rock 'n roll music
emanating from the local rock station
lately has been of very poor quality." This
caused Theo Ross to ask: "Is the writer's
musical taste finally growing up or has all
that sound finally given him a tin ear?"
"Days of Heaven" opened in the Stanley
to
enthusiastic response from the public and
rave reviews from the critics who saw in
this picture lensed in Alberta one of the
best films of its type to hit local screens in
years. Pia Shandel of CKVU, Channel 13,
herself a successful actress, was most impressed,
both with the picture and with
young Linda Manz, who was making a per-
field day with Charo. It was fine for those
who only wanted a signature but the optimists
with the tape recorders came up blank
as she went into her best-ever fractured
English routine. It was, however, fun for
allf
MONTREAL
Parry Allen, president of Premier Operating
Corp., announced the appointment
of lohn D. Stewart as president/operations.
Premier operates hardtops and drive-ins
in
Ontario.
Lottery Ticket Program
Would Aid Film Houses
TORONTO—Wintario lottery tickets
could be used to save up to $2 on the price
of Canadian records and admission to Canadian
motion pictures if the provincial
government of Ontario approves a program
which is under study.
Robin Farr, spokesman for the ministry
of CLilture and recreation, said a decision
on the program would be made in the near
future. The six-month program would be
launched effective Feb. 1. 1979.
"It looks good," he said of the program,
which would permit redemption of losing
Wintario tickets for 50 cents each to a $2
maximum for Canadian movies and records.
The project would be similar to a threemonth
experiment earlier this year in which
losing Wintario tickets could be applied
toward the price of Canadian books and
magazines.
During the program. Canadian book sales
increased by one-third and magazine subscriptions
by between 100 and 200 per cent.
he said.
Franc Roddam will direct "Quadraphe-
Film Invesimenl Tax
Ruling Is Clarified
MONTREAL—All costs incurred up to
Feb. 28, 1979, in the production of a Canadian
film on which principal photography
has been completed as of that date, will be
sonal appearance at the studio after a whirlwind
promotional tour which had crisscrossed
the continent—but which she was tions for the 1978 taxation year. Michael
eligible for capital cost allowance deduc-
most happy to end in Dallas October 25. McCabe, executive director of the Canadian
Film Development Corp., said that the finance
department had made this ruling in
The autograph hounds were out in force
aroimd CBUT as tapings for the Rene Simard
show got into high gear. They had a
order to clear up misinterpretation of the
regulations announced in last April's budget
speech.
The finance minister had announced in
April that, for Canadian films to qualify as
a capital asset for the 1978 taxation year,
principal photography had to be completed
by the end of Febniary 1979. It was not
clear, however, whether only monies spent
by the end of 1978 would be eligible for deduction
or whether expenditures in January
and February 1979 would be deductable.
After representation by industry associations
and the CFDC, McCabe explained,
the finance department moved to clear up
any ambiguities in order not to cause any
delays or cancellations of Canadian films
already in the preproduction stage.
In a recent letter to the industry associations.
E. P. Neufeld. assistant deputy minister,
department of finance, said that he
would recommend to the minister that "regulations
be approved at the eariiest time to
permit, for the 1978 taxation year only,
that the cost base for capital cost allowance
purposes for certified Canadian films will
include costs, in respect of the production
of the film, incurred up to Feb. 28, 1978,
provided the principal photography is completed
by that date."
Neufeld also added that in subsequent
years "the cost base for capital cost allowance
purposes will include only those costs
incurred ... up to the end of the taxation
year provided principal photography is completed
within 60 days of the end of the
year."
Ownership Units Are Sold
To Finance Feature Films
TORONTO — The Ontario Securities
Commission in mid-October approved the
prospectus of Chessman Park Productions,
Ltd.. marking the first time the OSC has
permitted a public offering of securities in
a motion picture. The feature, slated to be
produced in Vancouver later this year with
George C. Scott toplining the cast, is tentatively
tilled "The Changeling."
Chessman Park Productions is offering
between 264 and 272 ownership units at
S25.000 each. Sale of 264 units will cover
the film's budget but sale of additional units
would allow more money, if needed, for
hiring a top supporting actor.
Aho specified in the prospectus is the
warning that "units are designed for individuals
in higher income tax brackets wtio
are prepared to accept the risk inherent in
the financing of motion picture films."
BOXOFTICE :: November 6. 1978
K-1

CALGARY
Pven th.ough our weather now is better than
we had during the summer months, it
seems that hockey is in full swing and that
favorite film. "Slap Shot," is back on the
local scene. The Paul Newman starrer currently
is on the screen at Famous Players'
Marlborough Town Square I and drawing
its usual crowds.
One of this city's adopted native sons
made the performance of country music a
very happy event for fans at the Jubilee
Auditorium Wednesday night. October 18.
Taking the stage as the opening act was
lovable Wilf Carter, who hasn't altered his
style since he was singing here 42 years ago.
Wilf is more or less a permanent fixture at
our local Stampede in July and that is where
he really got his start in country music.
Your reporter can remember listening to
him sing and yodel from the back of a
chuckwagon on 8th Avenue while everyone
crowded around for a western-style breakfast.
Star of the show October 18 was Don
Williams, who was named the Country Music
Ass'n's "Male Vocalist of the Year."
By the time Carter had the crowd warmed
up, they were ready for more country music
and Williams provided just that in an
excellent show. The large crowd was most
appreciative and showed pleasure by clapping
along with the music during the second
number. All in all, everyone—the audience
and the performers—had an outstanding
evening of music.
get-together was Harry Gulkin, president
of the Motion Picture Institute of Canada
and a film producer in his own right. Very
briefly, the points covered in his very
knowledgeable speech were concerned with
the unification of production and distribution
of films in Canada. Big assists for the
industry in this direction have been a symposium
held in Banff at which financing,
promotion and distributing were discussed.
There was a seminar on government
loans, taxation dollars and a sharing of
knowledge in these fields. A symposium
also was held on marketing of films in
Canada. Looming large in the immediate
future—or as immediate as possible—is a
data bank for all of C'anada which would
hold detailed information vital to our business,
such as expert personnel, actors,
actresses, crews, locations, updating on
available government funding, etc. Gulkin
gave those attending a lot of food for
thought in the future.
In a very doubtful manner, this city was
blessed with the arrival of Canada's Discovery
Train. The basic train was purchased
from the U.S. (it had been used as a
bicentennial train) and refitted as a traveling
museum which was supposed to tell
Canada's history in 14 carloads of material.
The concept was impossible to start with
and the space limitations proved to provide
an acceptable background for the work.
To top it off, the passageways were low
in places, poorly lighted (older people who
were a bit unsteady found it difficult to
walk) and narrow. Some of the cars were
equipped with a mobile sidewalk which
moved people along at a fast pace but left
no time for second looks or browsing if one
were so minded. A large number of the displays
were excellent, using soundtracks and
films to good advantage, but most of the
presentations were cheaply and shabbily
done. At this point, some of the exhibits
were showing a collection of dust which
will, hopefully, be removed before too long.
One big plus for the Discovery Train is that
there is no admission charge. If your time
is valuable, however, it is a moot question
as to whether or not seeing this spectacular
is
a good investment.
Some of the films being shown at the
this," Weselake told the press. "There were
Students' Union Theatre in Edmonton for
some people on the board who were not replaceable."
She said she didn't know exactly
the month of October were "Julia," "The
In its classic series, the Edmonton Film
Turning Point," "Gimme .Shelter." "1900,"
Society showed "Shanghai Express" October
16 in the Tory Lecture Theatre on the
Reportedly, there has been some disrup-
"why the firings took place."
"Annie Hall." "Jonah Who Will Be 25 in
the Year 2000," "Coma." "The Last Waltz."
University of Alberta campus. This goodie
tion in the work of the classification board
"The Kentucky Fried Movie," a triple bill
starred Marlene ("Falling in Love Again")
because of the government's abrupt action
of "Reefer Madness," "Wild Weed" and
Dietrich and Clive Brook and was produced
but Weselake said she was willing to help
"Assassin of Youth" and a Halloween special
consisting of "The Invisible Man," "The
in 1932 under the direction of Josef von
the new appointees get acquainted with their
Sternberg.
jobs.
Phantom of the Opera" and "The Cat and
The theme of the convention of the Motion
Picture Theatre Ass'n of Alberta held Halloween, who was going to stay home was not dissatisfied with the work of the
the Canary." With a triple bill like that for Bob Banman, tourism minister, said he
in Jasper recently was a "Salute to Mickey's and give out treats to the neighborhood gobfilm
board but just felt it was time to "make
a change."
50th Year." But, there was nothing "Mickey
Mouse" about the lineup of speakers and
He commented, "A number of terms had
While the postal strike is more or less expired and we decided to give some other
the information they gave to the delegates
"settled" as of press time, in mid-October people a chance."
in attendance. Speaking the first day of the
we found ourselves in the middle of another
post office disaster. At that time, the
"inside workers" were out on strike, the
federal government had legislated them back
to work, they were refusing to go back and
the whole catastrophe was up in the air.
Nobody knew what anybody was doing or
going to do—and it seemed that Canadians
still had enough of the pioneer spirit to be
CUVERA91A IS Wi SHOW
BL'SUTESS IX HAWAII TOO.
When you come to Walklkl,
don't miss the famous Don Ho
Show ... at Cinerama's
Reef Towers Hotel. f
able to cope and survive. It was apparent,
however, that if mail service was not resumed
soon, some small businesses just
would not survive!
Editor's Note: Boxoffice wishes to thank
the Canadian airlines for continuing to carry
cargo and to
provide courier service and,
of course, a tip of the hat to Continental
Airlines, which "moved its tail" for us,
locally, and had a nice trip anyway! We're
glad Orville and Wilbur Wright hung in
there when everyone was laughing and saying
that crazy contraption wouldn't fly.
Manitoba Has All-New
Classification Board
WINNIPEG — All 15 members of the
Manitoba Film Classification Board have
been replaced with new provincial government
appointees. New chairman of the
hoard is Hope Carroll, former St. James-
Assiniboia high school teacher and an active
Conservative Party member. Mrs. Carroll,
who will be paid $924.48 monthly, succeeds
Barbara Mills-Weselake, who had been
chairman of the classification board since
1976.
Weselake said she was informed unofficially
of the move in advance. Other members
who have been dumped are receiving
notifications by mail of an order-in-council
which replaces them, although some said
they still have not been told personally of
the move.
"We knew new board appointments were
coming in October but we never expected
In addition to the new chairman, other
incoming board members are: Mrs. Fran
Lambert, vice-chairman, and Ross Preston,
Mrs. Marg Gillespie, Mrs. Paula Henry.
Mrs. Gerry Mather. Mrs. Vi Kruetzer, Mrs.
Doreen Cluett, Mrs. Barbara Cannell, Father
J. Radkewycz, Les Matheson, Mrs.
Sara Claydon, John D. Limer, Mrs. Margaret
Galloway and Melvin Kachur. The
terms are to run two years to Aug. 31,
1980.
Other than Mrs. Carroll, members are
paid out-of-pocket expenses while carrying
out their duties.
Jack Nitzche has been signed to write
the musical score for "When You Comin'
Back, Red Ryder?"
K-2
BOXOmCE :: November 6, 1978

Cineplex in Toronto
To Offer 18 Screens
TORONTO—This city could have a
unique filmgoing opportunity by next
spring, that of being able to ride the subway
to Eaton Centre and choose between
the attractions of 18 cinemas in a complex
to be known as Cineplex. Should the auditoriums
be filled to capacity, one would
have the option of having dinner and then
viewing a live show in a new 300-seat theatre
to be known as Le Cabaret, according
to an article by Jay Scott in the Globe and
Mail.
Scott explained the unusual project in his
story which is quoted below:
Brainchild of N. A. Taylor
Cineplex, the brainchild of its president,
N. A. Taylor, will house 18 theatres seating
between 50 and 120 persons, Toronto architect
Mandel Sprachman said at a press
preview of the complex, located at the north
end of Eaton Centre on Dundas between
Bay and Yonge.
Tickets will be purchased ahead of time
from a specially built computerized machine,
eliminating lineups. Taylor explained
that the movies shown will, for the most
part, be pictures that would not otherwise
be screened in Toronto (or in New York,
for that matter): foreign films, so-called
ethnic pictures, American films not produced
or distributed on the major circuits, as
well as retrospectives. Each feature will be
accomplished by a short subject and an outdoor
marquee will spotlight the features inside
by utilizing a slide show.
The principals in the company developing
(at an estimated cost of $2,000,000)
Cineplex are Taylor, his associate H. S. Mandell
and Garth H. Drabinsky, producer of
"The Silent Partner." The shows in the dinner
theatre portion of the project will be
undertaken by a company to be headed by
Drabinsky. Cineplex is scheduled to open
in March 1979; Le Cabaret will open one
month later.
'Common Room' for Food
received a call from Maureen Buhr, Eric's
mother.
In addition to the theatres, the complex
A Lucky 'Mishap'
will include a "common room" in which
patrons will be able to purchase food and She was having car trouble and wanted
know Doughten would wait for Eric
if the walls will be used as gallery space.
to
Drabinsky described the complex as a to come in. The boy arrived after all the
"quantum leap" and predicted that Le Cab-
other candidates were gone. He read for the
aret will be "the finest dinner theatre in
the country." Cineplex, he continued, is a
recognition of the multi-cultural nature of
the city and has been designed to
offer residents
the opportunity of viewing films in
their original languages, with subtitling. The
makeup of the movies shown, Taylor added,
will be determined by audience response.
"Moviegoers in recent years have become
accustomed to multiple cinemas." Taylor
said. "My associates and 1 opened the first
dual theatre in the world, the Elgin in Ottawa,
in 1948. It took almost 20 years for
the motion picture world to get wise to
this."
It will not take nearly so long for the
Cineplex concept to be imitated elsewhere.
if it is successful in Toronto, Drabinsky suggested.
He added that he could see no reason
why it would not be.
Ten-Year-Old Dreams
Of Career in Pictures
From North Central Edition
DES MOINES—It may be just another
ten-year-old's dream, but Eric Buhr wants
to be an actor and is off to a running start.
The boy won the Christian Oscar award
for the best performance of 1977 for his
performance as a crippled youngster in
"Sammy," a Heartland Productions film.
Chosen Over Adults
The Pleasant Hill youngster was chosen
over two adults, including Grant Goodeve
in
"All the King's Horses," a Mark IV production.
Goodeve plays one of the older
sons on the TV series "Eight Is Enough."
Meanwhile, Eric is enjoying his fame and
wants to continue acting.
Asked if it was difficult acting he said:
"The first scene, when I was getting used
to it, was hard, but none of the rest gave
me trouble and I really don't have any
opinion at all of how I did." He noted that
one would have to ask someone who saw
the film how he did.
One such observer is Russell Doughten,
president of Heartland and Mark IV productions,
both based here. Doughten produced
and directed "Sammy" and said the
youth was "ideal" for the part. He said
Eric always knew his lines perfectly, was
eager to work and did not require a great
deal of coaching or explanation. "He had a
real comprehension of what the role was
right from the start," said the producer-director.
The real difficulty, continued
Doughten, was finding the right actor.
Heartland held tryouts for several days.
Two hundred youngsters were seen, but no
one met Doughten's expectations. He had
been to Hollywood and talked to several
child actors, but said he wanted to cast a
local boy in the starring role. Then, 15
minutes before tryouts were to close, he
part all alone. He was cast that night.
Mrs. Buhr said it was just a "crazy idea"
she had had. Since then, Eric has received a
lot of attention from groups throvighout
Iowa, generally church groups, who have
screened the film.
The boy's mother said he bought a bicycle
with part of his earnings and has
saved the rest.
Even though Eric Buhr enjoys acting
and wants to do more, he says he really
would rather be a cameraman. His mother
adds, laughing, that there aren't many children's
roles except on either the East or
West coasts and she doesn't want to move.
So, she concludes, Eric will have to be
content with being a "has been" at age ten.
Postal Workers Told
'Work or Be Fired'
OTTAWA—Five leaders of Canada's 2.^,-
OOO-member postal workers' union, charged
with violating a section of Canada's criminal
code that makes it illegal to defy acts of
Parliament, were indicted Wednesday, October
25, by the government for ignoring its
back-to-work order. Officials said two-thirds
of the union's rank-and-file members were
still off the job, according to an Associated
Press report.
The back-to-work bill was passed by Parliament
October 18, two days after the
union, which represents inside postal workers,
called the strike. While the names of
the CUPW leaders were not released, the
charges carry minimum prison terms of
two years.
Fines Were Levied
Under the stipulations of the back-towork
legislation, $100-a-day fines were to
be levied against striking union members
and $2,500, plus $250 a day for union
leaders.
A 15.5 per cent pay increase had been
demanded by the strikers, while the government
had offered 6 per cent. Basic salary,
plus allowances, for postal workers now
averages $7.14 an hour, AP said.
It was reported by a CUPW spokesman
that officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police raided the union's offices in Montreal
and seized documents. In Ottawa, a
spokesman claimed the RCMP searched all
265 local union offices across the country.
An RCMP source, however, said searches
were conducted in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa,
Toronto and Vancouver and Superintendent
John Bent said the raids were car-
Relurn-to-Work Deadline
A return-to-work deadline of midnight,
Thursday, October 26. was imposed by the
government, which said CUPW workers
ried out in an attempt to locate "documents
that would be evidence of an offense."
who disobeyed the law would be fired. Postmaster-General
Gilles Lamontagne told the
House of Commons the firing threat convinced
more than one-third of the strikers to
return to work. A CBC broadcast Wednesday
night, October 25. indicated that an
investigation would be launched to determine
if "communist influences were involved
in the postal dispute."
Lamontagne said the government had no
intention of penalizing "good, honest workers"
but he was putting them on notice that
the government had the right to take their
jobs away. Termination decisions would be
made on an individual basis, he explained.
In the U.S., Postal Service officials announced
Friday, October 27. that its embargo
on mail destined for Canadian locations
would be lifted
the following day.
Bill Curbishley and Roy Baird are producing
"Quadraphenia."
BOXOFnCE November 6. 1978 K-3

Cancer is often curable.
The fear ofcancer
is often fatal.
^
Some people are so
afraid of cancer they won't
go to the doctor when they
suspect something's wrong.
Or even for a routine checkup.
They're afraid the doctor
will "find something'.'
This fear can prevent them
f^j
\j
4,
from discovering cancer
in the early stages when it is
most often curable.
There are over
3,000,000 people alive today
who have had cancer.
If that surprises you, it shouldn't.
Cancer is highly curable.
J
J
! American Cancer Society
THIS SI'ACE ComUJBJTED BV THE PUBIJSHEB (tS * F1IBUC SBRVllI
K-4 BOXOFHCE ;: November 6, 197S

. Maurice
UA
BoxorriCE bookmncuide
An interpretive analysis of lay and tradepress reviewB. Bunnu time is I in parentheses. The plus and
minus signs indicate degree of meiit. lutings cover current reviews regularly. Symbol O denotes
BOXCFFICE Blue Ribbon Award. All films are in color except thi e indicated by (biw) lor black i white.
Motion Picture Ass'n (MPAA) ratings: Bl —general audiences PG—all ages admitted (parental guiadmitted
unless accompanied by parent
suggested); [R]— restricted, with persons under
adult guardian; gf^persons under 17 not admitted. National Catholic Oliice lor Motio
TnCOMP) ratings: Al— unobjectionable lor general patronage: A2—unobjectionable lor adul!
leacenls; A3— unobjectionable lor adults: A4—morally unobjectionable lor adults, with te
B—objectionable in part for all; C—condemned. Broadcasting and Film Commission, Nation
ol Churches (BFC). For listings by company, see FEATURE CHART.
Review digest
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX
+t Very Good; + Good; ± Fair; - Poor; = Very Po W is roted 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
502S Aces High (103)
War D Cinema Sliares 5-15-7S PG
Things Bright and Beautiful
5033 All
(94) C-D World Northal 6-5-78
. . Univ 4-24-7S 5022 Almost Summer (S9) C-D PG B
Always for Pleasure
(58) Doc Les Blank 6- 5-78
5065 Autumn Sonata
(97) D New World 10- 9-7S PG
5057 Avalanche (91)
Ac-Sus New World 9-11-78 PG B
5+
3+
5045 Bad News Bears Go to
The (92) C ....
Bad Penny (SO) Sex
.Para 7-24-78 PG A3 + ±
C Chuck Vincent Productions 9-25-78
Barocco (102) Ac-
D ...Films La Boetie-Sarah Films 5-15-7S
Battle of Chile, The (191) Doc
(b&w) Tricontinental 4-17-7S A3
5057 Beyond and Back
(91) Doc Sunn Classic 9-11-78 El A3
Big Fix. 5068 The (113) My-C-D ..Univ 10-23-7S PG A3
Big Thumbs (SO) Sex C Coast 5-29-78 (gi
5050 Big Wednesday (125) C-D WB 8- 7-78 PG B
Black Indians of New Orleans. The
(33) Doc .
5067 Black Pearl. The
M. Martinez 6- 5-78
(96) Ad-D Diamond 10-23-78 A2
Blackout (90)
5058
Ac-Sus New World 9-11-78 H
5066 Bloodhrothers (116) D WB 10- 9-78 m B
5038 Bonjour Amour (90) D Atlantic 6-19-78 B
5063 Born Again (110) B-D Emb 10- 2-78 A3 PG
5061 Boys From Brazil, The
(124) SF-Sus-D 20th-Fox 9-25-78(1 A3
Bread and Chocolate
5045
(lU) C-D World Northal 7-24-78 B
Buddy Holly Story, 5038 The
(113) B-DM Col 6-19-78 PG A3
Bus. The (87) Melo ..Helios Films 5-15-78
f 2+
± 5+2-
1+1-
5+3-
1+1-
2+1-
1+2-
4+1-
3+
4+3-
3+1-
5+
Calm Prevails Over the Country (100)
Melo New Yorker 5-15-78
Ad-Sus-D ..WB 6-19-78 5038 Capricorn One (124) PG A2
5030 Cat and Mouse
(107) MyC Quartet 5-22-78 PG A3 +
From Outer 5037 Cat Space. The
(104) C-F BV 6-19-78 El Al -f +
Cheap Detective. The
5044
(92) C-My Col 7-17-78 PG A3 ff H
Chess Players, The
(135) D Creative Films 7-10-78 A2 H ±
Comes a Horseman (118) W-D 10-30-78 PG it ±
5070
5041 Convoy (111) AcC UA 7- 3-78 PG B + -
5031 Corvette Summer
+ (104) Ac-C MGM-UA 5-29-78 PG B ++
± ± H -f + 7+2-
+
(87) Ho Dynamite 10-30-78 D -f
(106) Ho-D 20th-Fox 6-12-78 11 B + -f
Days of Heaven Para 9-11-7S PG A3 H 4+
5058 (95) D
5035 Dear Inspector (Reviewed "Dear Detective")
as
(105) My-R-C Cinema 5 6-12-78 PG A3 \i
5061 Death on the Nile (140)
My Para 9-25-78 PG A3 -f |+
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Nov. 6. 1978

REVIEW DIGEST
AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX
^r very Good; + Good; ± Foir; - Poor; = Very nmary H is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses.
I .fllf|t^„
El
I II
WB 5-15-78 5027 It Lives Again (91) Ho-D
5024 I Wanna Hold Your Hand
+ (104) CM Uni. 5- 1-78 PG
ft-
5032 If Ever I See You Again
(105) R-D Col 5-29-7S PG
Incredible Meltinj Man. The
5025
(86) SF-Ho AlP 5- S-7S II
5052 Interiors (99) UA 8-14-78 PG
3046 International Velvrt
(126) D MGM-UA 7-24-78 PG
Iphiuenia (129) Cinema 5 7-24-78
5046 D

ON
I'd

^If

78014 78089
g
i^ g = -1
'
tip sl?i| S?-l='^.c
In]
l|§l
" :SgS„t.
I
8 'eS
l^s-lii ill Jlilie Sees ftss
i^liilli
i
i
l:i;i|Jl'il ^il ii
^^J'
III :C^.Ss5^;-'_ :J :|| :i
t^ciiijillliil^ :^i- g^
i|S=ilii=l"||giyfil ::
ill
11^
I
2 11
?iJl

.
. May
. May
May
Mar
Feb
.,
.
|y|
'
. .
. May
.
.
One
APRIL FOOLS FILMS
Harper Valley PTA
(97)
Bartarj Edc-n, Runny O
ATLANTIC RELEASING
Madame Rosa (105) D
Bonjour Amour (90) ...
Max Ha»elaar
I'rter Faber
Picnic at Hanjino Rock .
Rachel Roberts
La Jument Vaocur
Caiidell. Ann Duscnijerry
Man Jury
,

color,
reverse
Opinions on Current Productions Feature reviews
All iilms reviewed bei< I
unless otherwise specified as black and while (b&w). For story synopsis on each pi( •
side.
HALLOWEEN
r^ Horiof-Suspense
Compass International 93 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78
Director John Carpenter received much praise for his
"Assault on Precinct 13" two years ago, especially in England.
His latest film is being featm-ed at the Chicago
Film Festival. In addition to directing the film, Carpenter
co-wrote the screenplay for "Halloween" with producer
Debra Hill and composed the musical score. His reputation
will continue to build with this Falcon International
production, which builds up suspense in taut fashion.
Audience reaction has been excellent, as there are enough
shock and surprise moments to evoke screams from viewers.
Jamie Lee Cui-tis (daughter of Janet Leigh and Tony
I
Curtis is both attractive and effective as an intended
victim of a psychotic killer. Donald Pleasence, star of
many horror films, receives top billing but has a relatively
small role as the psychiatrist in pursuit of the maniac.
The main action takes place on Halloween, when young
babysitters are watching science fiction films like "The
Thing" and "Forbidden Planet." Carpenter creates an
eerie atmosphere and knows how to frighten an audience.
The Irwin Yablans production was photographed in
MetroColor and Panavision by Dean Cundey. It is a topical
terror film, well made and very suspenseful. Wordof-mouth
should be good.
Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Loomis, P. J.
Soles, Charles Cyphers, Kyle Richards, Brian Andrews.
SECRETS
Lone Star Pictures (7807) 90 Minutes Rel. June '78
Beautiful Jacqueline Bisset is having a great film year.
She is currently on view in "Who Is Killing the Great
Chefs of Europe?" and earlier starred in "The Greek Tycoon."
She is both stunning and ravishing in "Secrets,"
in which she also has a nude scene. This is not a sexploitational
film, however, and the nude scene is well done,
beautifully photogi-aphed and tastefully handled. The
screenplay by Rosemary Davies. based on a story by director
Philip Saville, focuses on character study and has
an O. Henry touch. It might be considered a fantasy,
since it implies that one afternoon of infidelity can rejuvenate
love between a troubled couple. Nevertheless,
the film moves in an engrossing fashion, holding audience
attention much like a soap opera. Performances from the
entire cast are uniformly good. Swedish actor Per Oscarsson
is effective in a difficult role. Shirley Knight Hopkins,
twice an Oscar nominee, delivers an excellent portrayal
of a rigid, repressed woman. The musical score by
Mike Gibbs is melodious and provides a romantic mood.
The film was produced by John Hanson and leased in CFI
Color. The Bisset name and publicity about her role are
sm-e to create much interest.
Jacqueline Bisset, Per Oscarsson, Robert Powell, Shirley
Knight Hopkins, Tarka Kings, Martin Thurley.
THE GREAT BRAIIS
Inter Planetary 90 Minutes Rel. July '78
Osmond Productions are making a noticeable impression
on the family fihn market. While Donny and Marie
are currently starring in "Goin' Coconuts," "The Great
Brain" is actually then- first film project. It is based on
the popular John D. Fitzgerald award-winning book series
which sensitively explores the world of young boys in
early post-pioneer Utah culture. Alan Cassidy's humorous
screenplay has solid human interest value with a morality
theme as its focus. Fourteen-year-old Jimmy Osmond,
the youngest performer in his talented family, plays the
starring role. The youth who has enjoyed world-wide
popularity as a recording artist since he was seven portrays
a con artist who helps others while also taking advantage
of them. His growth into a genuinely caring person
is heartwarming. Author Fitzgerald based his series
of books on actual experiences. He also wrote the bestseller,
"Papa Married a Mormon." Richard Bickerton produced,
and Sidney Levin's direction is smooth. Theme
song was sung by Donny Osmond. The film was photographed
by Reed Smoot in DeLuxe Color. It is a wholesome
feature that should attract the younger generation.
Jimnvy Osmond, James Jarnigan, Len Birman. Pat
Delaney, Fran Ryan, John Fredric Hart.
Atttuk of the Killer Tomatoes P^'
"Zl' m°uc*
Four Square Productions 86 Minutes Rel. Oct. '78
The ridiculous title of this film is a tip-off that it is
not to be taken seriously. It is about man-eating
plants, but is played strictly for farce. The screenplay,
by Costa Dillon and co-producers Steve Peace and John
DeBello, is loaded with corny jokes and double entendres.
The music by Gordon Goodwin and Paul Sundfor is exaggerated
with zany lyrics. While the film starts out in
humorous fashion, the jokes gradually wear thin, although
some clever moments will evoke a few guffaws
from the audience. John DeBello directed a cast of unknowns
who seem to have enjoyed themselves. The low
budget film is the type that could become a camp classic
with cult status on the college market or at midnight
shows, as "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has achieved
in the past two years. The title will attract the small fry,
intrigue teenagers and Im-e a few adults. It is strictly a
cm-iosity item and will require fast play-offs in saturation
bookings and at di-ive-ins. John K. Culley photographed
the CFI Color production. The film's amusing ending
leaves room for a sequel about giant carrots!
David Miller,
George Wilson, Sharon Taylor,
Jack Riley.
EVERY WEEK
Don't Let Your Subscription Lapse!
Opportunity
Knocks
Keep It
Coming Every Week.
in
BOXOFFICE
I
Use the Handy Subscription Form on
the Reverse Side
The reviews on these poges moy be filed tor future rafarence In any of the following woy«: (1) in any standard three-ring
loose-ieof binder; (2) individually, by company. In any standard 3xS cord index file; or (3) in the BOXOFFICE PICTURE
GUIDE three-ring, pocket-size binder. The latter, including a year's supply of booking and doily record sheets, moy bo
obtained from Associated Publicotioni, 825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124 for S3.50.
5072
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :: Nov. 6, 1978 5071

. . Just
. . He's
!
FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspapers and Program"
THE STORY: 'The Great Brain" (Inter Planetary)
In a small Utah community circa 1880. 12-year-old
Jimmy Osmond dieams up schemes to take advantage of
people. His brilliant mind has given rise to the nickname,
"the great brain." He is the leader of a motley gi-oup of
boys. He plays tricks on his brothers and helps a Greek
immigi'ant boy who is being bullied. He helps Andy, who
has lost his leg, to regain his self-confidence. Jimmy
assists in finding kids who are lost in Skeleton Cave. He
frames a disliked teacher, John Fredric Hart, as a drunkard,
but later courageously admits what he did, which
wins the teacher's respect. He eventually matures and
renounces his self-serving ways.
EXPLOITIPS:
Play up the Osmond name. Tie in with the soundtrack
album on Kolob/Polydor Pi-oductions and with the Dell
Yearling paperback.
CATCHLINES:
Half Hero, Half Con-Artist, All Heart! . a
Dreamer, a Schemer, a 12-Year-Old Wheeler Dealer.
THE STORY:
Killer Tomatoes" (Four Square)
Ridiculous credits list appearances by Royal Shakespearean
Tomatoes and state that the story is based on
"The Tomatoes of Wrath." The story has tomatoes growing
to large sizes and devouring people. Scientists discuss
this vexing situation. The president's press secretary becomes
concerned about the problem and a senate investigating
committee looks into the matter. The characters
sing songs intermittently. The tomato problem gradually
gets out of hand. Eventually a scheme is devised to combat
the tomatoes when it is discovered that loud music
makes them shrink back to normal size. One giant tomato,
however, wears ear muffs, so the word "love" is
wi-itten out and this causes it to shi-ink. At that time a
giant carrot pops up and says, "OK, they're gone! So we
can come out."
EXPLOITIPS:
Play up the zany title on TV and radio spot ads. Plan
a tie-in with grocery stores and produce markets.
CATCHLINES:
'Aaargh! ..." (Relax. It's Only a Movie.) ... A New
Musical-Comedy-Horror Show! . When You
Thought It Was Safe to Go Back Into the Supermarket!
USE THIS HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM
BOXOFFICE:
825 Van Brunt BWd.
Kansas City. Mo. 64124
Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE.
THE STORY: •Halloween" (Compass)
A six-year-old boy stabs his sister to death on Hal-
Kert loween in 1963. after seeing her make love with her boyfriend.
Fifteen years later he escapes from a mental institution
and heads back to the same town, being pursued
by his psychiatrist, Donald Pleasence, who sees "evil" in
him. He wears a mask and stalks three babysitters (Jamie
Lee Cui-tis, Nancy Loomis and P. J. Soles i. Loomis is
knifed in a car. Soles and her boyfriend are the next
victims. Cm-tis goes to the home where Soles was babysitting
and finds all the bodies. Then she is stabbed, but
manages to run back to the house across the street. She
is chased. She stabs the maniac first with a knitting
needle, then a hanger and finally with a knife. He cannot
be killed. He rises up again, but Pleasence arrives
and shoots him six times. He thinks he's killed him, but
later cannot find his body.
EXPLOITIPS:
Sponsor a costume contest. Display jack-o-lanterns and
skeletons in the lobby.
CATCHLINES:
HALLOWEEN—the Night HE Came Home!
THE STORY: 'Secrets" (Lone Star)
Jacqueline Bisset and her husband, Robert Powell, are
having marital problems. They have a daughter, Tarka
Kings. Powell is unhappy with his work and has applied
for a computer job. Bisset thinks she married too young
and missed a chance for a career. She meets Per Oscarsson,
who takes her home with him and tells her of the
death of his wife. Bisset resembles her. di'esses in her
clothes and then makes love to Oscarsson. They feel free
together. He gives her some silk material as a gift to remember
their "secret" by. Powell has his job interview
with Shiiiey Knight Hopkins, who is neurotic and repressed.
Powell massages her and makes love to her. She
gives him a beautiful pill box by which to remember theii'
"secret." Kings goes to a garden with a young man, Martin
Thurley, who gifts her with a kiss and a plant as a
token of their good time and "secret." These secret experiences
rekindle love on the home front. Bisset gives
Powell the silk material: he gives her the pill box; and
Kings gives them the plant.
EXPLOITIPS:
Jacqueline Bisset's name should sell this one. Use radio
and T'V spot ads.
CATCHLINES:
The Whole Country Is Waiting to See Jacqueline Bisset
as You've Never Seen Her Before
• CLEARING HOUSE for
Classified Ads
1 YEAH S15.00
2 VERBS $28.00
Outside U.S., Canada and Pan-American Union. S25.00 Per Year
Q Remittance Enclosed
Q Send Invoice
THEATRE _ _ „
STREET
• SHOWMANDISER for
Promotion Ideas
• FEATURE REVIEWS for
Opinions on Current Films
TOWN ..
ZIP CODE
NAME
• REVIEW DIGEST for Analysis
of Reviews
POSITION .
BOXOFFICE BookinGuide :; Nov. 6, 1978

4ES: 50c per word, mmunum $5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four consecutive insertions for price
ree. When using a BoxoiHce No. figure 2 additional words and include SI. 00 additional, to
nz coat of fiondling replies. Display Classified, S38.00 per Column Inch. No commission
Ived. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers
ox Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. 64124.
CLEflRIHG HOUSE
HELP WANTED
lNAGING DraECTOR Top-grossmg
Run Quad Theatre in suburban Wester
County, New York. Prior mullin
experience a must. Excellent salcommission
and benefits. Sen:^
le, recent photo and salary history
iobert Jordan, B.S. Moss Enterprises,
Park Avenue, New York, New York
eplies confidential.
lUND SERVICE,
ted
fiall
Eas
Call (509) 754-3982.
Wash-
P CIRCUIT has opening for District
iger to supervise theatres in Connectiarea.
Liberal employee benefits
y commensurate with experience
complete resume to Boxoffice, 4175
i
3NCESSION SUPERVISOR/Marketing
Large Mid-Westem circuit
agement and marketing. Must be
s and a self-starter. Good start-
-y, retirement, medical beneiits.
iplete resume first writing. Repl'
ce, 4179.
ANAGER/OPERATOR. Twin indoor the
-v.Dre, Maryland area. Experi
i Send full resume with re
..
CPERIENCED theatre manage
City Management in Midwe:
alt million. Send resume to
POSITIONS WANTED
MBITIOUS, SHARP the
PERIENCED DISTRICT MANAGER, 53,
-,- : ; area. Will relocate riqht op-
,nity ul3) 923-9540
FILMS FOR SALE

memo to advertisers
PAY YOUR JlPieY
ANDTAI^yoUR CHANCES
That's pretty much the way it is with some advertising media—
not even the proprietor really knows for sure what he is selling.
Most times unknown, unmeasured, unaudited, and unnamed
circulation audiences are wisely unwanted— the odds just
don't favor the advertiser's dollar.
We believe you should have the facts before you buy. That's
why we have the Audit Bureau of Circulations verify our circulation
regularly—find and report the actual figures according
to their standards and based upon their auditors' inspections.
Above board circulation—be ABC-sure with
BOXOFFICE
THE ONLY FILM TRADE PAPER MEMBER OF ABC
The Audit Bureau of Circulations is a self-regulatory association of over 4,000 advertisers, advertising
agencies, and publishers, and is recognized as a bureau of standards for the print media industry.
o L ^