Boxoffice-February.12.1979

\ 

RATED 

y^ 50 Top -Grossing Films 

"SLITHIS"RANKED18^h|N THE 

50 TOP GROSSING PICTURE'S 

•^ 

1 n.

i 

EACH 

HONORED SHOWMAN COMPETITION 

•••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••************* •••••••••••• 

£wia ytm^ Beftl Vumtiml 

1. BEST PRINT Promotion 

2. BEST RADIO-TV Promotior 

3. BEST OFFSITE Promotion 

^ 

Three SHOWMEN will 

be honored at this year's 

•••SH0W-A-RAIVIA22*** 

April 23-26, inclusive Kansas City, Mo. 

HOW TO ENTER 1 

The Boxoffice — Show-A-Rama Honored 

Showman Competition is open to all theatre 

owners and managers. Each entry should contain 

a written description of the promotion, 

evidence of the success of the promotion and 

resulting attendance. 

Each entry should be clearly labeled with the 

name of the entry, the theatre for which the 

promotion was held and the category for which 

the entry is submitted. 

All entries should be carefully packaged to 

insure safe arrival; each en\ry accompanied by 

return postage and suitably packaged for its 

return following Show-A-Rama. Entries will be 

judged by a panel of promotions experts; 

the decisions of the judges will be final. 

WINNER RECEIVES 

^ All expense-paid trip 

to Kansas City 

• SHOW-A-RAMA 22 registration 

^ Deluxe accommodations at the 

Crown Center Hotel 

^ Bronze Medallion in 

walnut frame 

Deadline for Entries: MARCH 19, 1979 

icture Assoc. 

— 3612 Karnes Blvd., K.C.

; 

: In 

the Golden Halo, the highest honor bestowii 

, ed 

by the Southern California Motion Piclll 

ii I : ched 

llf 

Ad, Marketing Execs 

Plan ShoWesT Session 

of the Motion Picture— Extracting the 

Maximum," is scheduled for the morning 

of 

Goldwyn 

Feb. 22 

rooms 

in the 

of the 

combined Metro and 

MGM Grand Hotel, 

which will make possible an audience of 

1.200 or more. 

Distribution's point of view will be presented 

by West Coast executives Robert 

Cort. vice-president and general manager 

of advertising, publicity and promotion for 

Columbia Pictures; Richard Kahn, Metro- 

Goldwyn-Mayer's senior-vice-president in 

charge of world wide marketing; Avco Embassy's 

advenising-publicity vice-president 

Herman Kass. and 20th Centun-Fox worldwide 

advertising vice-president David Weitzner. 

Joining them from New York will be 

United Artists's Edward Seigenfield, vicepresident 

of advertising and publicity, and 

Paramount's Steve Rose, vice-president, ad- 

dent and general manager of the Sterling 

Recreation Organization circuit, and Douglas 

Williams, president of Theatre Operators 

Inc.. Billings. Mont 

Jules Landfield, Los Angeles, national coordinator 

of advertising for the American 

Multi Cinema theatre circuit, will serve as 

moderator. 

'Superman' Awarded 

Council's Golden Halo 

BURBANK—Hailed as "a thoroughly 

delightful all-family, all-entertainment gem 

of a film," "Superman" has been awarded 

i 

ture Council. 

announcing the award, the council also 

the spectacular film for "outstanding 

photography, music, casting and a beautifully 

done story by Mario Puzo." 

Presentation of the Golden Halo was 

made at the organization's Awards Luncheon 

Feb. 7 at the Tail O' the Cock in 

Hollywood. 

PobUahed TOeUy. except one Issoe it year-ajd. br 

Vmee Fnblistiliig Corp.. 823 Van Bmot Bhd.. Kmsai 

atr. MisBoari 9*154. Sobserlptkpn rates: Seetlonal 

Bflttoo. $1500 per year, tontffi. $25.00. Sallooa! 

BwaOie BdMon: »a5.00, tortita. $30.00. Bla^t 

espy. -5e. Seoood dan poMace paid at Kamaa CKy. 

Mo. BOXOFTICE PabUeatioo So. (USPS 062-280). 

BOXOFHCE :; February 12. 1979 

BOXOFFICE and UMPA Announce 

Showmen, Show Woman Competition 

LOS ANGELES- "Top executives of film 

company marketing and advertising, plus a 

group from exhibition, will conduct 

KANSAS CITY Boxoffice 

Motion 

magazine, 

in conjunction with the United Picture 

parallel 

a special two-hour session as a 

Assn., has launched a massive search 

program- 

ming highlight of ShoWesT '79, it was announced 

for three outstanding showmen. 

by general chairman Robert W. The winners, selected from entries in the 

Honored Showman Competition, will receive 

Selig. 

The session, entitled -Future Marketing 

an all-expenses paid trip to Show-A- 

Rama 22, to be held at the Crown Center 

Hotel here April 23-26, according to Gary 

Johnson, S-A-R public relations director. 

Three Categories 

The prize includes airfare, hotel and 

meals, as well as full registration for all 

Show-A-Rama events. 

One winner will be selected from each 

of three categories: Best print promotion, 

best electronic media promotion and best 

off-site promotion. 

Showmen are instructed to send a complete 

description of their promotions, along 

with any pertinent tear sheets, tapes and 

evidence of the results achieved by the promotions. 

final. 

Winners will be announced in the April 

2 issue of Boxoffice. 

Women's Competition 

Also, for the fourth consecutive year the 

women's committee of Show-A-Rama will 

hold its Show Woman of the Year contest. 

Applicants are eligible from all phases of 

the motion picture business, including production, 

distribution and exhibition. 

"With women becoming more and more 

involved in the day-by-day operation of a 

national industry," said Ms. Sylvia Stone, 

ladies' program director, "this year's contest 

it expected to inspire many exciting entries." 

Nomination letters should include biographical 

sketches and a history of industryrelated 

activities 

to date. 

Women may submit their own names in 

nomination or may nominate another candidate. 

Letters should be addressed to the Ladies 

Show-A-Rama Committee, c/o United Motion 

Picture Assn.. 3612 Karnes Blvd.. Kansas 

City, Mo. 64111. Letters must be received 

no later than March 25. 

The Show Woman of the Year will be 

presented at the annual ladies luncheon at 

Show-A-Rama here. 

Both Boxoffice and the United Motion 

Picture Assn. have historically fostered 

showmanship among theatre owners and 

managers. 

The goal of the Honored Showman Competition 

is to encourage today's manager 

to put more showmanship into his theatre 

operation. 

The three Honored Showmen will be 

spotlighted during Show-A-Rama 22, a 

three-and-onc-half day gathering filled with 

marketing seminars, product showings and 

a trade show featuring every product and 

service needed to operate a modern motion 

picture theatre. 

Lorimar Dist. Expands 

Inlernal'l Sales Force 

NEW YORK—.As a first step in a program 

of expanding its sales force, Lorimar 

Distribution International president Robert 

.Meyers announced that Lorimar has entered 

into an agreement with Lennarte Bjorck 

to join them as an international sales executive. 

Theatre owners and managers may enter, 

and all promotions which have been staged 

Meyer said: 'Lennarte Bjorck, with his 

within the last 12 months qualify for consideration. 

vast distribution experience, is exactly the 

vertising. 

kind of person Lorimar needs to continue 

and service the 

Exhibition will be represented by Lloyd 

Katz, head of Nevada Theatres, Las Vegas; 

Where to Direct Entries 

to improve its ability to sell 

increasing number of films which Lorimar 

John V. Louis of Phoenix, vice-president 

be directed to the Honored 

All entries should 

Showman Competition, United Motion 

itself is producing, in addition to any important 

outside product we might acquire." 

and general manager of the Harry Nace 

circuit; 

Bjorck will be based at the Lorimar offices 

Mo. 64111. 

Jack Myhill of San Francisco, general 

Picture Assn., Blvd., 3612 Karnes Kansas 

manager of Syufy Enterprises, San City, 

Francisco; Jerry Vitus of Seattle, 

in 

Entries must be received by March 

Burbank. 

26, 

1 979, and the decision of the judges will be 

Bjorck has extensive experience with major 

companies Latin America, 

vice-presi- 

distribution in 

the Far East and Europe. From 

1948 

to 

1965, Bjorck represented Paramount Pictures 

in several South American countries. 

He then spent four years in Japan as managing 

director for Columbia Pictures. From 

1969 to 1973. he was the European supervisor 

for Avco Embassy Pictures stationed 

in Paris. Bjorck came to Los Angeles in 

1975 and established the Bjorck Film Corp. 

for the purpose of representing foreign distributors 

in acquiring U.S. product. "The 

Bjorck Film Corp. will continue its activities. 

Oscar Presenters Named 

LOS ANGELES—Nick Nolte. Ali Mac- 

Graw and David L. Wolper will serve as 

presenters during the Academy Awards 

presentation April 9. For Nolte and Wolper 

it will be their first such assignment; this is 

the second time MacGraw has appeared in 

this role. 

Buz Kohan has been named head writer 

for the program, his first time at bat. Kohan 

is responsible for the words and music 

for two opening production numbers, last 

year's "Look How Far We've Come" and 

"Hollywood Honors Its Own." sung by Ray 

Bolger at the 48th awards presentation. 

Johnny Carson is sole master of ceremonies.

i 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

Published in Nine Sectional Editions 

BEN SHLYEN 

Executive Editor 

WILLIAM C. VANCE 

Publisher 

JOHN F. BERRY 

A»oc. Publisher/National Sales Manager 

MORRIS SCHLOZMAN Business Manaocr 

GARY BURCH Equipment Editor 

JONNA JEFFERIS Associate Editor 

STU GOLDSTEIN Associate EOitor 

RON SCHAUMBURG Associate Editor 

G. GREGORY TOBIN Associate Editor 

JIMMY SUMMERS Editorial Assistant 

RALPH KAMINSKY West Coast Editor 

JOHN COCCHI East Coast Editor 

ADMINISTRATIVE 

HERBERT A. VANCE Chairman 

B. JOHN ONEIL President 

JAMES J. STAUDT Vice-President 

Executive 

C. WILLIAM VANCE Vice-President 

Publication Offices: S25 Vaii Brunt Blvd., Kamm 

City. Jill.. 841:!4. (SIB) 241-!777. 

Western Offices: (>4:i5 Holbuood lilvd., Hollywood 

I'a., yU02S (2ia) 4ua-118ti. 

Ailifrlbim; sales : Glen Vernon 

Laslcrn Offices: 12;u Siith Ave., Suite 2403. Kockele.liT 

untcr. Wc« York, 1UU20, l:il2) 2B5-63iU. 

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Mncniey, W 12. Telephone Hillside tSt'S'i. 

TUB MOUBltN 'I'HB.\T11B Section is ineluJed in 

one issue eadi montll. 

Atlanta: (leiieiieve t':inip. lliO Lindbergh Urive, N.E. 

3Ua05. 

liaitimore: ICate S:uage, 3607 Springdale, 21216. 

lioston: lirne>t Warren. 1 Colgate Koad, Needham, 

Mass. U21i)2. Tele. (617) 444-1657. 

Bulfalo: Ikiivard 1''. Heade, 760 Main St., 14202. 

Tele. (716) 854-1556. 

Charlotl*: Cbas. J. Leonard Sr.. 319 Queens Kd., 

282(M. Tele. (704) 333-0444. 

Cliicago: Frances H. I'low, 175 Nortb Kenllworth. 

OaK Park, lU. 60302. Tele. (312) 383-8343. 

Cincinnati: Tony B. iiiitlierloid. Bus 362, Huntington. 

W. Va. 257U8. Tele. (304) 525-3S37. 

Cleveland: Blaine Fried, 3255 Gremvay ltd. 44122. 

Tele. (216) aSl-3797. 

Dallas: Mable Guinan, 5927 Winton, 75206. 

lienver: Bruce Marshall, 2881 S. Cherry Way, 80222. 

lies Moines; Ctody Viers, 4024 B. Maple, 50317. 

Tele. 266-9811. 

Detroit: Vera I'hiliips. 131 Eliot St. West, Windsor, 

Unt. N9A SYS. 

Hartford: AUen M. Widem, 30 Pioneer Drive, W. 

Hartford 06117, Tele. 232-3101. 

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Tele. (317) 251-5070. 

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Louisville: Susan D. Todd, 8409 Old Boundary Rd.. 

40281. 

Memphis: Bill Minkus, 1188 Perkins Rd. 38117. Tele. 

(901) 683-8182. 

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Wis. 53021. Tele: (414) 692-2753. 

.Minneapolis: Bill Dlehi, St. Paul Dispatch, 63 E. 

4th St.. St. Paul, Minn. 

New Orleans: Mary Ureenbauni, 2303 Mendez St. 

70122. 

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2000 Classen Center, 73106. 

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316, 33480, Tele. (305) 588-6786. 

PtiUadelphia: Maurie H. Orodenker, 312 W. Park 

Towne Place, 19130. Tele. (215) 567-4748. 

Pittsburgh: R. F. KUngensmith, 516 Jeanette, Wilkinsburg 

15221. Tele. (412) 241-2809. 

Portland, Ore.: Robt. Olds, 4231 N. WincheU, 97203. 

St. Louis: Fan It. Krause, 818A Longacre Drive, 

63132. Tele. (314) 991-4746. 

Salt Uke City: lieilh Perry, 264 E. 1st South, 84111. 

Tele. (801) 328-1641. 

San AntorUo: Gladjs Candy, 519 Cincinnati Ave. Tele. 

(512) 734-5527. 

S« Francisco: David Van, UATC, 172 Golden Gate 

Ave., 94102. Tele: 928-3200. 

Seattle: Stu Goldman, Apt. 404, 101 N, 46th St., 

98103. Tele. 782-5833. 

Toledo: Anna Kltae, 4330 Willys Pkwy., 43612. 

Tucson: Gib Clark, 433 N. Grande, Apt. 5, 85705. 

Washington: Virginia R. Collier, 5112 Connecticut 

Ave., N.W. 20008. Tele. (202) 362-0892. 

IN CANADA 

Calg.iry: Maxinc Mc-Iie.»r, 420 40th St., S.W.. F3C 

IWl. Tele. (40:!) 249-0039. 

Montreal: Tom Cleary, Assrrclatlon des Proprietaires 

de Cinema du (Jiiebcc, 3720 Van Home, Suite 4-5, 

I13S 1R8. 

Ottawa: Garfield Willie" Wilson. 758 Rainsford Ave.. 

KJK 2K1. Tele. 746-6660. 

Tnroriti,: J. W. Agncw, 274 St. John's Rd.. M6P 1V5. 

Vancouver: Jimmy Davie, 3245 W. 12, V6K 2U8, 

Winnipeg: Robert lineal, 600-232 Portage Ave., l!3C 

OBI, 

FEBRUARY 12, 1979 

Vol. 114 No. 19 

THE 

Me TuUe e^ im /y/&&&n. 

T^ctuAe yncLd 

GOODBYE TO EXPRODICO 

RECENT demise of EXPRODICO 

poses a two-fold question for exhibition. 

First, why did this production and 

distribution cooperative never make it 

to the starting gate after nearly four 

years of promises and projections? Second, 

is there a need for this type of cooperative? 

Theatre owners, traditionally, have 

been difficult to bring together on any 

issue, though NATO, NITE and other 

trade associations unite a segment of the 

exhibition industry. And in the case of 

EXPRODICO, when it came to putting 

cash on the line, the vast majority of 

exhibitors refused to participate. Despite 

all the promises of good faith, those who 

would benefit most from the cooperative 

failed to step up to home plate and take 

a swing. As a result, they may not only 

lose the ball game, but the respect of 

their competitors as well. 

But exhibition cannot shoulder the entire 

blame. As reported in the trade press, 

the promises issued by EXPRODICO of 

cials, as late as the October NATO co 

vention, painted an inaccurate pictu 

of the financial situation. Premature ai 

optimistic claims masked a $1 millii 

shortage which was never overcome. 

EXPRODICO was a good idea. It st 

is. Intended to allow exhibition a hai 

in increasing product flow—a despers 

necessity—thereby increasing compe 

tion, it would unite a fragmented pha 

of the industry and ensure maxima 

benefits from minimal investments. 

The cooperative could have done th 

Thus, its failure dims the hopes that a 

future effort of a similar nature will si 

ceed. 1 

Nonetheless, there is 

a need for exhi'i 

tion to take steps to beef up productic 

and, in the absence of a national coopi 

ative, efforts by such groups as Unit, 

Artists Theatres must be supported 

i 

those interested in the future of theat' 

cal exhibition. 

GO TO A TRADE SHOW 

The growing interest in trade conventions 

has been demonstrated recently by 

the record attendance at TEXPO '79 in 

Dallas and the expected SRO crowds of 

exhibitors at ShoWesT later this month 

and Show-A-Rama in April. 

The value of such trade gatherings, 

dollar figures aside, is incalculable. 

Most important, of course, is the opportunity 

to screen upcoming product. 

Though often merely rough cuts or 

short product reels, convention screenings 

give the exhibitor a feel for the 

season (in some cases the full year) 

ahead, making him a much wiser buyer 

and booker and acquainting him with 

those pictures which will be competing 

for the entertainment dollar. 

Also, he may learn the most recent developments 

in equipment and marketing 

from the top names in the industry. 

Presentations by Perry Lowe of the 

National Assn. of Concessionaires, Seymour 

Kaplan of National Screen Service 

and Dan Miller of National Theatre Si 

ply have demonstrably increased the (, 

hibitor's awareness of other ways to ( 

ploit his position as keeper of "the a. 

tive audience," 

i 

Another popular exhibit is the Cirij 

of Profits wherein the advertiser and ti 

theatre owner both benefit from the (. 

change of new ideas for concessions, p> 

' 

motions and merchandising. 

If the exhibitor is looking to incre?( 

his profits—and indeed he is—there; 

no better means than exploring, on t( 

convention floor, all possible ways of (.< 

ing so. 

would take many more thr 

In fact, it 

three or four days to examine all t( 

products, all the films and all the id(; 

presented at a good trade convention. 

Fortunately, for the hard-workij 

sponsors of TEXPO, ShoWesT and She'' 

A-Rama, and for the industry itself, 'p 

hibitors by the thousands are respondi| 

to the opportunity to improve their Ic

Massive Ad Campaign 

For 'Winter Kills' 

By RALPH KAMINSKY 

Wesl Coast Editor 

HOLLYWOOD—Avco Embassy Pictures 

is drawing up plans for a "massive campaign" 

to launch its assassination-thriller, 

•Winter Kills." on Memorial Day when 

the picture will open in 500 theatres acioss 

the 

country. 

Based on the book by Richard Condon, 

author of "The Manchurian Candidate," 

ihe film was made on a budget of $7.5 million 

and stars John Huston, Jeff Bridges, 

Richard Boone. Dorothy Malone, Anthony 

Perkins, Eli Wallach. Sterling Hayden, 

Elizabeth Taylor and Toshiro Mifune. The 

musical score was the work of Academy 

Award winner Maurice Jarre. 

$2.5 Million for Exploitation 

Avco has earmarked $2.5 million for the 

first exploitation drive which will touch all 

bases in the promotional gambit: Sending 

stars across the country, making massive 

television buys under "umbrella coverage," 

Lloing major newspaper advertising on opening 

day and featuring a major book tie-in 

campaign. 

"This will be a massive campaign," executive 

vice-president Bob Rehme said. The 

original exploitation budget will go up in accordance 

with how the picture does at the 

bo.\office, he said. "It's all subject to how 

it 

plays." 

"Winter Kills" has Huston as the wealthiest 

man in America, the father of a president 

of the United States who is assassinated. 

The story has a younger son 15 years later 

uncovering an assassination plot that involves 

big business, the Mafia, Cuba and 

labor unions. 

"There's a tremendous twist at the end." 

Rehme said, "but I'm not going to reveal 

now." 

it 

Bill Richart wrote the screenplay and 

directed the film produced by Daniel H. 

Blatt as a Frank Aries presentation. 

TV Umbrella Buys 

The TV umbrella buys will be strategically 

timed and scattered across the country 

to cover every town in which the picture 

plays. The newspaper ad campaign will be 

kicked off with a color ad on opening day 

and a heavy play to follow that. 

A month before the picture opens Avco 

will schedule a major screening to be attended 

by some 100 of the leading entertainment 

writers flying in from all over the 

country. The major stars will be on hand for 

the traditional interviews. 

The use of stars still has to be buttoned 

down for cross country touring, but Rehme 

said he is thinking in terms of involving 

from three to five celebrities. 

"We'll send them out to six or seven cities 

each. So if we get around five or six people 

we would be covering up to 40 cities." he 

said. 

BOXOmCE :: February 12, 1979 

Concessionaires Gear for ShoWesT; 

Programs and Presentations Planned 

LOS ANGELES—With less than a 

month to go before the start of ShoWesT 

'79, the 110-booth trade show has been 

completely sold out and a waiting list has 

been established in the event of last minute 

cancellations. 

Robert W. Selig. general convention 

chairman and an executive of Pacific Theatres 

Corp., also announced that over 1,500 

delegates have registered to attend the convention 

Feb. 20-22 at the MGM Grand 

Hotel in Las Vegas. Due to the large turnout, 

registration has been closed with additional 

registrations being handled subject to 

cancellation. The convention committee 

was comprised of executives from the three 

co-sponsoting organizations: the National 

Assn. of Concessionaires. Theatres West 

(exhibitors of the 12 Western states) and 

the Theatre Equipment Assn. 

Demand 'Tremendous' 

According to NAC trade show co-chairmen 

Jerry Ireland of Lapidus Popcorn Co. 

and Bill Rector of Mann Theatres, the 

demand for booths by concession and theatre 

suppliers has been "tremendous." 

Among the concession suppliers reserving 

booths for ShoWesT "79 are: Solo Cup Co.; 

Chewie Newgutt Co.; Dixie Marathon: 7- 

Up Bottling Co.; Alco Dispensing Systems; 

Ogden Food Service Corp.; Continental 

Bondware/Fun Foods; Energy Control Systems; 

Durkee Foods—Division of SCM 

Corp.; Hawaiian Punch—R.J.R. Foods; 

Shasta Beverages; Henry Heide, Inc.; R. J. 

Allen Co.; Promotional Packaging, Inc.; 

Proctor Distributing Co./Butler Fixtures. 

Inc.; Harlan Fairbanks Co.; Poppers Supply 

of Portland; Good Time Foods; Lapidus 

Popcorn. Inc.; Marsh Concession Supply. 

Inc.; Theatre Candy Distributing Co.; Gold 

Medal Corp.; Cretors Co.; Slush Puppie 

Corp.; Lily Division/Owens-Illinois; Pepsi- 

Cola Co.; Metro Concessions Industries; 

Orange Whip Corp.; Adams & Brookes 

Candies; Kraft Foods; L & L Concession 

Supply Co.; Dr Pepper Co.; Able Art; 

Smithfield Ham & Products Co.; Coca-Cola 

USA; Theatre Amusement Co.; Just Born; 

Sweetheart Cup Corp.; Wilsey Foods; Annabelle 

Candy Co.; Hershey Chocolate Co.; 

Nifty Costume Co.. and Fast Lane Merchandising. 

Concession Seminars 

ShoWesT '79 co-chairman Al Lapidus of 

Lapidus Popcorn Inc. reports that NAC will 

stage two business sessions which will be of 

interest to all members of the concession 

industry. Co-chairmen for the NAC business 

programs are Norman Chester of Theatre 

Candy Distributing Co.. Salt Lake City, and 

Vernon B. Ryles Jr.. of Popper's Supply 

Co., Portland. Chesler is vice-president of 

NAC Region 6 and Ryles is vice-president 

of the trade association. 

The tentative program begins with a 

morning business session on Feb. 21 with 

Ryles serving as moderator. The session 

will focus on an important area of concern 

to all concessionaires, value pricing. A 

thorough discussion of the subject by suppliers 

and snack bar operators will take 

place at the meeting. Among concession 

executives taking part in the program will 

be NAC vice-president Alex Castoldi of 

Northeast Theatre Corp. and Chuck Beasley 

from Sweetheart Cup. division of Maryland 

Cup Corp. 

Tips to Maximize Profits 

A joint program for all ShoWesT delegates 

in attendance will take place following 

the opening session. NAC president 

Philip M. Lowe of Theatre Management 

Services, Boston, will be the keynote speaker 

delivering two audio visual presentations 

entitled Circle of Profit and Partners in 

Profit. Circle of Profit, multi-media show. 

:i co-venture between Redstone (Northeast 

Theatre Corp.) Theatres and NAC, portrays 

the circular concession stand of the 

future. The multi-projector and musically 

scored Partners in Profit presentation was 

a major undertaking of Coca-Cola USA 

and Lowe. The presentation has major emphasis 

on maximizing profits at the refreshment 

stand. 

Pilferage a Topic 

Thursday's business session will be moderated 

by Norman Chesler and recap the 

previous day's program on value pricing. 

At this time, conclusions and recommendations 

will be given with respect to utilizing 

value pricing at concession counters. A visual 

presentation will kick off major discussion 

on security and the prevention of theft 

at concession facilities. A number of key 

executives will be on hand to discuss pilferage, 

a problem that faces nearly all concession 

operators. 

Candy Merchandising, Too 

A special presentation. Profits and Value 

in Proper Candy Bar Merchandising, is also 

on the docket for NAC's business session 

on Thursday. The R. J. Allen Co.. Burbank. 

will spearhead the session along with candy 

manufacturers and snack bar operators. It 

is well known that candy sales contribute 

significantly to the concessionaire's overall 

profit margin. The presentation will help 

concession operators become more knowledgeable 

in candy merchandising, an area 

which too many times is overlooked. 

NAC executive director Charles A. Winans 

will also be giving an audio visual presentation 

aptly named NAC Comes to You. 

It will feature reasons why members of the 

concession industry should belong to NAC 

and the benefits they will derive through 

membership in the organization. 

Aubrey/ Lyon Productions has signed an 

agreement with Columbia Pictures to produce 

"Jean's Way." based on an English 

novel dealing with voluntary euthanasia.

' 

Oscar Ad Campaigns Reveal Studios 

Community 

Support of the Artistic 

By RALPH KAMINSKY 

West Coast Editor 

HOLLYWOOD — "No, you can't buy an 

Oscar, but it sure is worth trying." 

That's the conclusion 

of one of the 

top Oscar watchers 

who sees the annual 

scramble for awards 

from both sides of the 

?nce. 

Members of the 

Los Angeles Ad Club 

got that perspective 

on the annual awards 

campaigning at a Jan. 

Charles M. PoweU 3 j juncheon meeting 

with Charles M. Powell, vice-president of 

the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and 

Sciences and also senior vice-president of 

advertising, publicity and promotion for 

Universal Pictures—where he is involved 

in directing Oscar campaigns for at least 

three hot contenders for Academy awards. 

$300,000 to Seek Votes 

The six major studios each are spending 

an average of $300,000 seeking the votes 

of 3,600 members of the Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences—an average 

of $500 from the six studios to reach 

each Academy voter. The total spending 

will run to $L800,000. 

This year. Powell told the ad club members, 

he is helping to spend over a quarter 

of a million dollars in support of Oscar 

hopefuls including "The Deer Hunter." 

"Same Time, Next Year" and "The Wiz." 

Powell used two microphones to dramatize 

his bilateral point of view and strengthen 

his contention that an Oscar can't be 

bought. 

In his role as an Academy officer Powell 

mentioned campaigns which failed to produce 

an Oscar despite expansive advertising 

campaigns. Producers of "The Alamo." 

he pointed out, "spent a fortune" to influence 

the voters—and the picture "lost across 

the board." 

"Most Deserving Win" 

".Somehow, the most deserving pictures 

win. .Somehow, the most deserving writing, 

..Electing and acting performances get recog- 

Mu'cd. And somehow, all of the advertising 

money spent to try and buy an Oscar does 

II.'. ';et the job done." he declared. 

Ihcn, as an executive involved in camp;i 

;.'p.ing for this current crop of Oscars, 

Po-.. 

: cited th spending figures as evidctic- 

'f "what 

- 

real world is all about 

am' "' we speri-! !hc money we do." 

Fi, 

that a '^cst Picture Oscar can 

be woi additic ;il $2 million to $10 

million Oi to its .aidio." Last year's 

winner, "An, 'all," earned "between $5 

million and $U. 'ion dollars additionally, 

solely because ol e Oscar," Powell do- 

'.lared. 

There arc additional theatre bookings 

immediately generated." Powell explained. 

"Exhibitors who may have been less than 

eager to pay steep terms to get the film 

now want it. The enormous exposure given 

the winning film in all media awakens interest 

with the general public. Theatres 

that the film first played the time around 

are interested in re-booking." 

Oscars Mean a Lot 

For the actor, the writer and the director, 

the Oscar means more scripts, more 

roles, better parts and certainly better pay, 

Powell pointed out. 

Distributors are willing to spend on ad 

campaigns to help the creative talent win 

the statuette because under conditions of 

movie making today, "the creative person is 

the fuel that makes us go," he said. 

"Even if our Oscar campaign is unsuccessful—God 

forbid—we have shown the 

creative talent involved with that picture 

that we had faith in him and his property 

—and that OUR studio will do as well for 

him or her as any other studio will do." 

"Obviously." Powell declared, "we think 

it's worth it. If we win. it's all that extra 

boxoffice revenue. Even if we lose, we are 

cementing our relationship within the creative 

community. 

"What we do hope to accomplish is to 

create an atmosphere in which the Academy 

membership will want to see the particular 

film and also be aware of the public and 

critical acclaim the given film or performance 

has received before they get to the 

very .serious task of marking their ballots." 

MPM Features Do Well 

In Seattle and Austin 

MARINA DEL REY, CALIF.— 

Motion Picture Marketing launched 

two promising independent features of 

1979 in test engagements last week, 

according to John L. Chambliss, MPM 

president and general sales manager. 

In Seattle, Roman Polanski's "Forbidden 

Dreams" grossed $9,024 in its 

opening week (Jan. 31 -Feb. 6) at the 

Uptown Theatre, with strong weekday 

figures indicating a long run. 

"Forbidden Dreams" demonstrated 

staying power at the Riverside Twin in 

Austin, Texas last week, with the second 

week gross of $3,120 up over $200 

from the opening week. 

In El Paso. MPM's drive-in combo 

"Cemetery Girls" and "Grave Desires" 

opened last week (Feb. 2-Feb. 8) to a 

$3,286 gross at the Cinema Park 

Drive-In in sub-freezing weather, the 

highest gross the theatre has had in 

four months. 

Directors Guild Picks 

Its Award Nominees 

HOLLYWOOD—The announcement of 

the Directors Guild of America's nominations 

for its best director awards once again 

may be a foreshadowing of who may win 

the same prize in the Oscar race. Almost a 

tradition now, the DGA and Oscar selections 

have been identical with only two 

exceptions over a 30-year period. 

DGA nominations are: 

Hal Ashby for "Coming Home." a Jerome 

Hellman production for United Artists; 

Charles Mulvehill, unit production 

manager; Chuck Myers, first assistant director, 

Jim Bloom, second assistant director. 

Warren Beatty and Buck Henry, "Heaven 

Can Wait," Dogwood Productions/ Paramount; 

Charles Maguire. UPM; Howard 

Koch Jr., first assistant, Craig Huston, second 

assistant. 

Michael Cimino. "The Deer Hunter," 

EMI Films/ Universal; Claude Binyon, 

UPM; Charles Okun. first assistant. Michael 

Grille, second assistant. 

Paul Mazursky, "An Unmarried Woman," 

20th Century-Fox; Terence Donnelly, 

UPM/first assistant; Tom Kane, second assistant. 

Alan Parker, "Midnight Express," Casablanca 

FilmWorks/Columbia; Ray Corbett, 

assistant director. 

Winners, selected by votes of the 5,300 

DGA members, will announced at the 31st 

annual awards dinner to be held simultaneously 

at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and the 

St. Gegis Roof in New York City. 

'Apocalypse Now' to Open 

Aug. 15 in New York City 

NEW Y O R K—"Apocalypse 

Now," 

Francis Coppola's epic adventure starring 

Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall. Martin 

Sheen and Dennis Hopper, will have its 

world premiere Aug. 15 in New York at 

the Ziegfeld Theatre. The motion picture 

was recorded in Dolby stereophonic sound 

and will be presented in 70mm by United 

Artists. 

Produced and directed by Coppola on 

in location the Philippines, the film was 

written by John Milius and Coppola and is 

set against the background of the Vietnamese 

War. 

'Body Snatchers' Honored 

By Sci-Fi Film Society 

NEW YORK — "Invasion of the Body 

Snatchers" has won multiple major awards 

voted by members of the International Society 

of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy. 

The Robert H. Solo production received 

three outstanding achievement awards for 

a science fiction motion picture. 

Philip Kaufman won as Best Director; 

Brooke Adams as Best Actress, and Tom 

Burman and Edouard Henriques for Best 

Makeup Design. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 12, 1979

BOXOFnCE :: February 12, 1979

' 

NSS 'Healthier' 

Than Past 6 Years 

Due to Aggressive Salesmanship 

and television films under the Revenue Act 

of 1962. The lower court's judgment, which 

was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, decides 

in MCA's favor its claims to investment 

tax credits of approximately $34,500,- 

000. The Court of Appeals ruling is subject 

to appeal by the government. 

The company has not reflected the above 

ruling by the Court of Appeals or any or 

the above claims in its financial statements, 

and presently does not intend to do so until 

the matter has been resolved. 

ATTENDING a work session at the recent NSS/NTS national convention in 

Orlando are (left to right, back row) Joe Moll; Joe Rossi; Ural Fisher, managing 

director. Continental Litho.; Ronald T. Lamendola, director of sales administration; 

William Lustig; Rik Barnes; Robert CroweU; Stephen Rockabrand; (middle row) 

Richard Daugherty, manager, A.I. Euelid Plant; Robert Sedlak; Alvin Weinroth, 

personnel director; Peter Koplik, director, field operations; David Fletcher; Harvey 

M. Baren, general sales manager; Scott Dingier; Seymour Kapaln, vice-president;Burton 

E. Robbins, president; Steven Foster; (front row) William Neal; 

Terrv Mclntire; Garv Pulver. 

BEVERLY HILLS—National Screen unique "Do-It-For-Yourself Sales Drive" 

Service and National Theatre Supply have for the coming year. 

"turned the company around" and in 1979 At a separate NTS meeting, vice-president 

and general sales manager Dan Miller 

is in a "far healthier position than at any 

time in the past six years," president Burton 

E. Robbins told the company's national 

sales convention at Orlando, Fla. 

recently. 

"Reap the Benefits" 

Robbins called up>on the salesmen to continue 

their "aggressive salesmanship and 

belt-tightening practice" in 1979 "so that 

we, as well as our customers, can reap the 

benefits." 

Noting that the sales force had far exceeded 

its quotas last year, NSS general 

sales manager Harvey Baren presented a 

Academy Announces Rules 

For Student Film Awards 

LOS ANGELES—Entry forms and comprehensive 

rules for the sixth annual Student 

Film Awards competition have been 

distributed nationally by the Academy of 

Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the 

Academy Foundation. 

The program, co-sponsored by the Bell 

System, encourages excellence in student 

filmmaking at colleges and universities 

across the country. 

The national Student Film Awards ceremony, 

scheduled for June 3, 1979 at the 

Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in 

Beverly Hills, Calif., will honor films in four 

categories: animation, documentary, dramatic 

and experimental. Winning student 

filmmakers in each category will receive 

cash awards of $1,000 and will be flown to 

Los Angeles for the awards ceremony. In 

addition, up to two merit awards of $500 

may be awarded in each category, as well 

as an honorary award ol $750 given at the 

Academy's discretion. 

also introduced novel incentive programs to 

his sales force. 

In addition to the upswing in trailer 

billings to exhibitors last year, NSS vicepresident 

Seymour Kaplan detailed the 

progress being made on the company's new 

Movie Madness merchandising program 

with exhibitors, outlining the success of 

"Superman" merchandise in the theatres 

thus far and the plans for Movie Madness 

campaigns for "The Lord of the Rings" 

and other films in 1979. 

To be eligible for the competition, a film 

must have been completed after April 1, 

1978 in a student-teacher relationship within 

the curriculum of an accredited institution 

of higher learning in the United States. 

Deadline for entries is April 2, 1979. 

Entry forms, rules and a list of regional 

coordinators may be obtained by writing the 

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 

8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 

Calif. 90211. (213) 278-8990. 

Tax Suite Decision Appeal 

Upheld in Favor of MCA 

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIF. — The 

United States Court of Appeals for the 

Ninth Circuit on Jan. 4 affirmed the judgment 

of the District Court for the Central 

District of California in favor of MCA Inc., 

with respect to the company's tax refund 

suit for the years 1962 through 1970, filed 

in 1975. The suit is based on the company's 

previously filed refund claims in which it 

took the position that it was entitled to the 

investment tax credit on eligible theatrical 

TWISTER STRIKES—The tornado 

that struck Universal's backlot Jan. 31 

demolished parts of several permanent 

sets, including this 

York Street. Three 

section of New 

productions—the 

Walter Matthau film "Little Miss Marker" 

and TV shows "Delta House" and 

"The Incredible Hulk"—were slated to 

film soon on the sets. Work began immediately 

to repair the damage, estimated 

at $1 million. 

USA Film Fesl Judges 

Begin Selecting Best 

DALLAS—Judith Crist, Roger Ebert, 

Charles Champlin and Barbara Bryant are 

now selecting their personal choices of newj 

USA feature and short films to be presented 

at the upcoming ninth annual USA Film 

Festival, to be held in Dallas March 30 

through April 8. 

As in the past, each critic will present 

the film and filmmakers he has selected at I 

the Festival, which is non-competitive. 

| 

The USA Film Festival continues to be 

the only festival in the United States whichi 

specializes in American films. However,) 

the criterion for what constitutes a "USA I 

film" has been broadened this year to in-j 

elude films which may have been produced 

or directed by a non-citizen, but which arei 

predominately American in terms of cast, 

crew, distribution company and soon. 

j 

Dr. G. William Jones, festival director,! 

was in Los Angeles recently, and visited) 

studios and independent production centersj 

to locate films which will be available for 

consideration by the festival critics— films! 

which will be ready for screening by March 

1, but not yet in nationwide release. 

This year the festival will be looking for 

more independent films and filmmakers, 

while continuing to present the best of the 

studio produced films. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 12, 197S'

. . . Jay 

rOR THE 

RECORD 

T eonard C. Fazzio has been appointed 

manager of operations for United 

World Films. In addition, he will continue 

to be responsible for the deposit library 

operations for United World. 

Mel Danheiser, executive assistant to 

United Artists' foreign manager, and Thomas 

Gray, sales manager for Latin America 

and the Far East, have been named vicepresidents 

of the company. 

Michael WilKams-Jones, UA's sales manager 

for Europe and the Middle East, has 

been appointed continental manager and 

Middle East supervisor. 

Daniel A. Sherkow has been named to 

the new post of director of film marketing 

and acquisition for Time-Life Television, 

reporting to Stephen J. Sheffer, vice-president, 

film operations. 

John Friedkin joins Warner Bros, as vicepresident 

of advertising and publicity for 

the International division, reporting directly 

to Andrew Fogelson, executive vice-president 

of worldwide advertising and publicity. 

Hans. R. Gabaro has been named vicepresident 

of Manson International and will 

oversee all European megotiations for the 

company's releases. He also will head Manson's 

new production arm. 

Don Konny has been named vice-presi- 

•dent in charge of theatrical distribution for 

Modem Talking Picture Service. 

Paolo Ferrari has been appointed managing 

director of CEIAD, the distribution 

company which releases Columbia product 

in 

Italy. 

Robert Metzler has been appointed business 

manager for the 51st Academy Awards 

presentation. This is Metzler's 25th year in 

this capacity. 

Arthur Smith has been named resident 

counsel for Lorimar Films. 

Phil Shimmin has been promoted to the 

newly created position of administrative assistant 

to Pacific Theatres' vice-president 

and general manager Jerome A. Forman 

Swerdlow replaces Shimmin as director 

of purchasing . . . Tom Moeller 

moves into Swcrdlow's position in the snack 

bar and swap meet division. 

Dan Chemow has been named Pacific 

Theatres' director of personnel training and 

labor relations. 

Howard A. Levine has been appointed 

executive director of production marketing 

for the motion picture division of Paramoimt. 

Bob Wood has been appointed Los Angeles 

Branch manager for United Artists, succeeding 

Robert Coley who was promoted 

to division manager for Los Angeles and 

San Francisco. 

Nancy Gkiliger and Karen Raiman have 

been named co-creative advertising directors 

of Warner Bros., assuming part of the 

duties of Sud Ganis, who left last fall as 

worldwide advertising-publicity vice-president. 

'Exorcist' Infringement 

Case Reaches Settlement 

BURBANK—Jack E. Freedman, vicepresident 

of Warner Bros. Inc., announced 

a settlement of its claims against the Italian 

motion picture "Beyond the Door" which 

Warners contends infringes the copyright 

in "The E.xorcist." A-Erre Cinematografica, 

s.r.l., the producer of "Beyond the Door," 

has paid Warner Bros, a substantial sum 

of money and has assigned to Warner Bros., 

a substantial portion of its future revenue 

from distribution of "Beyond the Door." 

Titles 

& Takes 

Paramount has established an industry 

domestic rentals record for a calendar year, 

with $290 million accrued by the end of 

1978. "Grease" earned $83,091,000 in rentals; 

"Saturday Night Fever" $63,363,000; 

"Heaven Can Wait" $42,517,000; "Foul 

Play" $25,065,000; "Up in Smoke" $21,- 

271,000; "The One and Only" $12,189,000 

and "Death on the Nile" $8,1 34,000. 

During its first three days at General 

Cinema's Lafayette Square, Glendale, 

Greenwood and Washington Square theatres, 

"The Psychic" (Group I) rolled up a 

gross of $17,560, In Indianapolis the film 

outperformed "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," 

"California Suite" and "The Wiz" during 

the same period. In Fort Wayne at 

GCC's Southtown Mall, the film grossed 

$8,317, and took in $5,314 at the Gateway. 

"Superman" has grossed $76,363,410 

after 46 days of release, earning $5,165,178 

in its seventh weekend in 744 theatres 

throughout the United States and Canada. 

Warner Bros.' "Every Which Way But 

Loose" has amassed $50,108,333 after six 

weeks of domestic release, averaging $1,- 

180,000 per day. Business in 986 theatres 

over a recent weekend amounted to $3,593.- 

395. 

1,500 'Alien' Teasers 

BEVERLY HILLS — Fifteen-hundred 

teaser trailers on 20th Century-Fox's new 

science-fiction /horror film, "Alien," were 

shipped this week to theatres throughout the 

country. The figure establishes an all-time 

high for Fox teaser trailer shipment, the 

previous high being for "Star Wars." 

Screenwofld c^poraton 

THE LEADING WORLDWIDE EXPORTER OF EROTIC FILMS F 

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SCREENWORLO International Corporation 

P.O. Box 69414, L.A. Calif. 90069 U.S.A., 

Tel: (213) 659-9230/659-3384 

Cables: "SCREENIT 

Telex: 696294 SCREENIT LSA 

IBOXOFFICE :: February

I 

j 

CPC Takes Parting of the Red Sea 

And Building Rocketships in Stride 

HOLLYWOOD—"Speedy" Alka Seltzer, 

the parting of the Red Sea and "Rocketship 

\-M" all have one thing in common: Their 

source of production was CPC Associates 

of Hollywood, the stepchild of Cascade Pictures 

of California, former giant among 

producers of special effects films. 

CPC was created in February, 1976, primarily 

as a special effects producing company, 

but with a contemporary eye toward 

a much broader base of services. Ron Seawright, 

president, and Bill Sterline, executive 

vice-president, both 12-year Cascade 

veterans, were joined by David Russell, who 

for 20 years was a producer/ writer with advertising 

agencies and film companies. 

During the past three years the company 

has expanded to include full-service capabilities 

in the areas of laser light and flatbed 

animation, the "Snooper" lens system, 

live-action film and videotape. 

Now ensconced in their "all-under-oneroof" 

headquarters, featuring a 6,000- 

square-foot soundstage, CPC has produced 

for such clients as General Motors, GE, 

Ford, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Revlon, IBM, 

HEW, Sears, RCA, Alka Seltzer, McDonald's, 

Texas Instruments, Georgia-Pacific, 

Westinghouse, Fuji Film and Procter & 

Gamble. 

Expansion brought in additional technicians, 

particularly in the area of Special 

Visual Effects, where CPC has done puppetry 

stop-motion work for Pillsbury, Mrs. 

Butterworth, Swiss Miss, Stroh's Beer and 

the rebirth of "Speedy" Alka Seltzer, as 

well as some dramatic non-puppet effects. 

Their first non-advertising film was the 

Soviet spaceship sequence for Sunn Classics' 

NBC TV movie, "The Time Machine." 

CRC designed and constructed miniature 

spaceships, then "married" them with animation 

to create a sequence in which the 

Soviet ship ruptures its shell and begins to 

hurtle down toward the United States. 

For the NBC TV series "Famous Heroes 

of the Bible," CPC was commissioned to 

part the Red Sea, deliver the Ten Commandments 

to Mt. Sinai and to matte-paint 

Noah's Ark while contributing to the flood 

i.cquence, all in six weeks. Their inventiveness 

won them the assignment of creating a 

vampire bat sequence for the Dracula 

parody, "Love at First Bite," currently in 

production at MGM. 

With "Rocketship X-M," CPC is undertaking 

its most demanding assignment to 

date. For the updated version of the 1950 

science-fiction classic, CPC is designing, 

building and filming all of the outer space 

and rocket special effects sequences. 

Dramatic scenes featuring Lloyd Bridges, 

Hugh O'Brian, Osa Massen and Noah Berry 

Jr. will remain untouched. 

Each new sequence must not only match 

the exact time alloted to the original scenes 

(the soundtrack is not being altered), but 

must also match the integrity of tlie established 

version. Scenes from the original, by 

10 

the way, were recently included in the 

Smithsonian Institute's documentary on the 

history of American science-fiction 

films. 

"Rocketship X-M" is scheduled for release 

during the summer, with debuts probably 

to be held in San Francisco and New 

York. "Promotional activities will include 

articles in major magazines, T-shirts and 

promotion of the soundtrack album on Starlog 

Records," said Wade Williams, executive 

producer. 

Miniature Rocketship for "X-M" 

Key personnel on the project are Harry 

Walton, CPC special effects director; Bob 

Burns, production coordinator/editor; Tom 

Sherman, storyboard design/ miniature maker; 

Kathy Burns, costume coordinator/ production 

assistant; Mike Minor, effects artwork/title 

design; David Stripes, effects 

cameraman; Dennis Muren, technical consultant; 

Ron Seawright, CPC producer, and 

Wade Williams, executive producer. 

According to Williams, the production 

budget for the remade scenes, which will 

amount to between two and five minutes of 

screen time, is "about half of the entire 

budget for the original." He added that certain 

key scenes from the black-and-white 

original will be tinted with different hues, 

to satisfy the public's desire for color and 

to heighten the emotional effect. The original 

contained some scenes tinted red to 

suggest an other-worldly effect. 

All the personnel involved in the remake 

turned out to be great science-fiction fans 

themselves, and "Rocketship X-M" became 

an instant labor of love. The project began 

when Tom Sherman, doodling on napkins at 

a restaurant, began to conceive of the updating 

concept. He was urged by Williams, 

owner of the property, and Bob Burns and 

Mike Minor to transfer his early sketches 

to a more elaborate storyboard. 

Sherman, Minor and Burns discussed the 

project with Harry Walton while all four 

were involved in another CPC project. Their 

enthusiasm and familiarity with CPC facilities 

prompted them to approach Ron Seawright, 

CPC president, who agreed to proceed 

with the idea. 

All exterior location shots have been completed, 

many of which combine miniature 

spaceships with live-action photography 

through forced perspective. Miniature work 

is almost finished. Five sequences have been 

completed. 

If, in its new updated form, "Rocketship 

X-M" proves of sufficient interest to attract 

a strong boxoffice following, it could well 

be the forerunner of an entire series of film 

classic remakes. 

David Russell, a vice-president of CPC, 

was enthusiastic over "Rocketship X-M." 

"The guys involved with the project realize 

that they're dealing with a classic," he observed. 

"They're reflecting that integrity in 

their 

careful work on the film." 

Russell indicated that CPC's future plans 

include several commercials and an industrial 

film for an appliance manufacturing 

company, and was pleased that many of 

their customers return to them for future 

help. "One of the nicest things about CPC," 

he commented, "is that 70 to 80 percent of 

the people we work with call on us again." 

Cinema 5 Negotiating 

Sales of Rugoff Stock 

\ 

NEW YORK—Cinema 5 Ltd., a theatre 

j 

circuit, has announced that Donald S. Rugoff, 

president of the company and also a 

director, is currently negotiating the sale of 

the 40 percent in the company which Rugoff 

owns with some other shareholders. Ne- 

gotiations are under way which could sell ; 

the interest to two other companies which 

already own 30 per cent of Cinema 5. 

Consolidated Amusement Co. Ltd. and 

Nationwide Theatres Corp. are the potential 

buyers of the Rugoff stock. A new 

board of directors is expected if the stock 

purchase occurs. 

Nontheotrical Concessions 

Topic of ShoWesT Session 

LOS ANGELES—Two special programming 

sessions have been set by ShoWesT '79 

for nontheatrical registrants who are members 

of NAC, the National Assn. of Concessionaires, 

a co-sponsor of the ShoWesT '79 

February 20-22 at the MGM Grand Hotel, 

Las Vegas. 

Wednesday morning, February 21, nontheatrical 

snack bar operators will have a 

90-minute session devoted primarily to 

value pricing, with Vernon Ryles of Portland, 

Ore., NAC vice-president, as meeting 

chairman. After their private session they 

will move en masse into the main ShoWesT 

meeting where their national president. Perry 

Lowe, will be conducting a general meeting 

for all registrants on the contrasting 

topics of increasing sales and pilferage control. 

Thursday, Feb. 22, they will have a second 

morning session, again devoted to nontheatrical 

matters, plus a windup report 

from Charles Winans of Chicago, executive 

director of NAC. 

February K "1

MOTION PICTURES RATED 

BY THE CODE & RATING 

ADMINISTRATION 

The following feature-length motion pictures 

have been reviewed and rated by the 

Code and Rating Administration pursuant 

to the Motion Picture Code and Rating 

Program. 

Title Distributor Hcrtinq 

Mystery of the Sacred Shroud 

(North American Film) 

The Six Thousand Dollar Nigger 

(Spirit Film) 

Encounter With Disaster (Sunn Classic) 

Fairy Tales (Fairy Tales Dist.) 

Gang! (Univ) 

The Innocent 

(Analysis Film Releasing) 

m 

[r] 

PG 

[r] 

PG 

Little Girls Blue (Key Films) (x) 

The Warriors (Para) 

\r\ 

Wifemistress (Quartet) g] 

Technicolor Reports 

[r] 

High 3-Month Earnings 

LOS ANGELES—Technicolor, Inc. today 

reported net income for the quarter 

;nded Dec. 30, 1978 of $L8 million or 62 

rents per share, calculated on 2,926,418 

average shares outstanding. The earnings 

are the highest quarterly earnings from operations 

in the company's history for the 

second consecutive quarter. The net income 

ind earnings per share for the comparable 

oeriod of the prior year were $L263,000 

3r 43 cents per share on 2,926,118 average 

shares. Sales and other income were $41,- 

552,000 as compared to $34,086,000 in the 

srior year. 

The 21 percent increase in sales and 

3ther income is primarily attributable to in- 

;reases in professional and consumer film 

arocessing, government contract revenues 

ind film licensing activities. Net income in- 

;reased 43 percent due mainly to the acquisition 

of all of the outstanding minority 

shares of the Vidtronics Co., Inc., and improved 

earnings in the company's domestic 

ilm processing operations. 

Net sales and other income for the six 

•nonths ended Dec. 30, 1978 were $76,598,- 

DOO as compared to $66,758,000 for the 

;omparable period of the prior year. Net 

ncome was $3,506,000 compared to $2,- 

763,000 or $1.20 per share compared to 94 

^xecutive officer of Paramount, and Grant 

aregor and Mort Garcoff. 

Handkerchiefs' Director 

Embarks on Six-City Tour 

NEW YORK— Betrand Blier. 

director of 

he hit "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs," re- 

:ently ended a six-city tour of the United 

states for openings of the comedy, a Rob- 

McNeil presentation for New Line Cinena 

;rt 

release. Catherine Verret, director 

of 

he French Film Office/Unifrance Film 

USA, is accompanying the director on the 

our. 

Blier, who arrived in New York from 

Paris Jan. 21, was scheduled to travel as 

follows: Los Angeles, Jan. 24-28; San Franci,sco, 

Jan. 28-31; Chicago, Jan. 31 -Feb. 3; 

Boston. Feb. 3-6; Washington, D. C, Feb. 

6-8, returning to New York on Feb. 8. 

While in Los Angeles, Blier attended the 

Golden Globe Awards Banquet Jan. 27, 

the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. having 

nominated "Handkerchiefs" as Best Foreign 

Film. Currently playing to packed 

houses at the Paris Theatre here, it was 

voted Best Film of the Year by the National 

Society of Film Critics. 

Will Rogers Health Film 

Attached to Avco Feature 

NEW YORK— Martin H. Newman, executive 

director of Will Rogers Institute, has 

announced that, thanks to the efforts of 

Bob Rehme at Avco Embassy Pictures, the 

Will Rogers health education message on 

children's immunization, "Kids, Kids, Kids," 

will appear with Avco's feature "Circle of 

Iron." Starring David Carradine, the feature 

was released the third week in January with 

the health message attached to the beginning. 

Avco Embassy is one of several major 

film companies participating in the Will 

Rogers health education program. 

Truffaut Tour Boosts 

AFI Retrospectives 

WASHINGTON—French director 

Francois 

Truffaut will make personal appearances 

on the East and West coasts next 

month, launching major retrospectives of 

his work that are being presented by the 

American Film Institute. The film programs, 

which begin in Washington, D.C. 

Feb. 18 and Los Angeles Feb. 23, celebrate 

the 20th anniversary of Truffaut's first feature, 

"The 400 Blows," one of the landmark 

films that signalled the start of "the new 

wave." 

"Truffaut on Truffaut: Filmmaker and 

Critic" debuts on both coasts with the director 

introducing and discussing his newest 

film, "Love on the Run," and on subsequent 

evenings, discussing "The Films in 

My Life" and "The Origins of the French 

New Wave." The entire Truffaut series includes 

all 18 of the director's features, two 

short films and a number of films by other 

directors whose work Truffaut admires. It 

includes a major tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, 

the subject of a long interview by 

Truffaut published in 1966, and a major 

influence in the younger director's work. 

Tniffaut will be accompanied by Annette 

Insdorf, who teaches film at Yale and 

whose recently published Francois Truffaut 

(Twayne Books) has been acclaimed as the 

definitive study of the director. Insdorf will 

serve as moderator and translator for the 

three discussions with Truffaut in each city. 

TTie Truffaut programs were devised by 

Michael Webb. AFI director of national 

film programming. The Los Angeles program 

is being presented in association with 

the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 

'Interiors' Wins Best 

Film Honor in Britain 

NEW YORK—Woody Allen's "Interiors" 

has been named Best Film From Any 

Source by Britain's "Films and Filming" 

magazine in their year-end review of 1978 

honors, it was announced by Norbert T. 

Auerbach, United Artists senior vice-president 

and foreign manager. The magazine 

hailed the highly acclaimed drama as 

"Woody Allen's finest achievement to date," 

as well as "one of the very foremost English-language 

films of the decade." Also 

cited for their work in "Interiors" were 

Geraldine Page, credited with Best Performance 

by an Actress and Marybeth Hurt, 

who was named Most Promising Newcomer 

(female). 

United Artists was also represented on 

the Honors list by "Coming Home," for 

which Jon Voight was cited as giving Best 

Performance by an Actor and which earned 

Hal Ashby the nod for Best Direction. 

"Coming Home's" screenplay by Waldo Salt 

and Robert C. Jones was named Best Original 

Screenplay and Don Zimmerman was 

cited for Best Editing. 

Dance Contest Down South 

ARGENTINA — A 

BUENOS AIRES, 

three-month-long dance competition to find 

an Argentinian version of John Travolta is 

under way on an afternoon television program 

here. 

The designated winner of the "Afternoons 

with Marconi" program-hosted contest 

will be given an expense-paid trip to 

the United States that will include a visit 

with Travolta. 

Release of Paramount's "Saturday Night 

Fever" and "Grease" has sparked a Travolta-worship 

rage among Argentinian 

youth. 

Entries for Black Orca 

Festival Are Solicited 

SEATTLE—Pacific Search Press is spon- 

.soring the second annual Black Orca International 

Film Festival, June 7-10, 1979 at 

the Seattle Center Playhouse, Seattle. The 

festival is the world's largest event devoted 

to the theme Nature and Life. The first such 

festival held last June in Seattle generated 

international competition, attracting so 

much attention from the public, potential 

buyers and the local press that the format 

has been expanded. Entries are 

solicited. 

This year the award-winning films will be 

promoted for special showings at museums 

and related non-profit groups in Washington 

State following the festival. 

"Manimals," directed and produced by 

Robin Lehman and distributed by Phoenix 

Films. Inc., won the "Best in Show" award 

at the first film festival. It was the highestranked 

film in the category of Lifestyle at 

the 1978 American Film Festival in New 

York and won the Silver Award at the San 

Francisco International Film Festival, October, 

1978, 

iOXOFFICE :: February 1979 u

. 

Much 

. . Much 

. . Entertainment 

Blue Ribbon Award Honors 

To Warner Bros.' 'Superman 

By STU GOLDSTEIN 

ô you believe a picture can fly so far ahead of its competition that it makes mush 

out of six other major releases? Beheve it. Alexander Salkind's presentation of the 

Richard Donner film. "Superman"' made a clean sweep of the balloting for the December 

picture of the month. Amid a galaxy of competition, the nationwide membership of 

the National Screen Counc has selected it as the Ribbon Award Picture for 

December. 

the best of the year.) 

Here's a sampling of what the National 

Screen Council, representing press, radio 

& TV, civic groups and exhibitors, had to 

say: 

Chris Reeve sure did make my heart 

beat a little faster. Joyce J. Persico, 

Trenton Times. Trenton, N.J. ... A remarkable 

movie-making feat. Superman 

lives! Walt Reno. KVEG, Las Vegas . . . 

A super cartoon for all ages. Kidder's a 

lively '70s Lois Lane. Ronald Bowcis. 

Films in Review. New York . . . Deserves 

an Oscar nomination and the man to 

thank 

brook 

s Richard Donner. Bruce Wesithc 

Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma 

It's taken Filmdom quite a while to 

bring the Super Hero to the screen. Audiences 

have waited nearly four years since City. 

the announcement that "Superman" would 

Neat, spectacular and witty. Al Shea, 

become a movie. When this promise became 

a reality in 1978, theatregoers were 

Guide Papers, New Orleans . . . Just what 

they said it would be. Lynn Hinds, 

quick to voice their satisfaction. Boxoffice 

currently lists the Warner Bros, 

WTAE-TV. Pittsburgh . better 

than anticipated. A.B. Covey, NATO, 

release as drawing a 668 on the Barometer 

Montgomery, Ala. . . . Only one film can 

first-run report. Good job. 

exceed the stature of this film. Superman 

"Superman" also holds the distinction II. Gary Schillinger. Diibinskv Bros. 

of receiving more single votes than any 

other Blue Ribbon nominee in 1978. And 

when you consider what Chris Reeve and 

Margot Kidder were up against, it looks 

even better. "Superman" received over 70 

percent of the votes, leaving the other lessthan-30-percent 

to be distributed among 

six other worthy nominees. These included 

"California Suite," (a very distant second 

place) and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," 

(what many critics are calling one of 

The bumbling reporter with Lois Lane 

Reeve as the Man of Steel in action 

Morning News . with a 

heavy emphasis on "entertainment." 

Ralph L. Smith. Examiner-Enterprise. 

Bartlesville. Okla. . . . Reeve as the man 

of steel is a triumph of wit and talent. 

Bob Wisehart. Charlotte News. Charlotte. 

N.C. 

Christopher Reeve obviously has 

bright future as a romantic star.— 

Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune. 

It's even better than I expected because 

of the warm, righteous overtones written 

into the movie. Marvin A. Brock, Lubbock, 

Tex. 

John Williams. James R. JJughes, Laconia, 

N.H. . . Just what the public 

wants — pure fantasy. Ron Gottlieb. Tri- 

State Theatres. Philadelphia . . . The treat 

of the year. Guy H. Giampapa, WXNE- 

TV. Needham, Mass. 

Big 70-mm print is beautifully detailed. 

But for $3.7 million, you barely see Brando. 

Charles Otstreich, The Argus. Rock 

In full regalia, confidence personified 

Island. III. . . . Marvelous casting and con- 

Theatres, Sioux City, la. . . . Supermen- vincing visual effects. Randy Weddingdous! 

Mike Moskowitz, KWAX-FM. En- ton. The Grapevine. Fayetteville. Ark. 

."cne. Ore. ... An exceptional film, well deserving 

Another dazzling blockbuster that her- of all the attention. Tom Squire. The 

aids the new romanticism in movies.— Squire. Leawood. Kan. . . . Super enter- 

Tony Macklin. WDTN. Dayton, Ohio . . . 

tainment! W. E. Fletcher. The Entertain- 

Sweet, straight-ahead sense of humor.— ment Center. Seward. Alaska . . . Exhili- 

Siisan Stark. Detroit Free Press ... It was rating, as only a movie can be. James L. 

just super; man, you know. Tony de Limbacher. Dearborn. Mich. 

Haro. KMBC-TV, Kansas Citv . . . Excellent 

special effects.—yo/;/; P. Hill. WKRC- ~^~^^^^~^^^^^"~~—~^ 

TV. Cincinnati ... A fine choice any 

CAST 

month. Scott Cain, Atlanta Journal . . . 

The most glorious family entertainment Jor-El MARLON BRANDO 

in years. Leo Lerman. Vogue Maga:inc. Lex Lutbor GENE HACKMAN 

New York . . . Brando scenes are magnifi- Clark Kent/Superman 

cent.—Ann Ward Rogers, Standard-Times. CHRISTOPHER REEVE 

San Angelo. Tex. Lois Lane MARGOT KIDDER 

Reeve is excellent as the caped crusader. 

Special effects are superlative. Nevart CREDITS 

Apikian. Post-Standard, Syraa.se 

. Es- 

capist entertainment >s commg back agam. 

-^Danny L. Smart. Comtuonwealth Thea- 

tres Kansas Ctty better than 

. 

U 

could have been. Pliilip \\ iinlch. Dallas 

p.^j^^g, p|ERRE SPENGLER 

^^.^^^^^^ 

RICHARD DONNER 

j 

^^r,q p^zQ 

f^î^^.^j through ^ WARNER BROS. 

BOXOFFICE

M ^Jwoltuwood iêport 

f 

m 

FILM PROJECTS 

Dino De Laurentiis will make Dune, 

based on Frank Herbert's science fiction 

novel, for Famous Films Productions. N.V. 

Herbert is writing the screenplay. Shooting 

will begin later this year. 

Paramount began production Jan. 29 on 

Nijinsky, a Herbert Ross film. Shooting is 

under way at Pinewood Studios in London. 

American Ballet Theatre dancer George De 

LaPena stars as the famed Russian dancer. 

Alan Bates is featured as Diaghilev, the impressario 

who introduced Russian ballet to 

the Western world. Leslie Browne also stars. 

Universal's Resurrection began lensing tion. 

Cineplause Productions: Acquisition of 

Jan. 29 in Los Angeles. Danile Petrie is directing 

Ma.x Ehrlich's novel. The Cult. Phyliss Denny 

from Lewis John Carlino's original screenplay. 

will produce in association with Jack 

Producer Earl Owensby and actor Howard 

Cushingham and Tanya and Michael 

Segal will make Nightmare House. George. 

Filming on the script by Eric Gethers will 

in begin the spring at Owcnsby's EO Studios. 

Paramount's American Gigolo goes into 

production Feb. 13. Richard Gere has been 

signed to replace John Travolta in the title 

role. Paul Schrader will direct. Freddie 

is Fields e.xecutive producer. 

Double Negative, first feature film in 

Quadrant Films' 1979 lineup, began shooting 

in Toronto Jan. 25. Michael Sarrazin, 

Susan Clark and Anthony Perkins star. The 

picture will shoot in Toronto until March 4 

and then move to location sites in the Caribb:an 

for two weeks. 

Dimension Pictures has changed the title 

of "Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde" to The Watts 

Monster. Bernie Casey, Rosalind Cash and 

Marie O'Henry star. National release is set 

foi April 11. 

GORP (A bowl of nuts and fruit) began 

filming Feb. 5 on locations in Atlanta. Ga. 

Joseph Ruben is directing. Jerry Konvitz is 

producing. 

Dimension Pictures has announced that 

Night Creature is the new title for "Out of 

the Darkness." National release is scheduled 

for Feb. 21. Donald Pleasence, Nancy 

Kwan and Ross Hagen star. Naked Paradise 

is the new title for the former "Smooth 

Velvet, Raw Silk." 

ACQUISITIONS 

and Crown International's Coach. 

Gala Films of Puerto Rico; New Steve 

Aikin actioner. Lion Man. Release intended 

for U.S., Canada, Latin America and Far 

East. 

Avco Embassy: Don Coscarelli's suspense-horror 

film. Phantasm. Michael Baldwin. 

Bill Thombury and Kathy Lester star. 

Avco will launch the film March 28 with 

large promo campaign. 

Paramount: TV rights for international 

distribution outside the U.S. to The Way of 

the Wind, a classic sea saga. Sold by Salzburg 

Enterprises. 

Salzburg Enterprises: Oily, Oily Oxen 

Free, starring Katharine Hepburn. Also the 

award-winning The Mouse and His Child. 

Both acquired from Sanrio Film Distribu- 

Herb Jaffe: Rights to Belle Starr, novel by 

Speer Morgan. UA will release. Book focuses 

on the fictionalized last weeks in the 

life of Belle Starr, notorious western outlaw. 

Cathay Film Distributors: Exclusive arrangement 

with Manson International for 

FEATURE 

CASTING 

Jane Fonda has signed to star in an untitled 

suspense thriller for Orion. Picture 

will be set against a background of international 

finance. Fonda and Bruce Gilbert, 

her IPC Films production partner, came up 

with the idea. Locations will include Northern 

California, New York and 'Washington. 

Fonda will portray a famed woman of great 

corporate power who becomes involved 

with an intellectual soldier-of-fortune. 

Michael J. Pollard has been set to star 

with Paul Le Mat and Jason Robards in 

Melvin and Howard. The Art Linson-Jonathan 

Demme production for Universal is 

an unconventional romantic comedy about 

a Utah gas station attendant and eccentric 

billionaire Howard Hughes. Pollard will 

portray Little Red. Production is slated to 

begin Feb. 12. 

Shirley MacLaine has signed to co-star 

with Peter Sellers in Lorimar's Being 

There. Director is Hal Ashby. Locations 

include Hollywood, Washington and Nashville. 

Julie Andrews will star with Walter Matthau 

in Damon Runyon's latter-day fable. 

Little Miss Marker. Andrews will portray 

Amanda, an heiress who fronts a gambling 

operation to regain the estate her father 

lost. Matthau stars as Sorrowful Jones, the 

dyspeptic bookie. Title role, played by Shirley 

Temple in the 1934 version, has not 

been cast. 

Jack Warden has signed to play the 

President 

of the U.S. in Lorimar's Being There. 

Film is now in production in Los Angeles. 

Deborah Rush will play a d:ntal assistant 

distribution of Manson films in Malaysia, 

Singapore and Brunei. These include The 

Great Balloon Adventure, Young and Free in Orion's 10. Brian Dennehy will play a 

bartender who listens to star Dudley 

Moore's woes. 

Diane Baker has signed for the female 

lead opposite Cliff Robertson in The Pilot. 

Shooting is under way in Miami for Cecil 

Prunier Productions. Roberts is directing. 

Arlenc Golonka, Priscilla Barnes and 

Dick Libertini arc in the cast of Universal's 

The Last Married Couple in America. Picture 

is now shooting in Los Angeles. 

Peter Wcller will play Ali MacGraw's 

young lover in Warner's Just Tell Me What 

You Want, now lensing in New York. 

TECHNICAL 

ASSIGNMENTS 

Maurice Jarre will compose the musical 

score for Winter Kills for Avco Embassy. 

Charles Michael Lorre will write comedy 

narrations and music for Pierre LeRoy's 

production of Take It to the Limit, a Motorcycle 

Odyssey. 

Robert Bums is art director for Reel Life 

Productions' Microwave Massacre. 

Bernard Girard has completed his script 

for Z Productions' We're All Crazy Now. 

The film is scheduled to roll this month 

with James Roberson as director. Colleen 

Meeker is producing and Robert Zane is 

executive producer. 

Lionel Newman is supervising and conducting 

Jerry Goldsmith's score for The 

Alien. 

Richard Lang has been signed by Martin 

Ransohoff Productions to direct two pictures. 

The first will be Wind River, Charlton 

Heston starrer for Columbia release. It 

will be produced by Andrew Scheinman and 

Martin Shaffer, based on an original screenplay 

by Eraser Clarke Heston. The adventure 

films will go before the cameras in late 

.April. Richard St. Johns is executive producer. 

United to Distribute 

Laurel Group's 'Dawn' 

NEW YORK—The Laurel Group, Inc. 

has announced the completion of final distribution 

arrangements with United Film 

Distribution Co., a subsidiary of the United 

Artists Theatre Circuit, for "Dawn of the 

Dead." Written and directed by George A. 

Romero and produced by Richard Rubinstein, 

the film is the second in Romero's 

zombie trilogy which began with the now 

classic "Night of the Living Dead." The 

new film has been released in Italy by Titanus 

under the title "Zombie" and is one 

of the biggest successes in that country this 

year. 

"Dawn" follows Romero and Rubinstein's 

horror picture "Martin," which has 

passed its seventh month at the Waverly 

Theatre here. Richard C. Hassanein, president 

of United Distribution, has scheduled 

the initial release of "Dawn" in April in 

certain key cities. There will be a 500-lheatre 

saturation release in early July. 

BOXOmCE :: February 12. 1979 

13

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

This chart records the performance of current attractions in the opening week of their first runs in 

the 20 key cities checked. Pictures with fewer then five engagements are not listed. As new runs 

are reported, ratings ore added and averages revised. Computation is in terms of percentage in 

relation to overage grosses as determined by the theatre manogers. With 100 per cent as averoge, 

the figures show the gioss ratings above or below that mark. (Asterisk * denotes combinotion bills.) 

^ At Last, At Last (EMC)

I" 

run 

!' 

; 

Giancarlo 

. 

B R O A D V\/ A'f 

FIRST RUN 

g%rn/%nr JJENRY JAGLOM's "Tracks," starring 

KtwVKM Dennis Hopper as a Vietnam veteran 

on the verge of a mental breakdown, opens 

at the Quad Tlieatre Friday, Feb. lb. Writ- 

New York er-director Jaglom appeared in person Jan. 

(Average weekly grosses follow theatre) 27 at the Entermedia Theatre, during the 

All About Gloria Leonard (Evart), film's presentation as closing-night attrac- 

4th wk., Eastworld (avg. $6,.^00) $19,260 tion of the American Mavericks Festival of 

World (8,000) 14.225 Independent American Films. The film was 

Autumn Sonata (New World), Baronet shown in a regular run at the Entermedia, 

(8.500). 17th wk 19.000 Feb. 10-12. Taxyn Power, Dean Slockwell, 

Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (New Zack Norman and Topo Swope also star in 

Line Cinema), Paris (9,000), 

the TRIO release. 

7th wk 37.000 • 

The Innocent (Analysis Film Releasing), The "Mario and the Magic Movie Ma- 

Gemini II (7,500), 4th wk 60.000 chine" television company hosted a special 

The Last Wave (World Northal), reception in honor of the International Year 

7th wk., Beekman (8,000) 1.700 of the Child Thursday, Feb. 1 at the U. S. 

Paramount (9,000) 9.000 Mission to the United Nations. Mrs. An- 

Max Havelaar (Atlantic). Plaza (8.400), drew Young, chairperson of the U. S. Na- 

2nd wk 9,500 tional Commission on lYC, spoke briefly as 

Once in Paris (Atlantic), 68th Street her husband, U. S. Ambassador Andrew 

Playhouse (5,000), 13th wk 6.500 Young, and their children mingled in the 

On the Yard (Midwest), Cinema II 

audience. 

(6,000), 2nd wk 14.000 The television series, aimed at children. 

Same Time, Next Year (Univ), Cinema I will be observing the Year of the Child by 

(10,400), 12th wk 15,550 highlighting events around the world featui- 

WLfemistress (Quartet). Little Carnegie ing children and Mario himself {actor 

(7,500), 4th wk 34.000 Laurie Faso). At the reception, members of 

Your Turn, My Turn (Gaumont/New The First All Children's Theatre enterlain- 

Yorker), Cinema Studio I (5,000). ed and food of an international variety was 

1st wk 1 available. Another memorable event han- 

1,000 

died by March Five, the public relations 

D ii.: fin» with far-ranging clients in the enter- 

Boltimore 

tainment fields. 

(Average Is 100) • 

Bread and Chocolate (New World). The showcase scene, passing in review: 

Playhouse, 1st wk 400 Avco Embassy recently brought "A Dilfer- 

Every WUch Way But Loose (WB). «nt Story," the tale of a lesbian-homosexual 

Liberty II, Grand. 6th wk 

The Inheritance (Wheeler), Westview 

romance, to Rainbow Showcase 

. 

New World had the double bill "The Bees 

IV 1st wk 60 ^^^ "Blackout" on a hrst-run bill 

Invasion of the'Body'snatchers(UA)." United Artists" "The Lord of the 

. . 

Rings" 

^j, ]00 was at Red Carpet Theatres. 

5(f, 

King of the Gy'psies (Para)," 6th wk.' '.'.'. 50 "National Lampoon's Animal House," 

Lord of the Rings (UA), 5th wk 150 one of the top hits of 1978 will begin an 

Midnight Express (Col), Mini Flick I, 

engagement at 55 Un.ver.sal Showcase The- 

^tres Feb. 16 "The Brinks Job, a 

. 

^^^ DeLaurentiis presentation of a Wil- 

. . . 

6th wk. 150 

S,^tr

. . 

able to community organizations for addij 

WASHINGTON 

Lynn-Holly Johnson, who is the featured 

teenage figure skater in "Ice Castles." 

a Columbia release, was here Saturday. Feb. 

3 at a film. screening of the She autographed 

her glossy prints for National Press Club 

members. The showing was a preview at 

the Tenly Circle 1 Theatre for the NPC. 

Linda Goldenberg. Columbia's Philadelphiabased 

regional publicity manager, accompanied 

Ms. Johnson, who arrived here from 

Houston, enroute to New York on her tour 

to promote the picture. "This triumph of 

the tear-jerker craft glides effortlessly over 

the weepy rink," according to The Star, and 

it is "a triumph of the art." "Ice Castles" is 

playing in ten area theatres. 

Warriors" concerns modem street gangs. It 

opened at six situations Friday. Feb. 9. 

Doug Potash, United Artists branch chief, 

in cooperation with the Pcdas brothers, 

sneaked "The Great Train Robbery" at the 

Avalon Friday, Feb. 2. The Dino De Laurentiis 

picture opened the following Friday 

at 

12 situations. 

Jvingston I. 

Biddle, chairman of the Na- 

tionlal Endowment for the Arts, will be the 

guest speaker at 

the National Society of the 

Arts and Letters' April meeting. Mara (Mrs. 

Sylvan) Marshall is the president of the 

Washington chapter, and will preside. 

Herb Schwartz's h.i.s. pictures has merged 

with New World Pictures. The local office 

has taken the name of New World Pictures 

as well as additional staffers. The 

merger was consumated while Schwartz was 

attending New World's national sales convention 

at Los Angeles. Schwartz booked 

"Bread and Chocolate," which is in its 28th 

week at the Outer Circle. Another of his 

bookings is Peter Weir's "The Last Wave," 

starring Richard Chamberlain and Olivia 

Hamnett. Weir, 34, from the New Australian 

Cinema, on a recent visit here spoke of 

the active filmmaking climate "Down Under." 

The Australian director of "The Last 

Wave," and the earlier "Picnic at Hanging 

Rock," regards Hollywood a.s the capital of 

the motion picture business. "Wave" opened 

Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Pedas brothers' 

Dupont Circle. 

Norman Corwin, screenwriter and radio 

dramatist who has chaired the AMPAS" 

documentary awards for 14 years, is hosting 

a ten-installment series of "Academy Leaders," 

short films which have received Oscars 

or nominations, on channels 22 and 26. 

Gary Arnold, Post movie critic, said that 

about everyone who sampled the opening 

just 

installment Feb. 5 should have found 

himself in agreement with Corwin's comment: 

"It would be a pity to let such films 

gather dust in the vaults." 

Shirley MacLainc and Peter Sellers were 

here filming Jerzy Kozinski's book and 

screenplay, "Being There," for Lorimar 

productions, which Hal ("Coming Home") 

Ashby is directing. The 45-year-old Polish 

author also was here. It was Kozinski's first 

movie to be based on any one of his six 

books. MacLaine and Sellers, along with 

Kozinski, Ashby and producer Andrew 

Braunsberg were involved in the shooting 

of a street scene on downtown K Street, 

N.W. 

PITTSBURGH 

area honors. George Anderson of the Post- 

Gazette named the latter the best film seen 

here in January. 

New pictures on view here included 

"Hardcore" at the Gateway. "Quintet" at 

. 

the Fiesta and two neighborhood houses and 

"Same Time, Ne.\t Year" at the Squirrel 

Hill and Showcase East and West 

Re-releases at area theatres included "Escape 

From Witch Mountain" and "Return 

to Witch Mountain." "The Buddy Holly 

Story" to return Feb. 15 with 15-minutes 

cut out. and "The Love Bug" . . . Booked 

for returns Feb. 21 are "Heaven Can Wait" 

and "An Unmarried Woman," and slated 

to come back Feb. 23 is "The Brink's Job." 

The long-awaited "The Deer Hunter," 

much of which was photographed in the 

area, is making its local debut . . . "Caravans" 

and "Moment by Moment" are out 

of local release . . . Other theatres were 

showing "Pinocchio," "Night of Desire," 

"French Pussy Cat," "Miss Tiffany Jones" 

and "A Wedding." 

Six neighborhood theatres will show "The 

Great Train Robbery." which was previewed 

Feb. 2 at Showcase East and West and 

the Gateway . . . "Watership Down" succeeded 

"The Lord of the Rings," both animation 

features, at the Kings Court . . . 

Cincmette is trying weekend midnight showings 

of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" 

at area theatres including Cinemas IV. 

Greensburg. 

Bill Anderhalt, former 20th Century-Fox 

branch manager here, is the newly elected 

chief barker of Variety Club Tent 16 at 

Cleveland . . . Milton Katselas's "When 

You Comin' Back, Red Ryder" is opening 

around the country. As a youngster he studied 

the movies playing at his father's East 

Pittsburgh theatre and at Filmrow screenings 

. . . Local C-MU graduate Sid Furie 

will direct the remake of "The Jazz Singer," 

starring Neil Diamond, with filming to begin 

next month. 

Neighborhood Project ! 

Gels Pictures to People! 

PHILADELPHIA — The Neighborhood! 

Film Project will make 30 film programs 

i 

from its two public exhibition series avail- ; 

tional showings at their own locations. This ! 

film-sharing program will operate through- 

' 

out the entire year and will be free to eligible 

organizations. 

Classic Foreign Films 

Film programs from International Cinema 

will be made available. These include 

classic and new quality films from Europe, 

Japan, Latin America and Africa which are 

dramatic in form. 

Claudia Ungar, Paramount branch manager, 

invited e.\hibitors. bookers, buyers and took over the would-be blockbusters 

\X7ith "Movie Movie." pure entertainment Also featured are new independent-made 

films on social issues which in the past have 

included "Union Maids" and the Academy 

guests to a tradescreening of "The Warriors" still on screen here. In weeks prior to the 

at the Motion Picture Assn. of America. coming of the "double feature," "Autumn 

Award-winning "Harlen County, USA." In 

some instances, the independent filmmakers 

Wednesday, Feb. 7. A Lawrence Gordon Sonata," another post-Christmas replacement 

and now at the Manor, 

will 

production, directed by Walter Hill. "The 

accompany their work to discuss the 

had taken top 

film following its showing. 

Project Four Years Old 

For the past four years, the Neighborhood 

Film Project has served as a community 

resource in film exhibition and utilization. 

It currently programs and administers I 

two public film exhibition series: International 

Cinema, co-sponsored by International 

House, and the Real to Reel series of documentaries 

and discussions. Many of the 

films to be shown this year will be Philadelphia 

premieres. 

The Neighborhood Film Project believes 

that the motion picture is a powerful medium 

of communication which can educate, 

stimulate discussion and entertain when 

used to its full potential. 

Community Groups Encouraged 

The film-sharing program is designed to 

encourage the use and appreciation of in 

variety of films by members of neighbor-] 

hood and community groups, and to provide 

film experiences where often the opportunity 

is 

limited. 

The film-sharing program is made possible 

in part by a grant from the National 

Endowment for the Arts. In addition to I he 

film sharing program, the Neighborhood 

Film Project offers a variety of services to 

assist community groups who wish to use 

films 

as a part of their educational. culliir:il 

or outreach programs. 

Library of Catalogues 

The Project has a resource library of film 

catalogues, periodicals and other reference 

materials. Projectors are available at a modest 

service charge to all 

groups. 

The Project staff also provides technical 

assistance on presenting an effective screening, 

and programming consultation to help 

groups locate and choose appropriate films 

for their needs. 

James Coburn. Bruce Boxleitner and 

Ronee Blakley will star in "The Baltimoreji 

Bullet." 

E-2 BOXOFHCE :: Febniary 12. 1979

Inl

. . . "Summer 

PHILADELPHIA 

Tnteriiational Cinenia returns to International 

House near the University of 

Pennsylvania campus with the showing of 

Bunel's "That Obscure Object of Desire" 

and the Czech film. "Daisies." 

Monmouth Cablevision, Inc.. of West 

Long Branch. N.J.. was chosen by the borough 

council in Atlantic Highlands, N.I., to 

provide cable TV service to the municipality. 

The council unanimously approved the 

franchise to Monmouth Cablevision, which 

was recently chosen to service neighboring 

Middletown Township. 

Instead of just a Saturday midnight show, 

it was an all-night screening from midnight 

to 6:30 a.m. for a single admission, offered 

by the Milgram Theatre in center-city and 

the Sameric Theatres' area Terminal and 

Hrlon theatres. Four features on the all-night 

bill included "Three the Hard Way," "Bruce 

Lee: Man & Myth," "The Last Hard Men" 

and "They Came From Within." 

The Burlington County Footlighters are 

presenting a film festival on Friday nights 

at the Moorestown (N.J.) Community 

Room, taking a $2 ticket for a series of classics 

kicking off with "The Scarlet Pimpernel," 

starring Leslie Howard and Merle 

Oberon. 

An advance showing of "The Deer Hunter," 

which is opening Feb. 23 at Milgram's 

Stage Door Cinema in center-city, is being 

promoted Feb. 1 3 by Fredell Pogodin, promotion 

director for Universal Pictures in 

this area. 

The Exploratory Cinema series of six 

films held at the Annenberg Theatre at the 

University of Pennsylvania recently proved 

so popular that the series is being repeated 

this week. More than 200 people were 

turned away. 

Joseph Friedman, executive director of 

the New Jersey Film Commission, was interviewed 

on WPHL-TV here discussing the 

CliVERAJ^Ll IS L\ SWm 

BUSIXESS IX ELWAII TOO, 

WTien you conic to Wuikiki, 

don't miss Uic famous Don Ho 

Show ... at Cincmma's 

Reef Towers Hotel. 

REEF»WA1K1K1 TOWER OFTIlEKi;i:i- ", 

KEEHTOWT-RS'EDOEWATEK I"f 

recent motion picture features filmed in 

New Jersey and also featuring scenes ol 

films shot on location in 

the state. 

Lehigh University Begins 

Spring Term Film Series 

BETHLEHEM, PA.—With students returning 

to the campus at Lehigh University 

Two special film benefits were held. The here for the new semester, the spring 1979 

series 

local premiere of the feature-length documentary. 

"Wilmington 10—USA 10.000" oratory Auditorium was launched last week 

of films shown in the Packard Lab- 

by Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima. was with the showing of "The Turning Point." 

shown at the Walton Theatre here with a 

Films are shown every Wednesday and 

$5 donation for the benefit of the Committee 

to .\id Zimbabwean Refugees. The For- 

Thursday at 7 p.m. and at 9:15 p.m., and 

faculty-led discussions follow the first 

man Day School sponsored the showing 

showing on the first night a new film is 

of 

offered. 

the award-winning Israeli musical "Kazablan" 

at the Keswick Theatre in suburban 

All films are open to the general public 

for a $1 admission charge. 

Glenside. Pa. 

Included in the spring series that runs 

through May 3 are "That Obscure Object 

of Desire," "Wild Child," "Dersu Uzala," 

"Les Violins du Bal," "Brewster McCloud." 

"Sacco and Vanzetti," "The Producers" and 

"A Boy and His Dog." 

'Stop the Presses' Series 

Slated for Free Library 

PHILADELPHIA—A four-part film 

series covering the old, traditional Hollywood 

view of newspaper reporting, will be 

offered for newspaper buffs on four Sunday 

afternoon free showings at the Free Library 

of Philadelphia's center-city Logan Branch. 

Titled: "Stop the Presses . . . I've Got a 

Story That Will Crack. This Town Wide 

Open," the series opens with the showing 

of "Five Star Final." 

The free seating in the Montgomery Auditorium 

is on a first-came basis. The other 

films to be shown include "Blessed Event." 

"Call Northside 777" and "Comrade X." 

Lensing Begins in Woods 

On 'Capture of Big Foot' 

A 'Sympathetic' Treatment 

The script, by Rebane and Ingrid Neumayer, 

is described as "fast paced and action-filled." 

"It is the first fully dramatic 

feature based on the legendary creature, 

removing itself from the documentary approach 

taken by other films," a Studio Five 

official said. "It is also the first time on film 

that any attempt to understand the creature's 

emotions has been made, and presented 

in a sympathetic fashion." 

Plans 

for TV Series 

Plans at the present time call for development 

of a television series based on the picture, 

and a novel, to be published by Dale 

Books of New York, which will hit the 

stands in March, prior to the release of the 

film. 

BUFFALO 

^ 

giant Satellite Community Dinner Dance 

will be held Friday, March 2, in the 

Buffalo Convention Center, to kick off 

Telethon '79 for the Variety Club of Buffalo. 

The telethon will air Saturday and Sunday, 

March 3-4. An open bar will start at 

7 p.m. March 2, followed by a "poor man's 

dinner" at 8, with dancing to follow. Jack . 

Smith will emcee and members of the nar 

• 

tional telethon cast will be on hand t6 

mingle with the crowd, which is expected 

to reach 1 ,000. 

"Same Time, Next Year," with Ellen Burstyn 

and Alan Alda, had a sneak preview 

Friday, Feb. 2 at the Amherst and Holiday 

Two theatres . . . "The Great Train Robbery" 

was sneak previewed the same evening 

at the Colvin, Como and Evans theatres, 

with regular runs starting Friday. Feb. 

9. 

"Dersu Uzala," the Russian-Japanese film 

account of the adventures of a Mongolian 

mountain man, started Friday, Feb. 2 at the 

Lincoln Theatre . . . "Ice Castles" was given 

a sneak preview the same night at the Boulevard 

Mall Cinema. 

Media Study Buffalo presented two evenings 

of films by Klaus Wyborny, noted 

West German filmmaker. Featured Friday, 

Feb. 2 were "Pictures of the Lost Word" 

(1974) and "Six Little Pieces on Film" 

(1978). Shown Sunday, Feb. 4 were "The 

Birth of a Nation" (1973) and "Unreachable 

Homeless" (1978). 

"The Holy Smoke Show" was presented 

by Harvey and Corky at special midnightj 

shows Friday, Feb 2 and Saturday, Feb. 3 

at the Boulevard, Summit and Thruway 

Mall Cinema theatres. It featured "Reefer 

Madness," "The Meatloaf Mini-Concertl 

Film" and Cat Stevens in "Bannapple Gas."j 

From North Central Edition 

GLEASON, WIS.—Production is under Alain Tanner's "Charles-Dead or Alive" 

way here on "The Capture of Big Foot," opened the French Cinema series at Daemen 

according to Studio Film Corp. head Bill 

College Sunday, Feb. 4. Robert Bres- 

Rebane. Principal photography began Jan. son's "Une Femme Dance," March 4, and 

8 and is continuing on location in the Wisconsin 

Francois Truffaut's "The Man Who Lovedj 

north woods. 

Women," April 1, will complete the 

mini-, 

series. 

"Slow Dancing in the Big City" opened 

Friday. Feb. 2 at the Como Mall Cinema.; 

Paradise." directed by Gunnelj 

Lindblom, an Ingmar Bergman protege,, 

opened Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the Maple- 

Forest Theatre. 

Mrs. Robert D. Mason, newly elected 

president of Variety Club Women of Tent 

7, has named her committee chairmen for 

1979: Children's Rehabilitation Center, 

Mrs. J. Spencer Balser; door. Mrs. Leo 

Scherger; decorations. Anne T. Szezepanski; 

games, Mrs. Thomas A. Million; hospitality, 

Giannina C. Pappalardo; membership, 

Mrs. Marvin Atlas; ways and means. 

Rita D. Inda; publicity, Mary E. Pappalardo, 

and luncheon. Mrs. Frank J. DiPaola. 

E-4 BOXOFFICE Fehruarv II 1975

^ 

DENVER 

Don Nelson has taken over the Roman 

Theatre, Red Lodge, Mont. The theatre 

had been closed for the past year. Buying 

and booking will be handled by Warner 

Marketing Associates of Bozeman, Mont. 

Ruby Ross and Bernie Newman have set 

a mid-February reopening date for their 

Capitol Theatre, Springfield, Colo. The theatre 

had been closed for extensive repairs 

to the building and has been remodeled and 

redecorated. 

United Artists set a Feb. 2. screening for 

'The Great Train Robbery" at the Thornton 

3. Southglen, Target Village and Uni- 

ture to gross in the 400 percent range in its 

first two weeks. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

The Newspaper Advertising Bureau hosted 

cocktails and lunch at the Savoy Room 

of the Union Square Holiday Inn Feb. 1. 

About 100 representatives of local advertising 

agencies, exhibitors and independent 

distributors learned the results of latest 

studies of moviegoing relative to movie advertising 

via a 20-minute presentation of 

beautiful slides and narration. 

vine, Jennie Somerville and chairman Romona 

Wascher. 

"The Late Great Planet Earth," Pacific 

Film Enterprises release, opened throughout 

the territory to a week of big grosses hyped 

by a heavy media blitz. 

WOMPI Man of the Year luncheon and 

the Variety Club of Northern California 

officers installation is a combined affair this 

year at the San Francisco Athletic Club on 

Stockton Street Feb. 15 at 11:45 a.m. 

Harry Goldberg, retired UATC advertising 

director, is giving up his downtown San 

Francisco apartment and moving to San 

Rafael the end of this month. 

Local Fdmniaker Sally Cruikshank's 

"Quasi at the Quackadero," a ten-minute 

animated sci-fi cartoon about the adven- 

FIRST RUN 

REPORT 

(AvLM-agc Is 100) 

Denver 

Autumn Sonata (SR). University Hills. 

125 

11th wk 

California Suite (Col), 3 theatres, 

6th wk 270 

Caravans (Univ), 4 theatres, 1st wk. ... 1 10 

Every Which Way But Loose (WB). 

4 theatres, 6th wk 260 

Ice Castles (Col), Cooper, 6th wk. 100 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA). 

Continental, 6th wk 

King of the Gypsies (Para), 

versity Hills theatres. Universal hosted a 

Time, Next 


of "Same Feb. 2 screening 

Year" at the Cooper Theatre. Columbia had tures of some wild ducks who go to an 

The Lord of the Rings (UA). 

morning screenings at the Colorado Theatre 

for the basketball comedy picture "Fast audience applause at the Metro Theatre 

amusement park of the future, is receiving 

University Hills, 1 1th wk 1 10 

Magic (20th-Fox), Buckingham, 

Break" and for the George C. Scott picture where it has been playing since Dec. 21 with 

Westminster, 12th wk 100 

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Serious 

"Hardcore." 

Moment by Moment (Univ). 

Business Co. of Oakland is the local distributor. 

4 theatres. 6th wk 75 

Bravura Films of San Francisco also 

Recent visitors to the distribution offices 

Movie Movie (WB), Cooper Cameo, 

were Andy Webdell, El Grande Theatre, distributes the short and carries "Quasi" 

6th wk. 

100 

Granby, Colo.; Mickey Stanger, Lake Estes 

Drive-In, Estes Park, Colo.; Bob Spahn, 

buttons and posters. 

National Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ), 4 theatres. 26th wk 250 

United Enterprises, Denver, and J. 

Hallberg. Hallberg Theatre Services. 

tures branch manager, will launch six pictures 

within a seven-week period beginning 2nd wk 

Night Full of Rain (SR), Flick, 

Herman Edward "Ted" Shugrue, Columbia Pic- 

75 

Fire heavily damaged the Lode Theatre, 

with "Ice Castles" Feb. 2. "Hardcore." Oliver's Story (Para). 4 theatres, 

"^5 

Silverton, Colo., which is operated by Violet 

"Fast Break" and "The China Syndrome'' 7th wk 

Perino. Silverton is located in the heart of 

and test engagements for "When Ya Comin' Paradise Alley (Univ), Colorado 

the Rocky Mountains and has had in excess 

Back, Red Ryder?" and "The Buddy Holly Four, 12th wk 75 

of 150 inches of snow so far this year. Frozen 

fire hydrants handicapped the fire fight- 

The Wiz (Univ). Aladdin. 13th wk. ... 75 

Superman (WB), Century 21, 7th wk. .300 

. 

Story" follow. 

ers in extinguishing the blaze. 

Ruth Buzz! and Karen Valentine, among 

the "gangbuster" cast in Buena Vista's "The 

"Wilderaess Family Part 2" is 

Morley to Attend Variety 

going into North Avenue Irregulars," were in town recently 

promoting the film with TV and Luncheon on February 14 

a third week in the Aurora Mall, Cherry 

HOLLYWOOD — Variety International 

Knolls, Lakeside, Northglen, Target and newspaper interviews. 

Westminister 6 theatres. The engagement 

president Eric Morley will make a special 

the 

West Coast to participate in 

has been backed with a heavy television and 

newspaper campaign which enabled the pic- 

trip to the 

Feb. 14 luncheon of Variety Club Tent 25 

Murray 

to honor its outgoing president 

Halgo Installs Theatre 

LOS ANGELES—Halgo Specialties announces 

that it recently completed installation 

of the Plaza Del Oro Theatre, a Metropolitan 

holding, in Santa Barbara. Calif. 

Halgo, which handles draperies, screen 

frames, screens, curtain controls and tracks, 

has also recently installed Mann theatres in 

Ogden, Utah; Lansing, Mich., and Uplands, 

Fields Sweetheart Award. 

Calif. 

HO 

Propper. Morley will head a contingent of 

former and present officers of the international 

group, including past presidents Monty 

Hall. Sherrill C. Corwin and George Eby. 

To be announced during the luncheon 

will be the second annual Monty Hall Big 

Heart Award and the first annual Totie 

Nominating committee members for the 

WOMPI April elections are Maureen De- 

ASC 

PO Box 5150 

TECHNICAL SERVICES 

CORPORATION 

• Richardson, Texas 75080 

TOTAL BOOTH SERVICE, SOUND, 

PROJECTION. PARTS, INSTALLATION 

AND MAINTENANCE 

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BOXOFFICE :: February 

W-1

Hollywood 

VARIETY CLUB TENT 25 will honor 

Murray Propper. its outgoing president, 

at its annual Valentine's Day luncheon 

Feb. 14 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Newly 

elected president Donald T. Gillpin also announced 

that Ezra Stern has been named 

president of Variety Boys Club in East Los 

Angeles. 

Ronny Cox. one of the stars of .April 

Fool's Prtxiuctions' "Harper Valley PTA." 

will do promotion work on the film to tie 

in with the national saturation release set 

for March 28. Cox will work around his rehearsal 

time for the new Broadway musical 

"Home Again." in which he will co-star with 

Dick Shawn. 

• 

Warner Bros, opened "Agatha." the mystery-romance 

dealing with an eleven-day 

disappearance of Agatha Christie, Feb. 

9 at the Avco Center Cinema in Westwood. 

The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Vanessa 

Redgrave. 

* 

Warner Bros.' "Superman" has been presented 

the Bell Ringer award of Scholastic 

Magazine which cited it as "the kind of film 

that both advances the art of motion pictures 

and has special value for young people." 

• 

Tatum O'Neal is scheduled for a week 

in Tokyo to make the publicity and promotion 

rounds for MGM's "International Velvet." 

She has been named favorite actress 

by Screen International in Japan. 

• 

'Producers Tom Miller and Ed Milkis will 

discuss their work in films and TV in a 

seminar at the American Film Institute Feb. 

21. Their features include "Silver Streak" 

FILMACK IS 

1st CHOICE 

WITH. 

SHOWMEN 

EVERYWHERE 

Happenings 

and "Foul Play." They also will screen pilots 

of their .series "Happy Days," "Laverne and 

Shirley" and "Mork and Mindy." 

• 

Barbara Eden will guest on "Hollywood 

Squares" Feb. 19 as part of the promotion 

drive for April Fools Distributing's "Harper 

Valley PTA," to be released in territorial 

saturations March 28. 

HONOLULU 

{Randal Kleiser, who directed the year's biggest 

boxoffice hit "Grease," just happened 

to pass by the Royal Theatre in Waikiki 

one night recently. And his eyes caught 

the hard-to-miss attraction board and the 

word "GREASE" in large letters. Kleiser 

strolled over to chat with the theatre manager. 

He also spent a few minutes in the 

theatre, where the film was playing in Dolby 

stereo. Kleiser was on his way back to 

Hollywood from location-hunting in the 

Fijis. 

The 20th Century-Fox cult film has returned 

to the Royal Theatre for Friday and 

Saturday midnight showings. "The Rocky 

Horror Picture Show" has been drawing 

large crowds, according to the manager of 

the project. The same film is also showing 

in a couple of Holiday theatres for Friday 

and Saturday midnight performances. 

Toho Productions' "Take Me Away!" 

("Furimukeba Ai") starring Japan's toprated 

young romantic team Miura Tomokazu 

and Yamaguchi Momoe, now showing at 

the Nippon Theatre, was partly filmed in 

San Francisco. 

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FILMACK STUDIOS, INC. 

Colo. Earns $23.3 Mil 

From 78 Filmmaking 

karol Smith 

DENVER—Of the $145 million spent by 

filmmakers in Colorado in the past decade, 

more than $23.3 million 

was spent in 

1978. said Karol 

Smith, who has been 

head of the motion 

picture and television 

commission since is 

advent in 1969. 

By March of last 

year, seven full-length 

feature productions 

were being made in 

Colorado, the biggest 

single month in the state's film history. 

Smith stated. 

Filming in Colorado has meant $3.5 million 

in tax money paid to the state since 

1969 by persons hired by production companies 

in such capacities as extras and crew 

members. Ten years ago the budget to attract 

filming was $5,000 for the entire year; 

this year's budget is $101,000. 

Sold Idea to State 

' 

Karol Smith, whose hometown is Canon 

City, convinced another Canon City citizen, 

Senator Harold McCormick, to sell the legislature 

on creating a commission, says, 

"There are forty states now that have such 

agencies but Colorado was the first in the 

nation." 

Canon City, incidently, preceded Hollywood 

as a major motion picture center. 

From 1912 to 1914, two leading motion 

pictures made their headquarters in Canon 

City. Then Tom Mix, one of the first stars 

in western films, left Canon City for Hollywood. 

Karol Smith, a kindly man in his early 

sixties, glows as he talks about the wonderful 

film locations in Colorado. "The only 

difficulty I have," declared Smith, "is that 

strangers insist on calling me, 'she'!" 

PETERSON 

THEATRE 

SUPPLY 

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Times Square Park 

Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 

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264 ^-%t lir South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 

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Producers 

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TUCSON 

a free film festival was sponsored Jan. 31- 

Feb. 2 by the U of A Bureau of Audiovisual 

Services, with the initial segment suitable 

for children, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., 

with a 6:30 break for supper, in the Modern 

Languages Auditorium. 

A film series at U of A Gallagher Theatre 

started Feb. 3 with "Saturday Night 

Fever." 

6th annual International World of Wheels 

at the Community Center featured Erik 

Estrada of TV's "Chips." The event 

screened "Aloha, Bobby and Rose." 

"The Wild. Wild West Revisited" started 

a week's location at filming Old Tucson 

Feb. 5. Burt Kennedy, who directed Robert 

Mitchum and Angle Dickinson in "Young 

Billy Young" at OT, is director of the 2- 

hour CBS-TV movie starring Ross Martin 

and Robert Conrad. 

LOS ANGELES 

gob Wood has been named Los Angeles 

branch manager for United Artists, replacing 

Robert Coley who has been promoted 

to division manager for Los Angeles 

and San Francisco. Wood joined UA in 

1971 as a booker-trainee in the Los Angeles 

and later worked as a booker, head 

booker and salesman. 

Sales Organization, headed by 

Mark Damon, has acquired all foreign distribution 

rights to "The Baltimore Bullet," 

a FilmFair Inc. 

Phyllis de Picciotto and the Laemmlc 

will Theatres screen the 1979 Israeli Film 

Festival in five consecutive Sundays March 

11 through April 8. Films to be shown are 

"Operation Thunderbolt," "The Great Telephone 

Robbery," "The House on Chelouchc 

Street," "The Tzanani Family" and "The 

Funny, Funny Israelis." 

Planetarium Show Debut 

Is Less Than Heavenly 

TUCSON—One of the most modern 

planetariums, the Grace H. Flandrau Planetarium 

on the University of Arizona campus, 

is the first curved dome on which 

Ron Hayes of Los Angeles will try to transmit 

his movie screen multimedia creations. 

Hayes is a videotape producer and experimenter 

in multi-media combinations. 

CL\ERA91A IS IS SHOW 

Bl SLVESS L\ HAWAU TOO< 

Wlien you come to Waiklkl, 

don't miss the famous Don Ho 

Show ... at Cinerama's 


BOXOFFICE :: February 

f 

psm. 

His movie credits include several minutes 

of fihned special effects in "Sgt. Pepper's 

Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "The Demon 

Seed." 

Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta 

commissioned him to produce color impressions 

of their orchestral works. 

Hayes' Tucson try is called "Synesphere." 

But after seeing the show's preview, Hayes 

closed the presentation. "It just wasn't 

working right," stated Hayes in an interview 

with Chuck Graham, Tucson Citizen 

entertainment writer. "All the visual effects 

will remain. We just want to add a narration 

with voices coming from the four (dummy) 

heads that appear periodically during the 

program." He estimates that ten days should 

be enough to include a substitution for one 

number. He adds, "The music and film arc 

working well together, but the overall effect 

seemed to need more positive direction. I 

think the voice addition will 

solve the problem." 

"Synesphere" splashes filmed abstract 

color washes over the planetarium dome 

ceiling as eight unconnected pieces of tape 

recorded music are 

played. 

Business on Stage Column 

New Valley News Feature 

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.—The Valley 

News, a daily newspaper, has introduced its 

new "Business on Stage," column reporting 

the business side of the entertainment industry. 

Written in capsule form, "Business on 

Stage" includes reports of new productions, 

legal actions, fiscal transactions, personnel 

changes plus interpretations and forecasts of 

the effects of these doings in the overall 

business community. 

"With several entertainment firms, such 

as Columbia, Disney Productions, MCA 

and Universal headquartered in Burbank, 

this new column provides Valley News 

readers broader coverage of business activities 

within our circulation area," editor 

Bruce Winters noted. 

"Additionally, running the weekly column 

on Sundays lets readers learn what's 

happening in the business world of show biz 

before arriving at their offices or reading 

the trade journals Monday mornings," he 

said. 

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Old Tucson Corp. OKs 

Sale of 1 Mil Shares 

TUCSON— At a special meeting held 

Feb. 5, the board of directors of Old Tucson 

Corp. accepted in principle a proposal 

by Burt Sugarman and Gabriel Alarcon Jr., 

or their nominees, to purchase 1 

million 

shares of Old Tucson Corp. common stock 

for $2.5 million, A definitive written agreement 

must be prepared and approved by the 

Old Tucson board and by Sugaiman and 

Alarcon before the agreement can be consummated. 

Additional Terms Discussed 

The agreement also calls for the granting 

of an option to Sugarman and Alarcon to 

acquire an additional 500,000 shares of 

common stock for $1,250,000. The proposal 

includes a number of additional terms and 

conditions which will be set forth in the definitive 

agreement. 

Old Tucson owns the western theme park 

and family entertainment center by the same 

name in Tucson. It also owns 80.4 percent 

of the outstanding stock of Old West Corp., 

which owns and operates the Old Vegas 

theme park in Henderson, Nev. Upon consummation 

of the agreement. Old West shall 

become a wholly owned subsidiary of Old 

Tucson. 

Two Have Control 

In a separate agreement, Johnny Mitchell, 

a principal shareholder of Old Tucson, has 

agreed in principle to transfer to Sugarman 

and Alarcon in excess of 100,000 shares of 

Old Tucson common stock and to establish 

a voting trust to assure Sugarman and Alarcon 

voting control of more than 50 percent 

of the outstanding Old Tucson stock. Upon 

implementation of the agreement, Sugarman 

and Alarcon will be entitled to appoint a 

majority of the board of directors of Old 

Tucson. 

The proposal also involves separate agreements 

with Mitchell and the other individual 

shareholders of Old West Corp. 

Sugarman is a producer of television 

shows based in Los Angeles and Alarcon is 

an industrialist from Mexico City. 

Illllliii 

PRODUCERS / DISTRIBUTORS 

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ADVERTISING MATERIAL 

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IF 

SO CALL: 

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Contact: ARMANDATAMIAN 

213-734-0510 

MiiiTnmiiiiii 

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Who reads Boxoffic 

and wonf to reach 

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executives, film buyers and bookers, and 

projectionists 

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1,201* distributors and sales executives, home office 

managers, bookers and publicity people 

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• Audit ISur.-au of Cm iilallcn. 

Publisher's Statement for 6 mos. ending June 30, 1978 

BOXOFFICE :: Fehruarj' 12, 1979

. . Screenings 

ST. 

LOUIS 

lyTurder by Decree" opens Feb. 1 6 at Westport, 

Cross Keys, Ronnie's 6, Cinema 

1 

4. Des Peres and Melba. The Avco-Embassy 

suspense thriller evolves from Sherlock 

Holmes' search for the London terrorist. 

Jack the Ripper. 

"The Brink's Job," latest from Dino de 

Laurentiis, is a crime caper based on the 

1950 heist of Brink's Inc. It can be seen 

starting Feb. 16 at Halls Ferry. Manchester, 

Cypress, Ronnie's 6 and Petite in Collinsville. 

III. Peter Falk, TV's "Columbo," is 

the petty thief who recruits several others 

of his ilk to pull off a big job that will secure 

his future. 

Paramount's erstwhile comedy with a bit 

of pathos, "Harold and Maude," is back 

in re-release and will brighten the screens 

at the Varsity and Jamestown beginning 

Feb. 16. The May-December romance in 

reverse with the legendary Ruth Gordon 

playing a lonely senior citizen who forms a 

friendship with young Bud Cort will be 

screened Feb. 15 in conjunction with a 

promo by KADI radio at the Varsity. 

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge will be 

the setting for a new disaster film. "The 

Night the Bridge Fell Down" from Irwin 

Allen, producer of "The Towering Inferno" 

and ""The Poseidon Adventure." The 53- 

year-old bridge will not actually fall into 

the Mississippi River. Special effects experts 

will create the catastrophe in the Burbank 

Studios, formerly Warner Bros. Studio in 

Hollywood. The historic bridge was closed 

here in 1966 when the Interstate 270 bridge 

opened. Bill Young, Allen's production 

manager, said a crew will probably begin 

filming on-location bridge scenes the last 

week of April. 

Despite the snow and ice which made all 

forms of travel hazardous, John Shipp flew 

in to join Jerry Banta to call on area e.xhibitors 

to set up bookings of Thomas- 

Shipp releases. Understand there are some 

exciting flicks scheduled for spring and 

summer viewing. 

Johnny Londoff, prexy of St. Louis Variety 

Tent 4, is not resting on his laurels 

since receiving the Globe Democrats' Humanities 

award last month. He is already 

hard at work preparing for the Variety 

Club's annual telethon for forgotten children 

scheduled for Feb. 24 and 25 at the Khorassan 

Room in the Chase-Park Plaza Hotel 

where it will be aired live by KSD-TV. 

Channel 5. Monty Hall will be on hand to 

emcee the affair and nationally known entertainers 

as well as local talent and bands 

will perform. 

Women's Variety Club's co-chairmen for 

the event, Fran Kellman and Shirley Green, 

have lined up an outstanding group of local 

volunteers who are already at work every 

day on the project. In the group are Carmen 

Cervantes, wife of the former mayor of St. 

Louis, and Florence Simkins, wife of Variety's 

chief "dough-guy" and fund-raiser 

Joe, an area industrialist. 

Local boy Harold Ramis, co-author of the 

blockbuster "Animal House," was in town 

to speak on comedy writing at Washington 

University, his alma mater. He was graduated 

in 1966 and is a member of Zeta Beta 

Tau fraternity. He admits that some of the 

psychology of the characters and several 

events in the film were based on his own 

for Paramount based on Donald Westlake's 

novel "Nobody's Perfect" and is at work 

on four other scripts including a comedy 

western. 

try and has done fairly well. AMC is "enthusiastic" 

about the product. 

Dean Branson and Larry Gardner, AMC 

district supervisors for outlying Midwest 

districts, were in town Feb. 8 and 9 to meet 

with division film and operations management 

personnel and discuss fourth quarter 

financial results. 

Local F23, the union of front office personnel, 

held a meeting in January to elect 

officers. Chosen were: Jim Thrasher, president; 

Elaine Palmer, vice-president; Carol 

Hobbs, business agent; Joanne Weaver, secretary, 

and Rose Cutting, sergeant at arms. 

Thrasher has indicated that the union will 

be trying to become more involved with industry 

activities, such as the charity haunted 

houses and the upcoming telethon. 

The WOMPIs report that 

they will schedule 

their January meeting as soon as they 

college day experiences. In addition to writing. 

Ramis was a performer with the Second 

City Theatre in Chicago which spawnterfere! 

can find a date when the weather won't ined 

such talent as John Belushi, Gilda Radner 

and Bill Murray of "Saturday Night 

Screenings at Commonwealth: Feb. 6, 

"Quintet" (20th-Fox); Feb. 7, "Agatha" 

Live" as well as Elaine May and Mike 

(WB); and Feb. 8, "Wolfman" (Omni), dis- 

Nichols. Ramis plans to do a screenplay 

KANSAS CITY 

Quena Vista branch manager Doug Finlay 

reports that, as with all other companies, 

the recent snows have cut into his 

company's boxoffice in both Kansas City 

and St. Louis. He is anticipating fairly good 

business on the rerelease of "The Love Bug" 

and "The North Avenue Irregulars." Bucna 

Vista held an invitational screening on "Irregulars" 

in conjunction with KCMO Radio 

at the Blue Ridge Cinema Feb. 8. 

American Multi Cinema has purchased 

the Independence Center Cinema from 

General Cinema Corp. The name will be 

changed to the Independence Center 2 theatres, 

with Phil Sides as manager. The takeover 

becomes effective in mid-February. 

AMC has set mid-March as a tentative 

date for moving its Midwest division operations. 

Film Management Inc., and Century 

Advertising from their present location in 

the Power and Light Building to the Midland 

Building, where renovations are currently 

in 

progress. 

An unusual booking feature is a filmed 

Richard Pryor concert, which AMC opened 

in town last weekend. The presentation has 

appeared in several areas around the coun- 

^ MID-CONTINENT Theatre Supply Corp. 

1800 Wyandotte, Kansas City, Mo. 64108 

P Phone (816) 221-0480 W. R. "Bill" Davis, Mgr. 

PROMPT • EFFICIENT • COURTEOUS 

tributed by Marcus . at Midwest: 

Feb. 7, "When You Comin' Back, Red 

Ryder" (Col) and Feb. 8, "Fastbreak" (Col). 

Steven Spielberg and John Milius will 

be executive producers of "Used Cars." 

'M^^ PRINTER 

WINDOW CARDS 

CALENDARS 

AND FLYERS 

WE HAVE BEEN SE 

lEATRES COAST TO COAST 

SINCE 1955 

402 

453-6160 

OR WRITE 

BOX 626 ^ 

OMAHA, N E 68101 

IN.IUJJ.I.IMIMIHJ.I.If 

BOXOFFICE :: February i: 

C-1

^ 

mmim 

mmm^ 

FIRST RUN 

REPORT 

(Average 100) 

Kansas City 

Across the Great Divide (PIE). 

6 theatres, 3rd wk 195 


Water Tower, 9th wk 175 

Movie Movie (WB), 7 theatres, 

1st wk 175 

Superman fWB), 10 theatres, 6th wk. . .275 

Watership Down (Emb), Carnegie, 

2nd wk 275 

Industfy Execullves 

Will AddfeSS ABA 

^, ,,^ , ,,^ ^ 

California Suite (Col). 3 theatres, 

CHICAGO-An American Bar Assn. 

,^ ^^.j. 

140 torum on developments and trends in the 

Everv Which Way But Loose (WbY entertainment and sports industries will 

4 theatres 6th wk .435 bring together top sports officials, entertain- 

Force 10 From Navarone (AI), ênt industry executives and leading at- 

5 theatres. 6th wk 75 tomeys in the field March 9-10 in the Bev- 

I„ Praise of Older Women (Emb), ^^rly Wilshire Hotel. Beverly Hills, Calif. 

6 theatres, 2nd wk 180 Edward Rubin, chairman of the forum 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA), committee on the entertainment and sports 

4 theatres, 6lh wk 85 industries, will open the meeting at 2 p.m. 

King of the Gypsies (Para), Friday. March 9. 

3 theatres. 6th wk 70 Among other speakers, Werner F. Wolfcn 

The Lord of the Rings (UA), of Los Angeles will discuss incorporation 

Embassy, Watts Mill. 6th wk 175 of an individual entertainment or sports pcr- 

Moment by Moment (Univ). 

sonality and related tax considerations. Har- 

3 theatres. 6th wk 75 ry Keaton of Los Angeles will discuss the 

Movie Movie (WB). 5 theatres. impact of the non-discrimination laws on 

1st wk. 190 the entertainment and sports industries. 

OHver's Story (Para). 4 theatres, jhe forum's final program will examine 

7th wk 55 thg lawyer as a business executive. Panelists 

Superman (WB). Empire. Glenwood. will be Peter Guber. president. Casablanca 

7th wk 245 Record and Film Works; Sidney Jay Shein- 

Up in Smoke (Para), Trail Ridge, berg, president of MCA. Inc.; Gordon Stul- 

18th wk 65 berg, Los Angeles attorney and former 

The Wiz (Univ). Midland. 13th wk. ... 35 president of 20th Century-Fo.x Film Corp.; 

^ Jerold H. Rubinstein, co-chairman. United 

Artists Records, and Francis T. Vincent. 

Chicago president of Columbia Pictures Industries. 

Autumn Sonata (SR), Biograph, 

Inc. 

^ 

Beyond and Back (SR), 17 theatres. Hearing Oil ReZOning LqW 

-nd wk 275 Slated in Fort Wayne 

Bronson Lee Champion (SR). 

WAYNE. IND.-City Council 

Roosevelt. 3rd wk 175 

.,, , . , „ 

i. „j 

wi have proposed 

„ ,., . 

c •• ,r- ^\ 

California Suite jAû^t^ (Col). 14 theatres. 

a public hearing on a 

, . , 

completely 

~,-c 

recodifying city 

* 

ordinance 

j. , zon- 

, , , ,,75 

f .i;u- u \xi ¥ ii * i\\rD\ ing laws. The ordinance will include a zon- 

Every Which Way But Loose (WB), . , . ••. c .u .u v ,„ 11 

8 ih- t 7th k ^^5 '"S regulation which city fathers think will 

u help eliminate adult bookstores, massage 

. /- .1 //- 1 1 .u . 1 I ,„u o^f^ 

Ice Castles (Col), 11 theatres, Istwk. ..250 

. • 

r.u Dj c .!.„ mA\ 

•; 

Mrors, 

. ,. .1 

adult film-houses 

u j .u 

and other v ...tl^ X-rated 

HADDBNZQ 

THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

DRIVE IN 

RADIO SYSTEMS 

THE ONLY DEALER 

WITH EXPERIENCED, 

24 HOUR MAINTENANCE IN THE 

KENTUCKY/ INDIANA AREA 

(502) 896-9578 

3709 HUGHES ROAD, LOUISVILLE, KY. 40207 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA), u r .u . 

''00 businesses trom the city. 

-ru The u n 

bill 

..^ would ui 

4 ih tr 6th k 

limit such enterprises to locating in manufacturing 

districts, and is patterned after a 

CIXERAMA IS UV SHOW 

BITSUVESS m HAWAII TOO, 

When you come to Waikiki, 

don't miss the famous Uon I lo 


Reef Towers Hotel. f 

THE»rRE EQUIPMENT 

'Everything for the Theatre" 

3J9 No. CAPITOL AVt, INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

Detroit city ordinance which has been upheld 

by the 

U.S. Supreme Court. 

Businesses already operating would be 

allowed to continue under a non-conforming 

use (grandfather) clause. City Attorney 

William Salin said the zoning provisions 

don't go into the legality of whether it is 

right 01 wrong to have these types of activities, 

but only says it is wrong to have such 

activities in shopping centers and neighborhoods. 

Editorial Encourages 

Theatre Organ Lovers 

WICHITA — An editorial in the Eagle- 

Beacon praised the efforts of Wichita Theatre 

Organ Inc. in saving the impressive instrument 

from destruction. The article read 

as follows: 

The pessimists said Wichita could never 

acquire the old Paramount Theatre organ, 

the Mighty Wurlitzer. after the theatre 

closed on New York's Times Square and 

the organ was sent to storage in California. 

It was purchased, mostly through the efforts 

of a dedicated group of music lovers, banded 

together as Wichita Theatre Organ Inc. 

When the magnificent instrument's console 

was destroyed by fire, 

the scoffers said 

it would never be rebuilt. It was restored 

better than new by the same nonprofit 

group. 

The detractors said the pops concerts 

wouldn't be supported for more than 12 

months. A recent concert marked the seventh 

year for the concerts featuring the 

Wichita Wurlitzer. now widely recognized 

as the finest of its kind anywhere in the 

world. 

The Wurlitzer Pops series consists of 

three concerts—Ian. 2. March .^. and 

May 5—featuring guest artists and a special 

concert-dance April 13 by Billy Nails, the 

organ's artist-in-residence. 

Profits from season ticket sales are 

plowed back into improvements to the instrument. 

The Wichita Wurlitzer is like no other 

musical instrument, as previous concertgoers 

are able to attest. Words cannot describe 

its sounds and the vibrations of its 

swells and low notes. They literally can be 

felt. 

It's an experience that Wichitans appreciative 

of fine music shouldn't pass up. 

Four Films Confiscated; 

First Raid in Six Years 

INDIANAPOLIS—Two FBI agents and 

three vice squad policemen confiscated four 

films at the Belmont Theatre. 2045 W. 

Washington, Jan. 31. in what was said to 

be the first raid on an adult film house here 

in six years. The police had a search warrant. 

They said the seized films involved 

child molesting and sado-masochism. 

Police said the FBI was there to observe 

and determine if any federal laws had been 

violated, such as bringing in the films from 

another state. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 1979

EPRAD 

j 

I 

CHICAGO 

Industry members generally expressed relief 

when January of 1979 came to a close 

—a month of the worst weather ever recorded 

in Chicago's history. But two special 

events scheduled on January 31 made this 

day memorable. One was a WOMPI/Warner 

Bros, sponsored retirement luncheon 

honoring Florence Cohen. A popular booker 

at Warner Bros., and a great lady, Florence 

retired after 40 years in the industry. 

The installation of Oscar Brolman as the 

new president of the Variety Club of Illinois 

was the second event. The installation 

dinner climaxed with the presentation of 

$139,000 in checks to six children's charities. 

At the same time, Edythe (Mrs. Bene) 

Stein took her second term as president of 

the Women's Variety Club. 

The Variety Club of Illinois has its first 

executive director. He's Tony Beacon, a 

veteran newspaper man. Beacon can be 

reached at headquarters located in suite 

1012, 203 No. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. 

60601—telephone: (312) 263-6586. Andy 

Nichols, who has handled publicity for Tent 

26 for the past years, will continue to assume 

responsibility for press matters. 

The Evanston 2 Theatre in suburban 

Hvanston is closed until extensive remodeling 

work is completed. 

Pat Ricciardi, owner of the Admiral theatre, 

battled a coronary at St. Josephs hospital 

for several weeks and emerged as a 

winner. In another line of battle, he came 

out as a winner against a suit instigated by 

federal and state prosecutors. His victory in 

the courts should be very helpful in 

keeping 

other industry members from being harrassed. 

While Ricciardi is making good 

headway, according to his doctors, they are 

at the same time instructing him to hold his 

time at the theatre down to an hour or two 

twice a week for the 

time being. 

Rick Rice, head of Mid-America Releasing, 

Inc., is back following a Group I Films 

sales-distribution conference in California. 

He has a lot of product to talk about and 

to distribute during the upcoming months. 

Rabieta Enterprises reports a 50 percent 

loss in business during the past month because 

of the stormy weather. Rene Rabiela, 

head of the theatre chain which features 

Spanish language films, said business took 

a discouraging dip at the Congress and 

Peoples theatres, and also at the 2,500-seat 

Uptown which the company acquired recently. 

However, anticipating that conditions 

may start to improve in February, 

Rabiela has booked new Azteca product, 

starting with "Death of the Squealer" on 

Feb. 12. Edward Edwards, head of Azteca 

operations in the Midwest, said they are 

in the midst of launching seven new films 

for spring and summer. 

Members of Wm. Lange & Associates 

are of the opinion that a continuous stream 

of TV spots announcing "Beyond and Back" 

may have contributed to the unusually large 

volume of business done despite inclement 

weather. It is thought that during heavy 

snowfall, viewers had to listen to the barrage 

of ads as they watched their programs, 

and that curiosity aroused in the hereafter 

eventually took them to a movie house to 

sec the film. "Beyond and Back" had been 

scheduled for a one-week run only. It was 

the top grosser for the week, and because 

of audience reaction, the movie was held 

over in many theatres. 

Wm. Lange is introducing "The Class of 

Miss MacMichael" to Chicago area audiences. 

This Brut production, which is rated 

R, opens March 9. Glenda Jackson has 

the lead role. 

Virgil Jones spent a week in the Pittsburgh 

area to finalize booking arrangements 

for "They Went That-A-Way and That-A- 

Way" and "The Billion Dollar Hobo." 

Chicago Used Chair Mart finished a chair 

renovation job in the Sky Theatre, Schuyler, 

Nebr.. a Johnsons Theatres property. The 

really big conquest here— properties needed 

to complete the work were shipped in between 

two big snowstorms, and no delays 

had to be endured. 

Buena Vista staffers welcomed Virginia 

Capers to Chicago for publicity rounds in 

connection with "The North Avenue Irregulars." 

The film opened in Chicagoland 

Feb. 9. Buena Vista is also expecting Lorenzo 

Lamas Feb. 27. The son of Fernando 

Lamas and Arlene Dahl, Lamas will talk 

about his picture "Take Down." 

American International has hosted some 

screenings of "Force 10 From Navarone." 

Formal opening is set for Feb. 16. Post 

screening comments give AI members high 

hopes for the success of this movie. 

Oscar Brotman has booked 'Get Out 

Your Handkerchiefs," one of New Line's 

newest, for the Near North Carnegie. 

Columbia Pictures publicity Jerry Downey 

and his assistant Linda Turkowski have 

been setting up campaigns for upcoming 

films, with "Hardcore" as one of the earlier 

openers. "Hardcore" is an A-Team production 

starring George C. Scott as a deeply 

religious Midwestern businessman who infiltrates 

the pornography underworld to 

search for his missing teenage daughter. 

Columbia's "Fast Break" is also being 

readied for openings in this area. Gabriel 

Kaplan, best known as a comedian, stars in 

this comedy about a fellow with a fantasy 

—an obsession, and five people who help 

him live it. 

Richard Pryor, filmed live in concert, 

opens on a world premiere basis in three 

theatres only— the Roosevelt downtown, the 

Varsity in suburban Evanston and the Paramount, 

Hammond, Ind. 

Vicchi Bums was appointed Indianapolis 

sales rep for Paramount Pictures. She succeeds 

Scott Nono who resigned to join 

Capitol Records. Bob Rosenthal succeeds 

Vicchi as Chicago booker; Herbert Gray 

becomes assistant Chicago booker; Tom 

Dorich moves from assistant Chicago booker 

to Milwaukee booker at Paramount. 

With eyes on the weather map, Universal 

Pictures opened "Caravans." a film about a 

serious search for a young woman missing 

in the wilds of a Mideast country. "Caravans" 

was filmed entirely on locations in 

and around Isfahan, Iran, about 300 miles 

south of Tehran. 

Universal's "The Brink's Job" opens Feb. 

The Film Center at the Art Institute starts 

out February with a film program including 

"The Philadelphia Story." "The Lady Eve," 

"Behind the Wall," "Pandora's Box," 

"Bringing Up Baby" and "North by Northwest." 

A children's film festival at Facets Multimedia 

continues with "The Beast of Monsieur 

Racine," "Stringbean," "The Railway 

Children" and "The Magic Antelope," from 

Kipling's "The Jungle Book." 

Gish Girls Star in 'Hearts' 

From Eastern Edition 

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. — Comstock- 

World's 1918 release "Hearts of the World," 

starring Lillian and Dorothy Gish, was 

screened as a free attraction at the Central 

Square Branch Library. 

^- DCM^ 

nn rBBTiTi^gi^ - 

Potts 3 and 5 

Stack Platters 

D l 

STEREO [Q 

Christie Lamphouses & Consoles 

Ballantyne-Strong-Hanovia | 

Replacement Package Plan | 

For the best at less, contact John or Mike, 

Rinsold Cinema Equipment Co. 

8421 Gravois Road "St Louis Mo 63123« Phone 314-352-2020 

I' 

BOXOFFICE :: February 12. 1979 

C-3

Fort Wayne Cinema Center Schedule 

Includes Classic Hitchcock Films 

FORT WAYNE, IND.—The remaining 

schedule for the series of film classics at 

the Cinema Center here is as follows: 

Ftbruar>: 

Britain 

Februarv 17—Saturday Night and Sunday 

Morning." 1961. Directed by Karel 

Re'isz. with Albert Finney and Rachel Roberts. 

A bravura performance of a nonconformist. 

"A rich, heady mixture of folk humor, 

drama and sex."—Cue 

February 24— "A Taste of Honey." 1962. 

Winner of 10 best-of-the-year awards. Directed 

by Tony Richardson, with Rita 

Tushingham and Dora Biyan. A lonely 

schoolg'îrl is forced to make a life of her 

own. Cannes Film Festival gave it the Best 

Actress and Best Actor awards. 

March: Italy. 

March .^—"Open City." 194.5. Directed 

by Roberto Rossellini. with Anna Magnani. 

An anti-Nazi film made while the Germans 

still occupied Rome. A foundation of the 

neo-realist movement in film. 

March 10— "Paisan," 1948. Directed by 

Rossellini and written by him and Frederico 

Fellini. As levolutionary a work as "Citizen 

Kane." The effect of the Allied liberation 

in Italy. 

March 17— "General Delia Rovero," 

1960. Directed by Rossellini. Vittorio Dc- 

Sica's finest role as a petty conman persuaded 

by the Nazis to impersonate a partisan 

leader they've killed. 

March 24— "Shoeshine." 1946. "A masterpiece"—Time 

Magazine. Directed by De- 

Sica. A stark, nationally charged film of 

children in the aftermath of war. 

March 31—"Miracle in Milan," 19.51. 

Directed by DeSica. Considered one of the 

watershed films of the Italian renaissance. 

April: 

Bergman. 

April 7— The Seventh Seal." 1956. A 

classic stunning allegory of man's search for 

meaning in life, in which a Medieval knight 

plays a game of chess with Death. "'Vivid 

and alive."—The New York Times. 

April 14— "Wild Strawberries." 1957. 

With Victor Sjostrom. Bibi Andersson and 

Ingrid Thulin. Widely acclaimed film of a 

doctor's journey through dream and memory. 

A cimematic landmark of our time. 

April 21— "The Magician." 1958. With 

Max von Sydow, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar 

Bjornstrom and Bibi Andersson. A deeply 

shattering work, a thinking man's jeweled 

horror story. "Superb"—The New Yorker. 

April 28— "The Virgin Spring," 1959. 

Winner of Academy Award for Best Foreign 

Film. The grim depiction of a father's 

ruthless vengeance for the rape and murder 

of his virgin daughter in Medieval times. 

"Flawless."—The Saturday Review. 

May: Hitchcock. 

May 5— "The Man Who Knew Too 

Much," 1934. With Leslie Banks, Edna Best 

and Peter Lorre. The rarely seen original of 

a British family trying to save a diplomat 

C-4 

from assassination and rescue its kidnaped 

daughter. 

May 12—"Secret Agent," 1936. With 

Madeleine Carroll, lohn Gielgud, Peter Lorre 

and Robert Young. The world of the 

secret agent (not today's gadget-oriented 

view) . . grim, sometimes tragic, always 

. 

dangerous. 

May 19— "Shadow of a Doubt," 1943. 

With Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright. 

Screenplay by Thornton Wilder and Sally 

Benson. The suspense story of Uncle Charlie, 

whose niece begins to suspect he is a 

murderer. 

May 26— "Dial M for Murder," 1954. 

With Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert 

Cummings and John Williams. Hitchcock 

at his best, combining suspense and humor 

in the story of an almost perfect crime. 

Drive-In to Continue 

To Run R-Rated Films 

GREENWOOD. IND—Herb Snow, senior 

partner in WSW Promotions, which 

owns the Meridian Drive-In on State Road 

135 near here, told members of the White 

River Township Planning Coalition that he 

will not show any X-rated films this year, 

but did intend to continue showing "softcore" 

R-ratcd films. The meeting came as 

a result of resident complaints about the 

theatre. 

Near the mid-December end of the theatre's 

operating season, the Planning Coalition 

and police agencies had received numerous 

complaints that lewd films were visible 

to persons on State Road 135 and residents 

of neighboring housing additions. After 

the meeting with Snow, the board of directors 

decided against becoming involved 

in the matter. 

Snow said he would rather show G- or 

PG-rated films, but said such films frequently 

require larger financial commitments 

from theatre owners and can cause a 

theatre to lose money if audiences are 

smaller than expected. 

"Some people might think I'm a dirty old 

ogre, even if I go to church every Sunday," 

Snow said. "I don't play these R-rated films 

because I personally want to watch them. 

I'm in business for economics. I'm showing 

them to make a dollar. I've been in the 

theatre business eight years and I've sat 

through one X-rated movie, and I don't 

care to see another one again." 

He said he would not consider erecting a 

barrier to block the view of the screen to 

persons outside the drive-in property, saying. 

"I don't know why it should be my 

obligation to put up a fence at my expense, 

when I'm operating within the state law." 

Paramount has signed Terence Cahalan 

to write the script for "Interview With the 

Vampire." from the novel by Ann Rice. 

as you 

giow. 

When you start to 

work, it's easy to spend 

your whole paycheck. 

And that's a good 

reason to join the 

Payroll Savings Plan 

and buy U.S. Savings 

Bonds. 

Because Bonds grow 

with you. So while you're 

working hard doing your 

job, Savings Bonds 

can be working hard 

doing their job. And that 

job is making money for 

you. 

Bonds can help 

cultivate your dreams. 

Whatever they are. A 

college education, down 

payment on a new 

house, or a long-aw aited 

vacation. Even a retirement 

nest egg. 

Put L'.S. Savings 

Bonds to work for you, 

storing away the fruits 

of your labor. 

Plant the seeds of 

your future today. "You'll 

be surprised what they 

can grow into. 

K Bonds pay 6% intiTi'st w. 

to maturity of 5 years (41/2 "u 

vear) . Interest is not subject I 

iiK-al income taxes, and federa 

be deferred until re

FIRST RUN 

REPORT 

"If bills like this aie passed across the 

country, it will mean that the cost of making 

movies will rise. In my judgment, fewer 

;| films will be made, and the films that are 

:| made will demand higher terms from exhibitors. 

Exhibitors, in turn, will have to raise 

:"''}& their prices," he said. 

(A\L'iagc K 100) Valenti also met with Lt. Gov. James C. 

Green, attorney general, before returning 

New Orleans to his Washington office. 

California Suite (Col), Plaza, 6th wk. . 

.300 

^'^'h wk^""" ^'''^"^ ^^"' •"''''• ,00 

Atlanta Film Council Has 

Lord of the Rings (UA), 2 theatres, Five Additional Membeis 

6th wk 300 ATLANTA—The Metropolitan Atlanta 

Naiional Lampoon's Animal House Better Films Council held its first meeting 

(Univ), Lakeside, 25th wk 600 of the new year at the Sandpiper Restaurant 

No Way Back (SR), Loews, 1st wk. .250 Jan. 25, with president Laura Harris presid- 

Nurse Sherri (.SR). Loews, 2nd wk 125 ing. The first order of business was to intro- 

Oliver's Story (Para), 2 theatres, duce and welcome several new members 

6th wk 100 to the council: They were Jean Young, of 

Paradise Alley (Univ). Lakeside, Smyrna; Edna Burton; Carolyn Reinmlller; 

6th wk 150 Ginnie Johnston, an ex-member who has re- 

Superman (WB), Lakeside, 1st wk. ...1000 turned to Atlanta to live after a ten-year 

The Wiz (Univ), 2 theatres, 6th wk. ... 200 hiatus; Evelyn Askew, and Irene Pittman, 

two members of the Sandy Springs Wom- 

Yalcllll UOHIBS 10 Jl. U« The council had purchased portable pro- 

_ — . - 

H" 1 ! T 

1A w 1A ICrni lilQClinrr '»J"* *»*«M**ay LiBW UUTT 

RALEIGH. N.C.—Jack Valenti was here 

jection equipment last year to entertain the 

shuHns and others who are deprived of such 

entertainment. The picture shown was titled 

"A Woman's Place," narrated by Bess Mey- 

Jan. 25 to lobby against legislation that erson, former Miss America and a television 

would make North Carolina the sixth state personality, 

to outlaw blind bidding on films. A serious discussion about blind bidding. 

The president of the Motion Picture which has the motion picture industry divid- 

Assn. of America said the bill was not in ed into two camps, was conducted by Helen 

the public interest. Shell, a member of the council. Ms. Shell 

"This is a fiscal disagreement between """ged the members to study a survey on the 

the fellows who make the movies and dis- matter which appeared in the Jan. 15 issue 

tribute them and the fellows who exhibit 

the movies," Valenti said in meetings with 'ê next meeting. 

Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. and other state officials. 

"This legislation is of no public interest 

unless it is passed," Valenti said. "And if it 

is passed, it will mean higher ticket prices." 

The Motion Picture Fair Competition 

Act is scheduled for consideration during 

the current session of the North Carolina 

General Assembly. 

The bill would make it illegal for a film 

to be put out for bid before it is screened. 

Similar legislation has been passed in .Louisiana, 

Alabama, South Carolina, Virginia 

and Ohio. 

"We don't know what we're getting" with 

blind bidding, said a Raleigh theatre owner. 

"We're just gambling on a title. We often 

bid before a film is even placed in production." 

"We're not asking for an end to bidding 

or an end to those guarantees. AH we want 

is a chance to see what we're gambling on." 

Valenti referred to the practice as "advance 

bidding," which he said was equitable 

because it meant that theatres shared in 

the fiscal risk of moviemaking. Money sent 

in advance of the run— in advance of production 

in some cases—helps studios defray 

production loans. 

Valenti said legislation designed to outlaw 

blind bidding in 20 other states failed 

last 

year. 

BOXOFFICE :: February 12, 1979 

of Boxoffice and report their findings at 

New Production Company 

To Open in North Miami 

MIAMI—Motion picture and television 

executives Gil Stevens and David Fruitman 

announced the formation of a new production 

and post-production company in the 

City of North Miami, hub of Florida's film, 

video and music recording industry. 

The company will go into business by 

spring as The Video Place in one of two 

locations now being finalized. It will offer 

program and commercial videotape shooting, 

post production, editing, off-line editing, 

film transfer, cassette duplication and 

two mobile units for commercial and program 

production. 

"We will be very heavy on our service 

capabilities to producers, the broadcast 

trade, video publishers, advertising agencies 

and into the Latin American and Hispanic 

market." said Stevens. 

The Video Place increases to more than 

three dozen the number of physical plants 

within the City of North Miami which are 

engaged in film, videotape or music recording 

production and support services, according 

to North Miami Mayor Mike Colodyn. 

They represent a capital investment estimated 

at $30 million with an annual product 

output in the neighborhood of $50 million. 

N.C. Gov. Wants More 

Films Made in State 

RALEIGH, N.C—Gov. James B. Hunt 

says North Carolina is continuing its efforts 

to lure Hollywood moviemakers to the 

state, although a permanent state government 

office for the project is not included 

in his budget proposaLs. 

Hunt met last December with Universal 

Studios film executive Thorn Mount to discuss 

the potential for filmmaking in the 

state. An office has been set up within the 

travel and tourism division of the department 

of commerce to explore the potential 

and talk to film companies, but Hunt said 

a full-time office would have a more direct 

link to the governor's office. 

"The thing that surprised me in talking 

to Thom was the fact that he considered the 

most essential part for the success of the 

program to be that direct link with the governor's 

office," 

Hunt said. 

Mount, executive vice-president of Universal 

Studios, first mentioned the possibility 

of making movies in the state more than 

a year ago. After other state officials became 

interested in the project, an office 

was established to compile information on 

possible sites, hotel accommodations and 

other needs of film companies. 

Hunt said his meeting with Mount came 

too late to include a permanent office in 

the current budget, but he said he was convinced 

that the office would be a wise investment. 

Hunt estimated that the film office would 

cost $150,000 to $200,000 a year. 

"Georgia is investing about that same 

amount," Hunt said. "And they are doing 

about $75 million a year in films—that's 

the income to Georgia. The typical film 

costs $5 to $6 million, and about $4 million 

of that will be spent in the state in 

which the film is shot." 

Raleigh Cable Customers 

To Pay More for Service 

RALEIGH, N.C—Cable television viewers 

in Raleigh will pay 50 cents more each 

month beginning March 1. 

In a letter last week to Raleigh Mayor 

Isabella W. Cannon. Edward R. Gunther, 

general manager of Cablevision of Raleigh, 

said his firm will raise the monthly subscription 

rate to $7.50. 

Gunther said he kept the rate 

increase to 

7 percent to comply with President Carter's 

anti-inflation guidelines. Cablevision's franchise 

agreement requires the firm to obtain 

city council approval of raise increases 

only if Cablevision wants to increase rates 

more than 10 percent in a calendar year. 

The 15-year franchise agreement expires in 

1982. 

Gunther said there are about 19.000 Cablevision 

subscribers in Raleigh. 

Cablevision's last rate increase was in 

March 1976, when the council approved a 

$1 rate increase, from $6 to $7 a month.

. . Cobb 

. . Phipps 

. . Cinema 

. . AMC 

. . Cobb 

. . Martin's 

ATLANTA 

. 

. 

Jârquee changes: Akers Mill, Northlake, 

Arrowhead. Brannon Square Twin, 

Loew's Tara Twin, South DeKalb Mall 

Quad. "Ice Castles" . 

Tower Place 

6, Ben Hill Twin. Brannon Square Twin, 

Buford Hiway Twin, Fayetteville Cinema, 

Mableton Triple. Miracle Twin. National 

Four. Old Dixie Twin. South DeKalb Mall 

Quad. Suburban Plaza Twin, Town & Country 

Twin. "The Late Great Planet Earth" 

Center 4. Greenbriar Mall Twin, 

Northlake. Perimeter Mall. South DeKalb 

Quad. South Expressway Drive-In. "The 

Last Wave" 75. Loew's 12 

Oaks Twin. National Four. Rhodes, "In 

Praise of Older Women" . 

Rialto. 

"Bruce Lee Fights Back From the 

Grave" Plaza and Stonemont. 

"The Groove Tube" . . . Weis Theatre (99c) 

"Oliver's Story" . . . The Screening Room. 

"Autumn Sonata" . Cinema Lakewood 

Twin. Omni 6, North 85 and Georgia 

drive-ins. 

"Restless." 

Phipps Penthouse staged a 

sneak preview 

. . . Loew's Twelve 

Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. of "Last Embrace," a 

Warner Bros, picture starring Roy Scheider 

and Janet Margolin 

Oaks I and Paramount Pictures had distributed 

invitations to "The Warriors" for Feb. 

8. The film is based upon the novel by Sol 

Yurick. produced by Lawrence Gord and 

directed by Walter Hill. 

George Shepp, who spent a dozen years 

in Atlanta as city manager for Eastern Federal 

Corp.. before his retirement, has purchased 

the Plaza Cinema in Prattville, Ala., 

which was formerly owned by Jim Gilliam. 

Tradepress screenings: From American 

International. "California Dreaming"; "Silent 

Partner," "The Last Wave" and "The 

Glove," New World Pictures of Atlanta; 

"Fast Break" and "Hardcore," Columbia 

Pictures: "The Dark," distributed by Chapel 

Releasing, and "Happy Days." distributed 

by Clark Fîlms. 

Movie buffs willing to scout around can 

find many opportunities this week. For instance, 

the High Museum has booked three 

films by Swiss director Alain Tanner. One 

of the pictures has not previously been 

© 

shown in Atlanta. The series opens Wednesday 

with "La Salamandre." a comedy drama 

about two overly serious writers investigating 

the case of a girl who has shot her uncle. 

They fall in love with her. This 1971 film 

established Tanner's reputation. Thursday. 

"The Middle of the World." a Tanner film 

never shown here, will be showing. It is described 

as "a subtle, elegant treatment of the 

relationship between a rising politician and 

an immigrant waitress." Saturday's offering 

will be Tanner's 1976 film. "Jonah Who 

Will Be 25 in the Year 2000. The films will 

be seen in the Hill Auditorium. Ticket 

prices range from $1 for members to $2 

for general admission. The films are in 

French with English subtitles. 

The Goethe Institute, located in the 400 

Colony Square building, is having a free 

show of a Werner Herzog drama not previously 

shown in Atlanta. This will be 

"Signs of Life." a 1968 work about a German 

soldier recuperating on a Greek Island. 

He becomes unhinged and is finally driven 

mad by the torpid circulatory of island life. 

Admission is free. 

The Agnes Scott College Film series 

offers a double feature Sunday. The original 

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956) 

is being shown with "Monkey Business." 

the Marx brothers 1931 comedy. Showtime 

is 7:30 p.m. in the Dana Fine Arts Building. 

Admission is $1. 

Barron Godbee Jr., vice-president and 

general manager of Georgia-based Pal 

Amusement Co.. was a visitor to the film 

branches and agencies last week. 

On Feb. 1 proud Atlanta opened its doors 

to China's Teng Hsiai-ping and a visiting 

delegation. 

The Sumiton (Ala.) Drive-In, owned and 

operated by Jack and Mary Borders, was 

literally blown away by a tornado that swept 

that area, according to Bill Andrew who 

books for the theatre. 

Jim Whaley, erudite host of Cinema 

Showcase on Atlanta's public service station 

WETV (Ch 30). has made public his ten 

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best list of 1978's motion pictures and winners 

of the outstanding actors and actresses 

awards. He picked Paul Sorvino as best 

actor of the year in "Slow Dancing in the 

Big City." Whaley chose Eric Roberts in 

"King of the Gypsies" and Robert Morley 

in "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of 

Europe?" as best supporting actors. Nanette 

Newman in "International Velvet" was 

Whaley's choice for best actress. His supporting 

actress selection is Angela Lansbury 

in "Death on the Nile." His best 

director choice was Alan Parker for "Midnight 

Express." 

Whaley's ten top motion pictures, in order, 

were "Watership Down" in the lead, 

followed by "Superman"; "Death on the 

Nile"; "Midnight Express"; "Coma"; "The 

Boys From Brazil": "Brass Target": "The 

Fury": "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs 

of Europe?", and "Revenge of the Pink 

Panther." Whaley's picks for the worst of 

the year are "The Swarm." "Eyes of Laura 

Mars" and "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts 

Club Band." 

Filming Is Under Way 

For 'Prize Fighter' 

ATLANTA — Tim Conway and Don 

Knotts are in Atlanta for filming of the Tri 

Star Pictures production "The Prize Fighter," 

according to producer Lang Elliott. 

Filming began Monday, Feb. 5. with 

Michael Preece directing and Wanda Dell 

co-producing. 

First day of filming for this 1930's family 

comedy took place near the City of Dacula 

in Gwinnett County. Ga.. with the 

remainder of th; film to be shot in the City 

of Atlanta and Fulton County. Ga. 

This will be the biggest feature film ever 

for a Georgia-based company. The movie is 

expected to contribute substantially to the 

state's economy. Elliott said that TriStar 

plans to produce at least two films from 

Georgia each year. 

"The Prize Fighter" will be the third Tim 

Conway movie with Lang Elliott as producer. 

The previous ones. "They Went That- 

A-Way and That-A-Way" and "The Billion 

Dollar Hobo." are both currently in release. 

TriStar's director for "The Prize Fighter." 

Michael Preece, previously directed "The 

Si.K Million Dollar Man," "Bionic Woman," 

"The Streets of San Francisco," "Cannon." 

"Logan's Run." and "Barnaby Jones." He 

was script supervisor for "True Grit." "How 

the West Was Won." "Paper Chase" and 

"Mutiny on the Bounty." 

Art Carney will play an elderly grocery 

store owner in "Defiance." 

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SE-2 

BOXOFTICE :: February K

THE THREE BIG ONES FOR 1979 

FROM THE E.O. CORP. 

CONTACT: The E.O. Corp., P.O. Box 184, Shelby, N.C. 28150. 

Phone: 704-482-0611. 

I 

.0 BOXOFFICE :: February 12. 1979 SE-3

I 

MIAMI 

SE-4 

BOXOFFICE :: Februarv 12. 19-

TEXPO 79 Features Awards, Films 

By MABLE GUINAN 

DALLAS — TEXPO '79 was a sellout 

with more than 600 industry representatives 

registered for the three-day event, according 

to convention officials. Held Jan. 30- 

Feb. 1 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel here, 

the confab featured presentations by a variety 

of tradesmen as well as ten hours of 

product showings. 

NATO of Texas president Al Reynolds 

opened the convention with a memorial to 

George Roscoe, the late TEXPO '79 chairman. 

"The convention committee has endeavored 

to arrange a conclave that he 

would be proud of and we are dedicating 

TEXPO '79 to his memory. We will miss 

George," Reynolds said. 

Twenty-seven companies sponsored the 

convention, supplying food, drink and entertairunent 

for conventioneers. Dozens 

more exhibited their wares in the Show-inthe-Round 

booths and on the "ad carousel." 

Following the opening remarks and 

luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 30, Crown International 

presented product reels of a variety 

of 1979 releases. That evening Universal 

Pictures hosted a Texas ranch party at the 

Longhorn Ballroom. 

Wednesday, Jan. 31 Tercar Theatres' 

Brandon Doak chaired the breakfast meeting 

which was followed by three major 

presentations: "Your Partner in Profit" by 

Perry Lowe of Boston, president of the National 

Assn. of Concessionaires: "Movie 

Madness" by Seymour Kaplan of New 

"Vork. vice-president of National Screen Service, 

and "Industry Growth Through Dolby 

Sound" by Dan Miller of New York, vicepresident 

and general manager of National 

Theatre Supply. 

Also feautred was the 

popular "Circle ol 

Profit" audio-visual presentation, a co-venture 

of Northeast Theatre Corp. of Boston 

and NAC. The show portrays "the circular 

concession stand of the future." 

The emphasis of the four presentations 

was maximizing profits in the lobby of the 

motion picture. All took the point of view 

of theatre-owner-as-retailer, urging exhibitors 

to make better use of their "captive audiences." 

Much interest was generated by the 

Show-in-the-Roimd exhibit which featured 

innovations in sound and concession equipment, 

including the new Automatic Hot 

Dogger developed by Jiffy Franks. 

Wednesday afternoon New World Pictures 

and Group I 

screened product reels. 

International Distributors 

A. Alan Friedberg addressed the convention 

at the Wednesday luncheon, as reported 

last week in Boxoffice. Following his 

speech the Spanish Language Exhibitor 

Assn. held a board meeting. 

That evening a screening of "In Concert," 

starring Richard Pryor, was held, followed 

by an invitational reception in the Reunion 

Ballroom South, hosted by Special Event 

Entertainment. 

EMC Film Corp screened product the 

morning of Feb. 1, followed by a product 

seminar moderated by Jim McKenna of 

Cineplex Theatres. 

Sunn Classic Pictures hosted a reception 

prior to the banquet Thursday evening. Bill 

Slaughter was toastmaster at the dinner 

which was sponsored by Coca Cola USA. 

FLW Theatre Co., and Avco Embassy Pictures. 

Awards were given at the banquet: Herb 

Robinson, vice-president and general manager 

of Avco Embassy Pictures, accepted 

the Star of Tomorrow award for actress 

Susan Anton who was unable due to a 

change in her filming schedule. 

The Producer of the Year award went to 

Matty Simmons and Ivan Reitman of Universal, 

producers of "National Lampoon's 

Animal House." The Company of the Year 

award was presented to Universal and accepted 

by Bob Carpenter, vice-president and 

general sales manager. 

The convention closed with dancing courtesy 

of Dimension Pictures. 

USA Film Festival Tickets 

To Go on Sale February 15 

DALLAS—Tickets for the ninth annual 

USA Film Festival, to be held from March 

30 through April 8 in the Bob Hope Theatre 

at S.M.U. here, will go on sale Feb. 

15. 

The ten-day festival will premiere 12 new 

feature films selected by three of the nation's 

leading film critics: Judith Crist (TV 

Guide), Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) 

and Charles Champlin (Los Angeles Times). 

The festival also will honor Sidney Lumet 

as its "Great USA Director of 1979" with 

a si.x-film retrospective of his work including 

"12 Angry Men," "The Fugitive Kind," 

"The Sea Gull," "The Hill, ' "Murder on 

the Orient E.xpress" and "Network." 

Lumet, one of the most active directors 

in the United States, will be at each screening 

to discuss his work with the audience. 

The festival will kickoff with a gala 

March 30, and there will also be a day 

devoted to some of the best new U.S. short 

films April 6. 

TEXPO '79 HIGHLIGHTS— Dallas was the site of TEX- 

PO '79, the Southwest regional convention for motion picture 

exhibitors sponsored by NATO of Texas, it was held at the 

Hyatt Regency Hotel there Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. Above left, 

(left to right) A. Alan Friedberg, president of NATO; Mrs. Friedberg, 

and John Rowley, vice-president of United Artists Theatre 

Corp. and past NATO president relax at the Texas ranch party 

at the Longhorn Ballroom Tuesday evening, Jan. 30. Above 

right, stage, screen and TV personalit> Bert Convy receives the 

Personality of the Year award from Suzanne Mitchell, director 

of the television movie "The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders'" in 

which Convy starred. Pictured here are (left to right) Brandon 

Doak, TEXPO chairman; Convy; Mitchell, and Bob O'Donnell, 

director of NATO of Texas. The presentation was made at 

ladies luncheon, Thursday, Feb. 1. 

the 

BOXOFHCE :: February 12, 1979 

SW-1

I 

Five Countries Share in HEMISFILM DALLAS 

Honors, Including Holland, Venezuela 

SAN ANTONIO—Five countries shared 

honors in the awards given hy the 13th annual 

HEMISFILM International Festival 

here. 

Open to filmmakers of the world, HEM- 

ISFILM "79 announced the awards at the 

opening day of the three-day showing to the 

public Feb.' 5. 

Animation and Shorts 

The best animation award went to B. 

Ring (The Netherlands) for his cartoon "O 

My Darling." best long documentary to L. 

Rhodes and M. Murphy for "They Are 

Their Own Gifts" (US), best shott documentary 

to L-J Yat for "The Buffalo Revolution" 

(China) and best short film to Joaquin 

Cortes (Venezuela) for "El Domador." 

Bronze medallions went to "Bead Game" 

Patel (Canada). "Notes on the Popular 

by I. 

Arts" by Saul Bass (US), "Will Rogers' 

1920s" by P. Rollins (US). "How the Myth 

Was Made" by G. Stoney and J. B. Brown 

(US) and "Roger Corman: Hollywood's 

Wild Angel" by C. Blackwood (US). 

Special jury awards were given in two 

categories: To Canada's H. Rasky for 

"Homage to Chafall." and W. Vinton of 

the United States for "Claymation." 

Judges Include Professionals 

National judges included Gordon Hitchins, 

film professor and critic; Robert Richmond, 

film teacher and journalist; Robert 

Sheerin, "film buff"; Claude Stanush, filmmaker, 

journalist and scenarist; Sherry K. 

Wagner, filmmaker, scenarist and novelist, 

and George Wead, film professor and filmmaker. 

There were no formal presentation ceremonies 

but all winners were previously notified, 

said Louis Reile, executive director 

of the festival. 

Some Countries Repeat 

HEMISFILM '79 marks the first time 

The Netherlands and Venezuela have won a 

prize at the international festival. All other 

countries were repeats. 

Admission to 8 p.m. film showings at the 

CEC Auditorium of St. Mary's University 

was free. 

On Monday, Feb. 5. a full-length French 

film, "Lancelot of the Lake." was shown 

along with several other short films which 

included "Avalanche" (Australia). "Hush 

Hoggies Hush" (US), "Buffalo Revolution" 

(China), "Spillane" (Canada), "Assassins" 

(US) and "How the Myth Was Made." 

Tuesday, Feb. 6, a full-length Czechoslovakian 

film, "The Shop on Main Street," 

and other films of various lengths were 

shown which included "Claymation" (US), 

"Kaleidoscope" (Uruguay), "The Worp Reaction" 

(England) and "They Are Their 

Gifts" (US). 

Wednesday Film Showings 

"A Silent Lovem," a full-length film from 

The Netherlands, was shown Wednesday, 

Feb. 7, with various shorter films from 

other countries including "Bead Game" 

(Canada), "Roger Corman: Hollywood's 

Wild Angel" (US), "Notes on the Popular 

Arts" (US), "El Domador" (Venezuela), 

"Homage to Chagall: The Colours of Love" 

(Canada) and "O My Darling" (The Netherlands). 

A "warm up" session showing other films 

entered in the HEMISFILM competition 

was shown beginning at 7 p.m. on each of 

the three days. 

Pob Davis and Ralph Wiest have sold their 

interest in the Gulf Theatres, Inc., 

which included theatres in Clute, Edna. Bay 

City and Port Lavaca. However, according 

to Davis, this transaction does not affect 

his Brazos Twin Drive-In at Angleton, 

which he will continue to operate. 

The WOMPI industry directory is still 

available. Those who failed to pick theirs 

up at the WOMPI booth at TEXPO may 

obtain one by writing or calling Mary 

Crump at Crump Film Distributors. There 

are 

numerous changes of address. 

Effective immediately, American International 

product formerly handled by Harry 

McKenna in Oklahoma City will now be 

booked from the local AI office at 1300 

Hiline Drive, Dallas, 75207. Telephone is 

748-4964. AI took over the franchise from 

McKenna. Shipments will continue to be 

shipped from Oklahoma City Shipping. Only 

the booking, buying and accounting will be 

handled from Dallas. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

Qharles Townsend, Pryor and Miami, and 

Dan Wolfenbarger, Dumas, Texas, 

have purchased the 14 Flags Drive-In here, 

from Staton Enterprises. They plan on taking 

over the operation about March 30. 

Jake Johnson, vice-president of lATSE 

International, in to discuss matters with 

business Locals 380 and 59. 

"The Great Train Robbery" (UA) was 

sneaked at the McArthur Park and Park 

Terrace theatres, and "Same Time, Next 

Year" (Univ), was previewed at the Quail 

Twin Theatre. 

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Ron Wolfe, Oklahoman and Times reviewer, 

says: "Movie Movie" is a lovingly 

done and lovable spoof of the way Hollywood 

cranked 'em out and put 'em on the 

screen back in the '30s." From the grosses 

we have seen, it is doing a fine business 

too. 

Will Sampson who appeared as the Chief 

in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," is 

in Oklahoma, working on a film concerning 

the Federal Indian Housing program. 

Changes on the marquees: "Ice Castles" 

(Col), Shepherd Twin and "Watership 

Down." CAE. Continental. 

Blind Bid Bill Introduced 

From E.3Stern 

Edition 

HARTFORD — Connecticut Ass'n of 

Theatre Owners president Sylvia Stieber indicated 

at BoxoFFicE presstime that a 

measure to outlaw blind bidding would be 

introduced into the state legislature by State 

Sen. 

Clif Leonhardt, a Democrat representing 

West Hartford and Farmington. 

BOXOFFICE :; February 12. 1979

ALL OF THESE 

PRACTICAL 

SERVICE 

DEPARTMENTS 

APPEAR REGULARLY 

in 

m 

ADLINES AND EXPLOITIPS 

BOXOFnCE BAROMETER 

(First 

Run Reports) 

FEATURE BOOKING CHART 

FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

& ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

SHORT SUBJECT CHART 

SHOWMANDISING IDEAS 

In All Ways the Best 

SERVICE THAT SERVES! 

There's Work in Toronto 

'Rocky Horror' Taken 

For Star-Struck Extras 

From Canadian Eiition 

TORONTO — George is a 40-year-olcl Off Screen in W. Mass. 

Toronto office worker who decided it was 

From New Enqlar.d Edit. or. 

time to try something different. So on his 

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.—A western 

day off he got on a bus with a group of Massachusetts phenomenon of sortsweekend 

other people and went to a movie location 

where they worked as extras. 

"I suspect most people are dying to do 

after weekend scheduling of mid- 

night showings of 20th Century-Fox's "The 

something like this, but they're afraid to 

be embarrassed," said George, who did not 

want his last name used. 'Tve crossed the 

40-year threshold and if people want to 

think I'm crazy, that's fine." But after a 

day of delays and little action, he found it 

was less exciting than he had expected. Not 

everyone, though, is disillusioned by the 

work. Arlene Segal, a 40-year-old teacher's 

aide, was an extra at the same movie, "The 

Brood" by David Cronenberg. 

"I do it because I love it, but 1 sometimes 

think my family gets more vicarious 

pleasure out of it than I do," she says. 

Last September. Mrs. Segal took her family 

to watch her two-second performance 

in "I Miss You Hugs and Kisses." 

"I'm star struck. I get the greatest kick 

out of meeting big names on a movie set." 

She is not alone. 

"People are just dying to learn the movie 

jargon and get in for some experience and 

a little fun," says Peter Lavender, whose 

Film Extra Services co-ordinates about 6,- 

000 extras in the city. 

Since Toronto is becoming a center for 

movies, television and commercials in Canada, 

the demand for extras here is growing. 

Mircon Promotions is one of the agencies 

in the city that finds work for extras. For 

$40 people can have their pictures taken 

and put into a Mircon catalogue that is 

shown to agents and casting directors looking 

for extras. 

Rocky Horror Show" at the Redstone Theatres' 

Showcase Cinemas 8—ended as 

abruptly as it began. 

The Springfield newspapers reported 

that while the complex seemed to have 

enjoyed the midnight turnout. "The management 

seemed unable to deal with the 

audience participation. The security guard 

paced the back of the theatre throughout 

the fihn." 

One Goes Too Far 

Melissa Brown of The Morning Union 

continued: "And apparently one fan had 

gone too far. He came dressed as Dr. 

Frank N. Furter—white make-up and a 

bouffant wig. and a long cape which opened 

to reveal a garter belt, corset, fishnet 

hose and high heels. He got up to sing and 

dance along with Frank's opening number, 

perfectly mimicking the words and 

gestures, only to be escorted out the back 

door by the guard. 

"Too bad. 

"If the theatre management would just 

relax and watch the movie, they'd see that 

this kind of fun is harmless and good natured, 

and that being part of 'Rocky Horror' 

is what the movie is all about. 

"A spokesman for the theatre refused to 

comment on audience behavior during the 

film. Another spokesman subsequently said 

the film, which has been screened weekend 

nights at midnight, will no longer be 

shown there." 

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. . Other 

^ 

SAN ANTONIO 

Qhris Miller, 

the writer and creator of the 

film "National Lampoon's Animal 

House," gave a lecture at Trinity University 

Feb. 2 in the Ruth Taylor Music Hall at 

8 p.m. Miller also wrote the book version 

of the National Lampoon success and showed 

film clips from the film during his talk, 

titled "Is Sex Funny?" Admission to the 

discussion was $3.50 per person. 

The Cine Mexico I •& IL operated by 

Elov Centeno, booked "The Godfather." 

Parts 1 and II for the first time together. 

Both presentations lun six hours and 20 

minutes. The booking was from Feb. 2 

through Feb. 8. 

The Colonies North Theatre presented 

magic on the stage and on the screen. The 

film presentation was "The Magic of Lassie" 

with Lassie and James Stewart. Afterwards 

Novak the Magician entertained from 

the stage. 

The San Antonio Art Institute began a 

film series on Feb. 1 with three movies 

about Japan. The series will continue on 

Thursday evenings through March 15. 

San Antonio Main Library is offering a 

variety of films to be shown during February 

in its third floor auditorium. Fihns will 

be shown each Wednesday at 12:15 and 

again at 7 p.m. Films shown Feb. 7 were 

"Romeo and Juliet." "The Lone Eagle," 

"Waterways to Explore" and "Abraham 

1702 Rusk Avenue 

Houston, Texas 77003 

Boh Mortensen 

It Wo 

Lincoln: A Background Study." On Feb. 

14, the library will screen "Meet the Black 

Texans," "Dry Wood," "Stampede Fever" 

and "Larry Mahan." On Feb. 21, audiences 

may see "The Hurdler," "The Blues 

Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins," "Minawanamut," 

and "Mount Vernon in Virginia." 

On Feb. 28, "Heritage in Black," 

"This Is the Place" "Me and You, Kangaroo" 

and "Universe" will be shown. 

Among the marquee changes: "The Great 

Train Robbery," "Ice Castles," "Let Me Die 

a Woman." "Night of the Damned," "Exit 

the Dragon, Enter the Tiger" plus "Bruce 

Iê: The Man, the Myth," "A Matter of 

Love" and "Baby Face" ... A Children's 

Film Festival was held at the Witte Museum 

with one showing Saturday morning and repeated 

that afternoon of "The Ugly Little 

Boy" plus "Me and You, Kangaroo" . . . 

Special film showings included "The Merchant 

of Four Seasons" at Chapman Graduate 

Auditorium, Trinity University, and 

"The Exterminating Angel," UTSA. Humanities-Business 

Bldg. 

A rough cut sneak preview of "The 

Dreamer" from 20th Century-Fox was held 

at the Central Fox Theatre. The film was 

shown before it was even edited for national 

release. In the film are Tim Matheson 

and co-star Susan Blakely and pro bowlers 

Nelson Burton Jr. and Dick Webber and 

sportscaster Chris Schenkel sneak 

. 

previews included "Ice Castles" at the UA 

Cine Cinco with a $3.50 admission which 

included the showing of "California Suite." 

A free 

Sex Change Operations" was offered to 

book on "The Why and How of 

the 

admissions the New Laurel 

first 100 

Theatre during the 

at 

opening of "Let Me 

Die a Woman." 

One hundred lucky readers of the San 

Antonio Light will receive a pair of tickets 

to a special premiere of "The Deer Hunter," 

a gripping story about friends who go to 

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war in Vietnam. The Maurice Braha Theatre 

will present 100 letters, each good for 

two admissions, to the showing at 8 p.m., 

Feb. 13 at the New Laurel Theatre. To 

qualify, all movie fans needed do was to 

fill out a coupon which appeared in the 

newspaper. 

Fun for the Family, a series of animated 

films for adults and children, has been 

booked for showing in Thiry Auditorium 

of Our Lady of the Lake University. There 

is a special "breadwinner admission" of $4, 

with 50 cents for each additional family 

rrember. 

World Film Festival 

Announces 1979 Dates ! 

From Canadian Edit.cn 

MONTREAL — The third World Film 

Festival wUl be held Aug. 30 to Sept. 9, 

1979, according to a recent announcement 

from festival officials. The festival is considered 

in the front ranks of international film 

events because of its competitive section 

and its International Film Market. 

First-Rank Festival 

The Festivals Commission of the International 

Federation of Film Producers I 

Assn. has accredited Montreal as the only 

first-rank competitive festival in the Americas, 

ranking it with the Cannes Festival. 

The Montreal Festival 1979 will have the 

following categories: Official competition, 

hors concours section, Canadian cinemas, 

Latin American cinemas, presence of Italian 

cinema, recent television masterpieces and 

homages: "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow's 

Cinema." Except for the homages 

section, all categories will reflect motion 

picture production tendencies of the 12 

months preceding the festival. 

Feature 

Film Prizes 

For feature-length films, prizes will be 

awarded for the Grand Prix of the Americas, 

best actress and best actor. There will 

also be two Jury's Prizes, the nature of 

which will be determined by the jury. And 

for short films, prizes awarded will include 

the Montreal Grand Prix for the best short 

film and the jury's Prize for the second best. 

The International Press award for the 

best Canadian film presented out of competition 

will be conferred by accredited journalists 

at 

the festival. 

All festival screenings will take place at 

the five-screen Le Parisien complex, whicK 

has a total capacity of 2,500 seats. The latemational 

Film Market will be held at thf 

Comples Desjardins. 

CllVERAMi\ IS Wi SH(»W 

BlTSllVESS Vi HAWAII TOO^ 

UTien you come to Waikiki, 

don't miss the famous I )on I lo 



REEF •WAIKIKI TOWER OF THE REEF 

REEF TOWERS « ElXiEWATER 

^ ^f 


I 

Cinema 

: business 

I 

His 

' 

Theatre 

, 

day 

. The 

' 

: Cinema 

' 

proximately 

^ 

doubtedly 

, new 

, United 

. "Voices" 

, 

"Ice 

; 

film 

had been earlier previewed at the Janui 

ary 

, 

aire, 

1 Feb. 

Shot in Iowa, 'Dribble Premieres /n Cedar Rapids 

WORLD PREMIERE FOR DRIBBLE—The Iowa Theatre 

in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (above left) was the scene for the world 

premiere of "Dribble." a comedy about women's professional 

basketball, Jan. 26. Hundreds attended the debut of the $1.3 

million picture which was filmed in Des Moines and Cedar 

Rapids. Also on hand were (above right) co-producer Tim Gillett, 

producer Nicholas Nizich, Iowa Coronets (professional 

women's basketball team) owner George Nissen, Richard Plautz 

and producer-writer-director of "Dribble" Michael de Gaetano. 

"We chose Iowa naturally because women's basketball is very 

big here and the picture was set in Des Moines from its very 

conception," said De Gaetano. Calling the film a sleeper, the 

creator says he thinks it will be a sensation, basing his opinion 

on reaction to screening held recently in Los Angeles. 

MILWAUKEE 

Jîke Rowley, who as 

managing supervisor 

is overseeing both th; Centre Twins 

and Esquire Theatre for the Mar- 

• 

cus Theatres Corp.. got his start in the 

at the early age of five or six. 

father owned and operated the St: and 

in Marshalltown. Iowa, and one 

he surprised the youngster by assigning 

him the task of taking tickets from patrons. 

tearing off a corner and returning the stubs. 

, 

youth left Iowa for Texas some years 

later where he became supervisor for Texas 

Corp., which has a chain of ap- 

57 theatres around the South- 

) west. Rowley began with Marcus in Decem- 

[ ber 1978. He indicated to Boxoffice that 

he is "promotional minded" and we can unexpect 

to sec some inteiesting 

stunts and gimmicks used in the weeks 

ahead as the young showman calls public 

attention to the forthcoming film attractions. 

Rowley has Mark Jacobs as his comanager 

and John Jenkens is his assistant 

manager. 

reel for 1979 film attractions was also 

shown. 

Castles" (Columbia) was previewed 

in the same film facility on Jan. 30. The 

meeting of the Better Films & TV 

CouncU of Milwaukee at the Mayfair The- 

and was also shown during the first 

weekend of the ten-day Milwaukee Winter 

Festival at the Milwaukee Auditorium. "Ice 

Castles" began its Milwaukee run Friday, 

2 at Southtown, Mill Road, Spring 

Mall, 

Prospect Mall and Mayfair theatres. 

Record-breaking amounts of snow fell on 

Wisconsin during the month of January 

in some cases closing theatres and recreation 

places as well as cancelling many social 

events because of hazardous driving, and 

even walking, conditions. A weekly news- 

P'.per, "The Delavan Enterprise." printed 

a photo on its editorial page with the caption: 

"In the grip of the snow and cold" 

which showed the marquee of the Delavan 

Theatre barely visible above the snow piled 

at the street curb. The illusion was that the 

snow actually touched the marquee (which 

it didn't). The titles of the film offerings, 

as seen on the marquee, are "Every Which 

Way But Loose" and "Oliver's Story." 

Rolland Mead, manager of the West Bend 

Cinemas 1 & 2, reports that "Every Which 

Way But Loose" stayed on for five weeks 

and "we did very well with it." The Big 

Brother organization is big in West Bend 

and Rolland has a standing offer that permits 

a Big Brother or Big Sister to take the 

youngster in free with one paid adult ticket. 

Mysterious Theft Haunts 

Sioux City, Iowa Theatre 

SIOUX CITY, Iowa—The receipts from 

Toni Dyksterhuis, branch manager for 

Artists, hosted a trade screening of 

at the Centre Screening Room 

Thursday afternoon, Jan. 25. A product theatre here mysteriously disappeared recently 

after being deposited in a night deposit 

box at the Le Mars Savings bank. 

The FBI is attempting to determine what 

happened to the $1,200 in movie receipts. 

Authorities said that a theatre employee 

had deposited the money in the deposit box 

the night of Jan. 20. 

The money was not in the box when the 

bank opened on the following Monday 

morning. 

The theatre employee has passed the polygraph 

test and has been cleared of any 

wrongdoing. 

Three Film Veterans Launch 

Independent Dist. Company 

MINNEAPOLIS—A new independent 

film distribution company has been launched 

here by a trio of local film-business 

figures. 

Heading the concern are Larry Bigelow, 

for the past three and one-half years manager 

of the American International branch 

here; Robert Levy, branch salesman at the 

AI branch for the same span, and Dean 

Schaff, buyer-booker at Midwest Entertainment, 

which is a rival independent distribution 

firm. 

The new concern is called North Star 

Films, Inc., located at 7841 Wayzata Blvd., 

Minneapolis, Minn. 55426. The phone number 

is (612) 546-2515. 

"We will open for business Feb. 19," 

Bigelow said. "North Star will be handling 

the same type of productions as distributed 

by AIP with the addition of foreign product. 

"For example, a current production titled 

Get Out Your Handkerchiefs,' which has 

already won wide critical acclaim, will be 

handled in this territory by us. 

"I would point out that we three have a 

combined 50 years of experience in all 

phases of film distribution. For example. 

Bob Levy was a 20th Century-Fox branch 

salesman for 16 years before joining American 

International." 

Meanwhile, Tom Viste has been named 

by AI to succeed Bigelow as its branch 

manager here. 

Viste's movie career includes his working 

as a salesman at the Columbia branch here 

and terms as branch manager for Columbia 

in Salt Lake City and San Francisco and as 

branch manager for Paramount in Indianapolis 

and Milwaukee. 

More recently, he has handled the Bob 

Dylan production, "Renaldo and Clara." 

BOXOFFICE :: February 1979 NC-1

. 

I« 

FIRST RUN 

REPORT 

(Average Is 100) 

Minneapolis 

Autumn Sonata (New World). Edina II. 

6th wk 

CaUfomia Suite (Col), 3 theatres. 

6th wk 

Circle of Iron (AE), 4 theatres. 1st wk. 

The Class of Miss MacMichael (Brut). 

4 theatres. 2nd wk 

Every Wlilcli Way But Loose (WB), 

3 theatres. 6th wk 

equipment for all small calendars and programs 

which Top prints. 

During the past two dozen years, according 

to the company. Top Advertising has 

seen small town theaties dwindle in numbers, 

drive-ins increase and remaining 

houses expand into multi-theatre complexes. 

Barkes foresees the upcoming drive-in 

season as the largest in many years, remembering 

that 1978 proved to be the best in 

the past five years. 

Founded in 1955 and incorporated in 

1963. Top Advertising Co. has accounts 

throughout the Midwest and contiguous 

MINNEAPOLIS 

]P[on Jacobson is the new owner-operator of 

the Hollywood Theatre, Tracy, Minn., 

closed since last May 15 and previously run 

by John Glaser. 

Lee Campbell, Paramount branch booker, 

is back at his desk after a bout with bronchitis. 

Frank Zanotti, 

Universal branch manager, 

set "Same Time. Next Year" for Feb. 9 

at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis and 

the Roseville in St. Paul. At the same time, 

Zanotti set "The Deer Hunter" for a Feb. 

23 day-and-date break at the Mann Theatre 

here and at The Movies at Maplewood, St. 

Paul. . 

Ice Castles (Col). Skyway 1. 7th wk. 

. 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA). 

Cooper, 6th wk 


Movies at Burnsville. 6th wk 

The Lord of the Rings (UA). Edina I. 

11th wk 

M^c (20th-Fox), Cooper Cameo. 

nth wk 

Moment by Moment (Univ), Brookdale 

East. Southdale, 6th wk 

Movie Movie (WB). Hopkins. World. 

1st wk 

National Lampoon's Animal House 

(Univ). Skyway II, 25th wk 

The Psychic (Group I), 5 theatres. 

1st wk 

Superman (WB). Brookdale, Southtown, 

7th wk 

Violette (Gaumont-New Yorker). 

Suburban World, 1st wk 

Wilderness Family—Part 2 (PIE). 

6 theatres, 2nd wk 

Top Advertising Counts 24 

Yrs. in Theatrical Printing 

OMAHA—Top Advertising Co. is approaching 

its 24th year in the business of 

theatrical printing, according to a company 

spokesman. 

In anticipation of continued growth, 

Richard C. Barkes, Top president, has expanded 

plant facilities to include computerized 

photo composing and offset equipment. 

By May 1, he anticipates using the new 

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Michelle Cheek is the new face at thej 

Columbia branch here. She replaces Jo 

Grothe, who has left film business, as the 

general office clerk. 

Columbia branch manager Jack Ignatowicz 

set "Hardcore" for a Feb. 9 day-anddate 

break at the Academy, Southdale and 

Norlhtown theatres here and at the Har- 

Mar in St. Paul. 

Indianapolis Adult House 

Loses Its Annual License 

From Central 

Edition 

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.—Fred Arm-I 

strong, city controller, has upheld a Jan. 

4 decision by Indianapolis city license man-] 

ager Chuck Gebuhr not to grant a 1979 li-] 

cense to the Rivoli Theatre, an adult movie 

house at 3155 E. Tenth St. Charles Chul-' 

chian, owner of the theatre, had appealed 

Gebuhr's ruling to Armstrong, and said he 

will appeal the most recent decision to the 

license review board, and, if necessary, he; 

will take the issue to court. 

Armstrong earlier had heard testimony' 

from Indianapolis police vice officers that' 

they had arrested ten men inside the theatre 

for obscene conduct during three visits last 

November. In addition, neighborhood complaints 

about the theatre were also aired. 

Chulchian has filed a suit in Federal 

Court here seeking to block the license 

revocation, but Chief Federal Judge William 

Steckler ruled Chulchian has not exhausted 

all his legal remedies before turning 

to the Federal Court. Chulchian has 

amended his complaint to the Federal Court 

in an effort to have the city's obscene conduct 

ordinance ruled unconstitutional. 

The Near East Side Community Organization 

claimed the X-rated films at the Rivoli 

have lowered property values and added 

to the moral decline of the neighborhood. 

CI]VERi\9L\ IS tX SHWW 

BITSL\ES$» L\ IL\Wi\II JtH^ 

WTicn you conic to Wulkiki, 

don't miss tlic famous Don Ho 

Show ... at Cincnuiia's 

Reef Towers Hotel. i 

NC-2 

BOXOFFICE :: February

; 

raise 

I 

I 

;• Williams 

m.i 

W 

Sci-Fi Film Nightmare 

Has a Happy Ending 

Ij 

John Stanley 

SAN FRANCISCO — "Nightmare in 

Blood," which is currently in nationwide 

distribution through Pacific Film Enterprises 

of San Francisco, was a five-year ordeal 

with a happy ending for Bay Area producers 

John Stanley and Kenn Davis. 

Stanley, a writer-editor for the weekend 

entertainment section of the San Francisco 

Chronicle, and Davis, an artist for the same 

paper, began working on their R-rated horror 

film in 1973, raising production capital 

from local sources. 

Stanley and Davis co-produced and cowrole 

the film, with Stanley also serving as 

director and Davis as cinematographer. After 

principal photography in '74, they worked 

part-time for the next three years to 

additional funding and complete the 

film. 

"We set out to make a horror film." says 

Stanley, "that would have all the trappings 

of the commercial exploitationer, but which 

would also have a specialized appeal to the 

science-fiction, horror and fantasy groups 

in America." 

"Nightmare" is set Ln a horror convention 

in San Francisco where the guest of 

honor is Malakai, a film star specializing in 

vampire roles. The film touches such areas 

of "fandom" as comic books, censorship, 

weird detective fiction and the Dracula cult, 

walking a fine line between chills and satire. 

Radio-film actor Jerry Walter plays a 

different kind of vampire and Kerwin 

Mathews makes a cameo appearance as a 

swashbuckler. 

After talking to many Hollywood-based 

distributors, the fledgling producers decided 

they stood a better chance for exhibitional 

success by releasing through Harper Paul 

of Pacific Film Enterprises. 

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"Nightmare" opened in July to good 

trade and newspaper reviews and scored 

well in initial bookings—one-week grosses 

of $8,350 at the St. Francis and $6,500 at 

the Lux in Oakland indicated running legs 

that Williams was quick to exploit. 

"Nightmare" has since played several exchange 

areas and has gradually built a reputation 

among drive-in and action house c:.- 

hibs as being a respectable product. 

"So far," says Stanley, "we've been able 

to play the film off with a minimum amount 

of advertising or pre-selling. Exhibitors are 

happy and Harper has several new exchanges 

lined up for spring. He also anticipates 

a busy summer in the L.A. and New 

York areas. I'm only sorry our investors had 

to wait so long for the worm to turn." 

Stanley and^ Davis have also collaborated 

on a private eye thriller, "Dark Side," 

which won an Edgar from the Mystery 

Writers of America, and Stanley has written 

the epic fantasy, "Worid War III." 

Their next book, "Bogart '48," will be 

published this summer by Dell. It is a fictionalized 

portrait of Humphrey Bogart 

caught up in a mystery surrounding the 

Academy Awards show of 1948. "The 

book's more than a thriller," says Stanley. 

"It's a nostalgia piece that probes Bogart's 

personal side, the political climate of the 

times and the colorful characters who surrounded 

Bogart—Peter Lorre, Harry Cohn, 

Michael Romanoff, etc." 

Stanley and Davis are already scripting 

the novel for independent production. 

"Film prospects for 'Bogart '48' look 

promising," says Williams, who added he 

was keeping a close eye on all the future 

projects of Stanley and Davis. "These are 

the kind of young producers we need to 

support if we want good product in the 

future." 

Burt's Theatre in Toledo 

Given Restoration Funds 

From Mideast Edition 

TOLEDO, OHIO—The Ohio Historic 

Site Preservation advisory board has approved 

a grant of $10,000 for the second 

phase of restoration of Burt's Theatre in 

downtown Toledo. The grant must be 

matched by the owners, the Toledo Repertoire 

Theatre. Burt's Theatre was added to 

the National Register in November. 1977. 

Total remodeling and restoration costs are 

estimated at $1.6 million. The theatre was 

built in 1897 with Venetian-Gothic architecture. 

Acknowledged Experts 

in Dolby Stereo 

'i.t«'^ 

Projectionist for 30 Years 

Never Really Liked Films 

from Mideast Edition 

MIDDLETOWN, OHIO—Les Francis, 

86, was in show business for more than 30 

years. But now that his career is over, he 

admits he never really liked movies much. 

"It's like working in a candy store. You 

do it long enough and you lose interest in 

candy," said Francis. 

Francis spent his time, not on the screen, 

but behind the projector in many of this 

city's theatres from 1930 to 1963. 

He worked from 1916 to about 1930 for 

Armco Steel here, then joined his brother 

in the projection booths. At one time, as 

many as six movie houses were operating 

here. 

He spent much of his career at the Paramount 

Theatre, whi.h had a seating capacity 

of about 2,200. He said the theatre 

drew large crowds from 1931 to 1963 when 

it was razed by the owners. 

"1 think tearing it down was one of the 

worst things they could have done." 

He still can recall the biggest hits that 

came to the theatre and the lines that waited 

to see them. 

He has memories of big bands playing to 

packed houses and the weekly Mickey 

Mouse shows, as well as the traveling variety 

shows and live dramatic shows. 

"And they had the finest organ," Francis 

said. "I can remember taking my grandson 

Mickey down there on Saturday when the 

maintenance man would let him play the 

organ." 

When the Paramount closed in 1963, 

Francis also closed out his career in the 

projection booth. 

He seldom goes to see a movie anymore, 

but he is 

definite on why many movie theatres 

closed. 

"It was all the fault of television," he 

said. "They began making weak movies, 

not quality films, and the public just won't 

pay the price." 

a 

sf ic^^' îvC' 

P.O. Box 16036 

Minneapolis, Minn. 55416 

(612) 920-2910 

NC-3

Ho^vwe sweetened 

the melting pot. 

We all pitched in. That's hcnv we sweetened 

the melting pot called America. 

Like a big family coming together tor a 

festive meal, each immigrant group has added it^ 

contribution. The world's best skills, talents, 

minds, hearts, music, children, customs, that's 

what's gone into America. 

We've put them all together and 

they've nourished the greatest 

nation in the world. 

y^"^^ 

And the 

pitching in. 

thing is, we ha\ 

stopped 

Today 9' i million American workers in\-est 

in their country by buying U.S. Sax'ings Bonds. 

You can too. Sign up for the Payroll Sa\'ings 

Plan where you work. It's an easy, automatic way 

to sweeten your lite while you sweeten vour land 

fl fti- 

'^'^ 

taking stcxk in America with 

:Â^ '^'^ L' S. Savings Bonds. 

Take 

. stock 

m^^jnerica. 

February 12, 1979

CINCINNATI 

preview fever has struck the city. Five cinemas 

(Gold Circle, Newport Plaza, Mt. 

Lookout Village, and Westwood) sneaked 

Michael Chrichton's period thriller "The 

Great Train Robbery" which details an 

1855 heist, the very first time a train was 

robbed. Meanwhile, on the same night. Feb. 

2, Showcase Cinemas (Springdale and Erlanger) 

scheduled a screening of Universal's 

"Same Time, Next Year," the fantastically 

successful Broadway comedy about a love 

affair between two people— happily married 

to others—who meet secretly once a year 

for 26 years. And four Mid States houses 

(Covedale, Carousel, Northgate, and Skywalk) 

on that same evening gave Cincinnatians 

their first chance to view Columbia's 

"Ice Castles," the story of a young smalltown 

girl who dreams of the Olympics and 

gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fulfill 

her vision. 

On the same subject, Walt Disney Productions' 

"North Avenue Irregulars" will 

be screened Feb. 15 as a WLW Housewife 

Movie at Mid States' Tri-County Cinema. 

Free tickets to a morning screening were 

available merely by writing the radio station. 

Two new employees have recently 

joined 

the Holiday Amusement staff. They arc 

Diane Fatora and Peggy Riley. Ms. Fatora 

is assistant to the office manager, while Ms. 

Riley works in the bookkeeping department. 

Also, Jan Jansen has been promoted from 

a general office to 

the bookkeeping section. 

Feb. 9 will be the opening date for several 

new pictures, including the aforementioned 

"Ice Castles" and "Same Time Next Year." 

Also, Columbia's "Hardcore," in which 

George C. Scott portrays a religious man 

whose search for his missing daughter takes 

him into the underworld of pornography, is 

slated to debut at the Showcase cinemas. 

Apologies to Tom McElfresh, Cincinnati 

Enquirer's film writer, whose name was 

incorrectly spelled in the earlier articles on 

film criticism. 

Showcase cinemas recently transferred 

three Erianger employees to the East Hartford 

(Conn.) Showcase Cinema. They include 

Greg Dunn (son of Cincinnati's Redstone 

supervisor Chuck Dunn), Jim Land 

and Steve Slatery. The three will serve as 

house managers under managing director 

Fred Gerardy, who also was recently sent 

to East Hartford from Showcase's Springdale 

complex. 

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Chuck Dunn noted that despite the com- 

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petition from two other "sneaks," Showcase's 

preview of "Same Time, Next Year" 

went very well with patrons seeming to enjoy 

the picture. He predicts that the production, 

will achieve "good, steady increases" 

during the 

n.m. 

Writing in the Enquirer, Tom McElfresh 

detailed many similarities between the lives 

of "Ice Castles" real-life star Lynn-Holly 

Johnson and that of her character in the 

film, Alexis Winston. Both win in two of 

the regional levels leading up to the United 

In Praise of Older Women (Avco), 

States Figure Skating Championship, both 

were trained at the Broadmoor in Colorado 

Springs while living in Beatty Hall, and both 

Princeton & Skywalk, 6th wk 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (UA), 

350 

had extremely tough coaches. However, as Showcase, 6th wk 225 

McElfresh noted, the parallels end with King of the Gypsies (Para), Showcase, 

Alexis' triumph in the regionals, after which 

"she rockets around the ice in a blistering 

haze of frustrated confusion, attempts a dif- 

6th wk 

The Lord of the Rings (UA). Studio & 

Tri-County. 6th wk 

175 

375 

Moment by Moment (Univ), 3 theatres, 

ficult spinning leap, falls into some metal 

desk furniutre, gets a concussion and goes 

blind." 

Naturally, Alexis skates and competes 

again, even though blind; events labeled by 

McElfresh as "improbable." 

In fact, he asked Ms. Johnson whether 

at the height of her competitive form could 

she have skated her competition freestyle 

program blindfolded. Ms. Johnson not only 

answered "no," but added that once during 

the filming of the movie she experimented 

with skating blindfolded, achieving results 

which were "not promising." 

FIRST RUN , 

REPORT I 

(Average K 100) 

Cincinnati 

Animal House (Univ). Showcase, 

27th wk 300 

California Suite (Col). 4 theatres, 

6th wk 500 

Every Which Way But Loose (WB), 


Ohio Theatre Benefit Gala 

Shows $268,931 in Profit 

COLUMBUS—The Columbus Assn. for 

the Performing Arts reported a net profit 

of $268,931 from the Jubilee Gala that 

took place Oct. 21 in honor of the Ohio 

Theatre's 50th anniversary. The figure includes 

an inventory of commemorative 

souvenir books valued at $63,840. 

Principal 

expenses included $120,484 for 

taping the Bob Hope TV special from the 

theatre, rather than from NBC studios in 

California; $71,000 for the services of Clive 

David, professional party organizer, and 

$40,616 for costs of a ball at the Statehouse, 

which followed the theatre performance. 

6th wk 300 

Movie Movie (WB), Showcase, 

1st wk 250 

Oliver's Story (Para), 3 theatres, 

7th wk 275 

Superman (WB), 3 theatres, 7th wk. . . .900 

Up in Smoke (Para), Showcase, 

18th wk 200 

The Wiz (Univ), Showcase, 13th wk. . . 100 

Cleveland 

Autumn Sonata (SR). 1 theatre, 

5th wk 150 

Bottom Line (SR), 4 theatres, 1st wk. . . 50 

California Suite (Col), 6 theatres, 

5th wk 215 

The Class of Miss MacMichael (Brut), 

5 theatres, 2nd wk 110 


5 theatres, 1st wk 285 



King of the Gypises (Para), 4 theatres, 

5th wk 70 

The Lord of the Rings (UA), 6 theatres. 

5th wk 70 

Moment by Moment (Univ), 4 theatres, 

5 th wk 50 

Superman (WB), 5 theatres, 6th wk. . . .390 

The Wiz (Univ), 1 theatre. 12th wk. ..100 

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BOXOmCE :: February 12. 1979 ME-1

C L 

E V E LAND 

MarJean Schapsmeier is the new gal at the 

front desk at General Theatres. Mar- 

Jean said that this is her first venture into 

"show biz" and she loves it. 

Morric Zry'. Selected Theatres, screened 

"Silent Partner" Feb. 7 at the Brainard 

Screening Room. The movie stars Elliot 

Gould. Christopher Plummer and Susanah 

York. 

In a letter to the Plain Dealer entertainment 

editor. John Cameron Ewing, director 

of Canton Film Society, stated that he was 

not in accord with a P.D. film critic that 

there was "a paucity of fine product in 78." 

In his 

opinion, "there was an abundance of 

fine movies that received shameful lack of 

exposure and publicity. This is what's wron;i 

with the film scene in this city." His list included 

"first-run movies (mostly foreign 

films of exceptional quality) that opened in 

Cleveland but played for onlv a day of two." 

The list was made up of "Stroszek." "The 

American Friend." "Effi Briest." "Mother 

Kusters Goes to Heaven," "Dcrsu Uzala," 

"That Obscure Object of Desire," "Mr. 

Klein." "The Lacemaker," "The Golden 

Fortress," "The Chess Players," "Citizens 

Band," "Iphigenia," "Padre, Padrone," 

"Coup de Grace," and "Bread and Chocolate." 

Case Western Reserve University Film 

first Society offerings for the week in February 

included "The Last Waltz," "Girl 

Friends," "What Price Hollywood?", "Citizen 

Kane" and "Clockwork Orange." 

Variety Club Week of 1979 opened Feb. 

1 1 with a Variety charities brurch. Everyone 

met the staffs and residents of Ohio 

Boys Town and Circle of Homes, both Variety 

charities. Ernie Zeve and Bill Anderhalt 

were chairmen of this event. On Thursday, 

Feb. 15, a private screening on an unreleased 

motion picture will be presented 

for women only at the Brainard Place 

screening room. Micky Kaufman chairs 

this unusual evening. Saturday, Feb. 17 will 

be a theatre party for needy and handicapped 

children at the Hippodrome Theatre. 

It is an annual event complete with 

candy and popcorn and generally attended 

HADDEN^ 

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by 1,000 or more youngsters from all over 

the city. Noiman Barr is chairman. Saturday 

night is Las Vegas Night. The Executive 

Club will be transformed into the Variety 

Casino with games and gambling for 

all. Included in the evening are hors 

d'oeuvres. buffet dinner and a bag of chips 

to start the fun. Of course, drinks will be 

available. Mollye Davis and Dick are hosting 

the evening. Committee: Mike Moonc\, 

Chuck Dinunzzio, Irv Herzog. Joe Ved;r^ 

man, Ernie Zeve and Dick Rosen, Variety 

Week chairman. 

The Cast Western Reserve Observer carried 

a half-page article on the best and wort 

films of 197'8. Best films included "The 

Deer Hunter," "Autumn Sonata." "An Unmarried 

Woman," "Heaven Can Wait." 

"Coming Home," "Superman." "The Buddy 

Holly Story," "California Suite." "Dear Inspector" 

and "Bread and Chocolate." The 

ten worst mcv'es are "Halloween," "Evcrv 

Which Way But Loose." "Up in Smoke." 

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hc.nr's Club Band." 

The Wiz." "FM," "Renaldo and Clara," 

"Which Way Is Up?". "A Hero Ain't Nothing 

But a Sandwich" and "Moment by Moment." 

Family Film Program 

Hurls Toledo Theatre 

TOLEDO—Switching from an adult X- 

rated film policy to a family-type programming 

policy at the Eastwood Theatre last 

Nov. 22 was a costly affair. After about 

nine weeks of trying to break even, the two 

pailners—David Hughes and Richard Wagner—have 

gone back to their earlier adult 

format. 

When they re-opened the long-dark d;- 

luxe nabe house in 

1977, they tried offerin'; 

family films, but in order to remain in biiiness, 

they finally switched to adult X-ratcd 

movies. This was a life-saver for the 820- 

seat house, which has been in existence for 

57 years. The pair made enough money to 

spend $20,000 on improvements, such ;:s 

new stereo sound, lights, projectors, etc.. 

and refurbishing the interior, including a 

concession area and new lighting. 

Then they decided late last year to again 

try family films, with special matinees for 

yoimgsters on Saturday and Sundays, and 

a convenient new illuminated paved parking 

lot across the street. 

Wagner — said the results were very disappointing 

"It was pure murder"—and 

so the pair have again started booking X- 

rated films, with a double feature policy. 

The house is open 10 a.m. to midnight on 

weekdays, and has a 24-hour schedule on 

Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Prices are 

$5 admission for singles. $8 for coip'j^ 

and $.^ for senior citizens. 

Producer Zev 

Mcl.ian for a 

Road." 

Jraun 

ajor 

ha 

role 

igned .lohn 

"Freedom 

REFINED 

Gentlemem 

ORhow 

NORBERTRILUEUX 

yrasthe 

original 

SugarDadc^ 

On August 26. 1842, 

Norbert Rillieux put a patent 

on a sweet idea. 

It was a way to refine sugar. 

To help the sugarcane 

juices evaporate more quickly, 

he enclosed condensation coils 

in a vacuum chamber. A 

process that's made things a 

lot sweeter ever since. 

You can make your future 

a little sweeter, too. by buying 

U.S. Savings Bonds through 

your Payroll Savings Plan. 

They're the dependable 

way to save for an education, 

vacation, or even retirement. 

Because they always pay off 

with interest. 

So buy U.S. Savings 

Bonds. 

And be a "sugar daddy" in 

your spare time. 

Series E Bonds pay 6% interest when held to 

maturity of 5 years (41/2% the first year). Interest 

is not subject to state or lo

! 

control 

' 

J 

and 

j 

of 

' 

parks, 

. . . indeed, 

Dayton Seeks to Zone 

Commercial Porn Area 

I 

OHIO — Dayton City Commission lias 

asked the City Plan Board to draft an ordinance 

tliat would let the city have some 

over commercial pornography via 

zoning, by restricting the places to general 

commercial areas. 

However, the proposed bill has been 

widely criticized because of too many restrictions, 

said to deny the businesses their 

constitutional rights. For example, the pro- 

V posed ordinance would ban adult theatres 

sex shops from being within 1,000 feet 

churches, schools, libraries, government 

( 

buildings visited by youngsters, other bus- 

! inesses that serve young patrons, such as 

recreation facilities, bars, pool halls, 

discos and so on. 

The goals of the ordinance were to restrict 

the adult trade to general commercial 

areas and thus keep it away from residential 

neighborhoods, to disperse any new 

ventures rather than letting them bunch up 

together, and to hold then to the appearance 

juana. 

Now, according to a story in the Sunday 

Journal, the young man who leases the theatre 

at 2323 N. 49th St. for his weekend 

film promotions has filed charges in federal 

court that he was "illegally beaten and arrested" 

during the raid. 

William Meier, 20, also charged that the 

action was unconstitutional. 

police 

Two city building inspectors had conducted 

an inspection of the theatre while 

police were staging the raid and "no building 

code violations were found," the young 

showman pointed out. 

The raid and inspection, occured between 

9:30 and 1 1 p.m. while several hundred 

young people were at the Uptown. 

"During this time period," Meier said, 

"generally all of the patrons were conducting 

themselves lawfully and peaceably and 

were not in violation of any criminal laws." 

He charged in his suit that police refused 

to show a warrant when he inquired why 

they were entering the theatre, and that he 

was choked by policemen who carried him 

toward the theatre door. 

His head, he contends, was "smashed 

through glass." 

The suit requests a court order which 

will prohibit further unconstitutional police 

action against both Meier and the patrons 

at the theatre. 

Jack Loeks Theafre Will Construct 

Six-Auditorium Cmema in Michigan 

This will give us the opportunity to assist 

Grand Rapids. Kentwood and West Michi- 

and conduct standards expected of all businesses. 

Critics believe that the law should WYOMING, MICH. — John D. (Jack) gan in the development of needed entertainment 

facilities. It's an important corner 

be drafted so that it will withstand constitutional 

challenge. 

of Jack Loeks Theatres Inc., a Grand Rap- 

it's the fourth corner of down- 

Loeks, president and chief executive officer 

ids-based firm that currently owns and operates 

theatres throughout Michigan, has Jack Loeks Theatres owns and operates 

town Kent County." 

Theatre Lessee Files announced that the firm will build a new more than 40 theatres throughout Michigan. 

six-screen theatre on the southwest corner Loeks is also president of Auto-Cine, Inc., 

of 28th Street and Broadmoor, S.E., Kentwood, 

as the first phase of a multimillion large number of theatres in Grand Rapids, 

of Grand Rapids, owner and operator of a 

Suit After Police Raid 

T:om North Ceniral Edition 

dollar development. 

Kalamazoo, Portage, Norton Shores, Muskegon, 

North Muskegon, Grand Haven, 

MILWAUKEE—During a police raid on 

The new theatre, to be constructed on 

the Uptown Theatre on the near northwest 

the site of the Woodland Drive-In, will have Mount Pleasant and St. Joseph, 

side Nov. 3, as previously reported here, 

seating for 2,000 patrons. According to Bill Decker of Decker Construction Co. 

nearly 60 persons were arrested, many accused 

of possessing small amounts of 

is 

Loeks, the million-dollar plus showplace the consultant for phase one construction. 

mari- 

will contain the newest developments in 

computerized projection and sound. Parking 

will be provided immediately adjacent 

to the motion picture theatre for more than 

1,000 cars. 

Loeks indicated that all architectural and 

engineering preparations, including soil 

borings, have been made and construction 

will start March 1 on the first phase of the 

development. 

Loeks also revealed plans for phase two 

construction of a hotel, restaurants, and 

convention center facilities at the same site. 

He also stated the development would include 

an office tower and supportive facilities. 

"I have felt for some time," Loeks stated, 

"that we weren't exercising the full potential 

of this land at this important location 

directly across from the Woodland Mall. 

RKO-SW Chain Turns Over 

Hamden House to Redstone 

From New England Edition 

NEW HAVEN—The RKO-Stanley Warner 

circuit has turned over management of 

the first-run Cinemart 2, in the Hamden 

Shopping Center, to Redstone Theatres, 

bringing latter circuit's screens in metropolitan 

New Haven to eight, a recoid high 

for any circuit locally. 

Terms were not disclosed. The agreement, 

in effect, ended direct RKO-SW ties 

to New Haven exhibition. At one point, 

the RKO-SW and predecessor circuits 

Stanley-Warner, Warner Bros.—occupied a 

major niche in the first-run bracket here. 

Redstone holdings include the Showcase 

Cinemas 5, Orange, and the Milford Drive- 

In, 

Milford. 

CUVERAJMA IS Vi SHOW 

BIJSLVESS VS HAWAII TOO^ 

f We can handle iti ( 

WTien you come to Waiklki, 

\'â^r' yr> MOORE 

don't miss the famous Don Ho 

'^^' THEATRE 

'n^'irZ 

EQUIPMENT CO. 


213 Delaware Aê. 

Reef Towers Hotel. P.O. Box '782 

Coll: 

Charleston, W. Va. 

(304) 344-4413 

fiOXOFFICE :: February 12, 1979 

ME-3

That happy face belongs to my friend Cecil Andrus' daughter Ti-acy. 

Lately people say there's something new about her smile. Something I understand better than 

anyone. WTien I wasn't much older than Ti-acy, I beat cancer too.?? 

Senator Frank Church 

Almost 30 years separate cm- victories.Years that brought major advances in the 

treatment of cancer. When I was fighting for my life, Tl-acys chances wouldn't have been good. Then 

most people with Hodgkin's disease, people like Tiâcy, died within 5 years. 

But yoiu- generosity helped change things. You funded research that developed new 

treatments. Ti-eatments that saved Ti-acys life. Now she's leaving her job as a legislative assistant and 

going back to om- home state of Idaho. Back to school. Back to a life that's much deai'er for 

neai'ly having lost it. 

Ti-acy and I ai-en't unique. Almost 2 million Americans have beaten cancer But much still 

remains to be done. Through research, rehabilitation and education, the American Cancer Society 

is making yom* contributions count. 

American CdllCer Socicty 5 { 

CANCER CAN BE BEAT 

Almost 2 m ''on people are living proof your contributions count. 

This space contributed by the publisher as a pubUc service. 

BOXOFFICE :: Febriiarv 12. 1979

i 

I 

owners 

1 

"His 

! 

Comer 

|i 

Can't 

t 

BOSTON 

•Phe Strand in Canton has been re-opened 

as the Oriental under the operation of 

Fred MacLennan. A new Wurlitzcr theatre 

organ has been installed which, along with 

cloud machines and twinkling lights on the 

ceiling, contributes to the unique atmosphere". 

Present call plans for two program 

changes a week, with admission set at $1.50 

for all seats. The repertory format will include 

films of the 1950s and 'eOs, along 

with top hits in current release. Bookmg 

will be handled by Justin Freed. 

Jim Engle, general manager of Regal 

Films, held a screening of "The Silent Partner," 

starring Elliot Gould and Susannah 

York, along with an overview of 1979 product, 

at the Park Square Screening Room 

Thursday, Jan. 31. 

Orton Cinema & Supply Co. has just completed 

turning the Park Cinema in Cranston, 

R.l., from a one-.screen house to a triplex. 

Bud' Orton and his crew installed all-new 

seating and draperies . . 

Burt Reynolds 

. 

was in town recently filming his new picture, 

"Starting Over." 

The Massachusetts State Labor Commission 

issued its findings on the unfair labor 

practice case between the Medford Twin 

Drive-In and the Boston Moving Picture 

Operators Union. The case was the result 

of the installation of automatic equipment 

in 

the booth and the theatre's alleged refusal 

to bargain "in good faith" over the resulting 

should be capitalizing on this latter-day, 

^t^pp^d-up, interest on the part of the ticket- 

i^^yi^g public in motion pictures. 

^^ ^^ independent exhibitor, she feels 

changes. Although the union and the theatre 

had reached a basic agreement, the 

employers withdrew from further negotiation. 

Two operators were fired. The Labor 

Commission found the Wellington Cinema 

Corp guilty of unfair labor practices and 

ordered full payment of all lost earnings as 

well as re-instatement of the two employees 

who were fired. Further, the commission 

" 

ordered the theatre to 

'" 

bargain "'"" with '"^'^ the 

union in good faith over wages and working 

conditions. 

New on Boston screens: "The Bermuda 

Triangle," "Movie Movie," "Force 10 From 

Friends" . . . 

Navarone," "The Last Wave" and "Girl 

"Midnight Express." winner 

of the Golden Globe award as best dramatic 

motion picture of 1978. is showing at 33 

suburban theatres. 

Israeli Comedy Screened 

BROOKLINE. MASS.—An Israeli 

rxhibition more credit for bolstering the 

niie attitude abounding in this country problems with water supply, traffic conges- 

comedy 

(English sub-titles), "The Big Dig." was 

today. 

shown at the Hebrew College, co-sponsored 

by the Massachusetts Israel Cultural Society 

and the Ulpan Department of Hebrew College. 

Admission was $2 for adults, $1.50 

for students. 

Coolidge Show 2 Classics 

BROOKLINE, MASS.—The Coolidge 

Cinema double-billed Columbia's 

Girl Friday" (1940 release) and "You 

Take It With You" (1938), advertising 

the show as "a special 

revival." 

BOXOmCE :: February 1979 

CATO President Stieber Is 

As NATO Directors 

By ALLEN M. WIDEM 

HARTFORD—Connecticut Assn. of Theatre 

Owners president Sylvia Stieber, marking 

her seventh year as a suburban Hartford 

exhibitor and third year as head of the statewide 

trade organization, is looking to a 

March 18-22 National Assn. of Theatre 

Owners directors meeting in Scottsdale, 

Ariz., with mixed emotions. 

For one thing, Mrs. Stieber and husband 

Alexander are anticipating get-togethers 

with exhibitors from across the United 

States amid the tranquility of the desert. 

"We exhibitors," Mrs. Stieber says, "find, 

in talking with each other, that what bothets 

the exhibitor in Hartford may well be the 

same thing nagging at the mind of the exhibitor 

elsewhere." 

CATO Chief Troubled 

What troubles CATO's leader at this time 

is the attitude of distribution. 

"As an exhibitor," the suburban Avon 

Twin Cinemas owner and operator told 

BoxoFFicE, "I'm very much apprehensive 

about the future of exhibition. There's not 

so much of a vacuum in communications 

between exhibition and distribution as an 

Troubled 

Confab Nears 

Moviegoing," she said, "didn't ju.st 'suddenly 

happen.' It was carefully, calculatedly, 

expanded by exhibitors. Television, with its 

much-publicized ratings systems, came long 

after. But watching a TV movie, with interruptions 

for commercials, is noi the same as 

watching a movie in a theatre, and no 

amount of concerted promotion by television 

will convince me, or other exhibitors, 

otherwise." 

Product Means Profit 

Distribution, she insists, will earn money 

only when its product earns money. And 

the prime source, regardless of how much 

"glamor" is tied to film showings on television, 

must be regarded as the motion 

picture theatre. Top grosses prove this constantly, 

she adds. 

"I don't care if we're talking of a multiple-auditorium 

complex or a single-standing 

theatre in a Connecticut hamlet, the main 

thing is that every dollar coming into that 

theatre is earning money for the distributor 

and the exhibitor. 

"By giving the exhibitor a better break, 

money-wise, the distributor will be giving 

himself a better break, in the long run, because 

with more money, the exhibitor, by 

increasing awareness by exhibition that distribution 

cannot completely comprehend nature an expansionist, will spend more. 

that exhibition, with all of its locked-in in- 

And in spending more, the exhibitor's out to 

vestment in land and physical equipment, expand his audience. Hence, the distributor 

fair enough share ârns more, too. It's simple. But distribuplus 

time, is not getting a 

of the profits." 

Distribution, Mrs. Stieber contends, 

should be aware of the evident nationwide 

renaissance in motion picture-viewing and 

strongly that distribution should be doing 

more to assure the ticket-buying public that 

to best appreciate a motion picture, the attraction 

should be seen in a motion picture 

theatre. 

the 

She wants to air the suggestion ; 

with 

upcoming Arizona conclave—along 

her personal philosophy of the vital need 

to convince distribution that exhibition, as 

it stands today, should not be regarded as 

the enemy." but. rather, as "the partner." 

Wants 'More Credif 

"Distribution," she said, "ought to give 

tion isn't buying the argument 

Future of Four-Screen Plex 

Clouded by Council Action 

NEW LONDON. CONN. — The future 

of a projected four-screen complex to be 

developed by Sampson & Spodick Theatres 

of New Haven in the $50 million Waterford 

Square Shopping Center, just over the 

New London city line, remains cl( :louded. 

To Use Existing 

Laws 

The New London city council voted to 

ask state and federal agencies to use existing 

laws and pass new ones in an effort to 

block the center's construction. 

Councilmen in a 5-2 vote, agreed to "implore" 

the state and federal governments 

to battle the project in what they called a 

fight for economic survival. 

New London officials are citing potential 

I have yet to see a movie on the muchpublicized 

cable television but from where 

I stand, I don't think CATV can -package' 

a movie as glamorously as a theatre. The 

very idea of seeing a movie in company of 

hundreds of people removed from the confines 

of home, conjures up a continuing 

fascination with illusion. Exhibition has 

capitalized on this, of course, it's and high 

time that distribution realized how very important 

exhibition is to the development of 

the moviegoing habit in America. 

tion, pollution and sewer service to the 

mall, adding that the mall would have an 

economic impact on southeastern Connecticut 

as well as New London. 

Competition Not the 

Issue 

Competition between New London and 

Waterford is not the issue, officials insist. 

Sampson & Spodick Theatres, headed by 

Leonard Sampson and Robert C. Spodick, 

presently operate, with Bill Rosen, the Norwich 

Cinemas 2 in Norwich and the Groton 

Cinemas 2 in Groton. 

NE-1

. . The 

. . The 

VERMONT 

^ârncr Bros.' 'Girl Friends" latched on 

to considerable attention in the Burlington 

area, understandable when one considers 

the region's sizable college-age population. 

After a Vermont premiere at the 

SBC Management Corp.'s Burlington Plaza 

2. the PG-rated film went into the Men ill 

G. Jarvis Essex Twin Cinema, Essex Junction, 

with seemingly indefatigable Jarvis 

advertising, "The film everyone is talking 

about is finally here." The Essex plex has 

a $1.50 admi.'sion policy in effect for all 

seats, all 

times. 

MOVIE MOVIE' OPENING OPENING—Guests in 1930s-style outfits, 

joined tlie opening night festivities for Warner Bros." "Movie Movie" Jan. 26 at 

Redstone's Showcase Cinema in Orange, Conn. WELl Radion of New Haven, in 

conjunction with Redstone Theatres, hosted the premiere activities, complete with 

klieg lights, champagne reception, 1930s music and a grand prize drawing. Four 

hundred WELl listeners and staff members attended the invitational reception following 

the screening. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

Jjarly 1979 will be rejiiembercd indeed lor 

major and independent product holdover 

capacity. A surprisingly sizable quantity 

of attractions, some briskly breaking 

long-standing bo.xoffice records, continued 

well beyond initially predicted booking 

length. The holdover bloc includes such 

titles as Universal's "Moment by Moment," 

Warner Bros.' "Superman" plus "Every 

Which Way But Loose." Columbia's "California 

Suite" and United Artists' "Invasion 

of the Body Snatchers" plus "The Lord of 

the Rings." 

New attractions acioss the Granite State 

included Avco Embassy's "Watership 

Down" and Brut Pictures' "The Class of 

Miss MacMichael." 

The Jerry Lewis Cinema in Portsmouth 

played Sunn Pictures' "Gulliver's Travels." 

the Richard Harris starrer, at 1:30 p.m. 

weekend matinees charging $1 admission 

for all scats both afternoons E.M. 

Loew's Civic Theatre, same city, scheduled 

"family matinee" pricing ($3, adults, and 

$1, age 17 and under) for "Invasion of the 

Body Snatchers." Ads asserted, "One of the 

year's best!" . . . Sister Cinema, Pori'^mouth. 

charged $1 admission for pptrons aged 17 

and under attending showin • of "Moment 

by Moment." 

Richard J. Wilson, SBC j\! nauement 

(\Mp., took sizable newspaper ad spac: for 

the Newington Mall 4 holdover of "Watership 

Down," to reprint excerpts fiom laudatory 

reviews from all over the country. He 

captioned the ad, " "Watership Down' is a 

must see film." 

The loka Theatre, Exeter, brought back 

Paramount's "Death on the Nile." 

NEW BEDFORD 

^here is audience appeal indeed in top-rated 

reruns. The in-town State Cinema 

brought back Buena Vista's "Escape to 

Witch Mountain" and "Return From Witch 

Mountain" on a double-bill, advertising. 

"Two super supernatural! Together for the 

first time!" Children and senior citizens 

were charged one-dollar admission with 

adults charged $1.50 to 2 p.m. at "bargain 

matinees." 

The Lockwood & Friedman Cinema 140 

Twin, playing the southeastern Massachusetts 

premiere of United Artists' "Invasion 

of the Body Snatchers," used the once-popu- 

lar "count-down" approach in advertising. 

The same house used teaser ads ahead of 

Avco Embassy's "Watership Down" and 

UA's "The Lord of the Rings" X 

release, "Beach House," had regional 

its 

bow at the Center Theatre in Fall River. 

The Oxford Cinema over in Fairhaven, 

with sub-run hooking of Paramount's 

"Grease," charged SI..M) admission for all 

seats at all 

times. 

Other continuing attractions across Vermont: 

United Artists' "The Lord of the 

Rings," Avco Embassy's "In Praise of Older 

Women" plus "Watership Down," Warner 

Bros.' "Superman" plus "Every Which 

Way But Loose," 20th Century-Fox's 

"Magic," Columbia's "California Suite" and 

Paramount's "King of the Gypsies." New 

titles included Universal's "Moment by 

Moment" and Brut Pictures' "The Class of 


Bernard L. Drew, Gannett News Service, 

reviewing "Moment by Moment" in the Burlington 

Free Press, likened the Lily Tomlin- 

John Travolta starrer to "a kind of Malibu 

Lady Chatterley's Lover.' " Of "Girl 

Friends," he said: "One of the nicest 

things about Claudia Weill's 'Girl Friends' 

—a film that has abundance of nice things 

— is her refusal to caricature the male of 

the species while she examines the friendship 

of two women." 

Patriot's Randolph Cinema 

Open Again With New Look 

BOSTON—The Randolph Cinema in the 

Randolph Shopping Center was re-opened 

recently by Philip J. Scott, president of Patriot 

Cinemas of Hingham. 

The house is completely redecorated, featuring 

red, white, blue and silver decor as 

well as new seating, carpeting, draperies 

and lobby-concession area. Russell & Co. 

of Fall River did the construction work and 

Boston Concessions Group, Inc. supplied 

the new concession stand. 

The town of Randolph's board of selectmen 

gave unanimous approval for the licenses 

necessary to re-open the 535-seat 

cinema. 

Cinemas numerous 

Patriot also operates 

theatres throughout the metropolitan area. 

Church Shows Triple Bill 

CAMBRIDGE, MASS.—The Harvard- 

Epworth Church hosted showings of "Comanche 

Station," Columbia 1960 release 

with Randolph Scott and Nancy Gates; 

"Cloak and Dagger," Warner Bros. 1946 

release with Gary Cooper and Lilli Palmer, 

and "The Last Frontier," Columbia 1956 

release with Anne Bancroft and Victor 

Mature. 

There was a conlrihulion of $1.50 for 

each screening. 

NE-2 BOXOFFICE February 12. 1979

.1 The 

, j 

Midnight 

I ; 

6th 

i Movie 

(^ 

FIRST RUN 

REPORT 

(AvL-ragc Is 100) 

Bosf-on 

Autumn Sonata (New World), 

Charles II, 13th wk 105 

The Bermuda Triangle (Sunn). 

Saxon, 2r.d wk 225 

Brink's Job (Univ), Cheri II. 

>50 

}. 8th wk 

California Suite (Col), Cheri III, 

Chestnut Hill II, 6th wk 250 


Charl;s I, 2nd wk HO 

Eveiy Which Way But Loose (WB), 

Cirele II, Paris, 6th wk 100 

Force 10 From Navarone (Al), 

Cinema 57, 1st wk 150 

The Grateful Dead (Indie), Orson 

Welles II, 2nd wk 1-^0 


Pi Alley I. 6th wk 300 


Beacon Hill, 6th wk 120 

The Last Wave (World Northal), 

Exeter, 1st wk 400 

Express (Col), Charles III, 

New Haven 


York Squaie Cinema, 6th wk 

The Bermuda Triangle (Sunn), 

5 theatres, 2nd wk 

California Suite (Col), Cinemart II, 

Milford 1. 6th wk 


Showcase III, 6th wk 


Showcase II, 6th wk 

The Lord of the Rings (UA), 

Showcase IV, 6th wk 

Moment by Moment (Univ), Cinemart I 

Milford II, 6th wk 

Movie Movie (WB), Showcase V, 

1st wk 

Superman (WB), Showcase I, 7th wk. . . 

Force 10 From Navarone (AI). 

Showcase I, 1st wk 500 

In Praise of Older Women (A£), 

3 theatres. 3rd wk 165 


Showcase II, 6th wk 275 

The Lord of the Rings (UA), 

Showcase III, 5th wk 165 

Moment by Moment (Univ), 

Showcase VI, 6th wk 1 35 

Movie Movie (WB), 3 theatres, 1st wk. .300 

Pizza Girls (SR), Art Cinemas, 

3rd wk 175 

Slow Dancing in the Big City (UA), 

Cinema City III, Elm II, 1st wk. . . .225 

Superman (WB), Showcase V, 

7th wk 325 

Nf W HAVEN 

The Spodick Whitney came up with something 

rather unusual—it "held over" 

a weekend matinee kiddie show to the following 

week. Such practice is rarely, if 

ever, in applied the New Haven area. The 

main attraction was Universal's "Mustang 

Country," 1976 release toplining Joel Mc- 

Crea, supported by cartoons. Admission 

both weekend afternoons was 99 cents for 

all 

seats. 

Hartford 


Atheneum Cinema, 6th wk 75 

The Bermuda Triangle (Sunn), 

13 theatres. 2nd wk 185 

California Suite (Col), 

Cinema City IV, Elm I, 6th wk 175 


4 theatres, 2nd wk 200 


Showcase IV, 6th wk 150 


to present claims to legal counsel on or 

before April 30 of this year. 

The Redstone Showcase Cinemas 5 started 

teaser advertising ahead of Warner 

Bros." "Agatha" as well as for Universal's 

"The Brink's Job." The complex, significantly 

enough, continues to emphasize 

availability of gift certificates for sale in 

ads— this many weeks after the conventional 

year-end, holiday shopping season. 

FILMACK IS 

CHOICE 

1st 

WITH 

SHOWMEN 

EVERYWHERE 

SPRINGFIELD 

Jêw titles on western Massachusetts marquees: 

Warner Bros.' "Movie Movie,'' 

Sunn Pictures' "The Bermuda Triangle," 

"Sex World," "Mustang, House of Pleasure," 

"Kinky Trickes," "Fringe Benefits," 

•From Holly With Love," "Shcihck 

Holmes" and Brut Pictures' "The Class ol 


Continuing attractions: Warner Bros.' 

••.Superman" plus "Every Which Way But 

Loose," Universal's "Moment by Moment," 

United Artists' "The Lord of the Rings" 

plus "Invasion of the Body .Snatchers" and 

Columbia's "California Suite." 

The resourceful John Morrison of the 

Pleasant Street Theatre, Northampton (one 

of the few independent exhibitors in the 

region regularly scheduling silent films), 

came up with a 1:30 p.m. showing of 

Buster Keaton's "The Three Ages," Metro 

1923 silent, on a recent Sunday. Morrison 

called the rarely seen film "Keaton's takeoff 

on David Wark Griffith's 'Intolerance.' 

He plays a modern man, a Roman captive 

and a caveman." The comedy. Morrison 

added, is rarely seen because there is only 

one 35mm print in existence. Morrison 

found the print through Raymond Rohauer, 

executor of the Keaton film estate. A.T. 

Purseglove continues to provide organ accompaniment 

for the Sunday afternoon "si- 

Icnts" at the Morrison cinema. 

Sack Theatres' Eastfield Mall Cinemas 2 

promotionally benefitted from a mall-sponsored, 

12-page advertising supplement published 

in the Springfield newspapers with 

the overall theme, "Winter won't last long." 

. . 

"Willy 

. 

Redstone Theatres scheduled the western 

Massachusetts premiere of Universal's 

-Same Time, Next Year" for the Showcase 

Cinemas 8, West Springfield 

Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." Paramount 

1971 release with Gene Wilder and 

Jack Albertson, was shown in the Brightwood 

branch of the Springfield Public Library. 

Robert Ellis Miller will direct FilmFair's 

"The Baltimore Bullet." 

ORDER FROM FILMACK 


SPECIAL FILMS 

DATE STRIPS, 

CROSS PLUGS, 

MERCHANT ADS, 

SPECIAL AN- 

NOUNCEMENTS 

FILMACK STUDIOS, INC.

HARTFORD 

Public response to vintage screen product 

has not diminished, at least in this region. 

More likely than not. there are screenings—free 

and open to the public—at area 

educational facilities and the like, and while 

not shown in conventional motion picture 

theatre surroundings, the films are drawing 

audiences, out of a continuing interest in 

yesteryear's film product. "The Golem." a 

German silent classic, was shown the other 

night at the University of Connecticut- 

Storrs campus, for example. One more recent 

release. 20th Century-Fox's "Silver 

Streak" (1976, co-starring Gene Wilder and 

Jill Clayburgh) was shown at the Greater 

Hartford Community College. Avco Embassy's 

"The Graduate" (1967. starring Dustin 

Hoffman) was seen at the University 

of Hartford. And there was a $1.50 charge 

for showings of "Brief Encounter" (Universal. 

1946. with Celia Johnson and Tievor 

Howard) and "The Lavender Hill Mob" 

(Universal, 1951, Alec Guinness, Stanley 

Holloway) at the University of Connecticut. 

These latter showings were sponsored 

by the U Conn Film Society. 

Critics' comments: Malcolm L. Johnson. 

Courant. had no praise for "In Praise of 

Older Women." Avco Embassy release. "In 

one sense." he wrote. " 'On Preying on Older 

Women' would be a more precise title" 

Patrick Farrell. Advocate, on the same 

film: "Bad imitations can sometimes be as 

damaging to the imitated as they are to the 

imitator. This picaresque memoir of a 

young man's sexploits in Hungary of the 

1950s is an undisguised homage to the worst 

of Traffaut. His tendency to evoke a strong 

emotion and then turn the corner, blunting 

it with another to create complexity." 

The Perakos Cinema I, East Hartford, 

with sub-run booking of Columbia's "Midnight 

Express," advertised "budget prices" 

$1.50, Wednesday through Saturday night, 

and 99 cents, Saturday matinee, Sunday, 

Monday and Tuesday. 

MAINE 

peruns sometimes have a habit of churning 

up boxoffice response on a level 

accorded newly opened product. Maine exhibition, 

for example, has found that Universal's 

"Smokey and the Bandit," the Burt 

Reynolds-Jackie Gleason-Sally Field starrer 

(1977). can be brought back time and again, 

with strong boxoffice results each time. 

This phenomenon substantiates the time- 

tested industry argument that distribution 

can expect theatrical profits from top-product 

indefinitely. The Reynolds audience 

draw, ofle industry observer tells Boxof- 

FiCE. can be likened to the Clark Gable 

appeal of a generation ago. "CBS." remarks 

this observer, "recently ran 20th Century- 

Fox's 'W.W. and Dixie Dancekings' on national 

television and a patron told me. 'I'd 

rather see it in your theatre. Less commercial 

interruptions.' " 

An early spring construction date is being 

firmed on the previously announced sixscreen 

complex for Cinema Centers Corp. 

on a tract adjacent to the booming Bangor 

Mall, which is Maine's largest enclosed 

shopping center. The complex will not be 

adjoining to the mall's existing buildings. 

Rather, it will b; built as a separate unit. 

Total seating capacity is presently figuied 

at 2,000. 

Twenty persons were arraigned in Portland 

district court on various charges resulting 

from a weekend melee during the showing 

of a rock-music documentary at the intown 

Paris Cinema. Police reported that a 

patrolman and a deputy sheriff were injuied 

in the disturbance. The development was 

first such event affecting Maine exhibition 

in 1979. 

RHODE ISLAND 

The Redstone Showcase Cinemas 6, Seekonk. 

hosting a Friday night sneak 

preview of Warner Bros.' "Movie Movie," 

gave the George C. Scott starrer teaser 

advertising on an unusually large scale • 

. . 

A sizable roster of X-rated product premiered, 

titles including "The Night Bird," 

"China de Sade," "Swedish Sorority Girls," 

'•Construction Gang," "Delilah,"^^ "Panty 

Party" and "A Very Natural Thing." 

The Midland Cinema, in the Midland 

Mall. Warwick, used the word "superlative" 

in holdover advertising for New World 

Pictures' "Autumn Sonata." Ad copy cited 

"best foreign 

film of the year," "best director 

of the year" and "best actress of the 

year" designation from the National Board 

of Review. 

The holdover titles across Rhode Island: 

Univcrsal's "Moment by Moment," Warner 

Bros. "Superman" plus "Every Which Way 

But Loose," Avco Embassy's "Watership 

Down," United Artists' "Invasion of the 

Body Snatchers" plus "The Lord of the 

Rings," Paramount's "Oliver's Story" plus 

"King of the Gypsies" plus "Grease" and 

Buena Vista's "Pinocchio." 

CUVERA9IA IS IS SHOW 

BUSINESS L HAWAII TOO, Hitchcock Pictures Return 

Wlien you com'- to Wuiklkl, 

don't miss the fuim us 1 )on 1 

Show ... at Cint nmu's 

ReefTowersHc. I. 

KI-EF • WAIKIKl TOWliR OFTIIE I 1 .KF h.wa.i 

RKF,FTOWT,RS • laXlI-WAl IM b"""f 

BROOKLINH, MASS.—The Coolidge 

Corner Cinema brought back Alfred 

Hitchcock's "Foreign Correspondent" 

(United Artists, 1940) and "The Man Who 

Knew Too Much" (Paramount, 1956) on a 

double-bill. 

as you 

giow. 

When you start to 

work, it's easy to spend 

your whole paycheck. 

And that's a good 

reason to join the 

Payroll Savings Plan 

and buy U.S. Savings 

Bonds. 

Because Bonds grow 

with you. So while you're 

working hard doing your 

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can be working hard 

doing their job. And that 

job is making money for 

you. 

Bonds can help 

cultivate your dreams. 

Whatever they are. A 

college education, down 

payment on a new 

house, or a long-aw aited 

vacation. Even a retirement 

nest egg. 

Put U.S. Savings 

Bonds to work for you, 

storing away the fruits 

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Plant the seeds of 

^ 

your future today. You'll 

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can grow into. 

E Bunds pay 6"^ interest when heUt 

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Take 

. stock 

m^lêrica, 

^:r:;^=;::^ 


TORONTO 

H week-long Cuban Film Festival opened 

Jan. 19 at the Festival here, formeily 

known as the New Yorker. This festival is 

one of six being held during January and 

February under the joint auspices of New 

Cinema, a Toronto-based distributor, and 

the Cuban Film Institute. "It took four 

to years get these films, the longest negotiations 

I've ever had," stated Linda Beath, 

head of New Cinema. '"For them film release 

is a cultural act. They are being very 

careful." 

"It's not our policy to remain isolated 

from the rest of the world," remarked Jorge 

Fraga, head of the institute, at the festival's 

opening. "We make films to be seen everywhere." 

The contract was drawn up in Berlin 

last March, and signed with the Cubans 

in Cannes last May. The trouble was worth 

it, 

according to Ms. Beath. "The Cuban film 

industry is the only one in the world run 

by filmmakers," she said. 

The touring delegation from the Cuban 

Film Institute, besides Jorge Fraga, included 

Tomas Alea, director of "The Last Supper" 

and senior consultant to other filmmakers; 

Antonio Rodriguez, in charge of 

foreign commerce for the institute; Alina 

Sanchez, a versatile singer and actress, and 

Samuel Claxton, a musician who has become 

Cuba's leading black actor. 

The Star newsroom was used on the 

weekend for location scenes in "Double Negative," 

a film version of a Ross Macdonald 

mystery with Michael Sarrazin and Ken 

James heading the cast. This $3 million 

Canadian film also stars Susan Clark. Anthony 

Perkins and Howard Duff, with cameo 

appearances by Canadians Kate Reid and 

Al Waxman. David Main and Jerome Simon 

are co-producers. 

Actor Tony Curtis arrived in the city to 

commence work on "Title Shot." the story 

of an attempted mob murder of the heavyweight 

boxing champion of the world before 

a big match. Curtis plays a crooked 

boxing promoter, and with him in the cast 

will be Canadian Film Award winner Richard 

Gabourie, New York actor Robert Delbert, 

and Canadians Allan Royal, Susan. Hogan, 

Sean McCann, Taborah Johnson, Bob 

O'Ree and newcomer Natsuko Ohama. 

New World-Mutual, Mutual 

To Handle Film Ventures 

TORONTO — Pierre David, president of 

New World-Mutual Pictures of Canada and 

Mutual Films of Quebec, and Edward L. 

Montoro, president of Film Ventures International, 

have announced that effective immediately 

all Film Ventures productions 

and acquisitions will be distributed in Quebec 

by Mutual Films and in the rest of Canada 

by New World-Mutual. 

Initial product from Film Ventures to be 

handled by New World-Mutual and Mutual 

will be "The Dark," an alien horror film 

starring William Devane and Cathy Lee 

Crosby, and "Howetown U.S.A." 

BOXOFFICE :: February K 1979 

Visit fo H'wood by Vennat & McCabe 

Raises Awareness of Canadian Film 

LOS ANGELES — Michel Vennat and 

Michael McCabe recently visited Hollywood 

to promote Canada's film industry 

and investment program. The following article 

by Lee Grant of the Times-Post News 

Service appeared in Los Angeles, and is 

reprinted as a possible sign of a growing 

awareness and interest in Canadian filmmaking 

on the part of the U.S. 

Question: What do actors Donald Sutherland, 

Christopher Plummer, Genevieve Bujold, 

Margot Kidder, Lome Greene and 

Susan Clark have in common? And directors 

Arthur Hiller ("Love Story"), Ted 

Kotcheff ("Fun With Dick and Jane"), Sidney 

Furie ("Lady Sings the Blues"), Norman 

Jewison ("In the Heat of the Night") and 

Dan Petrie (TV's "Sybil")? 

Answer: They are all Canadian. 

Canada's Culture 

"Film, has been an important part of Canada's 

culture," said Michel Vennat. chairman 

of the Canadian Film Development 

Corp. He and Michael McCabe, the corporation's 

executive director, were in Los 

Angeles recently carrying the message of 

their country's ambitious film investment 

program and its vital motion picture community. 

The government agency has made commitments 

this year to invest in film projects 

with budgets totaling more than $53 million. 

The goal, Vennat said, is to move Canadianproduced 

films from what had been basically 

one-dimensional, profitless domestic 

orientation into a competitive, money-making 

position in 

the world marketplace. 

The Canadian Film Development Corp. 

is a ten-year-old institution that until recently 

had been slugging along with a moderate 

program of loans and investments to 

producers and other filmmakers. It had, 

during the decade, participated financially 

in about 200 films with budgets of $60 million. 

Last year, the corporation's involvement 

included films with budgets of only 

$5.5 million. 

Some International 

Successes 

There have been some international successes—most 

notably "The Apprenticeship 

of Duddy Kravitz," "Lies My Father Told 

Me." "Outrageous!," "Black Christmas" and 

"Rabid." 

"I think perhaps 15 films from the 200 

returned their investment," said McCabe, 

"and less than half of those made a profit. 

Most of them were low-budget and designed 

solely for the Canadian market. Now we're 

going international, particularly into the 

U.S." 

Added Vennat, "Our fihn industry in 

general was just not doing very well. Not 

many films were being made and not much 

money was flowing in. We decided the only 

way to make money was to spend and invest 

more and expand worldwide." 

The corporation works as an arm of the 

government with money voted from Parliament. 

Vennat and McCabe report to Secretary 

of State John Roberts who also oversees 

such other national institutions as the 

Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and the National 

Museum Corp. 

Received 

Criticism 

Vennat and McCabe were named to their 

posts six months ago and the appointments 

received heavy criticism within the Canadian 

film community. The reasons focused 

on the men's apparent lack of motion picture 

indusrty experience. Vennat had been 

a lawyer in Montreal and McCabe a businessman 

in Ottawa and former head of the 

consumer affairs bureau. 

But as funds began to be dispensed along 

with new tax-break incentives as a roster of 

films began production and as the two men 

became more visible spreading the gospel of 

Canadian filmmaking, the criticism subsided. 

Films made for Canadian distribution 

only faced built-in problems, said Vennat. 

There is, for instance, a small population 

(22 million) and the division of languages 

(six million Canadians speak French only). 

"Any film that cost over $1 million to 

make had to be more than just successful 

in Canada to earn its money back," said 

McCabe, "and we couldn't compete with 

the big movies being brought into the country 

principally from the United States. 

American films tend to dominate the Canadian 

boxoffice. What we have done is make 

a decision to play in the big leagues." 

'Big League' Films 

Here is a partial list of the "big league" 

films in production utilizing Canadian Film 

Development Corp. funds: 

"Bear Island," based on a novel by Alistair 

MacLean. with a budget of $8 million 

($6 milllion from Canada and $2 million 

from United Kingdom sources). The film 

stars Donald Sutherland. Vanessa Redgrave, 

Richard Widmark, Barbara Parkins, Lloyd 

Bridges and Christopher Lee. 

"A Man Called Intrepid," about a Canadian 

head of the British Secret Service, starring 

David Niven, Michael York and Barbara 

Hershey. NBC has already bought TV 

rights for the United States. 

"Agency," about spying in the advertising 

business, with a budget of $4 million 

and a cast including Robert Mitchum, Lee 

Majors and Valerie Perrine. 

"The Brood," with a budget of $1.2 million 

and starring Oliver Reed and Samantha 

Eggar. Ivan Reitman, who co-produced 

"National Lampoon's Animal House," is 

producing this one. New World Pictures 

has already purchased the U.S. distribution 

rights. 

"City on Fire." a disaster film with a $3- 

million budget and starring Barry Newman, 

Henry Fonda, Susan Clark, .^va Gardner 

and Shelley Winters. 

(Continued on page K-4)

If 

The Rabbit Quest Does Excellently 

Skids Blindly With Good 

But 'Ice 

OTTAWA — The rabbits 

of \Vatership among the French-langLiage films. "Brillantine" 

Good and Good 

Down" and the man from Krypton are 

and "Ruby" to Very respectively, and four premieres. One ot 

leading the bunch this week with the only 

them. "L'Arbre au Sabots." opened with Excellent. 

Excellent ratings. "Movie Movie" and 

"Caravans" both began their runs with 

Very Good business. But "Ice Castles" Avenue— The Lord of the Rings (UA) 

blindly premiered with only Good. 

If 

-Caravans 

v-ui^.>»^= (Un 

. ,

i 

! 

justice 

' 

I 

! 

ly 

t 

' 

Schuster 

'Superman' Crealors 

Hurt by Bad Timing 

CLEVELAND—Timing is everything. 

Cleveland's Glenville High School produced 

three nationally known persons at about the 

same time. 

Benny Friedman, the super quarterback. 

was one. His fabulous career at Glenville 

and later at the University of Michigan 

came too soon for him to take advantage of 

the large contracts available to the pro-footballers 

of today. 

Similarly, Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster 

created "Superman" while still students at 

Glenville and then sold off their rights for 

SI 38. Subsequently others have garnered 

millions from their creation. 

Jerry wrote the character and Joe was the 

artist. The strip appeared in Action Comics 

and within one year it was a big success. It 

was then syndicated by McCIure to newspapers 

and the boys received small payment. 

Their financial plight was compounded by 

the success of Superman was all around 

them. They appealed to Action Comics for 

and even instituted law suits. 

They decided to publicize their plight and 

staged a press conference, aided by the Car- 

! toonists Assn. of America. The organization 

appealed to Warner Communications, 

which now owned Action Comics, and final- 

the men were awarded annuities of $20,- 

000 year. Siegel and Schuster are very grate- 

! 

ful to Warner Communications, who they 

CALGARY 

Qii his Canadian tour promoting Watership 

Down." producer-writer-director 

Martin Rosen was in Edmonton a lew 

weeks ago, then came to Calgary Jan. 29. 

The unusually popular film opened in both 

cities Feb. 2 and Rosen was very enthused 

about this feature, his first venture into 

the field of animation. His next project, 

already underway, is another animated feature 

adapted from a novel by Richard 

Adams entitled "The Plague Dogs." Work 

has already started on the story board, character 

development and setting up of location 

work. "Watership Down" has already won 

critical acclaim in Europe and the U.S. and 

was chosen by Time magazine as one of 

top ten movies for 1978. 

In a gaUery at Calgary's Glenbow Museum 

there is an exhibit called "The Silent 

Years" and it is a must for every nostalgia 

fan, and movie buff. Featured in the display 

are blowups of photographic stills from the 

personal and health problems. Schuster's collection of Charles Hofmann. All of the 

films illustrated by the stills have been 

eyesight became severely impaired while 

drawing the strip. Out of work, he sold his shown by Hofmann over the past three 

possessions and moved in with his parents. 

years with his musical accompaniment. The 

Siegel's wife, who was the model for Lois 

photos trace the growth of the silents from 

Lane, recalls similar trauma. She says, 

the first commercial showing of a motion 

"We had a baby, other medical problems 

picture in 1896 to the birth of sound in 

and no money. The milk was not delivered 

1929. A few of the delights shown are Lillian 

and the diaper service quit for non-payment." 

and Dorothy Gish in "An Unseen Ene- 

The Siegels were forced to accept 

my" (1912). Louise Brooks in "Pandora's 

menial work to survive. In the meantime, 

Box" (1929), William S. Hart in "Hell's 

Hinges" (1916) and Antonin Artaud as Marat 

in "Napoleon" (1927). There is a catalogue 

available that gives program notes 

on each film and also an outline of early 

film history. 

Edmonton's Provincial Museum offered 

another in its road films Jan. 21 when it 

screened "The Road to Morocco" (1942) 

Undertaking cashierins duties at United 

Artists Corp. is Charlotte Oicklc who is no 

stranger to our industry having worked at 

Calgary's Uptown Theatre. Charlotte is a 

Calgary girl and should fit in to this facet 

of our business with no problems. 

Odeon Theatre's Shakespeare festival is 

moving right along with the screening Jan. 

28 of "Richard III" starring Laurence O'l 

vier and John Gcilgud. 

Back in 1977 the St. Albert Drive-In Theatre 

in Edmonton was held up at gunpoint 

and robbed of the night's proceeds. Jan. 19 

two men were sent to jail for the armed robbery. 

A. P. Dhaene and M. F. Wandinger 

were sentenced to respective times of 15 

months and one year with a recommendation 

that both be considered for day parole 

during their jail term. After completing 

their sentences, lir the will be on a two- 

^^^^ probation period. Judge Koshuta felt 

that the jail sentence was necessary as a deterrent 

to the almost daily robberies that 

take place in Alberta cities. 

To date there is no confirmation of a replacement 

for the position of branch manager 

at United Artists Corp. Meantime, 

booker Vern May is holding the fort and 

taking care of things. 

The National Film Theatre in Edmonton 

put out an extremely attractive brochure 

to keep members advised of upcoming 

events, and recognized in January's issue 

as "organization of the month" is the Alberta 

Motion Picture Industries Assn. Playing 

in the Citadel Theatre on Jan. 24 & 25 was 

"The Serpent's Egg" (Germany, 1978) by 

Ingmar Bergman. Jan. 26 and 28 was "Tokyo 

Story" (Japan, 1953) by Yasujiro Ozu 

in the original Japanese with English subtitles. 

Feb. 1 there was a double bill of 

"Superman" film. Siegel was unable to at 

tend for health reasons. They both attended 

the Hollywood opening in style. They are 

given screen credit but they do not benefit 

in a financial way from the movie. 

Four Youths Are Arrested 

For Vandalizing Drive In 

From Central Edition 

LEBANON, IND.—Four youths, ranging 

in age from 14 to 16, who were runaways 

from the Indiana Methodist Children's 

Home, have been arrested, while a 

fifth is still being sought, in connection with 

an estimated $3,000 worth of vandalism to 

the Sky-Vue Drive-In on Lebanon's northwest 

side. The children's home is about two 

blocks from the 

drive-in. 

Police said the culprits entered the theatre's 

concession-projection building Jan. 22 

and smashed windows and machinery, and 

scattered paper goods throughout the building. 

A resident living nearby noticed moving 

figures in 

the building and called police. 

are free to the public. 

Fil Fraser, filmmaker from Edmonton, is 

becoming much in demand as a public 

speaker, but he recently missed an engagement 

with an audience of—would you believe—women. 

Due to a tight filming schedule, 

following a trip to Los Angeles, and a 

mix-up on hfs calendar, Fil was on location 

when he was expected at a lunch given by 

the Canadian Women's Club. But it all had 

a happy ending when John Patrick Gillese, 

director of literary arts for Alberta Culture, 

did a very capable job as pinch-hitter for 

Fraser. 

The Edmonton Film Society screened 

another in its international series Jan. 22 

in the SUB Theatre on the University of 

Alberta campus. An Italian film, "Padre Padrone" 

was shown. This was the first film 

ever to win both the Grand Prize and the 

International Critic Prize at the Cannes 

Film Festival. 

"Jules and Jim" (France, 1961) directed by 

Francois Truffaut and "Pickpocket" 

(France, 1959) by Robert Bresson the 

Louanne Chudley (nee Stewart) has left 

the cashier's position at United Artists Corp. 

and will henceforth be toiling for Canadian 

Western Natural Gas. 

The Calgary Film Society showed a double 

bill in a series of surrealist films Jan. 21 

in the Boris Roubakine Theatre on the University 

of Calgary campus. The Luis BunucI 

feature produced in collaboration with Salvador 

Dali was entitled "Un Chien Andalou" 

and was produced in France in 1928. 

The other film, "Blood of a Poet," was directed 

by Jean Cocteau in France in 1932. 

The Midway Theatre in St. Briux, Manitoba, 

which has been closed for over a year, 

was reopened Jan. 6 with a new sound system 

that was installed by Independent Theatre 

Supply of Edmonton. The theatre will 

be operated by owner Joe Perrault, son of 

the former operator. 

(Continued on following page) 

I 

BOXOFTICE :: February 12, 1979 

C-3

AGENCY 

Valerie Perrine and Lee Majors are shown in a scene from "Agency," 

a new thriller being filmed entirely in Montreal. Somewhat of a change in 

image. Majors portrays a creative director of an ad agency who unearths the agency's 

plot to control population behavior through subUminal manipulation. 

VANCOUVER 

Csecretary-treasurer of the Motion Picture 

Theatre Assn. of British Columbia, Vi 

Hosford. was busy last month mailing out 

invitations and information concerning the 

annual meeting to be held March 6-7. It will 

take place in the plush Four Seasons Hotel, 

which is situated in the downtown core, 

right in the heart of theatre row. 

Radio campaigns started late last month 

on "The Deer Hunter," which is scheduled 

to premiere in the Odeon's Vogue Theatre 

Feb. 23. It will also set a precedent inasmuch 

as the $5 admission fee will be the 

highest ever levied in Vancouver for a 

movie. 

Calgary's Odeon Theatre continued its 

Camelia Gauthier, who for the past year 

Ninth Annual Shakespeare Festival Jan. 21 

afternoon with the screening of Peter Brook's 

has been operating a booking and buying 

"King Lear," which starred Paul Scofield. 

agency for several independent situations, 

has branched out and is now booking rock 

The Edmonton Film Society has taken a 

bands throughout British Columbia. The 

rather daring step in the presentation of a 

main operation is based on the Vancouver 

film series entitled Eroticism in the Cinema. 

clubs. 

It is billed as a series that "is concerned 

Last year the birth and first month of the 

only Beluga whale ever born in captivity 

was filmed at Vancouver's aquarium. It has 

since been acquired by the National Film 

Boaid and produced as a short subject. 

Running 14 minutes, it recently was submitted 

for Academy Award nomination in 

Hollywood. Odeon's Ron Keillor, who 

books and plays more short .subjects than 

anyone else in the West, informs us that to 

the best of his knowledge there are no 

-iIVERxVUA IS L\ SHOW 

BU.V VESS IS HAWAII TOO^ 

' 

VJhCi. ,ou cniic to Waikiki, 

don't misb the famous Don IIo 

Show . . . ui (incrama's 


_ 

^fsa' 

35mm theatrical prints available for dating 

Dave Gilfillan, Canfilm manager, and his 

wife returned last month from a combined 

business and holiday trip which took them 

to New Orleans and Mazatlan. In New Orleans 

they attended the NAVA convention 

Jan. 11-15, which attracted almost 6500 

people and over 30 nationalities with 260 

manufactuiers showing the latest in equipment 

from around the world. 

CALGARY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

with the serious cinematic study of different 

facets of erotic attraction, behaviour and 

obsession." All of the screenings will be in 

the Tory Lecture Theatre on the University 

of Alberta campus. Initial offering in the 

series was "Ecstacy" (Czech., 1933) with 

English subtitles, directed by Gustav Kachaty 

and starring Hedy Lamarr. 

Filmmaker David Dortort was in Calgary 

recently and appeared on a live Simday evening 

talk show on local television station 

CFCN-TV. He was very enthusiastic on the 

subject of the Tri-Media Studio, which will 

soon be built on our outskirts. According 

to Dortort this is the ideal location for such 

a project that will make filmmaking a yearroimd 

business in our province. Calgary's 

adjacent scenery supplies such a wide variety 

of backgrounds, mountains, lakes, foothills, 

bushland, badlands and prairies, that 

it would certainly attract filmmakers. 

U. S. Awareness Grows 

In Canadian Films 

(Continued from page K-l) 

"Old Fish Hawk." about the friendship 

between an Indian and a young boy, starring 

Will Sampson (the actor from "One Flew 

Over the Cuckoo's Nest"). The film has a 

$2-million budget and CBS has already paid 

$1.5 million for the TV rights in the United 

States. 

"Running," about a man who decides in 

his mid-30's to try out for the Olympic 

Games marathon, and starring Michael 

Douglas and Susan Anspach. The film has 

a budget of $3.5 million and ABC has spent 

$2.8 million for U.S. TV rights. 

"Murder by Decree," the latest adventure 

of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and 

made for $5 million ($3 million Canadian 

and $2 million from England). The film 

stars Christopher Plummer, James Mason, 

Donald Sutherland, Genevieve Bujold, 

David Hemmings and Susan Clark and is 

being distributed in the United States by 

Avco Embassy. 

"Summer Camp," another film by Reitman 

in the "Animal House" vein. The budget 

is $1.2 million and the star is Bill Murray 

(from TV's "Saturday Night Live"). 

Stop Overselling Tickets, 

Detroit Column Complains 

From Mideast Edition 

DETROIT—A column in 

the Free Press 

recently commented on the problem of overselling 

the house. The observations follow: 

This business of movie exhibitors' overselling 

the house has got to stop. 

It's bad enough to be out for an evening 

and find that you can't sit with your friends 

or date. It's worse to buy tickets for a late 

show in advance, go to dinner, and then return 

to find that the show for which you 

think you hold tickets has been sold out. 

The 'Ultimate Affronf 

Now comes the ultimate affront—using 

a Walt Disney movie to exploit children. 

At a holiday matinee showing of "Pinocchio" 

at the Warren Cinema, those arriving 

as early as 15 minutes before the show 

found themselves strolling up and down the 

aisles searching in vain for seats together. 

Some families left. Some broke up, taking 

individual seats in various locations of 

the theatre. Right through the first five 

minutes of the film adult voices were barking 

"Shut up and sit here!" and children's 

voices were wailing, "But I want to sit with 

you!" 

Even after all seats had been filled, 

groups of families were standing in the lobby 

foriornly clutching tickets they thought 

had entitled them to seats. 

If those automatic ticket-splitters can't be 

taught to count, exhibitors should find a 

human being who knows the way to 500 (or 

however many seats there arc to sell) and 

who can inform ticket purchasers when only 

scattered seating is left. 

K-4 

BOXOFTICE :: February 1979

BOXorriCE bookmncumde 

An interpretive analysis ol lay and tradepresa revie\»ra. Running lime la in parentheses. The plus and 

minus signs indicate degree oi merit. Listings cover current reviews regulcnly. Symbol O denotes 

BOXCFFICE Blue Hibbon Award. All films are in color except those indicated by (bSw) lor black & white. 

Motior Picture Ass'n (MPAA) ratings: Bl—general audiences: PG—all ages admitted (parental guidance 

suggested): iRl—restricted, with persons under 17 not admitted unless accompanied by parent 

or adult guardian: X^persons under 17 not admitted. National Catholic Ollice lor Motion Pictures 

(NCOMP) ratings; Al— unobjectionable for general patronage: A2—unobjectionable for adults or adolescents: 

Al—unobjectionable lor adults: A4—moraUy unobjectionable for adults, with reservations: 

B—objectionable in part lor all; C—condemned. Broadcasting and Filr 

Nationa 

of Churches (BFC). For listings by company, see FEATUHE CHART. 

H Very Good; + Good; - Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor V: is rated 2 plu 

Review digest 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

5092/ Divide 

(103) OD-Ad PIE 5-79 Ifil 

Always for Pleasure (58) 

Doc Les Blank 5-7S 

5C71 Attack of tlie Killer Tomatoes (86) 

Ho-CM .Four Square Productions 11- 6-78 PG 

5065 Autumn Sonata 

(97) D New World 10- 9-78 PG A3 

5057 Avalanche (91) 

Ac-Sus New World 9-11-7S PG B 

504S 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 =: 

5080 Battlestar Gallactica 

(125) SF-Ac Univ 12-11-78 PG ± 

5057 Beyond and Back 

(91) Doc Sunn Classic 9-11-78 El A3 + — 

5068 Bij Fix, The 

(113) My-C-D Univ 10-23-78 PG A3 -H- tt 

Wednesday (125) C-D WB 8- 7-78 PG B + - 

5050 Bin 

5067 Black Pearl, The 

5058 Blackout (90) 

Ac-Sus New World 9-11-78 11 ± 

Bloodbrothers (116) D WB 10- 9-78 El W 5066 B + 

5063 Born Again (110) B-D Emb 10- 2-78 PG A3 ± ± 

5CS5 Bottom Line, The 

(93) C Silverstein 1-8-79 11 + 

5061 Boys From Brazil, The 

(124) SF-Sus-D 20th-Fox 9-25-78 [H A3 — + 

5087 Brass Target (111) 

Sus-D MGM-UA 1-15-79 PG A3 + ± 

5045 Bread and Chocolate 

(lU) C-D World Northal 7-24-78 B 44 

5084 Brink's Job, The (118) Cr-C ...Univ 1- 1-79 PG ± ± 

5038 Buddy Holly Story, The 

(113) B-DNI Col 6-19-78 PG A3 + 

(96) Ad-0 Diamond 10-23-78 PG A2 -f- 

5+3- 

1+1- 

1+2- 

2+5- 

8+1- 

1+2- 

5+1- 

4+3- 

5+2- 

4+3- 

Caddie (107) 

D Australian Film Office 1- 8-79 

California Suite 50S6 (103) Col 1- C 8-79 PG A3 

5074 Caravans (123) Ad-D Univ ll-U-78 PG A3 

5044 Cheap Detective, The 

(92) C-My Col 7-17-78 PG A3 

Chess Players, The 

(135) D Creative Films 7-10-78 A2 

50S5 Children of Sanchez, The 

(115) D Lone Star 1-15-79 E] 

5092 Circle of Iron 

(102) F-Ac-Ad Emb 2- 5-79 H B 

a 5070 Comes Horseman (118) W-D ..UA 10-30-78 PG A3 

5069 Count Dracula and His 

Vampie Bride (87) Ho Dynamite 10-30-78 

•H H ft ++ 

+ 10+ 

+f 8+-1- 

4+1- 

5+1- 

± 6+3- 

1+1- 

5035 Damien—Omen II 

(106) Ho-D 20th-Fox 6-12-78 E B + + 

5C5SDays of Heaven (95) D Para 9-11-78 PG A3 +f H 

5035 Dear Inspector (Reviewed as "Dear Detective") 

(105) My-R-C Cinema 5 6-12-78 PG A3 ft 

SOeiyOeatn on the Nile 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuicle :: Feb. 12, 1979 

+-

ated 

REVIEW DIGEST 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

n the sumrricry ; 

2 pluses, - as 2 

I 11=.^ i:^|i|r|j|-l 

I i I I I; 2iiiltS|5|£t!jf 

lit Castl5s aL5> D Ccl 1- 3-79 PG + 4+ + 

If It Fits 

i6P> Dm Marshall/Enler 2- 5-79 i 

li Praise of OMer WonM 

liOS) . Emb 2- 5-79 H C -f- ± + 

l.-K!:t.it Tne (US) D .... Analysis 1-29-79 + + 

Irreiicn cr tile Boii.v Srutchers (114) 

SF.&is UA 1- 1-79 PG B -f 1+ 1+ i 

It's Net the Size T.ut Counts 

iSe' Si> C Brenner 12-11-7S S 

:!: 

Just Oazy About Horses 

(93) Dk Fred Baker 2- 5-79 -f 

—K— 

King of the Gypsies 

(112) D Para 12-1S-7S S -f 

—L— 

Last Sunri»or, The 

E (90) Sas-Ho-Ad United Producers 9-18-78 i: 

Last Wa.e, The (105) 

My-D World Northal 10- 9-7S PG A3 ± 

Uke a Turtle on Its Back 

(90) C-D New Line 10-30-78 -f 

Lord of the Rinos. The 

+ 

(131) An-F-Ad UA 11-20-78 PG A2 

5075Magic (106) Sus-D 20th-Fox 11-20-78 S B 

5049 Magic of Lassie. The 

(100) C-OM ..Infl Picture Show 8- 7-78 H Al 

5054 Matter of Loe. A 

(88) Sex D ...William Mi.hkin 8-21-78 S 

50S9Mai Havelaar (165) Hi-D ..Atlantic 1-29-79 

5073 Message From Space 

(105) SF-Ac UA 11-13-78 PG 

5086 Moment by Moment (105) R-0 . . Uni» 1- 8-79 E C 

5077 Motie. Ma.ie (105) C 

(© and b&w) WB 11-27-78 PG 

± -r 5+1- 

= - 6-1-3- 

—N— 

5043 National Lampoon's Animal House 

(109) C Uni» 7-17-78 S C 

Nea (101) Sex C L>hra S-21-7S C 

5053 

5062 No Tiire for Breakfast 

(100) D Daniel Bouria 9-25-78 

.. 5056 Norseman. The (90) Ac-Ad AlP 9- 4-78 PG A3 

5087 Oliver's Story (90) R-0 Para 1-15-79 PG A3 

5054 Oily Oily Oxen Free 

(89) C-Ad Sanrlo 8-21-78 3 

5088 On the Yard (102) D Midwest 1-15-79 H 

5074 Once in Paris . . . 

(lOO) C-0 Once in Paris Co. 11-13-78 

5063 Paradise Alley

-2 

:° :o.? 

3 I ° ?!

1 

if ll I 

ill ii .§: 

II 

-ill

. Hi-D 

June 

Jan 

. . .Ac-Sus, . 

May 

May 

Dec 

Sept 

. Feb 

Wolfman 

. . 

. . 

. 

Rel. u 

ANALYSIS FILM RELEASING 

Indian Summer Nov 

Charleston 

Dec 

The Innocent Jan 79 

APRIL FOOLS FILMS 

Harper Valley PTA 

(97) C.Ma 

ATLANTIC RELEASING 

Madame Rosa (105) 0.. Apr 78 

Bonjour Amour (90) ...D..Jun 

Picnic at Hanginp Rock Oct 78 

Max Havelaar (165) . . 79 

La Jument Vapeur 

BACKSTREET-BEEHIVE- 

HOLLYWOOD INT'L 

Lust Flight 2000 

(78) Sex C-D..Noy 78 

FRED BAKER FILMS, LTD. 

Just Crazy About Horses 

(93) Doc. Dec 78 

The Black Goddess Jan 79 

CARIBBEAN FILMS WEST 

Made D. 

Up the Chastity Belt C. 

Our Miss Fred C, . 

So Sad A'lout Gloria , 

Teenage Pony Girls Sex.. 

Moonshine (iirls Sex. . 

Gail Palmer's Hot Summer In the 

City 

Sex.. 

Redneck County Ac-C . 

78 

Gail Palmer's New Erotic 

Adventures of 

Candy (85) Sex C. . 78 

far..] rntm.ir^, Ceori!lna SpeWn 

Gall Palmer's Candy Goes to 

Hollywood Sex C . 

Parol Cnrmnrs. John Leslie 

78 

CINEMA S 

Dear Inspector 

(105) My-R-C Ju 

\nnle nirardnl. Philippe Nolr.- 

Viva Italia! (87) C. July 78 

Vlttnrlo (Iftfwman. ITgn Tognazzl 

COUGAR RELEASING, LTD 

loe Panther (93) Ad.. Sept 78 

Brian Keith. Hlcardo Montalban 

Legend of Sea Wolf 

(90) A«.. Sept 78 

ftiiick Connor*^. Barbara Bad) 

Astral Factor (93) . . . Sus. . Nov 78 

Bike Rnmmrr. Hubert KMair>rth 

Pooosie (9S) C. Dec 78 

Rfiphia I/iren. Marcello Ma.l1 ml 

MISCELLANEOUS 

I 

Date 

Rel. 

EMC PRODUCTIONS 

OMNI PIC-TURES 

(101) At At Last .. 

Last, 

(103) Sex C-D. .May 781 The Devil's Clone 

or Heads (90) Sex C. Aug 78 (96) 

Tails 

The Wonderful Wizard of 

Ozz Feb 79 

FIRST ARTISTS RELEASING 

Stevie (102) B-D..Sept7S 

Glenda Jackson, Mona Washbourne 

FIRST INT'L PICTURES 

Dracula Sucks 

(108) Sex-Ho-C-D..Fcb79 

.l.mk OiUis. Anuelte Haven, 

Serena. John Holmes 

FLORA RELEASING 

The Demon Lover (80) May 78 

The Bandits (87) May 78 

MASADA PRODUCTIONS, INC. 

Apple Pie Jan 79 

MUSTANG-BEEHIVE 

Carnal Encounters of the Barest 

Kind (88) Sex-SF. .Apr 79 

NATIONAL AMERICAN 

NEW LINE 

Gizmo! (79) Sept 78 

(86) Bronson Lee Champion 78 

Despair (120) Oct 78 

Like a Turtle on It: 

(90) 

Oct 78 

I'.emadcltp Lafiint 

Jive (81) Nov 78 

Robert nmiTicy 

Autumn in Germany (116) . 

Rev?nge of the Streetfighter 

(90) Apr 79 

Sdrmy Oilba 

NMD FILM DISTRIBUTING CO 

The Carhops (88) June ^ 

The New Adventures of Snow White 

(76) July 78 

Ac-Sus. .Mar 79 

(QUARTET FILMS 

Wifemistress (101) D.. Jan 79 

Marcello Mastroiannl, Laura 

ROCHELLF FILMS, INC. 

(88) D. .June 78 

Jake Lawrence 

names, Adam 

CB Hustlers (85) C. .June 78 

Tlffanv Jones, Jolin Alderman 

Fiona (82) C-D.. July 78 

lldn.i Richmond. Anllmn.v Steele. 

Vli-tnr Splnetll 

Thirsty Dead (96) Sept 78 

Rock Fever (98) Oct 78 

Dr. Jackyll's Dungeon of 

Death (91) Nov 78 

BEEHIVE PRODUCTIONS 

HOLLYWOOD INT'L 

SANRIO FILM DISTRIBUTION 

Carnal's Cuties 

(76) Sex C. .Apr 79 

Come Under My Spell 

Oily Oily Oxen Free 

Pat Manning. Janet Sands, 

(84) Sex D.. Dec 78 (89) C-Ad..AuB78 

['risen King. WUIiam Maigold 

Lusty Princess (82) .Sex C. Jan 79 Katharine Hepburn 

Curves Ahead! 

The New Erotic Adventures of Where the Northern Fox Goes 

Casanova Part 2 ..Sex D . 79 (90) 0D-Doe..0rt78 

(78) Sex C. June 79 

The 

I'm 

Lady Wants 

Always Ready ... Sex C- Mar 79 Nutcracker Suite 

a 

(100) An-H..Dec78 

Tramo Sex C. July 79 

Dirty Deadlines 

(74) Sex C. Oct 79 

INDEPENDENT ARTISTS 

When the Screaming Stops 

SIX 

JOSEPH BRENNER 

PICTURES 

(94) Ho-F. 

Computer Game Sex.. June 78 

It's Not the Size That Counts 

Bar Maid Sex.. June 78 

(86) May 78 

Super Jocks (90) May 

My Swedish Cousins .. .Sex. .June 78 

78 

Lip Service Sex. .June 78 

Restless (90) 0. May 78 JAGUAR-BEEHIVE 

Love Thy Neighbor ... Sex. June 78 

Uaqiiel \\Vlph, IflchnrJ Jnlinson 

SCO Dolls in Hot Skin 

Pleasure Cruise Sex.. June 78 

Eyeball (93) May 78 (95) Sex 

Girls Prison Sex. June 

Almost Human 

78 

(90) June 78 

The Naked Woman The Pro Shop Sex. .June 78 

(91) June 78 

liaild Mi.n.mlnKS, Andiea n;m 

Wall Street Walker Sex.. July 78 

Turned-On Girl Sex.. July 78 

Submission (90) June 78 

Franco 

Sweet Taste of Joy ... Sex. .July 78 

Nero, IJsn (îistonl 

KEY INT'L FILM 

Secretaries 

Free Spirit (88) . . . . R-D . 78 

Spread Sex. .July 78 

Sweet Creek County War 

Sex Freedom in 

ll.irhol lloherts, I^rli- I'lirter 

(98) W-C..Feh79 Marriage Sex, July 78 

Richard Egan. Albert Salmi 

CAL-AM ARTISTS 

Three Way Weekend 

Sunset Cove (87) Ac Apr 78 (8S) Sex C. .Mar 79 

Goodbve Franklin High 

Dnn Diego, Jndy Olhava 

(93) D.. May 78 

l.ane Caudell. Ann Diisenberry 

Marcello MastrolaimL Claudia Mori 

LIMA PRODUCTIONS 

The Bananas Boat C. May 78 

Erotic Adventures of Pinocchio 

Hayley Mills, Doug McClure 

(75) Sex C. Mar 78 Eagles Attack at Dawn Ac. June 78 

Teenage Seductress 

CAPRICAN THREE, INC. 

(87) Sex D. Mar 78 

Ac-D. June 78 

Little Miss Innocence 

Dealli Force (96) Ac. Apr 78 

Vampire Hookers 

(83) Sex C-D..July 78 

Jrihn rarradlne. Bruce Falrliairn 

STUDIO FILM CORP. 

The Alpha Incident (85) ....Mar7S 

Ralph Meeker. St.lfford Morg:ul. 

.lohn r.nf!. Buck Flowers 

Johnny Mar 79 

Hiirst BuchlKibt 

The Capture of Bigfoot 

(95) May 79 

RirlNinl Kennedy. Katherine Hcipkiiis, 

Stafford Morgan, John CJoff 

The Maggots Aug 79 

Otis Young. John Goff. 

Katherine Hopkins 

2Ist CENTURY 

Three Fantastic Supermen . .June 78 

The Obsessed One July 78 

The Tormented Aug 78 

Sli'lla Carnaclna. Chris Avram 

Snuff Box Connection ..Ac. Sept 78 

Kung Fu Ac Sept 78 

C-D.. July 78 

All Things Bright and Beautiful 

(94) C-D.. July 78 

.I.ihn M.lerton, Celln Rlakely 

The Last Wavt 

(106) My-D. Oct 78 

Teresa the Thief CD Oct 78 

COMING RELEASES 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

Fedora Apr 79 

William Holden, Marlhe Keller 

Stuntrock May 79 

Grant Page, Monique van de Ven, 

Margaret Gerard 

The Shape of Things to Come . .SF. 

Jack Palanoe, Carol Lynley 

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL 

Meteor June 79 

Sean Connery. Natalie Wood, 

Henry Fonda. Trevor Howard 

Defiance 

Jan-.Mlchael Vincent, Joseph 

Campanella, Art Carney, Theresa 

The 

Richard Kiel, Barbaia Bach 

The Amityville Horror 

James Brolin. Margot Kidder, 

Rod Steiger, Murray Hamilton 

The Visitor 

John Huston, Shelley Winters 

Glenn Ford 

AVCO EMBASSY 

A Man, a Woman and a Bank . 

Donald Sutherland. Brooke Adam 

Goldengirl 

James Coburn. Susan Anton, 

Leslie Caron. Robert (îlp 

Winter Kills 

Elizabeth Taylor. Jeff Bridges, 

John Huston, Anthony Perkins 

Tim Conua.v. Don Knotta 

The Black Hole 

Maximlll.an Schell, Anthony 

Perkins. Robert Forster 

The Spaceman and King Arthur 

Dennis Dugan. Jim Dale. 

Kenneth More, Ron Moody 

COLUMBIA 

The Photographer 

Annie Girardot, Jacques DiilronI 

Paradise 

Paul Newman 

All That Jazz D» 

Roy Scheider, Ann Reinking 

istyle 

Cla 

Kid 

George Bums, Brooke Shields 

Nightwing 

Stephen Macht, Nick MaJicuso 

Ashanti 

Mioh.iel Caine. Peter Ustinov, 

William Holden. Rex Harrison 

The Thief of Bagdad 

Terence Sl.imp. Peter Ustinov 

CROWN INTERNATIONAL 

Burnout Mar 79 

Mark Schneider. Robert Louden 

The Pom Pom Girls, Part II ... 

Coach. Part II 

Gym Teacher 

The Malorettes 

Lovely But Deadly 

DIMENSION 

Down in Flames . 

Swap-Meet 

Stone Cold Dead . 

Solitary Confinement 

Naked Paradise . . . 

Night Creature . , . . 

The Lady in Red . 

Battle Beyond the St 

Tie a Yellow Ribbon 

the Old Oak Tree 

PARAMOUNT 

Rough Cut .... 

Burt Reynolds. 

Escape From Alcat 

aint Risiwood, 

..Apr 79 

May 79 

.June 79 

.July 79 

Aug 79 

. Oct 79 

North Dallas Forty 

.Mck Nolle 

ull Moon in August 

Joseph Bottoms 

Fraternity Row (101) 0. 

Peter Foi, Gregory Barriaon 

Seven Nights in Japan 

Michael York 

American Gigolo 

Lauren Hutton 

Prophecy 

Talla Shire. Itobert Foxvvorth 

The Hurricane 

Timothy Bottoms. Jason Robards, 

Mia Farrow, Trevor Howard 

June 79 

Tim .Matheson. Susan Blakely 

3utch and Sundance: the Early 

Days W.. June 79 

Hen 

Nine to Five C. 

Jane Fondi 

St. Petersburj Cannes Express 

Julie Christie, Donald Sutherland 

The Rose DM. 

Belle Midler, Alan Bates 

Bruhaker 

Robert Redford 

UNITED ARTISTS 

Apocalypse Now War D .Dec 79 

Marlon Brando, Robert Dnvall. 

.Martin Sheen, Dennis Hopper 

James and Jane 

J.imes Ca.aii. Genevieve Bujold 

Wanda Nevada C-Ad, 

I'eter Fonda. Brooke Shields 

Last Embrace R-Suf-D.. 

Roy Scheider, Janet Margolin. 

:)Iarcla Rodd, Christopher Walken 

Moonraker 

Rotrer Moore. Lois Chiles. 

Michel L

| 

Opinions on Current Productions Feature revicws 

All iilms reviewed he color, unless otherwise specUied as black and white (b&w). For story synopsis 

HARDCORE 1] 

Columbia (79005) 105 Minutes Rel. Feb. '79 

x 

George C. Scott's very presence lends nobility to any id 

enterprise he undertakes. In this film Scott plays a Calvinist 

father with the intensity and commitment we have 

come to expect from him. Director-writer Paul Schrader, 

however, has failed to provide him with a balanced, satisfying 

vehicle for his talents. "Hardcore" descends, level 

by level, into the violent, tawdry inferno of pornography, 

and attempts to set up a dramatic confrontation between 

a deeply-felt but repressive and 

religious commitment 

the shoddy carelessness of immorality. Schrader's 

But 

script fails to fill in crucial gaps in the story: why does 

the daughter "defect" so dramatically to this world so 

alien from her own? How does her metamorphosis take 

place? How can Scott, a simple man shown to be completely 

innocent of the pornographic subculture, adopt 

its accoutrements so easily? Schrader neglects to examine 

these questions fully, which would have proven many 

times more intriguing than the endless parade of sex 

shops and parlors we are shown. "Hardcore" falls short 

of becoming a meaningful inquiry into the moral dilemma 

which allows the commercial exploitation of sex to 

exist. John Millius produced.—Ron Schaumburg. 

George C. Scott, Peter Boyle, Season Hubley, Dick 

Sargent, Ilah Davis, Marc Alaimo, Will Walker. 

3'

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspapers and Program* 

THE STORY: "The Class of Miss MacMichael" (Brut) 

Selkirk School in London's East End is an institute of 

supposed learning for incorrigible and at times disturbed 

voutlis. Headmaster Oliver Reed rmis it with an iron 

fist, his lack of concern being met by dedicated teacher 

Glenda Jackson, who constantly complains to the authorities. 

Rosalind Cash, an American black, and the 

other teachers do their best but are faced with Reeds 

attitude and the students' behavior. Although well-liked. 

Jackson has to contend with vandalism, larceny, lovemaking, 

a voung flasher and, occasionally, her charges' 

overenthusiasm. Black Haitian Riba Akabusi is emotionally 

distui-bed, particularly when taunted by sadistic 

Danielle Corgan, whom he attacks. He even hits Jackson, 

who thinks he should be in an asylmn. Jackson's lover, 

American Michael Mm-phy, wants to marry her and live 

in Boston, but she can't give up lier students. John Standing, 

thinking Reed is doing a good job. is shocked when 

he and the school board learn the truth. Jackson, angi-y 

at her students for destroying a precious textbook, berates 

them for their insensitivity, then wrecks Reed's office. 

Tomorrow will be another day. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Teachers can be contacted for endorsements. The stars 

shine, so play them up. 

CATCHLINES: ^,. ^ 

Makes Kotter and His Sweathogs Look Like a Kindergarten. 

THE STORY: 

"Tracks" (Trio) 

After the Vietnamese conflict ends. Army sergeant 

Deimis Hopper travels by rail with a coffin containing 

the remains of a war hero, his buddy. On the train, he 

meets talkative realtor Zack Norman, intellectual Michael 

EmU, college girls Taryn Power and Topo Swope, aggressive 

older woman Barbara Flood, friendly Dean Stockwell, 

sad soldier Luis Tierina and middle-aged Alfred 

Ryder. Lonely and confused. Hopper has realistic visions 

about strange happenings to his fellow travelers. He 

makes love to Power, but his French kisses repel her— 

for awhile. Flood is much more receptive. Stockwell, who 

arranged for Hopper to meet the girls, tells hmi he's a 

radical and he's caught by Norman, actually a govern- ^Mt, 

' 

ment agent. Hopper discards his uniform and takes a , j^: 

nude run back to his compartment. He and Power get 

off the train to make love, but he again drives her away. 

When no one arrives at the funeral for the hero. Hopper 

opens the coffin. It is filled with weapons and he comes 

out of the grave as if it were a foxhole, ready to do battle. 

FXPI OITIPS 

The fact that the film is finally being released should 

prompt some copy. The Vietnam angle is the main thrust; 

veterans of that war may be interested in seeing this 

treatment. 

CATCHLINES: 

The War Was Over, But the Conflict Wasn't Finished. 

USE THIS HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

BOXOFTICE: 

825 Van Bruni Elvd. 

Kansas City. 

Mo. G4124 

Please enter my subscripbon to BOXOFTICE. 

Q 

1 YEAB $15.00 

2 YEARS $28.00 

Outside U.S., 

Canada and Pan-Americ 

rn Remittance Enclosed 

rn Send Invoice 

IHEATHE - 

STREET — 

TOWN - — — 

ZIP 

NAME 

CODE 

POSITION . 

n, $25.00 Pet Year. 

THE STORY: •Hardcore" (Col) 

George C. Scott's teenage daughter (Ilah Davis) disappears 

mysteriously while attending a Calvinist youth 

i 

convention in California. A private detective Peter 

Boyle) turns up a pornographic film, "Slave of Love,' in 

which Davis appears. Frustrated at Boyle's slowness, 

Scott takes the investigation into his own hands, scouring 

the sex districts of Los Angeles. He visits massage parlors 

and adult book stores, but tm-ns up nothing. He poses 

as a sex movie producer, hoping to meet the people who 

made his daughter's film. A yomig man who appeared in 

"Slave" shows up and Scott, enraged, beats him into revealing 

the names of the people involved. Scott locates 

a sympathetic prostitute (Season Hubleyi who offers to 

act as a guide. The trail leads them to San Diego and 

then to San Francisco, where Scott tracks down a powerful 

underworld figm'e (Marc Alaimoi, who deals in torture 

di-ugs and death. Seeing Davis with the man, Scott 

attacks him. The man flees, but Boyle arrives and shoots 

him. Scott and his daughter are reconciled. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Anti-pornography groups might provide endorsements. 

Play up George C. Scott's name. 

CATCHLINES: 

'Oh My God. That's My Daughter.' 

THE STORY: "The Third Walker" (Bauer Int'l) 

DereUct William Shatner attempts to speak to sulky 

driver David Meyer on Cape Breton Island, even interrupting 

his lovemaklng with fiancee Andi-ee Pelletier. 

Also rebuffed by Tony Meyer, a fisherman, Shatner 

throws himself in front of a ship. Although raised by 

different mothers, the Meyerses are twins and decide to 

stay together after their father Shatner's funeral. Frank 

Moore has been reared by Colleen Dewhm-st as David's 

twin, while Tonv is the "son" of hotel keeper Monique 

Mercm-e. Years before, Dewhm-st realized that Moore and 

Tony had been switched and attempted to exchange the 

two when a skin graft proved this. Shatner's inability to 

• J"i' cope turned Dewhm-st against him and he deserted the 

•!"1* family and turned to drink. David wants to win a trotting 

race with his horse Big Baddeck and gives his savings 

to Pelletier to bet. She fears that he'll use his winnings 

to buy a fishing boat with Tony and she'll lose his love. 

She doesn't place the bet; David wins and Moore gives 

her his savings and own winnings to compensate. Then 

Moore seeks out Mercm-e. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

The twin angle is good for twin admission gimmicks. 

McLuhan is the daughter of communications expert Marshall 

McLuhan, whose voice is heard as a judge. 

CATCHLENES: 

Brotherly Love May Be the Greatest Love of All. 

THE STORY: "Quintet" (20th-Fox) 

In a future time, the world is a sm-real place covered 

with snow. Seal hunter Paul Newman and young, pregnant 

Brigitte Fossey journey to a remaining center of 

civilization, where millions live in underground levels and 

occupy themselves with the card game Quintet. In this, 

one of the last means of enjoyment, the players may actually 

kill each other for ultimate victory. Newman's 

brother Tom Hill, Fossey and others die in an explosion 

dm-ing a game. Taking the identity of killer Craig Richard 

Nelson, Newman enters a tournament mider the supervision 

of Fernando Rey. Supposedly benevolent leader 

Vittorio Gassman has killed Nelson. Player David Langton 

is skewered and Newman comes to realize that the deaths 

are occm-ring in the order listed on parchment he found 

at the explosion. Newman and player Bibi Andersson 

sleep together. Hotel keeper Nina Van Pallandt is the next 

victim, stabbed through her cheeks. Gassman chases 

Newman over the ice, falling on his own weapon. Then, 

Newman slashes Andersson and brings her body to burn 

in front of Rey. As dogs continue to devom- the bodies, 

Newman heads north. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

Forget it. Only Altman'; followers will be interested. 

CATCHLINES: 

One Man Against the World. 

BOXOmCE BookinGuide

,, NEED 

' 

in 

. . Write 

• 

• 

quantity 

6600 

JSTFS- 50c Der word minimuin $5.00 CASH WITH COPY. Four conaecuUve insertions lor price 

!« ffcee When using a Boxofficb No. Hgure 2 additional words and include Sl.OO additional to 

'Iv^tosV olhc^^Hng repUes. Display Classified. $38.00 per Column Inch. No commission 

illowed CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers 

B« Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., ^ Kansas= f"" City, Mo. R/1124 64124. 

CLtflRIHG 

HELP WANTED 

.ecent snapshot, salary required to: Dick 

aSpey, Cotb Theatres, Suite A Eastwood 

Mall, Birmingham. Alabama 352IU. 

SOUND ENGINEER and booth 

lance person Must be knowledgeable 

Dolby, Norelco, Simplex, platters o 

automation. Excellent salary cmd bei 

its to a qualiiied person. Send resu 

and quahlicalions to Boxoiiice, 4210. 

MORE MONEY? Are you a theatre 

[3ianager who needs another $200 00 pe: 

week'' Have you successfully sold Christ 

mas screen ads and parlies m your thea 

•re' Turn this talent into immediate cash 

oy selling screen ads to your local bank 

=r auto Healer etc. to Theatr< 

. 

'fime Clock Co., P.O. Box 597, Sarasota 

Fla. 33578, and we'll show you how. Do i 

NOW! 

EXPERIENCED SERVICE TECHNICIAN 

ind salesman to work lor active supply 

[irm in Western Canada. Must be lam 

with all aspects of projection and sc 

equipment and able to travel. Send 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 

pre-amp and changeover; Simplex Standard 

projection head; Strong arc carbon 

lamphouse and rectifier; 3-pomt projecto 

base- Century magazines; miscellaneous 

items (515) 278-5034. 

COMPLETE SIMPLEX booth with 100 KW 

lamphouse and generator. Sound and light 

adequate lor 800 seat house. Jock Brannon 

(912) 524-5322 or J. B. Clarke (912) 

524-2460, DonalsonviUe, Georgia 31745. 

SUPER SIMPLEX heads, J800 pair. Wenzel 

heads. $300 pair. Ballantyne 6 soundheads 

with solar. $300 pair. Roy Smith 

Co., Box 2646. lacksonville 32203. 

XENON 1600W Xetron lamphouse 

liter rec with 4 bulbs Perfect condit 

$1,250 00 ;slf.j S-3.2fi99. 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

HOUSE 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

WORLD'S LARGEST THEATRE broke 

JOE JOSEPH, Box 31406, Dallas 75231. (21. 

. 

MANAGERS and City Managers needed TICKET MACHINES repaired. Fast serice, 

Your old ticket 

reasonable rates. small growing Midwest circuit. Froeciton 

machine worth money. We trade, buy and 363-2724 

or 

knowledge desired. We pay top 

lor showman. Excellent 

Ask 

sell ticket machines. Try us iirst. DRIVE-IN THEATRES m Lemmo 

the right dollar 

Reply about our rebuilts. Save money. J.E.D 

benelits. 4205 

nd Bowman, ND. Show good ne 

EXPERIENCED MAMAGERS needed by 

expansion 

Service Co., 10 Woodside Dr., Grafton, 

B9, Spearlish. SD (605) 642-4857 

Massachusetts. (617) 839-4058^ 

RADIO SOUND lor DRIVE-IN THEATRES 

DRIVE-m THEATRE, Schuylkill County, 

'.A. Excellent location on busy Rt. 61. 16 

circuit for theatre in 

lational 

Chicago area. Group insurance, pension, 

jcre commercial property, newly refinshed 

-ash incentives. Send resume, relerences cludps transmitter and backup unit, $1,- 

screen, dual sound system, 561 

995 00. Available from manufacturer. Call 

photo to Boxoilice, 4209. 

and 

"WE'RE ON THE MOVE and we need 

Uood Managers and Superv.^^. .^ 

urther iniormotion (904) 376-4000. 

speakers, concession stand. Property in 

xcellent condition. Call CM Detweiler 

irant to move ahead with a zooming 

:nc (717) 345-4475. Ask lor Bernle. 

Dony. Openings now in Alabama, G< 

md Florida. Good salary co"- BALLANTYNE Model 6 soundhead; 4 

-ommission, hospitalization. Rush ,^^^^-, RCA theatre sound amplifiers; Cenlur 

AUTOMATED indoor and drive-in 

North Dakota. No competition. Exce 

income. Excellent 

theatre 

in 

ent 

condition. Olfice rental 

R-9 magnetic soundhead; Altec-Lansing 

POSITIONS WANTED 

WE PAY good money for used equip 

lent. Texas Theatre Supply, 915 S. Ala 

5ume to; Boxoilice, 4211. Wages and b. 

lo. San Antonio, Texas 

fits negotiable. 

TOP CASH PAID for lamphouses, soundheads, 

projectors, lenses and portable 

EXPERIENCED Manager/Operator need 

=d for fast-growing West Coast circuit proiertors. What have you? STAR CINEoalary 

commensurate with experience MA SUPPLY, 217 West 21st Street, New 

Good opportunity lor advancement. Sent York 10011, Phone (212) 675-3515. 

resume cmd references to: Boxoffice, 4216 

IMMEDIATE OPENING for experienced 

.manager for General Cinema in Houston, 

FILMS FOR RENT 

Texas, Good r-ind cirrHinn starting ôlniv end excellent 

fringe benefits, Pleass 

to El- 16MM XXX FILMS for any area in th 

liott Brown, General Cmema Theai world. Our trailers and posters are lre< 

249 Westwood Mall, Houston 77074, "Our service made us the best. Co 

phone (713) 777-0752, 

(216) 779-7136. 

ing/publicity/prom 

ibutor specialart 

and foreign tilms 

'.marie :ets. Ten years experience City 

Manager ii major Southwest market: 

heavy emphasis on specialty booking, advertising, 

media buying, publicity, promolions 

Knnp nd r,^ miscelllneousm ^c,-,i1 1 1 n Am l,; revel r^Vpmie Young 

and aggressive. Reply Boxolfic 

GENERAL MANAGER, al 

ventional, drive-in, heavy 

vertising. Age 47. Boxolfic 

SEEKING EXECUnVE level theatre posijtion. 

Over 25 years and fully experienced 

in all phases of operation. Reply Boxoffice, 

4218. 

Age Apply Boxof 

4217. 

MAN 'ith years experience a= 

full t^ 

time job Wants 

the 5 Southern States 

locate anywhere in 

Wants to work at indoor or drive-in thea 

tre or 16mm family theatre Call (912: 

985-7950. 

MATURE DISTRICT MANAGER nov 

available covering all phases includmc 

publicity. Major circuit experience— reg 

illar and drive-in. Presently located Call 

'tomia. Resume on request. Possible inter 

iview ShoWesT, Reply Boxoffice, 4213, 

DRIVEIN THEATRE CONSTRUCTION 

SCREEN TOWERS INTERNA'nONAL: Ton 

3ay Screen Installation, (917) 642-3591 

Slower P. Rogers, Texas 76569. 

MARQUEES, SIGNS 

DESIGNED. ENGINEERED. BUILT, 

anCTED, MAINTAINED on Lease or purihase 

plan, Bux Mont Electrical Advertis- 

FILMS FOR SALE 

IGMM HARD XXX films, brand ne 

Posters and trailers available. $300, 

50 titles Boxoffice, 4187. 

16MM CLASSICS, illustrated catalog 

25c Manbeck, 3621-B Wakonda Drive, Des 

Moines, Iowa 50321. 

35MM ACTION feature film available 

World rights purchase available. Percent 

age disfributfon considered. (602) 279 

FILMS WANTED 

WANTED: 35mm trailers. 1930-1977, on; 

quantity. L. Brown, 6763 Hollywood Blvd. 

Hollywood, Calil. 90O28. 

WANTED 35mm entertainment tealuri 

films for Canadian market. Rights pur 

chased or will distribute on percentage 

a 

basis Send particulars to Boxoffice. 4139 

FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE indoor the 

jtre desires bookings, flat, of soft core > 

Urns, direct from producers. Write: Kings 

Dury, P.O. Box 550, Sandusky, Ohio, agen 

BOOKS 

THE MANUAL OF THEATRE MANAGE- 

MENT. All ovailalble copies of the Manual 

hove been sold. Many thanks. Ralph I- 

Erwin, 

Publisher. 

POPCORN MACHINES 

BRAND NEW COUNTER MODEL odl 

rd. (701) 776-6720. . 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE, on zu acres, wrii 

- Edqemont, S. Dak. (605) 662-7281. 

SMALL COZY THEATRE, currently operating 

in New York State. Right size lor 

partnership or small chain (under 400 

seats). Good gross. Owner wilhng to help 

buyer(s) get started. Price negotiable, 

Boxoffice, 4207. . 

NEWLY REMODELED Mall Theatre m 

downtown South Bend, Indiana. Complete 

second floor, two stores on street level 

Birmnghcro, Michigan 48009 

ONLY THEATRE and only „;.y --v,;t7^ 

with equipment and brick building (214; 

378-7263 Texas. 

THEATRES FOR SALE OR LEASE 

MODERN THEATRE 1720 

THEATRES WANTED 

INDOOR THEATRES or drive-jns want 

10 lease In Mich., Oh. and Ind Open 

closed. Please send information. Boxolfic 

4087 

INDOOR THEATRES 

TO BUY DRTVE-IN in Florida or Westerr 

stales year 'round operation. Earl Sook 

rajh, 5 Woodlands Road, Valsayn Park 

CHAIN IS SEEKING motion picture 

tres for sale, lease or rent in major < 

Please send information to Boxoilice, 

INDOOR THEATRE. Lease or pu: 

by independent. Texas or New I 

town of 15-30,000 population. Send 

motion to B. Berkley, 4080 Rivers Edge 

Brown Deer, Wi 53209. 

THEATRE wanted 

S~S^ 

4212. 

~$300 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

BUILD ATTENDANCE with real Hawaiian 

orchids. Few cents each. Write Flowers 

ol Hawaii, 670 S. Lafayette Place, Los 

Angeles, Calil. 9O0O5. 

THEATRE MONTHLY CALENDARS, week 

ly programs, heralds, bumper strips, daily/ 

weekly 

"-- —'—-'— 

boxoilice reports, schedules, 

passes, labels -'- "'" 

, 

Write lor samples, 

pnces. Dixie Litho, Box 882, Atlanta, 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. 

SERVICES 

INDOOR THEATRE MUSIC progr^ 

lor today's audiences, today's mov 

today's theatres. CSC Music 1 

(815) 397-9295. 

THEATRE SEATING 

TOPS IN THEATRE SEATING upholstering 

anywhere— seat covers made to order 

—finest materials—low prices—we buy 

and sell theatre chairs. Chicago Used 

Chair Mart, 2616 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, 

50612. (312) 235-1 ir 

111. 

SPECIAUSTS IM THEATRE SEATDJC. 

New and rebuilt theaUe chairs lor sole. 

We buy and sell old chairs. Travel Irom 

to coast coast Seating Corporotion ol 

New York, 247 Water Street, Brooklyn, 

N. Y. 11201. Tel. (212) 875-5433 (reverse 

charge a). 

NEW-USED-REBUILT-10,000 chairs in 

lock—seat covers—labrics— floor bolts 

hair parts. Hayes Seating Co loy 

, 

E Syracuse, NY 13057 (315) 432-1901. 

RECONDITIONED used chairs On 

lion refurbishing, installation and staggering. 

Sewn seat covers, all makes^We buy 

used seating. Frost Sealing, 80 Copeland 

St Quincy, Mass 02170, Tel, (617) 298- 

7070. 

THEATRE SEATS, $3 00 

xcelle nditi< (505) 

1250 HEYWOOD-WAKEFIELD all steel 

heatre seats 8 months old, like new. 

528.00 each, 'off floor, Oklahoma. (815) 

523-2699. 

THEATRE REMODELING 

ASCO Auditorium 

Theatre reiurbishing designing—acous 

cal wall covering—si reiurbishing—ci; 

torn seat coversblack 

askii 

terns. Materials and labor supplied. Call 

(617) 769-5680. Endicott St., Bldg 25, Nor- 

MISCELLANEOUS 

CASH lor one-sheets, posters, lobby card 

ets, stills, pressbooks, trade magazines, 

oming attraction slides, annuals, trailers, 

etc etc (any quantity—older the better)) 

Martinez, 7057 Lexington Ave., Los Angeles. 

CA 9003° 

_ _ _ _ of 15c per one-sheet, 

or title. Jerry Ohlingers 

Inc., Material Store 120 West 3rd 

,,e 

Y., N. Y. 10012. (212) 674-8474. 

N. 

WANTED: X-Rated movie posters. Any 

L. qucntity Brown, 6763 Hollywood Blvd., 

Hollywood, Calif 90028. 

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

BOXOFTICE: 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City, Mo. 64124 

Please enter my subscription to 

BOXOFnCE. 

D 1 YEAR $15.00 

n 2 YEARS $28.00 

n Remittance Enclosed 

D Send Invoice 

Outside U.S., Canada and Pan 

American Union, $25,00 Per Year. 

THEATRE 

STREET 

TOWN 

NAME 

ZIP CODE 

STATE. 

IJpOXOFTICE February 12, 1979

advertisement 

KEY INTERNATIONAL FILM 

DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 

8000 E Girard Ave Suite 412 

Denver Colorado 80231 (303) 755-7666 

DEAR INDEPENDENT PRODUCER: 

Last November we successfully took our Company on a Regulation A 

public-offering. We are now owned by JOHN Q. PUBLIC and regulated 

by the Securities Exchange Commission. 

We wanted to secure this financial backing so we could become involved 

in national and world wide distribution of good commercial 

pictures. 

Our scope will be limited to four to six pictures a year, - pictures 

that we can be proud to distribute and devote 110% effort to give 

you. The Producer, a maximum return on your effort. We already have 

acquired 2 fine pictures for this year, - THE SWEET CREEK COUNTY WAR 

and 

THREEWAY WEEKEND. 

As a publicly-owned entity, you also have a built-in insurance policy 

for an honest accounting and return of every dollar due you. 

We are going to be selective of what we distribute, and we hope you 

will be selective also, of whom handles your valuable asset, - your 

motion 

picture. 

Give us a call or drop us a line. We think you will be glad you did. 

I 

know we will 

Bestesi ss^lways. 

Pat Halloran 

President 

PH/dd 

P.S. We have ]^ of the best Associate Distributors handling the 

United States. Also to£ foreign and television associates.

Boxoffice-February.12.1979

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