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"^ RHODE ISLAND Old Columbia Building MAINE Wiirncr Bros.' "The End of the World in Oar Usual Bed in a Night Full of Rain." initially released nearly a year ago, had its Rhode Island premiere at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence. The theatre continued its prevailing dollar admission, applicable Mondays through Thursdays. "The End of the World" was the sole -new" attraction. Just about everything else across Rhode Island was holding over— UniversaFs "Moment by Moment" plus "National Lampoons Animal House," United Artists" "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"" plus "The Lord of the Rings."" MGM- The Johnston Cinema, which lists Anthony DeLuca, Primo DePetrillo and Steve Minasian as owners, according to records with the Rhode Island Secretary of the State's office, reopened with an X-film pol- in 1972. The switch to general fare occurred last July. Reopening with X product led Johnston Mayor Ralph R. aRusso to remark, "I noticed that the parking lot was loaded. I don't want the movies. They certainly did not open with by blessings." Initial reopening double-bill was comprised of "Masterpiece" and "Fastball." Bought by Ad Agency BOSTON—One of the city's long lun Filmrow landmarks, the Columbia Pictures Building, is being sold. Built 22 years ago, the huge structure resembles a granite for- perched on a comer site. tress The building, which housed the branch office of Columbia, covering Boston and New England and the Albany and Rochester, N. Y. territories, is being acquiied by Allied Advertising Agency, which has a large amount of motion picture advertising billing in various media, including television. The Columbia branch is moving to the UA"s "Brass Target,"" Warner Bros." "Girl Office Building where it will occupy Friends"" plus "Superman"" plus "Every Statler four offices in a suite housing bookers, office manager Caspar Urban Which Loose,'" Way But Avco Embassy's personnel, branch "Watership Down," Paramount's "Oliver's and John Markle. veteran film press Story"' plus "King of the Gypsies," Columbia's Suite" and the Buena agent who heads the publicity department. expected to be completed "California The move was Vista 1940 reprise "Pinocchio." by Jan. 15. The telephone number remains the same: (617) 426-8980. Cambridge's Orson Welles Will Celebrate Tenth Year BOSTON—The Orson Welles triplex in Cambridge, which has been giving area film icy, following a run of poorly attended general screen fare and subsequent shut-down. buffs off-beat films since its opening, celebrates its tenth anniversary April 8. The The house, which was at one point a Jerry Lewis Cinema, began with X-rated product management has scheduled a number of h-ghlights for the anniversary year. Included is the United States premiere of Betrand Bliefs "Get Out Your Handkerchief " with Blier and leading lady Carole Laure slated to visit Cambridge for the premiere. . Also scheduled are Luc Beraud s Like a Turtle on Its Back," Bertrand Tavier's •Judge and the Assassin." Michel Deville s -Dossier 51," Pons Rademacher's "Max WrSnr^trCTCD U K \^ t O I t K Vavelaa." and Peter Weir's "Picnic at Hang- Qontinuing attractions in mid-Massachusetts cinemas: Warner Bros.' "Superman" plus "Every Which Way But Loose," Paramount's "King of the Gypsies" plus "Oliver's Story," Artists' United "The Lord of the Rings" plus "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," MGM-UA's "Brass Target," Columbia's "California Suite," Universal's "Moment by Moment" and Avco Embassy's "Watership Down." Universal's "Smokey and the Bandit," the Jackie Gleason-Burt Reynolds-Sally Field starrer, has emerged as a true phenomenon, with literally constant repeat scheduling and in situations not normally known for rerun bookings, such as the General Cinema Corp.'s Galleria Cinemas 3, Worcester Center. The Kaleidoscope in Clinton, playing United Artists' "Message From Space," advertised 50-cent matinee admission for all seats. This price is markedly lower than the $1.25 at General Cinema Corp.'s Galleria Cinemas 3. Rec^tone Showcase Cinemas 4 charge $2.50 all day, every day, with children admitted for $1.25 at all times. NE-4 ing Rock." Rec. Dept. Screens 'Wonka' NEWTON, MASS.—The Arts in the Park of the Newton Recreation Department sponsored a showing of Paramount's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." 1971 release co-starring Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson, at the Ward School. Admission was 75 cents. 'Cuckoo's Nest' at Jr. High LYNN, MASS.— United Artists' "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," 1976 release with Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher was shown at Breed Junior High School "and at Washington Community School as part of an ongoing "Mental Health in the Movies" series, scheduled through mid-March. 'Treasure Island' Is Free BOSTON—The Boston Public Library, screened MGM's 1934 ver- Copley Square, sion of "Treasure Island." co-starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper. Adm.ssion was free. The Pittsfield Community Theatre, the only municipally owned theatre in the Pine Tree State, has marked its first anniversary with an increasingly popular mix of motion pictures, live concerts, children's programs and other events. Film admission is $L75, compared to the prevailing $3 charge in central Maine cinemas. Susana Ventura is house manager. The theatie, incidentally, was built in the early 1900s, had upgrading (to the tune of $100,000) by millionaire J.R. Ciachette in the middle 1950s. Continuing attractions across Maine included Warner Bros.' "Superman" plus "Every Which Way But Loose." Buena Vista's reprise of "Pinocchio," United Artists' "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Columbia's "Midnight Express" plus "California Suite," Pai amount's "Oliver's Story" pltis "King of the Gypsies," 20th Century-Fox'i "Magic" and United Artists' "Invasion "" the Body Snatchers." Mrs. Emma Means closed down her Co lonial Theatre in Machias, citing high cos of fuel, electricity, mushrooming film renta costs and her age (presently 84). Lookini back, she remarked that bookings years age, —such, as Gene Autry Republic westernswere rented for $7.50 a show, with $15(i "tops for the best." In recent years, how ever, Mrs. Means has had to pay some $2. 400 for such product as Universal's "Jaws. Paramount's "Grease" cost her $3,000 i film rental. NEW BRITAIN JJewington Theatre owner Demetrius Koi naris got Newington plan and zonin commission approval for a zone change t allow construction of a $400,000 shoppin center on 1.2-acres of Kounaris-owned Ian off Cedar Street, north of the cinema's pari ing lot. As previously reported in Boxoi FICE, an early Newington planning and zoi ing commission hearing heard oppositic from area residents. Commissioner Alan 1 Hanbury, who made the motion to appro\ the Kunaris request, said that the propose use of the tract conforms to Newington master development plan. The Country Cinema in Watertown, pla ing Pacific International's "Wilderness Far ily. Part 2," dropped its 99 cents "barga nights" policy. The theatre charged $2.! for adults. 99 cents for children and seni citizens. CVVEIL191A IS m SHOVt BISLVESS IX HAWiVIl TOO Wlicii you conic to Wuikiki, don't miss Uic fanious Don Ho Show ... at Clncraniu's Reef Towers Hotel. W KEEP • WAIKIKl TOWER OFTIIE REEF a REEFTOWERS » ElX.EWATER l»f BOXOFTICE :: Januar)'
' j imported ' Mendeiuk ' "Stone I 'Stone Cold' Is Labeled An 'Unusual Movie' TORONTO — Writer-director George Mendeiuk describes his low-budget thriller "Stone Cold Dead" as "the most unique, unusual movie to come out of Canada." Based on Canadian novelist Hugh Garner's Sin Sniper," which was set in Toronto's Cabbagetown, the screen version's setting is an unnamed U.S. city. Mendeiuk, who wrote the script, raised the money and directed the murder-mystery, chose as locations for filming Toronto's downtown alleys, bars, strip-joints and massage parlors. But except for a panorama froni the CN Tower, Canadians will be hard-pressed to recognize "Stone Cold Dead" as a native product. "I'm not hooked into making just Canadian films," says Mendeiuk. "If you talk to the common Joe, he doesn't give a damn about Canadian identity in films." Mendeluk's characters are hookers, pimps, killers cops-on-the-take. It's and raw and it's lyrical," says the 30-year-old Torontonian. "Stone Cold Dead" is his first feature film. The story revolves around a veteran police detective with marital problems who is tracking down a psychotic vigilante. The vigilante is committed to cleaning up the city's "sin strip" by sniping prostitutes from rooftops. ; Filmed in November and December, "Stone Cold Dead" was given a deliberately star. is the first to admit that "a lot [ of Canadian films can't even get arrested I after they're made," but he's confident Cold Dead" will be an exception. "I really trust in my innate sense of taste and timeliness," he says. "I think I know what makes a good picture." The film may be ready for release by mid-summer. The 'Institut Quebecois' Lists 89 Films as Aided MONTREAL—Since its programs were launched in August 1977, the Institut Quebecois du Cinema has assisted 89 film projects of which 53 are currently in production, 27 are completed or nearing completion and nine are starting production in the near future. Soon to be released are "Eclair au Chocolat," Jean-Claude Lord's latest feature, "Le Premier Pas," a short dramatic film by Franck Laflaguais, "Voir la Radio" by Michele Mercure. and two new documentaries, "Chante Si t'Es Capable" by Jean-Roch Marcotte and "Renaissance" by Robert O'Brien. Among features going into production are "Contrejour" by Jean-Guy Noel, "Vie d'Angc" by Pierre Harel and "Albert ct Leo en Albanie" by Andre Farcier. And on the documentary side, the full-length films beginning production are "Parcours de Production" by Jean Tessier, "Passage du Nord- Ouest" by Real Bouvier and Robert Morin and "Le Temps de la Manicouagan" by Jacques Augustin and Daniel LeSaulnier. B.C. Is Playing Big Part In U.S. Film Production VICTORIA— British Columbia is playing a handsome part in North American film production and the reviews indicate it will be assigned an even larger role in 1979. Vince Lunny, a writer for The Financial Post, has written about the situation, and his comments are reprinted in part below. U.S. producers have budgeted $65 million for shooting in Canada, and British Columbia expects to get at least half that amount. The expectation is not unreasonable, says Justis Greene, consultant with the filmproduction branch of Tourism B.C., because cinema and TV movies with budgets of about $30 million were shot in British Columbia in 1978. A new and aggressive marketing program by the provinces lies behind this. The pitch is a familiar one: U.S. filmmakers can save money by shooting in Canada because of the exchange rate. One attention-grabbing — advertisement in the Hollywood Reporter "Shoot the works in British Columbia"—generated a wave of cold, dismal look by Miendeluk and designer Ted Watkins. favorable responses. In one week, four Hollywood veteran Richard Crenna was producers flew into Vancouver from Los from Los Angeles, along with Angeles to inspect locations for future productions. Belinda Montgomery and singer-composer Paul Williams, to beef up the film's boxoffice "With B.C. closer to L.A. than other appeal. Canadians Linda Sorenson, of Canada, equipment packages are parts Chuck Shamatu and Andree Cousineau also transported less expensively, and highpriced acting talent can be flown home conveniently from British Columbia locations when their services are not required during certain periods of shooting," Greene said. "Also, rushes can be jetted back and forth in a few hours, so that what gets shot today can be processed overnight and viewed tomorrow." U.S. producers who have made movies in British Columbia say Vancouver has a pool of top-notch technicians and service people who meet all their requirements. Two major productions are under way. "Bear Mountain," based on the Alistair Maclean novel, is being filmed at the site of the Granduc mine, at the foot of Leduc Glacier, which ceased operations in June. About $1.6 million of the $3.5 million allocated to Canadian production will be poured into the town of Stewart, about 30 miles away. Residents are employed in construction and transportation of sets, catering, avalanche control and other services. A film crew of 75 was brought into Stewart from Vancouver. Jonathan Demme will direct "Melvin and Howard" from Bo Goldman's screenplay. Sharp Theatre Supply Joins Independent M. Gregg Nelson, Calgary, president of Sharp's Theatre Supply (left), and Tom Hutchinson, Edmonton, president of Independent Theatre Supply, shake hands upon the announcement of the association of their two companies. CALGARY — Sharp's Theatre Supplies of Calgary and Independent Supply of Edmonton have announced that they have joined forces to better serve the needs of exhibitors in the Canadian west. All business now will be conducted under the name of Independent Theatre Supply, which will maintain offices here and in Edmonton. The head office in Edmonton will be located in a new, modern industrial facility designed for a more efficient handling of the large inventory of parts and supplies. Included will be a complete service department where motion picture theatre equipment will be repaired and rebuilt. With the addition of Brian Jessup and other Calgary personnel to the Independent Theatre Supply staff, it is hoped requirements for service will be met in an even more speedy and efficient manner than was possible before. Jessup and Tom Hutchinson, president, bring the combined technical experience of over 27 years in servicing theatre equipment. According to Hutchinson, the inventory of parts includes parts for both new and older equipment. Hutchinson reports that there are many parts in stock for equipment over 40 years old and a considerable number of parts which are no longer manufactured. It is hoped that most parts orders can be shipped directly from stock, thus eliminating annoying delays while parts are ordered from the U.S. or Europe. In addition to projectors and sound equipment. Independent Theatre Supply also offers concession equipment, film date strips of many descriptions, 4x14 dater strips, marquee letters, crowd control equipment and many other accessories for theatres and other places of entertainment. Order forms and postage paid envelopes are available from either office. The Edmonton office will move effective Jan. 31. The new address is 10550 106 St. and there will be a 24 hour phone number for exhibitors and customers to use. The Calgary office will be located at 104 4th. S.W. with phone number 233-0377. BOXOFFICE :: January 22, 1979 E-1
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Page 3 and 4: KERKORIAN'S COLUMBIA STOCK PURCHASE
Page 5 and 6: AZTEC II THEATER, SAN ANTONIO, TEXA
Page 7 and 8: ' distribution, ' WHEREAS, NATO's R
Page 9 and 10: 'Futureworld' First US Film Buy in
Page 11 and 12: • ADLIIIES t EXPLOITIPS • ALPHA
Page 13 and 14: ! eludes i\ M ^J^olluwood i'^eport
Page 15 and 16: ; phia ! Trenton , transfer I The i
Page 17 and 18: Call your FVI Showman to book avail
Page 19 and 20: SftOSSeS THAT STICK OUT Top Grosser
Page 21 and 22: I Pay Television Station Reaches 50
Page 25 and 26: YOU CAN'T Select-A-Seat, the most e
Page 27 and 28: St [ Number I KANSAS : enthusiasts
Page 31 and 32: I I The Wiz' Is Wonderful At 625 in
Page 33 and 34: Call your FVI Showman to hook avail
Page 35 and 36: Sanlikos Theatres Will Build Sixple
Page 39 and 40: . . ALL OF THESE PRACTICAL SERVICE
Page 43 and 44: ' . 2 1\l Weather Puts a Chill Surv
Page 47 and 48: : City 'Superman' & 'Suite' Are Big
Page 49: Call your FVI Showman to book avail
Page 55 and 56: BOXOFFiCE BOOKMNCUIDE An interprBti
Page 58 and 59: ON ^
Page 60 and 61: June . Hl-D. • ANALYSIS FILM RELE
Page 62 and 63: Crown International P.G. Page or Re
Page 64: meino to advertisers PAY YOUR flPie

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