Boxoffice-May.21.1979

CHICAGO
gene Stein, general manager of the Golf
Mill Theatres organization, reported
that "Manhattan" drew strong patron response
in the opening week.
The Golf Mill complex will be among
the first in the Chicago area to open with
"Alien." a new 20th Century-Fox film, May
25. The 70mm Dolby system has been installed
for this showing. Manager Stein said,
"Then we will be set also for the May, 1980.
opening of 'The Empire Strikes Back,' the
sequel to "Star Wars." "
Some rather elaborate plans for launching
"Alien" had to be canceled because of the
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Corporation (201) 678-7:
National Restaurant Assn. convention. A
bevy of news media people throughout the
Midwest had been invited for a special
screening. Arrangements for the 70mm
showing had been firmly set well in advance,
so date changes were out of the question.
But by happenstance, every hotel room in
Chicago had been allocated to the restaurant
people. Result: All invitations had to
be canceled and "Alien" opens withoiil
planned fanfare.
Vicchi Bums, Indianapolis booker toi
Paramount Pictures, walked the full 20 miles
in the Muscular Dystrophy Walkathon. She
admits to a sunburn, but no blisters or aching
muscles.
M & R Amusement Co. is doing excellent
business with "Dawn of the Dead" and "The
China Syndrome."
A full contingent of Paramount Picliircs
staffers met here for a discussion relating
to computer problems and new techniques.
Recently. Paramount had the accounting
department computerized and a partial installation
had been set up in the booking
division.
Universal's "The Prisoner of Zenda"
starts a first run Chicago engagement Mav
25 at 12 area theatres.
Universal's "The Prisoner of Zenda"
Galactica" opened May 18. At the same
time, a laser-eyed Cylon warrior, encased
in gleaming chrome, paid a visit to Chicago.
As a part of the exploitation activities, the
subhuman outer space creature visited with
children at area hospitals, including LaRa
bida and Children's Memorial hospitals, two
primary Variety Club projects. The children
were presented with Battlestar Galactica
mementos such as soundtrack albums and
picture books.
The Davis Theatre is now a repertory
theatre. Phil Stuttman and Don Markus.
who reopened the Davis, had been finding
business was good with second-run films.
Now Tom Bruggeman. booker for the Davis,
has arranged for something different
the showing of 38 20th Century-Fox classics
to launch a six-week debut program. Changing
the programs three times a week. Ihe
Davis will be presenting such features as
"The Seven Year Itch." "The Grapes of
Wrath." "How Green Was My Valley." "In
Old Chicago." "The Mark of Zorro." "The
Day the Earth Stood Still" and "13 Rue
Madeleine."
Industry veteran Saul Goldman, for many
years head of Allied Theaties Film Buying
and Booking, died recently.
The success of return engagements is once
again evidenced by the showings of "Ihe
Hxorcist" and "Blazing Saddles." During the
past two weeks, both films have been breaking
records in Milwaukee and Chicago area
theatres.
Paramount Pictures held an advance
screening of "Prophecy." and there will be
plans made eventually for special exploitation.
The premiere of "Perceval. " Eric Rohmer's
newest film, takes place June 13 at the
Film Center of the Art Institute. Along with
Handke's "The Lefthanded Woman," premiered
at the Film Center last Januaiy,
"Perceval" received the most acclaim at last
fall's New York Film Festival.
With rock 'n' roll still going strong, there
are rather high expectations for a New
World Pictures' film, "Rock 'n' Roll High
School." It is the story of Vince Lombardi
High School and its collection of so-called
music crazy kids. The leader is an aspiring
songwriter who idolizes the rock group the
Ramones, and is eager to bring music lo
every hour of high school life. With several
songs and appearances by the Ramones,
"Rock 'n" Roll High School" also features
the music of Paul McCartney and Wings,
Fleetwood Mac, Alice Cooper and others.
The 93-minLite film is rated PG.
"Breaking Away" started a first exclusive
showing at the Biograph Theatre.
One of Warner Bros.' main events in June
is the opening of "Main Event." Barbra
Streisand and Ryan O'Neal hold the starring
roles. Another Warner June highlight:
"The In-Laws." starring Peter Falk and Alan
Arkin.
"Moonraker" will be the opening film
when the Kohlberg Theatre Circuit's thiril
screen at the 41 Drive-In, Hammond, Ind.,
starts operating. Edward Janiga is manager
of the triplex. Jeff Kohlberg said business
at their drive-ins has increased immeasureably
since the advent of first-run
bookings.
A forthcoming Chicago WOMPl project
has a completely new angle. In July there
will be a garage sale to benefit animal shelters
and care units. Linnea Johnson is
chairman.
Midwest Fox publicist Larry Dieckhaiis
accompanied Robert Redford to Columbus
for the preliminaries involved in the filming
of "Biubaker." This was to be Redford's
first press conference in some time, and
"Brubaker" will be his first film in many
months. It is scheduled for release in spring
1980.
Lucy Salenger, head of the State of Illinois
Film Services, is making final arrangements
for Robert Redford's production
company's October start in Lake Forest of
"Ordinary People." This will mark Redford's
debut as a director. Salenger reports that
she is also busy with plans for "Blues
Brothers." with John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd.
Shooting will begin in June.
According to a conversation Redford had
with Chicago Tribune columnist Maggie
Daly, he doesn't plan to be an actor much
longer. He told Maggie. "I'm very grateful
for the public's attention but it's time to
move on to other things." In response to a
question as to whether he wanted to be a
politician. Redford told Daly. "No. I never
could get anywhere on time. And if I were
a politician. I couldn't criticize the system!"
MW-2 Mav 28, 1979