1NATIONAL

TOTAL NET PAID CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 23,000 

Report on SMPE Meeting: 

Big-Screen Video Ready 

For Quantity Production 

Pago 9 

20th -Fox Continues Move 

To Gain Increased Rentals 

Page 12 

1NATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

Including the Sittlonal Newi Pxts of All Editions 

APRIL 9, 1949

WE'RE ON THE WAY 

TO GREET YOU! 

Please read the message below 

from some boys who believe 

in friendly 

exhibitor 

relations! 

DEAR FRIENDS: 

People often say: "Let's get together 

sometime," but we, mean 

it! And we're naming dates and 

places! The fact is that we don't 

see you often enough and we're 

going to cover a lot 

{see 

of territory 

next page) to renew friendships. 

Let's make an occasion of it, so 

please do your best to join us. 

Sincerely yours, 

M-G-M BRANCH MANAGERS AND THEIR STAFFS 

(Who believe that the best Sales Policy is Mutual Prosperity.) 

"It's A Great 

Occasion To 

show Two Great 

M-G-M Pictures!" 

THE STRATTON 

M-G-M presents JAMES STEWART • JUNE ALLYSON 

in "THE STRATTON STORY" • Frank Morgan 

Agnes Moorehead • Bill Williams • A SAM WOOD 

Production • Screen Play by Douglas Morrow and 

Guy Trosper • Story by Douglas Morrow • Directed 

by SAM WOOD • Produced by JACK CUMMINGS 

GARDEN 

M-G-M presents "THE SEC31ET GARDEN" starring 

MARGARET O'BRIEN • HERBERT MARSHALL 

Dean Stockwell with Gladys Cooper • Elsa Lanchester 

Reginald Owen • Special Sequences in Color by TECH- 

NICOLOR • Screen Play by Robert Ardrey • Based on 

jjj 

the Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett • Directed by 

FRED M. WILCOX • Produced by CLARENCE BROWN

See You At One of the 96 

M-G-M's NATIONWIDE 

FRIENDSHIP MEETINGS 

M-G-M's -^PROSPERITY PLAN*^ TRADE SHOWS! 

JOIN US AT THE PLACE NEAREST YOUR HOME! 

w n 

CITY

Whei 

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•\» %*«-; 

^

Vhen 

ou play 

[lamingo Road 

ou'll be 

laying 

IVarner Bros*. 

lost talked about 

ttraction 

II nee 

lldred Pierce! 

lOAN CRAWFORD 

^m. OUu>Ât> AA VoAj'BsAt ! 

LAMINGO ROAD 

STARRING 

1 

J 

Scree 

SYDNEY 

111 

DAViO 

nnavbyROBERT WILDE R 

DIRECTED BY 

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Emmi 

Pi.'DUCEO BY 

Based on a Play by ROBERT and SALLY WILDER • Additional Dialogue by EDMUND H. NORTH

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

PULISHEO IN NINE SECTIONAL EDITIONS 

BEN SHLYEN 

Editor-in-Chief and Publisher 

I 

OXOFFICE 

lAMES M. lERAULD Editor 

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IVAN SPEAR 

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"EQUITABLE YARDSTICK" 

•^^ HERE is a parallel to the current entJeavors 

of 20lh Century-Fox to find "an equitable yardstick for rental 

of our films with every theatre." Exactly 19 months ago the 

Pacific Coast Conference of Independent Theatre Owners 

similarly sought a formula that would give exhibitors a "fair 

and just proportion of the boxoffice dollar." 

There is a further parallel in the statement made by Al 

Lichtman, 20th-Fox vice-president, to the effect that he was 

seeking to "eliminate horse-trading methods and establish 

the highest plane of business relationship between exhibitor 

and distributor" and the PCCITO declaration that its proposed 

plan was "designed to create an equality that is good for our 

industry as a whole." 

And, again, in the Lichtman statement, "We also hope 

to promote better showmanship on the part of all of us 

exhibitors, producers, distributors and all allied interests"; and 

the PCCITO's declaration that its plan would "create the incentive 

on the part of exhibitors to give (distributors) on their 

top pictures— greater exploitation, added playing time, more 

theatre playdates, increased national gross." 

At the time of the PCCITO proposal we made the following 

comment: 

What is to be done to improve the relationship WITHIN the industry 

—between exhibitors and distributors? What about a greater respect 

on the part oi one lor the other? Are they always to fight like cats and 

dogs? Must there alwâys be name-calling and bickering in the bartering 

for product? And why must there be bartering for product at all? Why 

can't 

pictures be bought and sold on a basis that brings good returns 

to exhibitor and distributor alike—on good pictures and proportionate 

returns on those of lesser value? 

Well, it's a long story. But it can really be summed up like this: 

The seller wants "all that the traffic will bear" for his product; the buyer 

wants it lor as little as possible. 

A few times there have been efforts on the part of astute sales managers 

to narrow the points of difference. And there has been some 

progress made. But something always seems to throw the machinery 

out oi gear. The mercurial aspects of this business, perhaps, are to 

blame. But there are other causes—some external, but mostly internal. 

It's a strange commentary on a business, when retailers admit that 

they don't put forth their best efforts to build up patronage, because their 

efforts are not properly rewarded in profits. It's a sad state of affairs 

for an industry, when the retailer's profits must come from buying cheap 

rather than from selling well. Yet there is a large segment ol this business 

that works that way. Exhibitors spend so much time haggling with 

Vol. 54 

APRIL 

No. 23 

19 4 9

"PuUe Scat^ 

Paramount Plan Approval 

Is Expected April 12 

Proxies representing approximately 2,000.- 

000 shares have been mailed favoring the reorganization 

draft and proxies representing 

diBtributors. they lack the time to do a proper job oi selling to the public. 

But how can this condition be remedied? 

One major distributor several years ago put into effect what it 

called "the sliding scale" in its percentage deals. That looked like the 

right ticket, but it needed some refinements. Recently another major 

distributor announced what appeared to be an adaptation of the sliding 

scale in the direction of one phase of "refinement." From time to time 

exhibitor organizations have submitted plans of their own for percentage 

pictures. The most recent is that of the Pacific Coast Conlerence of 

Independent Theatre Owners. Somewhere between this proposal and 

that of the distributors there is the right formula that will serve as the 

permanent answer to the long-standing exhibitor question: "How much 

of my gross should be paid for film rental?" 

When this formula is arrived at, when a plan of standcn-d procedures 

for the selling and buying of motion pictures comes into effect, it will 

be discovered to have many advantages over the present "let'sarguethis-over" 

formula. For, as the PCCITO claims, it may furnish the 

"incentive to exhibitors to give pictures greater exploitation, more theatre 

playdates, longer runs and increased national grosses." 

In most every business, some formula has been devised which works 

satisfactorily for the parties involved, and allows a reasonable profit 

for all. If this industry wôuld establish such a working arrangement, 

there is nothing that wûld do more to improve business relations, and 

the 

business itself. 

The manufacturer of almost any product has a definite method of 

offering his commodity to the wholesaler or retailer. And the retailer 

knows to the decimal point what he ccm spend for product and for the 

various phases of his operation. Down through the years, through continuous 

association in business deals, and a willingness to get together 

to work out mutual problems, these smooth-operating formulas have 

been developed. This same kind of procedure must come to distributorexhibitor 

relations—a practical, standardized, open-book kind of buying 

and selling which will end once and for all ihe endless bickering and 

dissatisfaction and distrust—and allow everybody to return to the real 

task at hand, SHOWMANSHIP. 

Perhaps those observations are even more apt today than 

they were in the fall of 1947. The economic picture has changed 

considerably since then. But the basic ills of this business 

are still with us. Natural as it is for seller to seek the top 

dollar for his product and for buyer to want to pay less, it is 

bad for both when either accomplishes his aim at the expense 

of the other. It may not matter so much when profits are extremely 

high. Btit, under current conditions, the problem is 

more acute and the solution more difficult. 

The interdependence of the principal factors that go to 

make up this industry—producer, distributor and exhibitor 

dictates the need for equity in any broadscale plan. If the 

search for "an equitable yardstick" with which to gauge film 

rentals results in mutual gains it will, indeed, have been a 

fruitful 

search. 

\Jen^ 

8,000 shares were against it. 

Loew's, WB Continue Talks 

On Theatre Partnerships 

Twentieth Centur>-Fox also files quarterly 

report with three-judge expediting court but 

does not mention negotiations now In progress 

on the coast to end partnerships. 

¥ 

Exhibitor Group Protests 

Feature Films Broadcast 

Washington MPTO unit in complaint to 

TOA headquarters in New York is opposed 

to current film stories on air ahead of second-run 

theatres. 

Allied Board Will Meet 

In Dallas May 30-31 

First gathering of kind in Texas will precede 

Allied of Texas sessions scheduled to 

start June 1; Caravan to convene there 

May 29. 

Anti-Quota Moves Gather 

Speed in Washington 

Amendments to EGA act and Reciprocal 

Trade Agreements measure may provide for 

retaliation where restrictions are placed on 

U.S. products. 

British Theatres Took 

$448,000,000 in 1948 

Government white paper on income shows 

that public spent $432,000,000 in film theatres 

during 1947; the peak postwar year was 1946 

when theatre spending reached $484,000,000. 

Technicolor Output Gains; 

Earnings at a New High 

Report for 1948 .shows company's production 

of features jumped from 31 in 1947 to 

39; consolidated net profit was $1,775,834.43. 

compared with $1,422,752.03 previous year. 

Hal Hode, Columbia Executive, 

Dies Suddenly in New York 

Executive assistant to Jack Colin, executive 

vice-president of Coliunbia Pictures, is 

victim of heart attack April 7; industry veteran 

was 61 years old. 

¥ 

Hearings on Ascap Appeal 

Delayed Another Month 

Postponement on Judge Vincent L. Leibell's 

Ascap decree postponed from April 14 

at the request of Ascap and the New York 

Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n.

TRUST CASE BACK TO COURT 

APRIL 19 WITH 6 DEFENDANTS 

20th-Fox, Warners, Loew's 

Prefer Court Decision 

To Consent Decree 

NEW YORK—The Department of 

Justice 

and the six remaining defendants will 

go into court April 19 for the semifinal 

round of the 11-year-old Paramount antitrust 

case. 

They will restate their proposals for a 

final decree to be handed down by the 

three-judge court. How long the hearings 

will last and how much additional evidence, 

if any, will be submitted to the court are 

questions nobody will answer. 

NO POSTPONEMENT REQUESTS 

There have been no requests for a new postponement 

of the hearing date. The three 

theatre-owning defendants—Warner Bros., 

Loew's and 20th Century-Fox—have stated 

for publication that no consent decree negotiations 

are in progress and that they will 

appear in court as scheduled. The same goes 

for United Artists, Columbia and Universal. 

The three theatre-owning defendants apparently 

believe they can get better decrees 

from the three-judge court than from the 

Department of Justice. Furthermore, a court 

decree still leaves the way open to an appeal. 

A consent decree does not. 

The only new moves that probably will be 

made between now and April 19 will be the 

filing of additional documents by the defendants 

objecting to provisions of the Department 

of Justice proposed decree which 

they received April 1. 

The proposed decree asked for complete 

divorcement for the three theatre-owning 

companies, pointing out that anything less 

than divorcement would be unfair to RKO 

and Paramount who have already agreed 

to divorcement in their consent decrees. The 

Department also opposed the Little Three 

request for permission to roadshow film.s 

and insert modified price-fix ng clauses in 

contracts. The Little Three proposal for 

franchises was opposed, too. 

The three-judge court is expected to hand 

down a new decree before it adjourns for 

the summer in June. 

THE COITRT'S MAJOR PROBLEM 

The court's big problem will be to reconcile 

the conflicting arguments of the defendants 

and the Department of Justice. The defendants 

maintained in then' courtroom arguments 

last November and December and in 

briefs submitted last January and Februaiy 

that divorcement should not be ordered. As 

authority for their position they cited the 

Supreme Court decision of May 3, 1948, which 

returned the case to the three-judge court 

for restudy of the divorcement question. 

The Department of Justice also cited the 

Supreme Court decision as authority in favor 

of divorcement. 

The three-judge coiu-t will be guided by the 

Supreme Coirrt rulings in the Paramount, 

Griffith and Schine cases which declared 

that where monopoly exists, where theatres 

are the fruits of monopoly, or where they 

were acquired for the purpose of securing 

All-Industry Parley Due 

On Arbitration Plan 

NEW YORK—Probabilities are that sometime 

during April or early May the matter of 

a workable arbitration plan fair to all elements 

of the industry will be in the headlines 

again. The chances are that it will come up 

for an all-industry discussion after April 19, 

when rehearings open on the antitrust cases 

involving the Little Three, 20th Century-Fox, 

Warner Bros, and Loew's, and that the discussion 

will be sponsored by the Department 

of Justice or, perhaps, another government 

agency. 

Little has been heard about arbitration recently. 

It has been termed the "forgotten 

child of the industry." But neither the government, 

the distributors nor the exhibitors 

have had any intention of shelving it for all 

time. The opinion seems to be unanimous 

that if the industry is to settle its differences 

fairly and amicably, and without airing them 

to public view, some plan of arbitration must 

be decided on. Conciliation is admittedly 

only a stopgap, whether as practiced by TOA 

or by Andy W. Smith jr. of 20th-Fox. 

WORKABILITY QUESTIONED 

Doubts about the workability of an arbitration 

system have been widespread in the past 

and still are, because of a number of conflicting 

viewpoints. The government, it is 

said, doesn't want any system set up which 

might provide a means of escape for distributors 

from the more serious penalties 

such as contempt of court. Many exhibitors 

feel it shouldn't rule out recourse to court 

action. Other exhibitors are afraid of it as 

constituted in the past simply because the 

distributors pay the costs of supporting the 

film department by the American Arbitration 

Ass'n. 

The Little Three has objected to sharing 

in the costs of any new setup. Recently the 

AAA has been costing the distributor members 

$300,000 annually. 

In other words, the consensus is that the 

industry as a whole favors the principle 

of arbitration, but will have to get together 

and work out the mechanics. 

Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel, 

monopoly, divorcement should be decreed. 

The district court of Oklahoma City is now 

studying new evidence in the Griffith case 

to determine where monopoly exists. A consent 

decree is being written to end the Schine 

case. It will be submitted to the U.S. district 

coui-t of Buffalo April 18. 

The three judges in the U.S. court for the 

southern district of New York have a mountain 

of evidence to study relating to charges 

of monopoly in the so-called Paramount case. 

Incidentally, Paramount and RKO are no 

favors a general meeting. TOA could not 

sponsor it, he said, because it represents only 

the exhibitor viewpoint, and Eric Johnston 

could not sponsor it because the MPAA 

represents only the distributor-producer 

viewpoint. The sponsor would have to be a 

neutral body with a knowledge of the industry, 

and Levy indicated that a proper 

government agency would be ideal. He disclaimed 

any knowledge of whether the Department 

of Justice, as previously reported 

and denied, has any such intention. It is 

known that there is a division of opinion 

wuhin the Department. 

MUST DETERMINE DESIRABILITY 

Any general meeting, Levy said, should 

first explore the truth of the believed allindustry 

desire for some form of arbitration, 

and if that is found to exist, then explore 

the area of agreement as to basic mechanics. 

TOA has set up 15 conciliation boards in 

different parts of the coimtry. Levy said, but 

few cases have been filed with them. 

One interesting angle is provided by the 

fifth clause of the proposed arbitration system 

in the U.S. vs. Paramount case. This 

"catch-all" provision. Levy has said, could 

reduce substantially the amount of litigation 

in so-called minor grievances now "well nigh 

strangling the industry." 

The question arises as to whether this 

clause could be construed to apply to exhibitor 

resistance to 20th-Fox attempts to convince 

them that higher rentals are necessary 

not only for the financial well-being of the 

distributing company but for 

the good of the 

entire industry. The method which 20th- 

Fox is using in testing exhibitor reaction, that 

of meetings at grass-root levels, closely resembles 

conciliation procedure. 

In the meantime, operation of arbitration 

procedure has been in the doldrums. During 

the first three months of 1949 only two requests 

were made for arbitration—in Detroit 

and Cleveland—but the papers have not been 

completed and no dates for their submission 

have been set. 

longer defendants. Their consent decrees removed 

them from the case. 

The three-judge court also will be guided 

by the RKO and Paramount consent decrees 

which provide for complete divorcement, but 

permit the new theatre companies to retain 

many of the theatres operated by the original 

affiliated circuits. 

The Department of Justice and the defendants 

will have to study the final decree 

before deciding whether or not to petition 

for another Supreme Court appeal. 

8 BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 194?

THEATRE TELEVISION ESSENTIAL 

AS BUSINESS HYPO: AUSTRIAN 

'A' Pictures Must Be Made 

To Attract More People, 

SMPE Delegates Told 

NEW YORK—If the industry is to meet 

the competition of television, it must install 

large-screen theatre television, use 

TV for advertising films, resort to "closedcircuit" 

TV only to augment the regular 

film entertainment and take a far more 

active part in producing TV programs, 

Ralph Austrian, television consultant, told 

the 65th semiannual convention of the 

SMPE April 5 at the Hotel Statler. 

Austrian said large-screen TV will be 

the greatest single factor in arresting any 

current boxoffice decline, 

RECEIPTS CAN DROP 10% 

Unless these steps are taken, he said, film 

attendance may drop 10 per cent in the next 

five years and that would mean that ticket 

sales would be reduced by $126,360,000 annually, 

and "that is real big money." He 

was convinced, however, that the industry 

will take aggressive steps to preserve and 

increase its present boxoffice levels. He described 

one way of doing it. 

"Only 15,000.000 of America's 148.000,000 

people see the average so-called 'A' picture," 

he said. "Resolved to percentage, this means 

that only ten and a fraction per cent see it. 

How important it is going to be to raise 

this 10 per cent is readily perceivable. 

Should this percentage drop, the damage 

would be serious. There are enough signposts 

to indicate that the industry cannot 

preserve its present state of prosperity by 

doing nothing." 

Austrian quoted the figure of $134,750,000 

as the amount of capital invested in film 

studios. Other investments he mentioned 

were $25,500,000 in distributing machinery, 

$2,474,976,406 in theatres and $12,750,000 in 

nontheatrical enterprises—a grand total of 

$2,647,976,406. 

REDUCTION IN SET COSTS 

He saw this investment threatened within 

a few years by the production of a satisfactory 

television set retailing at $100 to $125 

unless the industry gets busy on steps to 

overcome the competition. Network radio. 

he predicted, will be superseded by network 

television in five years. 

The "big question" as to installation of 

large-screen television in theatres is how tn 

work it out from an economic viewpoint. 

Dr. Allen B. DuMont. engineer, told the convention. 

He thought large-scale TV would 

be ideal for sports coverage but wasn't siu-e 

there would be a steady supply of available 

events. Closed-circuit entertainment can become 

available in the future, he said. 

DuMont did not expect color television for 

from 10 to 15 years. Most of the receivers 

now designed to handle it, he said, cost at 

least three times more than an ordinary receiver, 

but the biggest problem is where to 

find the channels for color. He believed 

(Continued on page 10 

RCA Set to Mass Produce 

Big-Screen Television 

RCA demonstrates! its big-screen television equipment at the SMPE convention. 

Left to right are Earl Spicer and Ralph Teare, of RCA, shown with the remote control 

console; Earl Sponable, SMPE president: Barton Kreuzer of RCA who announced 

the development; and W. W. Watts, RCA vice-president. 

NEW YORK—After three years of experimentation, 

RCA is about ready to 

manufacture full-size televis;on equipment 

for use in theatres. Barton Kreuzer 

of the company told the SMPE convention 

this week. He thought that testrun 

quantities may be available by the 

end of the year. 

Kreuzer demonstrated the equipment 

by throwing an ll-by-15-foot picture on 

the screen. In theatres where there will 

be no space limitations, the picture will 

be 15 by 20 feet. A barrel 30 inches in diameter 

and 36 inches long houses the 

Schmidt-type optical projection system. 

It is mounted on a seven-foot-high pipe 

standard. That is the only part of the 

equipment that will have to be installed 

in the theatre auditorium. It can be set 

up from 40 to 65 feet from the screen. 

The price for the unit will be about $25.- 

000. The demonstration impressed the 

engineers. 

Theatre television programming appears 

to fall into two broad classes. 

Kreuzer declared. The classes are. he 

said, the use of regular television broadcast 

material, and closed-circuit performances 

in which a privately originated 

program fs fed to one or more theatres. 

In the second case, he said, they could 

originate from the stage of a theatre 

or from a public gathering, or from film 

produced in regular fashion or from 

entertainment "stored" on film by kinescope 

photography. 

The actual demonstration of the new 

equipment at this week's SMPE convention. 

On the screen are Nathan Golden, 

chief of the motion picture department 

of the Department of Commerce, and 

Oscar F. Neu, president of the Theatre 

Equipment and Supply Manufaeturers 

Ass'n. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949

To Compete Directly for Boxoffice Dollar 

Phonevision Gets Its 

NEW YORK — Phonevision, about 

which much has been heard and little 

understood, will compete directly and 

seriously with theatre boxoffices when 

the public accepts it, John R. Howland, 

of the Zenith Radio Corp., told the SMPE 

convention April 5. He read from a 

paper prepared by E. E. McDonald jr.. 

Zenith president. It will be formally 

tested for the first time this autumn by 

300 homes somewhere in the midwest or 

west. Howland claimed that AT&T has 

guaranteed cooperation. 

The system does not utilize telephone 

wires for transmission of pictures or 

sound, but only for a synchroniziiig device 

that, leading into the set, unscrambles 

special station broadcasts so the 

images and sound are clear. Without 

the device the broadcasts would be only 

blurs. Stations are expected to use the 

system only when there are programs too 

expensive for advertising sponsorship. 

These could be full-length Hollywood 

features and outstanding public events, 

he said. 

Users of Phonevision would be billed 

by the telephone company. Howland 

visualized 50 cents of the subscriber's 

dollar going to talent, 25 cents to the 

Home Test This Fall 

station and 25 cents to the telephone 

company. He said its use would involve 

the addition to a set of only a little inexpensive 

equipment, and that regular 

phone service would continue as usual 

while the device was operative. 

Howland claimed a survey has shown 

that up to 76 per cent of set owners in 

Chicago, Connecticut, New Jersey, New 

York and Pennsylvania would willingly 

pay to see first run motion pictures and 

other costly programs, and that a Los 

Angeles survey showed that 73 per cent 

would pay to see first-class films in their 

homes. 

SMPE Convention on TV 

• (Continued from page 9) 

there will have to be recourse to microwaves 

over ultra-high-frequency channels. 

He predicted the Federal Communications 

commission will remove the "freeze" on new 

stations in about a month. There are 315 

applications to be acted on. He foresaw a 

New York-to-San Francisco coaxial cable 

setup within two to three years. 

As to television's use of films, DuMont 

said that station WABD, which serves 20 

other DuMont stations, is making every effort 

to reduce their use because of the poor 

quality of those available and because of 

the cost of rentals and line charges. He 

suggested distribution direct to individual 

stations in the network rather than "feeding" 

them from WABD. He said "a few" foreign 

featm-es are well liked, and he added that 

"some westerns also are being used." 

It was announced at the meeting that the 

Theatre Owners of America had become a 

sustaining member of the association, and 

that the television committees of the two 

organizations already had scheduled a meeting 

to explore fields of mutual interest in 

theatre engineering, including theatre television. 

FILMS' INCREASING ROLE 

Discussions of interest to exhibitors were 

presented at this session of the convention, 

with D. E. Hyndman as moderator and Austrian 

as chairman. It was the consensus of 

the panel that films are destined to play 

an increasingly important role in video and 

that present knowledge is sufficient to overcome 

many of the problems now existing, 

both in sound and pictui'e quality. 

C. R. Keith of Western Electric demonstrated 

what he characterized as "horrible 

examples" in 16mm recording, together with 

what he considered good examples. He pointed 

out that excessive flutter and high noi.se 

level, as well as other types of distortion, 

can be improved to the standard of the 35mm 

operation. He believes that most prominent 

among the sources of trouble are processing 

and projection. Development of the 16mm 

film for one thing, he said, is inferior to 

that of the 35nmi and most 16mm projectors 

do not provide the optimum of results possible 

from the film. 

Richard Blount of General Electric said 

that sorpe of the distortion in television is 

due to improper lighting techniques, and 

Dr. Alfred N. Goldsmith, New York, consulting 

engineer, declared that continuing research 

is necessary in both 16mm and 35mm 

films as they are required for TV use. 

It was announced at the society's dinner 

meeting (6) that members will be asked, 

some time after the fall meeting, to vote on 

a change of the name to Society of Motion 

Picture and Television Engineers. Engineers 

in the TV industry are being asked to join 

the society. At the dinner, Hyndman of 

Eastman Kodak Co., a past SMPE president, 

received a plaque for his contributions to 

the advancement of the society. 

Edward Auger, 67, Dies 

At SMPE Convention 

NEW YORK—Edward Auger, 67, since 1929 

with the sales department of the RCA theatre 

sound equipment 

division, died of a 

heart attack at the 

Hotel Statler April 4 

as the evening 

demonstration of his 

company's theatre 

television equipment 

was about to begin. 

He was well known in 

the industry, having 

handled many special 

accounts over the 

years. He is survived 

Edward Auger ^y two sons, Roger and 

Gaston, with whom he lived at Floral Park. 

Long Island. 

Auger entered the motion picture business 

in 1900, when as secretary to the commissioner 

of Canada at the Paris exposition, he 

was intrigued by the very short pictures in 

motion that he saw there. He leased a projection 

machine and ran shows in schools, 

churches and auditoriums throughout the 

Dominion. In 1906 Auger opened one of the 

first cinemas in Canada. 

UA's Video Catalog 

Lists 52 Pictures 

NEW YORK — The recently organized 

United Artists Television division swung into 

action during the week by mailing a catalog 

to all television stations and advertising 

agencies listing 52 films available for televising. 

This is the first UA list of films for video. 

Twenty-three were made specifically for 

television. The remainder were originally 

made for theatrical or non-theatrical audiences. 

They range from five-minute shorts 

to feature-length reissues and come in 16mm. 

35mm or both sizes. 

John Mitchell, director of sales for UA 

television, will supervise contract negotiations 

and distribution. Prices will depend on demand 

and on the bargaining power of Mitchell 

and the customers. There will be no 

day-and-date runs for two or more stations 

in the same area. In other words, there will 

be some form of clearance protection. 

The catalog states that this first list of 

films for television was printed to meet the 

many requests for information about UA 

television plans and policies. 

It then states: "It is the ultimate—and 

not too-far-off goal of UA-TV to bring to 

the television industry only those programs 

newly produced especially for television." 

The release list follows: 

Feature length reissues — "A Scandal in Pans," 

with George Sanders, Signe Hasso and Catole Landis. 

100 minutes, 16mm and 35mm, originally released 

m 1946 

"Dark Sands," with Wallace Ford, Henry Wilcoxon 

and Princess Kouka, 71 minutes (35mm), originally 

released in 1938, 

Short subjects: 

Produced by Video Varieties Corp, specifically for 

television: 

"The Striders," a cappella musical quartet—series 

of 13, five minutes each (16 and 35mm). 

"Shorty Warren and His Western Rangers"—series 

of eight, five minutes each ( 16 and 35mm) 

Originally theatrical and nontheatrical audiences: 

"West Point Championship Football"—series of six, 

nine minutes each (16mm) 

"Play Championship Basketball"—series of six, 

ten minutes each (16mm) 

"Play Volleyball"—20 minutes (16mm). 

"Thrill of the Surf"—ten minutes (16mm)- 

"World Windows"—series of eight, ten minutes 

each (16 and 35mm). 

"Searchlight on Japan"—22 minutes (16 and 35mm). 

"Queens of the Beds"—37 minutes (16mm). 

"Table Manners"—ten minutes (16mm). 

"What Is Modern Art"—20 minutes (16mm). 

"Speak Up"—series of two, 12 minutes each (16 

and 35mm). 

"Australian Bushland Symphony" — ten minutes 

16mm). 

i 

I 

10 BOXOFTICE :: April 9, 1949

' 

d 

A 

3s^(«i^ 

Tom and 

Jerry and 

Leo say: 

HATS 

VAonoo 

V^WVior" 

;,edbV 

Co-d"«^^ 

RHlr 

I 

ioseP"^ 

.'I 

The most popular and most 

widely played cartoons in the 

world today are the M-G-M 

"Tom and Jerry" Technicolor 

series. Their new Academy 

Award cartoon is their greatest! 

OFF TO MR. QUIMBY! 

The New Cartoon King 

Wins His 6th Oscar in 

8 Years! All-time record! 

W 

SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE 

EVERYWHERE 

APRIL 30th 

We have timed distribution of this great subject so that its national release follows 

immediately its fame as Academy Award Winner. Be among the theatres to advertise it! 

M-G-M's "THE LITTLE ORPHAN" 

Best Cartoon Of The Year!

EXHIBITORS NEED CONVINCING. 

TED GAMBLE TELLS 20TH-FOX 

Company's Sales Team 

Carries Proposals to 

New York Territory 

NEW YORK—Before exhibitors will 

agree to increased film rentals it will be 

necessary for 20th Century-Fox to convince 

them extravagance has been removed from 

Hollywood, Ted Gamble, chairman of the 

board of Theatre Owners of America and 

an exhibitor himself, declared at the fourth 

luncheon given by the company for a discussion 

of the problem. 

All the discussion was on a friendly basis, 

in spite of Harry Brandt's widely publicized 

charge that the company was using "brass 

knuckles." 

A FAIR DIVISION OF INCOME 

Al Lichtman, speaking for the company, 

again said that 20th-Fox was seeking a fair 

division of the exhibition income. Some of 

his arguments had been previously presented 

in Boston, New Haven and Philadelphia. 

Andy W. Smith jr., vice-president and general 

sales manager, put special emphasis in 

his talk on the New York situation where, 

he said, it had become the custom to ask for 

adjustments on most of the exhibition contracts. 

These adjustments in this exchange 

area, he declared, will be stopped and contracts 

will be signed on a "firm" basis. 

Spyros P. Skouras, company president, introduced 

the speakers. 

Lichtman said he had undertaken his task 

with 20th-Pox only for "constructive purposes." 

He said that it had always been a 

"tough job to sell the industry on upward 

trends"; that there had been too much pessimism 

from "calamity howlers," and that 

he could see a bright future for the industry. 

Production costs have risen to the "backbreaking 

point," he said, but a serious effort 

had been made and is still being made to 

lower them. 

"Today," he continued, "there is too much 

money involved in every picture to permit 

the continuance of the glaring weakness 

whereby many exhibitors expect the producer 

to take all the risk." 

NEED OF TIBM DEALS' 

As he had done in previous stops on the 

trip, he pointed out that shifts in clearances 

which permit quick turnovers and simultaneous 

playing time had been beneficial both 

to distributors and exhibitors, and he asked 

that both examine this problem in the New 

York area. He made a plea for sliding scales. 

It makes no difference, he said, whether the 

percentage sales are 50, 40, 35 or 30, but, he 

insisted, these should be on a "firm deal 

and not adjustable." 

Lichtman again repeated the statement 

that in 1948 American theatres made a gross 

profit of $400,000,000 before taxes and $200,- 

000,000 net after taxes. 

Smith declared that distributors "evidently 

have more problems than any other branch 

of the industry." He said average negative 

costs for 20th-Fox for 24 pictures to be pro- 

(Continued on page 13) 

At the New York meieting for exhibitors—left to right: (seated) Al Lichtman, 

new 20th Century-Fox vice-presidetnt; Ted Gamble, TOA's board chairman; Spyros 

Skouras, 20th-Fox president; and (standing) S. H. Fabian, circuit owner, and Leonard 

Goldenson, Paramount theatres head. 

PCCITO and Iowa -Nebraska Allied 

Submit Counter Selling Policies 

SAN FRANCISCO—In an open letter to 

Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century- 

Pox, Rotus Harvey, chairman of the board 

of trustees of the Pacific Coast Conference 

of Independent Theatre Owners, asked that 

the company consider the type of an incentive 

sales formula which the PCCITO has 

been advocating for years. He suggested 

that the company could gain more by meeting 

from time to time with Allied States Ass'n, 

Theatre Owners of America and the PCCITO 

than by instituting the regional meetings it 

has been holding in the last few weeks, asking 

exhibitors for a greater share of the boxoffice 

dollar. 

No one can deny 20th-Fox the right to 

adopt any sales plan or formula it desires 

but, he added, any formula adopted should 

be applicable to all exhibitors. The thing 

which disturbs him, Harvey said, are statements 

that "independent exhibitors have been 

rolling in clover for years . . . that they have 

been grabbing too much of the ticket money 

and giving too little for the grab . . . that 

production and distribution have been asleep 

at the switch, permitting exhibitors to get 

away with low prices and have done too little 

to promote ticket sales." 

Harvey said that his association has repeatedly 

pointed out that discriminatory 

rentals exist between independent and affiliated 

theatres and that if the company 

would get comparable rentals from the affiliated 

theatres as it is getting from independents, 

the distribution revenue would be 

substantially increased. 

Asks Selling Authority 

Remain at Branches 

ELDORA, NEB.—Allied of Iowa and Nebraska 

members have received what is described 

as a "coimter-proposal" for the 20th 

Century-Fox effort to secure increased film 

rentals. It suggests that more money be 

charged affiliated theatres, that salesmen 

keep in contact with all theatres, and that 

the home office executives and district managers 

confine their selling to theatres that 

pay $250 and up. 

The bulletin says that 20th-Fox could increase 

its revenue from 20 per cent to 30 

per cent "by proper selling" to its controlled 

theatres. 

Indiana Allied Votes 

In Action on Plan 

INDIANAPOLIS—The board of the Indiana 

ATO this week adopted a resolution looking 

"with disfavor" on the 20th-Fox plan 

for increased rentals and declared it "is not 

Interested in considering the plans" because 

directors could not see how it can be "of 

any possible benefit to the exhibitor." 

12 BOXOFTICE :: AprU 9, 1949

Need Convincing 

(Continued Irom pag« 12 

duced in 1949 wUl be $1,751,000. The total 

cost, with prints, advertising and distribution, 

will average $2,900,000. 

The distribution of the boxoffice dollar, 

he continued. Is unfair in many theatres 

and the company needs a "substantial increase." 

Then he got down to brass tacks on the 

New York situation and said: "For the year 

1948 the New York branch had a gross of 

$2,400,000 less than the previous year. Our 

deficit for the whole country, including New 

York, was $1,944,000. This means only one 

thing—that our entire deficit for the year 

was in the New York exchange area and 

other branches had exceeded their gross of 

the previous year. 

NEW YORK AS THE KEY 

"You must understand that, to a great 

extent, the success of our operation depends 

on what we do in the New York City area. 

This is a 14 per cent territory. We rise or 

fall based on what New York does and, 

when New York fails us, we are in trouble. 

"In examining our branch operations I 

found a very startling thing, namely that 

deals were made on an acceptable basis, but 

that after the picture played, practically 

every one of these deals was changed. If 

the picture was sold on a percentage basis, 

the percentage was reduced and, If the picture 

was sold on a flat rental basis, the flat 

rental was reduced—a very vicious habit. 

"The only natural step that could be taken 

was to say that when a deal was made in 

the future with a theatre the exhibitor was 

to be advised it was a firm deal and that 

no credit would be allowed. This is the 

policy we have adopted." 

He said commitments already made with 

Century, Interboro, Dollinger, Liggett, Island, 

Joelson and Brandt for review of terms 

would be carried out. 

"Jesse James is dead," he concluded. 

Charles Einfeld also spoke. 

The final speaker was Gamble. He had 

been making notes while Lichtman was 

speaking and he immediately asked where 

Lichtman had secured his figures, but 

Lichtman, who spoke in rebuttal, did not answer 

this question. 

WON'T GENERALLY ACCLAIM 

Gamble said he had not been told he was 

to be asked to make a speech and said he 

did not want to seem argumentative. 

"I don't think exhibitors generally will acclaim 

all that has been said here today," he 

went on. "Some will agree with some of 

what has been said, but I don't know what 

Mr. Lichtman's authority is for his statement 

that exhibitors netted $200,000,000 last 

year." 

Gamble pointed out that few theatres had 

been built during the past 15 years and that 

exhibitors face an expensive problem on lease 

renewals and new construction. 

Sliding scales have been used before and, 

after distributors have found out the earning 

capacities of theatres, these have been 

changed in the past, he stated. 

"I believe," he continued, "that these discussions 

will help toward a better understanding. 

We need some healing in this industry, 

but before any program is launched 

we should get together and examine costs in 

Hollywood. Theatres are entitled to an ex- 

Only 50% of British As 

Ready for U, S. Release 

Lichtman Asks Support 

Of 'Fighting Trade Press' 

HOLLYWOOD—In conjunction with 

his drum-beating efforts on behalf of 

20th Century-Fox's campaign to increase 

distribution revenues through establishment 

of a sliding-scale sales policy, Al 

Lichtman, newly appointed vice-president 

and sales adviser, paid resounding tribute 

to the "great fighting trade press" which, 

he pointed out, "helped educate all of us 

and fought our battles in early days, and 

is doing it now as well." 

Admitting that trade publications have 

been hit by the economy wave instituted 

in production and distribution, Al Lichtman 

emphasized the need for a "good, 

strong trade press to represent every 

branch of business fearlessly and militantly, 

to fight our battles and to help 

educate the yoimg people in our business." 

The trade press, he said, "must be supported. 

They cannot be starved and expected 

to do a good job for us. We need 

them more today than ever before—so 

I beseech every one who has the industry's 

best interests at heart to support 

the trade press." 

planation of costs. The average exhibitor 

feels there is extravagance in Hollywood. 

Some salaries can't be explained. 

"Perhaps more films should be made. This 

would cut studio overhead. We want good 

films and we want good stars, but we don't 

ujiderstand why there should be 300 or 400 

agents in Hollywood running up costs." 

Gamble then referred to a recent offer of 

a package deal for talent by an independent 

producer. In the midst of it, he said, when 

it appeared that the talent would accept cuts, 

a producer stepped in, made the purchase, 

and raised costs instead. 

"We need to review the problems of each 

branch of the industry." 

Skouras closed the discussion by pointing 

out that many theatres had reduced their 

advertising and declared this was a move In 

the wrong direction. 

Many circuits were represented, but few 

ITOA members attended the luncheon. 

Following the New York meeting, the quartet 

of 20th-Fox executives left for the west 

coast to view new product. There were no 

plans for exhibitor conferences in California, 

and the group was schediUed to return to 

New York next week. Subsequently, the panel 

wUl joiu-ney to Chicago for meetings foUowefl 

by a junket through the midwest and south. 

Thereafter they will return to the west 

coast for parleys in the San Francisco area 

and to visit the studios for conferences with 

Darryl Zanuck and Joseph Schenck on the 

company's releasing schedule for the remainder 

of the year. 

NEW YORK—Less than 50 per cent of 

the 45 British-made features, released from 

April 1. 1948 to Jan. 25, 1949, which the 

Cinema Exhibitors Ass'n general council 

classified as A pictures suitable for showing 

in the U.S., have been set for release in this 

country. Only six of the 13 classed as suitable 

for "first features in the U.S." have been 

announced for general release by American 

companies and only 14 of the 32 graded as 

"middling quality" and suitable as "second 

features in the U.S." have been placed on 

American release schedules to date. 

The total output of British-made pictures 

during this period is 90 features but the 

other 45 were graded as "Class B" and "unacceptable 

to the U.S. market." None of these 

have been set for American release. 

EXHIBITORS DO THE GRADING 

The boxofflce quality of the pictures was 

based on information supplied by the general 

council and other CEA members. 

Of the 13 "first features," "Hamlet," released 

by Universal-International, and "The 

Red Shoes," released by Eagle Lion, are already 

playing two-a-day runs in the leading 

key cities here and are both expected to run 

through 1949 in New York. Two others, 

"Scott of the Antarctic" and "Miranda," 

have been tradeshown and are listed for general 

release by Eagle Lion in April. The 

only two others definitely set for U.S. release 

are "The Fallen Idol," Alexander Korda production, 

which Selznick Releasing Organization 

will release this spring, and "The Guinea 

Pig," produced by Filippo DelGuldice, which 

he wUl release through his newly formed 

American firm. Variety Film Distributors. 

The others are "Oliver Twist," which had 

been announced for release by EL, but later 

was withdrawn followlngs protests because 

of the portrayal of the Jewish 

character of Fagm; "No Orchids for 

Miss Blandish," which was criticized in England 

because of its portrayal by Jack LaRue 

of an American gangster; "Spring in Park 

Lane," "The Winslow Boy," "No Room at 

the Inn," "Portrait From Life" and "Here 

Come the Huggets." 

EAGLE LION HAS 8 FILMS 

Of the 32 classed as "second features for 

the U.S.," "Mr. Perrln and Mr. Traill," 

"Broken Journey," "Saraband," "Sleeping Car 

to Trieste," "My Brother's Keeper," "Esther 

Waters," "The Calendar" and "Quartet," have 

been scheduled for release by Eagle Lion 

diu-ing the 1948-49 season. "Quartet" did record 

business in its first week at the Sutton 

Theatre, New York City. 

"Woman Hater," starring Stewart Granger, 

is set for release by Universal-International 

this spring. "One Night With You" and 

"London Belongs to Me" (released under the 

title "Dulcimer Street") have been relegated 

to U-I's Prestige Pictures luiit and "Daybreak" 

and "Good Time Girl" were also 

among the 12 J. Arthur Rank pictures selected 

for U-I release a year ago but not yet 

set for release. The other 18 "second features," 

including the expensive Korda film, 

"Bonnie Prince Charlie," have not been set 

with any American company. 

BOXOFFICE :: AprU 9, 1949 13

'''*^^»^. 

wfLd^

Summer Product Good, 

Colorado Assn Hears 

DENVER—Exhibitors and the nation's theatregoing 

public are in for a summer of good 

pictures, Ted Gamble, president of the Theatre 

Owners of America, told delegates to 

the first convention of the Colorado Ass'n 

of Theatre Owners at the Cosmopolitan hotel 

here Tuesday (5). 

"Hollywood has made a rapid postwar 

adjustment." he asserted. Film expenses 

have been cut back to a more sensible cost. 

Producers have found that good picture 

themes, good direction and good casting, 

without the emphasis being laid of lavishness, 

have produced pictures of higher value 

and entertainment worth." 

LEVELING OFF GOOD SIGN 

Gamble regarded the leveling off of business 

from wartime highs as a healthy sign. 

"However, in our business," he pointed out, 

"there has been no leveling off this year; 

in fact the first three months of 1949 are 

ahead of 1948." 

Gael Sullivan, TOA executive director, told 

the convention that television can "become 

a handmaiden of motion pictures" if it is 

utilized as a public relations instrument. Sullivan 

declared the industry must continue to 

fight taxation, censorship, and must continue 

to study charges that it is contributing 

to juvenile delinquency of otherwise undermining 

morals. More efforts must be 

made, he continued, to interest the infrequent 

moviegoer, and pointed out that at 

least two ways of doing this would be through 

good films and good, clean, modern theatres. 

"Television is certain to prove of far greater 

help than harm to the film industry," George 

T. Shupert, director of commercial operations 

for Paramount's television division, told 

the theatre owners. He advocated the use 

of television in promoting films. 

"With all our present-day advertising and 

publicity," he asserted, "only 15,000,000 of 

America's 148,000,000 see the average A picture. 

There are 55,000,000 prospects that our 

advertising usually fails to stir. When television 

blankets the country, it can do an 

unprecedented selling job for us. We will be 

able to make a strong pitch with an advertising 

sample of each picture. And it's 

certain to be the most compelling commercial 

on the air—vibrant with big names, 

fast action and high professional polish." 

NO LIMITATION ON USES 

Paramount's strategy, he continued, is not 

limited to the use of television as an advertising 

medium for pictures; it includes 

turning television to the advantage of theatres 

by telecasting stage shows and audience 

participation shows, with large-screen 

television of important events as they happen. 

"And we hope," he concluded, "to include 

linking of theatres In a vast network to 

offer specially-arranged exclusive non-telecast 

events such as championship bouts, first 

nights of Broadway shows, all-star variety 

bills, perhaps a World Series, Kentucky 

Derby or bowl football game." 

The convention wound up with the reelection 

of Dave Cockrill, president and treasurer; 

Pat McGee, vice-president; Charles 

Gilmout, secretary. These and the following, 

Legality of Franchises 

One of Big Questions 

NEW YORK—To United Artists, Columbia 

and Universal, one of the remaining 

big questions to be decided by 

the statutory court in the antitrust case 

is the position the three judges will take 

on the legality of franchises. The court 

takes up the antitrust matter on April 19. 

A provision in the Paramount and 

RKO consent decrees enjoined the companies 

from performing any existing 

franchise and from making any franchises 

in the future, but with the following 

important exception "except for 

the purpose of enabling an independent 

exhibitor to operate a theatre in competition 

with a theatre affiliated with a 

defendant." 

The Little Three, the non-theatreowning 

defendants, have filed briefs arguing 

that franchises are necessary to 

successful operation because they must 

have an assured market before they can 

make production plans. Since the Paramount 

and RKO decrees contain a franchise 

provision, they feel they should 

have one, too. 

Herman M. Levy, TOA general counsel, 

commenting on the provision, has 

said it validates and legalizes franchise 

agreements so that independent exhibitors 

may compete with affiliated theatres. 

The original district court decree of 

Nov. 20, 1940, enjoined the making or 

further performance of any franchise, 

calling it restraint of trade. The Supreme 

Court review found that, despite 

some questionable uses of the franclilse, 

it could not say "on the record that franchises 

are illegal per se when extended 

to any theatre or circuit no matter how 

small." It set aside the lower court's 

findings on franchises "so that the court 

may examine the problem in the light of 

com- 

the elimination from the decree of 

petitive bidding." 

all re-elected, are the board of directors: 

WUliam Agren, A. P. Archer, Larry Starsmore 

and Dave Davis. 

Zion, 111., 

After 48 Years, 

Votes in Sunday Shows 

ZION, ILL.—Zion wiped out the last of Its 

Sunday blue laws this week (4). By a 

coimt of 1,597 to 1,305, citizens voted out 

laws which prohibited business, motion picshows 

and other entertaiimient on Sundays. 

The laws have been on the books since 

1901 when the city of Zion was founded by 

the late John Alexander Dowie. They were 

rigidly enforced by Dowie and his successor, 

the late Wilbur Glenn Voliva, who preached 

that the world is flat. 

Robert Wright Quitting 

D of J Antitrust Post 

WASHINGTON—The legal nemesis of 

the 

major film companies. Department of Justice 

Attorney Robert L. Wright, will retire 

this month to private practice after 11 years 

of battling the nation's top lawyers in the 

fight for divorcement of film production and 

distribution from exhibition. Wright will 

open his own law office here April 29, he 

said. 

The antitrust law expert came to the government 

in July of 1938, the month the case 

against the majors was filed, and was assigned 

to the case within two weeks from 

his coming to the job. He has been with it 

ever since. Until recently, he had charge 

also of the government cases against independent 

circuits, steering the successful battle 

against the Crescent Amusement Co., and 

the Schine and Griffith cases. In recent 

months, however, he has stepped out of the 

Schine and Griffith frays. 

Wright said this week that he believes 

the April 19 argument before the New York 

court will mark the final pleading in the 

11 -year-old case. 

UA to Release 15-25 

James Nasser Films 

NEW YORK—United Artists will release 

from 15 to 25 James Nasser pictures over 

the next five years, according to the terms 

of an agreement accepted by the UA board 

of directors April 1. The contract calls for 

from three to five films each year for the 

five-year period and UA will charge 30 per 

cent for distribution charges. 

The UA board also approved a distribution 

contract with Benedict Bogeaus for the release 

of his forthcoming film, "Johnny One- 

Eye," based on the Damon Runyon story, 

which will go into production shortly, and 

with Douglas Sirk for "Two Hearts in Three- 

Quarter Time," which wUl be produced in 

Europe, probably on location in Vienna. 

In addition to 12 features completed for 

release during the next few months, UA has 

two pictures, "Red Light," Roy Del Ruth production, 

and "Quicksand," Rooney-Stiefel 

production, in work and "Mrs. Mike," produced 

by Samuel Bischoff and Edward Gross 

and starring Dick Powell, ready to start 

shooting in April. 

Bernhard Quits Cinecolor 

Posts; Retains Interest 

NEW YORK—Joseph Bernhard, president 

of Film Classics, has resigned as president 

and director of Cinecolor Corp. in order, he 

says, to devote more time to Film Classics. 

He still is the largest stockholder in Cinecolor 

and does not intend to sell his shares. 

His Cinecolor posts have not yet been filled. 

SIMPP Headquarters Move 

From West to New York 

HOLLYWOOD—Headquarters of the Society 

of Independent Motion Hcture Producers 

were transferred to New York from 

the film colony and hereafter Manhattan 

will be the home base for President Ellis 

Arnall and Robert J. Rubin, general counsel. 

Arnall plans periodic trips to the west coast 

for huddles with SIMPP members. 

16 BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949

Rhoden Says Outlook 

For Business Good 

KANSAS CITY—At the luncheon held at 

the Muehlebach hotel last week at which 

he announced the promotions of several men 

in the Fox Midwest Theatres organization. 

Elmer C. Rhoden, president, took occasion 

to express an optimistic view on theatre 

business for this year. 

"I'm bullish on business for this year." he 

said, "but we can measure our success only 

by our ability as showmen. We have a great 

responsibility to the distributors in properly 

merchandising product. And it has been demonstrated 

that when this is done, as with 

'Ma and Pa Kettle' which is breaking records 

in all of our key houses this week, we can 

Interest the patronage of Mr. and Mrs. Pub- 

He." 

Continuing, Rhoden said, "Producers, exhibitors 

and distributors must join hands and 

aim at boxoffice dollars, and not at each 

other. By making our main objective t.he 

re-establishment of the faith of the public in 

the entertainment we have to offer, we can 

attain the greatest measure of success. 

"I believe that we in the midwest have a 

great opportunity this year as our economic 

conditions are splendid. All of us will make 

a better showing than we have in the past 

few years." And. concluding, he said, "We, 

as an exhibitor organization, pledge to give 

greater emphasis to publicity and exploitation 

than we have done in the past. This, I 

believe, will reflect to the advantage of distributors 

and producers as well as to ourselves." 

Short on Atomic Energy 

Made by March of Time 

NEW YORK—"Report on the Atom," a 

two-reel film describing the development of 

atomic energy in the U.S., has been produced 

by the March of Time and will be sponsored 

by the Motion Picture Ass'n of America and 

distributed by 20th Century-Fox. It is available 

for spot booking by theatres which do 

not regularly play the March of Time. The 

Atomic Energy Commission supervised its 

preparation. It will be the third in the MPAA 

public affairs series. 

MGM Promotes Lefkowitz 

To Chicago Position 

NEW YORK— Sidney Lefkowitz, for several 

years a member of the MGM home office 

sales department, has been promoted to home 

office assistant to Burtus Bishop jr., midwestern 

sales manager with headquarters in 

Chicago. Lefkowitz succeeds Irving Helfont, 

who has been handling both the midwestem 

and western areas. Helfont wUl continue in 

the western area under George A. Hickey, 

sales manager in the Los Angeles office. 

Sam Dembow to Represent 

Hunt Stromberg on Sales 

NEW YORK—Sam Dembow has 

become 

representative on sales matters for Hunt 

Stromberg and will represent the producer 

on "Too Late for Tears," which United Artists 

will release July 8. Stromberg, who 

left for the west coast April 5, will produce 

two other features for UA. The first will 

start shooting about September 1. 

National Theatres Ups 

Benefits to Managers 

Charles P. Skonras with a group of managers' wives as he told them of the 

circuit's expanded security program at Colorado Springs. Left to right with him 

are Mrs. Dick Conley, La Junta, Colo.; Mrs. Don Smith, Longmont, Colo.; Mrs. 

Wilbur Williams, Boulder, Colo., and Mrs. Ted Kirkmeyer, Ogdcn, Utah. 

COLORADO SPRINGS—National Theatres, 

which has been a pioneer in providing 

security benefits for employes, announced 

an expansion of its program at the 20th 

annual convention of Fox Intermountain 

Theatres here this week. The announcement 

was made by Charles P. Skouras, president, 

who with a group of NT theatre executives 

is attending a series of conferences with affiliated 

circuits. 

The expanded benefit plan calls for payment 

of death benefits equal to two years 

salary, in addition to other security benefits 

already established for managers with 

three years' services. In 1942. Skouras started 

the first retirement plan in the motion 

picture industry and the program has been 

expanded steadily. One of the benefits is a 

$10,000 life insurance policy for each manager. 

"Security for our managers and their families 

long has been a primary concern," 

Skouras said. He revealed that more than 

$5,000,000 has been contributed to date to 

finance the plan. Of this amount, theatre 

managers have invested $600,000. all of which 

is returnable to them at any time plus two 

per cent interest. 

Three More Groups Sign 

In Savings Bond Drive 

WASHINGTON—Receipt of pledges of full 

cooperation from three more groups in the 

industry's participation in the savings bond 

drive have been received by Secretary of the 

Treasury John W. Snyder. The groups are 

the Screen Directors Guild, Screen Actors 

Guild and Motion Picture Machine Operators. 

The pledges were signed by George 

Marshall, president of the SDG; John Dales 

jr., executive secretary of SAG, and Roy M. 

Brewer, international representative, lATSE. 

The drive will run from May 15 through 

June 30. 

Touring with Skouras are Dr. Alfred H. 

Morton, television director for 20th-Fox; 

John Lavery, executive assistant to Skouras; 

Harry C. Cox, vice-president; Alan May, 

assistant treasurer; Edward Zabel, chief film 

buyer, and Andy Krappman, merchandise 

manager. 

Dr. Morton, discussing television and its 

possible effect upon films, said that at the 

moment TV is not cutting into theatre attendance 

and that Audience Research Institute 

poll showed that the effect of video on 

theatre patronage is less than one per cent. 

Receipts Running Ahead 

In Midwest Territory 

KANSAS CITY—Theatre receipts in this 

area are running ahead of those of a year 

ago, Charles P. Skouras, president of National 

Theatres, said here this week. Skouras 

and a group of his associates were here to 

confer with Fox Midwest circuit executives 

and managers. Elmer C. Rhoden, president 

of Fox Midwest, presided at the meetings. 

From Kansas City, Skouras was scheduled 

to go to Milwaukee for meetings with the 

Ff'X Wisconsin organization. 

'The Quiet One' Honored 

By Christian Herald 

NEW YORK—The Christian Herald, in association 

with the Protestant Motion Picture 

Council, made a special award to the 

producers of "The Quiet One," Mayer-Burstyn 

release now in its eighth week at the 

Little Carnegie Theatre. 

"The Quiet One" has also been selected 

by the Newspaper Guild of New York for its 

Page One award for the outstanding film 

of the year. Janice Loeb, producer, will receive 

a citation at the Page One Ball May 30. 

Donald Thompson, star of "The Quiet One," 

will also appear at the ball. 

BOXOFnCE April 9, 1949 17

MGM Plans National 

Goodwill Meetings 

NEW YORK—MGM is 

"friendship meetings" in 96 cities 

plamimg a series of 

during the 

week of April 18. 

The plan is part of the silver anniversary 

celebration of the company. It will be highlighted 

by special screenings of "The Stratton 

Story" and "The Secret Garden." 

Luncheons will be held in each of the cities 

with MGM division, district and branch 

managers as hosts. 

Sixty-four of the meetings and screenings 

will be in non-exchange centers. Theatres 

will be used for the special affairs m nonexchange 

areas. Where exchanges are located 

projection rooms will be used. 

At all of the meetings the theme that 

"MGM is bringing pictures to its customers 

who cannot come to regular trade showings" 

will be stressed. Special invitations are being 

sent out to customers from all of the 

branches, with notations that the exhibitors 

should bring their wives. 

Guests will be asked to write opinions of 

"The Secret Garden" and a prize of $100 will 

be awarded for the best opinion from an exhibitor. 

A similar amount also will be paid 

to a guest whose opinion is regarded as best 

of all who have attended the luncheons. The 

guest does not have to be an exhibitor. In 

addition, a prize of $250 will be set aside as 

a donation to any public organization which 

the winning guest represents. 

This will be the first time in the history of 

the company that a nationwide goodwill 

gesture of this kind has been organized. 

Film Stars to Tour U.S. 

For Savings Bond Drive 

NEW YORK—A cavalcade of film stars 

will tour the country in a series of personal 

appearances for the U.S. Treasury's savings 

bond drive, according to the motion picture 

industry committee cooperating with the 

Treasury department. 

The tour will begin in Independence, Mo., 

President Truman's hom.e town. May 15, 

opening day of the drive. Other cities to be 

visited will be Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit, 

Boston, New York, New Orleans, Philadelphia, 

Washington, Dallas, Atlanta, San 

Francisco and Cleveland. 

Jack Benny will be starred in a one-reel 

short to be filmed by the producer's association 

for the treasury, as one of Hollywood's 

contributions to the drive, according to Dore 

Schary, chairm.an of the Hollywood committee. 

Benny will play a triple role, himself, his 

father and his grandfather, in "The Spirit of 

'49," a capsule cavalcade of the Benny 

family's adventures during the past 100 years. 

It will be produced by Richard Goldstone and 

coordinated by Armand Deutsch at MGM. 

Maurice A. Bergman, industry chairman 

for the drive; Max Youngstein, advertising 

and publicity chairman, and Ed Lachman, 

national exhibitor co-chairman, flew to the 

west coast April 6 for campaign conferences 

with Dore Schary, chairman of the industry's 

Hollywood committee, and Arch Reeve, 

publicity head of the Hollywood group. Gael 

Sullivan, exhibitor co-chairman with Lachman, 

flew in from Denver to attend. 

Economies Paying Off 

For Republic: Yates 

NEW YORK—Republic Pictures Corp. 

earnings for the first quarter of 1949, the 

13-week period from 

Oct. 31, 1948 to Jan. 29. 

1949, were $413,800.01, 

according to Herbert 

J. Yates, president, 

who presided at a 

board of directors 

meeting following the 

annual stockholders 

meeting April 5. 

In a review of the 

company's operations, 

Yates predicted that 

the current year would 

Herbert J. Yates show a decided improvement 

over 1948. He cited reductions of 

bank loans, a policy that was begun in 1946, 

and stated that he anticipated that Republic 

would be clear of all these loans by 

the end of 1949. 

The board authorized full payment of 4 

per cent interest on debentures of the company, 

due June 30 and Dec. 31, 1949. In 

addition, the board declared a dividend of 

25 cents per share on the preferred stock, 

payable July 1, 1949 to stockholders of record 

June 10. 

Edwin Van Pelt, Chemical Bank vice-president; 

Edward L. Walton, Republic vicepresident, 

and Douglas T. Yates, vice-president 

of Republic International, were reelected 

to the board of directors and John 

Petrauskas jr.. Republic treasurer, was elected 

for a three-year term starting April 5, 

makmg the 14th director. 

Subsequently, at the board meeting, the 

current slate of officers was re-elected. They 

are: Yates, president; James R. Grainger, 

executive vice-president; Walton, Walter L. 

Titus jr., Petrauskas, Arthur J. Miller and 

John J. O'Connell, vice-presidents; Joseph 

E. McMahon, secretary, and Albert E. Schiller, 

Ira M. Johnson and Robert V. Newman, 

assistant secretaries. 

Directors present at the board meeting, 

in addition to Yates, Van Pelt, Walton, 

Titus and Miller, were: Richard W. Altschuler, 

Alex Frieder, Albert W. Lind, Harry 

C. Mills and Frederick R. Ryan. 

Ascap Theatre Receipts 

Total $800,000 in '48 

NEW YORK—Ascap theatre collections in 

performing rights fees for 1948 were approximately 

$800,000. This amomit was about 

$500,000 less than the 1947 total of $1,300,000. 

The decrease was due to the two unfavorable 

antitrust decisions handed down In the New 

York and Minneapolis federal district courts 

during 1948. The decisions ruled that Ascap 

theatre collections were illegal. Judge Vincent 

L. Leibell of the New York federal district 

court banned future collections. His decree 

is now up on appeal. 

lawton Story' Opens 

In $30,000 Premiere 

LAWTON, OKLA.—"The Lawton Story," 

new Hallmark film based on the Wichita 

Mountain Easter pageant, held its world 

premiere here at the Ritz and Lawton theatres 

April 1. 

With 30 seats for the premiere selling at 

$1,000 each, another 30 for $100 each and the 

rest for $5 each, an estimated $30,000 was 

raised for the Wichita Mountain Easter Sunrise 

Service Ass'n, sponsor of the aimual 

pageant. 

STARS FROM HOLLYWOOD 

Two planeloads of guest film stars, including 

Lynn Bari, Hugh Herbert and George 

Reeves, accompanied by six-year-old Ginger 

Pi-ince, star of the film, and other members 

of the cast arrived in Oklahoma City March 

31 en route to the premiere. Tlae Hollywood 

party joined more than 400 Hallmark Productions 

employes who already were gathered 

in Oklahoma City for Hallmark's fourth annual 

convention. The entire party then 

motored 110 miles to Lawton and the premiere. 

At Holy City, Okla., site of the Easter 

pageant, the Halhnark party was Joined by 

a motorcade of 80 automobiles containing 

members of the Lawton Junior Chamber of 

Commerce and other civic leaders. 

Despite a cold drizzling rain, some 75,000 

persons lined the streets of Lawton and 

cheered as the long line of automobiles 

passed. Gov. Roy J. Turner and other state 

officials appeared in person at both theatres 

during the evening with Producers Kroger 

Babb, president of Hallmark, J. S. Jossey of 

Cleveland and Neil E. Bogan, president of 

Principle Films, Inc., of Tulsa. All of the 

cast of "The Lawton Story," Miss Bari, Herbert, 

Reeves, Knox Manning, west coast 

radio commentator and narrator of "The 

Lawton Story," Claire James, Noreen Nash, 

William Beaudine, director, and Henry 

Sharpe, cameraman, also appeared. 

FIRST OF SUBJECT IN COLOR 

"The Lawton Story," the first color and 

sound film of the life of Christ ever made, 

was well received by the audience. When 

the film ended, it received a prolonged round 

of applause. 

"The Lawton Story" opened April 7 at 

Oklahoma City, and is scheduled for April 

9 at Atlanta and April 10 at Cincinnati and 

Wilmington, Ohio. Later the film will open 

in 16 cities throughout the nation, as a roadshow. 

On Easter Sunday, a pre-dawn showing 

will be held in Central Park Mall, New 

York. Hallmark donated the film for this 

unusual Easter pre-dawn service. In the mall, 

"The Lawton Story" will be the principal attraction 

of the annual all-nations Easter 

sunrise service conducted annually by Bishop 

Homer A. Tomlinson of the Church of God, 

Queens VOlage, New York. 

Braly Quits Paramount; 

Smith Absorbs Post 

LOS ANGELES—Hugh Braly, west coast 

district manager for Paramount, resigned, effective 

April 9. His duties will be taken over 

by George Smith, west coast division manager. 

Braly, who will announce his future plans 

shortly, has been with Paramount 30 years, 

and has been a district manager 25 years. 


MEMO TO PRINTER: 

»fei 

No red ink on this page, please! 

This is a business report on 

"MA and PA KETTLE" 

'^ 

s.fe'.f '&«""*•*'•' mt $3(1 

grosses wide open 

"^ fotaj^^?"2and ^5-65)- 

7,„ playms *ê uptown, Tower and Fal«ay, "MA and 

In Kansas City, playing 

__ ^^^^^^ 

PA 

KBTTLE" topped -THE EGG ATO l" ^ --Xy*l^ I 

^J 

In St. Louis at the Fox Theatre, it opened almost $1,000 better 

than "THE EGG AND l"-- and holds. 

in Topelca it opened to al.ost 2| ti.es "THE EGG AND l" TigureT 

in Pittsburgh, Kan., it opened a couple of dollars short of 

double "THE EGG AND I" opening gross figure. 

in Coffeyville, Ft. Scott, Hutchinson, Salina, Newton, St. Joseph 

and all the way down the line of more than 50 towns that opened 

day-and-date with Kansas City, "MA and PA KETTLE" is busting 

"THE EGG AND I" grosses wide open. 

The hilarious sequei fo'The EGG a/ft/i" 

That U-l SHOWMANSHIP FORMULA 

is 

first ''THE 

really paying off! 

LIFE OF RILEY 

then RED CANYON" 

^ 

then "MA and PA KETTLE 

and the CURRENT HOT ONE from UI is 

"CITY ACROSS THE RIVER 

// 

// 

// 

i 

starring 

MarjorieMAINPercv KILBRIDE 

with 

RICHARD LONG -MEG RANDALL 

Screenplay by Herbert Margolis, Louis Morheim and Al Lewis- Produced by LEONARD GOLDSTEJIJ- 

Directed by CHARLES LAMONT- A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE "^

'Tftcti

Balaban Answers Query; 

Who Gets Receipts 

On Theatre Sales? 

NEW YORK— All proceeds from the sale 

of Paramount interests in seven theatre circuits 

will accrue to the new theatre company 

and the new picture company will not share 

in such proceeds, according to Barney Balaban, 

president, in a letter sent to stockholders 

March 31. Balaban said that an addition will 

be made to the text of the plan of reorganization 

to cover this point. 

The theatre interests referred to are: Interstate 

Circuit Inc., Texas Consolidated 

Theatres, Inc., Malco Theatres, Inc.. Tri- 

States Theatre Corp., Central States Theatres 

Corp., Paramount-Richards Theatres, 

Inc., and Wilby-Kincey circuit. 

PROXY PHRASEOLOGY 

The original proxy statement released 

March 7 had stated: "Proceeds (after payment 

of all expenses including taxes) resulting 

from the sale of theatre assets located in 

the U.S. between Jan. 1, 1949, and the date of 

consummation of the plan will be equally 

divided between the two new companies, except 

that the new picture company will not 

share in any proceeds after it has received 

$7,500,000." 

Clarifying another point, Balaban told the 

stockholders that upon the acceptance by 

two-thirds of the stockholders of the consent 

judgment as the best means of resolving the 

company's antitrust problem, the other 

stockholders would be free to demand cash 

for their shares. He assured the stockholders 

that Paramount would refu.se any demand for 

a right of appraisal and that if any dissenting 

stockholder institutes a court action, the company 

would "vigorously resist it, confident 

that no right of appraisal exists." 

MimMIZES DISADVANTAGE 

Balaban minimized the disadvantage of 

the clause in the decree which will have the 

voting trustee withhold 50 per cent of the 

dividends in the new theatre company until 

certificates of interest are sold or the trust 

is dissolved. The preservation of earning 

power which the plan assures will, in turn, 

make possible the maintenance of dividends. 

"In one case, the receipt of a portion of the 

dividends is only delayed; in the other, the 

source of its payment is partially dried up," 

Balaban said. 

Balaban urged that all stockholders be 

represented, either in person or by proxy, to 

vote on the reorganization plan at the special 

meeting April 12. 

Paramount Has 2 Films 

For Reissue in June 

NEW YORK—Paramount will rerelease 

"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and 

"Geronimo" June 17, according to A. W. 

Schwalberg, general sales manager. This 

program will be sold as "The Parade of Paramount 

Champions" with two other pairs of 

rereleases to be released at four-month intervals. 

"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," which 

is in Technicolor, was originally released in 

1936 and "Geronimo" was released in 1939. 

These are the first Paramount reissues for 

the 1948-49 season. The last, Cecil B. De- 

Mille's "The Crusades," was reissued in July 

1948. 

Para Out of 171 Houses 

In 27 States Sinee 1946 

NEW YORK— Divorcement of Paramount 

theatres has been in progress since June 

11, 1946, the day that the three-judge court 

handed down its first decision and prior to 

the first decree, which was appealed. 

Since that time the company has disposed 

of 171 theatres in 78 towns and cities in 27 

states. Leases have been terminated, operating 

agreements have been dissolved, one theatre 

has burned, partial interests have been 

sold, and in several instances the company 

has given up its claim to a half interest 

in theatres in Colorado and Nebraska. 

At the same time the company has acquired 

18 theatres in 12 states, 16 of which are 

drive-ins. Two theatres which have been 

destroyed by fire—Kingsport in Tennessee and 

Roxbury in Massachusetts—^have been rebuilt. 

Theatres lost by Paramount and affiliates 

since Jime 11, 1946: 

Alabama 

BIRMINGHAM: Pantages (lease not renewed); 

Jefferson (theatre razed); Ensley (suburb) (lease 

canceled); MONTGOMERY—Tivoli (sold). 

Arkansas 

RUSSELLVILLE: New (lease terminated); NEW- 

PORT—Post (lease canceled); PINE BLUFF—Plainview 

(lease terminated); McGHEE—New (lease terminated); 

SPRINGDALE—Concord and Shiloh (Ozark 

Enterprises dissolved); SMACKOVER—Strand (sold). 

Calilomia 

SAN FRANCISCO: Alcazar, Fox and Warfield (operating 

agreement terminated). 

Colorado 

COLORADO SPRINGS: Trail, Tompkins, Ute; GRAND 

JUNCTION—Avalon and Mission; GREELEY—Park and 

Sterling; PUEBLO—Main and Uptown (Paramount 

gave up its claim to 50 per cent interest in eacfi 

of these). 

Connecticut 

NEW LONDON: Capitol (sold to American Theatre 

Co.). 

Florida 

TAMPA: Park (leo'se terminated); COCOA—State 

(Para, stock sold); EUSTIS—State (Para, stock sold); 

MOUNT DORA—Princess (Para, slock sold); UMA- 

TILLA—Uma (Para, stock sold); EAU GALLIE—Eau 

Gillie (Para, stock sold); MELBOURNE—Van Croix 

(Para, stock sold); LAKE WALES—Scenic and State 

(Para, stock sold); TALLAHASSEE—Florida, Ritz, 

State (Para, stock sold); WINTER HAVEN—Grand 

and Ritz (Para, stock sold); JACKSONVILLE—Roxy 

(lease canceled): ORLANDO—Strand (lease canceled); 

MIAMI—Tivoli (lease canceled); DAYTONA 

BEACH—Crystal (lease terminated). 

Georgia 

ATLANTA: Capitol (lease terminated); MOULTRIE 

—Grand (lease canceled). 

. Illinois 

PEORIA: Majestic (lease canceled). 

Indiana 

MARION: Indiana and Lyric (lease terminated); 

HAMMOND — Orpheum and Parthenon (operating 


Iowa 

OSKALOOSA: Strand (lease canceled). 

Louisiana 

NEW ORLEANS: Loew's State (one-third interest 

sold by Paramount-Richards); SHREVEPORT—Capitol 

(lease canceled). 

Maine 

FORT FAIRFIELD: Hacker Hall (destroyed by fire); 

PORTLAND—Maine (M&P house sold to American 

Theatre 

Corp.). 

Massachusetts 

BROCKTON: Rialto (operating agreement terminated); 

FITCHBURG—Shea's (operating agreement 

terminated); ARLINGTON—Capitol; GREATER BOS- 

TON—AUston, Bellevue, Circle, Colonial, Community, 

Dudley, Egleston, Esquire, Egyptian, Fairmount, 

Franklin Park, Humboldt, Hyde Park, Jamaica, Liberty, 

Marlboro, Modem, Morton St. Newton, Oriental, 

Plaza, Regent, Rialto, Rivoli, Roxy, Stcrle, Warren 

Street. Washington Street, WoUaston (sold to 

American Theatre Corp.); FALMOUTH—Elizabeth and 

Falmouth (sold to American Theatre Corp.) HULL 

Bayside; SOMERVILLE—Ball Square, Capitol and 

Central; TAUNTON—State and Park; WALTHAM— 

Central Square, Embassy, Waldorf, Waltham (all 

sold to American Theatre Co.). 

Michigan 

GRAND RAPIDS: Empress and Regent (operating 

agreement terminated; KALAMAZOO—New (lease 

terminated) 

Minnesota 

MINNEAPOLIS: World, Alvin and Victory (operating 

agreement terminated on World and Victory 

and lease terminated on Alvin). 

Nebraska 

LINCOLN: Lincoln (stock sold; Nebraska and Stuart 

(Paramount gave up claim to 50 per cent of stock); 

GRAND ISLAND—Nebraska (lease terminated). 

New Hampshire 

DOVER: Lyric (lease terminated). 

New York 

MIDDLETOWN: Slate and Stratton (operating 

agreement terminated); YONKERS — Strand (lease 

terminated); Proctor's (operating agreement terminated); 

NEWBURGH — Park (lease terminated); 

ROCHESTER—Palace and Temple (operating agreement 

terminated); STATEN ISLAND—Paramount 

(property sold). 

Ohio 

TOLEDO: Paramount (BSK) (lease terminated). 

OKLAHOMA CITY: 

Oklahoma 

Criterion, Plaza, Palace, Capitol, 

Ritz, Victoria Theatres, (Regal Inc., stock sold); 

Liberty, Folly, Midwest and Warner (Standard Theatre 

Corp., operating agreement terminated). 

Pennsylvania 

SCRANTON: Manhattan (property sold); PHILA- 

DELPHIA—Circle and State (operating agreement 

terminated): UPPER DARBY—59th Street Theatre (operating 


South Carolina 

GREENVILLE: Rivoli (lease terminated). 

South Dakota 

WATERTON: State (destroyed by fire). 

Tennessee 

KINGSPORT: Gem, Rialto and Strand (leases terminated); 

CHATTANOOGA — Rialto (lease terminated); 

JOHNSON CITY-Tennessee (lease expired). 

Texas 

RUSK: Aslor (lecfse terminated); Texas (lease expired); 

MARSHALl^Palace (lease terminated); 

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Republic and Nat Holt Buy 

Railroad Yarn for Filming 

Jet propulsion may very well be developed, 

in coming years, to the point where 

it wUl be used in mass transportation—but 

the movie-makers aren't going to forget that 

old reliable, the Iron Horse. Almost simultaneously 

two organizations, Republic and 

Nat Holt Productions, announced they had 

acquired railroad yarns for immediate filming. 

Holt, whose first venture as an independent, 

"Canadian Pacific," has just gone 

into release under the 20th Century-Pox 

banner, will follow that story of the famed 

Canadian line with "Santa Fe—the Railroad 

That Built an Empii-e," based on a 

book by Jim Marshall. The author and 

Paul Schofield are collaborating on the 

screenplay, and Santa Pe officials have promised 

their cooperation in the picture's manufacture. 

To Republic went "Southern Pacific," an 

original by William Martin, which will be 

produced and directed by Joe Kane and 

will be photographed in Ti'ucolor on the 

studio's 1940-50 slate. 

Five Stories Sold in Week; 

MGM Buys Producer's Play 

Of note during a period when five 

literary 

properties were disposed of to various filmmakers 

was the acquisition by MGM of an 

original by one of its own producers. Planned 

as a starring vehicle for Greer Garson, 

it is an original play, "Mr. Imperium," 

written by Edwin Knopf and is described &s 

the story of a girl who falls in love with a 

king. Knopf had originally planned it for 

New York stage production. He'll write the 

screenplay and produce. Also acquired by 

MGM was "A Matter of Fact," by Leonard 

Spiegelgass, who was booked to develop the 

script ... A family affair was the sale to 

Producer-Director Roy Del Ruth of "The 

Syndicate," an original by his son Richard. 

Columbia to 

Release 

'Galahad' Serial 

Known to the trade as cliff-hangers, 

that celluloid staple, the serial, consistently 

falls into three general patterns 

as concerns subject matter—crimebusters, 

sagebrushers and pseudo-science 

stuff, circa the 25th century. 

In a departure from the established 

pattern which comes close to being 

described as radical is the new eplsoder 

announced for production by Sam Katzman 

and to be distributed by Columbia. 

Titled "The Adventures of Sir Galahad," 

it's cloak-and-dagger stuff based on 

characters in the stories of King Arthur 

and his Knights of the Round Table. 

The title role has been handed George 

Reeves, with Spencer Bennet and Derwin 

Abrahams co-directing, while the 

story line was plotted by George Plympton, 

Lewis Clay and Dave Mathews. 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

The yarn, tracing the tie-in between criminal 

syndicates in various U.S. key cities, goes 

on the elder Del Ruth's 1950 production slate, 

for unannounced release, and will be scripted 

by Del Ruth films and George Callahan . . . 

Republic, which seems to be doing all right 

financially with "The Wake of the Red 

Witch," John Wayne starrer based on the 

novel by Garland Roark, prnxhased another 

Roark tome, "Fair Wind to Java," and will 

develop it as—you guessed it—a starring 

vehicle for John Wayne . . . Benedict Bogeaus, 

United Artists producer, picked up the 

screen rights to the late Damon Rimyon's 

"Johnny One-Eye," the story of a big-time 

mobster, a six-year-old girl and a mongrel 

dog. Immediate filming is planned. 

Disney's Treasure Island' 

To Be Megged by Haskin 

Byron Haskin was signed by Walt Disney 

to direct his all-live-action version of Robert 

Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," which 

will be filmed in England this summer in 

Technicolor for RKO Radio release. Moppet 

Bobby Driscoll will be starred as "Jim Hawkins" 

. . . Dorothy Reid, widow of the late 

Wallace Reid, is scripting "Francis," upcoming 

Donald O'Connor starrer, at Universal-Internaional 

Ben Hecht has been 

. . . set by Samuel Goldwyn to write the screenplay 

of "Edge of Doom," the Leo Brady 

novel which Goldwyn recently purchased . . . 

Booked to a new three-year megaphoning 

ticket at 20th Century-Fox, Henry Koster 

. . Eddie 

will next pilot "Wabash Avenue" . 

Cline will direct "Maggie Wins a Racehorse," 

next in the "Bringing Up Father" series 

which Barney Gerard is producing for Mono. 

Elia Kazan Replaces Ford 

On Direction of Tinky' 

After a two-week delay in production 

while Director John Ford was attempting 

to recuperate from a sprained ankle—and 

then came down with a case of shingles 

20th Century-Fox decided it couldn't postpone 

camera work any longer on "Pinky," its 

Jeanne Crain starrer which is a contribution 

to the cycle of films attacking racial prejudice. 

Therefore Ford has stepped out of the directorial 

berth, to be replaced by Elia Kazan, 

who canceled a London stage assignment la 

favor of the Westwood chore. Kazan piloted 

the company's indictment of anti-Semitism, 

"Gentleman's Agreement." 

'Oh, Promise Me' Is Next 

For Rosalind Russell 

Rosalind Russell is going to be a busy 

lady for the next several months. Currently 

starring in a comedy for Columbia, "My 

Next Husband," and a partner with her husband, 

Frederick Brisson, in Independent 

Artists, Inc.—which releases through RKO 

Radio—the actress is striking out in a third 

direction with the purchase of "Oh, Promise 

Me," an original comedy by Leigh Jason 

and Louise Randall Plerson, which she plans 

to produce as a starring vehicle for herself. 

It was emphasized the property will not be 

made under the lA banner, but will be filmed 

'Oscar' Gets Himself 

Into More Trouble! 

Oscar, the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences' little mascot, got 

himself into more trouble than you could 

shake a stick at following the recent 21st 

annual Academy Awards ceremonies. As 

noted previously, he precipitated an industry 

tempest when representatives of 

several major companies disclosed they 

will no longer contribute financially to 

the yearly function. And then, on- top of 

that, Oscar was accused of having made 

an unauthorized appearance in some 

rrewspaper advertisements plugging the 

Los Angeles roadshow engagement of 

Sierra Pictures-RKO Radio's "Joan of 

Arc," for which Producer Walter Wanger 

was awarded a personal statuette in 

recognition of his "distinctive service to 

the world community." 

Promptly, newspaper ad copy on the 

film was revised to read, "The Academy 

Special Award Picture," and lo! a reproduction 

of Oscar in all his brassy glory 

appeared therewith. 

Came forward at that point Universal- 

International, which is distributing 

"Hamlet"—voted 1948's best picture 

with the charge that the "Joan of Arc" 

tub-thumping technique was, to say the 

least, misleading. 

Hastily the Academy directorate agreed 

with U-I's squawk and declared the use 

of the statuette in conjunction with 

"Joan" was "unauthorized," reminding 

that the use of the symbol in such advertising 

is limited to "a specific achievement 

for which the award has been 

made," or to "references to the annual 

Academy Awards presentation as an 

event." 

Apparently agreeing that the Academy's 

point was well taken, the drumbeaters 

for "Joan of "Arc" revised their 

ad copy. It now reads, "Special Academy 

Award to Walter Wanger for distinguished 

service to the industry ... by 

his production of the film, 'Joan of Arc' " 

And, it is assumed, everybody is now 

happy—including U-I. 

and released apart from that independent 

company's schedule. 

Susan Hayward Borrowed 

For New Goldwyn Film 

Susan Hayward, who is under contract to 

Producer Walter Wanger, has been borrowed 

by Samuel Goldwyn for the co-starring 

role opposite Dana Andrews in "My Foolish 

Heart," new handle for J. D. Salinger's New 

Yorker story, "Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut" 

. . . Heading the supporting cast of 

RKO's new Tim Holt western, "Renegade 

of the Rancho," are Edward Norris and 

Movita . Charles Starrett draws 

a new two-year ticket at Columbia, calling 

for his appearance in 10 to 12 sagebrushers 

during that period . . . MGM booked 

Charles Coburn for a character lead in 

"Bodies and Souls" . Louis Hayward 

. . 

and Lee Bowman have the toplines in "Floodtide," 

second entry from the independent 

unit. Fidelity Pictures, headed by Howard 

Welsch. No release has been set . . Jack 

. 

Holt goes into the cast of Republic's "Brimstone." 


. 

the 

Theatre 

Construction, 

Openings and Sales 

CONSTRUCTION; 

Eniield. Conn.—Matthew Alaimo and Irving Shapiro 

filed application for permit to build open air theatre, 

in early planning stage. 

Lebanon. Mo.—20O-car drive-in on route 32, five 

miles east, planned by Clifford Hough and Ralph 

Hough. 

Robinson. III.—Valley Drive-In, 500 cars, under 

way by Valley Drive-In, Inc. Incorporators; Harry 

R. Jones, Mary E. Schmidt and Ralph P. Snyder. 

Plover. Wis.—New drive-in under way on highway 

51 for Badger Outdoor Theatre Co., Minneapolis. 

Opening dale May 8. 

Kenosha. Wis.— Mid-City Outdoor Theatre, 600 cars, 

under way on highway 42 for Standard Theatres. 

Milwaukee. 

Burbank. Calif.—Cornell Theatre, $600,000, planned 

by Malouf Realty Corp. and Wright-Becker-Frantz. 

Architect, Clarence J. Smalle. Leased to Harry 

Rockas and Associates. 

Albuquerque—Heights Theatre, 1,200-1,400 seats, 

$100,000, planned by Albuquerque TTieatres, Inc., and 

Bachechi Bros. 

San Jose, Calii.— Construction to start soon on 

900-seal, $300,000 theatre at South First and San 

Salvadore streets for Lawrence Borg. Architect, A. 

E. Cantin of San Francisco. 

Richmond. Colli.—Contract awarded for 700-seat 

$67,000 theatre to be built at El Sobrante by Benicia 

Theatre Co. headed by Elias Jeha. 

Littleton. Colo.—Construction under way on 1,000- 

car dnve-in for Wolfberg Theatres of Denver. 

Moro, Ore.—Renovation of store building into theatre 

to begin soon by Estol Harley of Grass Valley. 

Bremerton. Wash.— 580-car Rodeo Drive-ln costing 

$50,000 under way on the Belfair highway lor Rex 

Thompson and other Port Orchard businessmen. 

Opening May 1-15. 

Lakewood, Colo.—Construction to start immediately 

on 1.250-seat theatre lor I. J. Scavo, W. M. 

Horkens and Bob Patrick. Late spring opening 

planned. 

Fresno, Calif.—Starlite Drive-In, $110,000, 600 cars, 

near completion by Robert L. Lippert. Opemng 

May 1-15. 

Starke, Fla.—500-seat theatre under way lor June 

1 opening by E. L. Pullman. 

Hammond, La.— 500-car drive-in lor May 15 opening 

by Dallas Carmes. 

lonesboro. Ark.-600-car drive-in, $100,000, planned 

by United Dnve-In Corp. of Caruthersville, Mo. 

Montreol—Centre Theatre undergoing $20,000 renovation 

job for David and Raymond Berzan. Architect: 

Louis & Aspler, Montreal. 

Montreal—Vogue Theatre under way for David and 

Raymond Berzan, 600 seats, $150,000. Architects: 

Luke, Little & Mace, Montreal. To be completed 

June 1. 

OPENINGS: 

Los Angeles— Imperial Theatre, 1,200 seats, opened. 

Casper, Wyo.—Adams Drive-In to open April 10 

lor Robert Adams. 

Los Angeles—Marcel Theatre, reopened by James 

Nicholson-Joe Moritz after extensive fire repairs. 

San Carlos. Calif.— Laurel Theatre, 1,000 seats, 

$300,000, opened by White Oak Theatre Co., Ray 

Knight, president, to operate as unit of Westlond 

Theatres. 

Yuba City, Calif.—Auto-See, 600 cars, $150,000, 

opened for Auto-See Drive-In Co., Frank Maun, 

president. 

Odessa, Tex.—^Bronco Drive-ln, 450 cars, opened 

by John Foster and O. B. Laird. 

Jacksonville, Fla.—Normandy Outdoor to open in 

mid-Apnl for Tropical Drive-In TTieatres, Inc. 

Waterville, Conn.—Ville Theatre, 700 seats, to be 

opened in April for Robert Schwartz. 

Wood River, 111.—Mid-Town Theotre, 650 seats, to 

be opened April 10 by George Evanoff. 

Appleton, Wis.—S&M Outdoor Theatre to open 

about May 1. 

Manitowoc, Wis.—Strand Theatre, 900 seats, opened 

by Nick Johnson of Johnson Amusement Co. 

Clinton, S. C.—New Broadway Theatre to open 

May 4 for I. L. Young. 

Winchester. W. Va.—Royal Drive-ln, 600 cars, 

opened April 2 for E. E. Ours of 112 South Washington 

St., Winchester. 

SALES: 

Manchester, Mich.—Manchester Theatre to Lloyd 

Roudebush of Manchester by Burt Bell. 

Pomeroy. Iowa—Pom Theatre to Paul Spalding from 

Henry Brunei, 

Lake View, Iowa—Lake Theatre by Jack Kennedy, 

Des Moines, 

Hollywood, Calif.—Marcal Theatre to Joe Moritz 

and lames Nicholson by Al Galston and Jay Sutton. 

Donville. 111.—Victory Theatre to Abe H. Kaufman 

of Fountain Theatre, Terre Haute, Ind., by Jack 

Butler. Name to be changed to Main. 

Raceland. Ky.—Ken Theatre to R. V. Dinkle by 

C. C, Lohr. 

Creal Springs. 111.—Creal to Dennie Campbell by 

C. A. and R. M. Moore of Crab Orchard, 111. 

BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949 

TiJcUÛi^to^ ^CfK^ 

IJOLLYWOOD CAME OFF on the short end 

of some bad publicity here last week, although 

it scored notable gains in enlisting 

the sympathy of congressional and administration 

leaders in the struggle against discriminatory 

legislation abroad. 

We are assured that the major companies 

notified the Academy last fall that it would 

finance no Oscar awards after this year. Had 

public notice been given at that time, there 

would have been little occasion for the current 

misunderstanding. But the fact is that 

in Congress and the press, most of those who 

discuss the matter at all here cynically assume 

that the producer decision was the result 

of the numerous awards given Britishmade 

"Hamlet" by the Academy last month. 

All of which becomes even more amusing, 

if you're amused by such things, in view of 

the high praise heaped upon the industry 

on the senate floor Tuesday by Sen. Owen 

Brewster of Maine. In a speech on the British 

quota, Brewster called the awards "spectacular" 

as "another example of the American 

motion-picture industry's consistently 

fairminded attitude toward the motion picture 

industries of other nations." 

Obviously Eric Johnston had these words 

and the over-all effect of the awards to 

"Hamlet" in mind when he expressed his 

confidence that support for the Academy 

would continue to be provided by the majors. 

It is unfortunate that his sage appraisal of 

public reaction to pulling out was not 

given further study by the company toppers 

before they confirmed the withdrawal story. 

* * • 

PROVING THAT ITS MEMORY is 

long, 

the National Labor Relations board this week 

brought out a final decision in the case of 

24 lATSE members who refused to cross the 

picket lines of the Conference of Studio 

Unions, or refused to do the work of striking 

CSU members, in the spring of 1945, and 

were therefore refused reinstatement by their 

studios. The complaints of another five were 

dismissed, whUe back pay and/or was ordered 

for the other 24. 

The decision is interesting mainly because 

it is a clear statement of the right of lATSE 

to operate a closed-shop under the Wagner 

Act—even to the extent of expelling eight 

of its 

By ALAN HERBERT 

members and winning an NLRB finding 

that they were entitled to back pay only 

to the date of their expulsion by the union, 

and not to reinstatement at all. 

All this, of course, happened before the 

Taft-Hartley act, but the NLRB proved that 

it has a long memory. As a matter of fact, 

had the Taft-Hartley act been in effect, the 

whole matter might have been further complicated 

by charges against the lATSE from 

the expelled members. 

Don't think this means the end of the 

studio labor dispute saga. Still to come from 

the board is a certification for whichever 

side is victor in an election among set decorators 

due by this weekend. Contending are 

lATSE and the painters' union, both AFL 

affiliates. 

Incidentally, the companies cited this week 

were Warners, Loew's and Columbia, with 

dismissals in cases involving Fox, RKO and 

Republic. Also cited was the Ass'n of Motion 

Picture Producers, the Hollywood affiliate of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n. The board found 

that its labor committee and the late Fred 

Pelton had instructed members in violation 

of the law. 

* • • 

SEN. WILLIAM KNOWLAND of California 

says he hopes to have an amendment 

for the Reciprocal Trade Agreements extension 

act which will bear on the British film 

quota. But he admits that he hasn't yet figured 

out any way to force the British to 

abandon the quota. 

In the meantime the matter was brought 

to the White House last week by Dick Walsh 

and Roy Brewer of the lATSE and Ronald 

Reagan and Ken Thompson of the Screen 

Actors Guild. They reported that they received 

a sympathetic hearing. 

Reagan later remarked that he thought the 

problem was far more serious for Hollywood 

labor and talent than for film executives. 

He said employment was only about 60 per 

cent of normal for technicians, and about 

40 per cent for actors and other talent. He 

said he would start worrying about the executives 

"when there are as many empty desks 

in the front offices as there are empty dressing 

rooms on the sets." 

Blevins Hitches the Popcorn Box 

To the Prosperous Boxtop Business 

NASH'VILLE, TENN.—Announcement was 

made by the Blevins Popcorn Co. this week 

that it will market a new popcorn box to 

hitch the tremendous box-top business to 

theatre popcorn sales. 

The same successful merchandising which 

has marked the use of boxtops in the breakfast 

cereal field is to be introduced in popcorn 

sales, Blevins' "atomic bomb ring" popcorn 

box offers a nationally-tested, selfliquidating 

premium for children—an adjustable 

ring containing harmless radioactive 

materials—by means of a coupon and supporting 

copy. 

"If children's premiums will sell dry cereal 

by the billions of units, it should certainly 

increase popcorn sales," the announcement 

said. The company is offering a merchandising 

kit of promotional material, including 

an optional 95-foot film trailer, newspaper 

mats, spot announcements, and two-color, 

point-of-sale banners for use with the box." 

All details of packing and handling the 

"atomic bonb ring," which was singled out 

by Life magazine in a March 14 article on 

the box-top business as the most effective 

premium ever offered, will be handled by the 

Blevins company home office in NashvUle. 

All the exhibitor has to do is display the 

promotional materials and offer his popcorn 

in the new box which measures 4y4Xl'%x75/8. 

The boxes sell for the same price as regular 

boxes of similar capacity. 

25

Jdif^Ône of the best-loved pictures of all 

'Zh^m^ 

time -and one of the top grossers in 

screen history! Now, for the first time, 

available for re-presentation to new 

millions of moviegoers . . . ready to 

repeat the terrific 

boxoffice performance 

it made when it first took 

America by storm! . . . ALL NEW 

publicity and exploitation campaigns 

and tieups! NEW PRINTS, 

NEW POSTERS, ADS, LOBBIES AND 

OTHER ACCESSORIES! 

NATIONAL ADVERTISING to 

24,342,250 CIRCULATION 

of Life, Saturday Evening Post, 

Collier's, Time, Sport Magazine 

and Motion Picture magazines.

AMUEi fÔLDWYN 

presents 

* 

mB 

SS'a-sa 

Re.

, years 

MONOGRAM JIM MOTE FUND 

GAINS SUPPORT OF CIRCUITS 

Pete Wood of Ohio Allied 

Also Lauds Move to Aid 

Small Town Exhibitor 

Although the STEVE BROIDY 25TH 

ANNIVERSARY DRIVE FOR BOXOF- 

FICE'S JIM MOTE FUND has been under 

way for only a few days—it officially kicked 

off March 31—the campaign, unique in industry 

annals, already has drawn enthusiastic 

response from representatives of all of 

filmdom's branches. Lavish has been the 

praise for the project and its underlying 

humanitarian motives. 

Outstanding among the flood of tributes 

received during the drive's early days was 

that from P. J. Wood, secretary of the Independent 

Theatre Owners of Ohio. In a letter 

to Broidy, president of Monogram and Allied 

Artists, Wood emphasized that "for many 

years" the organization he represents "has 

consistently opposed sales drives by the distributors 

as they are nothing more or less 

than rackets." 

PLEDGES EXHIBITOR HELP 

Added Wood: 

"However, your announcement that a certain 

share of the results of your 25th anniversary 

drive—March 31-June 30, 1949—will 

be allotted to the 'Jim Mote Fund' takes it out 

of this category. 

"In view of this fact, I hereby urge exhibitors 

thi'oughout the country to do all 

they possibly can to make your drive an outstanding 

success so that Jim Mote can benefit 

to the greatest possible extent." 

That the campaign is exerting international 

appeal is demonstrated through word 

from Earl Lawson, president and managing 

director of the Odeon Theatres Ltd. of Canada. 

Lawson assured that he will "certainly 

ask our buying and booking department 

to assist in any way they can in the Monogram 

drive." 

From Harry Brandt, operator of the Brandt 

circuit in New York, came the pledge: 

"We will do everything we can to help 

make the Steve Broidy Drive a howling 

success." 

B&K GIVES SUPPORT 

The support of another giant circuit was 

assured when the Balaban and Katz chain 

in Chicago informed Broidy: 

"We shall, as always, do all 

we can to help 

you make this a successful drive." 

Space requirements preclude the tabulation, 

in this issue of BOXOFFICE, of all of 

the many messages received from representative 

exhibitors, distributors and members of 

allied industries. All are couched in the same 

congratulatory vein, praising BOXOFFICE 

and Monogram for having pooled their resources 

in a drive which again, and forcefully, 

demonstrates the great heart of show 

business, and all contain assurances of 100 

per cent cooperation with the campaign's 

motives and aims. 

Veteran Sales Execufives Heading 

Regional Steve Broidy Campaigns 

As west coast sales 

manager for Monogram 

and Allied Artists, 

and co-owner 

with Howard Stubbins 

of the Pacific Coast 

distribution franchise, 

Mel Hulling is playing 

a leading part in the 

Steve Broidy 25th anniversary 

drive for 

BOXOFFICE'S Jim 

Mote Fund. The partners 

operate exchanges Mel Hulling 

in Los Angeles, San 

Fi-ancisco, Portland and Seattle. 

Born in San Francisco, HuUing's entry 

into the motion picture industry came in 

1914 with Pathe Film Exchange, with which 

he remained untU 1923. Then followed six 

as branch manager for Warner Bros, 

in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a 

year with Tiffany Productions, after which 

he conducted his own states' rights business 

for three years. From 1935 to 1937 he 

was western district manager for Grand 

National, and in the latter year joined Monogram 

as district manager and co-owner 

of the west coast franchise. 

Hulling, now in active charge of the San 

Francisco office, is a member of the Olympic 

club, Masonic Blue lodge and Scottish Rite 

Shrine. 

* * * 

Howard W. Stubbins, who is playing an important 

part in the Far West activities of 

the STEVE BROIDY 25th ANNIVERSARY 

DRIVE FOR BOXOFFICE'S JIM MOTE 

FUND, is president of Monogram Pictures 

of California and of Monogram Pictures of 

Northwest, with branches in Los Angeles, 

San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. 

Born in Beaver, Pa., Stubbins as a yomig 

man completed his education at Northwestern 

university. Entering film distribution in 

1912, he was for two years with the General 

Film Co. in Minneapolis and Denver, spent 

another two years with World Films, and an 

additional two years with General again, 

this time in Los Angeles. From 1918 to 1921 

he was with Pathe, Select, National Theatres, 

Robertson Cole and StoU. 

Entering the independent field in Los Angeles 

as part owner of the Cooperative Exchange, 

Stubbins acquired the Monogram distribution 

franchise in 1931, selling out his 

interests to Republic five years later. In the 

following year he rejoined the new Monogram 

organization, becoming president of the 

companies controlling distribution on the entire 

west coast. 

New England activities of the STEVE 

BROIDY 25th ANNIVERSARY DRIVE FOR 

Howard Stubbins 

BOXOFFICE'S JIM MOTE FUND are under 

the supervision of Herman Rifkin, vicepresident 

bf Monogram and a member of the 

company's board of directors, as well as 

owner of the New England franchise. He 

has offices in Boston and New Haven. 

After 12 years as manager of the New 

York office of the Singer Sewing Machine 

Co., Rifkin went to Boston in 1910 and established 

the Eastern Film Co., which in 1925 

became known as the Hollywood Film Corp. 

He was one of the founders of Monogram, 

becoming New England franchise holder, and 

was also a founder of the Boston Friars' club. 

In 1936 he disposed of his Interests to Republic, 

and became New England franchise 

holder of this company, but rejoined Monogram 

after its reorganization. 

In addition to his Monogram distribution 

interests, Rifkin some time ago purchased 

a circuit of five theatres in Springfield, 

Mass., operating them in conjunction with 

three other houses which he had previously 

acquired. In 1940 Rifkin was elected a vicepresident 

and director of Monogram. 

An MGM Producer Pitches 

Into the Jim Mote Pot 

Additional proof that interest in the STEVE 

BROIDY 25TH ANNIVERSARY DRIVE FOR 

BOXOFFICE'S JIM MOTE FUND is not confined 

to the exhibition and distribution facets 

of the industry, but that it also is being carefully 

followed by representatives of the production 

end of the business, is demonstrated 

via a contribution by Joe Pasternak, MGM 

production executive, who has gained fame 

through the manufacture of a lengthy list of 

sparklmg musicals. 

Accompanying Pasternak's contribution to 

the fund, in a note to BOXOFFICE, was the 

explanation: 

"I just read about the Jim Mote Fund and 

I am herewith enclosing my check for $10 

to help him out. I think it is a splendid 

28 BOXOFTICE AprU 9, 1949 

idea."

PHILADELPHIA IS 

HEADED FOR THE TOP! 

Nobody, but nobody, is going to beat the sales record of the Philadelphia exchange 

in 

the STEVE BROIDY 25th ANNIVERSARY DRIVE FOR BOXOFFICE'S JIM MOTE 

FUND. 

Backed by the showmen of this entire territory, Philadelphia is 

out to honor the bestliked 

sales executive in the entire industry with a drive that will make Allied Artists- 

Monogram history. 

What's more, we're out to make Philadelphia's contribution to Jim Mote the biggest 

in 

the nation! 

MONOGRAM 

•*•» 

DISTRIBUTING 

1241 Vine Street 

Philadelphia, Pa. 

CORP, 

Max Gillis, 

Branch Mgr. 

STEVE BROIDY 25^ ^nnu.r.ar„ Ibr 

For BOXOFFICE s JIM MOTE FUND 

THE MIDWEST IS MOVING FAST! 

Thank you, exhibitors of the Milwaukee exchange territory, for the whole-hearted 

cooperation you are giving the STEVE BROIDY 25th ANNIVERSARY DRIVE FOR 

BOXOFFICE'S JIM MOTE FUND. 

Your consistent support in booking Allied Artists-Monogram product in this period, 

is not only a real tribute to a great sales executive . . . but a concrete example of 

the way showmen everywhere can and do pitch in to help a fellow exhibitor when 

he needs it. 

*»^ 

MONOGRAM 

DISTRIBUTING 

1030 North Eighth Street 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

CORP, 

C. W. Trampe, President

Disney's 'So Dear to My Heart' 

Wins March Blue Ribbon Avtard 

By VELMA WEST SYKES 

I 

BOBBY DRISCOLL IN VARIATION OF THE BOY- 

OOG, BOY-DEER THEME— BOY AND PET LAMB 

DISNEY REALLY OUTDOES HIMSELF IN COLOR 

CARTOONS BASED ON FOLK WISDOM. ANIMATED 

pAMILY picture of the month, according to members of the National Screen Council, is 

the RKO release, Walt Disney's "So Dear to My Heart." Winning of the March BOX- 

OFFICE Blue Ribbon Award by RKO, after also winning the February Award, Is a bit unusual, 

although last year one of the three RKO winners was for March. "So Dear to My 

Heart" makes its appeal for whole family entertainment through its down-to-earth quality, 

its action (pet lamb Danny going through screen doors is really something!), and its 

emotional tug at the heart-strings. The two child stars, Bobby Driscoll and Luana Patten, 

are such lovable, average children; Burl Ives is engaging as the philosopher-musician, and 

Beulah Bondi as Granny Kincaid quickly wins the audience's sympathetic admiration. Add 

to that the animation of sturdy, old folk sayings and you have just enough whimsy to 

spice this Technicolor screen offering for the whole family to see—and enjoy—together. 

BOXOFFICE reviewed "So Dear to My 

Heart" in the issue of December 11, 1948 as 

follows: "Virtually oozing the nostalgia, 

wholesomeness, whimsy and beauty which 

theatre patrons have come to associate with 

the product of Walt Disney, his latest is 

amply endowed to join the long line of distinquished 

predecessors and carve for itself 

a noteworthy place among them as concerns 

popularity and profits . . . The story, 

that of an average boy living in the heartland 

of America of a generation ago, is refreshing 

in its simplicity but fails not in 

weaving plenty of suspense, gaiety, drama 

and heart-tugs into the situations." 

Adult and Juvenile Appeal 

The Review Digest gives the winning film 

a 9-plus, no-minus rating and its boxoffice 

score, as shown by reports on first runs from 

16 of the 21 key cities used for "barometer" 

purposes, is now 126 per cent of average attendance 

in the houses polled. It is undoubtedly 

a picture that will be equally if 

not more popular in neighborhood and small 

town houses, and unlike some of the good 

Disney offerings, has adult as well as juvenile 

appeal. 

The two child stars won their first Blue 

Ribbon Plaques in "Song of the South" and 

it is the second for Burl Ives, but Beulah 

Bondi now has five to her credit. For Harry 

Carey this is the first Blue Ribbon picture, 

as it is for Sterling North, who wrote the 

original story, John Tucker Battle and Harold 

Schuster, screen-play writer and director 

respectively. Five of Disney's pictures now 

have received this Award. 

Among the ballot 

comments was one from 

Mrs. C. R. Williams of the San Jose Woman's 

club who says "So Dear to My Heart" is "the 

best family picture for some months." According 

to Arthur D. Mackie of the Jersey 

Jouj-nal, " 'So Dear to My Heart' offends 

none and pleases all. It is top-notch family 

screen fare." 

I liked this comment: 

"We made this a family party: mama, 

papa, grandpa, grandma and two children. 

And we all had a glorious time."—Mrs. J. W. 

S. Hartshorn, Springfield (Mass.) Motion Picture 

Council. 

"The 'wiggle test' of the children's reaction 

to this picture was unusually and uniformly 

high. Adult previewing committees representing 

national organizations were equally 

enthusiastic," says Marjorie G. Dawson, MPA 

Children's Library Committee, New York 

City. 

"More films about black sheep like Danny 

would give Hollywood fewer black eyes," A. A. 

Daugherty, Louisville Times, jots on his 

ballot. 

"Gloriously Produced' 

" 'So Dear to My Heart' has everything 

Beulah Bondi was superb and it had a handpicked 

cast. Gloriously produced," writes 

Virginia Lee Ward, Nelson Theatre Circuit, 

Lexington, Ky. . . . "The same effect as fine 

Scotch"—George Stump, KCKN, Kansas City. 

(Our "Man of Distinction," no doubt) . . . 

drawings are excellent."—Mrs. F. 

Shaw, vice-president U.S.D. of 1812, Lawrence, 

"A splendid family picture and 

Wayne 

Disney's 

Kas. 

Uncle Hiram Burl Ives 

Granny Kincaid 

Beulah Bondi 

Jerry Kincaid Bobby Driscoll 

Tildy 

Luana Patten 

Livestock Judge 

Harry Carey 

Producer 

Walt Disney 

Associate Producer Perce Pearce 

Director Harold Schuster 

Screenplay by John Tucker Battle 

Adaptation by ....Maurice Rape, Ted Sears 

From the story by Sterling North 

Director of Photography 

WiNTON C. HOCH, A.S.C. 

Technicolor Color Director 

Natalie Kalmus 

The Cast 

Production Staii 

Also roles by Raymond Bond, Walter 

SODERLiNG, Mat Willis, 

Spelman B. Collins 

Voices of John Heal, Ken Carson. 

Bob Stanton, The 

Rhythmaires 

Photoplay Art Director John Ewing 

Photoplay Set Director Mac Alper 

Sound Recording by 

Max Hutchinson, Robert O. Cook 

Sound Director C. O. Slyfield 

Musical Score by 

Paul Smith 

Music Editor 

Al Teeter 

Film Editors 

Thomas Scott, Lloyd L. Richardson 

Cartoon Director Hamilton Luske 

y TKis Award is given each )Donth by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstandino merit 

and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises notion picture editors, radio 

film commentators, and representatives of better film councils, civic and educational organizations.

Use 

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(Continued from inside back cover) 

THEATRE SEATING 

425 Red Plush fully upholstered padded back 

and boxsprlng chairs, a beautiful lot, only $3.95; 

also 375 rebuilt American panel back, boxspring 

chairs, $4.75; and others reduced during March 

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Ask for Chair Bulletin 15. Dept. C. S.O.S. 

Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.. New 

York 19. 

Parts tor ttU chairs. Send sample for quotation 

Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

Patch-0-Seat cement. Patching cloth, solvent, 

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TiQliten loose cnairs "ith Perawsiime anchor 

cement. Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 6. 

Chair supplies. Everythtng for theatre chairs 

Kensln Seating Co.. Chicago 5. 

Used chairs, giiiiranteed good- .^tMse quant Itj 

warUed Photographs mailed wtth quotation. Fen 

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American and Heywood upholstPrpd hnck. spring 

rtishlons, $3 each. All chairs enaranteed. Spec!»1 

prices will he offered for Inf nf .^0(1 chairs 

rnnvpnient tprms can he nfferfd Write, wire or 

call Jack McGrath. 1046 Broadway, Albany, N. Y . 

Theatre Chairs, 3,000 in stock, $1.60 each up. 

Used spring cushioned part full upholstered back 

and part Insert panel back with spring edge and 

box spring cushions. 1,000 venet. chairs. 800 

good backs. 500 spring cushions and hinges. 

Write for prices and photographs. Immediate delivery; 

advise how many you need. We export 

chairs anywhere. Jesse Cole, 2565 McClellan Ave., 

Valley 23445. Detroit. Mich. 

Several thousand used epers chairs now in stock 

Can furnish any amount you request. Full upholstered 

back. Insert panelback, boxsprlng, and aways at your kiddy shows. Large variety latest 

Comic books again available as premiums, give- 

spring edge seat. Write for photo and statf 48-page newsstand editions. Comics Premium Co.. 

amount and Incline. We also manufacture new 412B Greenwich St., New York City. 

chairs. General Chair Co.. 1308-22 Elston Ave.. 

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Artificial leather. All colors. 50 in. wide 

at $1.25 yd. Samples on request. Commerclaleather. 

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No more torn seats: Repair with the original 

Patch-A-Seflt. Complete kit $6. General Chair 

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Many years In the seating business Is your 

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but we have the pick. Full upholstered, panel 

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Write for exact photo and price We furnish parts 

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coated leatherette 25T26-lnch. :>ll colors. 55c ea 

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Chair Parts: We furnl

CHESTER FRIEDMAN 

EDITOR 

OXOfflW 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

SECTION 

Set- u f 

Theatremen frequently gripe because 

pressbooks have too many 

four and five-column ad mats and 

too few small-size ads to fit their 

budget. 

RKO Radio demonstrates another 

use for oversize mats in conjunction 

with "The Set-Up." Packed 

with punchy illustrative material, 

the five-column mats are perfect for 

window cards. They can be imprinted 

locally, at low cost, from 

either a casting or by the offset 

process. 

The idea of using ad mats for 

window cards is not new, of course. 

The setup for "The Set-Up," however, 

is a natural for getting into 

barber shops, bars, gymnasiums or 

other places frequented by the menfolk. 

In other words, it's a setup 

for reaching the public and a setup 

for getting extra patronage for the 

picture. 

Recent big-scale picture openings 

for new product in key cities have 

set the pattern for showmanship 

campaigns on U-I product by theatremen 

who have their eyes and 

hopes on the $4,500 golden jackpot 

in the U-I Unity drive contest. 

The judges committee is being 

swamped with campaign entries. 

Readers are reminded that campaigns 

on any U-I pictures played 

since last October through April 30 

are eligible for the nine regional 

prizes. 

Entries should reach the New 

York address of BOXOFFICE by 

May 15. Campaigns have a double 

payoff—at 

OFFICE. 

the boxoffice and BOX- 

* * * 

In Baltimore last week, before 

train time, following the dinner for 

Morris Mechanic and the premiere 

of "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College," 

we had time for quick howdy with 

Harry Meyerberg, owner of the new 

and most modem theatre in the 

city, the Crest. Meyerberg reminded 

us it was 22 years ago we worked 

together as ushers at the New York 

Paramount. We can't be that old 

or can we? Let's see . . . April 9. 

Yep! Life begins . . . tomorrow. 

Red Cross Fund Drive Provides Key 

To 'Knock on Any Door Campaign 

Pictorial highlights of the New Haven campaign for "Knock on Any Door.' 

and window tieups ore shown. 

Taking his cue from the New York campaign 

for "Knock on Any Door," Morris 

Rosenthal, manager of the Poll Theatre, New 

Haven, Conn., used the Red Cross drive as 

a basis for gainnig pubhcity and access to 

normally closed channels of promotion. 

Rosenthal persuaded the local Red Cross 

committee to adopt the slogan, "Red Cross 

Workers will 'PCnock on Any Door'—When 

they knock on yours, GIVE!" Two hundred 

cards with that copy were posted throughout 

the city. A "Knock on Any Door" competition 

was inaugurated among 1,500 organization 

workers, with a congratulatory scroll 

being offered to the solicitor rolling up the 

largest collection for the fund. New Haven 

and Bridgeport newspapers cooperated extensively, 

giving both pictorial and news coverage 

to the stunt. 

The chief of police and members of his 

staff attended an advance screening ot the 

picture. A wire-recorded interview with the 

officials was later broadcast over WNBC. 

Rosenthal dressed up his lobby with lifesize 

cutouts of the star of the production and 

special recordings with spot plugs were piped 

in via a record player. Publicity layouts 

from Look magazine and Silver Screen provided 

additional interest. For outside ballyhoo, 

an usher wheeled a door through the 

downtown shopping area inscribed with theatre 

and picture copy. 

—105— 

Street ballyhoo 

Disk jockeys featured the recording of 

the 

Humphrey Bogart Rhumba and music and 

book store tieups predominated in the business 

area of the city. Local libraries cooperated 

by displaying posters on bulletin 

boards and through the distribution of 10,000 

bookmarks. 

Working with the local distributor of MGM 

records, Russ Bovim, manager of the State, 

St. Louis, arranged a number of tieups in 

connection with "Knock on Any Door" 

around the recording of the Humphrey 

Bogart Rhumba. Twenty-five cards carrying 

theatre copy and tie-ins on the record 

were placed in leading music shops throughout 

the city. 

A plentiful supply of the records was obtained 

as prizes for radio contests promoted 

in cooperation with radio disk jockeys. Pat 

Bradley, heard over WXLW, offered records 

as prizes to listeners who identified stills 

from Bogart's previous productions which 

were displayed by Katz Drug Stores in the 

area. 

Extra newspaper and radio publicity was 

garnered by means of an advance screening 

for members of the prosecuting attorney's 

staff, members of the grand jury, police of- 

(Continued on next page) 

33

fc.^.vi'. 

-jL^cîCia 

Square Dance, Newspaper and Radio 

Sell Kansas City 'Kettle 

An aggressive exploitation campaign 

launched several weeks before the world premiere 

of "Ma and Pa Kettle" at the Tower, 

Uptown and Fairway theatres in Kansas 

City, and climaxed with personal appearances 

of its stars at three Fox Midwest 

houses on the opening day, enabled all three 

houses to chalk up record-breaking first 

weeks and rate holdovers. 

Details of the extensive campaign were 

planned and executed under the supervision 

of Ben R. Katz, assisted by Cy Friedman, 

special assistant to Katz; Barney Joffee, 

Nick Sunday and Bus Carroll, managers respectively 

of the Tower, Uptown and Fairway. 

The newspaper advertising campaign was 

started three weeks before the opening in 

various Kansas City weekly newspapers, and 

two weeks previously in the daily Kansas 

City Star. A tiein was arranged with a 

square dance contest sponsored by the city 

recreation department, with Marjorie Main 

and Percy Kilbride, stars of the film, acting 

as judges. Approximately 10,000 persons attended 

the event, and many of them participated 

in the contest. 

Star interviews were broadcast over five 

Kansas City radio stations, WDAF, KMBC, 

KCKN and WHB. In addition, WHB arranged 

a contest to find the largest Kansas 

C.ty family, with the winning group as guests 

at a downtown restaurant and at the premiere 

at the Tower Theatre. 

The opening of a suburban branch of the 

'Whispering' Assisted 

By Whispering Ghost 

Using the title of the picture literally, a 

whispering campaign helped to publicize 

"Whispering Smith" for Ralph Lanterman, 

manager of the Community Theatre, Morristown, 

N. J. Lanterman rigged a speaker 

on top of the boxoffice, with a microphone 

in his office. As patrons approached the theatre, 

a ghostly whispering voice said, " 'Whispering 

Smith' is coming to Morristown . . . 

When someone touches you on the back, that 

means trouble." 

In free time, members of the theatre staff 

used a personalized telephone campaign to 

impress local citizens with the playdates. 

Red Cross Fund Drive 

Provides Key to 'Door' 

(Continued from preceding pag«i 

ficials and representatives of Missouri's Boys 

Town. 

An attractive animated theatre display did 

an excellent job of building advance interest 

in the playdates. Bovim had his sign 

shop paint a life-size cutout of Bogart. This 

was centered in an elaborate setting wliile 

a phonograph played the Bogart Rhumba 

continuously. 

Copies of the novel from which the picture 

was adapted proved valuable in lining 

up book store windows. 

34 

Premiere 

Jones department store March 24 was the 

occasion for personal appearances of the 

"Ma and Pa" stars. The major portion of a 

large Star ad was devoted to pictures of 

Marjorie Main, Percy Kilbride, Meg Randall 

and Richard Long and details of then- appearances. 

Parkview drug stores, a large 

local chain, featured a "Ma and Pa Kettle" 

sundae at all of its fountains. 

General Electric dealers in Kansas City 

also took special display ads in the Star 

featuring the appliances which are used in 

the film. Meg Randall was selected as "Miss 

Flower Show of 1949" by the Kansas City 

Florists Ass'n in connection with an approaching 

exhibit in the municipal auditorium. 

More than 20 

other Fox Midwest theatres 

in the Kansas City area showed special 

trailers promoting the "Ma and Pa Kettle" 

premiere at 

the Tower two weeks before the 

playdate. Special lobby displays were prepared 

by the Tower, Uptown and Fairway. 

Climaxing the exploitation campaign. Mayor 

W. E. Kemp issued a proclamation designating 

a "Ma and Pa Kettle" week in connection 

with the premiere. 

In addition to several special luncheons at 

which the "Ma and Pa Kettle" stars were 

guests, the entire group greeted Kansas City 

governmental officials and newspaper and 

radio representataives at a cocktail party at 

the Mueiilebach hotel. Leading exhibitors 

also attended the event. 

Embarrassing Moment 

Query Exploits 'Mary' 

"What was your most embarrassing moment?" 

was the question used by a disk 

jockey over station WTHT in a contest set 

up by Jim McCarthy, manager of the Strand, 

Hartford, to publicize "John Loves Mary." 

On opening night, McCarthy played host to 

Hartford's oldest and youngest John-and- 

Mary couples. This had been widely announced 

in the local papers and the lucky 

pairs were drawn from the names of more 

than 700 who had written in. 

Life Preservers Animate 

Huntington Park 'Witch' 

Special newspaper ads helped to advertise 

"Wake of the Red Witch" for Jim Barnes, 

manager of the Huntington Park (Calif.) 

Theatre. Barnes also planted publicity stories 

and art with the local daily. Life preservers 

with illustrative material from the picture 

in the center were hung on both sides of 

the boxoffice to attract patron and pedestrian 

attention. 

Candy for Kids Matinee 

Don Lee, manager of the Richmond Theatre, 

Herkimer, N. Y., lined up 50 pounds of 

candy from a local merchant as a giveaway 

to children attending a recent Saturday 

matinee. A photographer provided free 

portraits and another merchant donated 

prizes for winners of a series of stage games 

and contests. 

—106— 

Prints of 'Joan' Placed 

In Bank's Vault for 

Publicity Splurge 

Extra newspaper and radio publicity for 

"Joan of Arc" was attracted by a unique 

tieup made by Walt Jancke, city manager 

for Nebraska Theatres, Lincoln, Neb. Jancke 

sent out a story that the prints of the picture 

were so valuable they were stored in a 

bank vault. This was arranged through the 

National Bank of Commerce which cooperated 

without cost. The local press used 

pictures of a city police officer and one of 

the theatre employes entering the bank with 

the print, and pictures showing bank officials 

receiving the film. 

Search for Talent Offers 

Opportunity on Video 

Two innovations at the Uptown, Salt Lake 

City, have been serving to boost business, 

according to Manager Harry Ashton. A television 

Search for Talent was presented 

every Tuesday evening, providing a half-hour 

diversion in the regular film schedule. Daily 

concerts of light classical music were set, 

in conjunction with the showing of "The 

Boy With Green Hair." Eugene Jelesnik, 

violinist and music conductor for station 

KDYE, and an orchestra of 30 musicians 

were featured in the concerts. 

Lamb and Boy Enliven 

Lobby for 'My Heart' 

Betty Riseley, manager of the Kingston 

(N.Y.) Theatre, centered an attractive lobby 

display for "So Dear to My Heart" around 

a live lamb, borrowed from a nearby farm 

and placed in a pen in the lobby. The 

young son of the theatre cashier was dressed 

in straw hat and clothes resembling those 

worn by Bobby Driscoll in the film. The 

youngster and the lamb cavorting in the 

pen, with an attractive display for a background, 

provoked advance word-of-mouth 

comment. 

French Art, Literature 

Are 'Regiment' Ballys 

Art and literature obtained from the 

French embassy was artfully employed by 

Al Hatoff, manager of the Ritz Theatre, 

Brooklyn, N. Y., to ballyhoo "Rogues' Regiment." 

For Hatoff's initial entry in the U-I 

exploitation contest and a second try for a 

BOXOFFICE bonus, he contacted French officials 

for material concerning the Foreign 

Legion. Descriptive material and photographs 

were used as focal point of a lobby display 

which attracted wide attention from patrons 

and passersby. 

Builds Lobby 24-Sheet 

Hal Martz, manager of the Strand Theatre, 

Plainfield, N. J., lifted a press book suggestion 

on "Every Girl Should Be Married" 

and built a miniature 24-sheet board for 

lobby use two weeks in advance of opening. 

The 24-sheet board was an exact replica 

measuring five feet in width by four feet 

in height. Gooseneck lamps placed over the 

top of the board helped to carry out the 

illusion. 

BOXOFFICE Showmaodiser April 9, 1949

) 

THEATRE SHOWMEN RIDE HIGH 

WITH U'l CONTEST ENTRIES 

Coming down the home stretch for the 

$4 500 in cash prizes offered by Universal- 

International in the Unity sales drive showmanship 

contest, theatremen in increasing 

numbers are rushing their campaigns to the 

judges' committee at BOXOFFICE. 

Norman Levinson, assistant manager of the 

Poll Theatre, Hartford, Conn., reports that 

he has been "riding high with U-I" in promoting 

"Family Honeymoon." The Hartford 

campaign covered all phases of advertising 

and exploitation. A convertible glass-top car, 

with a bride, groom and three children occupying 

it, was driven around town for several 

days before opening, with a sign reading, 

"We're not crazy, just enjoying a 'Family 

Honeymoon,' etc." The bride and groom 

spent a considerable part of the time posing 

before large crowds in front of a furniture 

store window. During the current showing, 

they sat in the window of the store at peak 

shopping hours. Signs provided a clue to the 

tiein. 

CHEWING GUM PROMOTED 

Several thousand sticks of Topps chewing 

gum were promoted, and an attractive young 

woman was dispatched to hand them out,^ 

attached to cards with tiein copy. A timely 

snowstorm provided the incentive for 20 

snowbirds which were placed around the 

center of town. Still another street ballyhoo 

had a man dressed as a porter, carrying 

humorous signs on a suitcase. He rode on 

buses and attracted crowds everywhere. 

Co-op ads were promoted gratis from four 

business firms, including a three-column display 

from the Chicken Coop, three twocolumn 

co-ops with a used car dealer, two 

two-column co-ops from the Charm shop, 

and a four-column ad from a furniture store. 

Five leading department stores and hosiery 

shops imprinted more than 10,000 bags with 

copy in the theatre playdates. Each bag bore 

a number and lucky numbers were posted 

in the theatre lobby. Twenty-five pairs of 

hosiery were promoted as prizes for store 

customers whose numbers matched the selected 

ones. Window tieups were landed with 

four downtown luggage shops, a hosiery store, 

the sponsors of the co-op newspaper ads, and 

a full window with American Airlines. 

LARGEST FAMILY CONTEST 

Pictorial art was planted in both the 

Hartford Times and Courant, with the former 

sponsoring a two-day contest to locate 

Hartford's largest family. Levinson promoted 

dinner, flowers and gifts for the wiiming 

family, and provided them with tickets for 

the opening performances of "Family Honeymoon." 

With a few theatre tickets as prizes, a 

Stop the Music contest was conducted at 

Hartford's leading night club, using tunes 

keyed to the honeymoon theme. Radio promotion 

included disk jockey plugs over station 

WTHT and WDRC and a four-day contest 

on titles of popular love songs which 

WCCC sponsored. The closing night of the 

picture's run, additional publicity was garnered 

by inviting all children attending the 

theatre with their families to be guests of 

the management. 

In connection with the engagement of 

•'^m^ 

Snowbirds made their appearance in 

Hartford in conjunction with Poll engagement 

of "Family Honeymoon." 

"Family Honeymoon" at the Century Theatre 

in Baltimore, publicist Jack Sidney promoted 

a contest calLng for letters giving the 

reason why the writer would like to take a 

"Family Honeymoon." The following prizes 

were promoted for the best letter: a plane 

trip to New York, a three-day stay at the 

Park Sheraton hotel and a tour of New 

York's night spots and points of interest. 

The contest was sponsored by the Baltimore 

News-Post, with attendant publicity two 

weeks in advance. 

S dney also promoted several jeepsters 

which paraded the downtown section of town, 

with banners calling attention to the theatre 

playdates. 

Ralph Lanterman, manager of the Community 

Theatre, Morristown, N. J., undertook 

another extensive compaign in behalf 

of "Family Honeymoon" which started ten 

days prior to opening. Ten thousand programs 

were mailed to residents throughout 

the community. A lobby display, animated 

with a train traveling past billboards with 

miniature 24-sheets on "Family Honeymoon" 

attracted considerable attention. A boy 

dressed in devil's costimie walked through 

the downtown area, passing out Topps gum 

and displaying a sign reading, "There's the 

devil to pay when Fred MacMurray goes on 

his 'Family Honeymoon,' etc." 

Ljour 

A tieup with a Dodge dealer enabled the 

theatre to exhibit a new Dodge and a 1917 

model in front of the theatre entrance five 

days in advance and throughout the current 

engagement. Co-op ads were promoted 

from two merchants and, according to Lanterman, 

the only expense incurred for the 

campaign beyond the normal budget was for 

the rental of the devil's costume. 

"Man-Eater of Kumaon" was the subject 

of extensive ballyhoo campaigns. by theatremen 

affiliated with the Malco circuit. Paul 

Dodson, manager of the Ritz Theatre, Russellville, 

Ark., used advance lobby displays 

and distributed 1.000 heralds in schools to 

exploit his playdates. Street sidewalks were 

stencilled with the outline of a tiger claw 

and the theatre dates. Thirty free radio 

spots were promoted. Six-sheet cutouts were 

posted on a car which toured the city, with a 

public address system playing a recording of 

Tiger Rag. The Russellville campaign doubled 

bus'ness during the two-day engagement 

of the picture. 

AN 

ARKANSAS CAMPAIGN 

At Clarksville, Ark.. Manager Ed Holland 

of the Strand Theatre posted six-sheets and 

one-sheets in prominent locations, used animated 

tiger cutouts in the lobby and out 

front, and stencilled sidewalks with a tiger's 

claw and playdates. For street ballyhoo, he 

had two colored boys walk through the town, 

carrying a cage simulating a bamboo animal 

restrainer with a fierce looking house cat. 

In Stuttgart, Ark., Manager Alger Lancaster's 

campaign on "Man-Eater" was highlighted 

by a coloring contest promoted in conjunction 

with the Rexall store, at no cost. 

The contest announcement and sketch were 

used in a quarter-page newspaper ad, the 

theatre providing free tickets for the best 

entries submitted. The Daily Leader and 

Arkansawyer also sponsored a jungle maze 

drawing, offering free theatre tickets for the 

solution. 

One thousand heralds were distributed by 

insertion to subscribers of the Little Rock 

Gazette and the Democrat. A false front 

was built with raised letters and cutouts 

from three-sheets, for current exploitation. 

Lancaster arranged for announcements of 

theatre playdates to the entire student body 

of the junior high, high school and gram- 

U-I Pictures 

( Continued on next page) 

Exploitafion Contest 

$4,500 IN CASH 

Campaigns on all U-I pictures played from October 

through April 30 are eligible. Entries must be postmarked 

no later than May 15. Address U-I CON- 

TEST JUDGES, c/o BOXOFFICE, 9 Rockefeller Plaza, 

New York 20, N. Y. 

BOXOFFICE Showmondiser AprU 9, 1949 —107— 35

k W>-«k. «- 

^«^ 

Bill Wright Joe Faith Vernon Monjar Sam Hebscher Ollie Bales 

Three Owner-Managers Share Honors, 

Cash, With March Bonus Winners 

Two managers were named to receive Citations 

of Honor and $10 each for original 

ideas submitted to BOXOFFICE in the 23rd 

consecutive monthly Bonus plan. Two more 

were honored for general tieups which were 

considered outstanding in that phase of theatre 

promotion. 

Ten showmen in all, including two repeat 

winners, were named to participate in the 

$100 cash awarded by BOXOFFICE for ideas 

and promotions in all phases of advertising 

and exploitation submitted by theatre managers, 

assistant managers or theatre publicity 

men. 

Bill Wright, manager of the Urban Theatre, 

Dallas, was recognized for developing 

an idea in conjunction with the re'ssue of 

"San Francisco." He took out earthquake insurance, 

getting the insurance company to 

pay his premiums on a promise that the local 

papers would play up the stunt in news 

stories. Wright succeeded on all counts. 

John Goodno, manager of the Palace, 

Hunt ngton, W. Va., developed an idea around 

a trailer presentation which was instrumental 

in putting over "He Walked by Night." 

For outstanding public relations jobs, both 

Joe Faith, owner-manager of the Linn (Mo.i 

Theatre, and Vernon Monjar, owner-manager 

of the Mound Theatre, Ocheydan, Iowa, were 

awarded Bonuses and Citations. 

Sam Hebscher, manager of the Savoy, 

Hamilton, Ont., received a Bonus for promoting 

5,000 tins of poli.sh as outside advertising 

for "Shoe-Shine." The donor also provided 

$75 to help pay for the imprinting and 

distributing costs of collars which were attached 

to the polish. 

Ollie Bales, manager of the Dixie, Abbeville, 

La., repeated his accomplishment of 

July 1948 by earning his second Bonus for a 

terrific ballyhoo in connection with the 

southern premiere of "Louisiana Story." 

Robert Beamer, manager of the Pulaski 

iVa.) Theatre, scored top honors in the ad 

category. Peter Nepote, Arcadia Theatre, 

Olney, III., captured the co-op ad Bonus in 

conjunction with a "Tap Roots" playdate. 

For a general tieup on "The Search" which 

brought exceptional boxoffice results, R. C. 

Walker, owner-manager of the Rialto, Fruita, 

Colo., was awarded a Bonus. 

Matt Freed, Holly Theatre, Medford, Ore., 

earned a March Bonus for outstanding window 

displays. 

Robert Beamer Peter Nepote R. C. Walker Matt Freed John Goodno 

Kids Come by Busload 

To Dubuque 'Joan' 

A screening for the clergy and all school 

principals was responsible for public announcements, 

both in schools and from pulpits, 

in Dubuque, Iowa, which helped exploit 

"Joan of Arc" at the RKO Orpheum Theatre. 

Ray Langfitt, manager, arranged the 

screening, and by stressing the historical 

background of the film, attracted parochial 

and high school children to the theatre in 

large groups. 

Langfitt promoted a contest over WKBB 

by offering passes to li.steners who phoned the 

station during the half-hour program and 

answered questions on "Joan of Arc" correctly. 

Leading department stores made select 

windows available for displays, plugging the 

picture, and arrangements were made with 

the transportation company to run special 

late bus service each night in order that patrons 

from out of town might attend the last 

show. 

Showmen Are Riding High 

In U-I Contest Entries 

I 

Continued from preceding page) 

mar school. Heralds were posted on school 

bulletin boards. 

Dick Feldman, manager of the Paramoimt 

Theatre, Syracuse, N. Y., concentrated special 

attention on his engagement of "Criss 

Cross" which was booked as the top half of 

a double-feature show-. W. T. Grant's department 

store used a large co-op ad plugging 

nylon stockings and the theatre playdates. 

A week ahead of opening, a picture 

of Yvonne DeCarlo, star of the film, appeared 

in a Woodbury ad in the Sunday comic section 

of the Herald-Journal. Feldman got his 

theatre playdates located adjoining the ad. 

On the Talk of the Town air show, a contest 

on screen villains helped to exploit the 

picture for five days prior to opening. Radio 

station WSYR plugged the picture every day 

for a week by offering theatre passes to 

interviewees on WSYR Goes Calling. Publicity 

was planted in the Polish and Italian 

newspapers, and numerous window displays 

helped to round out the campaign. 

Fifth Year Observed 

With Fashion Show 

A tieup between the Radio City Theatre. 

Minneapolis, and the local Men's Fashion 

council provided a men's fashion show as an 

added stage attraction opening night of the 

theatre's fifth anniversary week. The tieup 

was made by publicist John Alexander. 

The show was lavishly staged, with an 18- 

piece orchestra providing the musical background. 

A variety of new spring and summer 

styles for men was featured. Local talent 

provided interludes of entertainment while 

the male models were changing wardrobes. 

Two performances attracted capacity crowds. 

Twenty-two member stores of the council 

backed up the promotion with full window 

displays, newspaper and radio advertising. 

The theatre exploited the show two weeks in 

advance with lobby displays, a stepped up 

newspaper campaign and help from the newspaper 

columnists. 

The fashion show brought in considerably 

more revenue to the Radio City Theatre. 

36 —108— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser April 9, 1949

\i 

Screening Launches 

) 

Impressive Buildup 

For 'Snake Pit' 

An impressive advertising and exploitation 

campaign marked the opening of "The Snake 

Pit" at the Strand Theatre. Vancouver. B. C. 

According to Jack Randall, manager, all exsting 

house records were broken during the 

run of the picture. 

Four teaser trailers, supplied by the distributor 

at no cost, were used over a four-week 

advance period. An advance screening was 

arranged for the Greater Vancouver Health 

league, leading medical men, press folk and 

CBC radio critic Clyde Gilmour. A general 

informal discussion was held following the 

screening, at which all present wer« unanimous 

in their praise of the picture. This resulted 

in excellent word-of-mouth publicity 

prior to opening in addition to plugs in newspapers 

and on the air. 

One thousand special heralds were received 

from the distributor, imprinted locally and 

mailed to a special select list. A tieup was 

made with the distributor of the Ladies' Home 

Journal, involving a cooperative lobby display 

and 20 window displays in retail outlets, plus 

posters on all delivery trucks. 

Additional windows were obtained with 

World News, distributors of the Pocket Books 

edition of "The Snake Pit." The Hudson Bay 

store devoted an entire window display to the 

higher priced edition of the book. 

Radio spot announcements, hotel and office 

building displays, and a generous plug 

by Dorwin Baird on his CJOR broadcast 

helped to publicize the playdates. 

Record Giveaway Helps 

'Heart' in Newark, N. J. 

Herbert Heintz, manager of the RKO Proctor 

Theatre. Newark. N. J., promoted 500 records 

as a free giveaway on opening night of 

"So Dear to My Heart." The tieup was made 

po.ssible after Heintz had arranged a screening 

for all Capitol Record distributors in 

Newark, Elizabeth and the Orange counties. 

Special prizes were also promoted for children 

at a matinee show in which the youngsters 

were asked why they liked Danny the 

Lamb. etc. The contest was staged in conjunction 

with a half-hour broadcast on the 

Hal Tunis program. 

The Hahne store, Bamberger's and Woolworth's 

used window displays featuring Danny 

and his companions, in addition to record 

album tieups. A false front was used at the 

theatre during the current showing. 

Marine Recruiting Tieup 

Helps 'Gung Ho!' Return 

Bill Davis, manager of the Ritz, Gainesville, 

Ga.. tied up with the marine recruiting 

drive to help exploit the return engagement 

of "Gung Ho!" A recruiting booth was 

set up in the lobby with a display of service 

bulletins and tiein copy for the picture. 

A false front was constructed for the run 

with pennant streamers providing a flash. 

One-sheets were pasted on the sides of mail 

trucks covering a 42-miIe radius. Eighteen 

show cards were placed in stores thi'oughout 

the community, and 2.000 heralds were distributed 

house-to-house and to pedestrians 

in the downtown area. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser AprU 9, 1949 

Lucky Night, Radio Show Takeoff, 

Is 

Building New York Patronage 

Mack Herbert, manager of the Audubon 

Theatre, New York City, has introduced a 

Patrons Lucky night which has the cooperation 

of the Spanish-language newspaper. 

El Dario. 

Luck night was inspij'ed by the Stop the 

Music radio show. The newspaper provides 

a weekly ca.sh prize of $50 in return for theatre 

advertising aimed at building circulation 

among the Spanish .speaking audiences 

which attend the Audubon. 

In Herbert's version of the telephone device, 

he calls on a patron from the audience 

to assist him on the stage. A phone book is 

opened and the patron selects a number at 

sln'Ê^^rânT'joar^^ 

Two important tieups with Bon Marche, 

Seattle's largest department store, were effected 

by Del Larison, manager of the Music 

Hall Theatre in that city. 

The first one involved "So Dear to My 

Heart" for which the store put on a show 

with a county fair motif. One of the stunts 

at the show included a telephone conversation 

between a 4-H girl and Bobby DriscoU. 

before a large audience. The picture was 

also promoted through two full-page co-op 

ads, and decorations and displays throughout 

the building. 

The second tieup was for "Joan of Arc." 

The store created a window display aroiuid 

the suit of armor worn by Ingrid Bergman 

in the filming of the picture. Numerous stills 

and photos were also displayed, and more 

than 400 stills were distributed by means of 

additional windows throughout the city. 

Fond du Lac Style Show 

Sponsored by Penney 

Joseph Goldberg, manager of the Fond du 

Lac iWis.i Theatre, reports the successful 

conclusion of the theatre's second annual 

stage and Easter style show under the sponsorship 

of the local Penney store, with this 

year's gro.ss 19 per cent better than in 1948. 

The Penney store supplied the entire show, 

personnel and wearing apparel as well as a 

professional commentator and a union orchestra. 

The store bought 127 inches of .space in 

the daily papers to advertise the show, including 

ads which were placed on the society 

page. 

Goldberg used his own theatre ads. a trailer 

and lobby signs to promote interest in the 

event. 

Film Flashed Outdoors 

J. L. Marlowe, manager of the Grand, Cartersville. 

Ga., has been using an effective 

stunt to focus attention on his current and 

coming shows. On the roof of the theatre a 

stereopticon machine has been installed. Opposite 

the theatre, a screen was erected above 

a filling station. The stereopticon is automatic 

and can carry ten slides, sufficient to 

promote the entire week's show for both the 

Grand and Legion theatres. 

—109— 

random, which is called. The person who 

answers is told the theatre has a sum of 

money to give away and is asked to designate 

a row and seat number. The person called 

receives a guest ticket for his trouble. The 

person who is seated in the lucky seat receives 

$25. If any number of the winner's 

phone corresponds with any number in the 

phone listing which was called, he receives 

the jackpot which is increased $25 each 

week no one qualifies. 

Stunt has been building attendance at the 

Audubon, according to Herbert, who plans to 

install it in another house under his management, 

the Laugh-Movie in Newark, N. J. 

Library Tieup Helps 

'I Shot Jesse James' 

Loren Parker, manager of the Liberty Theatre. 

Cumberland. Md.. gave "I Shot Jesse 

James" a hangup campaign which paid dividends 

at the boxoffice. His lobby display 

consisted of an exhibit of guns and other 

lethal weapons tied in with copy and the picture 

dates. 

In the local library, a 22x28 card tied in 

dates with the book, "The Life and Death 

of Jesse James." A man dressed in black 

costume rode a horse through the city streets 

with a sign heralding the booking. 

A Raffles device was worked with the as- 

.sistance of merchants who offered prizes to 

anyone identifying "the killer" at a specific 

time in the shopping section. This stunt was 

publicized on the merchants' radio time. 

Rooster Struts His Stuff 

For Calhoun, Ga., Dimes 

Lamar Goldwire. manager of the Martin 

Theatre, Calhoun, Ga., came up with a timely 

switch on what started out to be a routine 

gag. 

Goldwire promoted a 12-pound rooster to 

be used as an out-front bally for "Smoky 

Mountain Melody." When the local committee 

announced that the March of Dimes 

drive was lagging. Goldwire landed front 

page pictures and publicity by inviting the 

public to make donations, with a chance to 

guess the number of grains of corn the rooster 

would eat during a specified period. For 

tho.se guessing closest to the correct answer, 

Goldwire promoted a record player and other 

merchandise prizes. 

Almost $200 was collected. 

A Good Day for Irish 

Ted Rodis. manager of the Pilgrim Theatre, 

the Bronx. N. Y., ran an all-Irish show on 

St. Patrick's day, with excellent results at 

the boxoffice. "The Merry Monahans" and 

"Patrick the Great" were booked as' the 

screen attractions and played up in special 

displays utilizing green hued backboards and 

large shamrocks. Theatre usherettes were 

garbed in Irish costumes a week in advance. 

37

SHOWMANDISER INDEX: 1949 

feature and short subject promotion and a cross-index of exploitation and institutional ideas by page numbers 

Listing 

appearing bottom center of the Showmandiser pages each week. This index covers Jan. 1-March 26, 1949. 

FEATURES AND SHORT SUBJECTS 

A DATE WITH JUDY 10. 22, 48, 55, 82 

A FOREIGN AFFAIR 22, 92 

A LETTER TO THREE WIVES 82 

A SONG IS BORN 5, 34, 38, 41 

A SOUTHERN YANKEE 28, 47, 70 

ACCUSED 23 

ADVENTURES DON iUAN;!!l"."Iir.I.!78 

ADVENTURES FRANK AND 

JESSE JAMES 47 

ADVENTURES GALLANT BESS 47 

APARTMENT FOR PEGGY 

9, 14, 28, 31, 40, 71, 95 

ARKANSAS SWING 92 

BABE RUTH STORY 22 

BARBER OF SEVILLE. 53 

BEACHCOMBER 34 

BILL AND COO 10 

BLOOD ON THE MOON 16 

BOY WITH GREEN HAIR 54, 60, 80 

BRING EM BACK AUVE 11, 61 

CAGED FURY 46 

CALENDAR 6 

CANON CITY 9, 38, 69 

CARNEGIE HALL 6 

CHICKEN EVERY SUNDAY 

13. 29, 60. 84 

CHRISTMAS EVE 31 

COMMAND DECISION. 30, 65, 69, 80, 85 

CORONER CREEK 62 

COUNTESS OF MONTE CRISTO 55 

CRASH DIVE 66 

CRIBS CROSS 43 

CUSTER'S LAST STAND 41 

DEAR MURDERER 3 

DIAMOND FRONTIER 42 

DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS 60 

DRUMS 30 

EASTER PARADE 4, 67 

ENCHANTMENT 25, 69 

EVERY GIRL SHOULD BE 

MARRIED 14, 38. 44, 62. 6S, 68 

FAMILY HONEYMOON 6 

FEUDIN', FUSSIN', FIGHTIN' 4 

FIGHTER SQUADRON 

9, 11, 18, 21, 26, 30, 38. 44, 73. 90 

nGHTING FATHER DUNNE 46, 84 

FORCE OF EVIL 69 

FRANKENSTEIN (series) 4. 19, 92 

FREAKS 84 

FRONTIER BAD MAN 42 

FUGITIVE 57 

FULLER BRUSH MAN 48 

GALLANT BLADE 76, 92 

GIRLS IN WHITE (short) ^ 52 

GOING TO BLAZES (short) 38 

GOOD SAM ^... 2 

HE WALKED BY NIGHT 

8, 13, 24, 25, 35, 49. 54, 61, 66, 80 

HENRY, THE RAINMAKER 

HILLS OF HOME 

91 

1, 2, 6, 11, 16, 38, 85 

HUMAN BEAST 48 

JAMAICA INN 34 

JOAN OF ARC 22, 46, 70, 78 

JOHN LOVES MARY 40, 59, 62, 70 

JOHNNY BELINDA ....6, 76 

JOLSON STORY 93 

JULIA MISBEHAVES - 5, 67 

JUNE BRIDE 31, 80 

JUNGLE PATROL 74 

KISS OF FIRE 48 

KISSING BANDIT 9, 76 

LAST DAYS OF POMPEH 3 

LETS UVE A LITTLE. 58 

LOUISIANA STORY _73 

LOVES OF CARMEN -48 

LUCK OF THE IRISR 35 

LUXURY LINER 26, 31, 61 

MAN EATER OF KUMAON 68 

MAN FROM COLORADO 28, 46, 49 

MAN OF TWO WORLDS 61 

MANHUNT 38 

MELODY TIME 38 

MEXICAN HAYRIDE 

28, 32. 40, 43, 85. 87 

MICKEY 47. 52. 54. 67 

MINE OWN EXECUTIONER 3 

MISS TATLOCK'S MILUONS 40. 76. 92 

MOTHER IS A FRESHMAN 54, 91 

MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS 

DREAM HOUSE 82 

MY DEAR SECRETARY 71 

NIGHT TIME IN NEVADA. - 68 

NO MINOR VICES 15, 70 

NORTHWEST STAMPEDE 18 

OLYMPIC GAMES OF 1948 26 

ON AN ISLAND WITH YOU 61 

ON OUR MERRY WAY 55 

ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON 26, 71 

ONE TOUCH OF VENUS 2, 30 

PALEFACE 

15. 17. 24-A. 26. 31. 42. 5. 8. 59, 62. 

70. 80. 95 

PAYOFF WITH PAIN (short) 58 

PEARL 70 

PORTRAIT OF JENNIE 78 

PRIDE OF YANKEES 94 

PRINCE OF THIEVES 93 

QUIET WEEKEND 40 

RAW DEAL _ 9, 38 

RED CANYON 95 

RED PONY 60 

RED RIVER S. 28. 44, 48, 63 

RED SHOES 42, 80, 89, 90 

RETURN OF OCTOBER 

24, 27, 40. 44, 86. 93 

RIO GRANDE 94 

ROADHOUSE 4, 26. 68 

ROGUES- REGIMENT- 18, 49. 68. 86 

ROPE _ 2. 4, 25 

RUDOLPH THE REINDEER (short) 17 

RUTHLESS 30 

SAINTED SISTERS _ 91 

SAN FRANCISCO 61 

SARABAND 90 

SAXON CHARM II, 64 

SEA HOUND .52 

SEALED VERDICT 17 

SEARCH 24-A, 48, 55, 53, 66 

SECRET LAND 40, 46 

SHAGGY 60 

SHOCKPROOF 63, 68 

SHOE SHINE 94 

SIREN OF ATLANTIS 55, 78 

SISTER KENNY 64 

SNAKE PIT 

15, 27, 43, 47, 55. 67, 76, 95 

SO DEAR TO MY HEART 

58, 59, 66, 76, 82, 87, 95 

SO EVIL, MY LOVE 90 

SO THIS IS NEW YORK _87 

SONG OF INDIA. 78 

SORRY, WRONG NUMBER 22, 71 

S.O.S. SUBMARINE (serial) 58 

STRIKE IT RICH 46. 60 

SUN COMES UP 62. 69, 80, 90 

SUPERMAN (serial) 11 

SYMPHONIE PASTORALE 24-A 

TAP ROOTS 93 

TAWNY PIPIT 53 

TEXAS. BROOKLYN AND 

HEAVEN 87 

THREE GODFATHERS 55. 59. 71 

THREE MUSKETEERS 

S. 6. 9, 10, 15, 19, 22, 60, 67 

THUNDER IN THE PINES 5 

TIME OF YOUR LIFE 82 

TO LIVE IN PEACE. 80 

TWO GUYS FROM TEXAS 

IS 

UNKNOWN ISLAND 3, 17, 38, 61 

VELVET TOUCH 18 

WAKE OF THE RED WITCH 

53 76 80 93 

...'. 

WALK A CROOKEiJ MILE .'....62, 90 

WE LIVE AGAIN 55 

WHEN MY BABY SMILES 

AT ME 18, 24-A 

WHISPERING SMITH 69 

WIU IT HAPPEN AGAIN? U 

WINNER'S CIRCLE 28 

WINTER MEETING _ 63 

WIZARD OF OZ 

_...80 

WORDS AND MUSIC 

10, 11, 14, 19, 25, 26, 47, 61, 80, 93 

YELLOW SKY 17, 19, 52 

YOU GOTTA STAY HAPPY 

27, 32, 34, 60, 69, 90 

ACADEMY AWARDS 76, 95 

AIRPLANES 5, 26, 73, 80 

AMATEUR SHOW 51 

ANNIVERSARY 21, 55, 64 

BABY DERBY 28, 32, 71 

BABY GIVEAWAY 32 

BALLYHOOS 

Airplane 5, 26 

Baby Carriage 62 

Chuck Wagon , 4 

Convict 9 

Cow 87 

Cowboy 59 

Dinosaur 61 

Helicopter „ 38 

Indian _ 58, 70 

Jackass 49 

Jeep 92 

Legionnaire - 18, 86 

Mecharucal Man 60 

New Car 71 

News Trucks 5 

Pickets 47 

Sandwch Man 87 

Santa Claus _ 4, IS, 18 

Soldier 28, 46 

Stale Coach 28 

Trailer _ _. . 9 

Walking Book 55 

Whale 60 

Others 34, 76 

BEAUTY CONTESTS 2, 14 

BENEFIT SHOWS _....14, 55, 58, 66 

BIRD EXHIBIT 53 

BONUS WINNERS 1, 34, 65 

BOOKMARKS 38 

BOY SCOUTS 40 

BROTHERHOOD - 59, 85, 91 

CALENDAR ADVERTISING 35 

CANDY SALES 59, 60 

CHRISTMAS 

Ballyhoo 4 

Boosters 6, 14, 17, 18 

Display 14, 19, 31 

Givea^ways 5, 6. 24 

Parties 5. 8 

CONTESTS 

Ad Quiz 93 

Beauty _ 54 

Bride _ 14 

Coloring 3, II, 19. 41, 76 

Drawing _ 27. 53 

Dress Making 24a 

GENERAL EXPLOITATION IDEAS 

Egg Coloring - 53 

Freshman Queen .91 

Guessing 24, 28, 30. 60, 82 

Hope Chest 66 

Husband . 30 

IdentiJication 51, 68 

Letter Writing 11, 38, 66. 69 

Merchants 52 

Mr. Hush 23. 28 

Newspaper 82 

Photographers 11 

Radio 3D, 47, 68 

Song 26 

Talent 51 

Venus 2, 23 

Wishbone . - 29 

COOKING SCHOOL SESSION 

CO-OP ADS 

24a. 

35,40 

6. 9. 17. 26. 29. 34. 61. 64, 66, 

70. 76. 89. 95 

COUNTRY STORE 

DIRECT MAIL 

82 

80 

6. 35. 38. 41. 47. 55. 

DISPLAY ADS 

Classified 35, 40, 76, 86 

Holiday 16 

Teasers 32 

Others .21, 53, 69, 90, 91 

DOLLAR DAY 44 

DOOR KNOB HANGERS 48 

DRIVE-INS 6, 31, 43 

FASHION SHOW 40 

FOOTBALL 17. 48, 54 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE 

PAPERS 28, 55, 58 

FOUR-H CLUBS 

FRONTS 

3, 4, 22, 30, 42. 46. 47. 62. 67. 78 

GIFT BOOKS _ 14 

GIVEAWAYS 

Apartment „ 14, 28 

Bicycle 95 

Books 43 

Candy 11 

Country Store 82 

Live Baby , 32 

Merchandise 5, 41, 43, 66, 70 

Perfume _ 5, 69 

Photographs 69 

Pony _ _ 28 

Puppy 2, 6, 11, 26, 38 

Radio 84 

Toys _ 11 

HERALDS 

Bookmarks 38 

Candy 11 

Club Cards _ 61 

Co-op 25 

Counterfeit Money - 76 

Dope Capsules 58 

Lucky Numbered 63 

Novelty ...2. 26, 32, 44, 94 

Others 87 

ICE BLOCKS 80 

INSTITUTIONAL 

Ads 7, 10 

Goodwill 1, 2, 7. 9, 14, 19, 52. 60. 

69, 89 

Service Clubs - 69, 85 

School _ 7 

Other 3, 7, 64, 80 

JUNE BRIDES _ 80 

KID SHOWS 

Christmas Party 24, 25 

Circus Day 25 

Other , 6, 10, 23, 66, 68, 93 

LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY. 66 

LOBBY DISPLAYS 

Animals „ 68 

Animated 4, 22, 47, 48, 95 

Exhibits .11, 26, 41, 46, 63, 66, 69, 73 

Institutional 52 

Other 67, 78 

LOBBY IDEAS 15, 22, 38, 40 

LOST AND FOUND 64 

MARCH OF DIMES 

28, 59, 62, 64, 70, 80, 84 

MARQUEE DISPLAYS 4, 8, 15, 47 

MECHANICAL MAN 60 

MENU CARDS 61, 93 

MILITARY 9, 11, 38, 44, 73 

NEW THEATRE OPENING 

....3, 26, 31, 45, 49 

NEWSBOYS 38 

NEW YEAR'S EVE 35, 44 

Parades 64, 73, 85, 93 

Peep Box 13, 26, 84 

Personal Endorsements 44, 48 

Polls 52, 61, 76 

PREMIERES 42, 73, 90, 94, 95 

PROCLAMATION 26, 58 

PROGRAMS 17, 69 

QUIZ SHOWS 47, 62 

RADIO IDEAS 58 

RAFFLES .- 35 

RED CROSS 90 

RUBBER STAMP 11, 51 

SAFETY IDEAS 13, 61, 62, 71, 80 

ST. PATRICK'S DAY 57 

SCREENINGS 11, 13, 21, 52, 54, 55, 61 

SHOPPERS MATINEE 70 

SHORTS PROMOTION 3, 34, 38. 47 

SIGNS 

Building 4. 8, 15 

Outdoor 13, 48, 64, 85 

SNOWBIRDS 62 

STAGE ATTRACnONS 17, 62, 65, 70 

STAR APPEARANCE 23, 40, 49, 60 

STENCILS _ 40. 85 

STREET BANNERS 73 

STYLE SHOW _ .24a, 40, 80. 91 

TALENT SHOWS 

Radio 35 

Stage 5, 14, 45 

TEEN-AGE IDEAS 47 

STUNTS TELEPHONE 

TELEVISION 6, 21, 

30, 

40, 

71 

49 

TIEUPS 

Army 9, 38, 44, 73 

Beauty Shop 58 

Books _ 64 

Boy Scouts 40 

Churches 24a, 57 

College 54, 70, 91 

Dance School 5 

Department Store 5, 76, 89 

Disk Jockey _ 8, 14, 61 

Fire Department — 38 

Florist _ 11 

Four-H Clubs -76 

Jeweler 14, 63 

Library _ 70 

Merchants 5, 18, 44 

Municipal 28 

Music 58, 61, 62, 70 

National 2, 5, 13, 24a, 29 

National Guard 26, 80, 90 

News Carriers - .38, 94 

Newspaper -11 

Parent-Teachers 57, 87 

Police _ 13, 14, 38 

Race Track 76 

Radio 5. 30 

Records 10 

Safety 13, 38 

School 5 

Service Clubs 8, 25, 85 

Taxicabs 54, 61 

TRAILERS 3, 66 

VALENTINE'S DAY 24, 59 

Vaudeville 65 

Walkathon 49 

WINDOW CARDS 41, 64 

WINDOW DISPLAYS 

10. 14, 30, 31, 38, 44, 59, 61, 92 

38 —110— BOXOFFICE Showmandiser AprU 9, 1949

Report on MPAA Meeting: 

Agree on Rental Plan 

For Industry Shorts 

NEW YORK—Distributors planning to 

handle the all-industry public relations 

shorts, which have been held up by a rental 

dispute, have agreed to waive all distribution 

charges. The regular minimum rental normally 

charged for one-reel black-and-white 

subjects will be charged. 

Announcement was made during the Motion 

Picture Ass'n of America annual meeting. 

It was included in a statement jointly 

signed by Will am Ainsworth. Allied president: 

Y. Frank Freeman. MPAA board chairman; 

Eric Johnston. MPAA president, and 

Arthur H. Lockwood, TOA president, setting 

up a board of trustees to control and 

disburse all rentals. This consists of Abe 

Montague, I. E. Chadwick, Jean Hersholt, 

Charles P. Skouras, Trueman T. Rembusch, 

Rotus Harvey. Harry Brandt. John J. Fitzgibbons. 

Joseph Vogel, Robert J. ODonnell, Myer 

Schine. Ben Shlyen, Martin Quigley, Jack 

Alicoate, Charles E. Lewis and Abel Green. 

RKO will release the first short, "Let's Go 

to the Movies," in 30 days. After four subjects 

have been released, the board will check 

costs. No studio overhead will be included 

in an estimated production figure of $18,250 

a subject and no distributor will recoup any 

of the expenses of phy.sical handling. 

An exhibitor relations committee was added 

to the list issued by Eric Johnston April 8 

and though no comments were made by the 

organization, it is assumed it means that 

MPAA will take more of a hand than heretofore 

in all negotiations between the major 

companies and exhibitor groups. Ned E. 

Dep'net, RKO president, was made chairman. 

The other members are Harry Kalmine 

of Warner Bros., Austin C. Keough of 

Paramount and William F. Rodgers of 

Loew's. 

MPAA Elects Paul Terry 

To Board of Directors 

NEW YORK—Paul H. Terry of Terrytoon 

was added to the MPAA board of directors 

at the annual meeting April 7. All members 

were re-elected. They are Barney Balaban, 

Theodore R. Black, Nate J. Blumberg, 

Steve Broidy, Jack Cohn, Cecil B. DeMille, 

Ned E. Depinet, Earl W. Hammons. Edgar 

B. Hatrick. Eric Johnston. Austin C. Keough, 

W. C. Michel. John J. O'Connor, Norton V. 

Ritchey, Hal E. Roach, Herman Robbins, 

Nicholas M. Schenck, Abe Schne der, Sam 

Schneider, Spyros P. Skouras. Joseph R. 

Vogel, Albert Warner, John M. Whitaker 

and Herbert J. Yates. 

Ampa Members Hold Meet 

To Elect 1949 Officers 

NEW YORK—Annual election of Ampa 

officers was held at a closed meeting at the 

Trader Tom Steak House Thursday (April 71. 

Max Youngstein was reelected president. 

Harry McWHliams was made vice-president, 

Harry Blair, treasurer, and Marjorie Harker, 

secretary. Charles Alicoate, 'Vincent Trotta, 

Syd Gross, Gordon White and Blanche Livingston 

are members of the board of directors 

along with the officers. Jacques Kopfstein. 

Rutgers Neilson and Ray Gallagher were 

selected as trustees. 

BOXOFnCE AprU 9, 1949 

Fabian Extols Loyalty 

At George Lynch Dinner 

Pictured above are Albany area industry members attending the 30th anniversary 

dinner tendered George V. Lynch, at the Ten Eyck hotel. Top: Left to right: 

Lynch, chief buyer for the Schine circuit; Frank Wieting, owner of the Park Theatre, 

Cobleskill, and mayor of that village; Sid Kallet, chief buyer for Kallet Theatres of 

Oneida, and A. W. Schwalberg, sales manager for Paramount. Center: Arthur J. 

Newman, Republic branch manager and co-chairman of the dinner committee; 

Bernard Kranze, sales manager for Film Classics; Tom Connors, Connors Associates; 

Sid Dcneau, sales manager for SRO; Ray Moon, eastern division manager 

for 20th-Fox, and Willard S. McKay, chief counsel for the Schine circuit. Bottom: 

Sir Cedric Hardwicke, master of ceremonies; Charles S. Smakwitz, Warner Theatre 

zone manager (standing); George C. Lynch; Louis W. Schine, vice-president 

of the Schine circuit (standing) ; A. W. Schwalberg, sales manager for Paramount; 

S. H. Fabian, president, Fabian Theatres; E. K. O'Shea, Paramount, and Arthur 

J. Newman, Republic manager. 

ALBANY—The loyalty of George V. Lynch, 

chief buyer for the Schine circuit, in serving 

that organization for 30 years, was prased 

highly by Si Fabian, head of the Fabian circuit 

of theatres, at a testimonial dinner 

tendered Lynch by Albany film men Monday 

night 

i4>. 

"We need this kind of loyalty." Fabian said, 

"in these days of divided loyality, when many 

people do not know where to go: when there 

is a shifting of loyalties in our business, 

religious, social and political life. When we 

look at our industry today and the troubled 

times we are facing, the chaotic condifons 

in which we find ourselves, we must have 

something basic from which to work. There 

must be a cooperative attempt on the part of 

everyone to meet all these problems. We can 

solve them, I am sure." 

For the first time at an industrywide 

gathering here, the Supreme Court decision 

en the Paramount case was brought up for 

(Continued on next 

page) 

39

George Lynch Testimonial Dinner 

(Continued from preceding page) 

dscussion as Fabian said, "U.S. versus Paramount—these 

are words pregnant with meaning. 

The high court decision has created a 

revolution in our industry, but I am certain 

this revolution will finally be worked out. 

Tliere must be a cooperation on the part of 

everyone in the industry to meet these problems." 

"Divorcement of well-vested interests like 

Paramount and RKO is not confined to these 

interests. We see other companies of the 

same caliber facing the same thing. No man 

can stop thinking that U.S. vs. Paramount 

means a change in our way of life as we have 

known it in this business up to the present. 

We face a condition in which all the rules of 

the game that we have grown up with are 

being changed. It is a new game that we are 

facing. I cannot give you all the answers, 

nor can any man in this room. None of us 

knows how this decision will affect us, 

whether we will profit or lose by it." 

MEYER SCHINE TELEPHONES 

"I go back to what I said in the beginning 

about George Lynch's loyalty and integrity," 

Fabian continued. "He told me once, on q 

train between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, 

that he had become estranged from the 

Schines, but wanted to go back with them, 

that he wanted to be with the organization 

in which he had started and in which he 

hoped to work until he died." 

Fabian was only one of the many Albany 

area film men who praised Lynch. About 

250 persons attended the affair and heard 

J. Meyer Schine, president of the vast Schine 

enterprises, speak by telephone from Florida 

and describe Lynch as a "faithful and efficient 

associate for three decades." Louis W. 

Schine, vice-president and general manager 

of the circuit, attended the dinner and had 

high praise for Lynch, whom he said he met 

while Lynch was a "soda jerk" at Lakos in 

Gloversville. 

Lynch wanted to get into the theatre business, 

Schine said, so the circuit hired him. 

From Gloversville, Lynch went to Cobleskill. 

then to Oswego and back to Gloversville in 

the booking department under Ben Davis 

and later under Pete Dana. 

Al W. Schwalberg, Paramount's new general 

sales manager; John May, controller of 

Schine enterprises; Bill Heineman, vicepresident 

of Eagle Lion; Steve Broidy, president 

of Monogram; Tom Connors, now of 

Connors Associates and former 20th-Fox sales 

manager; Barnie Kranze, Film Classics sales 

manager; Charles A. Smakwitz, Warner Theatres 

zone manager, and Congressman Bernard 

W. Kearney of Gloversville were among 

others who praised the Schine cii'cuit chief 

buyer. 

EXTOLS FILM BUYER'S JOB 

Broidy struck a different note, in stressing 

the assistance which Lynch had given to 

"smaller companies" like his. "George has 

been more than fair with them," Broidy said. 

"A film buyer's job is a hard one. The 

seller always thinks he should have obtained 

better terms, while the buyer's boss thinks 

he should have bought the picture cheaper. 

A 30th anniversary for a buyer is proof 

positive that he has done a fine job." 

Lynch was presented with a motion picture 

camera and projector set and a film of the 

dinner. Theatre executives who took bows included 

Ted O'Shea of Paramount; Jack 

Byrne and Herman Ripps, MGM; Mike Dolid, 

Warners; Nat Levy, RKO; Lou Weinberg and 

Vince Borelli, Columbia; Ray Moon, 20th- 

Fox; John Nolan, Comerford Theatres; Fred 

Meyers, U-I: Willard S. McKay, chief counsel 

for the Schine interests; Sid Deneau, SRO; 

Arthur Greenblatt, sales manager for Screen 

Guild; Court of Claims Judge Fred A. Young 

and Judge Willard Best. 

Telegrams of regret were sent by Mrs. J. 

Meyer Schine; Mrs. L. W. Schine; Doreen, 

Rene and Gelda Schine; David and Dickie 

Schine; William F. Rodgers, vice-president 

and general sales manager for MGM; Ben 

Kalmenson, sales manager for Warners; Bill 

Scully, sales manager for U-I; Herbert J. 

Yates, Republic piesident, and James R. 

Grainger, sales manager, and William C. 

Smalley of Smalley Theatres. 

Hugh M. Flick Named 

State Film Director 

ALBANY—The long delayed filling of the 

position of director of the motion picture division 

of the state education department took 

place this week when the civil service commission 

revealed that Hugh M. Flick, 44- 

year-old disabled army veteran associated 

with the department since 1928. had ranked 

first in the examinations for the position. 

SON OF HISTORIAN 

Flick is the son of Dr. Alexander Flick, for 

17 years state historian. The younger Flick, 

now senior archivist, served as acting historian 

after his father's retirement. He 

joined the education department after graduating 

from Wesleyan College in 1928. In 

1941, he enlisted as a private in the army and 

served in several branches until his appointment 

to Officers Candidate school. Flick 

was a Teutenant colonel at the time of his 

discharge in 1944. He received a doctor of 

philosophy degree from Columbia in 1946. 

He replaces Irwin Esmond as the motion 

picture division director. Esmond retired in 

1945 on reaching statutory retirement age. 

Dr. Ward C. Bowen has been acting director. 

URGES ALBANY ABSORPTION 

The motion picture division located in Albany 

came under attack earlier in the week 

when Senator Arthur H. Wicks, chairman 

of the temporary commission for coordination 

of state activities, recommended that the Albany 

office be merged with the New York 

office at an annual saving of $1,200. The 

commission also is said to have recommended 

the immediate appointment of a man to a 

vacancy on the board of reviews, which now 

consists of three women and one man, and 

the checking of audience reaction by the reviewers 

in theatres, to serve as a guide in 

future determination of accepted patterns. 

These, however, were not mentioned in 

W'cks' statement. 

His statement said that only one person 

works in the local office, in rented quarters 

and that such work as that performed here 

. 

could be handled in the New York office 

eliminating duplication of records. 

Einfeld Names Joe Gould 

Copy Chief for 20th-Fox 

NEW YORK—Joseph Gould has been appointed 

copy chief of the 20th Century-Fox 

advertising department, it was announced 

Friday i8) by Charles Einfeld, vice-president. 

Gould will work with Jonas Rosenfleld jr., 

advertising manager. 

Gould, who has been in the motion picture 

industry since 1939. began his career 

in the exploitation department of United 

Artists. During the war he was with the 

Office of Strategic Services, serving later 

with the Allied Control commission in Berlin. 

Prior to the 20th-Fox appointment, he 

had been doing special advertising work for 

Universal-International Pictures. 

CANCER FUND GIFT—Spyros P. Skouras jr. (right) presents Brig. Gen. John 

Reed Kilpatrick, chairman of the executive committee of the New York City Cancer 

Committee's 1949 fund campaign, a $30,000 check representing receipts from collections 

in Skouras and independent theatres in Greater New York. William White 

(left), general manager of Skouras Theatres, and Harry Brandt, head of Brandt 

Theatres, look on. 

UJA Citation for Fabian 

NEW YORK— S. H. Fabian, president of 

Fabian Theatres, Inc., will be awarded a 

special citation at a dinner sponsored by the 

Joint Defense Appeal in behalf of the United 

Jewish Appeal of Greater New York April 27 

at the Waldorf-Astoria. 

40 BOXOFnCE :: April 9. 1949

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BROADV^lAy 

. . . 

lyjax E. Youngstein of Eagle Lion and Jerry 

Dale of the Rank Organization talked 

over plans for the opening of "Scott of the 

Antarctic" with Gerald G. Wagner of the 

Playhouse in Washington Robert K. 

Christenberry, president and treasurer of the 

Hotel Astor, has been elected to the advisory 

board of the Times Square office of the 

Chemical Bank & Trust Co. . . . John Joseph 

. . Saul 

of MGM and Sam Wood, du'ector, visited 

Chicago and Cleveland to promote "The 

Stratton Story" . . . Ben Kalmenson, Ed 

Hinchy and Mike Dolid of Warner Bros, spent 

a day in Albany Niven left for 

England, to 

. 

be gone about a month . 

has joined the television department of 

Ke ss 

United World Films as sales representative 

sponsor and agency contact, according 

to Lewis Blumberg, sales head. 

Para. Plan Approval 

Expected April 12 

NEW YORK—Paramount directors expect 

stockholders' approval of the consent decree 

reorganization plans at the meeting Tuesday 

112). The last report was that proxies representing 

two-thirds of 6,653,785 shares have 

been mailed favoring the plan. The plan 

must be approved by two-thirds of the holders. 

The 835,733 shares of treasury stock do 

not have voting rights. 

Two letters have been sent out by Barney 

Balaban during the last few weeks urging 

acceptance of the plan and prompt mailing 

of prox es. The second letter, mailed April 

1. explained the division of assets between 

the new theatre and new picture companies 

in detail. It also discussed the provision for 

the voting trustee who will hold the theatre 

company shares. 

Pat Patterson of San Francisco, Roy Reid 

of Los Angeles and Bernie Rubin of Cleveland 

are meeting here with R. M. Savini on 

Astor product . . . Mrs. Ruth Cavert of Warner 

Bros, cartoons, chosen "Queen for a Day" 

by the Mutual network, plans to fly to Europe 

April 12 . . . Joan Evans, the Goldwyn teenage 

newcomer, arrived with her parents. Dale 

Eunson, playwright, and Katherlne Albert, 

magazine writer. 

. 

. 

Arthur M. Loew returned from his European 

Morton Spring is due back 

trip . . . from Australia in a few days . . . Charles 

C. Moskowitz plans a Miami vacation 

Rafael Marti delayed his departure for more 

business talks on Puerto Rico and the Dominican 

Republic with Norton V. Ritchey 

and Bernard J. Gates of Monogram 

Joseph and Mrs. Heppner have a daughter 

Mary Jane born April I. The father is a 

partner in Metropolitan Photo Service. 

Harold Postman, assistant to Alan F. Cummings 

of MGM, is due back from the 

Steve Broidy is postponing 

coast April 14 . . . 

his return to the coast another two 

Joe Walsh and Arthur Dunne of 

weeks . . . 

Paramount are visiting exchanges to adjust 

exchange records to conform to the 

new Paramount setup . Schneider 

and Mort Blumenstock are back after meetings 

with H. M. and J. L. Warner at the 

June Havoc will spend 

Burbank studio . . . 

two weeks here before leaving for a European 

vacation Dunne, Carole 

Mathews and 

. 

Ginny Simms are seeing the 

Broadway shows. 

Joseph Harris, chairman of the board of 

Flamingo Films, sailed for London. He also 

will visit Paris, Brussels and Rome. His 

wife accompanied him . sailing 

have Included Mrs. Jack Warner, Hans 

Habe-Bekessy, producer, and Fred Leahy of 

the Disney group . Hitchcock has 

set April 28 as his date for sailing to England. 

Ted R. Gamble, chairman of the TOA 

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JOE HORNSTEIN has it! 

CHAMPS TOAST "CHAMPION"—The 

All East-West basketball champions, in 

New York to play for the Herald-Tribune 

Fresh Air Fund at Madison Square Garden, 

took time out to autograph a fourfoot 

boxing glove containing the signatures 

of all great champions after Marilyn 

Maxwell, star of "Champion," signs her 

name. The glove will tour the country in 

connection with showings of the United' 

Artists 

release. 

. . Exchangemen 

board, and Gael Sullivan, executive director, 

attended the Colorado Ass'n of Theatre Owners 

convention at Denver . K. Hilliard, 

chief engineer of Altec Lansing Corp., 

arrived from the coast . . Stanley Kramer, 

. 

producer of "Champion," attended its opening 

April 9 at the Globe . 

meeting with Jack Berkson of Screencraft 

during the week were David Moliver and 

Mortozi Magil of Philadelphia, Robert Pinson 

of Charlotte, Donald Swartz of Minneapolis, 

Bernard Rubin of Cleveland and Mrs, 

Ray Lewis of Canada. 

. 

Arthur DeTitta, Movietone News assignment 

editor, will speak on "The Newsreel 

and the Navy" at an April 12 seminar of 

naval information officers at Pensacola . 

Carol Brandt of MGM left for a stay of 

several weeks in Europe Doyle 

began his trip back to Australia where he is 

managing director for RKO . . . Nat Holt is 

here in connection with his production of 

Gov. Carl E. Milliken, 

"Canadian Pacific" . . . 

chairman of the film committee of the 

United Nations and a former official of the 

MPAA, talked over liaison with Mogens 

Skot-Hansen, new UN information officer. 

John K. Hilliard, chief engineer of Altec 

Lansing Corp., arrived from the west coast 

Columbia Votes Dividend 

NEW YORK—Columbia Pictures Corp. directors 

have voted a quarterly dividend of 

$1.06',-i 

per share on the $4.25 cumulative preferred 

stock, payable May 16, 1949 to stockholders 

of record May 2, 1949. 

Phillis 

Godfre-y in 'Octopus' 

Phyllis Godfrey, character actress, has been 

assigned a role in Warners' "The Octopus 

and Miss Smith." 

20th-Fox Hunts Artists 

For Poster Art Work 

NEW YORK.—Twentieth Century-Fox has 

started a search for artists to execute poster 

art for its pictures, according to Jerry Novat, 

d rector of the poster art department. The 

Art Students League of New York has joined 

the search by having its classes, under the 

direction of Bernard LaMotte, painter and 

illustrator, submit rough sketches for "The 

Prince of Foxes," forthcoming 20th-Fox film. 

The w nning sketch will bring a cash award 

to the artist and, if the sketch is used, the 

artist's services will be engaged to execute the 

finished art work. The search is not limited 

to the pupils at the Art Students League, according 

to Novat. 

Goldwyn Heading East 

To Set 'McCoy' Opening 

NEW YORK— Samuel Goldwyn will 

arrive 

from the west coast April 13 to arrange for 

the opening of his new production, "Roseanna 

McCoy," in Louisville and a number of 

other cities In Kentucky and the West Virginia 

mountain area. Mrs. Goldwyn will accompany 

him. 

Goldwyn will return to Hollywood late in 

April for a series of sneak previews of the 

picture before making his scheduled trip to 

London to see "The Elusive Pimpernel," 

which was produced by the Archers for 

Goldwyn and Six Alexander Korda with 

David Niven starred. 

A. J. Richard Will Head 

Newsreel's Bond Drive 

NEW YORK—A. J. Richard, editor of Paramount 

Newsreel, has accepted the post of 

chairman of the newsreel committee for the 

motion picture industry's participation in the 

U.S. treasury savings bond drive, which runs 

from May 15 to June 30, according to Maurice 

A. Bergman, chairman of the film, industry 

participation. 

Nasser Still After UA Stock 

NEW YORK—James Nasser, owner of 

General Service Studios, discloses that he 

hopes to conclude a deal to acquire both 

Mary Pickford's and Charles Chaplin's stock 

by April 15. 

42 BOXOFHCE :: April 9, 1949

Along New York's 

.By 

•THE Motion Picture Bookers club appointed 

a committee to handle the ticket sales 

and preparations for the tenth annual dinner-dance 

at the Commodore hotel May 22. 

Max Fried is chairman, Harry Margolis, cochairman, 

and Harold Klein, Bernard Myerson, 

Kitty Flynn, David Jacobs, Seymour 

Berkowitz and Ben Levine are members. 

Adam A. Adams of the Paramount Theatre, 

Newark, paid one of his rare visits to 

. . Joan 

Filmrow. With him were his son, Thomas 

A., and Ben Gr.efer, his film buyer . 

Kurtz, daughter of William Kurtz, former official 

of the Rialto Theatre, will marry Daniel 

Genzburg April 10 at the Savoy Plaza hotel. 

Kurtz is now supervising director of the 

National Theatre, Washington. 

Mrs. Julia Greenberg, operator of the Rex 

Theatre, Irvmgton, N. J., has planned a 

birthday party for her daughter Roberta, who 

will be 7 years old April 16. The child will receive 

a television set as a gift . . . Warren Angus 

of RKO and Mike DeOre won the doubles 

bowling championship in the recent citywide 

contest sponsored by the Metropolitan Bowling 

Ass'n. 

Joe Ingber of the Brandt circuit and Lou 

Frlschler of Cinema returned from Florida 

Herb Gillis, assistant manager at 20th- 

. . . 

Fox, has been home ill. His wife and child 

also are sick . . . John S. Allen, assistant to 

Rudy Berger, MGM southern sales manager, 

visited the New York exchange while in 

town . . . Jacques Kopfstein of Astor Pictures 

has returned from Boston, where he attended 

a conference on 16mm film. 

Joe Hornstein recently returned from 

Santiago, Cuba, where he helped equip a new 

theatre operated by Enrique Botta. The 

house has 2,300 seats. Ideal Slide-Back 

models. The theatre is the only modern theatre 

building in the city. It has a roof garden 

for the convenience of its patrons. 

Monty Salmon, managing dii'ector of the 

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WALTER WALDMAN. 

Filmrow 

Rivoli Theatre, admitted soldiers in uniform 

free of charge Wednesday (6i Ai-my day. The 

Kivoli also arranged an exhibit of militai-y 

. 

equipment guarded by a special detail of 

soldiers for the day . . . Jack Harris of the 

Walter Reade Theatres and Mrs. Harris are 

. Alexander 

vacationing in Miami Beach . 

A. Abromowitz of the People's Candy Co. also 

is in Miami Beach. 

The Majestic Theatre, Perth Amboy, has 

tried something new in morale building. The 

cashier and doormen have been provided with 

name plates, one for the boxoffice and the 

others for the ticket stub box at the door 

The employes like the idea and so does the 

public. 

Howard Minsky, assistant eastern sales 

manager for 20th-Fox, commutes between his 

New York office and his home in Philadelphia 

every day. After more than a six-month 

search Minsky has not been able to produce 

an apartment in New York . . . Tom Corbett, 

former student salesman, is a booker in the 

20th-Fox St. John exchange. 

James McGlinchey, Paramount exchange 

engineer, was ill . . . Marion Schwab, Paramount 

picture report clerk, has retiu'ned from 

her recent operation and is back at work. 

Gotham Sutton's 'Quartet' 

Sets First-Week Record 

NEW YORK—A total of 18,407 customers 

paid their way into Rugoff & Becker's 550- 

seat Sutton Theatre during the first week's 

rmi of Eagle Lion's "Quartet." According 

to Clem Perry, circuit buyer, this was a 

house record. The total topped the previous 

high set by "I Know Where I'm Going" 

(U-I), which ran 26 weeks beginning in 

August 1947. 

The theatre went on fnst run art film 

policy with that film, and followed through 

with "The Pearl" iRKOi, "Louisiana Story" 

(Lopert) and "Blanche Fury" (EL). Admission 

prices are 80 and 95 cents matinees, 

$1.20 evenings and $1.40 for loges. There 

are six shows a day. Except for the opening 

show, the house played to capacity afternoons 

and standing room only during the 

first week's run of "Quartet." 

The film has been helped by rave newspaper 

reviews, the fact that it is based on 

four short stories by W. Somerset Maugham, 

and a widely publicized benefit opening attended 

by J. Arthur Rank, Spyros P. Skouras, 

and top local society. 

If business continues at its present level, 

there may be an extra show beginning at 

10 a. m. during Easter week. 

Sir Seymour Hicks, Actor, 

Dies at Home in England 

LONDON—Sir Seymour Hicks, 78, actor, 

manager, dramatist and novelist, died April 

6 at his home in Hampshii-e. Sir Seymour 

fii-st walked on the stage at the age of 16 

for the salary of one shilling a night and 

during his 62 years in the theatre he knew 

riches, triumphs and periods of poverty. He 

entered pictures in 1930 and appeared in 

many notable British films. 

Hal Hode of Columbia 

Dies of Heart Attack 

NEW YORK—Hal Hode, 61, executive assistant 

to Jack Cohn, executive vice-president 

of 

Columbia F*ictures 

Corp., died of a 

heart attack April 7 

at his home, 68-37 

Yellowstone Blvd., 

Forest Hills, L. I. He 

is survived by his wife, 

Mrs. Dorothy Hode; a 

daughter, Mrs. Myer 

Beck; a son, Stanley; 

two sisters, Beatrice 

and Kate; a brother, 

Ira, and a granddaughter, 

Hal Hode Linda Mary 

Beck. Fimeral services 

were held April 8 at Riverside memorial 

chapel. Burial was in Maple Grove cemetery. 

Hode was born in this city March 8, 1888. 

He joined the industry in 1904 as operator 

for 'Vitagraph, left to join the navy and in 

1911 and 1912 was a reporter on the Newark 

Evening News. Later he became associated 

with the Kalem Co., resigning in 1913 to become 

assistant general sales manager for 

Universal. 

In 1920 Hode became general sales manager 

of Cosmopolitan Productions, moving to 

Educational Films Corp. in 1923 as manager 

cf the New York branch. He managed his 

own film exchange from 1925 through 1927, 

and for a short time after that was sales 

director of short subjects and complete service 

departments for Universal. He joined 

Columbia in 1928 as director of public relations 

and later became director of sales promotion. 

He was made executive assistant to 

Cohn in 1933. 

Hode was very active in the formation of 

Picture Pioneers. He was secretary-treasurer 

at the time of his death. 

Loew's 28-Week Profit 

Gains Over Last Year 

Inc.. 

NEW YORK—The net profit of Loew's, 

and wholly owned or partly owned subsidiaries 

for the 28 weeks ended March 17. 

1949, was $4,117,117, after deducting reserves 

for contingencies, reserves for depreciation, 

federal taxes and minority shares. This compares 

with $3,866,745. after the same deductions, 

for the same period last year. The 

operating profit before deductions was $10,- 

935,845, compared with $10,433,649 for the 

same period last year. 

The 1949 dividend is equal to 80 cents of 

common share, compared to 75 cents for the 

same period last year. 

Gross sales and operating revenues for 

the 16 weeks ended March 17, 1949, was estimated 

at $55,455,000, compared with $59,127,- 

000 for the same period last year. 

A. F. Boyce Checks Licenses 

ALBANY—Arthur F. Boyce, New York state 

motion pictiu'e inspector, is conducting a 

check on licenses for films shown in this 

area. George Hall was reported erroneously ^ 

to be conducting the investigation. Hall has 

not been with the board for a year. Boyce 

was named to the position last fall, being 

transferred from the Buffalo office. 

BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949

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;: April 9, 1949 45

. . . Local 

. . March 

. . Julian 

'Set-Up and Quartet' Are Leaders WASHINGTON 

Of Broadway's Single Bill Shows 

NEW YORK—"The Set-Up," a hard-hitting 

prizefight film, and "Quartet," a sophisticated 

British picture, led the Broadway 

field and did good business despite the mild 

weather and the taxicab strke, both of which 

seriously affected legitimate theatre and night 

club business. "Quartet" broke the house 

record at the small Sutton and joined two 

other J. Ai-thur Rank hits. "Hamlet," which 

was boosted by the Academy award for the 

picture and Laurence Olivier, in its 27th 

week of two-a-day at the Park Avenue, and 

"The Red Shoes," which held up well in its 

24th week at the Bijou. "Portrait of Jennie" 

had a good opening week at the Rivoli as 

did "I Shot Jesse James" at the Palace. 

Most of the others were far below average. 

(Avereage is 100) 

Astor—Knock on Any Door (Col), 6th wk 80 

Bijou—The Red Shoes (EL). 24th wk. oi two-a-day 85 

Capitol—Outpost in Morocco (UA), plus stage 

show, 2nd wk 9C 

Criterion—The Set-Up (RKO) HO 

Globe—Impact (UA), 3rd wk 75 

Little Carnegie-The Quiet One (MB), Bth wk 70 

Loews State Take Me Out to the Ball Game 

(MOM). 4th wk 90 

Mayfair—Casablanca (WB), reissue, 2nd wk 90 

Palace— I Shot lesse James (SG) 105 

Paramount—El Paso (Para), plus stage show, 

- 

2nd wk 80 

Park Avenue—Hamlet (U-I), 27th wk. of 

two-a-day 

v;;:;v;v 

Radio City Music Hall—Little Women (MGM), 

plus stage show, 4th wk 95 

Rivoli—Portrait of Jennie (SRC) - 105 

Roxy—The Fan (20th-Fox), plus stage show 100 

Strand—A Kiss in the Dark (WB), plus stage 

show. 2nd wk =0 

Sutton—Quartet (EL) 120 

Victoria—loan oi Arc (RKO), 21st wk 75 

All Grosses Good in Buffalo, 

'Pacific' High With 110 

BUFFALO — It was an all-around good 

week here, with "Canadian Pacific" taking 

a slight lead at the Buffalo. "Alias Nick 

Beal" was good at the Great Lakes. "Johnny 

Belinda" and "Treasure of Sierra Madre," 

the two Academy awarders, pulled some more 

after being brought back to the Hippodrome. 

"Knock on Any Door" continued strong in a 

second week at the Lafayette. 

Buffalo Canadian Pacific (20th-Fox); Texas, 

Brooklyn and Heaven (UA) 110 

Great Lakes—Alias Nick Beal (Para); My Own 

True Love (Para) 103 

Hippodrome—Johnny Belinda (WB); Treasure 

of Sierra Madre (WB), 2nd run 100 

Lafayette Knock on Any Door (Col): Blondie's 

Big Deal (Col), 2nd dl wk 100 

Teck—Take Me Out to the Ball Game 

(MGM), 3rd dt. wk . 100 

20th-century—The Set-Up (RKO): The Hunted 

(RKO) 

1 

Big Premiere Ballyhoo Gives 

'Belvedere' Strong Sendoff 

BALTIMORE—Despite spring weather and 

the opening of the racing season, notwithstanding, 

the lure of the downtown picture 

theatres proved stronger and resulted in a 

week of good business. "Mr. Belvedere Goes 

to College" was world premiered here with 

all the attendant ballyhoo, including celebrities, 

executives of 20th-Fox and a champagne 

dinner given by Morris Mechanic, 

owner of the New Theatre in honor of his 

theatre's 20th anniversary. 

Century—Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM), 

2nd wk 128 

Hippodrome—Million Dollar Weekend (EL), plus 

stage show , 

117 

. 

New— Mr, Belvedere Goes to College (20th-Fox) .150 

"Voice of Theatre Speakers" 

JOE HORNSTEIN has them! 

Mayfair—High Fury (UA) 

Keiths—Red Canyon (U-1) 

Town Poison (M-B) 

Stanley—Kis in the Dark (WB).. 

Valencia—The Search (MGM) 

..101 

..114 

.125 

..13C 

lOP 

'Little Women' Hits High of 190 

• 

As Philadelphia Grosses Soar 

PHILADELPHIA—Business was definitely 

on the upgrade this session, with figures ol 

190 and 175 turned in by the Karlton and 

Earle, respectively. A couple of openers 

proved disappointing, but in general, returns 

were better than usual at this time of year, 

Aldine—Caught (MGM) 100 

Arcadia—A Letter to Three Wives (20th-Fox) 130 

Boyd—The Dark Past (Col) IOC 

Earle—The Lucky Stiff (UA), plus s'age show 175 

Fox—Down to the Sea in Ships (20th-Fox), 

2nd wk 

- 100 

Goldman—The Bribe (MGM), 3rd wk 80 

Karlton—Little Women (MGM) 190 

Keith-Force of Evil (MGM). 2nd wk 110 

Mastbaum—A Kiss in the Dark (WB) 75 

Stanley—Alias Nick Beal (Para), 2nd wk 85 

Stanton Untamed Breed (Col); Jungle Jim 

(Col) 80 

Cinema Lodge Officers 

To Be Feted April 26 

NEW YORK—Cinema Lodge of B'nai 

B'rith will install its new officers April 26 

at the annual presidents' dinner to be held 

at the Hotel Astor. 

The officers are: Saul E. Rogers, president; 

Max B, Blackman of Warners, George 

Brandt of Brandt Theatres, Julius M. Collins 

of Ascap, Hal Danson of Eagle Lion, Leo 

Jaffe of Columbia, Hal Hodes of Columbia, 

Harry Friedman, Marvin Kirsch of Radio 

Da ly, Milton Livingston of Universal-International, 

Louis A. Novins of Paramount, 

Robert K. Shapii'o of Paramount Theatre and 

Al Wilde of Moe Gale Agency, vice-presidents: 

Jack H. Hoffberg, treasurer: Dr. Morris 

Senft, secretary: Isidore Grove, monitor, 

and Rabbis Bernard Birstein and Ralph Silverstein, 

chaplains. 

Jack H. Levin of Confidential Reports is 

chairman of the dinner committee. S. Arthur 

Glixon, the retiring president, will be honored 

along with Rogers. 

Partington Forms Company 

To Produce Video Shows 

NEW YORK—Jack Partington Television 

Productions, a new company for the production 

of live or film television shows, has been 

formed by Jack Partington jr., formerly director 

of photography for the Roxy Theatre. 

The late Jack Partington sr. was production 

director for the Roxy as well as president of 

Fanchon & Marco, Inc. 

Bids for Variety Conclave 

ALBANY—A preliminary bid for the 1951 

convention of International 'Variety Clubs in 

Saratoga was broached by Jack Leahy, convention 

manager for the city of Saratoga and 

manager of the Grand Union hotel there. 

Leahy attended the weekly dinner of the 

Variety Club in the Ten Eyck hotel and 

outlined Saratoga's merits as a convention 

city. Harry Lamont, former chief barker, 

said that Saratoga might be a good spot if 

the convention were officially awarded to 

Albany, only 40 miles distant. 

T Arthur Rank's "Scott of the Antarctic" will 

' be premiered April 20 at the Playhouse as i 

a benefit for the District of Columbia divisiosi I 

of the American Cancer soc ety. The British * 

ambassador and wife will sponsor the event. 

Many film dignitaries will attend. Mrs. Harry 

Truman has accepted the honorary vicechairmanship 

for the 1949 cancer drive, it 

was announced by Eric Johnston, president 

of the Motion Picture Ass'n of America and 

cha rman of the American Cancer Society's 

board of directors, 

. . 

Ralph E. Peckham has been appointed 

manager of the local Kay exchange. He recently 

was manager for Film Classics in Atlanta 

and Dallas ... Sol Edwards, SRO division 

manager, was here several days conferring 

with exhibitors on "Portrait of Jennie." 

Bill Michalson is handling the publicity 

in this area . D. A. Clodfelter, Druid Theatre, 

Damascus, Md., was rushed to Doctor's 

hospital at 4 p, m. Tuesday for an appendectomy. 

Bob Hope and his radio troupe will appear 

. . . 

at Constitution Hall the night of April 28. 

On the 26th they will appear at the Mosque 

in Richmond . of Time Washington 

representative Allen Dibble is back in town 

after traveling all over the country for several 

months. Young Jeiry Dibble celebrated his 

7th birthday recently Bernie Depkin, 

Rives Theatre, Martinsville, Va., returned 

from a Florida vacation. 

Joe Fields, former owner of the Rivoli in 

Baltimore, who now is living in Los Angeles, 

came east to visit his friend Harry Brown 

F13 called a meeting Monday night 

for the reading and discussion of the new 

contract. A motion was made to amend the 

bylaws to include $100 death benefit for each 

member in good standing . . . Rose Gonella. 

She broke 

U-I, is walking around on crutches. 

an ankle recently. 

The Leonard Gordons, Newport News, are 

parents of a baby daughter, Judith Ann. They 

have two other children . 

Gordon 

was in town to buy and book for the Gordon 

circuit . . . Kenneth Baker, Potomac Drivein, 

Cumberland, was a recent visitor. 

Gus Lynch went to Albany to attend a 

testimonial dinner given to his uncle George 

Lynch, Schine circuit booker. 

An addition to the Thalhimer chain is the 

Jefferson Tlieatre in Falls Church, Va. which 

will open April 14. The 818-seater is a part 

of the Jefferson Village development. A. O. 

Budina designed the house and the builder is 

the Jefferson Village Corp. Inside decorations 

were done by the Novelty Scenic Co. of New 

York. Harold Henderson, former SRO booker 

will manage the new theatre. Wade Pearson 

is the Arlington county city manager, assisted 

by Don Womack. 

Max Joice, Paramount, reports that H. 

Donald Hunter, branch manager at Port of 

Spain, Trinidad, and formerly a booker in 

Washington, visited Manager A. C. Benson 

here while in the States on vacation. His 

father is Harry Hunter, Paramount managing 

director in Australia and New Zealand 

who was Washington manager years ago . . . 

Head shipper Jimmy Burns was at the office 

last Friday, the first time he had been out 

of doors since January 3. 

46 

BOXOFHCE :: April 9, 1949

. . Only 

. . The 

. . Theatrical 

Reade Goes to Court 

In Old RKO Dispute 

NKW YORK—The Walter Reade interests 

through Long Park. Inc.. and Trenton Theatre 

Building Co., have filed a complaint 

against RKO in connection with their old 

management contract for the Trenton-New 

Brunswick Theatre Co. RKO owns 50 per 

cent and Long Park and Tienton Theatre 

Building own the remaining > 

50 per cent of 

Trenton-New Brunswick, which operates 12 

theatres. 

The Reade interests want an accounting 

of Tienton-New Brunswick earnings from 

Sept. 1. 1942. through March 15. 1948. the 

period during which RKO operated the theatres. 

They also want RKO to turn over 

all money it received while managing the 

theatre to Trenton-New Brunwick. 

The management contract had been 

declared illegal by the New York court of 

appeals. Since 1948 the Trenton-New Brunswick 

theatres have been managed by a board 

representing Reade and RKO. 

The RKO consent decree permits the new 

RKO theatre company to acquire 11 of these 

12 theatres. Negotiations have been in progress 

for more than two years: they began 

long before the decree was signed last November. 

Neither side has been able to agree 

on the price. 

Laboratory Union to Open 

Contract Negotiations 

NEW YORK—New contract negotiations 

will start April 11 between representatives 

of 22 metropolitan New York film laboratories 

and the lATSE local No. 72. representing 

1,750 technicians, according to John Francavilla, 

president of the union. Francavilla 

stressed the fact that no outright pay increases 

will be sought but the union's sixpoint 

new contract program will include demands 

for health, welfare and seciu-ity benefits, 

as well as a shorter work week at 

prevailing pay rates. 

Members of the Screen Publicists Guild, 

the CIO union, resumed picketing of Broadway 

first run houses April 5 following failure 

to break a deadlock in the union's negotiations 

for a wage increase from the major 

distributors. 

Film Equities to Handle 

Trinity Shorts for TV 

NEW YORK—Trinity Pictures has made 

a deal with Irwin Shapiro, president of Film 

Equities Corp.. for the latter to distribute 

a new series of Trinity shorts for television. 

The series of 13 one-reel mystery shorts, 

originally known as "Quiz Crimes," will be 

released to television stations under the title 

of "Man From Scotland Yard," according to 

Jack Rieger. president of Trinity. 

PHILADELPHIA 

lit a meeting (4t a possible strike threat 

was thwarted when lATSE Local 307 

signed a contract affecting about 200 theatre 

employes. Among the conditions of the 

new contract secured by the union are a 7 

per cent wage increase retroactive to January 

1, and a two- week vacation for five-year men 

with those of less service getting one week. 

More than 1,000 employes of local film 

houses will cast secret ballots April 19, 20 

and 21, to determine theii- collective bargaining 

agent, it was announced last week by the 

Penn-sylvania Labor Relations board. The 

board said the ballot would contain the 

names of Philadelphia Theatres Local B-lOO 

(AFLi. Employes Representation Committee 

(unaffiliated! and District 50, United Mine 

Workers. The workers—ushers, usherettes, 

cleaners, porters, cashiers and doormen—are 

employes of Paramount Theatres, 20th Century-Fox 

Theatres, Warner Theatres and 

the Theatres Cleaning Service. 

Paramount's Tower Theatre in 

upper Dar- 

. 

. 

by, .suburban subsequent-runner, ran a special 

show last week continuous from noon, featuring 

an unusual five-star attraction stage 

show . "Paisan," which has been attracting 

. 

throngs to the Princess since December, is 

getting to look like a permanent fixture in 

the center-city foreign film house, and is 

still doing terrific business Locust, 

neighborhood theatre which was on a foreign 

film policy for quite a while, has switched in 

the past few weeks. The theatre now is showing 

double-feature reissues of some of the 

real old-timers, and, instead of keeping a 

film for a run of at least a week, changes 

twice a week. 

Lou Schrader, veteran orchestra leader at 

the Earle Theatre, is expected to resign due 

to ill health. Talk is that Frankie Juele will 

take over . four booking agents, all 

independents, turned out for AGVA's special 

agents meeting. Dick Jones, AGVA executive, 

said bookers deliberately boycotted the meeting 

and threatened them with loss of franchise, 

which would mean that no AG'VA 

member in this territory would be permitted 

to work for them agents, who 

. 

staged an opposition meeting at the Bellevue-Stratford, 

said their meeting was held 

"to iron out classified telephone directory 

difficulties." 

. . 

Mike Weiss, company manager for "The 

Red Shoes" at the Translux, has been sent 

by Eagle Lion with the film to Charleston, 

Ralph 

S. C. Jack Helm replace.^ him here . 

Moyer, formerly of William Goldman's Karlton 

and Keith Theatres, is now manager of 

the St. James in Asbury Park, N. J. . . . Milt 

Lewis, manager of the Dante Theatre, became 

the proud daddy of a boy last week; the 

youngster was born in Mount Sinai hospital. 

The Casino Theatre was robbed for the 15th 

time last week, according to Manager Maurice 

Felt, who told police burglars had broken 

into lobby vending machines and taken about 

$50. Fell said the 15 robberies occured over 

a period of eight years, two of the burglaries 

this year. 

Israel Film Set 

for U.S. 

NEW YORK—"Dream No More," fir.st 

feature 

film to come from Israel, will be released 

in the U.S. by Palestine Films, Inc., 

April 26. The picture stars Avram Sroka, a 

member of the Ohel Theatre in Israel, and 

was written and directed by Joseph Krumgold 

and produced by him and Norman 

Lourie. 

"Wonder House' at Museum 

NEW YORK—"Wonder House," the latest 

This is America film by RKO-Pathe, was 

given a special screening Friday iBi at the 

American Museum of Natural History, preceded 

by a reception in the Portrait room. 

The film deals with the history and work of 

the museum. 

ATS Names Committee 

NEW YORK—The nominating committee 

of the American Television Society has been 

chosen as follows; Don McClure, chairman; 

Ralph Austrian, Edwin F. England, Donald 

Hyndman, Bruce Robertson, Maurice E. 

Strieby and Emerson Yorke. Elections are 

in May. 

CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY—Morris Mechanic's 20th anniversary as an exhibitor 

was celebrated with the world premiere of 20th-Fox's "Mr. Belvedere Goes to 

College" at Mechanic's New Theatre in Baltimore. Seen, left to right: Mechanic, Mrs. 

Mechanic, Mayor D'Allessandro of Baltimore, Mrs. D'AUessandro and Dan Dailey, 

film star. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 N 46 -A 

!fc..

. . The 

. . 

. . . Jlelen 

. . The 

. . Harry 

. . The 

. . Maurice 

. . The 

. 

. 

NEWARK 

"Cssex County Federation of 

Holy Name Societies 

has appealed to legislative leaders 

urging the passage of a bill which would 

permit cities to set up film censorship boards. 

It is the contention of the federation that 

youth, particularly, needs the guidance the 

bill would provide in banning salacious, obscene 

or sensational films. It has been requested 

that the bill be taken out of the 

miscellaneous committee to which it was assigned. 

The drive-in on Route 29 in Union has 

reopened . . . Louis CrisafuUi jr. of Irvington 

is new assistant at the Hawthorne, replacing 

Orazio Palmisano who has been 

transferred to the Cameo, South Orange . 

Louis Simon has taken over as manager of 

the Essex. He was connected with the theatre 

two years ago and has managed the 

Fox-Stone and Alben theatres, Brooklyn . . 

. 

The Essex soon will be rebuilt. 

. 

The Hudson, Kearny, ran a special after 

school five-unit kiddy show in conjunction 

with the showing of "So Dear to My Heart." 

Baseball shorts. Bugs Bunny cartoons and 

other features were included Hudson 

did excellent business on "The Boy With 

Green Hair" and "The Snake Pit" in spite 

of discom'aging children from seeing the latter 

. . . The Lincoln, Arlington, now opens 

at 5:45 p. m. Mondays through Fridays . . . 

"He Walked By Night" was held over a 

second week at the Paramount. 

Orders dismissing three suits brought 

against Warner Bros, were signed by chief 

federal Judge Fake. Plaintiffs demanded 

damages and change in distribution policy. 

They were Courter Amusement Co., operator 

of Ormont Theatre, East Orange; Westor 

Theatres, former owner of Windsor Theatre, 

West Orange, and Netcong Amusement 

Co., owner of Palace Theatre in Netcong. 

The two former claimed to have received 

cash settlements but no change in clearance. 

The latter received cash payments and improvement 

in releases. This eliminates a 

priority held by a theatre in Dover and allows 

the Palace to show pictui'es simultaneously 

with Dover and Boonton, which 

were allowed to run them at the time they 

wei'e shown in Morristown. 

Harry Katz. operator at the Cameo, has 

NEO-SEAL BURIAL WIRE 

10-2 — 12-2 — 14-2 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO—K. C, Mo. 

THE IDEAL THEATRE CHAIRS 

JOE HORNSTEIN has them 

m SX CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR 

* THE ENTIRE SOUTH — thru 

ATLANTA: Astor, 

W. M. Richardson 

(3) 163 Walton St., NW 

DALLAS: lenldns & Bourgeois, Astor 

(1) Harwood & Jackson Streets 

NEW ORLEANS: Dixie, R. A. (Bob) Kelly 

(13) 218 S. Liberty 

sold his home in Newark . theatre 

did excellent business on "The Snake Pit" 

. . . Mrs. 

Riley, former cashier at the Rialto, 

who has been absent since December, died 

recently. Lester Waltz, former manager, came 

over from the Bronx to attend funeral services 

with the theatre personnel 

Morey Schayer, wife of the manager of 

the Rialto, has returned to Paducah, Ky. . 

New doormen at the Rialto are Roy Gildersleeve 

and Joseph Featherman. 

. . . 

Harold Widenhorn, manager of the Branford, 

tied in with King's markets thi-oughout 

North Jersey on "Chicken Every Sunday." 

Eighty thousand heralds were distributed 

and 200 passes given to wirmers. 

Conte.stants were asked to write on why they 

liked "Chicken Every Sunday" and why 

they liked products from King's meat department 

Sam Witcher, porter at th; 

Branford, sustained a broken leg as the result 

of an automobile accident. 

Three ship models from Hobbycraft, valued 

at $2,500, formed an eye-catching lobby display 

at Proctor's for "Down to the Sea in 

Ships." The theatre also tied in with the 

Newark sea scouts, who attended the show 

as guests. There was a sea scout exhibit in 

the lobby Branford billed the two 

Academy 

. 

award films, "Johnny Belinda" 

and "Ti-easure of the Sierra Madre," on a 

double feature program . 

Hess, 

former operator at the Rialto, has gone over 

Lou Hertling, cashier, has 

to the Savoy . . . 

been absent. 

The office at the Rialto has taken on 

new life, with colorful renovations. Walls 

are rust, ivory and apple green. There are 

interesting paintings and copperware. Also 

an aquarium of tropical fish is arousing comment. 

The new pets, guppies and angel fish 

are getting along fine with the cat at the 

The Luxor Theatre was robbed 

Rialto . . . 

of equipment valued at $325 and an undetermined 

amount of cash. Tlrieves broke 

through a skylight and knocked the combination 

off the safe. 

The Sanford, Irvington, has been playing 

such selections as "Elephant Boy" and "Black 

Beauty" as extra features for children at 

Satm-day matinees . Hadfield, 

electrician at the Sanford and Castle, had 

returned from Florida . Sanford tied 

in with the recruiting service on "Fighter 

Squadron," using a jet motor as a display 

piece for the lobby. 

DeRochemont Completing 

Eastern-Made Feature 

NEW YORK—Louis DeRochemont is completing 

the final scenes for his eastern-made 

documentary feature, "Lost Boundaries," in 

New England. Director Alfred Werker is on 

location at Portsmouth, N. H., and will then 

make the final scenes in Kennebunkport, Me. 

Beatrice Pearson, who recently made her 

first film, "Force of Evil," released by MGM, 

heads a cast of stage players. They include 

Mel Ferrer, Susan Douglas, Richard Hylton 

and Carleton Carpenter, dancing juvenile 

who scored in "Three to Make Ready" and ii: 

Leonard Sillman's "New Faces" revue. Film 

Classics will release the film in June. 

Maryland Bill to Cut 

Theatre License Fees 

BALTIMORE—Reduction of license fees 

for motion picture theatres in Maryland is 

provided in a bill passed by the state legislature 

and now awaiting the signature of 

Governor William P. Lane jr. The measure, 

if signed, will become effective May 1. 

Under terms of the bill, the license for a 

film theatre \vith more than 1,000 seats 

will be $100 instead of $300. Other new fees, 

compared with old rates: 500 to 1,000 seats, 

$90 instead of $225; 400 to 500 seats, $80 

instead of $150: 300 to 400 seats, $70 instead 

of $100: 200 to 300 seats, $60 instead of $75, 

and fewer than 200 seats, $30 instead of $50. 

Motion picture theatre license fees in 

Maryland are divided between city and county 

governments, which will receive approximately 

$25,000 less each year following enactment 

of the new law. The city of Baltimore 

will receive about $12,000 a year less than it 

has in past years under the old law. 

Revenues totaling $22,625 accrued to the 

city of Baltimore from 114 licenses granted 

for the current year. Under terms of the 

new law, the same number of licenses would 

retm-n only $9,680. 

Television Experiments 

In Educational Field 

PHILADELPHIA—In an experiment of 

television as an educational medium, the 

Phllco Corp., in cooperation with the board 

of education, has installed receivers in 20 

public, parochial and private schools in this 

area for a series of 39 programs. Mobile units 

will travel to schools to originate programs 

in the science laboratories or on the athletic 

fields. The series opened March 2 and will 

continue through May 27. The station is 

WPTZ. 

Troy Griswold Theatre 

Under Fabian Banner 

TROY — The Griswold Theatre here has | 

been shifted from the Warner to the Fabian 

banner and has instituted a first run policy, 

replacing the recent second run. The American, 

a Warner house, has returned to second 

runs. Vic Bunze joined the Fabian fold as 

Griswold manager and Jack Swarthout, a 

Warner manager for 25 years, moved from 

the Griswold to the American. 

Selig to Operate Acme 

NEW YORK—Joseph Selig of Selig Theatres 

has taken over the 600-seat Acme Theatre, 

67-14 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, Queens, 

on a long-term lease from the Fran-Lynn 

Amusement Corp. He will make substantial 

improvements, including installation of air 

conditioning. He was represented by Johnson 

& Zimbalist, attorneys. Berk & Krumgold 

closed the deal. 

Legion Honors Neilson 

NEW YORK—Rutgers Neilson. RKO publicity 

manager, has been made an honorary 

auxiliary member of Joan of Arc post No. 

1527, American Legion, by Estelle B. Summergrade, 

commander. The appointment was 

"for fostering and perpetuating 100 per cent 

Americanism." 

4t6-B BOXOmCE AprU 9. 1949

. . Mrs. 

Good Drive-In Season 

Foreseen in Albany 

ALBANY—Two of 

the leading drive-in operators 

in the Albany area this week predicted 

a profitable 1949 season and one of 

them, Neil Hellman. general manager for 

three Fabian-Hellman drive-ins and owner 

of a fourth at Binghampton. said he believed 

this season would be better than the last. 

"There are more cars on the road." Hellman 

said, "so I believe we will enjoy increased 

patronage. It is true, on the other 

hand, that there will be two more drive-ins 

in the immediate area. This may mean 

some reduction in business for those already 

established, but time will tell." 

Harry Lament, who operated four ozoners 

last year and who is building a fifth near 

Kingston, said it was his opinion that driveins 

would profit from the fact that money is 

tighter. 

"We should get more family trade," I-amont 

said. "The admission price for such 

groups is smaller at drive-ins than at indoor 

theatres because children up to 12 are admitted 

free and the adult charge ranges 

from 40 to 50 cents." 

Lament said he planned to have four of 

his drive-ins open by April 16 and planned 

the grand opening of the 600-car Kingston 

airer April 13. 

The Kingston airer, to be named the Sunset, 

will co.st about ,$120,000 and is ready except 

for surfacing and installation of equipment. 

The theatre was designed by Lament's 

partner Gerald Schwartz and will 

have a tree-bordered enclosure rather than 

the traditional fence. 

Sam Rosenblatt Plans 

To Build New Drive-In 

ALBANY—Sam Rosenblatt, who is building 

a 600-seat theatre in Catskill and who 

operates the Grand and Strand in Watervliet 

and the Lake m Lake George, plans to 

construct a drive-in when the Catskill house 

is finished. 

"I have a site picked and probably will 

make a start on the work this summer, although 

it probably will not be completed until 

1950," he said. Rosenblatt also is in the 

automobile agency business with his brother 

here. 

'Riley' Is in Book Form 

NEW YORK—"The Life of Riley," first 

for 1949 of six books published annually by 

Movie Readers Library and based on popular 

films, went on sale recently. It is based on 

the radio broadcast as well as the Universal- 

International picture. 

ALBANY 

. . 

TTpstate Theatres, Inc.. will buy and book 

the 600-car drive-in which James Mc- 

Connell is building at Cicero, near Syracuse. 

Leon Einhorn of Albany is the architect. It 

will be known as North Drive-In. McCoiinell 

was formerly in the restaurant business 

Work will start soon on a 300-car drivein 

. 

between Lowville and Carthage, according 

to word on Filmiow. Identity of the builder 

will be revealed later. 

. . . Alex 

Exhibitors visiting the exchanges included 

Phil Baroudi of North Creek and Warrensburg, 

Mrs. Helen Hadley of Schathticoke 

and Fair Haven, Vt.: Morris Slotnick of 

Waterville and Oriskany Falls; Frank Wieting 

of the Park, Cobleskill; Bob Johnson, 

booker for Smalley Theatres, and Sam Davis 

of Phoenicia and Woodstock . 

Mary 

Flynn, booker and secretary in the offices 

of Upstate Theatres, Inc., left for a vacation 

with her mother in Atlantic City . . . 

Jack Goldberg. MGM manager, hopped to 

the Schine offices in Gloversville and the 

Kallet headquarters in Oneida 

Weiss, operator of the Lincoln, Schenectady, 

is driving a new truck for State Film Delivery 

Service, covering the Electric city. 

"Oltlahoma!" Rodgers and Hammerstein 

classic, played a merry tune at the boxoffice 

as well as on the stage of Warners' Strand 

in eight performances. The evening shows 

were at $4.40 top, the matinees, $4.60. Phenomenal 

bu.sine.ss was attributed to the show's 

long run on Broadway and to the reputation 

of the traveling company, which has 

been "out" continuously for five and a half 

years and which is booked to July 1951. Zone 

Manager Charles A. Smakwitz, House Manager 

Al La Flamme and Zone Publicity Director 

Jerry Atkin expressed elation over 

the patronage and the audience reaction. 

Smakwitz and Atkin arranged for broadcasts 

by the principals over various Albany radio 

stations and for appearances at the weekly 

JtRA uo w'T^.g-^f^yc/tv BEE-HIVE 

BLE 

Kiwanis and Variety Club dinners. People 

came from 50 miles around to see the show, 

which drew many typical film fans. 

Herliert Farrar, company manager for 

"Oklahoma!" is a brother of Geraldine 

Farrar, long a noted Metropolitan Opera Co, 

star, according to Oscar Perrin, manager of 

the Ritz. Perrin reported that the veteran 

showman brought several companies to the 

Capitol during the time Oscar managed that 

theatre (now Malcolm Atterbury's Playhouse) 

for the Shuberts and Erlanger. The first was 

"Hit the Deck." 

INCORPORATIONS 

—ALBANY— 

Imps: To conduct a m,otion picture business 

in New York; capital stock, 200 .shares, 

no par. 

Boolifiltn- Austria: Motion pictures and 

plays, office in New York; 100 shares, no par. 

Bookfilm-Germany: Formed for same purpose, 

with same directors and capital stock. 

Syracuse Community Theatre: Recorded an 

annulment of dissolution. H. P. Wallace. 20 

North St., Auburn, and a theatre owner in 

that city, filed. 

Television Today: To issue television publications; 

capital stock, 1,000 shares, no par. 

Astor Film Exchange, Inc. made a name 

change to Favorite Pictures Exchange of New 

York, Inc. 

5406 Third Ave. Operating Corp.: To conduct 

a motion picture business in Brooklyn. 

Twentieth Century -Fox Film Corp. recorded 

a notice of capital stock reduction from 

4,684,431 to 4,679,346 shares, no par. 

"331" ^>. 

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Buy Ten Hermetically Sealed 10-ib. 

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Oppose Sex Film Showing 

ALBANY — A statement from the state 

Catholic Welfare committee this week criticized 

local boards of education and parentteacher 

groups who have attempted to show 

the film "Human Growth" to children in the 

public schools. The committee charged that 

the film "violates principles of sound sex in- 

HUSHVlll.t.JVH.o 

''i^ 

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struction, offends Christian modesty and is 

liable to leave grave consequences." Showing 

of the film, a 16mm production, has been 

approved by PTA groups in Schenectady, 

Mamaroneck, Westchester county and ot'ner 

New York cities. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 46-C

Loew's, WB Report 

Partnership Data 

NEW YORK—Loew's and Warners reported 

to the three -judge expediting court last 

week that negotiations to end certain partnerships 

are still in progress. These were 

mentioned in the quarterly reports filed with 

the court by the two companies. Twentieth 

Century-Fox also filed a report, but did not 

discuss negotiations now in progress on the 

coast to end partnerships operating about 

250 theatres. The 20th-Fox statement declared 

that the theatre situation was unchanged. 

These reports are required every four 

months by the theatre-owning defendants 

in the antitrust case. Paramount and RKO, 

no longer defendants because of their consent 

decrees, do not have to file. 

The Loew's statement referred to the recent 

deal with Paramount for dividing the 

13 theatres formerly co-owned in the Buffalo 

area. Agreement has been reached for all 

but one theatre. Talks are still going on 

for that one. 

The Loew's-Paramount agreement and 

others made by 20th-Fox and Warners were 

the result of discussions with the Department 

of Justice last November and December. 

The plans, signed by the three-judge 

court, were not final divorcement patterns. 

The Department of Justice mentioned, this in 

its recent proposed decree, and stated that 

the negotiation merely scratched the surface. 

Twenty-six Warners, 26 Loew's and 250 

20th-Fox houses were involved. The department 

is gunning for complete divorcement. 

Ascap Appeal Hearings 

Delayed Another Month 

NEW YORK—The appeal hearings on 

Judge Vincent L. Leibell's Ascap decree have 

been postponed for at least another month 

until after May 16. 

The postponement was granted at the request 

of Ascap and the ITOA exhibitor plaintiffs. 

They told the circuit court of appeals 

they would not have time to complete the 

record by April 14, the date set by the court 

following the original request for a delay. 

The appeal cannot be heard until after the 

record has been printed. The new record 

deadline has been set for mid-May. 

This new delay has stimulated another 

crop of reports that a consent decree may 

settle the Independent Theatre Owners Ass'n 

antitrust case against Ascap. Ascap officials 

have admitted they are trying to get Leibell's 

decree modified so that it would permit 

the organization of a single collection 

agency for performing rights fees. 

The decree, as it now stands, would ban 

such an organization. Producers are now 

buying performing rights along with synchronization 

rights from individual Ascap 

members. 

New Westrex Assignments 

NEW YORK—Stephen Wiedmann, who 

has been supervising Westrex activities in 

Norway, Sweden and Finland, has been 

named vice-president in charge of the Alpine 

Western Electric Co. H. Tscherning 

Petersen, manager of the Western Electric 

Co. in Denmark, will temporarily take over 

the added duties of managing the Stockholm 

office. 

EL Sets 35 New Bookings 

For 'The Red Shoes' 

NEW YORK—Eagle Lion has set 35 additional 

major circuit and independent bookings 

for "The Red Shoes" within the next 

two months according to William J. Heineman, 

vice-president in charge of distribution. 

The 35 bookings are in addition to 

the current engagements and all showings 

will be twice daily, with all seats reserved. 

The bookings include: Playhouse, St. 

Petersburg, Fla.; State, Santa Barbara, 

Calif.; Center, Hartford, Conn.: Pike, Knoxville, 

Tenn.; Lyric, Tucson, Ariz., and Vista, 

Phoenix, Ariz., all to open in March. 

April bookings will be: Cinema, Detroit; 

Shady Oak, St. Louis; Music Box, Seattle; 

Varsity, Milwaukee; Mission, San Diego; 

American, Charleston, S. C; Kimo, Kansas 

City; Strand, Iowa City; Apex, Washington, 

D. C; Bethseda, Bethseda, Md.; Rex, 

Baltimore; Windsor, Baltimore, and Dundee. 

Omaha. 

May openings will be; Victory, Greensboro, 

N. C: Manor, Charlotte, N. C; Colony, 

Raleigh, N. C; Poclie, New Orleans; World. 

Columbus. Ohio; Princess, Toledo; IngersoU, 

Des Moines; University, Charlottesville, Va., 

and Fort Early, Lynchburg, Va. Opening 

dates will be announced later for engagements 

at the Esquire, Denver; Stage Door, 

San Francisco; Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.; 

Art, Dayton, Ohio; Riverside, Jacksonville; 

Ritz, Pittsburgh, and Wythe, Newport News, 

Va. 

Jack Goldberg to Produce 

Feature on Dr. Bunche 

NEW YORK — Jack Goldberg, executive 

producer of Herald Pictures, has filed title 

notice with the MPAA of his intention to 

produce "Dr. Ralph J. Bmiche, American 

Negro," a feature-length picture dramatizing 

the life of the educator, some time in April. 

Dr. Bunche, acting mediator for the U.S. in 

the Palestine situation, was recently awarded 

the Springarn Medal from the National Ass'n 

for the Advancement of Colored People. 

The pictm'e will be of a semi-documentary 

nature, according to Goldberg, who produced 

"We've Come a Long, Long Way" and "The 

Unknown Soldier Speaks," two Negro documentaries. 

Velde Company to Handle 

Theatre Advertising 

NEW YORK—Donald L. Velde Enterprises 

has been organized to specialize in film theatre 

advertising and accessories. Its first 

contract has been signed with Neil F. Agnew 

and Charles L. Casanave of Motion Pictui'e 

Sales Corp. for which it will supervise the 

preparation and manufacture of accessories 

on all films distributed. Its office is at 1475 

Broadway. 

Velde was with Paramount 16 years, last as 

advertising sales manager, and with National 

Screen eight years, specializing in handling 

accessories. 

Bergman Gets Jap Awards 

NEW YORK—Ingrid Bergman has received 

from the Motion Picture Export Ass'n two 

awards voted her by Japanese theatregoers 

as America's best actress of 1948. They were 

a Hakata doll and a black lacquer box. Francis 

S. Harmon, MPEA vice-president, made 

the presentation. 

U.S. Films Dominate 

Vienna First Runs 

NEW YORK—Twelve of the 17 first run 

houses in Vienna, Austria, were playing features 

distributed by the Motion Picture Export 

Ass'n dm'ing the first two weeks of 

March. The leaders were "Best Years of Our 

Lives" RKO I I, in its 20th week; "Bathing 

Beauty" (MGMi, in its ninth week; "Black 

Swan" (20th-Foxi, in its eighth week and 

"Two Girls and a Sailor" (MGM) in its sixth 

week. "Sinbad the Sailor" (RKOi was pulled 

after ten weeks and "Boom Town" (MGM) 

after nine. In the provinces, "The Egg and 

I" (U-Ii, "Affairs of Susan" (Para) "Song 

of Bernadette" (20th-Fox) and "Gaslight" 

(MGM) were outstanding. 

FESTIVALS HIT BOXOFFICE 

Spring festivals in Germany hit boxoffice 

returns but "Ninotchka" (MGM) entered its 

15th successive first run week at the Filmbuehne 

Wien. It has been seen by more 

than 250,000. "Music for Millions" (MGM) 

was holding up well after a strong opening 

two weeks at the Gloria Palast. In the provinces 

the leaders were "Gentleman Jim" 

(WB), "Valley of Decision" (MGM) and "The 

Lodger" (20th-Fox). 

In Prague. "Gulliver's Ti-avels" iPara> had 

played to 214,000 in its 15-week run. Pending 

conclusion of the MPEA-Czech distribution 

pact, American films there were largely reissues. 

Among them were "Two Girls and a 

Sailor," "The Unsuspected" (U-Ii and "Gaslight." 

The only MPEA feature playing first 

run in the country was "Blossoms in the 

Dust" (MGM) at Ostrava. 

In Poland, "National Velvet" (MGM) did 

a big business at its Warsaw opening. It was 

the first Technicolor subject from Hollywood 

to be seen there since prewar days. "The 

Hunchback of Notre Dame" (RKO) closed 

41 days, "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet" (WB) 

was doing well at Lodz and Krakow. "His 

Butler's Sister" (Univ>, after ten big days 

at the Apollo in Poznan, went on a first nm 

moveover. Others doing well on secondary 

runs in Poland were "Citizen Kane" (RKO), 

"Ziegfeld Girl" (MGM), "Night in Casablanca" 

(UA) and "How Green Was My 

Valley" (20th-Fox). 

STEADY IN JAPAN 

The best boxoffice films in Indonesia were 

"Tonight and Every Night" (Col), "Road to 

Zanzibar" (Para), "Green Dolphin Street" 

(MGM), "Mark of Zorro" (20th-Fox) and 

"Singapore" (Univ). 

Business in Japan maintained a steady 

pace. Outstanding were "Song of Love' 

(MGM), "A Double Life" (U-I) and "Green 

Dolphin Street." MPEA newsreel circulation 

in Japan reached a new peak with a national 

coverage of 1.788 houses, or 85 per cent of 

total 

outlets. 

Catholic Paper Praises 

'Joan' Comic Book 

NEW YORK—The March 19 issue of the 

Tablet, Catholic weekly newspaper, praised 

the "Joan of Arc" comic book and said its 

wholesome treatment of the RKO film may 

lead the way to better comic books. The 

Cowl, a Capuchin monthly, also praised the 

book, according to RKO. Another "Joan of 

Arc" book in the comics field has been published 

by the Catechetical Guild of St. Paul, 

4B-D BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949

NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER 

iHoUywood Office— Suite 21H at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear, Western Manager 

Washington Parleys 

Rouse Jobless Hopes 

HOLLYWOOD—Many an unemployed film 

worker kept a watchful eye on developments 

expected to follow the recent meeting of 

President Truman in Washington, with four 

of Hollywood's top union and guild leaders, 

at which English restrictions on American 

films and tiie possibility of enlisting federal 

aid in fighting the British quota were discussed. 

Attending the session with the nation's 

chief executive were Ronald Reagan, president 

of the Screen Actoi's Guild, and Kenneth 

Thomson, SAG executive; Richard 

Walsh, president of the lATSE. and Roy 

Brewer, chairman of the Hollywood AFL 

Film council. 

Reports from Washington following the 

conference indicated President Truman had 

displayed a wilhngness to discuss the problem 

with officials of the U.S. state department. 

The AFL council has long contended 

that England's action in freezing money 

earned by American pictures in that country, 

as well as its film distribution quota, has 

caused vast unemployment among Hollywood 

studio workers. 

* * * 

There must be a give-and-take policy between 

labor and management if collective 

bargaining is to function at top efficiency, 

Louis L. Livingston, new labor liaison representative 

for the Independent Mot'on Picture 

Producers Ass'n, emphasized in a keynote 

talk introducing the organization's 

newly-appointed executive to the IMPPA 

membership. Livingston formerly was with 

the U.S. conciliation service. Other speakers 

at the IMPAA dinner-meeting included Lou 

Rosen, theatre owner in Hawaii and Harry 

Thomas, president of Equity Pictures. 

Louis Weiss Files Suit 

Against 'Bad Boy' Title 

HOLLYWOOD — Damages of $50,000 are 

sought in a superior court su t filed against 

Monogram by Louis Weiss, independent producer, 

who also seeks an injunction preventing 

Monogram-Allied Artists from further 

distribution of the Paul Short production, 

"Bad Boy," under that title. 

Weiss charges that his independent company, 

Gateway Productions, made a film 

tagged "Bad Boy" in 1939 and that it is 

still in distribution on a states rights basis. 

The value of his property is being nullified, 

he contends, because of the duplication of 

titles. 

20th-Fox Chieftains Plan 

Campaigns on New Films 

HOLLYWOOD—For the dual purpose of 

amplifying on 20th Century-Pox's recently 

announced decision to introduce new sales 

policies calling for a bigger cut of the boxoffice 

dollar, and at the same time to map 

campaigns on eight of the company's newly 

completed pictures, current v.sitors at the 

studios in Westwood include Al Lichtman. 

vice-president functioning as a sales advisor; 

Andy Smith, general sales manager; Pi'esident 

Spyros Skouras; Charles Einfeld, vicepresident 

in charge of advertis ng and publicity; 

Jonas Rosenfield, advertising manager; 

Murray Silverstone, president of 20th Century-Fox 

International; Ed Sullivan, assistant 

advertising chief; Sam Shain and 

Lem Jones, 

Shortly after the v sitors' arrival for huddles 

with Darryl F. Zanuck and Joseph M. 

Schenck, studio heads, Lichtman recapitulated 

at length the company's new sales plan, 

emphasizing his contention that distribution 

is not receiving an equitable share of the 

profits from motion pictures and asserting 

that only through the adoption of a slidingscale 

format can the asserted inequities be 

adjusted satisfactorily. 

Lichtman, revealing that on 20th Century- 

Fox pictures the average budget has been set 

at $1,750,000 each, at the same time defended 

the production end of the business against 

Rehearsals Started 

For Friars Frolic 

Hollywood — Using two sound stages 

maê available by 20th Century-Fox, more 

than 50 top film and radio stars have 

begun intensive rehearsals for the Friars 

Frolic benefit for the Motion Picture Relief 

fund, which will play a one-night 

stand at the Shrine auditorium April 16. 

George Jessel is supervising and will 

act as master of ceremonies. The show 

is being staged by Joseph Santley and 

directed by Harry Joe Brown. A 40-piece 

orchestra comprising musicians from the 

major studios will be conducted by 

Maurice Stoloff. 

Louis B. Mayer is industry chairman of 

the project, with proceeds to be devoted 

to making up an MPRF deficit. Tickets 

have been scaled upward to a top of $100 

per ducat. 

charges of extravagance. Hollywood filmmakers, 

he said, "are turning out the finest 

entertainment values at lowest costs possible 

under present conditions." 

The recently appointed 20th Century-Fox 

sales executive also blasted the pessimistic 

attitude which currently prevails within 

many of the industry's segments and appealed 

to producers, distributors and exhibitors 

to join forces in a counterattack against 

"this destructive chorus." 

Lichtman again made it known that the 

company's new sales policy will not be an 

inflexible one, and that in certain specified 

.'situations flat rentals or percentage deals 

will continue to prevail. 

At the midweek—the delegation was expected 

to remain in Hollywood for about ten 

days—nothing apparently had been planned 

as concerned the possibility of holding meetings 

with local exhibitor groups for detailed 

discussions of the sliding-scale sales program 

being sponsored by the company. Spokesmen 

for such local groups as the Southern California 

Theatre Owners Ass'n and the independent 

Vinnicof circuit said they had not 

been approached by the Lichtman party. 

The NT stand was outlined at a recent 

meeting of personnel of the southern California 

division of FWC. At that session 

Skouras emphasized that by paying "proper 

rentals" for good films, producers will be encouraged 

to make more good pictures, "which 

the industry must have to sustain itself." 

LITTLE OPPOSITION LIKELY 

That declaration of policy by NT indicates 

that there is not likely to be much, if any, 

organized opposition hereabouts to the 20th 

Century-Fox sales plan, such as has already 

manifested itself in certain areas in the east 

and midwest by such exhibitor organizations 

as the regional All ed units. 

Completed 20th Century-Fox films being 

screened, and on which campaigns are being 

mapped, include "The Prince of Foxes," 

"You're My Everything," "House of Strangers," 

"Come to the Stable," "The Beautiful 

Blonde From Bashful Bend," "Thieves' Market," 

"Sand" and "It Happens Every Spring." 

This lineup will carry the company through 

the fall. Also to be viewed were rushes of 

currently-shooting product including "Pinky," 

"Father Was a Fullback," "I Was a Male War 

Bride" and "The Bandwagon," which are 

not destined for release until winter or the 

early spring of 1950. 

BOXOFHCE April 9, 1949 47

. . 

. . 

li'l 

SCAR is suffering from his annual 

hangover—and this year it's really a 

honey. 

Now, hangovers are not unknown to the 

brass man who once every twelve months 

goes on a glamor binge during which he 

crashes some of Cinemania's best social and 

artistic circles. Heretofore, however, Oscar's 

aching head and jittery innards have resulted 

from such comparatively hai-mless 

libations as dissatisfaction over the outcome, 

seating arrangements, locale and other byproducts 

of the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences' annual Awards event. 

Things being tough all over—most especially 

within the motion picture industry— 

this year Oscar seems to have gotten a-holt 

of some really bad likker, to wit, the distillation 

of economy, a potion too potent and/or 

too poisonous even for the metallic metabolism 

of Oscar—and the comparably brassy 

intestines of those who guide his destinies. 

Resultantly his subsequent sickness is serious, 

with plenty of symptoms to indicate it 

may be fatal. 

Oscar was slipped his first slug of red-eye 

when, after a vertiginous on-again-off-again 

policy, it finally was decided that the Academy's 

own, small theatre would be the scene 

of his yearly debauch—which selection 

brought loud screams from Academicians who 

could not join the party because of limited 

seating capacity. 

The dosage of hooch was increased to 

dangerous proportions when Academy President 

Jean Hersholt, apparently determined 

to double as bouncer as well as bartender at 

Oscar's party, welcomed the guests with a 

very petulant note concerning the amount 

of wherewithal that was being made available 

for the li'l fellow's annual clambake and 

his intermediate peccadilloes. 

But it was not until the rest of the guests 

had gone home— a bit bored and disappointedly 

sober—that the final Mickey Finn was 

dealt staggering Oscar. It came in a blast 

from Hersholt over the annual shindig that 

was pointedly aimed at those penny-pinching 

industry executives who so narrowly concluded 

that it might be better to devote their 

shrinking bankrolls to the making and distributing 

of profitable film fare than to 

stocking the back bar with the choice of 

heady vintages which, in more prosperous 

years, permitted Oscar to hang one on without 

suffering too greatly the next day. 

In announcing his retirement as head 

barkeep for Oscar's orgies, Hersholt complained 

that the top brass of the industry's 

major companies had voiced considerable opposition 

to the Awards procedure, and had 

advised that future financial support therefor 

would not be forthcoming, which led 

Hersholt to the declared conclusion that 

hereafter it will be "difficult if not impossible" 

to continue the program. He charged 

that there are "forces in the motion picture 

industry" which would like to see the Awards 

scuttled because they believe too many filmmakers 

are turning out product with a 

weather eye on prestige rather than commercial 

success. The retiring Academy 

leader scoffed at such alleged reasoning with 

the assert'on that it has been proved "time 

and again" that the "so-called artistic picture 

is also a good boxoffice picture, especially 

when it receives recognition by the 

Academy." 

Despite which, high industry echelons were 

left unmoved, obviously deciding that Oscar's 

throbbing noggin and the reasons therefor 

were more deserving of censure than sympathy. 

From both coasts came an avalanche 

of opinion and action which indicated that 

there exists in filmdom's top brackets a devastating 

indifference over his present plight 

and his future behavior—if any. 

In the Hollywoods, Hersholt's complaints 

were answered by such topflight production 

representatives as MGM's Dore Schary and 

E. J. Mannix, Columbia's B. B, Kahane and 

others. Generally the retorts followed the 

same pattern — Schary called the remarks 

"not accurate" and "careless"; Mannix pointed 

out that the industry is "obligated to make 

the kind of pictures that the people want . 

it isn't a crime to produce pictures which 

make money"; Kahane labeled the Hersholt 

remarks as "an impulsive and thoughtless attack 

on the industry as a whole." 

Subsequently it was reported from the east 

that the heads of five of the major companies 

had met and officially announced the 

withdrawal of financial assistance to the 

Academy's future Oscar derbies—if any— by 

their respective organizations. This action 

was outlined in a joint statement by representatives 

of MGM, Paramount, 20th Century-Pox, 

Warners and RKO Radio, and was 

couched in language of forthright and uncontradictable 

nature. It avowed the companies' 

intent to "continue our moral support of the 

idea of making awards of merit for superior 

achievements," and promised continued support 

of the Academy's "original functions" in 

technical fields, but made it clear that "we 

shall no longer provide for the ceremonies 

attending the annual awards ... by deficit 

contributions." 

The statement explained that the step 

taken was not a "commercialistic" one, but 

"is in the interest of less commercialism 

. 

The companies should not be in the position 

where they can be accused of subsidizing an 

artistic cultural forum." 

So, the Academy glamor boy, with hammers 

pounding in his shiny head and butterflies 

flitting about in his brassy belly, is 

feebly plucking at the coverlets. And the 

rank and file of Cinemania's citizenry—fed 

up with his temperamental vagaries and 

considerably more interested in the possibilities 

of future Hollywood payrolls than in an 

army of Oscars—doesn't care much whether 

or not he ever gets out of bed. 

To make his going to the dogs entirely 

complete, witness Oscar's bestowal upon a 

Great Dane—Bill Shakespeare's Great Dane, 

that is. 

French Legion Medal 

To Harry M, Warner 

HOLLYWOOD—In recognition of his services 

to France, including duties fulfilled on 

behalf of the American Friendship train and 

the French Gratitude train, Harry M. Warner, 

president of Warner Bros., was given the 

Cross of an Officer of the French Legion in 

ceremonies at the Burbank studio. 

The presentation 

was made by Alexandre de Manziarly. 

French consul in Los Angeles. 

The honor was paid Warner six weeks after 

the conclusion of a successful 48-state tour 

of the French Gratitude train, for which 

the film executive served as American national 

chairman. He was also national chairman 

of the American Friendship train during 

the winter of 1947. 

* • « 

A troupe of stage and film luminaries including 

Constance Bennett, Donald Woods 

and Charlie Ruggles planed to Europe to 

present a stage version of "Over 21" for the 

personnel of 15 airlift stations in England 

and Germany. Donating their services, in 

addition to Miss Bennett, Woods and Ruggles, 

are Hillary Brooke, Jimmy Lydon, 

Vanessa Brown, Joseph Fields and Charles 

Arnt. 

Emerson to Film Shorts 

For Video and Schools 

HOLL'TWOOD — Destined for television 

consumption and for bookings by schools is a 

series of five two-reelers based on the lives 

of famous Americans, being produced and 

directed by Walter Colmes for the Emerson 

Film Corp. The biographical films will be 

distributed by Encyclopedia Brittanica Films. 

The five subjects follow "Christopher Columbus," 

already completed. American notables 

to be included in the lineup are Washington 

Irving, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin 

Franklin, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and 

James Fenimore Cooper. Colmes is shooting 

on the Republic lot. 

• * * 

A new series of commercial pictures plaimed 

for video and industrial screenings by Standard 

Oil of Indiana has been slated for early 

filming by Jerry Fail-banks Productions. The 

group, dealing with automobile lubrication, 

is the third to be made for Standard by 

Fairbanks within a year. 

British Quota Discussed 

By Hollywood Council 

H0LL"yW00D—Slated for midweek was a 

special session of the Motion Picture Industry 

council, called by chairman Cecil B. 

DeMille. at which it was expected members 

would discuss the advisability of the council's 

taking official action against the restrictive 

British quota on the importation of American 

films. 

Scheduled as speakers were Ronald Reagan, 

president of the Screen Actors Guild, and 

Roy Brewer, lATSE executive and chairman 

of the Hollywood AFL Film council. Reagan 

and Brewer earlier had conferred in Washington 

with President Truman, seeking federal 

aid in an attack on the film quota, 

which the AFL group asserts has created 

widespread unemployment among Hollywood 

studio workers. 

48 

BOXOFTICE :: April 9, 1949

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STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES 

Barnstormers 

RKO Radio 

JANE RUSSELL opened at the Oriental TTieatre, 

Chicago, tor a three-week personal appearance dal* 

beginning April 6. 

Cleffers 

Monogram 

Musical director EDDIE KAY will score the latest 

of the Joe Kirkwood-Leon Errol starrers, . "Joe Palooka 

in the Return Bout." 

Loanouts 

RKO Radio 

On loan from Waller Wanger, SUSAN HAYWARD 

will co-star with Dcna Andrews in Samuel Goldwyn's 

production, "My Foolish Heart." 

Meggers 

Independent 

Niven Busch inked JOHN STURGES to direct "Daybreak," 

starring Lew Ayres and Teresa Wright. 

Metro 

Director ROY ROWLAND'S option was lilted fo; 

another year. 

Monogram 

Producer JAN GRIPPO announced the forthcoming 

production of two Bowery Boys films, "The Bowery 

Boys Go to College" and "Death Stalk." 

Producer Barney Gerard set EDDIE CLINE to meg 

"Maggie Wins a Racehorse," next in the Bringing 

Up Father series starring Joe Yule and Renie Riano. 

Republic 

Assigned to meg Franklin Adreon's initial Ren 

Allen western, "The Arizona Cowboy," was R. G. 

SPRINGSTEEN. 

Screen Guild 

FRANK McDonald was assigned to direct Ron 

Ormond's production, "Ringside." 

Universal-International 

Assigned 

"Bagdad," 

to meg the Yvonne DeCarlo 

was CHARLES LAMONT. 

vehicle. 

Options 

Columbia 

Inked for the roles of King Arthur and his cohorts 

in Producer Sam Katzman's serial, "Adventures ot 

Sir Galahad," were NELSON LEIGH, HUGH PROS- 

SER, WILLIAM FAWCETT. Additions to the cast are 

PAT BARTON, CHARLES KING, LEONARD PENN, 

JIM DIEHL, DON HARVEY and JOHN MERTON. 

ANNA LEE portrays Warner Baxter's wife in "Beyond 

These Walls," to be directed by Seymour 

Friedman for Producer Rudolph Flothow. 

Metro 

Comedian BENNY BAKER joined the cast of the 

Judy Garland musical, "Annie Get Your Gun 

SHARON McMANUS, FETER PRICE and LIZA MIN- 

NELLI play the younger m'embers of the Oakley 

family in the production starring Judy Garland. 

Busby Berkeley directs. 

BILL PHILLIPS was assigned a role in "Battleground," 

to be directed by William Wellma'n. 

Signed for the role of an inebriated Russian dance 

teacher in Arthur Freed's production, "On the 

Town," 

was FLORENCE BATES. 

CHARLES COBURN will topline with Glenn Ford 

in "Bodies and Souls," under the direction of Curtis 

Bernhardt for Producer Pandro S. Berman. 

Monogram 

ANABEL SHAW was cast as the feminine lead 

of the forthcoming Bowery Boys comedy, "Safety 

Pins." Also set were JOHN KELLOGG and ED GAR- 

GAN. Signed for a featured role was FRANCES 

IRVIN. Former Australian boxing chomp MEYER 

GRACE will portray a mobster in the film. Other 

additions to the cast of the Leo Gorcey vehicle are 

FRANKIE DARRO, BERNARD GORCEY, DA'VID GOR- 

CEY, BILLY BENEDICT, GABRIEL DELL and BENNIE 

BARTLETT, Reginald LeBorg directs for Producer 

Jan Grippo. 

Femme lead opposite Johnny Mack Brown in "The 

Kid Come West" goes to RENO BROWNE. Ray 

Taylor directs for Producer Barney Sarecky. MAR- 

SHALL REED, TEDDY INFUHR, MILBUPN MORANTE, 

TERHY FROST. WILLIAM NORTON BAILEY, FOYD 

STOCKMAN. KENNE DUNCAN and ARTIE ORTEGA 

were added to the cast. 

KOEL NEILL joins Elyse Knox and Theodora L^'nch 

for a top role in Jeffrey Bernerd's 

gc.tt'r.n Women." 

production, "For- 

Paramount 

PERCY KILBRIDE and STANLEY ANDREWS are 

additions to the cast of Frank Copra's Bing Crosby 

starrer, "Riding High." Inked for a comedy role was 

GARRY OWEN. Also signed were ANN DORAN, 

MARGARET FIELD and KIT GUARD. 

HANS CONRIED, who plays the part of Professor 

Kropotkin in the radio series, was signed for the 

sam'e role in the Hal Walhs production, "My Friend 

Irma." 

RKO Radio 

FRANK WILCOX was signed to replace Dick 

Simmons, who haa to bow out oi his heavy role in 

the Tim Holt western, "Renegade of the rio'ncho," 

because ol a orevious commnment. Signed tor iop 

romantic sDots 'were EDWARD NORRIS and MOVlTA. 

RiCHAHD MARTIN also joms the cast ol the film, 

being directed by Lesley Selander tor Producer 

Herman Schlom. 

Republic 

TRiSTAM COFFIN was signed for the top role in 

the iii-episoder, "King oi the Rocket Men." MAl 

CLARKt, was signed lor the top lemme roie. Othuia 

sigjied include: HOUSE PETERS JR.. DON HA(.i- 

GEHTY, I. STANFORD JOLLEY, JAMES CRAVKn, 

TED ADMAS, DAVE SHARPE, TOM STEELE and DALE 

VAN SICKEL. 

EDDY WALLER was set for the chiel comedy role 

in (he Allan "Rocky" Lane starrer, "The Wyoming 

Bandit." Others signed for the Gordon Kay production 

are TREVOK BARDETTE, HAROLD GOOD- 

WIN, VICTOR KILIAN, WILLIAM HAADE, LANE 

tsHADFORD and BOB WILKE. 

Inked for a supporting role in the John Wayne 

p:oduction, "A Strange Caravan," was CRYSTAL 

VV^HITE. Silent screen star MAE MARSH was signed 

for a featured spot. 

Top featured role in the Rod Cameron starrer. 

"Brimstone." goes to JACK HOLT. 

20th Century-Fox 

Moppet SHARON ROBlNSON's option was hoisted 

lor a new six-year term. 

DON HICKS and ROBERT PATTEN play aviatorbuddies 

in Louis Lighlon's production, "Twelve 

O'clock High," to be directed by Henry King. 

Signed for the Gregory Peck starrer was DEAN 

lAGGER. 

Japanese character actor IKURO FURUKAWA was 

inked for a role in Nunnally Johnson's "Three Came 

Home." 

Actress JEAN PETER's option was lifted. 

United Artists 

Signed for cX featured role in the Rooney-Stiefel 

production, "Quicksand," was RICHARD LANE. 

TAYLOR HOLMES joins the cast of the Mickey Rooney 

starrer, to be directed by Irving Pichel. 


HUGH REILLY, Broadway stage actor, portrays a 

gangster in "Partners in Crime," toplining Dan 

Duryea and Shelley Winters. William CcTstle directs 

for Producer Aaron Rosenberg. 

ROLAND WINTERS and PAT SHADE were signed 

for featured roles in "Come Be My Love." 

Inked for supporting roles in "Sword in the Desert" 

are 

GREY STAFFORD and JACK LAIRD. 

Warner Bros. 

Character actress PHYLLIS GODFREY joins the 

cast of "The Octopus and Miss Smith," under the 

direction of Michael Curtiz for Producer Harry 

Kurnitz. JACK BOYLE. LUKE CROCKETT and KEN- 

NETH BRITTON hcJve been added to the cast oi t'he 

Jane Wyman-Dennis Morgan starrer. 

Scripters 

Metro 

JAMES GRUEN has been signed to a term scrivening 

contract under which he joins the Pete Smith 

short subjects unit. 

Monogram 

OLIVER DRAKE will screenplay the James Oliver 

Curwood novel, "The Wolf Hunters," for Producer 

Lindsley Parsons. 


JOEL MALONE is developing "Moon Over Java," 

South Seas romance to star Yvonne DeCarlo, and 

based on on original idea by Michel Kraike, who 

will produce. Opus will be filmed in Technicolor. 

DOROTHY REID, widow of film idol Wallace Reid. 

was signed to work on the screenplay of the David 

Stern novel, "Francis." 

Warner Bros. 

SEELIG LESTER and MARVIN GERARD, who axithored 

the original, 'Wail For Me, Darling," were 

signed to write the screenplay. 

Story Buys 

Columbia 

"The Tougher They Come," original by Ljone! 

Houser, was acquired, with Houser to dual as 

writer-producer under the executive supervision oi 

S. Sylvan Simon. 

Metro 

"Just Eighteen," original yarn by Mildred Cram, 

was purchased and assigned to Joe Pasternak lor 

production. 

Monogram 

Producer Hal E. Chester announced the purchase 

of "The Favorite," original story by Henry Blankfort, 

to be used as the basis of the next Joe Palooku 

film. 

Republic 

"Fair Wind to Java," South Sea adventure by 

Garland Roark. was purchased as a posible John 

Wayne starrer. 


Screen rights to Albert Maltz's novel, "The Journey 

oi Simon McKeever," were purchased, with 

Sol C. Siegel assigned to produce and Jules Dassin 

to direct. 

United Artists 

Eenedicl Bogeaus purchased "Johnny One-Eye," 

Damon Runyon story of a mobster, a 6-year-old girl 

and a mongrel dog, for immediate production. 

Technically 

Columbia 

Assignments on Buddy Adler's production, "My 

Next Husband," include JOSEPH WALKER, camera; 

SAM NELSON, assistant director; CARL ANDERSON, 

art director; and RICHARD FANTL, iilm editor. 

Metro 

Assigned as film editor on "Battleground" waa 

JACK DUNNING. 

Assigned as art director for Producer Armand 

Deutsch's "Ambush" was MALCOLM BROWN. 

SOL FIELDING was set to act as assistant to 

Producer Richard Goldstone. As his first assignment 

he will aid in the preparation of "Outriders." 

Assigned to "Love Is Legal" was art director 

WILLIAM FERRARI. 

Monogram 

Crew assigned to "The Kid Came West" included 

EDDIE DAVIS, assistant; HARRY NEUMANN, camera; 

BUDDY MYERS, sound; lOHN FULLER, cutler. 

Crew assigned to "Safety Pins" includes WILLIAM 

CALIHAN, assistant; WILLIAM SICKNER. camer3; 

TOM LAMBERT, sound, and WILLIAM AUSTIN, cutter. 

RKO Radio 

JOHN MORAHAN was signed by Walt Disney as 

production designer for "Treasure Island." 

Republic 

JOHN MACBURNIE was assigned as cameraman 

on Gordon Kay's production, "The Wyoming Ban 

dit." Included in the crew ore: JOHN GRUBBS, assistant 

director; MORTON SCOTT, musicdl director; 

HAROLD MINTER, film editor; FRANK ARRIGO, art 

director. 


LEON SHAMROY was assigned as cameraman on 

"Twelve O' Clock High." Film editor on the Louis 

D. Lighton production, will be BARBARA McLEAN. 

Art department technician CLYDE E. SCOTT was 

reoptioned for another year. 

SYLVIA NORRIS, who was interned in a Jap prison 

camp during the war, was signed as technical adviser 

on "Three Came Home," story of the Pacific 

war. 


Former U.S. Customs agent MELVIN L. HANKS 

was signed as technical adviser on "Partners in 

Crime." 

Art director assignments include "One Way Out," 

ROBERT BOYLE; "Francis," RICHARD RIEDEL; 

"Fox in Chains," NATHAN JURAN; "Tehachapi: 

"Story of Molly X," EMRICH NICHOLSON. 

Warner Bros. 

WILFRID CLINE was assigned as cameraman on 

William Jacob's production, "Always Sweethearts." 

Named dialoa director for the James Cagney vehicle, 

"White Heat," was GENE BUSCH. Assigned 

as art director was EDWARD CARRERE. 

Set as art director for "Barricade" was STANLEY 

FLEISCHER- 

, 

ROBERT HAAS was named art director for the 

Bette Davis-Joseph Gotten vehicle, "Beyond the 

Forest." 

Title Changes 

Monogram 

RIDIN' THE RIO GRANDE is the release title ioi 

the Jimmy Wakely western filmed as "Frontier Fear." 

RKO Radio 

Samuel Goldwyn's production, "Uncle Wiggily in 

Connecticut," was retcgged MY FOOLISH HEART. 

THE GREAT JOE YOUNG is the release title for the 

John Ford-Merian C. Cooper production filmed as 

"Mr. Joseph Young of Africa." 

Screen Guild 

Title on Producer Ron Ormond's Don Barry-Tom 

Brown starrer, "Come Out Fighting," has been 

changed to RINGSIDE. 


Thanks to the newsreel editor • • • 

the world passes in review 

ACROSS his 

"front pages," before 

the eyes of movie-goers on Main 

Streets everywhere, the world passes 

in review. There, North meets South, 

East meets West through the specialized 

efforts of the newsreel editor. 

He sifts the facts and foibles of the 

world . . . presents in one short reel 

the significant, the human, and the 

odd—news that helps the world to 

know itself better. 

To his objectivity . . . his sense of 

the newsworthy . . . his feeling for 

concise and graphic storytelling . . . 

the newsreel owes its 

in American journalism. 

unique place 

Yet the newsreel editor would be 

the first to give due credit to his staff 

of cameramen . . . and to the family of 

Eastman motion picture films which 

help them cover the news—and help 

him present it so effectively. 

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY 

ROCHESTER 4, N. Y. 

J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., DISTRIBUTORS 

FORT LEE • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD 

BOXOmCE :: April 9, 1949 51

as: 

»doHct

Judge Hears Dispute 

Over Fiqh! Picture 

HOLLYWOOI>—There appeared little doubt 

that "Champion." the Screen Plays. Inc- 

United Arti-sts film involved in litigation 

brought about by RKO on behalf of its own 

fight film. "The Set -Up." would open in New 

York as scheduled April 9. Such was virtually 

assured when federal Judge Campbell Beaumont 

postponed until April 7 the begnining 

of oral arguments on the copyright infringement 

fuit filed by RKO. who also seeks an 

injunction restraining UA from distributing 

the Screen Plays opus. 

Meantime attorneys for the defendants 

UA. Screen Plays, its president. Stanley 

Kramer, and Director Mark Robson—filed 

affidavits in federal court from such industry 

figures as Sherrill Corwin. Los Angeles 

exhibitor; Harry Brandt New York circuit 

operator, and Walter Higgins. film buyer for 

the Prudential circuit of New York and New 

Jersey, all contending that, in their opinion, 

there is no similarity in story material between 

"Champion" and "The Set-Up." 

RKO Radio contends that sequences in the 

UA release are identical to scenes in its own 

film. 

'El Paso' Bows on Coast 

At Frisco Paramount 

HOLLYWOOD — "El Paso." Pine-Thomas 

production for Paramount, made its west 

coast bow April 5 at the Paramount Theatre 

in San Francisco, with on-stage appearances 

by John Payne. George "Gabby" Hayes. 

Mary Beth Hughes, David Street, Harry 

Revel, Helen Forrest, Paul Hogan and Frank 

Faylen. Producer William Thomas accompanied 

them. The Bay city opening followed 

a series of regional premieres in Texas and 

other southwest areas. 

* * * 

T.ed in with the 17th anniversary of the 

radio show as created by Al Jarvis. Columbia's 

"Make Believe Ballroom" has been 

booked to open as the supporting feature 

April 12 at the Pantages and Hillstreet theatres. 

The musical is a rumring-mate to the 

two theatres' toplining picture, "The Undercover 

Man." 

Dwight M. Wiley Dies; 

Hollywood Scenarist 

HOLLYWOOD—Services were held April 7 

for Dwight Mitchell Wiley, fiction writer and 

scenarist, who died after an illness of a year 

and a half. He was 57 and is survived by the 

wife and two daughters. A native of Indianapolis. 

Wiley contributed to national magazines 

for more than 18 years. He was signed 

by Paramount as a scripter in 1941 and 

worked on such films as "The Bride Wore 

Boots" and "Our Hearts Were Growing Up." 

Confer at Columbia, Mo. 

HOLLYWOOD—Margaret Herrick. executive 

secretary of the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences, planed to Stephens 

college. Columbia. Mo., and attended a threeday 

conference of colleges called to discuss 

the effective utilization of audio-visual material 

in college teaching. Mrs. Herrick took 

with her a print of the documentary. "The 

Quiet One." for screening at the conclave. 

Winners of 'Green Hair' Awards 

The cameraman had a busy time of it 

when BOXOFFICE distributed Blue Kibbon 

awards to the makers of "The Boy With Green Hair." The RKO feature was voted 

the best feature released in February by members of the National Screen CounciL 

The film was one of the last to be made by RKO under the executive production 

guidance of Dore Schary, who subsequently resigned to become MGM vice-president 

in charge of production. Schary is shown top right with his Blue Ribbon at his MGM 

desk 

(II. 

Top left, Barbara Hale, who portrayed the key feminine role; top center. Stephen 

Ames, producer; center, Betsy Beaton, who wrote the original story; bottom left, C. 

Bakaleinikoff, musical director; bottom center, Alfred Lewis Lecitte, who collaborated 

with Ben Barxman on the screenplay, and bottom right, 

Sues for 'Arch' Payment 

HOLLYWOOD — Charges that Enterprise 

studos contracted to pay him five installments 

of $10,000 each for the purchase of 

his novel, "Arch of Triumph," and that as yet 

no payment has been forthcoming, were contained 

in a federal district coiu-t action filed 

by Erich Maria Remarque, author of the 

tome on which the Charles Boyer-Ingrid 

Bergman starrer was based. Enterprise, 

Remarque contends in the action, was to have 

made the first payment in January 1949, but 

assertedly failed to do so. 

Name Charities Group 

HOLLYWOOD — Named to represent the 

Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers on the 

industry's permanent charities committee 

were B. B. Kahane, Edward Muhl, Leon Goldberg, 

Y. Frank Freeman and Fred S. Meyer. 

Joseph Losey, director. 

Publicists Guild Votes 

Against Affiliation 

HOLL'TWOOD — Members of the Screen 

Publicists Guild voted 238 to 17 to disaffiliate 

from the AFL painters brotherhood and also 

voted 147 to 109 against affiliation with the 

lATSE. Results of the balloting were disclosed 

at a general membership meeting following 

which all SPG members were requested 

to withdraw their names from a petition filed 

recently by the lATSE with the National 

Labor Relations Board, seeking designation 

as bargaining agent for the blurbers. 

* « • 

Studio projectionists lATSE Local 165 reelected 

all officers for another one-year term. 

Remaining in their posts are Walter McCormick. 

president; Howard Edgar, vice-president; 

Richard Henneley, secretary, and James 

Eddy, business agent. 

BOXOFnCE April 9, 1949 53

. . Something 

. . Jules 

THEY'RE BASEBALL-MINDED—Taking time out for this informal picture on 

the MGM lot at Culver City for the filming of "The Stratton Story" are, left to 

ri?ht: Howard Dietz, vice-president and director of advertising, publicity and exploitation; 

Sam Wood, director of the film; Gene Beardon, Cleveland's World Series 

hero v'ho makes his film debut in the picture; James Stewart, who portrays Monty 

Stratlcn on the screen, and Stratton himself, technical adviser. 

'The Stratton Story" will have its world premiere at Loew's Stillman, Cleveland. 

April 21, and several weeks later will open at the Radio City Music Hall in 

New York. Other special engagements will follow in Chicago and Dallas. 

LOS ANGELES 

Cad and glad tidings shared the Filmrow 

spotlight with the death of George Landers, 

former manager of Joe Venable's Huntington 

Park Theatre, and the marriage of 

Saul Fruchtman, owner of the Monica, to 

Arlene Barmezel . new and 

nice was added to Columbia in Harriet Pox, 

taking over on the PBX . Needleman, 

Columbia home office auditor, checked 

in for a routine survey of the local office's 

Dorothy Brook, Columbia booker, 

books . . . 

has resigned in favor of a fulltime assignment—home-making 

. . . Jean Gaston, Hallmark 

Productions' office manager, headed 

back to Ohio for a vacation. 

for Quick Result.

Three Studios Must 

Give Back Pay to 24 

HOLLYWOOD—Repercussions of the jurisdictional 

strike which gripped the major 

studios in 1945 were contained in a decision 

handed down by the National Labor Relations 

Board in Washington, holding three 

studios and the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers 

guilty of violating the national labor 

relations act. Warners, MGM and Columbia 

were found guilty of refusing to re-employ 

24 nonstriking members of the lATSE who 

refused to cross picket lines or do struck 

work during the walkout. 

Similar charges against Republic, 20th 

Century-Fox and RKO were dismissed. The 

NLRB ordered eight employes restored to 

theli- jobs with back pay, two employes reinstated 

without back pay, and 14 awarded 

back salaries without reinstatement. 

In addition, the companies involved and 

the AMPP were called upon to pledge themselves 

not to interfere with labor's right to 

self-organization or collective bargaining 

activities. 

As concerns back pay awards, the NLRB 

stressed the workers receiving such back 

wages will be given the difference between 

what they have earned in outside work since 

1945 and what the studio check would have 

been. 

Salt Lake City Showmen 

Unite for No Parking Zones 

SALT LAKE CITY—Downtown theatremen 

united in opposing a proposal of the 

Salt Lake parking council that no parking 

zones in front of theatres be abolished. The 

free zones have existed in front of showhouses 

for years as a safeguard against 

trouble in emptying theatres in time of disaster, 

but the parking council claims the 

city's sidewalks are wide enough to allow 

patrons of a theatre to get out of the house 

without undue trouble. Members of the parking 

council also claim the zones are needed 

to relieve parking congestion in the downtown 

area. 

Theatremen who are opposing the abolishment 

in arguments before the city commission 

argue that only 12 parking spaces at the 

most would be gained by their abolishment. 

They point out that the theatres are in the 

center of blocks and on comers, where no 

parking zones would exist anyway. The commission 

has the proposal under consideration. 

Pioneer Director Dies 

HOLLYWOOD—Services were held here for 

J. Searle Dawley, 72, pioneer director who 

died at the Motion Picture Country home. 

Dawley entered the industry in the early days 

as a megger of one-reelers for the Edison 

Co., was a onetime associate of the late D. W. 

Griffith, and later directed numerous features 

starring such silent-screen luminaries 

as Mary Pickford, 

Pearl White and Marguerite 

Clark. 

Yucca Drive-In Sold 

CLOVIS, N. M.—F;nal papers were expected 

to be signed immediately for sale of 

the Yucca Drive-In here by owner Tom 

Griffing to Russell Hardwick. 

C^cjecddiiue 

West: Arthur Krim, president of Eagle 

Lion, returned to his studio desk after an 

extended business junket to New York, during 

which he huddled with Robert Young, 

chairman of the board of Pathe Industries, 

concerning EL's production slate for the balance 

of 1949. Krim gave the nod for the 

immediate launching of two pictures to be 

produced by Bi-yan Foy and will confer with 

a number of independent producers concerning 

the establishment of starting dates on 

other pictures which EL will distribute. 

* * * 

West: Executives of Eagle Lion and Universal-International 

were dusting off the red 

carpets in anticipation of the expected arrival 

over the weekend of British film tycoon J. 

Arthur Rank. It was understood Rank would 

be accompanied on his Hollyw'ood trip by 

Jock Lawrence, vice-president and American 

representative of the Rank organization. 

Spokesmen said Rank would huddle with U-I 

toppers, Leo Spitz and William Goetz, and 

with EL's Arthiu- Krim, on the American 

distribution aiTangements for several of 

Rank's British-made features. 

* * * 

East: Hari-j' Cohn, president of Columbia, 

went to New York to attend a meeting of the 

company's board of du-ectors. 

* • « 

East: Cliff Lewis, advertising-publicity 

chief for Argosy Pictm-es, the independent 

unit headed by Merian C, Cooper and director 

John Ford, left for Gotham for conferences 

with eastern officials of RKO concerning advertising 

campaigns being mapped for two 

upcoming Argosy films. 

* * * 

East : Robert L. Lippert, president of Screen 

Guild Productions and Lippert Productions, 

planed to Manhattan to attend the New 

York premiere of "I Shot Jesse James" at the 

Palace Theatre. Meantime P. A. Bateman, 

SGP's general sales manager, headed for Dallas 

for parleys with circuit heads and sales 

meetings at the SGP exchange there. Before 

returning to Hollywood, Bateman also 

plamied to hold similar sessions in Oklahoma 

City, Kansas City and Albuquerque. 

* • * 

South: Scott R. Dunlap, executive assistant 

^njouele^ 

to Monogram's Pi'esident Steve Broidy, returned 

from San Francisco after conferring 

with the company's sales executives in the 

Bay City. 

* « « 

West: Samuel G. Engel, 20th Century-Pox 

producer, was back at his Westwood studio 

post after three weeks in London, completing 

preliminary arrangements for an early start 

on a documentary subject dealing with Scotland 

Yard, which will be filmed in Britain. 

« • * 

East: Robert Lord, in charge of production 

for the independent Santana unit, planed to 

Manhattan for a look at the new Broadway 

plays. 

* • • 

West: Manning J. Post, independent producer 

and fonner partner of Producer-Director 

Albert S. Rogell in Gibraltar Productions, 

checked in from a two-month businesspleasiu'e 

trip to the south, east and midwest, 

and opened new offices at General Service 

studios. Post expects to launch production 

shortly on a series of independent films. 

* • * 

North: James R. Grainger, Republic vicepresident 

in charge of sales, left for Portland 

for parleys with exchange representatives 

there. 

* * « 

East: Producer Aithur Hornblow jr. and 

director John Huston, teamed on MGM's 

•Quo Vadis," were slated to plane out for 

London over the weekend for a two-week 

stay. They will line up supporting players 

from among available British thespians for 

the opus, which is scheduled to begin production 

in Italy in Jime. 

* • * 

East: Walter Lantz, United Artists producer, 

will leave for New York next week to 

discuss with UA toppers the possibility of 

manufacturing a number of cartoons in England, 

using frozen money. 

* « * 

East: Stanley Kramer, president of Screen 

Plays, Inc., planed for Manhattan with a 

print of his recently completed "Home of 

the Brave," which he planned to screen for 

executives of United Artists, under whose 

banner the film will be distributed. 

Salt Lake City Beats Kettles 

With One 27-Member Family 

SALT LAKE CITY—When Charles M, 

Pincus, manager of the Utah Theatre, 

saw an 8x10 still of the "Ma and Pa Kettle" 

family from the U-I promotion department, 

he saw possibilities for a gold 

mine in publicity. He had the picture 

blown up to a 40x60 and placed it in the 

lobby of the theatre, with the words: 

"CAN YOU TOP THIS? Any family 

with as many or more children than 'Ma 

and Pa Kettle' will be admitted to the 

theatre free to see the picture." 

In a city with traditionally large families, 

the turnout was terrific. Some 

families came with 10 and 11 children, 

but Pincus let th3 whole group in anyway 

because of the novelty of that large a 

family. One prize-winner was a family 

of 27, 17 of whom turned up at the theatre. 

"Ma and Pa Kettle" was playing during 

the regular conference of the Church of 

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and 

Charlie moved the large-sized Kettle 

family picture to the sidewalk during the 

conference, continuing his offer of letting 

the large-sized families into the theatre 

free. Crowds gathered in front of the 

theatre just to look at the picture of the 

family. 

BOXOFHCE April 9, 1949 w 54-A

Denver Building Projects Include 

At Least 4 Suburban Houses 

DENVER — Theatre interests in this 

sprawling city at the foot of the Rockies took 

on added activity as plans were revealed for 

construction of at least four new suburban 

houses and renovation of three others. 

Biggest of the proposed new projects was 

to be undertaken by John Wolfberg, president 

of Wolfberg Theatres, owners of the 

four di-ive-ins surrounding the city. Wolfberg 

Theatres will participate in the building 

of a $1,000,000 shopping center in suburban 

Lakewood, west of Denver. The project 

will include a 1.532-seat theatre of modernistic 

design and a parking lot for 650 cars. 

Wolfberg said he hoped to have the theatre 

ready for a June opening. 

Tlie shopping center is at West Colfax and 

Carr and will have a plaza effect. The parking 

lot paving will include heating elements 

so that snow and ice will not be a problem. 

Leases for space in the center have been 

signed with Woolworth, Walgreen and J. C. 

Penney, and several other leases are pending. 

This also will be the first season for the 

fourth and latest drive-in addition to the 

Wolfberg chain. That airer will open on May 

15. 

Two other Lakewood theatres are being 

promoted by Robert Patrick, who said he had 

closed a deal for one theatre of 1,250 seats, 

complete with a parking lot. Patrick said 

his company would complete the Lakewood 

situation started some time ago. These three 

theatres will be the first for the Lakewood 

area. 

Closer to downtown Denver, Abel Davis, 

owner of the Roxy, has plans drawn for a 

900-seat theatre at 32nd and Williams. It 

will cost about $125,000 and will be started 

about May 1. The building, Davis said, would 

contain eight apartments and fom- stores. It 

will be equipped to handle television and will 

have Heywood seats, Simplex booth 

ment and RCA sound. 

equip- 

A. P. Archer and Joe Dekker of Civic Theatres 

are starting a $75,000 remodeling job on 

the Federal Theatre and plan extensive renovation 

work on the Egyptian and Granada. 

They have completed the remodeling jobs on 

the Oriental, making it one of the finest 

neighborhood first runs in the city, and the 

Coronet, which recently was reopened. 

San Jose Start in June 

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Preliminary construction 

is expected to start in about two months 

on a proposed new theatre on the northeast 

corner of S. First and San Salvador streets 

here. The theatre, being buUt for Lawrence 

Borg, will have a seating capacity of 900 persons 

and will cost about $300,000. Architect 

At Opening of New Inglewood Fox 

A. E. Cantin of San Francisco Is working on 

plans for the house. 

Max Story Gets Airer Site 

DELTA, COLO.—Max Story of Meeker, 

Colo., has acquired a 10-acre tract one half 

mile from Delta, as the site 

for a new drivein 

to be erected and operated by the Sky 

Light Amusement Co., newly organized local 

firm. Story, who will manage the theatre, 

said construction would begin soon. 

Renovate at Burlington 

BURLINGTON, COLO.—Renovation work 

at the Midway Theatre here got under way 

recently with improvements to include a new 

masom-y front, a new neon sign, stainless 

steel marquee, new doors and windows, air 

conditioning, restrooms and complete redecoration. 

Manager Neil Beezley said the 

job would complete the thorough renovation 

project started several months ago. New 

projection, sound and screen equipment also 

has been installed. 

Enlarges Merced Airer 

MERCED, CALIF. — The Tioga Auto 

Movies, first local drive-in, is expected to enlarge 

its present capacity from 350 to 550 

cars by summer. Walter A. Lawrence and 

William D. Bacon are two of the principal 

owners of the Coast Theatre Co., operators 

of the Tioga. Manager of the theatre is Steve 

Butler, former manager of the Campbell 

Theatre in Campbell. 

Espanola Job Under Way 

ESPANOLA, N. M.—Construction has begmi 

on the El Capitan Theatre, $55,000 quonset-type 

house being erected here by James 

Marhege. his brothers and Phillip Fidel of 

Santa Fe. The building will accommodate 

450 to 500 persons, and adjoining the theatre 

will be an eight-lane bowling alley. Architect 

for the job is Leo J. Wolgamood and contractor 

is Larry Wood. The El Capitan is 

expected to be completed by June, according 

to the Marhege brothers, who operate the 

present El Rio Theatre here. 

INGLEWOOD, CALIF.—Scores of filmland 

celebrities, civic leaders and studio and 

theatre executives were among the guests 

when Fox West Coast formally opened its 

new $400,000 Fox Theatre with a premiere 

engagement of 20th Century-Fox's "Mr. 

Belveiere Goes to College." 

First-nighters included the stars of the 

comedy, Clifton Webb and Shirley Temple; 

Mayor Ernest S. Dixon of Inglewood; Sheriff 

Egene Biscailus; FWC officials including 

George Bowser, R. H. McCuUough, Dick Dickson, 

W. H. Lollier, John Bertero and Bob 

Rothafel; and a lengthy list of film stars, 

among whom were Yvonne De Carlo, Paulette 

Goddard, Rod Cameron, Keenan Wynn, 

Lloyd Nolan, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, 

Elizabeth Taylor and Pat O'Brien. 

Proceedings were aired over station KMPC 

and Dick Haynes, radio disk jockey, acted 

as master of ceremonies. 

Replacing the old Granada Theatre, destroyed 

by fire, the Fox is equipped with 

RCA's "symphonic sound" dual-amplification 

system; a Super Cinephor coated-lens 

projection system, using Peerless Magnarc 

lamps with magnesium oxide rectifiers; 

automatic doors of Tuflex glass: and a fanlike 

seating arrangement in the stadiumstyle 

auditorium. 

Pretty hostesses supplied fresh carnations 

at the opening. Left in above photo: On 

the receiving end of the carnation is Mayor 

Ernest S. Dixon of Inglewood. The onlooker 

is John Nylen, manager of the theatre. 

Right: Dick Dickson, (left) FWC's southern 

California division manager, looks on approvingly 

as a hostess pins a flower to the 

lapel of George Bowser, the circuit's general 

manager. 

Baldwin Hills Opening May 1 

LOS ANGELES—The modernistic, $270,- 

000 Baldwin Hills Theatre, now under construction 

in the Leimert Park district of Los 

Angeles, is tentatively set for a May 1 opening. 

The theatre was designed by architect 

Lewis Eugene Wilson for Fanchon & Marco, 

who leased the property from the Baldwin 

Hills Co. 

Spring Renovation for Star 

PORT LUPTON, COLO.—Spring renovation 

on the Star Theatre has included repainting 

of the entire front, marquee and 

electric sign, instaUation of new doors, stained 

a natural wood finish, painting and cleaning 

of the foyer and restrooms. Other improvements 

are a new circular candy case, new 

ticket box, an electric admission sign, aluminum 

display advertising frames and a new 

white molded screen. Plans are for a new 

rug in the foyer and reupholstering of the 

seats to be completed soon. 

Install New Plush Seats 

TUCUMCARI, N. M.—New plush and 

leatherette seats are being installed in the 

750-seat Princess Theatre here, according to 

Manager Milas Hurley. 

94-B BOXOFTICE :: April 9, 1949

New Mexico Solons 

Legalize Bank Night 

SANTA FE—Theatres came in for a large 

per cent of the legislative action in the New 

Mexico capital this month as Governor Mabry 

signed into law an act legalizing bank 

mghts and exempting them from state lottery 

laws and as a sweeping 5 per cent 

amusement tax was sought by the senate 

state and county affairs committee. 

The bank night measure originally had 

been considered a step toward legalizing 

gambling in the state. It pas.sed the house 

by a vote of 30 to 13 and was returned to the 

senate, where it originated, for concurrence 

in a house amendment which would prohibit 

theatres from raising prices for prize drawings. 

While Mabry signed the bank night 

bill into law, he also gave the first veto of 

the session by turning down a senate bill 

which would have legalized limited operations 

of slot machines. 

The amusement tax measure introduced 

by Senator Joe A. Montayo would levy the 

tax against gross receipts of "any business 

charging admission for any exhibition for 

amusement, edification or instruction" except 

those sponsored by religious or fraternal organizations. 

Radio broadcasting stations, fairs, rodeos, 

pool halls, theatres, dance halls and other 

such activities would be included. Revenue 

from the levy would go for old age assistance. 

SEATTLE 

Celom Burns, northwest manager of Modern 

Theatre Supply, put on a demonstration 

of the first theatre television in this 

city at Sterling Cu'cuit's Madrona Theatre. 

The NCAA basketball title game between 

Kentucky and Oklahoma, being played at 

the University of Washington pavilion, was 

the attraction. A large crowd watched the 

game on the 7x8 screen . . . Fred Danz is 

vacationing in California and Arizona. 

Murry Lafayette, formerly with 20th-Pox 

and now a salesman for National Screen 

Service, moved his family to San Francisco 

. . . F. M. Higgins is vacationing in Los 

Angeles. 

Russ Morgan, RKO exploiteer, had a screening 

of "The Set-Up" for sports writers. Excerpts 

from their comment cards were to be 

used in newspaper ads and on the Coliseum 

Charles Feldman, U-I's 

Theatre front . . . 

western division sales manager, arrived here 

with Barney Rose, western district manager. 

. . . 

Hal Boe'hme has disposed of his interest 

in Astor Pictures and Special Attractions and 

joined the Monogram sales staff. Charles 

Gulp, with Mary Fay, who has been 

Boehme's secretary, will be in charge 

Among 

of 

Astor and Special Attractions 

exhibitors visiting Filmrow during the week 

were J. W. Nordenberg, Ferndale: Bud Hamilton, 

Darrington; Lynn Adams, Bellingham; 

Eldon Pollock and Eddie Snow, Mount Vernon, 

and Frank Willard, Tacoma. 

Atlas House to Open in Golden 

GOLDEN, COLO. — Climaxing months of 

work, the Atlas Theatre Corp., Thuj-sday 

(24), opened its Golden Theatre here. 

Booklet by Head of Greater Union 

Corrects Distorted Film Reports 

PERTH. W. A.— Recently every shareholder 

in Greater Union Theatres enterprises received 

a folder titled, "Some Facts About 

the Motion Picture Industry," prepared by 

the chairman of its directors, Norman B. 

Rydge, who is of the opinion that everyone 

in any way connected with the film industry 

—and the general public—should know the 

truth about the industry as well as the distorted 

reports which are .so frequently put out 

from various quarters. 

* * * 

Recently the Australian public has been 

told, through the press, that Hollywood is 

foundering imder the weight of enormous 

studio overheads, and that in the future only 

"cheap" films will be produced. A similar 

story has been told about the film industry 

of Britain, and it is felt that such incorrect 

publicity is bad for the industry as a whole. 

As the Australasian Exhibitor points out: 

"It is bad for several reasons. In the first 

place what we read in the lay press tells only 

a fraction of the real story. Secondly as 

purveyors of the world's number one brand 

of entertainment we know that nothing drives 

customers away from the boxoffice quicker 

than a hard-luck story. Oldtimers will tell 

us that crying poor mouth is the last thing 

to do. Show business is glamor and bright 

lights and crowds and bigtime enjoyment. 

The tougher the going, the more important 

it is to put on a smiling front and shout 

success to the roof tops." 

The publication adds: "Norman Rydge's 

fact-finding folder should be pinned up over 

every desk of every enterprising employe in 

the business." 

^ * 

Ernest TurnbuU, managing director of 

Hoyts Theatres, also concerned at the way 

things are going of late in the film industry, 

pleads for full cooperation between all sections 

of its workers. "We must work together 

unreservedly to extract the utmost 

from each picture," he says, "and exhibitors 

everywhere must give to distributors the best 

possible returns from their product, so that 

the distributors, in turn, can deliver those 

better-class shows which keep our business 

moving." He adds that Hoyts' policy is to 

deliver the maximum possible return from 

every film, and he concludes: "No show is removed 

from any theatre imtil it has exhausted 

its earning power in that situation." 

« * * 

Anthony Nutting, a 29-year-old member of 

the British House of Commons, at present 

visiting Australia, says: "A few good Australian 

films, with the accent on opportunity, 

would do more than anything to advertise 

Australia in England and to the world." 

* « * 

It is announced that London Films studio 

product has been sold to both the Kerridge 

and Amalgamated circuits in New Zealand; 

so that the deal assures the widest possible 

coverage of the Dominion. "Spring in Park 

Lane" is to be released this month, physical 

distribution being handled by Universal-International. 

* * * 

The State Theatre, Melbourne, now has 

been running for many years, and some indication 

of the increase in running and upkeep 

costs can be gathered from the fact that 

when this cinema was repainted in 1935 the 

total cost was £800, but a similar job in 1946 

cost no less than £1,900. A special birthday 

function soon is to be held, with a six-foot 

birthday cake as the center of attraction. 

« • • 

Aurel Ltd., 

produce 16mm religious 

a Victorian company formed to 

films in Australia, is 

at present busy on a feature which when 

completed will be released by the Australian 

Religious Film society. During the last nine 

months there have been 1,061 screenings in 

churches throughout the commonwealth, and 

387 churches now are using films regularly. 

Recently this body secured the J. Arthur 

Rank feature, "Ruth and the Wedding Feast," 

for its library. 

* « * 

J. Irving, manager of Hoyts Theatre, Fremantle, 

has two hobbies which have brought 

him excellent publicity of late. He is a keen 

gardener and has built an outstanding garden 

on a vacant block next to his theatre. 

This has come in for much attention and 

considerable praise. His other hobby is the 

running of a Children's Cinema club, and 

this now has a membership of 1,600, at least 

1,000 of whom attend the Saturday shows 

with regularity. Irving's method has been 

to train monitors from his club members to 

assist in the running of the club, and it Is 

his opinion that they do a great deal toward 

insuring that the children behave well during 

the shows. 

• • * 

We regret to amiounce the death of Peter 

Pagan, well known in Australia over a number 

of years as cinema manager, publicity 

man and public servant. He was at one time 

publicity man for Greater Union Theatres, 

and later manager of the Lyceum, the St. 

James and the State theatres, Sydney. Prior 

to his death he was secretary to the wellknown 

Australian politician, William Morris 

Hughes. He leaves a widow, one son and two 

daughters. 

Slide Service Is Provided 

By Theatre Exchange 

PORTLAND—Allen Bert, head of Theatre 

Exchange Co., is able "to take you through" 

any theatre in Washington, Oregon or Idaho 

in five minutes without leaving his local 

office. Bert has instituted a kodachrome 

slide service and has on hand slide pictures 

of about 25 theatres. Bert plans to have 

pictures taken of all the theatres in the 

northwest whether or not they are clients 

or plan to become clients. 

In addition to the slide service Theatre 

Exchange provides cars for those who actually 

want to drive out and see the theatre of 

their 

choice. 

EXHIBITORS 

r*i AT LAST ! ! 

MANLEY Pop Corn Supplies at 

East Portland W/arehouse, 79 S. E. Taylor, Poftland, Ore. 

BOB WOOCE, Northwest District Manager 

BOXOFFICE :: AprU 9, 1949 54-C

MNpâMMwair' 

. . George 

. . The 

DENVER 

Thanks to his habit of inspecting the Montana 

every night after the crowd has left, 

Manager Bruce Wendorff saved the theatre 

from being destroyed by fire. One night 

when he had almost completed his inspection 

tour, he detected smoke. After a 15-minute 

search, he traced it to a wall grill over a 

radiator in the entrance way. Someone had 

stuffed a cigaret through the grill work, 

where it smoldered and caused a fire. When 

the wall paneling was torn off it was found 

the fire had spread over an area of 15 feet 

and was bui-nlng merrily. The fire department 

quickly extinquished the blaze. 

Joe Albrych, former Rialto doorman, and 

Lois Todd, longtime Fox theatres cashier, 

. . 

will be married the middle of April and will 

go to Rhode Island, Joe's home state, to live. 

Joe has been attending watchmaker's school 

here . Ralph Batschelet, Paramount manager, 

and Robert Lotito, Rialto manager, 

represented the motion picture industry in 

Career day activities at two Denver schools. 

Batschelet counseled with boys at Cole Junior' 

High who are interested in theatre management, 

and Lotito did similar work at East 

High school. 

Fred Turman, Webber chief of service, was 

Allots" 

FLOODLIGHTS 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.—K. 

C, Mo. 

taken to the hospital for an emergency 

operation. Mrs. Turman is expected to enter 

the hospital soon to have her third child . . . 

William Baldwin has closed the Post at Igloo, 

S. D. 

Martin Bennett, RCA vice-president, Camden, 

N. J., and Don Davis, district manager, 

Kansas City, were here conferring with representatives 

at Western Service & Supply 

. . . C. J. Feldman, western division manager 

for Universal, and Foster Blake, district 

manager, both of Los Angeles, were here 

calling on large accounts and conferring with 

Mayer Monsky, branch manager. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lind, owners of the Ute, 

Rifle, Colo., have returned from an extended 

stay in southern California in the interests 

of Fred's health, which is much improved . . . 

Jack McLaren of the purchasing department 

of Fox Intermountain Theatres, has resigned 

to take a selling job with Western Service & 

Supply . A. Smith, division manager 

for Paramount, was in from Los Angeles 

for conferences with C. J. Duer, manager. 

June McTee, secretary to Harry Huffman, 

city manager for Fox Intermountain Theatres, 

and Robert Adams, were married . . . 

Filmrow visitors included Mr. and Mrs. 

Robert Peery, Lyman. Neb.; Albert Petry, 

Pagosa Springs; A. M. Goodrich, Lander, 

Wyo.; Mr. and Mrs. Sam Rosenthal, Buffalo, 

Wyo.; Gale Poland, Oak Creek; Sam Cain, 

Pueblo; C. E. McLaughlin, Las Animas, and 

Mrs. Ella Blakeslee, Lander, Wyo. 

Belen Owner Screams 

And Routs Holdup Man 

BELEN, N. M.—The screams of Mrs. Frank 

Nieto, owner of the Los Lunas Theatre here, 

frightened away a would-be bandit who 

struck her on the back of the head as she 

turned the corner from the theatre to walk 

toward her home. Mrs. Nieto, who was not 

knocked unconscious by the blow, dropped her 

purse containing the theatre receipts and 

screamed for help. The attacker fled. 

Gerald L. Karski's Firm 

Marks Its 14th Year 

SAN FRANCISCO—The Motion Picture 

Service Co., started here 14 years ago by 

Gerald L. Karski, son of showman Abe Kar- 

GERALD L. 

KARSKI 

ski, celebrated its 14th anniversary on April 

12. 

When the fu'm began on April 2, 1935, 

Karski had in his employ Boris Skopin, cameraman, 

who still is with the organization. 

Laboratory technicians Bill Seeley and Al 

Niggemeyer both joined the company nine 

years ago and, with the exception of a 

stretch in the armed forces, have been with 

MPS ever since. Also a member of the organization 

for the last eight years is Jack 

Goodwin, office manager. 

To Start Portales Work 

PORTALES, N. M.—Work is expected to 

begin itrmiediately on the new Tower Theatre 

here, according to Jess Walker, contractor 

for the job. 

WHERE DO YOU STAHD WITH YOUR THEATRES? 

Operating Margins Are Growing Ever Smaller, Due to Increased Wages, 

Operating Costs and Competition. Guessing and Waiting Can Be Very 

Dangerous. 

YOU NEED MY PROMOTION NOW — MORE THAN EVER BEFORE 

A Leader Never Quits 

and a Quitter Never Leads 

Proudly and with confidence, I can tell you that my boxoffice 

promotion is both dignified and effective. Even during the Lenten 

season, crowds packed the theatres that used my Hobby Horse 

Giveaway. Several large outstanding circuits with scores of theatres 

will verify these statements . most amazing offer ever 

made at no cost to the exhibitor ... I can pack your theatre as I 

packed others. Kindly write now to . . . 

MAURICE ZELL 

308 Eddy Street San Francisco 2, Calif. 

/ will have my representative in your vicinity call on you. 

This places you under no obligation: 

Maurice 

Zell 

I 

I 

I 

54-D BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949

. . . Gene 

SALT LAKE CITY New Skill Bingo Game Latest Idea 

nivie Peterson, who has been operating the 

Carol Theatre at Monroe the last five 

years, has sold his interests and plans to 

build a house on Salt Lake's west side, according 

to word received on Filmrow . . 

. 

Rumor also has it that a west side property 

owiier has commenced construction of a 

combined supermarket and theatre on Ninth 

West and Second South and that another 

showhouse will go up in the Rose Park subdivision 

on the west side this summer, so it 

looks as though this city will be deluged with 

theatres in that area. 

Tom Karren, who has been operating 

the 

Lawana and Fallon Theatres at Fallon, Nev., 

has sold his houses to Walt Whittaker. word 

received on Filmrow noted. Tom is expected 

to operate a theatre at Tonopah, Nev. . . . 

New Motion Picture club committee members 

to serve on the Gold Star scholarship fund 

drive are Fred Weimar, Ken and Dave 

Friedman, Don V. Tibbs, Irving GUlman, 

Harry Karer, Elmer Johnson and Lou Athas. 

Henry S. Ungerleider is chairman. The drive 

got off to a good start last Sunday, with announcement 

proceeds from a special midnight 

showing of "Bad Boy" will go into the fund 

to provide scholarships for children of men 

who died in the service of the country. 

The trio of publicists from Denver—Bob 

Quinn of Paramount, Bill Prass of MGM and 

Bid McCormick of RKO—arrived in Salt Lake 

to work on pictures last week, though not 

necessarily together . . G. A. Smith, Paramount 

. 

division manager, was in for a routine 

inspection of the local office . . . Iras Wright 

is a new switchboard operator at Paramount, 

and Paramounfs branch manager, Frank H. 

Smith, has a new secretary in Eleanor Odell. 

Hall Baetz, manager, and Si Sanders and 

Gene Manzanares, bookers, returned from 

Colorado where they attended the divisional 

convention of Fox Intermountain Theatres 

Drive-ins continued to sprout up over 

. . . 

the region as the weather turned warm and 

springlike, and business was reported good 

not only for the drive-ins, but for the indoor 

houses as well ... A live "pops" concert was 

presented on the stage of the Uptown Theatre 

this week, and is expected to become 

a steady attraction if it proves successful on 

the first couffle of appearances. 

Dick Powell, his wife June Allyson and Director 

Louis King were visitors . . . The stars 

were en route to Sun Valley, where Powell 

is starring in and producing "Mrs. Mike." 

All three participated in ceremonies inaugurating 

a new Western Air flight schedule 

to the coast. 

Theatre business showed an increase last 

week with the holding of sessions of the con- 

. . . 

ference of the Mormon Church in Salt Lake 

Coincidental with the opening of conference 

was a story in the Desert News, 

Church publication, on the filming of Church 

Welfare program pictures with the help of 

Walt Disney and 20th-Fox productions. The 

films are 16mm and will be distributed in 

smaller towns. The News carried three 

tabloid pages on the film. 

RKO Designer Resigns 

HOLLYWOOD—After 13 years in the post, 

Edward Stevenson has terminated his contract 

as an RKO fashion designer. He did 

not announce his future plans. 

Of Salt Lake Showman-Inventor 

SALT LAKE CITY—Henry S. 

Ungerleider, 

head of the district accounting department 

for Intermountain- Theatres. Inc., here, is 

both a .showman and an inventor, particularly 

of things pertaining to the theatre. Ungerleider. 

who entered theatre business in 1931 

after taking a whirl at telephone and air 

transportation industries, began his inventions 

purely for the thrill of creation. 

Recently, he has concentrated on ideas 

that could either be patented or copyrighted. 

He and his patent attorney Ralph Thomas 

of Salt Lake, sift each new idea before they 

decide whether it is worth developing. His 

many inventions have led to the formation 

of Ungerleider Research Products and HenrJ 

Ungerleider Associates, with headquarters it 

Salt Lake City. 

OBTAINS COPYRIGHTS 

Newest of the copyrighted ideas is the 

Bingo Quiz, a theatre game conducted in 

much the same manner as bingo, but with 

the numbers filled in by the answers to 

questions drawn from the theate stage. This 

idea was conceived diu-ing the war years when 

Ungerleider, not wanting to play hide-and- 

.seek with various state and local lottery 

laws, knew he had to find a skill game in 

which every patron could be an active contestant. 

Bingo Quiz was the result. 

Other inventions of the local shoviman have 

been a new reserved seat ticket stub which 

allows for quicker and more accurate check 

of the house, and a general admission ticket 

that retains the serial number in the boxoffice, 

eliminating what Ungerleider calls 

"boxoffice peeping toms." Both of the new 

tickets are now on the market. 

HAS OTHER GAMES 

Ungerleider has not limited his inventions 

to the theatre field, but also has patents or 

copyrights on nontheatrical games. A holiday 

weekend in Las Vegas, Nev., produced 

Mutiny, a dice game, and a new type of dice 

face designed to do away with chiselers. 

The Bingo Qtiiz, Ungerleider said, will be 

released in the 12 far western states by the 

West Coast Bingo Quiz Co. of Hollywood, 

headed by Sam Nathanson and George 

Kerer. Distribution in other states has not 

been set up, but tentative plans have been 

made. 

Ungerleider started his theatre career as 

a statistician with Paramount Publix and 

in 1937 transferred to its Salt Lake City affiliate, 

Intel-mountain Theatres, Inc. He has 

been active here in both trade and nontrade 

organizations. One of his most successful 

accomplishments in the trade has had to do 

with the activities of the Motion Picture 

club. With a handful of others, he was able 

to secui-e a new clubhouse and keep the club 

on an even financial keel. He was president 

Wo 

have the 

for 

YOUR 

Count on us (or Quick Action! | ^ C#% I KEa 

kCj^ 

Phaa* 

Out 

THEATRE EXCHANGE CO. 

h 201 Fine Arts BIdg. " ' " 

Portland 5, Oregon 

a 

>ilor« 

oi 

Henry S. Ungerleider, Salt Lake City 

inventor-shoMTnan, is pictured above 

with his arms full of tickets he has invented, 

along with other inventions pertaining 

to the theatre business. 

of the group for one year and treasurer for 

three years. 

He also has been active in politics, sei-ving 

as Republican district chairman. Ungerleider's 

most recent work, along with his 

hobbies and regular job. is as chairman of 

the Motion Picture club's charity committee. 

He founded the Motion Picture Gold Stai- 

Scholarship fund, oy which college expenses 

are paid for sons and daughters of men who 

died in the service of the U.S. Since there 

is no Variety Tent here, the Motion Picture 

club has obtained permission to premiere 

"Bad Boy" as a kickoff for the scholarship 

fund. 

PORTLAND 

jwrelvina Malhum, cashier at Eagle Lion, 

celebrated her bii-thday last week. The 

girls at the office presented her a corsage 

Engleman and George Jackson, 

RKO salesmen, have left on sales trips . . . 

. . . 

Larry Bristol, former Monogram manager, 

is now a private exhibitor in Bingem, Wash. 

Grainger, vice-president and general 

sales manager for Republic, was here April 

6, 7 on a torn- of the west coast branches.

. . Olsen 

. . Dick 

SAN FRANCISCO 

The new Golden State Theatre on Castro 

. . . Critics 

street near Melvin court in Hayward, reports 

Manager Walter Deininger, will be 

completed early this summer 

were kind in their reviews on the return of 

vaudeville at the Tivoli . . New loge chairs 

. 

have been installed at the Center in Alvarado. 

. . . Cooking classes 

The management of the Great China Theatre 

here showed the first Mandarin dialect 

Chinese motion picture to be shown here 

since before the war 

are being presented from the stage of the 

Paramount Theatre for six successive 

Wednesdays. Prizes will be given at each 

performance, which commence at 11 a. m., 

with the audience allowed to remain and see 

the regular show at no extra cost. 

Harry Bessey, executive president of Altec, 

was very enthusiastic about the new Altec 

mike, no bigger than a dime, which was 

used during the Academy award event. 

Bessey was accompanied here by Stan Pariseau, 

division manager for Altec. 

The far eastern division of Royal Amusement, 

Ltd., is distributor for films produced 

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THE MODERN PROJECTOR 

ÎiaCteig.^)icdd« 

187 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco 2, Calif. 

Phone UoderhiU 1-7S71 

in the Orient. The organization is booking 

a postwar FUipino picture, made in American-style 

sound and with dialog in both 

Filipino and English. Peter Fat, salesman 

for the organization, says there are between 

50 and 60 postwar features available, 

about a year's supply. Most of the theatres 

that use the Filipino films book them at 

midnight showing. Fat says that these midnight 

showings have proved a stimulant to 

theatres running American pictures. 

Gordon Allen is recuperating from his recent 

Also on the way to recovery 

illness . . . is Paul Spier of the Fox West Coast 

theatres . . . Martin Goulson, district manager 

for Altec, left for Portland and the 

north . . Scott R. Dunlap, vice-president 

. 

in charge of production for Monogram, was 

a visitor . . . Jerry Bernard, producer for 

Monogram, was in town. 

Joe Cannon, Warner Bros, exchange cashier, 

returned from a vacation in Death 

Valley. He took his one week leftover vacation 

from last year . . . C. H. Crowley, 

merly with RKO and Lippert theatres, 

for- 

now 

is associated with United Artists sales force. 

The United Artists district meeting for 

branch managers at the St. Francis was a 

big success . . . Mary Ellen Knight, secretary 

to C. K. Olson, was married to UA 

shipper Ed Averell. Mary Ellen retired and 

is learning how to cook. Helen Bennett, 

formerly with Lippert, is with UA, replacing 

Mary Ellen . . . Mel Mosher, exhibitor from 

the Roxy at St. Helena, died recently. Mosher 

was formerly with 20th-Fox. 

Floyd Bernard, formerly with 20th-Fox 

and now operating a group of drive-ins in 

the south, was here booking and buying for 

his new drive-in at Freedom, Nev. . . . Paul 

Schmuck, formerly with U-I, is now with 

Eagle Lion . . . Bill Lanning, head booker 

at Columbia; Mel Klein, sales manager at 

Columbia, and Stan Lefcourt, office manager 

at Film Classics, are out to win the health 

medal for the year. All three boys join on 

the golf links at 6:30 a. m. and play a 

round before work. According to Stan, "We 

hit in the 70's and some day we're going 

to shoot the second round!" 

Jerry Collins, Golden State booker, celebrated 

his birthday . and Johnson 

spent the better part of thi-ee hours at the 

Motion Picture Service screening room previewing 

television shows. Reports have it 

they want to get some ideas for their new 

television show, reportedly to be sponsored 

by Buick and to originate in New York. 

Robert C. Boaz, formerly with the O. H. 

Believe it or not, Mrs. Eva Boggs, 55- 

year-old Los Angeles housewife, has been 

so busy all her life supporting her family 

that she had never seen a motion picture. 

That is, she never saw one until she won 

a contest sponsored by Paramount in the 

Los Angeles area and tied in with the 

Los Angeles Daily Mirror and NBC's 

Truth or Consequences airshow. The 

Stunt was a plug for Paramount's "Alias 

Nick Beal," starring Ray Milland (left), 

shown here with Mrs. Boggs and Ralph 

Edwards, emcee of the radio show. 

Mrs. Boggs partially made up for her 

previous lack of film attendance when 

she was guest of honor at a showing of 

four pictures, all screened the same day, 

at the Paramount studios. 

The stunt included a 12-day campaign 

of classified ads in the Mirror, announcing 

that "Nick Beal" was seeking someone 

over 25 who had never seen a film. 

Among eight finalists Mrs. Boggs was 

declared the winner after submitting to a 

lie detector test. 

Boaz & Son organization, and R. W. Hambleton 

are partners in the newly organized 

Western States Popcorn & Supply Co. Boaz 

says they will service northern California 

. . . Bill Crosby, former Pittsburgh district 

manager for the Bhmienfeld theatre circuit, 

is now manager of the Teru-o-Win Sales 

Co. Equipment, according to Crosby, is being 

sold outright instead of on a lease basis 

and is now selling for $250 complete. Crosby's 

office is at 1125 Market . . . Vickie Evans, 

who was a principal in the recent Hollywood 

trial, is appearing as the star attraction 

of the Rafael's 150 club on Mason street. 

Rose, the wife of Jess Levin of General 

Theatrical, is out of the hospital and at home 

recuperating . Spier is now out of the 

hospital and at home Eddie Jacobs, 

elevator operator at the Golden Gate Theatre 

building, sprained his ankle but is on 

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54-F BOXOFHCE April 9, 1949

W. D. Butler Renamed Action Pictures Lead Los Angeles 

By Salt Lake Group With 'The Set-Up Grossing 150 

SALT LAKE CITY — Warren D. Butler, 

manager of Lyric, was reelected president ot 

the Salt Lake Motion Picture club at the 

annual meeting last week. Other officers are 

Fred Weimar of NSS. vice-president; Shirl 

Thayne. U-I salesman, secretary, and Frank 

H. Smith. Paramount manager, treasurer. 

Charles L. Walker, 20th-Fox manager; Si 

Sanderg, Fox-Intermoimtain booker, and 

Harold Chesler, Bingham Theatre manager, 

were new selections for the board. 

Those elected to the Women's Motion Pictiu-e 

club at the same time the men held their 

election w«re Marcia Phillbin, president; Rita 

Tibbs. vice-president; Lila Weimar, secretary, 

and Helen Kostopulos. treasurer. Members 

of the board of directors elected were Grace 

Hawk, Lillian Ungerleider. Peggy Turgeon, 

Mona Smith and Baylie Gillman. 

The club's next big event will be in June, 

when the annual exhibitors-distributors 

roundup will be held here. 

Club officers pictured here are, left to 

right: Warren D. Butler. Shirl Thayne, Prank 

H. Smith and Fred Weimar. 

'Lone Ranger' on TV Film 

HOLLYWOOD—In one of the largest 

television 

film transactions yet negotiated. Apex 

Pictures, 

headed by Jack Chertok. has completed 

arrangements for the manufacture of 

52 half-hour "Lone Ranger" films, to be 

sponsored by General Mills. The output has 

been booked by the American Broadcasting 

Co.'s telecasting network, with production of 

the .subjects to start in Jime. Chertok will 

assign writers immediately, with casting to 

get under way soon. 

LOS ANGELES—Action fare proved the 

strongest boxoffice lure as the win. place 

and show pictures among local first runs in 

point of revenue emerged as "The Set-Up," 

"Red Canyon" and "Canadian Pacific," respectively. 

Otherwise, Lent and seasonable 

spring weather combined to keep grosses at 

only average levels. 

(Average is 100) 

Apollo—Joan of Aic (RKO), 15th d.t. wk.. 

roadshow 90 

Belmont, Carthay, Culver, Orpheum, Vogue 

Red Stallion in the Bockies (EL); An Old 

Fashioned Girl (EL) .._ 110 

Chinese, State, Uptown, Loyola Canadian 

Pacific (20th-Fox), I Cheated the Law 

(20th-Fox) 120 

Downtown, Hollywood Paramounts Âlias Nick 

Beol (Para), Thunder in the Pines (SG) 85 

Egyptian. Los Angeles, Wilshire Force of Evil 

(MGM) ,2nd wk 90 

Fine Arts—The Red Shoes (EL), 14th wk 110 

Four Music Halls—Jigsaw (UA); Rimfire (SG) 80 

Four Star—Hamlet (U-I), 23rd wk roadshow 110 

Guild. Iris, Ritz, Studio City. United Artists- 

Red Canyon (U-1); Duke of Chicago (Rep) 130 

Pontages, Hillstreet—The Set-Up (RKO); The 

Crime Doctor's Diary (Col) 150 

Warners Hollywood, Downtown, Wiltern 

A Kiss in the Dark (WB): Flaxy Martin 

(WB), 2nd wk 90 

"HoneYmoon' Gross High 

At 135 in Seattle 

SEATTX.E—Best business among the newcomers 

was "Family Honeymoon," which 

opened to 135 per cent at the Fifth Avenue. 

Generally grosses were off from those of the 

last month. 

Blue Mouse Canadian Pacific (20th-Fox); Urubu, 

the Story of Vulture People (UA). 3rd d. t wk 60 

Coliseum—Siren of Atlantis (UA); S.O.S. 

Submarine (SG) 75 

Fifth Avenue Family Honeymoon (U-I); The Clay 

Pigeon (RKO) 135 

Liberty—Knock on Any Door (Col); The Lone Wolf 

and His Lady (Col), 2nd wk 120 

Music Box Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox); 

Alaska Patrol (FC), 3rd d. t. wk 130 

Music Hall—Joan of Arc (RKO), 3rd wk., 

'roadshow „ 125 

Orpheum—The Red Pony (Rep); High Fury (UA) ... 75 

Paramount South of St, Louis (WB); Jiggs and 

Maggie in Court (Mono) 75 

'Door' Paces Denver Trade 

With Top Rating of 210 

DENVER—First run trade here continued 

at a fast pace. "Knock on Any Door" at the 

Broadway carded a big 210 per cent and 

earned a holdover. "'Volpone" registered 150 

per cent at the 'Vogue and was held for a 

second stanza. 

Aladdin—Wake of the Red Witch (Rep); Decision 

of Christopher Blake (WB), 4th d. f. wk 140 

Broadway Knock on Any Door (Col) 210 

Denham Alias Nick Beal (Para); Dynamite (Para), 

2nd wk 100 

Denver and Webber Red Canyon (U-1); Ladies 

of the Chorus (Col) 120 

Esquir-- and Paramount My Dear Secretary (UA); 

Rose of the Yukon (Rep) 145 

Orpheum—The Set-Up (RKO); The Strange Mrs. 

Crane (EL) 100 

Riallo Family Honeymoon (U-I); Angel on the 

Amazon (Rep), 5th d. t. wlc - 150 

Voque Volpone (Siritsky) „ 150 

"St. Louis.' 'Homicide' Top 

San Francisco Grosses 

SAN FRANCISCO—A pairing of "South of 

St. Louis" and "Homicide" at the Fox registered 

140 per cent to lead newcomers at 

local first run houses. "Paisan," in a third 

round at the United Nations, chalked up 

160 per cent to pace the holdovers. 

Esquire-The Lucky Stiff (UA); The Y'^'O"" Circle 

(UA) 100 

Fox—South of St. Louis (WB), Homicide (WB)....140 

Golden Gate—So Dear to My Heart (RKO); Gun 

Smugglers (RKO), 2nd wk 95 

Orpheum Knock on Any Door (Col), 2nd wk 135 

Paramount A Kiss in the Dark (WB); Flaxy 

Martin (WB) 105 

St. Francis—Alias Nick Beal (Para), 2nd wk 90 

Slate Treasure of Sierra Madre (WB); Johnny 

Belinda (WB) 135 

United Artists—Enchantment (UA), 3rd wk 95 

United Nal ions—Paisan (M-B), 3rd wk 160 

Warheld Badmen of Tombstone (Mono); Trouble 

Makers (Mono) 90 

Theatre Break-Ins Solved 

MELROSE, N. M.—Rialto Tlieatre owner 

E. F. Stahl solved the mystery of theatre 

break-ins here when he trapped one Melro.se 

youth in the Rialto building in early 

morning hoars. The youth implicated two 

others and the three were held in coimty Jail 

awaiting charges of burglarizing the sweet 

shop many times in recent months, taking 

$35 cash, candy, cigarets and gum. The back 

door of the theatre was forced open. 

Remodel Seattle Roxy 

SEATTLE—A complete remodeling of the 

Roxy Theatre has been launched by Frank 

L. Newman jr. The Roxy, located in the 

Ballard district, will have a new terra cotta 

front and a new marquee. 

Interior work includes 

new walls and floors, new seats, carpets 

and drapes and Installation of all new 

projection and sound equipment. When It 

reopens it will be renamed the Bay Theatre. 

B. Marcus Priteca is the architect. 

Top Role in 'Women' 

Noel Neill has been set for a top role in 

"Forgotten 'Women," a Monogram film. 

TUNA CLIPPER' BOWS—The Hollywood premiere treatment was accorded 

the 

recent opening of Monogram's "Tuna Clipper" at Warners' San Pedro Theatre in San 

Pedro. Making personal appearances were such film players as, left to right: Roland 

Winters, Joe KIrkwood, Elena Verdugo and Cathy Downs; representing the southern 

California tuna-fishing industry, R. L. "Doc" Puccinnelli, and other Hollywoodians, 

Whip Wilson, Producer Lindsley Parsons, Richard Avonde, Carol Forman, Roddy 

MacDowall, Peter Mamakos, Betty Bates, Reno Browne, Ric 'Vallin, Russell Simpson 

and Doris Kemper. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 54-G

Harry H. Thomas Denounces Reissues Cowan Asks Old Plan 

As 'Stupid, Short-Sighted' Policy 

Voling for Awards 

HOLLYWOOD—Adding his voice to several 

earlier criticisms by other independent filmmakers 

of the reissue policy, Harry H. 

Thomas, president of Equity Pictuies, has 

gone on record with an indictment of rereleases 

as "stupid and short-sighted," and a 

dangerous threat to independent filmmakers 

already hampered by tremendous increases in 

production and labor costs. 

The Thomas remarks were made in his 

capacity as chairman of a reissue committee 

of the Independent Motion Picture Producers 

Ass'n. They are also in line with his recently 

lodged protest to Republic concerning 

the latter's reissue of a series of "Red Ryder" 

westerns at a time when Eagle Lion, which 

handles distribution on Equity product, is 

preparing to release two new "Red Ryder" 

subjects, starring Jim Bannon and produced 

by Thomas. 

The Equity head admitted that showmen 

can book reissues at lower rentals than new 

product, but warned that the exhibitor who 

"uses them to excess, and most theatre 

operators are doing so today, is alienating 

the very public he cusses out for staying away 

from his theatre." 

He pointed out the increasing difficulty 

of obtaining financing for independent production 

and charged that the "arbitrary attitude" 

of theatre operators "has made it 

almost impossible for the Independent producer 

to show an adequate profit margin for 

his films." 

At the same time Thomas emphasized lie 

is not imalterably opposed to all re-releases. 

Film milestones, those which "will be always 

a credit to the industry," should be reissued 

from time to time, he opined. 

Technicolor's Output, 

Profit at New High 

NEW YORK—The annual report 

of Technicolor, 

Inc., for 1948 shows a series of new 

records—number of features, number of 

prints delivered, total income and total profit. 

Features in Technicolor jumped from 31 

in 1947 to 39 in 1948; print footage went up 

from 222,017,439 in 1947 to 264,705,797 in 1948. 

The British affiliate. Technicolor, Ltd., also 

hit new highs. Nine features were produced 

and the footage for the year ending Nov. 30, 

1948, was 56,802,044 compared with 50,487,851 

in 1947. 

Forty-two features are now being produced, 

or are in preparation or under contract 

for delivery by the American company 

during 1949, and the British affiliate has 13 

contracts. 

About $2,000,000 was invested during 1948 

in permanent assets for continuation of the 

expansion program. 

Technicolor's consolidated net profit after 

deductions during 1948 was $1,775,834.43, compared 

with $1,422,752.03. The per-share net 

for 1948 was $1.93. For 1947 it was $1.55. 

Dividends at the rate of $1.25 per share 

during 1948 totaled $1,146,021.64. During 1947 

dividends were $1 per share and totaled 

$913,497.51. 

Consolidated cm-rent assets at the yearend 

were $7,754,258.09 and current liabilities 

were $3,232,747.48. 

James R. Grainger Tours 

West, Midwest Circuits 

NEW YORK—James R. Grainger, Republic 

executive vice-president, in charge of 

sales and distribution, will return to the 

home office April IB following a swing of 

the western and midwestern theatre circuits. 

Following a conference with Mrs. J. J. 

Parker, president of the J. J. Parker Theatres 

Organization, in Portland April 4, Grainger 

visited Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver and 

Chicago before heading east. 

Filmicas to Finance 

Mexico-Made Films 

NEW YORK—Filmicas, S. A., jointly controlled 

by American and Mexican interests, 

will finance independent producers in making 

A English-speaking films in Mexico for 

worldwide release, according to MUton Gladstone, 

representative for the company. 

Filmicas plans to finance a minimum of 

ten to 12 featm-es yearly, the first of which 

will be Seymour Nebenzal's production of 

"M," which will be directed by John Brahm 

from a screenplay by Norman Reilly Raine. 

Shooting will start around April 21 at the 

Churubuscu studios in Mexico City. United 

Artists will relea.se "M" throughout the world. 

The Churubuscu studios has 12 lai-ge stages 

and a film laboratory and features can be 

made there for 25 per cent less than in 

Hollywood, according to Gladstone. A producer 

can save 50 per cent of the "underthe-line" 

costs Habor and physical production 

costs) by producing in Mexico City, he 

said. 

Arrangements have been made with a group 

of American banks to provide "pick-up" financing 

upon completion of the pictures and 

delivery to an American distributor. 

Julian Gladstone is president of Filmicas, 

S.A., which has offices at Madero 2, Mexico 

City. Other officers are: Arthui»Bohrer, New 

York City merchant, vice-president; Mark M. 

HorbUt, Boston industralist and attorney, 

vice-president; Miguel R. Cardenas, former 

president of United Artists of Mexico, director; 

Albert A. Sepulveda, Mexican attorney, 

secretary, and Milton Gladstone. 

Milton Gladstone left AprO (1) for California 

by plane to negotiate with other independent 

producers. 

Night Club Trio 

Signed 

HOLLYWOOD—Set for a featured spot in 

the upcoming Ron Ormond production for 

Screen Guild. "Ringside," is the nightclub 

trio comprising comedian Joey Adams, Tony 

Canzoneri, former middleweight boxing champion, 

and singer Mark Plant. Tom Brown 

and Donald "Red" Barry have the leads. 

Enlarge Kimo Lobby 

ALBUQUERQUE—Enlargement of the inner 

lobby of the Kimo Theatre here has been 

started. Mercer Colman, manager, said the 

walls and doorways between the lobbies 

would be moved closer to the street and 

placed directly behind the present boxoffice. 

NEW YORK—A return to the original plan 

of having a conmiittee of Academy of Motion 

Pictm-e Arts & Sciences members select 

the annual awards was advocated by Lester 

Cowan, producer of the new Marx Bros, 

film, "Love Happy," this week. Cowan was 

executive secretary of the Academy for seven 

years, during which period the awards were 

created and dubbed "Oscars." 

To offset the withdrawal of financial support 

of the ceremonies attending the annual 

awards by the five major film producers. 

Cowan suggested the affair be financed 

by subscriptions to the event from 

the 2,000 Academy members. An affair of 

this size would have to be held in the 

Hollywood Bowl and the event should be 

televised, he said. Jean Hersholt, whose 

term as Academy president expires in May, 

will come to New York shortly after that 

to discuss a plan to televise the awards presentation 

next year. 

EXHIBITORS COULD AID 

Two or thi-ee exhibitor leaders should be 

invited to sit on the committee to select 

the annual awards, according to Cowan. The 

original idea of the awards was an incentive 

to do good work and a prize for industry 

members to offset the derogatory talk and 

editorial comment about inferior pictiu-es at 

the time the awards were started—in 1928. 

In recent years, several producers have tried 

to high pressure the selections by showing 

their films in Hollywood just previous to 

the voting period. Cowan pointed out. One 

producer, several years back, even called the 

Academy to ask that all ballots for his studio 

employes be sent to his office, a request 

that was turned down, of course, Cowan said. 

Wlrile Cowan approved of all of this year's 

selections, he thought that "Hamlet" should 

have received a special award and the "best 

picture" award should have been given to 

an American-made film. 

Cowan, who returned to the west coast 

during the week, said that "Love Happy" 

would probably be released in June. 

Psychic-Astrologer Books 

Tour at Seven Theatres 

SALT LAKE CITY—Zulieka, psychic and 

astrologer, has been booked on stages of seven 

theatres in Montana and Idaho. The tour 

will begin May 1 at the Majestic in Nampa 

and includes May 11-17, Chief at Pocatello; 

May 22-28. Paramount at Idaho Falls; June 

1-4, Marlow at Helena; June 5-11, Wilma at 

Missoula; June 15-21, Rainbow at Great 

Falls; June 22-25, Judith at Lewistown, and 

June 26-July 2, Babcock at Billings. Zulieka 

appeared on the stage of the Egyptian in 

Ogden last December. During her current 

tour, she will be featured on radio programs 

in the town she visits. 

Musicians Meet in June 

HOLLYWOOD—Annual convention of the 

American Federation of Musicians will be 

held in San Francisco the week of June 6, 

with the Hollywood imit, Local 47, planning 

to send 11 official delegates and a number 

of unofficial "observers" to the conclave. 

54-H BOXOFTICE :: April 9. 1949

David Nelson Named 

To Midcentral Job 

BLOOMINGTON, ILL.—Some 30 exhibitors 

and their wives attended the regional meeting 

of Midcentral Allied 

Independent Theatre 

Owners here, at 

which it was revealed 

that David S. Nelson, 

veteran theatre ownermanager 

and film exchange 

manager and 

salesman, would join 

Midcentral about May 

1 in a managerial capacity. 

His title and duties 

David S. Nelson w-ill be decided by the 

board of dii'ectors. but 

it is believed that he will be the managing 

director of the organization, serving as fieldman 

in recruiting new members as well as 

managing the central offices in St. Louis 

and preparing and editing its bulletins. 

For the last three years or so, Nelson has 

been the Des Moines manager for Republic 

and prior to that he was southern Illinois 

salesman for the firm for about five years. 

Before that Nelson managed the WeUston 

Theatre on Easten avenue west of St. Louis. 

His experience in the motion picture business 

extends well back into the silent film 

days. 

DISCUSSES ALLIED CARAVAN 

Charles Niles. secretary of Allied States 

and a director of the Iowa-Nebraska unit, 

w-as the principal speaker at the regional 

conclave here. He discussed Allied Caravan, 

its advantages and functions and told of the 

advantages of a strong independent theatre 

owners organization to handle various problems 

of the industry such as runs, clearaoces 

and the like. 

W. H. Hoffman, owner of the Lamar Theatre, 

Arthm-. 111., and a director of Midcentral, 

presided at the meeting, which was held 

in the Illinois hotel. He discussed his views 

on television and predicted that Hollywood 

producers probably would benefit from it by 

being called upon to produce many pictures 

for video. He said, however, that the situation 

as regards the exhibitor was not so 

clear and that no one could definitely forecast 

the probable results of television competition 

with the regularly established motion 

picture theatre. 

OF VALUE TO MEMBERS 

Henry Halloway of St. Louis, president of 

Midcentral, spoke briefly, giving a brief history 

of the regional group. He said he believed 

that Midcentral already had proved of 

great value to its members and all other 

independent owners in the area. 

Hugh Graham, also of St. Louis and secretary-treasurer 

of the group, told of the 

accomplishments locally and stressed the importance 

of having members in two or more 

exchange territories. Graham said that a 

regional with members in more than one 

exchange area would be in a position to advise 

its membership as to the sales practices 

in all its territories, thus assuring them of 

the most advantageous arrangements as to 

rentals, percentages, etc., available from the 

film companies. 

FITS AT CHICAGO PARTY—Barkers of the Variety Club of Illinois and their 

guests had a stack of fun at the bam dance and frolic held at the Sheraton hotel in 

Chicago. They dres-sed in jean.s and calico and Ray Borden and his Country Slickers 

provided dance music and entertainment. Virginia Morrison ronducted the square 

dance and refreshments were seri'ed country style. Shown in the photo above are, 

left to right: Nat Nathanson, second assistant chief barker and United .\rtists manager; 

Mrs. Lustgarten; Ray .Axelrod, EL salesman; Mrs. .\xelrod; Honri Elman, 

chief barker of Tent 26; Mrs. Reisch; Harry Lustgarten, canvasman and B&K 

chief booker, and Ted Reisch, U-I assistant branch manager. In the inset is Van 

A. Nomikos, exhibitor and sergeant at arms of Tent 26. 

F&M Books 2 Stage Shows 

To Hike Kid Patronage 

ST. LOUIS—Fanchon & Marco booked two 

imijortant stag-e show.s for the Fox from the 

Children's World Theatre. The first, "Jack 

and the Beanstalk," opened a week's stand 

April 7 in conjunction with "So Dear to My 

Heart, and the second, "Rumpelstiltskin," 

was booked for a week, starting April 14. 

Another F&M house, the St. Louis, a 3,- 

000-seater, has been putting on stage shows 

for one-week stands. The first show did excellent 

business and. although grosses 

dropped .somewhat on the second show, there 

has been no final decision as to how often 

stage shows will appear at that house, or at 

others operated by the circuit. 

Loew's State is reported considering stage 

acts, particularly in regard to one prominent 

name band. 

In the meantime, the elimination of weekly 

passes by the St. Louis Public Service Co. 

and restrictions it has placed on student 

passes has caused some shifting in theatre 

attendance toward the suburban and neighborhood 

houses. Reopening of five local 

drive-ins and the return of ba.seball are other 

factors involved in the exhibitor consideration 

of stage shows as a boxoffice stimulant. 

Midtown at Wood River 

To Open Early in April 

WOOD RIVER. ILL.—The Midtown Theatre, 

a 650-seater being constructed by 

George Evanoff. will be opened here soon. 

The theatre has been under construction for 

the last two years. Evanoff formerly operated 

army surplus stores in Wood River and 

other nearby cities. 

Bell & Howell Profit Drop 

CHICAGO— Bell & Howell Co. for 1948 

reported a profit of $1,527,431 as compared 

with $2,384,125 in the preceding year. Sales 

totaled $17,608,553 against $18,083,325. Charles 

H. Percy, president, attributed the lower 

ratio of earnings to the fact that the company 

has not increased its prices since April 

1946, despite increased labor and material 

costs. , 

Chicago Warner Keglers 

Down 3 Milwaukee Teams 

MILWAUKEE — Warner Bros. Theatres 

Bowling League keglers retui'ned home from 

their match with Chicago teams, after three 

defeats in a four-team series, to practice for 

the return match on home alleys April 19. 

Milwaukee teams 1. 2 and 4 suffered defeats 

at the hands of the Chicago Warner 

Bros. Theatres bowlers. Team 1 bowed to 

the neighbor city squad by 28 points, but 

Milwaukee team 3 came through victorious 

by 19 points. 

Here are the scores in the Chicago match: 

Team 1: Total 

Milwaukee 867-822-825 2.514 

Chicago 819-924-809 2.552 

Team 2: 

Milwaukee 748-7S9-743 2,2G0 

Chicago 773-861-791 2,425 

Team 3: 

Milwaukee 781-766-721 2,268 

Chicago „ 742-737-770 2,249 

Team 4: 

Milwoukee 616-683-671 1.970 

Chicago 673-725-657 2,045 

High single scorers for Milwaukee were 

Harvey Black with 594 and Lucille Haggith 

with 419. For Chicago, high individual scores 

were R. Maloy, 551 and J. Haddocks, 538. 

ManitO'woc Strand Opens 

MANITOWOC—The new Strand Theatre 

has been opened here recently. Work was 

started in August 1948, according to Nick 

Johnson of the Johnson Amusement Co. 

The opening film was "When My Baby 

Smiles at Me." 

The new house has 900 seats, and makes 

the third local first-run theatre. It was 

a remodeling job on a large scale, as the 

second floor, the stage and the lobby entrance 

were torn out. The exterior of the 

theatre has a brand new face. Ramps from 

each side lead from the lobby floor to the 

main auditorium and mezzanine, all topped 

by a spacious balcony. 

S&M Outdoor to Open Soon 

APPLETON, WIS.—Tlie new S&M Outdoor 

Theatre here is scheduled for opening 

about May 1. Tlie same circuit also expects 

to open its new outdoor house at La Crosse 

on June 1. Equipment, including RCA projectors 

and Brenkert lights, will be furnished 

by Vic Manhardt. Milwaukee. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 55

Midwest Leaders at Steak Dinner 

ST. LOUIS—Managers of the Midwest 

Drive-In Theatre Corp. in this area attended 

a pre-season conference at the Sheraton 

hotel there last weekend. Philip Smith of 

Boston, president, attended with Arnold Berger, 

general manager, presiding. Richard 

Smith, son of President Smith, also was 

among the conferees, as was Sam Levin, in 

charge of the concession department, and 

William Sobel, advertising director, both of 

New York. Midwest operates 14 drive-ins in 

the east and middle west. Managers from 

Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Milwaukee, St. 

Louis, Des Moines. Boston, Indianapolis, Cincinnati 

and Gary also attended. A liighlight 

of the gathering was steak dinner at the 

House of Ruggeri, famous eating spot. 

Shown left to right at the steak dinner, 

front row. are Ben Hershberg, Cleveland; 

Seymour Weiss, Chicago; Bernard Dudgeon, 

Omaha; Sam Levin, New York; Richard 

Smith, Boston; Robert Gross, Milwaukee; 

Leo Gates, Cincinnati; Sidney Sayette. St. 

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Jerry Glickman, Chicago; Wayne Mahana, 

Des Moines; Robert Gallimore, Cleveland; 

Phil Fiekert, Detroit; Clarence Kirby. Kansas 

City; Arnold Berger. Boston; Robert Margulis, 

St. Louis; Charles Zack, Detroit; Truman 

Lamar, Indianapolis; Jack Hauer, Cincinnati; 

William Wellman, Cleveland; James 

Jacober, Cincinnati; Edward Burkhardt, 

Gary, and William Sobel, New York. 

$2,000 for Cleveland Boys 

CLEVELAND—Irwin PoUard, general chairman 

of the committee in charge of the showing 

of "Bad Boy" at the Allen Theatre here, 

said that the four local Boys clubs apparently 

will receive a minimum of $2,000 from the 

Variety-sponsored event. Money is earmarked 

for athletic equipment. Ticket sales 

were augmented by the sale of popcorn and 

candy, sold by barkers wearing their conventional 

mustaches. 

Silent Screen Star Signed 

Mae Marsh, silent screen star, has been 

signed for a featured spot in Republic's "A 

Strange Caravan." 

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Wisconsin Variety Club 

Sets Up Headquarters 

MILWAUKEE—The Variety Club of Wisconsin, 

which opens its social season April 11 

with the first big event since its reorganization, 

has established temporary headquarters 

at the Wisconsin hotel here. 

Civil Rights Bill 

Killed 

By St. Louis Aldermen 

ST. LOUIS—The so-called civil 

rights 

Invitations were issued to all men in show 

business for the dinner meeting, which will 

be held at the Circus room of the Wisconsin. 

Tickets for the event can be purchased 

upon entrance to the Circus room at 

the hotel. 

The invitation was signed by Lou Elman, 

chief barker. Guests at the event will be 

national Variety officers Robert J. O'Donnell 

and WUliam McCraw. 

bill, which would prohibit theatres, hotels, 

restaurants and various other places of public 

accommodation from refusing to admit 

or serve persons because of racial discrimination, 

was permitted to die in the hands 

of the aldermanic committee on legislation. 

The board of aldermen was to adjourn 

for the 1948-49 year April 8. With a municipal 

election April 5, members of the board 

apparently decided to let the new session 

handle the controversial subject. 

The new board, half of which was elected 

April 5, is due to convene April 12. 

Bill to Ban Bank Night 

Killed in Iowa House 

From Midwest Edition 

DES MOINES—The Iowa house of representatives 

has put to death once and for all 

the proposal of Rep. Harry Ward, Democrat. 

Davenport, to ban bank nights in Iowa theatres. 

The house thus halted Ward's attempt 

to "filibuster" the measure into survival. The 

matter came to a head when Ward attempted 

to resume a lengthy speech he had started 

a day before in behalf of the bill. 

A house committee had recommended that 

the measure be indefinitely postponed. Then, 

Ward, on the floor of the house, began the 

first of his filibuster. 

Cut Back House Operation 

BEAVER DAM, WIS.—Because of poor attendance, 

the Wisconsin Theatre here will 

be operated only three days a week, according 

to the Fox Amusement Corp. There will 

be no change in the everyday operation of 

the Odeon Theatre, also controlled by Fox. 

The Wisconsin, opened only recently after 

extensive remodeling, will show films on Friday, 

Saturday and Sunday and will be available 

for conventions and local talent productions 

on off nights. New seats for the 

Odeon have been on order for some time. 

POP CORN, .:r..a 

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ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY 

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56 BOXOFTICE April 9, 1949

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Chicago 5, III. 

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448 N. Illinois St. 

Indianapolis 4, Ind. 

ST. 

VIC MANHARDT CO., INC. 

1705-9 W. Clyboum St. 

Milwaukee 3, Wis. 

LOUIS THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

3310 Olive St. 

St. Louis 3, Mo.

ST. 

LOUIS 

•The 500-car drive-in at Des Peres opened 

the night of April 1. Sidney Sayetta of 

Clayton is manager. The four other driveins 

in this county were to open several 

days later. 

Fred Wehrenberg was back at St. Anthony's 

hospital for his 13th blood transfusion. 

He keeps in touch with the over- 

. . 

all picture of business, but leaves details 

Sigmund 

to 

the key men in his organization . 

Klarsfeld, father of Vic Klarsfeld, Rialto 

Theatre, Cape Girardeau, died . . . Maurie 

Davis of the Will Rogers and his brother 

Louis, Vernon Theatre, Mount Vernon, Ind., 

ofiivt-io 

coocfssions 

MANLEY 

• GREATER PROFITS 

• EFFICIENT DESIGN 

• EASY OPERATION 

ST. 

LOUIS FILM ROW 

3138 Olive 

R. D. VON ENGELN 

Manley Representativo 

Ne. 7644 

RCA-BRENKERT SOUND 

have returned from Chicago and the wedding 

of their cousin Renee Novick to Irv 

Bartelstein, son of Ben Bartelstein, theatre 

circuit owner in Chicago. 

Edwin J. Crebs of the Jewell-Summer Co., 

Cy Armstrong of the Huff Co.. and Bill 

Stahl, sales manager of Theatrical Specialties 

Co., Los Angeles, attended a demonstration 

at the Pox Theatre, of a water 

cooler carbon jaw that permits higher heat 

intensity for carbons, greatly improving their 

efficiency. They were guests at a dinner 

at the home of Bill Earl, local manager for 

National Theatre Supply. 

"Rueben Rosenblatt, manager for Monogram, 

already has won hats from Harold 

Mirisch, vice-president, and Nicky Goldhammer, 

sales manager for Monogram, by 

the number of dates already obtained by 

the local office for Monogram week. April 

23 to April 29. Shipments already lined up 

are three times the normal week. Rosenblatt 

will give a party for the staff at the Sheraton 

hotel during Monogram week. 

Two film stars of the four-legged variety 

will strut their stuff when the Fairmount 

Park raceway opens its spring meeting May 

18. The horses are Orlando's Sundown, 

equine star of "The Green Grass of Wyoming," 

and Donald Ford, the trotter that 

appears in the still-to-be-released picture, 

"The Great Dan Patch." Paul MacPherson, 

owner of Donald Ford, has served as the 

technical adviser on many motion pictures 

about racing. 

William B. Zoellncr, head of MGM's re- 

. . . 

print and short subject sales, was a visitor 

Sky Acres, Inc., Mississippi Valley Trust 

Bldg., has been incorporated with 200 

shares of $100 preferred stock and 400 

shares of no par common stock to conduct 

public and private amusements. The incorporators 

were listed as M. P. Hoffarth, 

and PROJECTION EQUIPMENT 

Is 

WHY? BECAUSE 

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it Is Newly Designed to Give Top Performance for Many Years of Service, 

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At a Surprisingly low Maintenance Cost. 

Louis Theatre Supply Company 

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Telephones 

JE 7974 

JE 7975 

M. A. Schueler, M. D. Schueler and M. C. 

Ostermeyer. 

Ray Millar of the Camden, N. J., RCA 

theatre equipment section, called on Arch 

Hosier of the St. Louis Theatre Supply Co. 

The local labor scene took on a less 

. . . 

menacing hue April 1 when it was announced 

that the Union Electric Co. of Missouri 

had concluded satisfactory agreements 

with six of the seven AFL unions with whom 

wage talks had been in progress for several 

weeks. 

Minneapolis Cites WB 

For 'Celebration Days' 

MINNEAPOLIS—Norman Moray, Warner 

Bros, short subject sales manager was here 

to accept an award presented to his company 

by the Mi:ineapolis Chamber of Commerce 

for bringing recognition to this city. These 

newly created "Minneapolis awards" were 

concieved by the Chamber of Commerce. 

Warners was one of the first winners. The 

others were the Minneapolis Symphony orchestra 

and the Minneapolis Aquatennial. 

A board of judges selected Warners for the 

citation for its film, "Celebration Days," 

built around the annual Aquatennial. Jacob 

Wilk, Warners story editor and former Minneapolitan, 

was scheduled to be here to accept 

the award with Moray, but bad weather 

grounded the planes in New 'Vork and he 

was unable to come. Joyce Swan, Minneapolis 

Star and Tribune vice-president, made the 

presentations. He also was one of the judges. 

More than 600 persons were present for the 

ceremony. 

LOWER AGAIN 

COCONUT OIL... 97 

in 50 lb. pails mtM 

it 

Lb. 

Drums 425 lbs. Per lb 26V2C 

Prices include containers 

Popsit Plus Liquid Seasoning 

5 case lots $12.65 per case. 

Less than 5 cases $12.95 per case. 

Packed 6-1 gallon cans in case. 

RUSH HOUR POPCORN 

Now Only $^25 

In Any Quantity WCwt. 

Prices are F.O.B. St. Louis. Send for 

pricelist of popcorn supplies. Star 

Machines and Food Serving Equipment. 

PRUNTY SEED & GRAIN CO. 

618 N. Second St. St. Louis 2, Mo. 

"In our 75th year" 

CARPET? 

call JOE HORNSTEIN Inc. 

3146 Olive FR 0999 St. Louis 

58 BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949

. . Ben 

'Joan' Grosses 140 

To Pace Chicago 

CHICAGO—Lineup of new product boosted 

business in a big way at Loop houses. Outstanding 

newcomer v.as "Joan of Arc," which 

did terrific at the RKO Grand. "Command 

Decision" bowed in great at the Woods and 

"Canadian Pacific" had a fine opening week 

at the Roosevelt. Chicago had a nice second 

week with "Whispering Smith," plus a stage 

show headed by Tony Martin. Tlie Oriental 

also did nicely with a second week of "Mother 

Is a Freshman," plus a stage show headed by 

Nellie Lutcher and Charles Ventura and band. 

(Average Is 100) 

Apollo—Johnny Belinda (WB); Treasure ol Sierra 

Madre (W3). 6lh d. t. wk 110 

Chicago—Whispering Smith (Para), 2nd wk., plus 

stage show 120 

Garriclc — Bomba. the Jungle Boy (Mono); Joe 

Palooka in the Big Fight (Mono), 2nd wk 100 

Grand—Joon ol Arc (RKO) ..- 140 

Oriental-Mother Is o Freshman (20th-rox), plus 

stage shov.', 2nd wk - 115 

Palace—A Woman's Secret (RKO); Boston 

Blackie's Chinese Ventiue (Col) 95 

Rialto—India Speaks (FC): Jacore (FC), 2nd wk...lOO 

Roosevelt—Canadian Pacilic (20th-Fox) 110 

Selwyn—The Red Shoes (EL), 14th wk., 

roadshow _ Very good 

State-Lake—Undercover Man (Col), 2nd wk 100 

Studio—Sins ol Bali (Classic); She Devil Island 

(Classic) - - 100 

United Artists—The Sun Comes Up (MGM) -100 

Woods—Command Decision (MGM) - 135 

World Playhouse—Pajsan (M-B), 11th wk -115 

'Pigeon' and Stage Show- 

Top Indianapolis 

INDIANAPOLIS—The Circle Theatre with 

"The Clay Pigeon" on the screen and Ted 

Weems and his orchestra on stage topped 

the town here with a 200 per cent gross. 

Second best was the Indiana with a dual bill, 

"Family Honeymoon" and "Miraculous Journey," 

grossing 130. 

Circle—The Clay Pigeon (RKO), plus stage show..200 

Indiana—Family Honeymoon (U-I); Miraculous 

Journey (FC) - 130 

Keith s—Rose ol Washington Square (20th-Fox); 

Slave Ship (20th-Fox), reissues _ 95 

Loew's— Knock on Any Door (Col); Rusty Leads 

the Way (Col) 100 

Lyric—Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven (UA); 

Urubu (UA) - 90 

thanks 1 

To Our Many Exhibitor Friends in 

the St. Louis Territory for 

Making Our 

MONOGRAM WEEK 

APRIL 23 - 29 

The Greatest Week in 

the St. Louis Office. 

the History of 

YOU HONORED STEVE BROIDY, 

Our President. 

We Salute You 

BILL EMAS SOL HANKIN 

JACK ALLENDER BOB LIGHTFOOT 

RUBE 

ROSENBLATT 

^^^f\ 

WIN HOUSEKEEPING CONTEST—As winners look on, Ray Van Getson of 

the Balaban & Katz maintenance department, awards first prize money to Les 

Walrath, manager of the circuit's de luxe north side Uptown Theatre, as top man 

in a recent maintenance-safety contest. Other winners include, left to right, Roy 

MacMullen, manager of the Granada, third place; Jim Thomson, manager of the 

Nortown, second; Getson, Walrath, and William Holden of the insurance department, 

one of the judges. 

MILW AUKEE 

TJalph Green of the Badger Outdoor, Madison, 

was on a booking trip along Filmrow 

here . Raskin of National Screen 

returned from a vacation in the east . . . 

Gil Nathanson of St. Cloud Amusement Co.. 

Minneapolis, was here arranging for bookings 

at the Tower and Orental theatres, recently 

taken over from Warner circuit. 

Nathanson will go soon to Florida for a 

vacation. 

. . . Winnie De- 

. . . 

. . . 

Karl Kellcy, manager of the Tower, is 

laid up in a hospital here 

Lorenzo of Independent Film exchange and 

Wisconsin and upper Michigan representative 

for Quality Premiums of Philadelphia, 

spent three days in Minneapolis on business 

Harry Melcher of Eskin Theatres left 

for Hot Springs on an extended vacation 

Bob Brose, former manager of the Garfield 

Theatre here and recent manager of 

Standard circuit in Kenosh, died recently. 

Sally Rand of fan fame is appearing at 

the Empress Theatre here and will go to 

the Minneapolis Alvin Theatre after the 

Milwaukee engagement . . . Two celebrities 

were recent visitors—Eddie Cantor and Jack 

Carson. Cantor was a guest at the Pabst 

Brewing Co. . . Visitors along Filmrow 

. 

were John Juell of Garden Theatre, South 

Milwaukee; Jim Boden, Grand, South Milwaukee; 

Larry Kelly, Cudahy and Majestic, 

Cudahy, Wis., and Charles Guelson, Badger, 

Stoughton, Wis. 

Chicago 66 Drive-In Opens 

CHICAGO—The 66 Drive-In at La Grange 

and Joliet roads has reopened for its second 

season. The 66 is the only outdoor theatre 

with big playground facilities. The free, 

supervised playground has a merry-goround, 

slides, swings and a variety of other 

equipment. Additional facilities will be added 

tills season. 

Tlrere will be two shows nightly, rain or 

clear, except on Saturdays, when there will 

be a midnight show. The policy of admitting 

children free under 12 years of age, when 

accompanied by adults, will be continued. 

Drive-In Charter Issued 

ROBINSON, ILL.— Secretary of State 

Edward J. Barrett has issued a charter to 

the Valley Drive-In. Inc., authorizing it to 

i.ssue 750 .shares of common non-par value 

stock. The incorporators were li.sted as 

Harry R. Jones, Mary E. Schmidt and Ralph 

P. Snyder, all of Lawrenceville. The new 

company is constructing the Valley Drive- 

In, a 500-car layout at Gordon's Junction 

on Route 1, a few miles east of Robinson. 

Film Series Is Closed 

ST. LOUIS—The Better Films Council of 

Greater St. Louis brought its 1948-49 series 

of educational film meetings to a close at 

the Apollo Theatre last week with a program 

that featured shorts telling of life in 

various United Nations countries. Mrs. 

Adele Chomeau Starbird, dean of women 

for Washington university, spoke on "Understanding 

Our Neighbors." 

For 

Drive-In Theatre Equipment 

See 

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DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO—K. C, Mo. 

BOXOFFICE AprU 9, 1949 59

. . The 

. . . Dave 

CHICAGO 

"TZnock on Any Door" opened better in Chicago 

than in any other city. Could be 

because it's a Chicago story, but more likely 

it reflects the campaign given for it for 

the Chicago Theatre opening by B&K's Ed 

Seguin. He also got plenty of space for 

stage star Hoagy Carmichael, cashing in on 

"Hoagy Bogie" stunts. Seguin dug into the 

corn bag to get Hoagy into the papers April 

1, picturing him finding a pearl necklace 

in the plate of oysters served to him in the 

Pump room as an April Fool's gag. 

Edwin Silverman, head of Essaness here, is 

on the coast producing three independent 

flickers with Chicago financing. This is the 

first time Chicago banks have backed such 

a venture. 

Elmer Balaban, owner of the Surf Theatre, 

wired George Bernard Shaw that he had 

booked his "Pygmalion." Asked Shaw to send 

him an autographed copy of his new book, 

"Sixteen Self Sketches," for a lobby display. 

Shaw telegraphed b.ick: "Nuts! Be thankful 

for what you have!" . Selwyn Theatre 

has scheduled several extra performances 

of "The Red Shoes, " in its 16th week here. 

On Easter Monday (18 1, in addition to the 

regular 2:30 p. m. and 8:30 p. m. shows, the 

picture will be shown at 10:30 a. m. and 5:30 

p. m., also same schedule on April 23-27 and 

April 30. 

Wally Dorff, former booker for Metro and 

|nr|7SPECmL 

IrlvlXTRflllERS 

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Free estimate, phone WENtworth 6-4277 

recently with Selznick, has joined the booking 

department of Republic here . . . Jack 

Garber of B&K is proving he's a good boy 

on exploitation in lining up hot stunts on 

"Bad Boy," due the 20th at the Roosevelt. 

Thomas McConnell, attorney for 

the Jackson 

Park Theatre in the antitrust case, is in 

Wesley Memorial hospital for a checkup. 

Master in Chancery Joseph Elward recently 

awarded McConnell $4,000 in fees in the Alger 

circuit percentage ease. 

Irving Ma«k, now at his New York office, 

will visit eastern cities on his way back to 

The Monroe Theatre, operated 

Chicago . . . 

by James Jovan, after polling its patrons, 

will bring back for tlu-ee days each week 

some of the big hits of other years. "Carnegie 

Hall" will lead the parade, and will be 

followed by "Rage in Heaven," "The Great 

Waltz," "Henry V," 'Blithe Spirit" and "Caesar 

and Cleopatra." 

. . . "Monsieur 

Abe Teitel, owner of the World Playhouse 

who also operates the Astor Theatre in the 

Loop, announces that the Astor will play foreign 

pictures, starting April 26. The first will 

be the French film, "Volpone" 

Vincent," which received a special Acad- 

emy award as a fine foreign picture, will follow 

"Paisan" at the World Playhouse. 

. . 

Irving Bartclstein, son of Ben Bartelstein, 

Chicago chain owner, and his bride are 

honeymooning in Havana . The remodeled 

Harvard Theatre, Harvard and 63rd street, 

operated by Sam Chernoff, a 750-seat house, 

opened with great fanfare April 6 . . . Fred 

Mathews, Motiograph executive, is on a 

Burton Holmes 

southern business trip . . . 

travel films are playing a return show at the 

Michigan avenue Orchestra hall to capacity 

business. Thayer Soule is assisting Holmes 

this season. Ted Phillips has been signed 

to handle the camera for Holmes travel 

films during the next two seasons. 

Lustrous stage lineup for spring and summer 

is shaping up for Chicago Theatre. 

Prances Langford and Jon Hall will be there 

in May, followed in June by Guy Lombardo, 

Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour, and July will 

bring Jo Stafford, followed by Dennis Day 

. . . Kurt Manig, B&K accounting department, 

welcomed his third son last weekend. 

The newcomer is named Thomas Oliver—initials 

T-O-M . . . Andrew E. Savage of the 

same department is father of Andrea Ellen, 

al.so born last weekend. 

The Chicago Theatre music library has 

been moved to the State-Lake Theatre to 

make room for the installation of television 

equipment similar to that in New York's 

Paramount. This equipment transfers television 

programs to film from which it will 

project the program to the B&K Chicago 

Theatre screen in 59 seconds after the event 

The Lakeside Theatre on 

takes place . . . 

Sheridan road will install new International 

.seats and other improvements. 

Dan Fegan, State-Lake electrician, is one 

B&K employe who can say that he was 30 

years old St. Patrick's day. Dan was working 

with construction electricians a year and a 

half before the house opened. Then he became 

the first theatre maintenance electrician 

in Chicago ... A second baby girl 

was born to the Joe Macks at Pasavant hospital. 

This makes the fifth grandchild for 

Irv Mack . . . Carl Russell, Gateway manager, 

and his bride, the former Portia Rabel, 

have returned from a Washington honeymoon 

. . . Ray Carsky of B&K concessions 

is getting a checkup at Augustana hospital 

Balaban returned from Wesley 

Memorial hospital. 

Towers of Two Drive-Ins 

Demolished by Wind 

ST. LOUIS—High winds wrecked the 

screen structures of two drive-ins in this 

area; namely the 500-car Star Light at Lake 

Edwards, about two miles from Paducah, 

Ky., which was opened last fall, and the 

500-car Melody, owned by Frank J. Glenn 

near Tamaroa, 111. 

Both the screen towers were about 60 feet 

high. Both owners said the screen structures 

were designed to withstand winds 

much in excess of the gusts that caused 

their wrecking a few days ago. 

The Lake Edwards tower was constructed 

of telephone poles in criss-cross design 

while the Tamaroa job was anchored to reinforced 

concrete footings sunk six feet or 

more. 

One explanation was that the construction 

took place when the ground was very 

dry and that the recent heavy snows and 

thaws and rains caused the ground around 

the concrete footings to soften to such an 

extent as to greatly reduce their supporting 

qualities. The net result was that comparatively 

light winds caused the wrecking. 

On previous occasions both of the screen 

towers had safely withstood winds of much 

higher velocity. 

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. . . Jim 

. . Sam 

W. R. Elliott Acquires 

Houston, Mo., Melba 

HOUSTON. MO.—The Melba Theatre. 

400 .seats, has been sold by John E. Huston 

to W. R. Elliott of Blue Springs. Mo. The 

deal was handled by the Archer Investment 

Co. of Mountain Grove, Mo. Elliott has 

been in show business some 30 years and 

has owned and managed several theatres in 

Kansas City. 

Elliott's father, the late A. F. Elliott, is 

said to have started the first motion picture 

theatre in Kan.sas City and was known as 

the grandfather of Kansas City motion 

pictures. Elliott has secured a 9-year lease 

on the Melba Theatre building from Mrs. 

Bessie Womacii, the owner. 

The Huston family moved here from 

Stanberry, Mo., about nine years ago. Hugh 

Huston, a son, has managed the theatre 

for several years. 

DANVILLE, ILL.—The 350-seat Victory, 

recently purchased by A. H. Kaufman, 

owner of the Fountain Theatre in Terre 

Haute, Ind., was taken over by the new 

owner April 1 and the name was changed 

to the Main. Kaufman will continue to 

manage and operate his house in Terre 

Haute while his son. James, will manage 

the Main Theatre here. 

Kenosha Airer Nears Finish 

KENOSHA, WIS.—Work is progressing 

nicely on the new Mid-City Outdoor Theatre 

being built on highway 42 near the 

Berryville school for Standard Theatres of 

Milwaukee. N. E. Costen. in charge of construction, 

says there will be accommodations 

for 600 cars and 500 upholstered seats 

for walk-in patrons. 

No definite opening date has been set. 

Equipment will include RCA sound with 

individual car speakers. The projection 

equipment will produce an increase of 

about 25 per cent in lighting, it is claimed, 

and the picture will be visible for a distance 

of about 800 feet. Equipment is by Vic 

Manhardt, Milwaukee. 

Would Change Missouri Sales Tax 

JEFFERSON CITY—The house of representatives 

has passed a bUl authorizing collection 

of the state's 2 per cent sales tax on 

a bracket schedule Instead of a straight 2 

per cent system. The bill slipped through 

the house with only one vote to spare and 

now goes to the senate where it is expected 

to meet rough handling. 

THE 

E EQUIPMENT 

442 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET 

INDIANAPOLIS 

INDIANA 

INDIANAPOLIS 

. . . Tlie 

Dobert Ilalliday has been transferred here 

from Albany, N. Y to take over as office 

manager at Warner 

Bros., succeeding 

Ned Tilman. Halliday 

was on the booking 

desk for WB in Albany. 

Tilman has gone 

to Austin, Tex., where 

he will make his home 

due to the ill health 

of his wife 

reported sale of a theatre 

operated by Andy 

Andenson at Hodgenville, 

Ky.. has been denied 

Robert Halliday 

by Anderson. The 

house is operated by him on a lease which 

is still in effect. 

Harry Whitefield, exhibitor at Uniontown, 

Ky., who also is a magician, entertained at 

Kiwanis club luncheon here in the Claypool 

hotel recently . . . Grey Kilburn, manager of 

the Uptown, is under observation at the 

Methodist hospital . . . Tom McCleaster, 

20th-Fox manager, was home ill several days 

Victory, 20th-Fox salesman, spent 

the weekend with his family in Jamaica, N. Y. 

ill . . . 

Jack Dowd, manager at Republic, spent 

. . Joe several days in Fort Wayne . 

of the Reiss circuit, Louisville, was 

Reiss 

home 

Vernon Powell, manager of the Orpheum 

and Airway theatres, Louisville, reports 

a complete remodeling of the Orpheum 

. 

Abrams, Film Classics manager, 

was in LouLsville. 

Claude McKean reports "Johnny Belinda" 

and "Treasure of Sierra Madre" returned 

Zoning Changes Denied 

MADISON—An application for a rezoning 

permit to allow construction of an outdoor 

theatre on Middleton road near here, 

met an initial setback when the Dane 

county zoning board denied the change. 

Further hearings will be held, however, by 

zoning authorities. 

The theatre would be built for William 

Greene, owner of an outdoor theatre on 

highway 51 near here. The area under 

consideration is now zoned for residential 

construction only. Main objection to rezoning 

is that construction of a drive-in would 

create a traffic hazard. 

Drive-In for Lebanon Started 

LEBANON, MO.—Clifford Hough and 

Ralph Hough have announced plans for the 

construction of a 200-car drive-in on route 

32 about five miles east of here. They hope 

to open June 1. The Hough brothers are 

the owners of a general store and automobile 

service station in this area. 

Rebuih Strand Is Opened 

EQUALITY, ILL.—The 300-seat Strand, 

owned by George W. Joyner, has been playing 

to nice business since it was opened 

about two weeks ago. The rebuilding of this 

house was started about a year ago. 

at Keith's from March 30 to April 5, following 

the Academy awards and in Evans- 

. . . 

ville, Terre Haute, Lafayette, Muncie, etc. 

The Variety Tent 10 will hold its annual 

tournament August 29 . . . Herman 

golf 

Morgan, U-I salesman, had a slight attack of 

virus-X and wâs confined at home several 

Peter Rosian, U-I district manager, 

days . . . 

conferred with Manager Ted Mendlessohn. 

W. K. Embleton has succeeded Carl Harthill 

as branch manager 

for Monogram 

pictures here. Harthill, 

after 40 years in 

the indu.stry, will take 

a rest for an indefinite 

period. He has 

been associated with 

Monogram since 1937. 

Embleton has been 

with the firm for five 

years . . . Leroy Furman, 

representative of 

Ted Gamble, conferred 

W. K. Embleton here with Kenneth 

Collins, general manager of the Greater Indianapolis 

Amusement Co. 

Johnson Musselman. Rialto manager, Louisville, 

has booked "Canadian Pacific" and "A 

Letter to Three Wives" for Easter week . . . 

George Landis jr., son of George Landis sr., 

of Amusement Enterprises, attended the Indiana 

state basketball finals held at Butler 

university. Landis is a student at Notre 

Dame university. 

William Conners of the Marionair Drive- 

In, Marion, 111., will open the theatre April 

15 . . "Mother Is a Freshman" was shown 

. 

at the Princess, Bloomington, on a premiere 

basis. It ran for six days to outstanding 

business. 

Plover Airer Under Way 

PLOVER, WIS.—Construction is under 

way on buildings for the new Highway 51 

Drive-In imder construction for the Badger 

Outdoor Theatre Co. of Minneapolis on 

highway 51 here. Tower, projection and 

concessions buildings all are under way. 

Grading on the site was done last fall. 

Opening date for the new drive-in has been 

set tentatively for May 8. 

To Play Professor Kropotkin 

Hans Conried has been cast to play the 

role of Professor Kropotkin in the Paramount 

picture, "My Piiend Irma." 

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Twenty-four hour service 

BOXOFFICE :: AprU 9. 1949 61

. . Another 

MADISON 

prank J. McWilliams, local theatre operator, 

recently retm-ned from a Florida vacation 

. winter dodger, back from 

a trip to the border states, is Fred Reeth, 

manager of the Capitol Theatre, who returned 

to the job recently. 

Hugh Flannery, manager of the Orpheum, 

offered 26 guest tickets to fans who could 

list four films starring Claudette Colbert 

and Fred MacMurray. The contest publicized 

"Family Honeymoon," which was scheduled 

for a one-week run at the theatre. 

KETTLES IN ST. LOUIS—Exhibitors and stars met in St. Louis for the recent 

showing: of "Ma and Pa Kettle" following the world premiere of that picture in 

Kansas City. Pictured above are, top, left to right: Tom Bloomer, exhibitor from 

Belleville, III.; Richard Long; Tom Edwards, president of the MPTOA in the St. 

Louis area; Percy Kilbride; Ranny Pedrucci of the Frisina Amusement Co.; Marjorie 

Main; Russell Mortenson, Fox Midwest, St. Louis; Clarence Kaimann, Kaimann 

Theatre circuit; Meg Randall and Dell Chain. Bottom, left: Lou Ansell of 

Ansell Amusement Co.; Marjorie Main; Harry Arthur III and Edward Arthur of 

Fanchon & Marco Theatres, and I. Weinshienk of Publix Great States Theatres. 

Right: Francis Kaimann of Kaimann theatres; Curt Ray of station KMOX in St. 

Louis; 

Tom Edwards, Meg Randall and Lou Ansell. 

Build a Better 

Business! 

Showmanship is the answer 

to many a question 

as to poor patronage for 

your shows. Improve your 

methods and earn more 

profits by reading — 

SHOWMANDISER 

SECTION 

Every Week -in BOXOFFICE 

. . . 

Theatre ushers came in for their share of 

criticism in a recent local newspaper screen 

betterment essay contest. Courtesy, or the 

lack of it, was the theme of the complaints 

"Oklahoma!" comes to the Parkway for 

a week, starting April 18. 

From the 

BOXOFFICE FILES 

• • • 

(Twenty Years Ago) 

RESIDENTS of Webster Groves, Mo., suburb 

of St. Louis, rejected by a heavy vote a 

repeal of an ordinance to prohibit Sunday 

shows and other amusement. It was feared 

this competition would cut into church attendance 

on Sunday evenings . . Tlie tornado 

. 

of last year hit the Skouras Bros. En- 

terprises very hard, and not till lately have 

Skouras stocks showed signs of paying dividends. 

Now that sound pictures have been 

installed in many of its leading houses, it 

is understood the company will soon resume 

payments. 

* * * 

Charles Raymond, for 11 months manager 

of Loew's State Theatre in St. Louis, is now 

district manager for the Loew's Theatres in 

Baltimore . . . E. N. Thompson of Port 

Washington, Wis., was named manager of 

the Classic Theatre in Sparta by the incoming 

organization which took over the Badger 

showhouse last week. 

* * * 

Reginald Stahl, former manager of the 

Colonial in Green Bay, Wis., has been named 

manager of the Palace, another of the Midwesco 

chain in Artigo, Wis. 

Three Foreign Films for Adults 

CHICAGO—The Motion Picture Censor 

board of the Chicago police department reviewed 

119 pictures, 555,000 feet of film, last 

month and classified for adults three foreign 

films: Continental's (Italian) "Lost Happiness," 

Super (Italian) "Susan Spina," and 

Praga (Bohemian) "Rozina, the Love Child." 

Sales Tax Receipts Rise 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—Illinois sales tax receipts 

for the first two months of 1949 

jumped more than six million dollars to a 

total of $34,260,695. In the same period last 

year the tax amounted to $28,196,993. 

In Romantic Spots 

Edward Norris and Movita have been cast 

for top romantic spots in RKO's "Renegade 

of the Rancho." 


\ Ticket Tax Proposal 

I 

Killed in Minnesota 

MINNEAPOLIS—The proposal to enable 

Minnesota municipalities to impose admission 

taxes up to 20 iêr cent in event of the 

federal la\\''s repeal was killed when the 

house repudiated its legislative committee's 

favorable recommendation by a voice vote 

after first rejecting it for prel minary approval. 

42 to 35. The demise repre.sents a 

victory for North Central Allied and the 

Minnesota Amusement Co.. 

which fought the 

bill bitterly, and a defeat for the League of 

Municipalities, comprising local officials. The 

latter sponsored the measure. 

Before the vote was taken, bitter debate 

continued for nearly two hours. The tide was 

believed to have been turned when Rep. L. 

Haeg made a fighting speech against it, declaring 

that the solution for the f nancing 

problems of municipalities lies in a decrea.se 

of government costs. Rep. A. L. Bergerud had 

explained that he introduced the bill because 

it would afford municipalities a means of 

getting needed additional funds. 

Previous to killing the bill outright, the 

house had approved on amendment to require 

referendums on the admission tax in any 

municipality with a home rule charter. St. 

Paul citizens a year ago decisively defeated a 

proposed municipal admission tax. 

J. K. Redmond Assumes 

New Fox Midwest Post 

KANSAS CITY— Joseph K. Redmond jr., 

associated with Fox Midwest Theatres snce 

1931 and recently manager of the downtown 

Esquire here, has assumed his new duties 

as assistant to Senn Lawler. circuit publicity 

and public relations drector. 

Redmond began his career as an usher at 

the Uptown Theatre here in 1930. Subsequent 

moves took him to the Tower and the 

Brookside theatres. He served in the army 

signal corps for nearly three years during 

the last war. After his discharge, he returned 

to the Tower and in May 1948 to the E.squire. 

Muehlebach Hotel Chosen 

As Allied Conclave Site 

KANSAS CITY—The Muehlebach hotel 

here has been selected as the site for the 

annual spring convention of the Kansas- 

Mis.souri Allied unit, to be in session June 

7, 8, according to O. F. Sullivan, Wichita, 

president. Preparations for the convention 

now are being made by C. M. Parkhurst, general 

manager, and a special committee which 

includes Jay Means, Kansas City, chairman: 

V. R. Stamm, Kansas City: Ben Adams, El 

Dorado, and Don Phillips, Colby, Kas. 

Mrs. M. R. Epstein Dies 

ST. JOSEPH, MO.—Funeral services were 

held here last Monday i4i for Mrs. Morris 

A. Epstein, 57, silent film star known as 

Leona Hutton 25 years ago, who died April 1 

at Toledo, Ohio. A native of Gait, Mo., Mrs. 

Epstein attended schools here before going 

to California, One of her last roles in silent 

films was the feminine lead in "Typhoon." 

Survivors include two sisters, one in Kansas 

City and the other in Independence, Mo, 

Aid Good Films, Skouras 

Tells Fox Midwest Group 

Triple Sneak Pays 

OH in Kansas City 

Kansas City—Kea.soning that three of 

anythin.1; is better than a single item, 

HI. D. Cohn, Paramount Theatre manager 

here, applied the idi-a to advance screenings 

of films—and he came up with what 

he calls a triple sneak preview! Guided 

by his promotional instincts and an impulse 

to sample the opinions of fans on 

"Bride of Vengeance," Cohn arranged 

three consecutive showings of the forthcoming 

Paramount release at the house 

Friday (8) at 6, 8 and 10 p. m. 

With a wire recorder supplementing 

the customary preview cards handed to 

patrons, the lobby of the Paramount was 

crowded throughout the evening. "How 

could I lose?" Cohn inquired as the last 

of the patrons left the theatre. "Boy. 

did I get opinions! And three times as 

many of them!" 

Two More Theatres Seek 

28-Day Twin City Deals 

MINNEAPOLIS—Two more local theatres 

have added their names to the rapidly growing 

list of houses .seeking 28-day availability. 

They are the Kaplan-Rubenslein Hollywood 

and the Ted Mann Alhambra. 

One exchange manager said it will be impossible 

to give 28-day availability to all the 

theatres seeking it, as such action would defeat 

the purpose of the new clearance which 

is to put the more important independent 

houses on the same basis as the Minnesota 

Amusement Co.'s Uptown, which formerly 

had the early availability exclusively. All 

the 28-day houses pay the same percentage 

as the Uptown for pictures. 

Branch managers admit it will be a problem 

to the exchanges to decide which independents 

theatres should have 28-day ava'lability 

and which should be denied it, and they face 

the prospect of being accused of discrimination. 

If things reach a pass where the neighborhood 

situations are in conflict with one 

anothel- over clearance, it may be necessary 

to institute competitive bidding for the 28- 

day clearance, the branch managers point 

out. 

Don Bloxham Is Booker 

For Iowa United Chain 

SHELDON, IOWA- -Don Bloxham, who has 

been in Sheldon the last two months, has accepted 

the position of booker for the Iowa 

United Theatre circuit of Des Moines, effective 

April 1. Bloxham formerly was manager 

of the Varsity at Des Moines. 

Johnny Jones Is Promoted 

OMAHA—Johnny Jones. Monogram booker, 

has been promoted to salesman out of the 

Omaha office. Jerry Levin, formerly with 

RKO in Los Angeles, succeeds Jones as 

booker. 

KANSAS CITY—The giving to meritorious 

product of a maximum of playing time and 

exploitation in all situations was urged by 

Charles P, Skouras. National Theatres president, 

at an annual meeting of the divisional 

Pox Midwest circuit officials and theatre 

managers here last Thur.sday

• 

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. convalescing 

KANSAS 

paul N. Lazarus sr.. New York, United Artists 

sales executive who has been convalescing 

after a serious illness at St. Joseph 

hospital here, returned 

to his home with his 

son Paul N. Lazarus jr.. 

who came to Kansas 

City to accompany his 

father eastward . . . 

William B. Zoellner, 

New York, MGM short 

subjects sales manager, 

conferred with A. L. 

Adler, local branch 

manager. 

Albert Dezel, Detroit, 

Paul N. Lazarus sr. Albert Dezel Productions 

head, was here for sales conferences 

with Walter Lambader, local branch manager 

. . . R. R. Thompson, SRO district man- 

. . 

. . . 

ager, left for Des Moines and adjacent territory 

in connection with "Portrait of Jennie" 

bookings . Jim States. Paramomrt booking 

Howard 

manager, observed his birthday 

Burkhardt, Midland manager, planned to 

leave April 19 for a vacation to be spent in 

New York, Baltimore and other cities. 

. . . 

Earl Brown, former Roxy manager, was 

after an illness with pneumonia 

Don Davis, RCA-Victor district man- 

CITY

. . Ben 

. . Harry 

From the BOXOFFICE Files 

« « • 


THE BIGGEST Holy week gross in the history 

of the Publix Newman in Kansas 

City was recorded recently by •Close Harmony," 

in which Buddy Rogers, one of the 

foremost citizens of Kansas, makes his talking 

debut. At Buddy's invitation the 90- 

piece band from the University of Kansas 

attended. 

^ * • 

Ninety-six per cent of the exhibitors questioned 

recently replied that they can and 

always will be able to use silents to compete 

with soimd, all other things being equal. It is 

agreed that talking pictures at first created 

a tremendous impetus in boxoffice receipts, 

but it is also true that the novelty is worn 

off or is rapidly becoming so. 

* * * 

Showmen on Filmrow in Kansas City: Joe 

Na.sh, Mainstreet, Platte City, Mo.; Delmer 

F. Harris, Concordia, Kas.: Manager Nugen, 

Marshall, Mo.; J. H. Campbell, Strand, Osage 

City, Kas.; Roy Dunnuck, Royal, Hiawatha, 

Kas.; Charles Fish, Opera House, Butler, 

Mo.; Rank Weary, Farris, Richmond, Mo. 

* « * 

. . . B. J. Benfield, 

. B. Hulett has 

. 

Edward Wolfe, until recently one of the 

publishers of the Platte. S. D., Tribune, has 

purchased the Loraine Theatre at that place, 

according to an announcement by H. W. 

Hewitt, former owner 

Graceville, Minn., has taken over the Mc- 

Cauley Theatre at Glenwood, Minn., making 

eight on his chain . Ward, formerly 

manager of the Garden Theatre in Iowa City, 

is to become assistant to Harold D. Barnes, 

manager of the Central States Theatre Corp. 

interests in Burlington . 

piuxhased the Grand 

. S. 

Theatre at Dawson, 

Minn. Berger, owner of the State 

in Grand Forks, N. D.. State in Sioux Falls, 

S. D., and the Elko in Bamidji, visited Minneapolis 

recently. 

Kansas City Showmen 

Balk at Curfew Terms 

KANSAS CITY -Objection to certain provisions 

of proposed amendments to the existing 

municipal curfew law here were voiced 

by a delegation of theatremen at a public 

hearing on the changes Friday afternoon i8i 

at the city hall. Tlie amendments would 

make the law apply to children under 17 

instead of under the present age of 15. They 

would permit children to stay out until 11 

p. m. on nights preceding school days and 

until midnight on other nights. The present 

curfew hour is 9 p. m. every night. 

Under terms of the amendments, children 

under 17 could not be in theatres or other 

places of amusement after 11 p. m. preceding 

a school day except when accompanied 

by a parent, guardian or other adult into 

whose custody he may be committed. A 

parent or guardian who allows a child to 

violate the curfew may be found guilty of a 

misdemeanor. 

Theatremen who permit children under 17 

to enter or remain in a place of amusement 

after the proposed curfew hour, under terms 

of the new amendments, would be liable and 

each instance of violation would be a separate 

offense. 

While the local motion picture industry is 

cooperating in all efforts to curb juvenile 

delinquency, theatremen believe that the 

proposed amendments would place an unwarranted 

burden on them and that compliance 

with the curfew law should be the 

major concern of parents or guardians. 

Among local theatremen who attended the 

hearing were Dick Brous, Fox Midwest Theatres 

attorney; R. R. Biechele, Kansas-Missouri 

Theatre A.ss'n legislative chairman; Jay 

Means, Kansas-Missouri Allied board member; 

Senn Lawler, Pox Midwest public relations 

director; Arthur H. Cole. Paramount 

representative; Leon Robertson, Fox Midw-est 

city manager; M. D. Cohn, Paramount 

Theatre manager, and others. 

Northwest Drive-Ins 

Expected to Hit 42 

Minneapolis—The number of drive-ins 

e.vpeeted to be in operation in the territory 

before the end of the impending summer 

has risen to 42. Recent additions to 

the list include a third such stand for 

the Home Theatres at Park Rapids, Minn., 

and the Paul Mans-Lee Bros.' drive-in 

at Pipestone, Minn. 

There were only eight drive-in theatres 

in the territory at the end of last 

summer. 

Circuits, Booth Union 

Sigin 3-Year Contract 

MINNEAPOLIS—Tlie Minnesota Amusement 

Co. and RKO-Theatres here have 

signed a new three-year contract with the 

local booth operators' union, retroactive to 

last mid-December, under which the projectionists 

receive a 3 per cent wage boost 

the first year and 2 per cent for each of the 

succeeding two years. Local independent exhibitors 

also recently made a new pact with 

the operators, granting them a scale increase. 

Plugs 'Knock' in Omaha 

OMAHA—Manager Larry Caplane and 

publicist Louise Cotter, promoting "Knock 

on Any Door," invited the police, judges, 

juvenile officials, PTA and school board 

members to a screening. Also arranged was 

an advertising tiein for a half page with a 

lumber company and a KOIL Man on the 

Street radio show. 

Bruce Holdridge Injured 

SHENANDOAH. IOWA — Bruce Holdridge, 

owner of the State Theatre here, who is in 

Edmundson hospital, Council Bluffs, with two 

broken arms, is reported getting along weB. 

Holdridge was injured in an automobile accident. 

Magician Visits Manhattan 

MANHATTAN, KAS. — The local Junior 

Chamber of Commerce sponsored the appearance 

last week of Virgil, the magician. 

Virgil travels with seven tons of equipment, 

has four changes of .scenery and a troupe 

of five. Proceeds from the Virgil show will 

be used to pay expenses for the annual Soapbox 

derby to be held In July as well as for 

other sponsored youth welfare projects. 

Hosts Nine Baseball Clubs 

GEORGE, IOWA—Merril Fie, manager of 

the George Theatre here, was host to high 

school baseball clubs of northwest Iowa at a 

recent showing of "The Babe Ruth Story." 

Ball clubs attended from the following cities: 

Larchwood. Inwood, Lester. Doon, Alvord. 

Little Rock, Boyden, Ashton and George. The 

teams also were shown a film on the 1948 

World Series. 

Harry Weiss Takes Over 

MINNEAPOLIS—Harry Weiss, transferred 

from Brooklyn, has taken over as RKO Theatres' 

division manager here. He occupied 

a similar position in Brooklyn. He succeeds 

William Clark who died recently. 

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114 W. 18th STREET KANSAS CITY 8. MO. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 67

. . . Another 

' 

. . . Lucille 

. . Raymond 

. . 

D E S 

MOINES 

"C L- Walton, Republic vice-president of New 

York, and Harold Lefholtz. Omaha manager 

for Republic, are meeting with the Republic 

staff here in 

connection with the 

change in managership 

of the Des Moines 

office. Filmrowers will 

miss Dave Nelson after 

his four years here. 

Paul Webster takes 

over Nelson's duties 

visitor in 

the Republic exchange 

is auditor M. A, Fallon 

. . . Bill Dippert, Republic 

booker, is back 

at his desk after an illness 

of several days. 

E. L. Walton 

Publicity men have been busy preparing 

. . , Fay 

. . Bill Smith, manager 

. . , Several 

for the opening of Eagle Lion's "Tulsa" at 

the Paramomit and Roosevelt theatres April 

14. Cy Freeman and Milt Overman, both EL 

representatives, have been in town 

Black has returned to her job in the purchasing 

department at Tri-States after a 

month's stay in Idaho . 

of the Highland Theatre in Des Moines, 

is back at work after an operation 

screenings were held: The Tri- and 

Central 

States girls saw "Flamingo Road" at a 

special preview in the Paramount screening 

room . . . Harold Lyon was host to Hallmark 

card dealers for a showing of "Little Women" 

. . . Lou Levy held a screening of Universal's 

"Ma and Pa Kettle." 

COMPLETELY NEW 

HORKY'S CAFE 

Bigger and Better Than Ever 

— Featuring 'Delish' Steaks 

1202 High St. Des Moines, Iowa 

"Where Filmrow Friends Gather 

Open Daily at 4 p. m. 

Mary Evelyn Forseman, Tri-States merchandising 

department, was on the sick list 

. . . Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Blank are vacationing 

in Hot Springs . . . Arthur Herzog jr. of 

U-I was here for the run of "Hamlet." Marion 

Kenyon, veteran helper-outer on the Row. 

was in charge of the boxoffice at the Ingersoll 

during the run of the prize-winner, and 

all reports indicated a huge success for the 

Des Moines showing. 

. . . Universal's 

Wayne Mahana, Tri-States drive-in manager 

here, .attended a meeting in St. Louis 

for drive-in managers in this part of the 

country . Cook is the new treasurer 

at the Paramount here 

new assistant cashier is Berniece Dykstra, 

blond and blue-eyed and a cheerful addition 

to the Row . Among the visitors on the 

. . 

Row were Irving Synnes of New London and 

Ernie Pannos of Iowa City. Among those long 

absent are John Maclay and Jim Yiannes 

of Dubuque. Exchange managers hope to see 

them on High street soon. 

Jo Coffman, former Warner cashier, and 

wife of Herman Coffman. EL salesman, is recuperating 

after an operation . . . Eagle Lion 

salesmen are getting ready for their Presidents' 

week drive, AprO 29-May 6. They hope 

to do top business during those days . 

Mayo Beatty was on the Row talking with 

his many friends. He reports that he's redecorated 

his house in Colfax and put in new 

chairs . . . Harold Langer, MGM assistant 

shipper, is back at his job after an illness . . . 

Helen McGregor of MGM is happy to have 

moved her family, husband and two daughters, 

from their small apartment to a house 

Chicilli, MGM inspector, has been 

moved from the hospital to her home where 

she is recuperating . . . Clara Epping, former 

contract clerk at MGM, visited the office 

gang from her home in Oskaloosa. 

Alliance Theatre corporation, Chicago, consists 

of 66 theatres. 

Jlt^ Put Comfort First . . 

HEYWOOD-i 

WAKEFIELD 

DES 

National 

long service as well. 

And with the new He-ywood-Wakefield theatre 

chairs, you are sure of appearance and 

Sturdy, steel construction assures you 

of long, trouble-free service. Come in and see for yourself 

the wide selection of colors and fabrics. 

MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

Mohawk Carpets 

Carbons 

1121-23 High St. 

* Heywocd-Wakefield Seating 

Phone 3-6520 

Projector Repair Service 

Des Moines, Iowa 

Second Jennie' Week 

170 at Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY—The advent of spring 

weather bolstered trade at local first i-uns 

generally. "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," 

dualed with "Boston Blacke's Chinese 'Venture" 

at the Midland, rang up a hefty 140 per 

cent to lead the newcomers and rate a holdover. 

"El Paso," single billed at the Paramount, 

carded a lusty 125 per cent and earned 

a second w'eek. "Portrait of Jennie," in a 

second stanza at the Kimo and the Dickinson, 

continued to draw at a steady pace. After 

a record-breaking initial week day-date at 

the Tower. Uptow-n and Fairway. "Ma and 

Pa Kettle" rounded out a lively second frame. 


Esguire— In the Navy (U-I), Saps at Sea (UA), 

reissues 90 

Kimo, Dickinson Portrait of Jennie (SRO), 

2nd wk 170 

Midland—Take Me Out to the Ball Game (MGM); 

Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture (Col) 

Orpheum-The Sel-Up (RKG); Gun Smugglers 

140 

(RKO) 100 

Paramount—El Paso (Para) 125 

Roxy—Flight Lieutenant (Col); Coast Guard (Col), 

reissues 75 

Tower, Uptown, Fairway—Ma and Pa Kettle (U-I), 

2nd wk 95 

"Nick Beal' Grosses 135 

In Minneapolis 

MINNEAPOLIS — "Alias Nick Beal" and 

"Family Honeymoon" were the only important 

newcomers here and both came through 

with flying colors. "Nick Beal" grossed 135 

per cent and "Honeymoon" garnered 125 per 

cent. The long holdover list included "The 

Red Shoes" in its sixth week, "A Letter to 

Three Wives" in its third and "Knock on 

Any Door" and the dual bill "Johnny Belinda" 

and "Treasure of Sierra Madre" in 

their second weeks. 

Aster—Highway 13 (SG), Parole. Inc. (EL) 90 

Century—A Letter to Three Wives (20th-Fox), 

3rd d t. wk 110 

Gopher Tiwo Yanks in Trinidad (Col); 

Destroyer (Col), reissues 100 

Lyceum Gone With the Wind (MGM), reissue, 

4 days 100 

Lyric Johnny Belinda (WB); Treasure of Sierra 

Madre (WB), 2nd run 110 

Pix—The Search (MGM), 2nd run 100 

Radio City Family Honeymoon (U-I) 125 

RKO-Orpheum Knock on Any Door (Col), 

2nd wk., 5 days 100 

RKO-Pan—Sergeant York (WB); Castle on the 

Hudson (WB), reissues 100 

State—Alias Nick Beal (Para) 135 

World—The Red Shoes (EL). 6th wk 200 

"Hone'ymoon' Registers 140 

As Omaha Trade Improves 

OMAHA—Warm spring weather proved to 

be a tonic for local first run trade. "Family 

Honeymoon" at the Paramount chalked up a 

lively 140 per cent to lead first run trade. 

"South of St. Louis." with "Blondie's Big 

Deal" at the Brandeis, and "The Bribe," 

with "'Violence" at the State, tied for the 

second spot with ratings of 125 per cent. 

Omaha ^Mother Is a Freshman {20th-Fox). 

2nd wk ; The Creeper (20th-Fox) 100 

Orpheum—The Life of Riley (U-I); The Return 

of Wildfire (SG) 105 

Paramount Family Honeymoon (U-I) 14U 

RKO-Brandeis-South of St. Louis (WB); 

Blondie's Big Deal (Col) 125 

State—The Bribe (MGM); Violence (Mono) 125 

Town Lady at Midnight (EL), 2nd run. Village 

Bam Dance (Rep), reissue; Borrowred Trouble 

(20th-Fox), reissue), split with Gunning for 

Justice (Col); Secret Service (RKO), reissue 100 

Fete Warner Cashier 

DES MOINES—Myrtle Bechtel, Warner 

cashier, was honored by employes of the exchange 

in her 20th anniversary of service 

with the company. 


j 

. . Omaha 

. . 

. . 

. . Thomas 

Projectionist Hanson 

Is Ready for Video 

EAGLE GROVE, IOWA--Gerhaid •Gizzy" 

Hanson is the electrical wizard of Eagle Grove. 

Besides operating the projection machines at 

the Piincess Theatre here. "Gizzy" built and 

is operating a powerful short wave radio set. 

His projection room and .shop above the 

theatre is an electrician's dream. Wire, tape, 

tools and radio tubes are stren-n on all the 

benches and tables. His present projects 

cover the floor and walls, while his latest 

inventions sit in corners waiting for finishing 

touches. Television in theatres was predicted 

by "Gizzy" more than ten years ago. 

He got his class A and cla.ss B licenses so 

that he will have full privileges when television 

comes to Eagle Grove. 

MILLIONAIRE AT PENNY A FOOT 

He has been a projectionist for 26 years and 

he has run an astonishing amount of film 

since he started in February 1925. He says, 

"If I had a penny for every foot I've run, I 

wouldn't have to work any more." If someone 

gave him a penny for every foot of film 

he has run, "Gizzy" would have a comfortable 

nest egg of more than $3,500,000. The 

film would wrap around the equator more 

than 1.000 times. "Gizzy" has seen motion 

pictures change a great deal in the last 

quarter of a century. He has seen the seating 

capacity of his theatre grow, projectors 

come and go, and talking pictures and color 

move onto the screen. 

He is especially proud of his modern projection 

booths. The architect consulted him 

on plans for the room and it is "Gizzy's" 

dream. He is a tall man, so everythmg is 

built on a large scale. The tables, benches 

and peep-holes are too high for the ordinary 

man. "Gizzy" installed the equipment himself, 

and he says, "Anyone can have fancy 

equipment, but you have to know how to get 

the good out of it." 

A RADIO HAM 

The theatre has a special feature for the 

hard-of-hearing. Six seats have headphones 

and an amplifier so that the intensity of ths 

sound can be increased for those who do 

not hear well. Some oldtimers use this outfit 

at comedies so the laughing in the audience 

will not drown out any of the jokes, 

"Gizzy" says. "Gizzy" began "dabbling in 

radio" back in 1922. He began reaching foreign 

countries by short wave in 1926. He 

has contacted Honolulu, Chile, New Zealand, 

Tasmania, England and Australia. He built 

his present set himself, using government 

surplus materials as much as possible. He 

now has as powerful a set as the government 

will allow an amateur to operate. 

"Gizzy" operates his set for several hours 

three or four nights a week. He uses code 

instead of voice, saying, "code isn't as fast, 

but it is more important." 

LEAK THEATRE SALES 

A Now Proven Method Based on 

Reputation and Experience. We 

covei the U. S. Market Privately. 

BERT THOMAS 

Arthur Leak < 

| 

Ses Moines 13, la. 

i 

Phone 4-90B7 i 

Manager, 

1109 Orchard 

Midwest Office 

Lane 

Confidential Correspondence I 

Invited 

OMAHA 

M'ew drive-ins are planned for Sheldon and 

Red Oak. Iowa, according to reports on 

H. A. Parrot, owner 

the film grapevine . . . 

of the Strand at Milford, Iowa, plans to get 

his Lakeland Drive-In operating May 1. It 

was opened for a short time last fall . . 

. 

The Pioneer circuit, which operates the Arrow 

at Cherokee, Iowa, expects to have its 

new drive-in open by the same date. 

. . . 

Bill Johnanssen, owner of the Wonderland 

Theatre at Paulina, Iowa, has returned from 

Mayo's where he underwent a checkup 

Clyde Cooley, 20th-Fox screening room 

operator and lATSE secretary, is down with 

the mumps . . . John Thompson, exploiteer 

for "The Red Shoes," arrived in town from 

Dorothy Weaver, 20th- 

New York City . . . 

Fox assistant cashier, is on vacation in California 

with her mother and is visiting a 

sister. 

Elvira Ro.selund, RKO cashier, is out of 

the hospital and has gone to Lincoln where 

she will spend four to six weeks convalescing 

at her sister's home . . . Lou Wiener, owner 

of the West Theatre, Sioux City, had hard 

luck on his way back from Texas and burned 

out a motor. He has been away five weeks 

. . . Carl Johnson, Red Oak exhibitor, is back 

from a trip to Hot Springs. 

Ed Delaney, owner of the Lyric at Marcus, 

Iowa, is sporting a new auto ... A sideline 

with Harold Klingman, owner of the 

Prim at Primghar, Iowa, is his cabinet-making 

ability. He now has taken over a partially-built 

house and is finishing it up . 

Marrie Hassett, Paramount head in.spector 

who has been ailing, is back on the job. 

A. 

D. V. McLucas, United Artists manager, 

bought a new .set of puncture-proof tires 

before leaving on his trip to New Mexico. 

He had a blowout the first day out. had to 

change tires, on a freshly-oiled road . 

D. L. Prank, owner of the Plaza at Hum- 

boldt, is down with the flu . . . 

Burke of A.s.sociated Theatres, Minneapolis, 

was in town booking for the new Pix Theatre 

at Pickstown, S. D. The Pickstown Theatre 

Corp. won the bid for the new theatre 

. . . Bill Toney, Tri-States Theatres maintenance 

chief,, and William Miskell, district 

manager, spent a couple of days at Hastings 

and Grand Island, 

The new Dick Constantino unit Miskell 

helped set up at Sioux City went so well 

that it bumped the regular picture off the 

bill at the Capitol Theatre on its final day. 

Seven stage shows were squeezed in on the 

Omaha is 

last day at 85 cents a head . . . 

next and the prospects are even brighter 

. . A. H. 

since there is no NBC station here . 

Records, former exhibitor at Hebron. Neb., 

has set his son-in-law up in the filling station 

business. 

. . 

Ed Cohen, Eagle Lion boss, visited exhibitors 

in the south part of the state . . Frank 

. 

Hollingsworth, owTier of the Victory Theatre 

at Beatrice, is back from five weeks at Hot 

Springs . is now in the Chicago 

Paramount division. New division manager 

is James Donahue. Salesman, branch manager 

and office manager w.ll go into Chicago 

for a meeting in May . Rita Mlnarik, booker's 

stenographer at Paramount, has resigned. 

Visitors along Filmrow: Mr. and Mrs. 

Harold Dunn. Valentine; Olie Schneider, 

Osceola; Frank Simek. Ashland; Raymond 

Brown. Harlan. low'a; Bob Holdridge. Shenandoah. 

Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cook, 

David City; Eddie Kugel. Holstein; Frank 

Good. Red Oak. Iowa; Phil Lannon. West 

Point; Carl Johnson. Red Oak. Iowa; Mr. 

and Mrs. John Noffsinger. Madison; Bill 

King. Shelby, Neb.; Herman Fields, Clarinda, 

Iowa, and Joe Chantry, former exhibitor at 

Osceola. 

. 

. . . 

Monogram's Sol Francis went to Denver on 

business R. Lynch, formerly 

of Omaha, was a technical adviser for "Whispering 

Smith" . . . Wedding bells rang for 

Emma Ann Mcintosh, Monogram secretary 

Bob Holdridge's new son is named Robert 

Bruce jr. 

Omaha Drive-In to Open 

OMAHA—Tri-States Theatres will open 

the Omaha Drive-In April 15. Free souvenirs 

of a two-tone plastic key ring and license 

holder will go to these attending the 

opening. Bernard Dudgeon will shift from 

the helm of the Omaha to manager of the 

open-air house. 

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BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949 69

'Snake Pit' 

Minnesota 

Leads Ballot 

Circuit 

On Oscar Award Film 

MINNEAPOLIS—Two of 100-odd persons 

Honors A! Anson 

successfully picked "Hamlet" as the 1948 

MINNEAPOLIS—Accompanied by Ev Seibel, 

publicity head, and booker Dan O'Neill. fered by the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune 

Oscar picture and won theatre passes of- 

Harry B. French, Minn 

e s o t a Amusement 

"Hamlet" should be named. One received a 

on the basis of statements expla ning why 

Co. president, went 

three-month pass to Radio City and the 

to 

other a 

Duluth and Grand 

one of similar length to the RKO- 

Forks this week 

Orpheum. 

to hold 

According to the 

meetings 

Sunday Tribune, upper 

of theatre 

and district managers 

midwest balloters rang the bell on three of 

five 

for the company's 

top choices. "Hamlet" hadn't been 

eighth annual May- 

shown in most Minnesota cities at the time 

June drive. This year's 

of the contest and the upper midwest vote 

drive is called the 

was for "The Snake Pit" as the best picture. 

Golden Jubilee in dedicat:'on 

to the 50 years 

went to Jean Simmons in "Hamlet." instead 

For the best supporting actress, the vote 

that Al Anson, drive 

of to Claire Ti'evor in "Key Largo." The votes 

captain, has spent in *• Anson 

in the other divisions, however, coincided 

the show business. Anson also was present at with the movie industry's selections. 

the Duluth and Grand Forks meetings and 

gave one of the talks. The drive's slogan is, 

Frank G. Weary to Build 

"Digging for extra gold." in other words, boxoffice 

Increases. Managers of the various Henrietta, Mo., Drive-In 

categories of theatres making the best showings 

will receive $2,000 in prizes. 

KANSAS CITY—Plans for construction of 

a 600-car drive-in to be built at Henrietta, 

Anson, who headquarters in Duluth, has Mo., were disclosed here by Frank G. Weary, 

been in this territory for more than a quarter operator of the 600-seat Farris Theatre at 

century. He managed the Lyceum Theatre Richmond. Mo. 

in Duluth when it was operated by the old 

Construction of the new ozoner is expected 

Finkelstein and Rubin circuit, and continued 

to be started within the next 30 days, according 

to Weary. An order for RCA- 

on when the Minnesota Amusement Co. took 

over. Subsequently, he became city manager Brenkert projection equipment for the drivein 

has been placed with Don Davis. RCA- 

and then district manager, supervising MAC 

theatres in all areas except the Twin Cities. 

Victor district manager. 

He has been active in a variety of civic 

a'fairs, particularly in the Shrine. In the 

Duluth territory, the name Al Anson has become 

synonymous with good showmanship. 

Omaha Showman Seizes 

Ex-Convict, Saves $195 

H's career in show business was started 

in New York where he was on the technical 

OMAHA—Two theatre managers had experience 

with the crime wave this week. 

staff of many hit stage productions. 

Jack Gelfand, manager of the Muse, captured 

an ex-convict who used a toy gun to 

Meyer Stern, Ed Shafton 

try to get $195. The holdup man got ten 

To Variety 

years 

Convention 

from the judge. At the Mil.tary, managed 

by Richard Long, thieves liad better 

OMAHA—The Omaha Variety Club held 

luck. They cleaned $305 out of the safe. Long 

a special meeting and named Chief Barker 

said apparently the safe was improperly 

Meyer L. Stern of Hollywood Pictures Corp. 

locked. 

and attorney Edward Shafton to represent 

it at the Variety Club International convention 

May 2 in San Francisco. 

Bribes on Omaha Film! 

Alternates are Joe Scott, 20th-Pox manager, 

and M. G. Rogers, Film Transport Co. the State Theatre created considerable ex- 

OMAHA—Exploitation of "The Bribe" at 

F. A. Van Husan, national director, also will citement in downtown Omaha. A man dressed 

attend from here. 

and made up to look like Charles Laughton 

passed out bogus $1,000 bills in the central 

To Screenplay 'Wolf Hunters' 

area as a "bribe." Each bill had a serial 

Oliver Drake has been ticketed to screenplay 

"The Wolf Hunters'' for Monogram. number that matched any one of those posted 

number. If a "bribed" person had a serial 

on the bulletin board at the entrance to the 

R. D. Goldberg theatre the reward was two 

free tickets. 

KMTA Board Meet May 3 

KANSAS CITY—A monthly meeting of the 

Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n directors will 

be held May 3 at the Phillips hotel here, 

according to Elmer Bills, Sahsbury, Mo., 

mOTIOn PICTURE SERYICECB. 

president. Subjects to be discussed are expected 

to include progress of legislation now 

12S HYDE «T. • San IraiicTsco(Z) Calif. 

pending in the Missouri leg slature, clearances 

and other matters currently of special 

interest to exhibitors. 

IN-A-CAR SPEAKERS; 

SPEAKER POSTS 


C. Mo. 

Niven Busch has inked John Sturg-es to 

direct "Daybreak,55 starring Lew Ayres and 

Teresa Wright. 

Independent's Offer 

'Ball Game' Winner 

MINNEAPOLIS—"Take Me Out to the Ball 

Game," ace MGM picture, goes into the 400- 

seat World, instead of the 4,000-seat Radio 

City, for its loop first run here. The Ted 

Mann theatre's bid won over that of the 

Minnesota Amusement Co. The terms were 

not revealed, but it is assumed by some that 

a hitch developed between MGM and the 

MAC. Others believe that Mann's bid stacked 

up better for MGM. all things considered, 

than the one submitted by the big Paramount 

circuit. 

MGM is the only company that does not 

permit a moveover of any of its pictures 

downtown here. The RKO theatres here apparently 

do not bid for any of the MGM 

product. 

sched- 

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is 

uled to follow "The Red Shoes" at the World. 

The latter, being roadshown, is in its seventh 

week and a minimum run of ten weeks is in 

prospect. 

Paul Webster Is Named 

Des Moines Manager 

DES MOINES—David Nelson, Republic 

manager here for the last four years, has 

resigned to return to his home in St. Louis. 

His successor will be Paul Webster, former 

Warner manager, U-I salesman, and now 

selling for Warners. 

Nelson was an exhibitor in the St. Louis 

area for 25 years before coming to Des 

Moines on a temporary assignment, which 

stretched into a four-year job. He now will 

become manager of Midcentral Allied with 

offices in St. Louis, taking over his new 

duties the last of April or first of May. 

Webster came here from Salt Lake City 

where he was associated with Warner Bros. 

He has made his home in Des Moines for 

the last two years. 

Dick Stoddard Resigns; 

Manager for Tri-States 

DAVENPORT — Several changes in management 

of Tri-States Theatres in the Quad 

cities have been announced by H. D. Grove, 

district manager. Richard Stoddard, manager 

of the Fort, Rock Island, and city manager 

for Tri-States, has resigned to enter 

the insurance business. He will be replaced 

by Rod McCulloch. manager of the Davenport 

Esquire. 

Howard Spencer, who has been managuig 

the mini Theatre m Moline, will come here 

to take charge at the Esquire, while N. Hogeboom, 

who has been managing the Garden 

here, will assume the management of the 

mini. David Kerr, who has been assistant at 

the Capitol here, will take over at the Garden. 

Manager at Wichita 

WICHITA—Darrell Pi-esnell, formerly of 

Springfield, Mo., has been named manager 

of the Pox Sandra Theatre here, according 

to Ralph Q. Bartlett, city manager. Presnell 

came to the theatre about two months ago. 

He replaces Wayne Wilkerson, who will manage 

the Grand Theatre in Centralia, 111. 

Presnell has announced that a new and enlarged 

concession stand is being installed at 

the Sandra. He has been with Fox since early 

in 1941. 


$100,000 Fire Damage 

To Alliance Columbia 

ALLIANCE, OHIO—Fire caused an estimated 

$100,000 damage to the Columbia Theatre 

here, one of four local houses owaied by 

Marsh Theatres, Inc., Cleveland. The blaze 

started from spontaneous combustion In a 

storage room beneath a balcony stairway, 

where dust mops, polishing compound and 

other cleaning equipment was stored. 

Joseph Gordon and Richard Redding, comanagers 

of the four Marsh houses, estimated 

the loss. The blaze destroyed the interior 

of the 40-year-old 784-seat theatre. Firemen 

fought the blaze for more than six hours, 

aided by the nearby Sebring volunteer department. 

The building is of wood construction 

except for outer brick walls. 

Variety Captains Named 

For Pittsburgh Tent 

PITTSBURGH—Variety Tent 1 announces 

its promotion and fund raising committee 

captains under Thomas F. Ti-oy. chairman, 

and John T. McGreevey, assistant chairman: 

Tom Birks, Charles C. Burstein, Jerry 

Deasy, Carl M. Dozer, M. J. Gallagher. Saal 

Gottlieb. Francis Guehl. Lou Hanna, Joe Hiller, 

C. C. Kellenberg. C. J. Kenfield. Bob 

Kimelman. Paul Krumenacker. Norman Mervis, 

William P. Minnotte, F. D. "Dinty" 

Moore. Jimmy Murray. John T. McGreevey, 

Perry Nathan. M. A. Silver, Tom Troy, Joseph 

Wilkofsky and William Zeilor. 

Hike in Admission Tax 

Asked at Warren, Ohio 

WARREN. OHIO—Tlie city council has 

asked .solicitor Mark J. Williams to prepare 

legislation to increase the city admission tax 

from 3 to 5 per cent and to license candy, 

gum and peanut vending machines. The 

measures are expected to raise $20,000 in additional 

revenue to help meet a $40,000 deficit 

in city operating funds. 

Johnny Daley, 68, Dies; 

Detroit Booking Agent 

DETROIT — Johnny Daley, 68. Detroit 

booking agent, died .suddenly March 26, at 

Lima, Ohio. He had been associated with 

various offices in Detroit for several years, 

and formerly was well known as a vaudeville 

performer. He is survived by his wife. 

Hallmark Staff to Lawton 

WILMINGTON—More than 100 employes 

of Hallmark Productions left Wilmington by 

automobile for a 905-mile drive to Lawton. 

Okla., for the premiere of "The Lawton 

Story." a film dealing with the Wichita 

Mountain Easter pageant at Holy City, near 

Lawton. "The Lawton Story" is the first 

full-length film made of the famous pageant, 

and is in color. 

Seeks Television Permit 

OAK HILL. W. VA.—Robert R. Thomas jr., 

owner of radio station WOAY, has filed application 

with the FCC to build and operate a 

television station here. Oak Hill is the smallest 

community in the nati&n to make such 

an application. 

Michigan Allied Sees Fox Attempt 

To Force Admission Price Hikes 

DETROIT — "Must exhibitors join 

with any 

distributor in a gouging partnership to channel 

more and more money to an ever hungry 

Hollywood, or take steps to increase the 

amount to be retained by the community 

where the money is actually earned," Judge 

Joseph P. Uvick, president of Allied Theatres 

of Michigan, asked this week in a chal- 

JOSEPH P. 

UVICK 

lenge to new film rental deals proposed by 

Andy W. Smith jr.. Al Lichtman and Charles 

Einfeld of 20th Century-Fox. 

"Where does the xmfair division of the 

public's money that 20th-Fox representatives 

cite exist." Uvick asked. "Does it exist in 

the bulging, popcorn pockets of the plutocratic 

exhibitor, who is holding out on the 

poor, helpless producer?" 

Uvick reiterated his contention that exhibitors 

cannot conceal their income in view 

of checking services, "which at times includes 

the receiving tellers at our local 

banks." and insisted "it must be the public's 

money they (the producers) are after." He 

challenged such a move as contrary to present 

economic trends toward lower prices. 

EXHIBITORS ARE PERMANENT 

Although the Supreme Court made it impossible 

for distributors to "legally force us 

to raise prices to our customers," Uvick said, 

"they can circumvent price-fixing laws and 

compel us to do it for them instead. The 

inspired wisdom of the ages has descended 

upon the selected three. All that's necessary 

is that the distributor charge us 15. 25 

or 50 cents per seat, and the admission price 

must go up. We cannot sell for less than 

we can buy." 

"Exhibitors are a permanent part of their 

community, and are there to serve the public," 

Uvick said. "When will producers learn 

that motion pictures are not traveling carnival 

attractions designed by barkers and shell 

game artists? 

"As community-minded exhibitors, we are 

compelled to consider means to enable us to 

reduce adm.ission prices along with others 

who recognize that the inflationary period is 

over. But producers seem to assume that 

exhibitors, if driven to desperation, can extract 

more and still more from their respective 

communities. 

"The backbone of this industry is volume 

at lower and still lower admissions. To get 

greater revenue is to sell at less to more and 

more people. The apostles of higher prices 

are all wrong. The usual ballyhoo may bring 

them in. but it's the exhibitor who sees them 

coming out with a realization that they have 

overpaid." 

Turning to other aspects of the 20th-Fox 

point of view, Charles W. Snyder, executive 

secretary of Michigan Allied, asked, "What 

has endangered good pictures in the last few 

years? 

SNYDER ATTACKS PLANS 

"Was it that Hollywood was more interested 

in bigger profits than bigger pictures, 

and turned to percentage selling, local checkers 

and other obnoxious things which left 

the exhibitors with no incentive to do a job 

of showmanship?" 

The two sales plans proposed by 20th-Fox 

in addition to the proposed flat fee per patron 

plan were attacked by Snyder. 

Concerning a sliding scale with minimum 

and maximum, he said that "in film deals, 

there has never been any talk about minimmn, 

so at least 50 per cent of this one is 

interesting." 

On proposed apportionment of production 

costs, with producer and exhibitor to divide 

the profits equally. Snyder asked whether the 

distributors would accept a $35 or $40 salary 

included for the exhibitor as manager, when 

they included a bonus for Pox executives for 

production cost. 

Films Receive Clean Bill 

Again by Detroit Censor 

DETROIT—For the third month in 

a row, 

motion pictures got a technical clean bill of 

health from the Detroit censor, although 

footage reviewed increased to 495.000 during 

March, the highest so far this year. Actually, 

the record is slated to be marred, however, 

with some cuts due to be made in product 

reviewed at the end of March, but not 

cut in time to be included in the figures 

for that month. 

In addition to the censorship of films, the 

censor squad, under direction of Lieut. Howart 

Stewart, ordered two motion picture 

houses to make changes in the type of advertising 

used on their fronts to conform to 

standards. 

Among foreign footage coming through for 

local screening, only two languages were represented—the 

Mexican with 32,000 feet, and 

the Italian with 10.000. Spanish, French, 

German, and Arabian films, which appeared 

in earlier 1949 reports, were totally missing 

in March, indicating the uncertain supply of 

foreign stock. 

C. H. HoHner Stricken 

OBERLIN. OHIO—Clayron H. Hoffner. 37, 

local projectionist for 20 years, died in Cleveland 

Clinic hospital, leaving his wife, a son 

and a daughter. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 ME 71

. . Mr. 

COLUMBUS 

. 

T>oberl Benner, former assistant to John 

Hardgrove, supervisor of Academy theatres, 

has joined Hallmark Productions. Wilmington, 

Ohio and Mrs. Milton 

Yassenoff are parents of a second daughter 

Susan Frances. Yassenoff is general manager 

of the Academy circuit . . . Norman 

Siegel, recently named head of the Paramount 

studio publicity and advertising department, 

has many friends here. He was 

campus correspondent for the Columbus Citizen 

whUe attending Ohio State university. 

Member of the publicity staff at Paramount 

is Bill Cunningham, former theatre editor 

of the Citizen and a friend of Siegel. 

Newt Mitzman, Ohio State university student 

from Cleveland, has started a weekly 

film review program on WOSU at 7:15 p. m. 

Mondays. Native of Cleveland, Mitzman was 

at one time an operator in Cleveland theatres 

Carl Rogers of the Broad will give 

. . . junior patrons an Easter Monday cartoon 

treat with 15 color cartoons at a special 10 

a. m. show . . . Norman Nadel, Citizen theatre 

editor and a boating enthusiast, went to 

Baltimore to bring back a new skiff which 

he'll dock at O'Shaughnessy dam. 

East Side and the CCC drive-ins, owned by 

Frank Yassenoff and Harold Schwartz, were 

the first local auto theatres to open for the 

season. The Riverside, also owned by Yassenoff 

and Schwartz, will open on or about Apr;! 

15. The Academy's National Auto is expected 

to open this weekend and the three Miles 

drive-ins—'West Broad, East Main and Scioto 

Drive—are expected to be open by Easter, 

according to Arthur Miller, booker. 

Chet Long, Variety Club member and 

WBNS newscaster, has the singing lead in 

"Song of Norway," presented by the Independent 

Players at the Hartman this week 

. . . RKO Palace this week has three sets of 

attractions—"State Police" and "Armored 

Car," revivals, on Thursday and Friday; 

Eddie Cantor on stage plus "Parole, Inc.," 

Saturday and Sunday, and a re-release dual 

bill. "It Ain't Hay" and "Ghost Catchers," on 

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Finance Director Hanrahan, Cleveland, in 

the hearing on the house bill which would 

return the 3 per cent admissions tax to the 

state, said Cleveland city officials wished to 

retain the levy since "they may want to increase 

the tax." 

Join "Riding High' 

Margaret Field and Kit Guard have joined 

the cast of Paramount's "Riding High." 

USED THEATRE SEATS 

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CLEVELAND -DETROIT KEGLERS— 

John H. Fitzgerald, president of lATSE 

Local 160. Cleveland, is pictured above 

talking with Roger M. Kennedy, lATSE 

vice-president, at the recent Cleveland 

Detroit bowling match in Detroit al)out 

making the annual series a national affair. 

Pittsburgh Pin League 

Fete to Be April 19 

PITTSBURGH — The bowling dinner of 

Local lATSE 171 will be April 19, according 

to W. E. Biesecker. president. Plans for 

the event are being supervised by a special 

committee which includes Henry Stanley, 

chairman; Joe Ulrich and Dean Martin. 

League teams, and their captains, now 

stand in the following order; Strong, George 

Engstler: Simplex, William McElhatten; Ashcraft, 

Mike Orris: Century, Hen Link sr.: 

Motiograph, Hen Stanley: National Carbon, 

Paul Ferry; Peerless, Hen Link jr., and 

Brenkert, B. Swatchik. 

Leading scorers and their averages are 

Geoi-ge Engstler. 139.2; Mike Orris. 137.8; 

Jules Barbera, 136.6; Hen Link sr.. 135.7; Hen 

Link jr., 133.1; Paul Ferry, 132.7: A. Hopkins, 

131.7; B. Swatchik, 130.5; M. Colalbo, 

130.2, and Joe McElhatten, 130.1 

High individual scores: 1 game, J. V. Sipe, 

228; 3 games, J. Barbera, 527; high teams, 1 

game. Simplex, 761; 3 games, Ashcraft, 2,040. 

Frank Belles Is Elected 

Salesmen Club Chief 

CLEVELAND—At a meeting in the 20th 

Century-Fox screen room, the Salesmen's 

club of Cleveland elected Frank Belles, RKO, 

as its new president. T. L. Irwin, Paramount, 

was elected first vice-president and 

Sam Lichter, 20th-Fox, was elected second 

vice-president. Re-elected were Nat Barach, 

National Screen Service manager, treasurer, 

and Justin Spiegle, Screen Guild manager, 

secretary. 

Mrs. Israel Roth Dead 

PITTSBURGH — Mrs. Mary Wittenstein 

Roth, wife of Israel Roth, veteran exhibitor, 

died March 28 after a prolonged illness. One 

of five surviving children is Jerome Roth, 

manager of the Penn Theatre on Penn avenue, 

operated for many years by his father 

Israel, former Allied MPTO director. 

To Produce 'Just Eighteen' 

Joe Pasternak has been signed to produce 

"Just Eighteen" for MGM. 

Midwest, National in Tie 

In Cincinnati Pin League 

CINCINNATI — Midwest Theatre Supply 

and National Theatre Supply each won three 

games to remain in a tie for first place in 

the Theatrical Bowling league here. Bond 

Theatre and Clovernook Theatre also won 

three games each. Standings of the teams: 

Team Won Lost 

Midwest Theatre Supply 79 8 

National Theatre Supply 79 8 

Bond Theatre 58 29 

Gayety Theatre 49 38 

Family Theatre 47 '. 30 

Times Theatre 47 40 

Kentucky Theatre 44 43 

Westwood Theatre 38 49 

Clovernook Theatre _ 37 50 

Strand Theatre 33 54 

Grand Theatre 31 56 

Forest Theatre 31 56 

Keiths Theatre 29 58 

Idle Hour Theatre 7 80 

D. Tittle rolled three identical games of 

147. H. Wieman had a score of 226, while 

W. Stroma had 200. 

Insurance Lead in Cleveland 

CLEVELAND—The Oliver Theatre Supply 

team continued its streak of hot bowling by 

rolling a big 1,079 total for second place in 

the season high single team listing in the 

Cleveland Motion Picture Operators' Bowling 

league. 

The tie for second place in the league 

standings was broken and National Theatre 

Supply took over second place by defeating 

Ohio Theatre Supply in two out of three 

games, while the Alhambra Theatre squad 

split even with the league leaders. Union 

Federated Insurance. 

Best scores compiled by individuals were: 

Fred Lane, 224-593; Gordon Bullock, 209- 

571; E. Fitzgerald, 194-532, and George Done- 

Ian, 194-519. Team standings are: 

Team 

Points 

Union Federated Insurance 62 

National Theatre Supply 58 

Alhambra Theatre 57 

Oliver Theatre Supply 52 

Auto Voice Speakers 49 

RCA Service Co. _ 45 

Ohio Theatre Supply 36 

Mobiltone In-Car Speakers 24 

Leads Detroit Nightingales 

DETROIT—National Theatre Supply continues 

to hold a safe margin in the Nightingales 

club. The standings: 

Team Won Lost 

National Theatre Supply 64 32 

Brenkert Projectors 57 39 

Projectionists Local 199 54 42 

Lorenzen's Flower Shop 47 49 

National Carbon Co. 45 51 

Altec Sound Service 47 53 

Ernie Forbes Theatre Supply 37 59 

McArthur Theatre Equipment 37 59 

The 200 scores of the week were: Roy 

Thompson, 210; Percy Huebner, 205; John 

Goossen, 204; Floyd Akins, 201, and Jack 

Colwell, 200. 

Films Biggest Luxury Item 

Of University Students 

MORGANTO'WN, W. VA.—West Virginia 

university students spend an estimated 

$7,674,465 in Morgantown during a normal 

school year, according to a campus survey 

conducted by N. C. Van Gilder's applied 

newspaper management class. For motion 

pictures, the students spend $178,838.28; bowling, 

$16,860.76; juke boxes, $18,766.98; beer, 

$104,322.33; cigarets, $173,195.92; other tobacco, 

$26,249.24; smoking accessories, $3,- 

495.81; pipes, $7,114.28. 

72 BOXOmCE :: April 9, 1949

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. . The 

SPRINGFIELD 

John Huffman, manager of the Regent, has 

' "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" booked 

as his special Easter attraction. Huffman 

will have his ushers 

dressed in the uniforms 

of the Springfield 

Giants baseball 

club of the Ohio-Indiana 

league during the 

showing of this film. 

Huffman dressed his 

ushers in pirate costumes 

for the showing 

of "Wake of the Red 

Witch." One of the 

"pirates" was stationed 

on the street in front 

of the theatre John Huffman 

. . . Jim 

Chakeres, manager of the State and Palace 

in Washington Court House, is recovering 

from a recent illness. 

. . . 

. . 

The Fairbanks presented another "The 

Best Is Yet to Come" stage show which 

played to capacity crowds. The show featured 

Buddy Moreno and his orchestra 

Red Ingle of Spike Jones fame, is booked 

for a stage show at the Fairbanks, April 16. 

Radio stations WJEL and WIZE will feature 

his songs prior to the show . Woody Owens, 

manager of the Majestic, has a midnight 

cartoon carnival scheduled. 

David D. Sawyer, publicity director for 

Regent-State, inserted a special ad in two 

local newspapers heralding an Easter style 

parade at the State. The ad was a replica 

of a memo note pad page which carried the 

handwritten message: "Must see—the Easter 

Style parade at the State, featuring junior 

spring models under the direction of Robert 

Klingbeil, manager of the Klingbeil Dance 

studios." Klingbeil's dancing students will 

act as models for the show. 

The Grace Methodist church will help promote 

the Holy week showing of "The Crusades" 

at the Majestic. Members of the 

Arthur Longbrake, 

chui'ch will sell tickets . . . 

manager of the Chakeres Frances in 

Mechanicsburg, entertained Springfield Lions 

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at their luncheon meeting with several of 

his specialty acts. Longbrake is an old showman 

who used to perform on the Gus Sun 

circuit. 

Gerald McCIandless has resigned as assistant 

manager of the Majestic to become 

treasurer of the RKO Colonial in Dayton . . . 

One hundred baby chicks will be given away 

at the Regent and Majestic during speci-il 

Good Friday programs for the kiddies. Other 

prizes also will be awarded. 

Jim Chakeres, operator of the State and 

Palace at Washington Court House, tried u 

new scheme when he booked "Whispering 

Smith" into both houses on the same dates. 

Chakeres reported this de luxe film was too 

"big" for just one house. The State and 

Palace have seating capacities of 3b0 and 300, 

respectively. He reported "good success" on 

the idea . . . Michael H. Chakeres. city manager 

of the Regent-State Corp., and David 

D. Sawyer, publicity director, attended the 

testimonial dinner for Harry Goldstein, division 

manager for Paramount in Cleveland. 

Later, the two theatremen were present at 

several Warner meetings in the Lake Erie 

cily. 

Plans have been made by the Springfield 

Chamber of Commerce to film the 1949 Clark 

county fair in August. Later in the year the 

film will be shown in all local and surrounding 

area theatres. Richard Cartmell, chairman 

of the agricultural committee of the 

chamber, is m charge of the filming project. 

Prior to last year this county had not had 

a fair since in the 1920s ... All local theatres 

cooperated with Fire Chief Grover L. Frock 

in checking the houses for fire hazards. The 

recent blaze at Lima prompted the move. 

Harry Elliott, manager of the Ohio, has 

arranged a promotion stunt with a local radio 

shop whereby a television set will be given 

in connection with the Lucky 

. . . 

away April 28 

Bazaar night at the Ohio. More than 20 

prizes, including household furnishings, food, 

clothing and merchandise, are given away 

each week on Lucky Bazaar night. The television 

set is on display in the theatre 

A soft drink vending machine has been installed 

at the Fairbanks. The theatre also 

installed a portable candy stand in the balcony. 

A midnight stage show, "Dr. Doom's 

Dungeon of Death," has been booked for 

the Fairbanks for April 9. Manager William 

LaSance reported Regent-State is 

planning to 

. 

publish a Movie News booklet. 

Harold Hanes, a local printer, will be the 

editor. The booklet will be distributed through 

local merchants and theatre lobbies . . . 

Woodrow "Woody" Owens, manager of the 

Majestic, promoted an excellent tiein on 

"Hills of Home." He obtained from Charles 

A. Corcoran, local dog breeder, a beautiful 

collie which closely resembles Lassie. The 

dog appeared on the stage of the Majestic 

for several curtain calls and also was used 

for street ballyhoo. The dog's name is 

Laddie. 

Signed as Dance Teacher 

Florence Bates hf,s been ticketed for the 

role of an inebriated Russian dance teacher 

in MGM's "On the Town." 

Profits Ruled No Base 

For Tax Valuation 

PITTSBURGH — Establishing a precedent 

in Pennsylvania law. Judges James L. O'Toole 

jr., William H. McNaugher and Russell H. 

Adams ruled in common pleas court that a 

corporation's profits have nothing to do with 

the value that should be placed on its real 

estate. The issue arose over an appeal by 

West View borough from evaluation fixed by 

the board of property assessment, appeals and 

review on the West View Park Co.'s land. 

The borough sought to force the amusement 

park company to submit its books from 1942 

to 1946, inclusive, for audit. 

It was agreed the 

issue was whether the productivity of land is 

a factor in determining a fair market value 

for real estate purposes. The trio of judges 

declared: 

"In our opinion the earnings of the amusement 

park company have little if any probative 

force on the value of the real estate 

occupied by the enterprise. The profits 

earned are the resultant of many factors 

which are entirely independent of the real 

estate values. The admission of such evidence 

would raise many confusing collateral 

issues." 

The assessment from which the borough 

appealed was $149,145. The case was dismissed 

and the borough was denied permission 

to inspect the company's books. 

Both the borough and the school board at 

West View collect amusement taxes at the 

park and on the Girard Theatre. 

Transfer C. A. Passinger 

FAIRMONT, W. VA.—Charles A. Passinger, 

manager of the Virginia here for three 

years, has been transferred to the Warner 

in Morgantown. He was succeeded here by 

Tony Ghiardi, associated with Warners circuit 

at the Memorial in McKeesport, Pa., for 

14 months. Passinger will move his family 

to Morgantown when suitable living quarters 

are found. 

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BOXOFFICE :: AprU 9. 1949

Partners Open Gem in Logan, W. Va.; 

New Drive-Ins Started in Mideast 

LOGAN, W. VA.—The Gem Theatre, a new 

450-seat house for colored patronage, was 

opened here by the C&P Theatre Corp., of 

which the main officers are D. W. Carter, 

Paul C. Carter and Tony Piccirillo, marking 

the first theatre of its kind in the city. 

The 60x80-foot fireproof building of concrete 

block and steel incorporates a spacious 

lobby, four aisles, 16-foot screen and 

a cry room. A diamond motif is carried out 

throughout the auditorium, in varying shades 

of yellow, blue and buff. A wainscoting effect, 

painted on the walls, slants downward 

toward the screen, giving the illusion of 

greater depth. 

The owners, who also operate the Rex at 

Chapmansville, near Logan, and are associated 

in the used car business, have announced 

that the theatre will be open seven days 

weekly, with continuous showings beginning 

at 1 p. m. A kiddy show will be presented 

each Saturday morning and midnight performances 

on Saturday nights. Product with 

all-colored casts will be booked when available, 

along with first run Warner product. 

Piccirillo designed the structure, and most 

of the construction work was done by local 

firms. 

DeVry projectors and sound, along with 

Altec Voice of the Theatre Speaker system, 

were furnished by Lovett & Co., Clarksburg, 

W. Va., equipment firm, with installation 

by the Altec Service Corp. 

Opening ceremonies included a speech by 

WiUiam Thompson, local leader in several 

colored organizations, who also read congratulatory 

telegrams and introduced the 

owners from the stage. Girls from the Aracoma 

High school sang two musical numbers. 

Royal Drive-In Opened 

Near Winchester, W. Va. 

WINCHESTER, W. VA.—The second outdoor 

theatre in Frederick county, the Royal 

Drive-In, was opened on route 50 here by 

E. E. Ours of Winchester. The drive-in is 

located a mile east of Winchester and has a 

capacity of 500 cars. Simplex projectors and 

sound were installed, along with in-car speakers. 

E. E. Ours jr. of Huntington, who was 

associated with his father in theatre business 

at Parsons, W. Va., will come here to 

manage the Royal. Richard Forney is projectionist. 

Policy calls for two shows a night and program 

changes every third day. A stage with 

dressing rooms has been constructed so that 

traveling shows can be offered. Oui's also 

operates the Stephens Theatre at Stephens 

City. 

Outdoor Theatre at Tunxy' 

To Open Early in May 

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA. — Starlite, Inc., 

constructing a drive-in on Route 26 one-half 

mile from here on the road to Brookville, 

anticipates a May 1 opening. The projection 

booth-concession stand is finished and the 

cement block screen tower is nearing completion. 

Plans and specifications were furnished 

by Atlas Theatre Supply who will install 

all equipment, including 450 in-a-car 

speakers. Starlite officers are Ralph Neil, 

P. & N. Coal Co., president: John Grube. 

Electro-Plating Co., vice-president: Charles 

Prior to the opening of the Gem Theatre 

at Logan, W. Va., D. W. Carter, top 

photo (left) posed with Gray Barker, 

film booker-buyer and writer of the "On 

Cue" department in the MODERN THE- 

ATRE. Center: Early arrivals await the 

opening of the boxoffice. The front of 

the building is finished in yellow. Bottom: 

Tony Piccirillo, left, discusses opening 

plans with D. E. Lovett of Lovett 

& Co., DeVry equipment firm of Clarksburg, 

W. Va. 

Stewart, jeweler, treasurer: Bert Fetterman, 

projectionist, secretary. 

Plan Three Drive-In lobs 

In Fairmont, W. Va., Area 

FAIRMOUNT, W. VA.—Not less than three 

new drive-ins are planned for the Fairmont 

area. E. G. Reynolds will open an outdoor 

theatre on route 73, three miles south. Car 

capacity will be 300 and the theatre will be 

named the Twilight. DeVry equipment will 

be installed by "Doc" Lovett, Clarksburg, 

and Gray Barker will be film booker and 

buyer. 

Another drive-in, with a 90-auto capacity, 

will be opened at Uffington, on route 73 between 

Morgantown and Fairmont, for Woodrow 

Lemley of Core. Jerry Geinzer, former 

Pittsburgh area exhibitor and film representative, 

will serve as booker-buyer. 

A third and larger outdoor theatre has 

been planned for near Faumont by Ted 

Laskey, Brownsville and Uniontown, Pa., area 

exhibitor and drive-in owner. Car capacity 

will be around 500 and in-car speakers will 

be 

installed. 

Start 425-Car Drive-In 

At Conneaut Lake, Pa. 

CONNEAUT LAKE. PA.—A 425-car drivein 

will be built by F. E. Hasley. East Pittsburgh 

operator, and Sam Yakish, Coverdale 

exhibitor, on a 12-acre tract on route 18 

across the lake from here. 

Grading has been started, and a concrete 

block screen tower will be erected. The entrance 

to the new ozoner will be about one 

block from the Conneaut Lake boat stop. The 

drive-in is expected to be ready for opening 

about June 1. Equipment will be supplied 

by the Atlas Theatre Supply Co. 

Whitesburg, Ky., Theatre 

Slated to Open May 1 

WHITESBURG, KY.—The new Alinda Ann 

combination drive-in and walk-in theatre being 

erected by Dr. B. F. Wright here, at a 

cost of about $100,000, is expected to be completed 

about May 1. The drive-in will accommodate 

325 cars, and there will be space 

for 400 persons in the walk- in portion. The 

project is located on route 119. A playground 

for children and a concession stand are included 

in conveniences for patrons. 

Ninth Cincinnati Airer to Be 

Opened by Rube Shor 

CINCINNATI—Plans are under way for 

the opening of the new Dual Drive-In on 

Reading road and Tennessee Ave., five mUes 

from Fountain Square in Cincinnati. The 

project is being developed by Shor, Inc., of 

which Rube Shor is vice-president and active 

manager. Complete RCA Brenkert sound and 

projection equipment, including in-car 

speakers with junction boxes, have been purchased 

from Midwest Theatre Supply Co. 

Tlie opening of the Dual will make nine 

drive-ins in the metropolitan Cincinnati 

area. 

Joe Lee Builds Drive-In 

SIDNEY, OHIO—Joe Lee, who operates 

the Ames Theatre in Dayton, is buUding a 

new drive-in here and expects to have it 

open before April 30. The theatre is being 

equipped with RCA equipment by Midwest 

Theatres Supply Co. 

Bill Coburn Plans Drive-In 

MORGANTOWN, W. VA.—WiUiam A. Cobun 

wUl erect a drive-in on a portion of the 

Perry Bowers property at Cheat Neck, about 

1,000 yards from the intersection of the 

Cooper's Rock-Fairchance roads. Cobun has 

leased four acres and will open the theatre 

this season. 

Cambridge Ozoner by May 1 

CAMBRIDGE, OHIO— Construction of a 

500-car drive-in has begun just west of the 

city limits on U.S. 40. Cy and Ferris Francis, 

Byesville, have taken a five-year lease on the 

site. The theatre is expected to be ready for 

operation May 1. 

Ban Drive-In Operation 

WILLOUGHBY, OHIO — Village officials 

of nearby Willowick have made it known that 

they want no drive-in theatres in their community. 

They have enacted an ordinance 

banning such construction and operation. 

76 

BOXOFFICE :: AprU 9, 1949

Most Drive-ins Open 

In Pittsburgh Area 

PITTSBURGH—Official reopening of the 

drive-in theatre season saw the majority of 

the Pittsburgh area drive-ins either opened 

or ready for opening. Among those opened 

or scheduled are: 

New Castle—Skyline Drive-In at Parkstown 

Corners across from the airport, reopened 

April 1. Mitchell Kwiatkowski is 

manager. 

Altoona—Blatt circuit's Altoona Drive-In 

on route 36 scheduled to reopen April 16. 

Transfer—The Reynolds Drive-In, just reopened, 

has installed new seats and sound 

speakers for walk-in patrons. A new exit 

has been opened, making four exits. 

Baden—A new fully equipped free playground 

has been opened at the A-B-C Drive- 

In, which opened April 8. Free souvenirs are 

being distributed to patrons. 

Butler—The opening date for the new season 

at the Butler Drive-In theatre is April 16. 

Sharon—Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. Patti and 

Mrs. Cecilia Lampros. officers of Open Air 

Amu.sement Corp.. will reopen the Hickory 

Drive-In on the Sharon-Mercer road April 16. 

Metz. W. Va.—Wilson Drive-In on route 

250, operated by E. C. Wilson, reopened April 

1. The outdoor theatre is five miles west of 

Mannington. 

Blacksville, W. Va.—The Blacksville Drive- 

In, operated by Guy Pauley and booked by 

Vincent J. Corso of Star Distributing Agency, 

reopened April 1. 

Ebensburg—Charles Szewczyk, Boswell exhibitor, 

will open a new outdoor theatre 

about the third week in May. 

Bridgeville—El Rancho Drive-In will reopen 

April 16. 

Kittanning—Nearby Comm.unity Drive-In 

reopened April 1. 

Latrobe—Hi-Way Drive-In opens April 16. 

Warren—Ben White has announced April 

16 as reopening date for his White-Way 

Drive-In. 

Johnstown — The Family Drive-in's new 

season will get under way April 16, according 

to K. A. 'Gus' Vaveris. 

Front Ro'yal Drive-In Open 

FRONT ROYAL, W. VA.—Drive-In C&C 

Theatre, owned and operated by J. A. Cross 

and Calvin Catlett of Front Royal, has opened 

for the season with two performances a 

night and program changes every other day. 

The drive-in has accommodations for 400 

cars. 

Youngsto-wn Airers Open 

YOUNGSTOWN — The Northside and 

Southside drive-ins, operated by Wellman's 

Youngstown Drive-In theatres, opened the 

1949 season with new speakers in both houses. 

Featured services include free bottle-warming, 

and playgrounds and pony rides will 

open later. Last show will close its run before 

midnight, instead of at 1 a. m., as last 

year. 

Elkins Drive-In Open 

ELKINS. W. VA.—The Elkins Drive-In reopened 

for the present season March 31, according 

to Gray Barker, booker for this 200- 

car situation. "The Black Arrow" was the 

opening attraction, along with a fireworks 

display before each show. A new Wagner 

changeable letter sign was installed by Lovett 

Dime Meter Gives Films 

With Eats at Drive-In 

AKRON — Andrew and Paul Turchin 

have taken one of filmland's oldest ideas 

and converted it into .something new in 

today's motion picture field. In South 

Akron, they have opened their Auto Voice 

Movie Restaurant, a combination roadside 

refreshment stand and an adaptation 

of the old nickelodeon where the patron 

can order a snack and see a film short 

without getting out of his car. In a threeway 

wiring operation developed by E. B. 

Brady of Drive-In Theatre Equipment 

Co., manufacturers of Auto Voice speakers, 

a short order can be given over a loudspeaker 

attached to a long cord. A dime 

placed in a meter box fastened to a post, 

starts the film which is projected on a 

screen placed over the restaurant. 

Owners of the Auto Voice are booking 

only standard 35mm short subjects and 

the customer can see as many shorts as he 

wishes. Each one costs a dime. 

& Co. of Clarksburg and the Fairmont Neon 

Sign Co. 

Barker has also announced that Moorefield 

Drive-In, Moorefield, and Baker's Air 

Park Theatre, Burlington, W. Va., will open 

on Apirl 15 and April 19. 

Spotlight 88 Opens 

BEAVER FALLS, PA. — The Spotlight 88 

Drive-In, newly resurfaced and renovated, 

opened its new season Wednesday (6ii. Under 

Ralph M. Felton, president and manager; 

Joseph B. Bordonaro jr., vice-president and 

treasurer, and Michael A. Gennaula, secretary, 

the theatre will resume free pony rides 

for children in May and other outdoor attractions. 

Sex and horror films will not be exhibited. 

Sk-yline Reopens at Clarksburg 

CLARKSBURG, W. VA.—Charles and Dale 

Warner reopened their Skyline Drive-In 

here April 4. New equipment was installed 

and a concession stand constructed. 

Dayton Skyline Drive-In 

Institutes Stage Shows 

DAYTON—The Skyline Drive-In. wliich 

opened here March 31, has instituted stage 

shows each Thursday and Sunday. The 50- 

minute shows go on immediately ahead of 

the first feature. The first stage offering 

is the Brown Buddies, a group of boys 

who have been singing together for about six 

years. In addition, the theatre plans two 15- 

minute broadcasts over station WING each 

Tuesday and Thursday, introducing the 

Brown Buddies. 

Defiance Drive-In Sold 

DEFIANCE, OHIO—William and Elsie Logan, 

who operate the Rollercade skating rink 

at Toledo, have purchased the Defiance 

Drive-In. from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brinkman, 

who built it two years ago. 

C. W. Dickinson Buys in Drive-In 

BROWNSVILLE, PA.—C. W. Dickinson, local 

exhibitor, has purchased a partnership in 

the new drive-in on Flcks Hill from I. J. 

Picks, operator of Picks tavern-tourist home. 

Drive-In License Fee 

Asked in Cincinnati 

CINCINNATI-City Manager W. R. Kellogg 

and City Treasurer George Schiele have 

recommended passage of an ordinance providing 

for the licensing of drive-in theatres. 

It asks an annual license fee of 60 cents per 

car space for the first 200 cars and 5 cents 

per .space for all over 200. 

Kellogg said that a new drive-in. the dual 

airer being built by Rube Shor, would be 

opened soon in the city area. 

Meanwhile, two suburban drive-ins have 

opened for the season. They are the Western 

Hills Auto-In Theatre on Anderson Ferry 

road and the Dixie Gardens on the Dixie 

highway. 

ABC Drive-In 

Affected 

By Amusement Levy 

PITTSBURGH—The school board of Economy 

town.ship has voted a 10 per cent amu.sement 

tax, effective July 1. It will affect the 

A-B-C Drive-In, golf driving range, firemen's 

bazaars, grange dances and Baden 

Hollow^ stables. The A-B-C opened last season, 

has been sold to Phil Smith, Bo.ston, and 

associates, operators of outdoor theatres, and 

will be booked by Co-Op. Gabe Rubin of the 

Pittsburgh Art Cinema was a member of the 

former operating company and manager of 

the A-B-C. 

Tornado Wrecks Drive-In 

And Farm of Ed Smell 

UNIONTOWN. PA.—Edwin Smell, 36, 

dairy 

farmer and outdoor theatre owner, was injured 

near Balsinger as the result of a tornado. 

He was trapped in his barn with 25 

cattle when the roof crashed. His family 

thought he had been killed and were seeking 

his body in the wreckage when he crawled 

out, dazed. Neighbors assisted in a struggle 

to save the cattle trapped in the foundation 

below the barn. Smell estimated damage 

to his barn, fruit orchard and the open air 

theatre at $40,000. The drive-in is located 

on route 21. four miles from Uniontown. 

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FOR

. . Charles 

. . The 

. . The 

day 

. 

. . Kent 

. . Chuck 

. . 

PITTSBURGH 

pred J. Herrington, Allied secretary, spent 

several days in Harrisburg watching the 

activities of the Pennsylvania 

general assembly. 

He visited 

there the week before 

*• • 

and interviewed a 

I 

"Ij ^ '"number of represent- 

"IM 

V jfl atives and senators. 

^^ Herrington reports 

that Frank A. Orban 

jr.. Hooversville and 

Cairnbrook exhibitor, 

and a member of the 

house serving his sec- 

Fred J. Herrington ""^ t^rm, is busy with 

committee duties and 

that "he is very much on the job" ... A 

recent published report valued the downtown 

Warner at $10,000,000. There are various 

indications that the Warner organization 

may transfer the property, but not at 

that figure. 

Betty Milligan, secretary to Frank Hamre, 

district manager for the RCA Service department, 

will become Mrs. Jack Smith late 

next month . R. Blatt was ill 

with a bad cold and missed the Allied directors' 

meeting ... A number of tools were 

stolen from the new Lund Theatre, under 

construction at Carmichaels. The project 

. . . 

. . . 

is expected to be ready for opening late in 

May Dell Wheeler has been named 

area representative for Manley popcorn 

Frank Bordonaro, assistant manager at the 

Miami in Springdale. is home with his bride 

after a honeymoon in Philadelphia . . . 

George Reiger. RCA service engineer, sustained 

rib, knee and lip injuries in a highway 

accident. His car was badly wrecked. 

. . 

Three Erie exhibitors had business on 

Filmrow and hired a taxi for the round trip. 

They were Leo Guerrein jr. of the Hillcrest. 

Herman Lorence of the 18th Street and 

Tom Fahrs of the Aris. Because of an awkward 

situation in Erie, several film distributors 

have had no second run situations for 

some time. These exhibitors seek to have 

such a run abolished . The Sky-Hi Di-ive- 

In on the Ohio side of Sharon was re- 

Every Kind of Successful Promotion 

for Theatres and Drive-Ins 

Dinnenvare All Types oi Bingo Games 

ZIP-O for 

Merchant Tie-Ups 

also 

KIDDIES 

A Promotion Package including Merchandise, 

Contest, with Trailers and Displays, costs as 

little as 2 cents per child or can be had at 

no cost to you. 

THEATRICAL ENTERPRISES 

JACK GEHTZ 

BEN STftHL 

403-404 Film BIdg. 1705 Boulevard of Allies 

Cleveland Ohio 

Pittsburgh. Pa. 

Jim Alexander 

Sam Fineberg 

1705 Blvd. of the Allies 

PITTSBURGH 19, PA. 

Phone Express 0777 

opened . . . Newt Williams of National Theatre 

Supply is displaying new Simplex speakers 

. . . Dave Leff, former local exhibitor 

and UA manager, has shifted from the New 

Haven UA branch job to his former post 

at Buffalo Byron "Bus" Keyhane, former 

SG representative, is an auto salesman 

here for Jo-Jo Talarico, Nash agency. 

The Starlite open air theatre, north of 

Uniontown, will have a water fountain as 

. 

a special display on which colored lights 

will be played. The drive-in has new neon 

marquee trim and the all-stainless steel concession 

has been remodeled . . . J. K. Kaupp, 

owner of Cuppie's Drive-In at West Brownsville, 

was on Filmrow the other and 

stated that he will construct a fence around 

the outdoor theatre. Many new trees are 

being planted at the ozoner ... A new 

lobby candy bar has been opened at the 

J. P. Harris . . Mr. Hall, president of the 

. 

company manufacturing the new Motiograph-Hall 

75/155 ampere high intensity 

reflector type arc lamp, was a visitor at 

Atlas Theatre Supply. 

David, 7-year-old son of the Harry Fin- 

. . . 

. . . 

. . . 

leys of the Hollywood at Johnstown, has a 

baby sister ... Ed Hinchy, Warner playdate 

chief, visited the local exchange 

Lew Hepinger, Clarion exhibitor, is leaving 

on a vacation, destination undisclosed 

The Hanna office staged a farewell party 

for Russ Zebra, a birthday observance for 

Frank Thomas and a wedding celebration 

for Shii-ley Rosenberg, who is honeymooning 

in New York with her hubby . . . Tlie 

Rivoli at South Fork offers Rivoli Bonus 

club each Thursday William Brooks, 

Paramount city representative, has resigned 

to join the Co-op office as assistant to Harry 

Long, replacing Joe Hanna, who now is associated 

with his brother Lou in the Hanna 

Theatre Service. 

. 

. . . Jussi 

. . . 

. . 

Mrs. Abe Weiner, wife of the Monogram- 

Allied Artists manager, was here from Boston. 

The Weiners have tried for a long time 

to find a suitable apartment here for themselves 

and their 8-year-old daughter 

Charlie Spivak's orchestra appeared at the 

Majestic in Johnstown . Belpre Drive- 

In near Parkersburg reopened 

Bjorling, Metropolitan tenor, appeared in 

concert at the Virginia in Wheeling 

Shea's at Bradford offered the Hawaiian 

Paradise Revue . . . The M. A. Silvers and 

daughter Barbara are home from their vacation 

in California . . . The Riverside Drive- 

In near Wheeling opened for the season . 

Mrs. Welden Waters, wife of the 20th-Pax 

manager, is vacationing in New Orleans. 

The Manos, Star and Grand at Monessen 

and cooperating merchants are staging an 

automobile giveaway promotion which is 

keeping Ken Woodward on his toes . . . The 

drive-in theatre near Wheeling, six miles 

north of Martins Perry on Route 7, opened 

The French "Grand Illusion" 

on April 2 . . . 

played at the Nittany in State College . . . 

The Blue Moon Drive-In at Belpre, Ohio, 

was reopened April 2 by owners-managers J. 

L. Wade and Walter Fowler . Plaza 

at Bellefonte presented the WWVA Jamboree 

Wednesday afternoon and evening (6i. 

The Wetzel Amusement Co. has acquired 

the Clegg Skyway Drive-In Theatre at New 

. . . Bretsel Lang and 

Martinsville, W. Va. 

Harold Talbott have reopened their Elkins 

Drive-In at Elkins, W. Va. ... A small out- 

door theatre is being built at Irwin, Pa. . . . 

A testimonial dinner is being arranged foi 

April 18 to honor Art Levy, Columbia manager 

here for about 18 years who resigned 

to enter the film licensing and booking combine 

business in Cincinnati The Pittsburgh 

Playhouse will close another successful 

season with "Remember Me," written by 

Dorothy Daniel, former local newspaperwoman. 

Patricia Rodis is the new girl in the con- 

tract department at the MGM exchange . . . 

Tony Pastor and his orchestra were featured 

March 29 at Shea's in Bradford 

Manos at Monessen presented Charlie Spivak 

and his band at Arnold offered 

Frankie More and the Log Cabin Boys from 

the WWVA jamboree . Tranter 

of WNAE emcees the Wednesday amateur 

nights at the Columbia in Warren. 

. . . New- 

Community Concert Ass'n of Oil City presented 

Carroll Glenn at the Drake in Oil City 

. . . Free leis were presented to the first 

250 women attending the Hawaiian Paradise 

Revue at the Butler in Butler 

Castle Local 451, lATSE, purchased a 20-inch 

ad in the New Castle News which urged 

theatregoers to patronize the Cathedral auditorium 

and the Crescent, Paramount, Penn, 

Regent, State, Victor and Wilmington theatres. 

Joe Carson is president of the local. 

Shirley Rosenberg of the Hanna office 

chose her birthday anniversary, April 1. for 

her marriage to Harold Hou:-vitz . . . The 

mother of John Muller, the Sharon exhibitor, 

Local Variety barkers and friends 

died . . . 

going to San Francisco to attend the Variety 

Clubs International convention May 2 to 6 

will leave on the Pennsylvania railroad April 

28. I. Elmer Ecker again is chairman . 

Manos at Indiana played the WWVA Jambaree. 

The foreign film, "The Great Dawn," was 

exhibited at the Nittany in State College . . . 

Manos managers Joe Bugala of Uniontown 

and Howard Wolfe of Homer City were Filmrow 

visitors. 

. . . Eagle 

The Ringling Bros, circus will pitch tents 

early in July at the Heidelberg speedway , . . 

Turtle Creek's. new $250,000 stadium, seating 

10,000, is completed and will be in use within 

a few weeks . . . Butler's WBUT has been 

saluting daily a Pennsylvanian who made 

good in motion pictures. The program is 

billed as Hollywood Highlights 

Lion's "Shamrock Hill" will be tradescreened 

at 1:30 p. m. April 12 at the 20th-Fox exchange. 

The J. P. Harris Theatre sneak-prev.'ewed 

20th-Fox's "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" 

Thursday evening last week . . . The Strand 

at Altoona is a Fabian house and not a 

Warner circuit unit as incorrectly stated here 

several weeks ago. Owned and operated for 

Silverman and under 

years by Jake and Ike 

lease to Warners for a number of years, the 

house was acquired with the Logan from the 

Silvermans more than a year ago by the 

Fabian interests, also operat'ng the State 

there. 

Australian in 'Safety Pins' 

Meyer Grace, former Australian boxing 

champ, will portray a mobster in Monogram's 

"Safety Pins." 


. . Two 

for 

Pennsylvania Solons 

Eye New Film Bills 

HARRISBURG — Among the bills now 

pending in the Pennsylvania legislature, 

which is expected to continue in session 

until about May 15. are various measures 

affecting the motion picture industry and 

theatres. 

One of the bills recently introduced into 

the house makes mandatory the procurement 

of liability insurance to protect the public 

against loss, damage or death by theatres 

or other places of amu.sement to which an 

admission fee is charge. Registration and 

examination of projectionists and apprentices 

is provided for in another measure. 

An act prohibiting the sale of tickets in 

excess of the seating capacity of places of 

amusement, allowing a margin of tolerance, 

with penalties ranging from $200 to $500, 

has been referred to the committee on elections 

and apportionment. 

Among bills which have been passed by 

the house is one which regulates installation 

of equipment for display and sale of merchandise 

in theatre lobbies, and another 

which prohibits the use of television sets 

in automobiles, trucks and other vehicles. 

New measures also include one which would 

make bingo games legal, and several relating 

to minimum wages, unemployment compensation 

and other phases of business management 

and operation. 

Fabian Has Ad Playing Up 

Academy Award Showings 

ALTOONA, PA.—The day following the announcement 

of the Academy awards for 1948, 

Fabian Theatres Corp. took a large ad in the 

Altoona Tribune pointing out that the State, 

Logan and Strand theatres showed all the 

winners at these theatres, including best picture, 

best actor and actress and best supporting 

actor and actress in the last year. The ad 

also mentioned that Claire Trevor, best supporting 

actress, was now at the Strand in her 

new film, "The Lucky Stiff," and that a return 

engagement of Jane Wyman in "Johnny 

Belinda" and Walter Huston in "Treasure of 

Sierra Madre," for which they received their 

acting awards, was the next attraction at the 

Strand. 

Ward B. Kreag is city manager for Febian 

Theatres. 

WB Ends Partnership 

With Morris M. Finkel 

PITTSBURGH — The Mount Oliver and 

Shadyside theatres now are operated by Morris 

M. Finkel. Allied MPTO president. Until 

several days ago they were operated by the 

Warner circuit as partners of Finkel, owneroperator 

of the Capitol and Hilltop in the 

Allentown district. 

Melvin J. Mosher Dies 

TOLEDO—Melvin J. Mosher, 47, former 

Toledoan, died in St, Helena, Cahf,, after a 

long illness. He had owned and operated the 

Roxy Theatre in St. Helena since 1941, and for 

many years had operated a theatre in Los 

Angeles. He was associated at one time with 

the Blumenfeld chain. His wife Caroline, 

son Gerald and parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles 

Mosher of Toledo survive. 

TOLEDO 

n recent Toletio visitor was Eddie Zorn, former 

manager of the old Vita-Temple Theatre, 

and now district manager for Famous 

Playere Canadian Corp.. w'ith headquarters 

in Winnipeg, Man. This was his first trip 

to Toledo in 13 years . . . Tommy Belford is 

manager of the Port Theatre in Port Clinton, 

operated by Jack O'Connell. Toledo theatreman. 

Giles Robb, manager of the Piincess, 

was relieved when the Stop the Music 

.song. "Paramount on Parade," was identified. 

He was swamped with telephone 

calls asking the song title . . Mel Anderson, 

. 

publicity repre.sentative for Toledo's milliondollar 

Sports Arena, is going to the west 

coast to become publicity man for Shipstead 

and Johnson's "Ice Follies" show. 

. . . 

. . 

Sympathy to Charles Hong, owner of Kin 

Wa Low's night club, on the death of his 

mother in China Town Hall. Toledo 

legitimate hou.se. will light up April 18 for 

three days, when "Born Yesterday" comes 

for four performances, including a Wednesday 

matinee. Jean Parker plays the lead . 

"Backstreet," with Margaret SuUavan. was 

offered by the University of Toledo Motion 

Picture club April 7. Next offering will be 

"Suspicion." with Joan Fontaine. April 21. 

.Abe Ludacer, manager of Loew's "Valentine, 

recently had a neat tiein for "Take Me 

Out to the Ball Game." A local department 

store ran a quarter-page ad featuring boys' 

ba.seball suits, accompanied by a photo from 

. . . 

the film and using the film in the copy . . . 

Toledo Drive-In opened for the season 

Bernard Cousino. head of Cousino's Visual 

Education service, received national recognition 

in Sales Management magazine recently 

for his daily report sheet for salesmen. The 

sheet contains space for expenses as well as 

all the salesman's other activities, and becomes 

a daily report, expense voucher and 

sales control record all in one. A copy of the 

daily report, minus the expense statement, 

is sent to Bell & Howell, Chicago, principal 

manufacturer represented by the Cousino 

firm. 

James J. Secor jr. has been appointed to 

coordinate activities of Glass Fibers. Inc.. 

Waterville. with the army air forces at 

Wright Field. Dayton. He will work with all 

laboratory branches at the field on development 

involving vitron glass cloths and mat 

materials . new designs of glass blocks, 

the first new designs since the war. will be 

introduced this year by Owens-Illinois Glass 

Co.. reported W. E. Levis, chairman of the 

board. 

Grand Made Moveover 

MONESSEN. PA.—The Grand has become 

a first run moveover theatre, presenting 

continued run performances from the New 

Manos as well as first rim exhibitions. The 

Star, third of the Manos enterprises here, 

reverted to its original policy of an intimate 

family theatre offering action, outdoor and 

thrill film entertainment at popular prices. 

Grand's new prices are 44 cents matinee, 55 

cents evening: Star. 35 cents matinee. 44 

cents evening; children 14c. Night prices 

prevail Sundays and holidays. 

New Group to Boost 

Good Screen Shows 

CLEVELAND—A new cultural organization 

called the Youth Evaluation council held 

its first meeting in the Higbee Lounge under 

the leadership of Mrs. Claire H. Brewer. In 

a brochure, the new oi-ganization states as 

its aim. the stimulation of intere.st in all activities 

for good entertainment and the passing 

of legislation to sustain such activities. 

"We realize we must learn to make an intelligent, 

constructive approach toward increasing 

production of approved films." Mrs. 

Brewer .said. "And because producers declare 

that boxoffice receipts determine production 

trends, it is easy to see what we must 

do. We must support good films at the boxoffice 

and we must talk about them .so others 

will support them. We must recommend 

them at our organization meetings so that 

great numbers will give boxoffice support." 

Mrs. Brewer, who recognizes that the motion 

picture industry, like all big business, is 

operated , profit, thinks that the women 

of the country, by organized and individual 

effort, can influence producers to make more 

"approved" pictures. 

"It won't take Ions; if our 11,000 ,000 -member 

Council of Church Women, 5,000,000-member 

PTA, 5,000,000-meniber Federated Women's 

Clubs and the millions of women in Catholic 

organizations each a.ssumes responsibility." 

Speakers at the initial meeting of the 

Youth Evaluation Council included Ernest 

Schwartz, president of the Cleveland Motion 

Picture Exhibitors A.ss'n. who endor.sed the 

Better Children's film program. 

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BOXOFFICE :: April 9, 1949 

ME 79

. . Fred 

. . John 

. . William 

. . Joe 

. . Albert 

DETROIT 

John J. Rynkowski, head of 

testimonial . . . 

the Rosebud Potato Chip Co., was planning 

to retire. 

tXTalter Tucker, former manager of the 

Regal, has taken over as manager of 

the Empress, replacing the veteran Frank 

Crowe, who left to go with Carnegie Steel 

at Pittsburgh. Tucker at one time owned 

the Park in Dalton, Ga. . Bonnem, 

former Film Classics manager, flew from 

here direct to Paris via TWA to visit his 

sister who has been seriously ill . . . Ben 

Robbins, Universal manager, retui-ned from 

a brief trip through his territory. 

Ruth Steinmetz of MGM is sparking Jesse 

Simon and the other bookers in the Zero- 

Zero drive . Jack Flynn, whose sudden 

. . 

death shocked friends last week, is remem- 

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THEATRE SUPPLY 

Film Bldg., Detroit 1, Mich. 

Days 

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. . . Norman 

. . . Lloyd 

bered not only as Detroit Variety's first 

chief barker, but as one of the best liked 

figures ever to work on Filmrow 

Moret, Warner short subjects manager, 

was in town . . . Donald Woods, exchange 

manager, returned from Florida 

Roudebush has bought the Manchester Theatre 

at Manchester from Burt Bell, who is 

reported joining a Detroit circuit organization 

. . . Mildred Faternek of the Eagle Lion 

staff was married March 31 to Ernest 

Swartz. 

Leonard Soskin, theatrical insurance man, 

returned from a vacation at Tucson, Ariz., 

where he visited Frank Wetsman, circuiteer 

who is dude-ranching . Dezel, head 

of Dezel Productions, was visiting his exchanges 

in Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City 

and Milwaukee . Dembeck of Cooperative 

Theatres has opened the Dembeck 

Letter service . Flemion, branch 

manager of Screen Guild, was to fly to 

Pittsburgh for a two-day sales conference at 

the William Penn hotel. 

. 

Emory J. Rich, formerly manager of the 

Belmont in Highland Park, has moved to 

Anderson, Ind., where he is at the Time . . . 

Mrs. Mary Scheuer, a newcomer with the 

Nightingale women, rolled a neat 204, while 

Mrs. Romulus Albu rolled 168. Ray Gagnon 

made the 4-6-10 split, while Floyd Akins 

took high three games in his division with 

the Nightingales Portel plans to 

sell the Virginia, operated by the Schulte 

circuit. 

. . . 

William Brown of the Fox has been doubling 

at the Flower show Edward Nielsen, 

formerly operator at 

. . . 

the Victory, now 

is with the John Ott studios in Chicago, 

handling special effects, animation and time 

lapse work Bob Mork of Mork-Green 

studios was expected to return from an extended 

southern vacation Mary Lou 

Coles, secretary to the 

. . . 

Paramount manager, 

will move to California with her sister, 

and will be replaced by Wanda Williams, 

cashier's secretary . . . Betty Joe has joined 

replacing Miss Williams. 

the staff, 

Alex Schreiber, Associated chieftain, is vacationing 

in Honolulu and is expected to 

return about April 17 . . Joe Ellul, circuit 

. 

owner, returned from a fishing expedition— 

without the pickerel he expected to catch 

. . . Paul Broder, of the Times Square and 

Realart Pictures, was in his New York office 

in connection with the Milton Berle 

TheatreSign and Marquee Maintenance 

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. . Elmer 

. . Louis 

Don 

'Flaxy' and Stage Bill 

Best in Cincinnati 

CINCINNATI — Trade at local first run 

houses continued at a slower pace. "Flaxy 

Martin" at the Albee, hypoed by a stage bill 

featuring Frances Langford and Jon Hall, 

carded 140 per cent to pace the city. 


Albee—Flaxy Martin (WB), plus stage show 140 

Capitol—Force of Evil (MGM) 90 

Grand—Johimy Belinda (WB); Treasure el 

Sierra Madre (WB), 2nd run 110 

Keiths—Family Honeymoon (U-I), 2nd wk 95 

Lyric—Down to the Sea in Ships (20lh-Fox), 

2nd d I wlc _ _ 80 

Palace— Criss Cross (U-T) 100 

Shuberl—Whispering Smith (Para), 2nd d.t. wk._..100 

'Decision' Registers 130 

To Pace Detroit Tratde 

DETROIT—Business generally continued 

at a slackened pace, with Lent and fine 

spring weather sharing the blame. 

Adams—Command Decision (MGM) 130 

Cinema— Louisiana Story (Lopert) 95 

Downtown—Act of Violence (MGM); Joe Palooka 

in Winner Take All (Mono) . SO 

Fox— Intermezzo (SCA), reissue; Mother Is a 

Freshmon (20ih-Fox) 100 

Madison—The Walking Hills (Col); Son? of 

India (Col) 2nd wlc 105 

Michigon—South of St. Louis (WB); Parole, 

Inc. (EL) HO 

Palms-Slale—He Walked by Niqhl (EL); 

Sixteen Fathoms Deep (Mono), 2nd wk 95 

United Artists-A Kiss in the Dark (WB); 

Homicide (WB) - 85 

'Riley.' 'St. Louis' Lead 

Pittsburgh First Runs 

PITTSBURGH—Business generally at the 

downtown fir.st run houses was under levels 

of other recent weeks. "The Life of Riley" 

at the Harris and "South of St. Louis" at 

the Stanley each registered 110 per cent, the 

highest percentage of the week. "A Letter 

to Three Wives," in a third round at the 

Senator, also carded 110 per cent. 

Fulton—The Red Pony (Rep) 70 

Harris—The Life of Riley (U-I) 110 

Penn—Family Honeymoon (U-I) 90 

Rilz—The Bribe (MGM), 2nd d.t. wk 80 

Senator—Letter to Three Wives {20th-Fox), 

3rd d I wk _ 110 

Stanley—South of St. Louis (WD) _..110 

Warner—Tarzon's Magic Fountain (RKO) 100 

LOUISVILLE 

. 

T uther Knifley, whose Art Theatre in Knifley, 

Ky., was destroyed by fire some time 

ago. reports he is rebuilding a new theatre 

approximately the same size and design as 

the theatre destroyed Arru, owner 

and general manager of the Skyway Dnve-In 

at Bardstown road and Hikes lane in Buechel. 

reported to the police the theft of 19 car 

speakers valued at approximately $14 each 

during the first three w'eeks of operation 

during the current season. A night guard 

has been hired to put an end to the speaker 

snitching. 

Exhibitors on the Row: George Peyton, 

Griffith Theatre, LaGrange; Louis Phumphery, 

Sanders Theatres, Campbellsville: J. 

T. Kennedy jr., Stanton; Bruce Aspley. Trigg 

and Plaza theatres. Glasgow: Hugh Kessler, 

Palm. Palmyra, Ind.; Jack Story, Mary 

Agnes, Jamestown, Ky.; E. N. Miles, Eminence; 

P. X. Merkley. Rialto. Columbia; Bob 

Harned, Empire. Sellersburg, Ind.; C. O. 

Humston. Lyric, Lawrenceburg ; Steinkamp. 

French Lick Amusement Co.; Otto 

Marcum, Bedford, Ind.; J. H. Dickey, Bacon, 

Versailles. 

Strong winds and a heavy driving rain was 

reported to have flattened a drive-in screen 

on U.S. 60 near Paducah, and caused other 

damage . Showe of New Albany is 

building the 600-car Sky-Line Drive-In in 

Madison, Ind. Equipment is being purchased 

through the Palls City Theatre Equipment 

Co. 

The drive-in under construction at Strawberry 

lane and Thiid Street road here in 

Louisville has been appropriately named the 

Kenwood . . . Charlie Wells of the Falls City 

Equipment staff was quite surprised recently 

when he took in a show at the Scoop Theatre 

here, and discovered that his brother 

Malcolm was a member of the cast. Malcolm, 

who works in New York in the office 

of the Playwright's Co. and who has a part

. . M. 

. 

. . Vincent 

. . Carl 

CLEVELAND 

Prnest Schwartz, president of the Cleveland 

Motion Pictm-e Exhibitors Ass'n, speaking 

before the Motion 

Picture Council of 

greater Cleveland, said 

that his organization 

is cooperating with the 

Better Children's program 

movement and 

urges all of its members 

to show selected 

and approved p r o - 

grams at Saturday 

afternoon matinees . 

Hazel Mack of National 

Screen Service and 

Ernest Schwartz her mother of United 

Artists, who get the wanderlust about this 

time of year, are off on a trip to Florida and 

Cuba. 

The Harry Goldstein dinner Monday (11) 

promises to be the biggest local extracurricular 

event of all times. Reservations are 

pouring in from top officials and small town 

exhibitors. Goldstein is the newly appointed 

Paramount division sales manager . . . "Palsan" 

is establishing more local records. After 

playing ten weeks downtown at the Lower 

Mall, it moved to the University in the Euclid-East 

105th street business area for two 

and a half weeks, and is currently being 

shown in 17 neighborhood houses, including 

Warners' Colony, Doan, Vogue, Variety; Associated 

circuit's Capitol, Garden. Heights, 

Homestead, Lorain -FMlton, Lincoln, Shore; 

also the new Richmond, Parma, Center-Mayfield, 

Plaza and Ritz. 

J. S. Jossey was in Oklahoma for the premiere 

of "The Lawton Story," produced by 

his Hallmark Productions . B. Horwitz 

of the Washington circuit, I. J. Schmertz, 

20th-Fox manager, and Robert Snyder, Realart 

franchise owner, were in Albany for the 

. . . Sam 

George Lynch 30th anniversary dinner, celebrating 

his 30th year with Schlne 

Wood, producer, was in Cleveland April 6. 

on a good relations mission. He lunched with 

film editors of the dailies and enlisted their 

cooperation in putting the industry In a better 

light. 

Sam Stecker of Associated circuit returned 

from a winter in California and circuit President 

Meyer Pine got back from, a ciûise to 

South America . . . Kate Schultz, Monogram, 

head, has a new employe, his son Jay, who 

will celebrate his 14th birthday this month. 

The future film magnate is utilizing his 

spring vacation by learning what makes the 

Monogram exchange click. 

Bill Shartin, formerly of Cleveland and 

ROADSHOWMEN: 

Compare our Price. Compare our 

Releases. 

Compare our Service. 

now Film Classics manager in Seattle, is losing 

weight the pleasant way. He acquired 

a saddle horse . Lauter, who manages 

the West Theatre, Barberton, has taken 

over the Al-Stan Drive-In on Route 21 from 

Stanley Fritz and Alvin A. O'Verko. Under 

the new direction, it will be known as the 

Valley Auto Theatre . Schwyn's Portage 

Drive-In on Route 25 was the first in the 

area to install new Manley stadium model 

popcorn machines. Especially designed for 

drive-ins and very large theatres, the model 

has double the average popcorn capacity, 

extra storage space and a service counter. 

Installations was made by District Manager 

Wade M. Carr. 

FUmrow was saddened by the death of Sidney 

Landis, 29, affiliated with Jack Gertz' 

Theatrical Enterprises. He was the son of 

Morris Landis, motion picture projectionist. 

Landis was a veteran of four years service 

in the Pacific and was active in civic affairs 

as a member of the junior chamber of commerce, 

the Veterans of Foreign Wars and 

the Jewish War Veterans. Surviving are his 

wife Sylvia, a son David John, his father, a 

brother Richard and a sister Mrs. Ruth 

Baum. 

. . . Berlo 

Nat Walken of the State Theatre, Salem, 

made his first post-Florida visit to the film 

exchanges. A long convalescence and his Florida 

vacation are responsible for returned good 

Other visitors included Carl Coffey 

h£alth . . . 

of the Kenton. Kenton; Leo and Mrs. 

Burkhart, Hippodrome, Crestline; Harry 

Crim, City Theatre, Bergholz; Paul Ellis and 

Peter Ruffo, Niles, and Mike Kendrach, 

Mingo Theatre, Mingo Junction 

Vending Co. moved from St. Clair avenue to 

East 27th street near Payne avenue. 

. . . 

It's the 15th week for "The Red Shoes" at 

the Esquire Theatre, the longest run any picture 

has ever enjoyed in the greater Cleveland 

area Loew's notes; Alan Treuhaft 

. . . 

has changed from Warners' to Loew's and 

while waiting for an assignment is assisting 

State Theatre Manager Vaughan O'Neill 

Howard Rutherford, Park Theatre manager, 

was called . . . 

to Memphis by the death of 

Edward Richardson, Granada 

his father . . . 

manager, was in Dayton for the funeral of his 

brother Harold Schultis' mother died. 

Schultis is assistant manager at the Stillman. 

Ace Gets Astor Franchise 

For Indiana and Kentucky 

INDIANAPOLIS—Ace Film Exchange of 

this city has acquired the Astor Pictiu'es 

franchise for Indiana and Kentucky, according 

to R. M. Savini, president of Astor. The 

franchise includes reissues and new films. 

Ed Salzburg will be in charge of the Indianapolis 

exchange. He also will supervise 

exchange operations for Screen Guild of 

Cincinnati, Inc., of Cincinnati. 

Quizzer Device Tests 

Theatre Patrons' IQ 

DETROIT—Theatre patrons are going to 

get a chance to have a scientific test of their 

I.Q. as the result of the recent activity of 

Al Broder, well-known local theatre man, in 

introducing the Quizzer into the theatrical 

field. This device, which is made by Training 

Devices, Inc., of Lincoln Park, Mich., is actually 

a development of a system of visual 

training developed by the government during 

the war for the armed forces, and has proved 

its value in peacetime applications as well. 

The Quizzer is a coin-activated device, in 

som.e respects designed and streamlined like 

the familiar pin games—in fact, the Cleveland 

Plain Dealer has called it a "Pinball 

with a Ph. D.," in a figm'ative description of 

its educational possibilities. The device is a 

natural for the theatre, because its basic 

principle is one of projection, using an endless 

roU of film in a concealed cabinet, to 

give the patron, for a nickel, a series of five 

questions, out of a total of 6,000 filmed on 

a reel. They cover aU usual phases of knowledge 

and are diversified to provide a reasonable 

cross-section of both knowledge and 

quick-thinking ability on each play. Cartoons 

are used and projected, to add to the entertainment 

value. 

The machine has been introduced in a 

number of locations in this area, and is now 

installed in some 15 local theatres, in the 

lobbies or other suitable spots, by Broder, 

who has been named the special theatrical 

representative by the Brilliant Music Co., 

which owns a number of the Quizzers. 

Broder's headquarters have been established 

at the Rainbo Theatre, and he is projecting 

possible national expansion in the theatrical 

field with the Quizzer. 

Actress Leona Hutton 

Dies at Toledo. Ohio 

TOLEDO—Leona Hutton, 57, silent screen 

star, died recently following an overdose of 

a pain-killing drug. She had been confined 

to her home for ten weeks by a leg fracture. 

She starred in the 1913-1924 era opposite 

such actors as William S. Hart, WiUiam Duncan 

and Charles Ray. She was the fUm 

sweetheart of WilUam S. Hart for eight consecutive 

years, and stan-ed in "The Sea Wolf" 

and in "Typhoon," the latter opposite the 

famous Japanese actor, Sessue Hayakawa. 

She served overseas with the French and 

American Red Cross during World War I. Before 

going to Hollywood, she starred with 

stock companies as Jayne Whitman. June 

Clyde, star of British films, was her niece 

and protege. The former actress had lived 

in Toledo for 13 years, and is siu-vived by her 

husband, Morris Epstein, an attorney. 

Long Sign Co., Detroit, Busy 

DETROIT—The Long Sign Co. is installing 

a new marquee on the Keno, formerly 

the Amsterdam here, for new owner Leobard 

Salerno, and one of the largest drive-in 

fronts in the counti-y for the Wayne Drive-in 

at Wayne for Walter Shafer. 

Write: 

The Academy Film 

Service 

2300 Payne Avenue .. Cleveland. Ohio 

New Vitrolite Color 

TOLEDO—Production of a new dark gray 

vitrolite structural glass has been started at 

the Rossford plant of Libbey-Owens-Ford 

Glass Co. This brings the number of available 

colors to 11, largest since the war. 

Mrs. Katherine Dg Dies 

LORAIN, OHIO — Mrs. Katherine Ilg, 

mother of August Ilg, owner and manager 

of the Ohio Theatre here, died recently. She 

would have been 100 years old September 11. 

She came to this city 43 years ago. 

82 BOXOFFICE AprU 9, 1949

Drive-In Restriction 

Before Conn. Solons 

HARTFORD—Hearing on a bill to ban 

construction of drive-ins on trunk lines or 

state aid highways in Connecticut has been 

set for April 12 by the legislative committee 

on roads and bridges. 

Rep. Warren F. Cressy jr. introduced the 

bill at the request of residents living in the 

Burch road section of Darien. According to 

Cressy, open airers near main highways tend 

to '"divert the attention of drivers." In addition, 

he said, the large number of cars 

flowing out on the highway following showing 

of pictures "create a hazard to through 

traffic." 

No opposition was voiced during a hearing 

before the legislative finance committee at 

the state capitol here on a bill making it 

mandatory for summer theatre operators to 

pay a state tax. The bill provides that each 

person planning to operate a sunimer theatre 

must file a registration statement with the 

state tax department, listing officers and 

other material. 

Ernest Goodrich of the state tax department 

declared that it is now practically 

impossible to collect taxes from the temporary 

theatre owners in the state, virtually 

all of whom live out of Connecticut. "They 

come in and go out before we have a chance 

to catch them," he told the hearing. 

The legislative committee on motor vehicles 

has disclosed that it will recommend enactment 

of a bill prohibiting the installation or 

use of television sets in automobiles if the 

screen is within the driver's vision. The bill 

was urged by the state motor vehicles department. 

Avon Selectmen Issue 

Permit to Clarence Lind 

AVON, MASS.—Following a public hearing 

presided over by Fred B. Howard and attended 

by 26 persons, the board of selectmen 

by a unanimous vote granted a permit 

to Clarence Lind of Randolph to construct 

an open air theatre here on the eastern side 

of Memorial drive. Lind said work on the 

project would start immediately for an opening 

in about six weeks. No figures relative 

to the cost were given out. 

Lind told the selectmen he owned the land 

and had intended to apply for a permit two 

years ago. He said the ozoner would have a 

500-car capacity and be located 200 feet from 

the road. He made it emphatic that no 

blast system would be used in the con.struction 

and he brought with him samples of the 

microphones and speakers that would be attached 

to each car. The chief objection 

against granting the permit was the noise. 

Quits Charter Committee 

HARTFORD—BUI Mortensen. managing 

director of the Bushnell Memorial, has retired 

as chairman of the citizens' charter 

committee, which he led in a successful fight 

to establish the new city charter in Hartford. 

He is acting on the advice of physicians. 

Ask Drive-In Permit 

ENFIELD, CONN.—Matthew Alaimo and 

Irving Shapiro have filed an application with 

the office of state police commissioner in 

Hartford for a permit to erect a drive-in 

here. 

^ 

Tyngsboro, Mass., Drive-In Braves 

Snow-storm to Be First to Open 

BOSTON—One of the fir.st dnve-uis to 

reopen for the .season was George Abdulla's 

airer at Tyngsboro. near the New Hampshire 

line. This .small theatre was constructed 

and opened the latter part of last season. 

A "hand-made" structure. AbduUa per.sonally 

designed and built the drive-in, including the 

grading for the ramps, although he had to 

have some outside help on the stone structure. 

It took him over two years to complete 

the 250-car theatre. For this season he 

enlarged the capacity to 300 cars and reopened 

March 1. During the first week's 

operation an unseasonable snowstorm blew 

in but did not phase him, although he admitted 

that one evening it was rather difficult 

for the customers to find the proper 

ramps in the heavy snow. 

Michael Redstone reopened his two large 

drive-ins. one in Revere and the other in 

Dedham. March 31, a little earlier this year. 

Affiliated Theatres is continuing to buy and 

book for these two ozoners. 

The four drive-ins operated by the Weymouth 

Drive-In Theatres, Inc., reopened 

Saturday i2i. The.se are in Weymouth, Saugus, 

Shrewsbury and West Springfield and 

again will be booked by Affiliated. Jim 

Guarino, an official ol the company, was here 

at the Affiliated offices conferring with Carl 

Goldman on booking dates. 

The new Boro Drive-In in North Attleboro 

Raymond Wiley Appointed 

UA New Haven Manager 

NEW HAVEN—Raymond Wiley, with Film 

Classics ill this territory for the last year 

and one-half, has been appointed local manager 

for United Artists, succeeding David D. 

Leff, who returned to the Albany branch. 

Wiley was associated with United Artists 

for 16 years in Minneapolis, St. Louis. Syracuse, 

New Haven and Albany before joining 

Film Classics. 

Meantime, Frank Meadow, formerly with 

United Artists here as manager, has been 

named Connecticut representative for Film 

Classics. 

Roland McLeod Renamed 

Local 277 President 

BRIDGEPORT—Roland J. McLeod of the 

Strand Theatre has been re-elected president 

of Local 277 of the Projectionists Union. 

Frederick Lewis, of the Majestic, has been 

re-elected treasurer for his 21st consecuti\?e 

term. 

Other officers, all re-elected, are Frank 

Toth, Colonial, vice-president: Leroy Nickerson. 

Majestic, financial secretary: Thomas 

C. Colwell, Hi-Way, recording secretary; 

John C. Lynch, Globe, sergeant-at-arms, and 

John A. Martin, business agent. 

Herman Levys Wed 18 Years. 

HARTFORD—Herman M. Levy, general 

counsel of TOA and executive secretary of 

MPTO of Connecticut, and Mrs. Levy have 

been receiving congratulations on the observance 

of then- 18th wedding anniversary. 

is expected to be ready for a May 7 opening. 

Owaied and operated by Joseph Stanzler, exhibitor 

for East Greenwich, R. I., this ozoner 

is situated on the main four-lane road between 

Boston and Providence. 

From Capitol Theatre Supply comes word 

of two new drive-ins in Manchester. N. H., 

both of which are now under construction and 

will be equipped by Capitol. One is in the 

southern part of the city, a 600-car theatre 

being built by Jacob Asadorian, while the 

second, 500 cars, is at the other end of the 

city to be operated by Armand Bourque. 

Capitol also is equipping a new 400-car 

ozoner in the western part of the state in 

Southampton which Alexander Yamilkoski 

is constructing. 

Another new drive-in. to be operated by 

Lockwood & Gordon Enterprises, is being 

constructed in Scarboro, Me., to accommodate 

800 cars. No opening date is set, although it 

is expected to be ready early next summer. 

The Berkshire Drive-In in Pittsfleld lis 

scheduled to reopen April 8. John W. Gardner's 

Sunset Drive-In, Burlington, Vt., will 

open after Easter for weekends only. Both 

theatres are booked by Affiliated. 

Harvey Elliott, manager of Michael Redstone's 

Revere Drive-In last season, is now 

supervising the construction of Redstone's 

new Bronx Drive-In in New York and will 

remain as director when the theatre opens. 

'Tulsa' to Open at Boston 

April 15 in 3 Theatres 

BOSTON—"Tulsa," Walter Wanger's new 

romance of the early days of the oil country, 

will be given a three-theatre New England 

premiere here beginning April 15 at the Pilgrim, 

Mayflower and Esquire theatres, American 

Theatres Corp. units. 

The world premiere will be held in Tulsa, 

Okla., April 13 before a group of notables, 

including stage, .screen and radio celebrities. 

Film critics of the local papers have been 

invited to fly to Tulsa for the event by 

Joseph Mansfield, EL publicist, who has arranged 

for a five-hour nonstop flight from 

New York. Seven Boston newspaper critics 

have accepted the invitation. 

Bob Schwartz Will Open 

Theatre at Waterville 

HARTFORD—Robert Schwartz, veteran 

Connecticut exhibitor, will open his Ville 

Theatre, Waterville, Conn., later this month. 

The hou.se, a 700-seater, will be the first 

new theatre to open in Connecticut in 1949. 

Numerous other projects are in various 

stages of construction in Connecticut. 

P. W. Amadeo Back to Airer 

HARTFORD—Paul W. Amadeo, former 

manager of the E. M. Loew's Hartford Drive- 

In, has resumed that position after a year's 

absence from the trade, according to Division 

Manager George E. Landers. Amadeo had 

been in college for a year. 

-BOXOPnCE April 9, 1949 NE 83

. . . Harry 

. . Teresa 

. . Pat 

. . Mrs. 

. . William 

. . Ernie 

. . 

" 

HARTFORD 

. . . Bill 

Jîck Kounaris, partner in the Newington 

and Meriden theatres, has returned from 

a thi-ee-month vacation in Florida 

O'Neill of the Eastwood. East Hartford, is 

back on the job after recovering from illness. 

Morris Keppner and 

Bill is 77 . . . Barney Tarantul are speeding construction 

on their new 800-seat Colonial-type theatre 

on Burnside avenue for a late spring opening. 

Leonard Young, manager of E. M. Loew's. 

was in Albany . . . George E. Landers, division 

manager for E. M. Loew's Theatres, 

was in Boston seeing 'Oklahoma!" which 

stars his daughter Marilyn . . . Ted McCormick 

is new on the E. M. Loew's service staff 

Bernstein of Columbia made the 

rounds in Hartford and Springfield for 

"Knock on Any Door." 

George Holmes has been named maintenance 

man at E. M. Loew's . . . Bus fares 

in Hartford have gone up to ten cents . . . 

Norman Levinson of Loew's Poli plans to 

vacation in Mexico and California this summer 

. Tragaskis is the new candy 

Bob Ritzert of the 

girl at Loew's Poli . . . 

Globe, Bridgeport, and Al Lessow of the 

Poli, Waterbury, were local visitors. 

The Hartford Theatre Managers' Ass'n 

. 

NOW! 

plans a benefit film program for children 

at the State Saturday (16i in conjunction 

with the start of the annual Easter seal 

campaign, according to Henry L. Needles, 

association president. 

All three drive-ins in the Hartford-Spring- 

. 

field area, the Pike, Newington; Riverside, 

Agawam, and Hartford, Newington, have 

opened for the season. Joe Dolgin manages 

the Pike, while Ed Carroll owns the Riverside, 

and the Hartford is operated by the 

E. M. Loew's circuit . . . George Landers was 

in Springfield and North Adams on E. M. 

Loew's circuit business J. Olio, 

69, well-known to Hartford stock company 

audiences of a generation ago, is dead. 

The Star's marquee was redecorated . 

Bernie Menschell screened "Because of Eve 

for state and city health department officials 

. . . Paul Purdy of the Kounaris-Tolis Theatres 

remembers back in his early managerial 

days when Sylvia Sidney removed a bullet 

from Gene Raymond on the screen, four 

people in the theatre fainted. They were 

all men. 

Dorothy Doucette is new candy girl at the 

Crown . . . Jim O'Brien, projectionist at 

the Crown, has shifted to the booth at the 

Rialto. He was replaced at the Crown by 

Joseph Codraet . Stevens of the Crown 

was interviewed over WCCC during the State 

vaudeville stint of Mel Torme. Miss Stevens 

is president of the Hartford Mel Torme Fan 

club . . . Max Salzburg of EL was here. 

Albert Delia Vella 

has been named assistant 

manager of the Strand, Winsted . . . 

Madeline Uricchio has succeeded Beverly 

Gould, resigned, as candy girl at Plaza in 

Windsor. Violet Nagle is the new cashier 

and Joe Sudal the new doorman at that 

Lockwood-Gordon house . 

Grecula 

• A FINISHED SCREEN ^^" "^V^lf £/ 

• ERECTED AND 

COMPLETED 

• TILTED FOR 

PERFECT VISION 

• BUILT TO 

WITHSTAND A 

HURRICANE 

•LOW COST 

• QUICK DELIVERY 

• FAST ERECTION 

• MEETS ALL BUILD- 

ING CODES 

r 

MALEY CONSTRUCTION CO. 

Wayne Theatre BIdg., Wayne, Mich. 

Phone Wayne 4580 

was in New Haven and Bridgeport . . . 

Maurice Shulman bumped into Al Robbins, 

former Connecticut exhibitor, while vacationing 

in Miami Beach. Al is now in the 

ice cream business down south, Maurice says. 

Charles Smedick has been named manager 

of the Shulman circuit's Rivoli . . . Vince 

Capuano, manager of the Elm, West Hartford, 

was in Danbury on his day off . . . 

George Landers of E. M. Loew's has been 

getting in quite a bit of tennis on his days 

The daughter of Norman Rolfe, 

off . . . 

Maine district manager for Lockwood-Gordon 

Theatres, was reported out of the hospital, 

after a long illness. Rolfe was manager 

of the Webb, Wethersfield, prior to 

going to Maine several years ago. 

. 

Bernie Stevens of the Princess was in 

Springfield, saying hello to Jim Cotoia of 

the Art. Jim formerly worked for the Warner 

circuit here Jack Gordon was 

Harry F. 

in New York on business . . . 

Shaw and Morris Mendelsohn of Loew's 

Poli circuit were in town . . . Bob Gentner 

of the Palace was in Pi-ovidence on his day 

The Palace will hold an underprivileged 

off . . . 

children's show May 16, with local 

merchants sponsoring. Bob Gentner is working 

on advance details. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Schwartz of Chicago are 

parents of their second child, a son. Mrs. 

Schwartz is the sister of Allen M. Widem, 

local correspondent for BOXOFFICE. "While 

Widem was in the army during World War 

II, she substituted as correspondent in this 

area. 

84 


ive-Ins... 

JutcWWittt; 

lu&icdJtAilM 

-is a nmst! 

only 

PRWECnitS 

give you: 










mechanism. 



that will 


»%••• s0i 0E% 

• ••••, 

CAPITOL THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

28 Piedmont St., Boston 16, Mass. 

LOU PHILLIPS THEATRE SUPPLY, INC. 

130 Meadow Street, New Haven 10, Conn.

. . . Although 

. . "The 

NEW HAVEN 

Qeorge W. Horan, Warner district manager, 

was here from Boston for a two-day 

visit. Horan is former Holy Cross football 

star. Also visiting were Ralph Banghart, 

RKO publicity man: Bernard Sholtz, RCA 

district manager of theatre equipment, and 

Ken P:-iekett of MGM in on "Take Me Out 

to the Ball Game" ... A sneak preview 

of "Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" was arranged 

for the College April 18 . . . The 

Paramount Theatre. New Haven, adds an 

eight-week Wednesday night amatem- contest 

on its stage, to the already popular 

Saturday morning shows. Kiddy shows are 

in conjmiction with WAVZ . . . The new 

Meriden Theatre will open Decoration day. 

The Milford Drive-In and the E. M. Loew's 

Drive-In on the Hartford turnpike have 

opened. 

On April 30, Lydia Zangari of Warners 

exchange wUl middle-aisle it with Alfred 

D'Angelo . . . Leonard Sampson of the Crown 

went to New York to see his mother who 

is recuperating after four weeks in the hospital 

. . . Ann Etonner of 20th-Fox staff and 

formerly with BOXOFFICE can't make 

enough hand-made costume jewelry, 

has so many admirers about town. 

which 

Equipment installations in various new 

theatres are running Bill Hutchins of Na- 

ENTRANCE 

AND EXIT FLOODLIGHTS 


C. Mo. 

. . . Harry 

tional ragged . Red Shoes" finished 

six weeks at the Crown, Hartford, and completed 

four at the Center. Hartford, and 

four at the Plaza, Waterbury 

. . . Twentieth-Fox 

Fishman of the Fishman circuit was in Miami 

Beach for the winter months and has returned 

to New Haven 

Family club met to talk over organization 

matters with David Squire presiding . . . 

Mrs. Alice Geery of the RKO staff has moved 

into her newly purchased home in Hamden. 

. . Masella's efforts 

Tony Masella, Loew's Poli assistant, tied 

up with McDonnell's wholesale house, for a 

promotion of 50 pounds of peanuts, distributed 

in 2,000 imprinted bags, for "Take Me 

Out to the Ball Game" . 

for the film resulted ift a two-column 

art and story layout in the Register on the 

West Haven Sailors, local ball team, choice 

of Esther Williams as the girl they'd like 

to hit the most home runs for . . . Stars of 

the film autographed baseballs for the team 

the weather turned abruptly 

cold, the Poll's street ballyhoo of baseball 

players on a tandem bike through the center 

of town, heralding "Take Me Out to the 

Ball Game" added a cheei-y note. 

Ray \Viley, new manager for UA here, went 

to Boston for conference . . . Dr. J. B. Fishman, 

manager of the Fishman circuit, went 

to Wellesley and Andover with his daughter 

and son, respectively . . . Fishman's Cameo, 

West Haven, plamied to hold a cancer drive 

benefit day, with a kiddy show at 4 p. m. 

and "Welcome Stranger" and the New Haven 

Barber Shop Singers the evening of April 19. 

Beacon Hill Shifts 

To Class Pictures 

BOSTON—The Beacon Hill Theatre, one 

of the latest houses in the city to be completely 

remodeled, has been leased to Irving 

Sisson, Joseph Cohen and Ben Sack on a 

long term by Benjamin Williams, owner. The 

new operators took over the house April 3 

and inaugm-ated an art policy, specializing 

in the best foreign films. The opening film 

is "Paisan." 

Seating 800, the Beacon Hill recently was 

remodeled by WOliam Riseman Associates, 

Boston architectural designers, at a co.st of 

$75,000. The house is completely modernized 

with all the latest appointments. Harold 

Mason, manager, and his entire staff will be 

retained by the new operators. 

The new lessees are planning extensive ad 

campaigns in the local newspapers and over 

the radio to put over their new art policy. 

They also operate the Allen, Lowell and the 

Saxon, Pitchburg. 

Three Managers Shifted 

Within Warner Circuit 

HARTFORD—Managerial changes by Warner 

Theatres: 

Tom Kilcoyne, manager of the Palace, Norwich, 

Conn., shifted to manager of the Strand 

and Globe theatres, Clinton, Mass. He is 

succeeded by Robert B. Hamilton sr., former 

manager of the Gem. Willimantic, Conn. 

George P. Haddad, who has been assistant 

at the Capitol, Willimantic, for the last four 

years, has been named manager of the Gem. 

BANKNIGHT 

GOODWILL 

Over 13 Years in Business 

THE TWO LEGAL AND PROVEN CASH GIVEAWAY PLANS 

Both 

Copyrighted 

We have theatres in this territory that have operated Banknight continuously for 

13 years. What better proof could you want? 

Ne'w Theatres Starting: 

INTERSTATE CIRCUIT 

SHEA CmCUIT 

Plymouth, Plymouth, N. H. Lawler, Greenfield 

Consiston, Newport, N. H. 

E. M. LOEW'S CIRCUrr RICHMOND-STERN CIRCUIT 

Hollywood, Chorlestovvni 

Modem, Marlboro 

Magnet, Dorchester 

Orpheum, Somerville 

Don't let radio giveaways lick you. Now is the time to get going. 

Call or write us. 

ACT NOW ! ! ! 

GOODWILL ADVERTISING COMPANY 

22 Church Street Liberty 2-9305 Boston, Massachusetts 

86 BOXOFnCE :: April 9, 1949

. . . Edward 

. . Police 

, has 

. . Norman 

WORCESTER 

XAThen Tom Kivlan resigned as assistant at 

the Plymouth to become manager of 

the Royal, the employes of the former house 

presented him a portable radio as a farewell 

Herman Silver was in from New 

gift . . . 

York to help promote "Knock on Any Door" 

With the arrival of April, 

at Loew's Poli . . . 

the open-air theatres reopened. The first 

to announce were those in Shrewsbury and 

Mendon. 

Eleanor Connors, formerly of the Playhouse, 

has been discharged from the hospital 

in Carlisle, Pa., where she was taken 

last December after an automobile accident 

. . . White City Park has announced a cut 

in prices on all rides for the new season 

Johnson is new on the staff 

of Loew's Poli. 

. . . 

. . Spike Jones 

John Matthews, manager of the Warner 

until recently, underwent an operation in 

the New England Baptist hospital in Brookline 

Bob Daggett announces the Westboro 

. . . Red Barn will start its summer stock 

season on April 19, the earliest in history. 

It plans 26 weeks of stock, the longest summer 

season in the world The Uptown 

in Gardner has started a series of talent 

nights every Wednesday with Manager Raymond 

H. Bourgeois planning to present the 

five winners in a grand finale contest on 

the stage of the Orpheum . 

packed the Auditorium on two nights even 

though the sound went dead the first night 

and he could hardly be heard past the first 

ten rows. 

While "Knock on Any Door" 

was playing 

Loew's Poli, a court official wrote a letter 

to one of the dailies, pointing out the picture 

paralleled the case of Frederick Pike, 

young Worcester county slayer . . . James 

J. O'LoughJin, manager of the Strand and 

Globe in Clinton, has been transferred to 

the new Port in Newburyport. Employes of 

the two Clinton theatres gave him a farewell 

party and presented him a purse. Succeeding 

him in Clinton is Thomas H. Kilcoyne, 

who managed the houses during the 

wartime absence of O'Loughlin. Kilcoyne 

has managed in Norwalk, Conn., and Amesbury 

and returns to Clinton from the Palace 

in Norwich, Conn. 

. 

. . . The 

Frank G. Newell, formerly with the Marlboro 

in that city, is dead after a long illness 

. . . Manager Tom Kivlan of the Royal 

took time out for a tooth out of 

Leominster have banned all- carnivals and 

circuses, terming them nuisances 

Plymouth in Leominster conducted Family 

week with prizes for the largest family attending 

the theatre as well as awards for 

the family with the most boys and with the 

most girls. 

. . 

The Southbridge News carried an editorial 

applauding Manager O'Day of the Strand 

there for replacing pictures unsuitable for 

children with kiddy films on Saturdays . . . 

John Carpenter resigned from Loew's Poli 

to enter the navy . Sam Wasserman signed 

"Oklahoma!" for a three-night stand at the 

Auditorium, the second visit of the show 

this season. 

Joins 'Octopus' Cast 

Kenneth Britton has joined the cast of 

"The Octopus and Miss Smith," a Warner 

film. 

'St. Louis' Holds Lead 

At Met in Boston 

BOSTON — The combination of spring 

weather and the Lenten season kept the 

grosses marking time with "South of St. 

Louis" at the Metropolitan, the leader. "'You 

Gotta Stay Happy" at the Astor was better 

than average. "Mother Is a Freshman" at 

the Memorial and "Knock on Any Door" at 

Loew's State and Orpheum did fairly well 

in their second stanzas. 


Astor— You Golla Slay Happy (U-I) 125 

Boston- Chicken Every Sunday {20th-Fox); Smoky 

Mountain Melody (Col). _ _ 95 

Esquire Joan of Arc (RKO), moveover 90 

Exeter Street — Pygmalion (MGM); Secret Land 

(MGM), 4th d. 1. wk 90 

Majestic—The Bed Shoes (EL), 19th wit 85 

Mayllower— Portrait oi Jennie (SRO), 6th wk 90 

Memorial Mother Is o Freshman (20th-Fox); 

Black Eagle, the Story of a Horse (Col), 2nd 

wk _ 90 

Metropolitan—South of St. Louis (WB); I Cheated 

the Law (20th-Fox) 125 

Paramount and Fenway Canadian Paciiic (20th- 

Fox); The Hideout (Rep) IOC 

Pilgrim—Red Canyon (U-I); Shamrock Hill (EL).. ..100 

Slate and Orpheum Knock on Any Door (Col); 

Blondie's Big Deal (Col), 2nd wk 90 

'Ball Game' Grosses 175. 

High in Hartford 

HARTFORD—"Take Me Out to the Ball 

Game" led local first runs with 175 per cent 

at the Poli, while "Mother Is a Freshhman" 

and the second run of Academy award winners 

"Johnny Belinda" and "Treasui-e of 

Sierra Madre" tied for second spot with 150 

at the Palace and Strand respectively. 

Allyn—So This Is New York (UA); My Dear 

Secretary (UA) 75 

Center—The Red Shoes (EL), 3rd wk. roadshow... 60 

E. M. Loew's Knock on Any Door (Col); Blondie's 

Big Deal (Col), 2nd wk 140 

Poh—Take Me Out to the Boll Gome (MGM); 

I Cheated the Law (2Qlh-Fox) 175 

Palace—Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox); 

A Man About the House (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 150 

Regal—Liie of Riley (U-I); Castaway (Rep), 

reissue, 2nd wk 70 

State Tuna Clipper (Mono), plus stage show 110 

Strand Johnny Belinda (WB); Treasure oi Sierra 

Madre (WB), 2nd run 150 

New Haven Grosses Fair; 

Highest Is Average 

NEW HAVEN—Business was only fair on 

the main stem. "Mother Is a Fi-eshman" and 

"Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture" held over 

for a second week at the College after a first 

at Loew's Poli. 

Bijou I Shot Jesse James (SG); Money Madness 

(FC) 100 

College Knock on Any Door (Col); High Fury 

(UA), 2nd d. t. wk 60 

Loew's Poll Mother Is a Freshman {20th-Fox); 

Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture (Col) 100 

Paramount—Criss Cross (U-I); Last of the Wild 

Horses (SG) 90 

Roger Sherman Johnny Belinda (WB); Treasure 

of Sierra Madre (WB), 2nd run 70 

Waterbury, Conn., Cameo 

Goes to New Operators 

WATERBURY, CONN.—Jerry Mascoli, 

operator of the 650-seat Cameo here, closed 

the house after reported difficulties in renewing 

the lease. As of April 2, operation 

of the house has been taken over by John 

Sirica, Fred Quantrano and Robert Schwartz, 

operators of the Lido at Waterbury and Park 

at Thomaston. 

Mascoli, who has operated the Cameo for 

the last 15 years and was previously in exhibition 

in other ventures, has not announced 

new plans. No changes have been 

made in the theatre. 

FALL RIVER 

The Nathan Yamins theatres in this city 

will retain admission prices at the present 

level. General Manager William S. 

Canning declared when advised of a cutback 

in adniissions in New York City. Yamins 

houses. Canning said, have absorbed in the 

past all increases in taxes and maintenance, 

without passing that extra cost on 

to the public. He pointed out the New York 

decreases affect matinee performances only. 

All regular prices in theatres here are under 

75 cents; in New York they reach $1.20 

and more. 

The Embassy, managed by John McAvoy, 

introduced what is captioned "Small 

Pi'y matinees" every Saturday and Sunday 

Much spectacular 

afternoons for children . . . 

promotion preceded the local showing 

April 18-23 of the Academy award picture, 

"Hamlet," at the Zeitz Academy, of which 

Claud Shaw is manager, at $1.20 to $2.40 

with a 20 per cent discount granted groups 

of 50 or more and students. The film, endorsed 

by numerous public and educational 

groups, was publicized over the radio, in 

the press and without standing displays of 

stills in many leading stores. Hundreds of 

educators, publicists and others attended a 

preview. 

The Bay State Drive-In in nearby Seekonk 

reopened for the season ... All Fall 

River theatres will remain closed on Good 

Friday . Zalkind, Strand director 

and a veteran of World War II in which 

he served as lieutenant, reported for two 

week's duty at the Newport naval training 

center where he will serve as a lieutenant 

commander, 

James W. McNamara, Capitol manager, is 

arranging another cooking school in which 

the Fall River Gas Co. will cooperate. The 

sessions will continue for three weeks with 

major awards being made at each session 

and at the closing. Elaborate newspaper 

and radio advertising is being conducted. 

Gifts of two silver utensils sets were made 

on two consecutive Saturday nights as an 

introductory offer at the Capitol. The sets 

were of the 26-piece style and attracted 

large audiences. 

Nathan Yamins and his wife have returned 

from Florida where he spent the 

winter ... A new dish deal will start at the 

Park and Strand theatres late this month. 

jBlBÛSl-OUICKtRrWNrHfff,^, 

Qrif SPECIAL 

lH'llTRflllERS 



Chica9o-I327S. Wobosh New York-619 W.-54 St 

RAMP-EXIT. 

ENTRANCE FLOODLIGHTS 


C, Mo. 


BOSTON 

fjl White, owner and operator of the Mansfield, 

Mansfield, brought his wife into 

the district for the first time . . . The wife of 

Ken Prickett, MGM publicist, is recuperating 

from a recent lung operation at the 

Deaconess hospital. Ken has been very busy 

on campaigns for "Take Me Out to the Ball 

Game" and "Little Women," the latter booked 

for an Easter week opening at Loew's State 

and Orpheum. P:-ickett spent last week in 

the New Haven territory at Loew's Poll 

houses. 

Eugene Boragine has brought his family 

to Saco. Me., from New York in time to reopen 

his drive-in there. Each year he spends 

six months supervising the operation of the 

ozoner and six months in New York City 

managing his interior decorating studio 

which specializes in remodeling and redecorating 

night clubs and theatres. While 

visiting Filmrow with his friend of many 

years, Martin Toohey of the Leroy Theatre, 

Pawtucket, R. I., Boragine said that the Saco 

Drive-In will open May 13. He is making 

many changes on the property, putting in 

new in-a-car speakers, enlarging the ramps 

and landscaping the scenery. He has cut 

down some of the superfluous trees in the 

rear of the property for a more attractive 

layout. The lot now holds 400 cars. 

George Roberts, Rifkin circuit, was suffering 

from a virus infection, but is now back 

on the job, six pounds lighter . . Martha 

. 

Ferris was another victim of the same infection. 

The secretary of the Film Board of 

Trade was laid up two weeks. 

The Gem Theatre, Fitchburg, owned and 

operated by Mr. and Mrs. Al Couture, will 

close April 10 for further refreshening. Last 

season the theatre was overhauled with new 

seats and carpets added. This year the 

owners are painting and repaii'ing throughout, 

adding new wall draperies and other 

interior touches. D. H. Pickering of Capitol 

ûtuuUioe. Gift Wore 

For Your Lad'i Patrons 

"OLD EIRE" Dinnerware 

NOW AVAILABLE 

Exclusive 

Distributors 

Cameo Screen Attractions, Inc. 

SAMUEL J. 

DAVIDSON. President 

50 Melrose St. Boston. Moss. 

Telephone HAncock 6-3880 

Supply Co. is in charge of the work with a 

local contractor. The front of the theatre 

will have new chromium plate trimming. 

The work is expected to be finished for an 

Easter week reopening. 

Kenneth Douglass, head of Capitol Supply, 

his wife and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mathieu 

are spending ten days in Pinehurst, N. C, 

where it is a safe bet to assume that the two 

men will take in plenty of golf . . . Helen 

Crowley is a new ledger clerk at the Paramount 

. . . Barbara Feeney, the same office, 

was laid up three weeks with a vli-us infection 

. . . Mary Keaney is a new bookkeeper 

at Affiliated Theatres Corp. 

Following the announcement for United 

Artists in New York that John Dervin, manager 

here, had resigned, Dervin said he is 

taking his family on a vacation trip for two 

weeks, and after his return he will announce 

his future plans. James L. Winn, UA manager 

in Buffalo, has been switched to Boston 

to replace Dervin. 

. . 

James Fountain, Town Hall, Woodstock, 

Vt., came into town to confer at Affiliated 

Theatres with his booker Carl Goldman . 

James Mahoney, general manager of Interstate, 

took Jim Stoneman on a tour of theatres 

in the northern territory . . . Jack 

Israleson, former booker and salesman with 

Madison Pictures, is busily engaged in reopening 

his cabin business in Wells Beach, 

Maine . . . Mrs. Rose Fasano, Cummings, 

Fitchburg, has installed new Heywood- 

Wakefield seats and a new screen, the latter 

put in by Massachusetts Theatre Equipment 

Co. 

Film Classics has two pictures playing first 

run in downtown theatres. "Alaska Patrol" 

went into the Keith Memorial with "Family 

Honeymoon," and "Amazon Quest" was on 

the same bill with "The Set-Up" at the RKO 

Boston . . . American Theatres has signed a 

deal with United Ai-tists for four pictures to 

play day and date at the Pilgrim and Esquire 

Theatres during April and part of May. The 

pictui-es are "Cover-Up," "Impact," "The 

Crooked Way" and "Outpost to Morocco." 

Phil Engel, UA publicist and Paul Levi, ATC 

publicist, are preparing the campaigns. 

Alex Moss of New York, formerly of the 

exploitation department of Paramount and 

more recently with the Howard Hughes organization, 

was in town . . . Tom Duane, SRO 

representative here, visited the New York 

home office . E. M. Loew was another New 

. . 

York visitor, while Edward Ruff, New England 

representative for Motion Picture Sales 

Corp., traveled to Albany and Springfield . . . 

Herman Ripps, MGM district manager, spent 

a day in towai. 

Mrs. Ida Mae Dondis, Park and Strand 

. . . 

theatres, Rockland, Me., and a partner of 

New England Theatres, was in town visiting 

Sam 

the office of Martin Mullin Levine, booker at EL, brought in a series of 

oldtime pictures of industry parties that 

took place 25 years ago and put them in 

the windows at Han-y's snack bar on Church 

street. The pictures caused a considerable 

amount of interest and many facetious comments 

as to the added waistlines of certain 

local 

exhibitors. 

Harold Cummings, for many years manager 

of the Warner Theatre in Lynn, has 

been appointed manager of E. M. Loew's 

nearly remodeled Center in Brockton. The 

Center, which has been completely overhauled 

by William Riseman Associates, Boston 

architectural designers, reopened a 

month ago under the temporary direction 

of Bruno Weingarten. Cummings resigned 

from the Warner ciixuit and traveled to 

Florida for a month's vacation. The assignment 

at the Center, Brockton, starts imme- 

The "Victory here, operated by the E. M. 

Loew's circuit, will reopen its doors on Easter 

week after alterations by William Riseman 

Associates. The name will be changed to the 

Civic . . . The Riseman office also reveals 

that the Union Theatre, Attleboro, operated 

by the B&Q Associates will close Holy week 

for alterations and refreshening with an 

Easter day reopening. 

Jimmy Fund Kickoff 

Is Attended by 100 

BOSTON—The kick-off luncheon of the 

1949 Jimmy fund drive for the Children's 

Cancer Research Foundation was held at the 

diately. 

Copley-Plaza hotel with 100 cuxuit heads, 

theatre owners and exhibitors present. Martin 

Mullin, president of New England Theatres, 

Inc., chairman of the drive, was host 

at the luncheon. Speakers were Mullin, William 

Koster of the "Variety Club and Dr. 

Sydney S. Farber, chief pathologist of the 

Children's Medical center. Those present 

enthusiastically endorsed the drive and volunteered 

cooperation to Mullin. 

Mullin later reported 323 New England 

theatres have pledged to take audience collections 

and he felt assured that every theatre 

in New England will do likewise. A 

complete list of the names of all participating 

theatres will be announced as soon as 

the pledges are turned in. 

Louis Perini, co-chairman with Mullin and 

president of the Boston Braves Baseball club, 

has sent word from the south that his baseball 

club is making plans to help promote 

the drive. Last season the Jimmy fund drive 

raised $230,000 to benefit the cancer foundation. 

Jimmy Fund Leaders Meet 

With New Haven Helpers 

NEW HAVEN—Leaders in the Boston 

Jimmy fund, .seeking funds for the treatment 

of leukemia, held a special luncheon 

here at the Hofbrau, at which key Connecticut 

exhibitors and distribution representatives 

heard suggestions for Connecticut participation 

in the fund. An intensive Jimmy 

week is planned for early summer, during 

which theatres would ask to participate. 

Attending the luncheon meeting were 

Martin J. Mullin, president, and Ben Rosenberg, 

district manager for New England Theatres. 

Inc.: Bill Costa and Harold Stoneham, 

also of Boston; Harry F. Shaw, I. J. Hoffman, 

Lou Brown, Jim Darby, George Wilkinsson 

jr., Barney Pitkin. Ben Simon, Herman 

M. Levy and Albert Pickus. 

E. M. Loew's Cashier Robbed 

HARTFORD—A lone bandit held up the 

E. M. Loew's cashier recently and escaped 

with $75 into downtown traffic. 


. . Frances 

. . The 

. . Leon 

. . John 

BRIDGEPORT 

. . . 

IVA'anager Albert M. Pickus of the Stratford 

Theatre was a New York City visitor 

Florence Nadolski 

is back in the 

boxoff ice at the 

American after a 

week's illness . . . 

Twenty members of 

the local Projectionists 

union attended an 

educational session at 

the Bijou Theatre, 

New Haven . . . There 

is talk of a summer 

theatre company playing 

under canvas if 

the proper location 

can be found in upper 

Henry Fonda has taken 

year lease on the house 

he is residing. 

Albert M. Pickus 

Fairfield county . . . 

an additional threein 

Greenwich where 

The Country Playhouse in Westport, now 

being enlarged, will open June 20, a week 

earlier than usual. Stars already set to appear 

there during the summer include Guy 

Madison. Gail Russell. Zachary Scott. Anne 

Baxter. John Hodiak, Helen Hayes and her 

daughter Mary MacArthur. William Bendix, 

Tallulah Bankhead, Madeleine Carroll, 

Margaret Webster, Sir Cedric Hardwicke 

and Lilli Palmer. 

. . . 

. . . 

. . . Manager 

The Mayfair and Astor theatres are doing 

big business with Italian films on Mondays 

William Towle, projectionist at the Klein 

Memorial, has moved his family into a new 

home in Milford Moe Costello, former 

manager of the Lyric here, will have a show 

on the Million Dollar pier, Atlantic City, 

this summer . . . Jack Oakie and Victoria 

Home will come from Hollywood this summer 

for a stock engagement at the White 

Barn Theatre in Westport 

Harry A. Ross of Loew's Majestic celebrated 

a birthday . . . Wilbur C. Weber is now 

operating Saturday night magic shows, with 

guest magicians, at Mid-Town hall and 

Unemployment here 

doing fairly well . . . 

has reached the 15,000 mark and is still 

growing. Figure is the highest in the state. 

Herbert Kneeter will operate the summer 

theatre at Norwich starting In June. Players 

will include Susan Peters, who will play the 

lead in "The Glass Menagerie" from a wheelchair 

Spike Jones did well in one-night 

. . . stand at the Lyric . Headliners, Past 

and R-esent, will have their annual dinner 

and frolic at the Actors Colony inn, Seymour, 

May 1 . . . Florence Soos has been promoted 

from relief to fulltime cashier at the Black 

Rock. Her new assistant Is Mrs. Helen Engstrom 

Manager John Molley of the Klein 

. . . Memorial is 

back from a Florida vacation. 

. . . 

Manager Charles Gaudine of the Hippodrome 

is a year older . . . Projectionist Jimmy 

Hill is driving a new auto Michel 

of New York City will 

. 

operate a summer 

theatre in the gymnasium of the former 

Brookfield School for Boys in Brookfleld 

center . M. Batsavage is the new 

cashier at the Hippodrome 

comedian Lou Costello is negotiating 

Screen 

for a 

Irene Caco, 

country estate in Greenwich . . . 

secretary to Manager Harry Rose of Loew's 

Majestic, celebrated a birthday. 

Manager James Tobin of the Warner was 

called to Boston by the death of his fatherin-law 

. . Dr. Maxwell J. Nussenfold, president 

of 

. 

the Strand Amusement Co., is back 

from Florida . Martin, business agent 

for the local projectionists union, talked 

Mrs. Martin and daughter Dolores into going 

for a plane ride . . . Eugene D., son of Morris 

Jacobson, general manager of the Strand 

Amusement Co., made the honor roll at 

Wesleyan university . . . Mr. and Mrs. Myron 

Levy celebrated a wedding anniversary. He 

is projectionist at the Black Rock. 

Two Censorship Measures 

Before House Committee 

BOSTON—Two new censorship measures, 

heard before a hou.se committee this week, 

would provide for a five-man board to further 

supervise the showing of motion pictures 

for children. Proponent of the bills, 

house bills 317 and 1035, Bernard Lally, did 

not appear before the committee, which took 

the measures under advisement after hearing 

opponents of the bills. 

Theatre industry representatives who spoke 

against the bills were Frank Lyon, field secretary, 

and Mrs. Anna Driscoll. executive secretary 

of Allied Theatres: Ray S. Feeley of 

Independent Exhibitors and representatives 

of several civic organizations. 

Theatre Employe Gone; 

So Is $1,911 in Receipts 

WORCESTER—An employe of the Plymouth 

Theatre left town and $1,911 of the 

theatre's money was missing simultaneou.sly, 

the police were informed by Manager Nate 

Goldberg. The young man, who had been 

employed at the house only two weeks, was 

thought to have headed toward Florida. A 

waitress in a restaurant nearby was reported 

missing at the .same time. 

The theft was discovered when the night 

deposit bags were opened at a local bank. 

Instead of containing the Saturday receipts, 

they were stuffed with paper. The missing 

employe was bonded, Goldberg said. 

To Topline in 'Bodies and Souls' 

Charles Coburn will topline with Glenn 

Ford in "Bodies and Souls," an MGM film. 

LOOK-ALIKES—Here are three lookalikes 

from the Hartford trade territory. 

Left to right, Jack W. Gordon, general 

manager, Gordon's Entertaining Bureau. 

Hartford; Lou Goldman, State 

Music Distributing Corp., Hartford; and 

Lou Cohen, manager, Loew's Poli, Hartford. 

SPRINGFIELD 

•The drive-in season is here again, with all 

open air locations in this territory resuming 

operations. The spots include the 

Riverside Drive-In, Agawam, owned by Ed 

Carroll; Sundown Drive-In, Westfield, owned 

by Owen Holmes: West Sprmgfield Drive-In, 

West Springfield, operated by Weymouth 

Drive-In Theatre Corp. 

. . . Mrs. 

Ed Smith, managing director of the Paramount, 

urged newspaper readers to see "Enchantment" 

from the start. He listed starting 

times in all new'spaper ads 

Wilson Dougherty, president of the Springfield 

Motion Picture council, headed the 

local delegation to the 40th anniversary conference 

of the National Board of Review of 

Motion Pictures in New York. 

The Sunset Park Auto Theatre at Pittsfield 

now is being booked by Lew Breyer, it's understood 

here. Breyer. who formerly managed 

the Broadway Theatre here for Western 

Massachusetts Theatres, is now in the 

film distribution and booking business in 

Boston. 

Henry L. Needles, district manager for 

Warner Theatres, was here visiting Joe Borenstein 

at the Strand and Joe Miklos of 

the Embassy . . . Pete and Sperie Perakos 

of the Perakos circuit were in Elmwood and 

East Hartford visiting circuit houses . . . Paul 

Purdy of the Newington heard from Sgt. 

Howard Cuddy, former Connecticut area projectionist, 

now serving with the army medical 

department in Hawaii. Cuddy re-enlisted 

in the army some months ago. He 

was projectionist at theatres in Newington, 

Winsted and Lakeville. 

New Sense of Liberty Aids 

Italian Film Production 

HARTFORD—Italian motion pictures that 

have proved so popular recently in the U S. 

are the result of a "new sense of freedom," 

that has come to the people of Italy, Thomas 

G. Bergin. professor of Italian at Yale university, 

declared over radio station WTIC, 

Hartford, last week. 

Piofessor Bergin quoted the words of Italy's 

leading director. Roberto Ro.ssellini, as exemplifying 

that "sense of building and creating" 

which is found in Italy. "Rossellini," 

Bergin said, "declared that Italians were 

bursting with things to say and the sweeping 

away of Fascist restrictions has given 

them a chance to say them." 

The college professor singled out the motion 

picture as perhaps the most spectacular 

advance in the cultural field. "Sheer 

simplicity—a direct result of lack of means 

has been the outstanding feature of such 

films as 'Open City.' 'Paisan' and Scuiuscia.' 

The simplicity gives them a convincing realism. 

Italian artistry does the rest." 

Actress Visits Hartford 

HARTFORD—Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Green 

of London, England, are here as house guests 

of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Morganstern of Brookside 

boulevard. Mrs. Green is the former 

Irene Manning, stage and screen actress, 

while Green is manager of the London edition 

of 

the New York Times. 

Richard Lane in "Quicksand' 

Richard Lane has been signed for a featured 

role in United Artists' "Quicksand." 


I where 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

. . . 

flnsel N. Sanborn, Carroll county circuit 

owner and legislature member from 

Wakefield, has been appointed by Gov. 

Sherman Adams as a member of a commission 

which will study reorganization of the 

state government "The Conversion of 

Paul" and "The Years of Apprenticeship," 

two religious films, were given premiei-e 

showings at the Congregational church in 

Hookset. 

Mrs. Mary A. Graves, 81, who was engaged 

in the theatre business many years with 

her husband, the late Homer A. Graves, died 

March 24 at her home in Lancaster after a 

long illness. 

The Palace Theatre in Manchester, film 

and vaudeville hou.se, has booked "Oklahoma!" 

for eight performances May 9-14 

. . . Art Rothafel, son of the widely known 

"Roxy" of theatrical renown a generation 

ago, resigned as manager of radio station 

WFEA at Manchester to join the CBS television 

network. 

INCORPORATIONS 

—HARTFORD— 

Federated Television Productions, 1 Atlantic 

St., Stamford, Conn.; amount paid in cash, 

$2,400: president, Walter B. Lock wood; vicepresident, 

Edward R. McPherson jr., secretary-treasurer, 

George F. Lowman. all of 

Darien. 

Change of location filed by Hartford Drivein 

Theatre, Inc., Hartford, listing change 

from Hartford to Hartford-New Haven turnpike 

and Prospect street. New Haven. 

Variety Club Meets Monday 

NEW HAVEN—Variety Club of Connecticut 

Tent 31 was to hold a special dinner 

meeting at the new clubrooms Monday (11) 

with Lou Brown, chief barker, presiding. 

Plans were to be discussed for the forthcoming 

informal dance April 23 and the 

Heart fund car drawing. 

Patrons Ask Later Opening 

HARTFORD—Tlie Newington Theatre has 

a new weekday poUcy of opening at 6 p. m. 

instead of the 5:45 p. m. opening which has 

been in force. Change is due to request of 

majority of patrons. 

Bridgeport Fete to Honor 

Memory of P. T. Barnum 

BRIDGEPORT—A five-day program in 

memory of the late P. T. Barnum has been 

arranged here beginning June 10. The program 

includes: 

Friday, June 10—Community day—sports 

events in all the city's recreational spots; a 

mammoth old-fashioned clam bake in one 

of the city parks; a "Big Top" ball in the 

state armory, and block parties all over the 

greater Bridgeport area. 

Saturday—Fun day—regatta off Seaside 

park; gigantic circus parade through the 

downtown section; a marathon from Bethel 

Barnum was born) to his statue in 

Seaside park here; a huge fireworks display 

at Seaside in the evening. 

Sunday—Family day—concerts and pageants 

in Beardsley park. 

Monday and Tuesday—Cii-cus days—regular 

afternoon and evening performances of 

the Ringllng Bros, and Barnum and Bailey 

circus. 

Schools in the area will remain closed from 

Thursday night until Tuesday morning. The 

committee in charge has incorporated as the 

Barnum Festival, Inc., tor business purposes, 

but expenses will be kept to a minimum and 

home talent employed almost exclusively 

during the program preceding the arrival of 

the circus. 

It is planned to make the event an annual 

affair with the accent on fun. 

LYNN 

n fter a search of several weeks, Royce J. 

Beckman, new manager of the Warner, 

has located a suitable apartment, which will 

be ready for occupancy next month. He 

sold his home in south Lynnfield when he 

was transferred from Lynn's Waldorf to 

Everett five years ago. Beckman asked Mrs. 

Ethel Sarmosakis, his former cashier at the 

Waldorf, to become cashier at the Warner. 

She resigned after her marriage and declined 

the recent offer because of her home duties. 

A second popcorn stand has been installed 

at the Warner . . . After royal welcomes at 

theatres in New York and Washington, 

Stanley Young, assistant manager at the 

Warner, and his bride returned from their 

honeymoon. 

Comedian Joins 

'Annie' Cast 

Comedian Benny Baker has joined the cast 

of MGM's "Annie Get Your Gun." 

HANDY

Interstate Offers Ball 

Game on Video 

DALLAS— Seven Interstate theatres made 

TV fans feel at home by showing the Brooklyn 

Dodgers vs. Fort Worth Cats exhibition 

baseball game in their lobbies. The Majestic. 

Melba, Telenews. downtown, and the Lakewood, 

Inwood, Wilshire and Esquire were the 

houses. The extra attraction drew noticeably 

from the street and from patrons already 

inside the theatre watching the regular show. 

The Telenews had the biggest response, however, 

as it is equipped with a sizeable TV 

loimge and has been offering such subjects 

for some time. It is recalled that this house 

and its TV lounge was packed during the 

New Year's Cotton Bowl game by hundreds 

who couldn't buy tickets. They saw a fair 

reproduction of the game at the theatre. 

Since then, capacity of the lounge has been 

Increased. 

New Managers Take Over 

In Three Wallace Houses 

LUBBOCK, TEX.—Managerial changes affecting 

three Wallace Theatres on the Texas 

.south plains have been announced by Wallace 

Blankenship, operator of the 16-house chain. 

Lawrence Rylant, former operator at the 

Spade Drive-In. is new manager of the Wallace 

at Morton, .succeeding Cleatus Middleton, 

who has moved to Dallas. T. J. Simpson 

has been transferred from the management 

of the Wallace in Simdown to the Spade. 

James Alexander, operator at Andrews, steps 

up to succeed Simpson. 

Additions to the Wallace chain personnel, 

announced by Blankenship. include: Weldon 

Stone, of Brownwood, operator at Andrews; 

Travis Goodman, of Dallas, operator of the 

Crystal in Ralls; and Clara Scruggs, re-employed 

at Tahoka. 

Blankenship also announced that hospitalization 

insurance for all employes of his 

circuit will be broadened April 15 to include 

surgical benefits. Group life insurance also 

is available to them. 

Another announcement at the Lubbock 

headquarters was that extensive remodeling 

of the New Rose at Levelland has been 

finished, including a new tile front and redecoration 

of the rest rooms. 

Close Rio at Bishop 

BISHOP, TEX.—The Rio Theatre, in operation 

since 1945 here, is being discontinued, 

according to L. A. Arnold, owner-manager 

of the Rio and the Texas theatres. Arnold 

said the equipment will be put in storage 

until plans can be worked out for construction 

of a new house in Bishop. 

New Manager in Wharton 

WHARTON. TEX.—The Queen and 

Plaza 

theatres here are now under the managership 

of John Brown, who recently succeeded Taft 

Larza. Brown is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Mineral Wells Airer Open 

MINERAL WELLS, TEX.—The Jones 

Drive-In recently reopened for the 1949 season, 

according to C. H. Jones, owner and 

operator. 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 

Lawton Story' Bow Earns 

$30,000 for Local Assn 

LAWTON, OKLA.—Primed by weeks of 

preparation, this small southwest communify 

experienced its biggest day since the land 

rush of 1889 when townsfolk joined throngs 

of visitors in celebrating the world premiere 

Saturday

. . Duke 

. . 

IT'S 

NEW! 

SAN ANTONIO 

CHARLES LAUTEM 

EVOHN KEVES 

.MARIA LOUISA MARUUNDA 

I (JOHN) 

pn (OK.) 

Jenkins&Dourgeois 

ASTOR PICTURES COMPANY 

HARWOOD & JACKSON STS 

DALLAS! eSSSn TrJ., ; 

DIXIE FILMS, Inc 

218 SO. LIBERTY ST 

NEW ORLEANS 13. LOUISIANA 

"MAGNOLIA 5812" 


FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE MFG. CO.—K. C Mo. 

ânny McCarthy, film salesman for Hallmark 

Productions, Wilmington, Ohio, was 

registered at the Plaza hotel last week. Dan 

formerly was with U-I before Mark Holstein 

recently took over that same representation. 

He has "The Lawton Story" at the Tex. 

Television is scheduled to make its first offclal 

appearance here along Soledad street 

when Alamo Radio and Television, Inc., 

brings in some shows from KLEE-TV in 

Houston this month. This company, located 

across from Clasa-Mohme film exchange, 

manufacture video sets and soon will televise 

live talent shows from their studios and 

show windows. 

John Wesley Ketner, former floor manager 

at the old Rialto here a number of years ago, 

has joined the Texas state guard here . . . 

Johnny Long, Texas theatreman and owner 

of radio station KVIC, Victoria, has asked 

the FCC permission to sell part of his interest 

to several new stockholders of Radio 

Enterprises 

. Clark, Paramount 

executive, Dallas, was in the Alamo City with 

the "El Paso" star stage show. 

. . . Barry 

Gene Autry and his hoss Champion will be 

at the Mimicipal Auditorium Theatre here 

the middle of the month, according to his 

traveling press agent. Percels Alexander, who 

formerly was assistant dramatic critic of the 

Dallas Morning News . . . Phil Alexander, who 

produced radio plays hereabouts some years 

ago, post-carded from Hollywood 

Burke, Interstate auditor, was in from Dallas. 

. . Bobby Lucchese, 

Alameda Theatre notes: Teresa Ortega is 

the newly appointed PBX operator in the 

Thomas Williams has been 

general office . . . 

made office manager for Zaragoza Amusement 

Co. of which Ignacio Torres is now the 

manager 

general manager . 

of the Nacional, is taking up golf for 

Azteca and Clasa-Mohme 

relaxation . . . 

Mexican productions are now being shown 

here with Spanish dialog and superimposed 

English subtitles. 

Paramount's "El Paso," an epic of out 

where the old west begins, had a gala opening 

at the Majestic. Nine Hollywood d'gnitaries 

were on hand the opening day to lend 

a colorful touch to the affair. Emceeing the 

stageshow was Frank Faylen who played this 

same theatre 22 years ago as a vaudeville 

artist of no mean ability. Others here from 

the west coast were Harry Revel, Helen Forrest, 

Mary Beth Hughes, William Hogan, 

John Payne, Eddie Norgiera, David Street, 

Bill Pine, co-producer, and George "Gabby" 

Hayes. 

A. C. Lyies jr. of the Paramount publicity 

department, Hollywood, is making the jaunt 

through Texas with the "El Paso" contingent 

. . . Paul Garza, owner of the Obrero, Follies 

and Progreso, independent string of theatres 

here, has been in show business for over 30 

years. He started the Mexico Teatro on West 

Houston over three decades ago. 

To Play Aviator Buddies 

Don Hicks and Robert Patten will play 

aviator buddies in the 20th-Fox picture, 

"Twelve O'clock High." 

mOTIOn PICTURE SERYICECo. 

125 HYDE $T. -$anFrancTuo(2>Cai;f. 

CiRAlD I. KARtKI Qtntrsl mjaa^rr 

^Klkl BOOKER FOR SHORT 

SUBJECTS. PART TIME. 

Want Good Salesman with Screen-Ad or Similar 

Experience. Up to S50. Daily. Phone R-2375 in 

Dallas or write Box 340G, BOXOFFICE. 

I 

: 

i 

: 

WHERE DO YOU STAND WITH YOUR THEATRES? 

Operating Margins Are Growing Ever Smaller, Due to Increased Wages, 

Operating Costs and Competition. Guessing and Waiting Can Be Very 

Dangerous. 

YOU NEED MY PROMOTION NOW — MORE THAN EVER BEFORE 

A Leader Never Quits 

and a Quitter Never Leads 

Proudly and with confidence, I can tell you that my boxoflice 

promotion is both dignified and effective. Even during the Lenten 

season, crowds packed the theatres that used my Hobby Horse 

Giveaway. Several large outstanding circuits with scores of theatres 

will verify these statements . . . The most amazing offer ever 

made at no cost to the exhibitor ... I can pack your theatre as I 

packed others. Kindly write now to . 

AAAURICE ZELL 

308 Eddy Street San Francisco 2, Calif. 

/ will have my representative in your tncinity call on you. 

This places you under 7io obligation. 

Maurice 

Zell 


fOf^ 

rhra-lns... 

\ililpk£jm 

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PROIKTORS 

give you: 










mechanism. 



that will 


SOUTHWESTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

2010 Jackson St., Dallas 1, Texas 

1416 Main St., Houston 2, Texas 

DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY 

214 S. Liberty St., New Orleans 13, Lo. 

*%•••' 

\Hl»^^V^m^ ^^H 

• •••», 

OKLAHOMA THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

628 W. Grand Ave., Oklahoma City 2, Okla.

. . Jack 

. . Jack 

. . . George 

roadshow. 

From the BOXOFFICE Files 

• • • 


T C. BAXLEY of Pathe has taken over the 

management of Tiffany-Stahl in New 

Orleans . Holman and M. O. Howell 

opened the Parkway, Dallas neighborhood 

theatre, with sound . Holman, assistant 

to Cliff Lindsley in the operation of the 

Palace and Greater Lindsley, will reopen in 

a few days after a complete overhauling 

Mrs. Beulah Nesmith of San Benito is 

. . . 

manager 

of the Dukedun at LaPeria for Ed Brady 

. . . John F. Loveridge is now manager of the 

Majestic in Fort Worth, taking the place of 

Chic Shytles who was killed in a plane crash. 

E. E. Lutz of Dallas, operating a small 

chain, has opened the Wink at Wink, Tex. 

. . . Griffith Amusement Co. has opened a 

quarter million dollar theatre, the Ritz, at 

Wellington, Tex. Cecil Callahan is manager 

Douglas Shaw, nine-pound boy, 

arrived in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George 

L. Shaw in Llano, Tex. 

On Dallas Pilmrow lately: B. F. Ferguson 

and family of Hamlin; J. A. Lempke, Waco; 

Harry Boynton, Hamilton; Abe Silverberg, 

Houston; J. Houdek and E. C. Millican, Ennis; 

Henry Hall, Beeville; Thomas Donnell; 

Stephenville; William Eptsein, San Antonio; 

W. A. Stuckert, Branham; H. F'ord Taylor, 

Sam Saba; J. C. Chatmas, Marlin. 

Plan for Frisco Trips 

DALLAS—Variety Club's monthly business 

session was held in the Adolphus Palm Garden 

April 4. The Variety International convention 

May 2-7 in San Francisco was outlined 

by Chief Barker Julius Schepps, according 

to schedules he received from Tent 

32 on the coast. Barkers planning to make 

the trip should make reservations with Jack 

Bryant, local club manager. 

'El Paso' Gross Is 125 

To Lead at Dallas 

DALLAS—"El Paso" in its first week at 

the Majestic was best locally with 125 per 

cent. "Peudin', Fu.ssin' and a-Fightin' " took 

second place with 115. Others were average 

or under. 


Capitol—Blazing Across the Pecos (Col); lungle 

Goddess (SG); split with Law Comes to Texas 

(Col), reissue; Variety Time (RKO) 75 

Majestic—El Paso (Para) _ 125 

Melba—Knock on Any Door (Col), 2nd d. t. wk 100 

Palace—A Kiss in the Dark (WB) 85 

Rialto—Feudin', Fussin' and a-Fightin' (U-I) 115 

Telenews—Countess of Monte Cristo (U-I) 70 

Tower—Hamlet (U-1), 2nd wk , .No average. 

Rockdale Airer Open 

ROCKDALE, TEX.—The Reel Drive-In 

has reopened for the summer season. 

Borger Opening Slated 

BORGER, TEX.—The third drive-in in 

this area is scheduled for an early opening. 

Chas. E. Darden «t Co 

P.O. Box 2207 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

Your Deal Handled Personally! 

27 years experience 

Wa Cover the U. S. Market 

Arthur Leak 

Theatre Sales Exclusively 

3422 Kirunore Dallas 10, Texas] 

Phone T3-2026 

J. T. BOUTWELL INSTALLATION COMPANY 

Contractor of Theatre, School 

and Church Seating 

We install any Chair for anyone at any place. 

For information, write 

Box 325 or Call 6976, Temple, Texas 

Westerns-Features-Serials 

Tower Pictures Co. 

HABOLD SCHWAHZ 

3021/2 S. Harwood St. DaUa< 1. Texas 

Phones C-7357 and H-3998 

94 BOXOFnCE :: AprU 9, 1949 

i

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Up a THIRD in test locations near our box factory when the 

Atomic Ring Box was offered! Children scramble for it to get 

the Atomic Ring Coupon . 

Ring was tested nationally back in 1947 by one of the leading 

cereal manufacturers. It proved to be one of the most sensational 

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attends to all that . you have to do is offer your popcorn 

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DALLAS 

301 N. Market St. 

HOUSTON 

1002 Washington St. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

1 West Main St. 

ftDDRESS - 

CITY 

CITY.. 

:_l 

BOXOFHCE April 9, 1949 

95

' 

DALLAS 

M. "Soda" Reynolds, well-known trade 

figure, was absent from the Row several 

weeks after a long 

• period of service as 

Jr^ \ salesman for a local 

'^ 

film exchange. Friends 

had been wondering 

„ ^^ '..* what happened to him. 

S The fact is he has 

been selling for a theatre 

advertising company 

in west Texas 

since the first of the 

year. He contacts local 

merchants and manufacturers, 

arranging 

J. M. Reynolds 

for gift prizes, and 

then works the giveaway schedule out with 

T-li-T 

POPCORN 

For Extra Popping Volume 

Warehouse Stocks at 

Portland • Salt lake City • Denver 

Los Angeles • Houston • Albuquerque 

'^rUc Now for prices ond samples 

T-N-T POPCORN DIVISION— 

Barteldes Seed Co., Lawrence, Kansas 

the theatre, aiming at better grosses. The 

company is named Southwest Theatre Advertisers 

and is owned by M. E. Huebert. 

Reynolds has been identified with the industry 

for 30 years and is a former theatre 

owner and operator. 

The local 20th-Fox exchange is expecting 

a visit from A. W. Smith, general sales manager, 

and Al Lichtman, who recently joined 

the company as vice-president with duties 

connecting the distributing and production 

Sam Lucchese of the State and 

units . . . 

Century theatres was taken to Medical Arts 

hospital for surgery and was returned to his 

home. He expects to return to work within 

a few days. Sam is a brother of G. A. Lucchese 

of Zaragoza Amusement Co., which 

recently opened the elaborate Alameda Theatre 

in San Antonio. 

Duke Clark, former Paramount district 

manager, had one promotion a month ago 

and now has another. He was just named assistant 

central division manager under J. J. 

UNITED THEATRES SERVICE CORPORATION 

Confidential Booking & Buying 

reason wliy . . . many large There Is a and small 

esbibitors are signing for United buying and booking 

sen'ice. 

Let us, witbout obligation give you complete information, 

show you how United service and erflclency 

will perform for your situation. 

3rd Floor Film BIdg. Telephone Riverside 9276 

308 S. Harwood St Dallas, Texas 

JOHN C. GREER 

Donahue. Now he is division manager for 

the southwest central area ... A news item 

from Norman, Okla., printed here recently, 

revealed that the editor of the university 

newspaper had quit school because of financial 

and .scholastic difficulties. He said 

he spent a lot of his own money exploiting 

"Mother Is a Freshman" and that he couldn't 

pay the debts he had made. A 20th-Fox man 

said all the company ever offered was a $100 

prize to the winning co-ed for a best essay 

and that the campus editor became showman 

by his own authority. 

W. V. Adwell of Ozona was here with his 

wife on their way to the coast where they 

will live for the next few months and will 

take it easy fishing and resting. He said he 

has retired from active business. Both looked 

well. They turned their Ozona Theatre over 

to their son W. V. jr. They are partners in 

an attractive lease on the TCU theatre building 

in Fort Worth, which they and another 

party built several years ago. The Adwells 

have other theatre and property interests. 

Less than ten years ago he was a salesman for 

RKO. 

W. O. Bearden of the adjoining Arcadia 

and Chief theatres, in downtown Lubbock, 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

Your Deal Handled Personally r~>»>_^T1 

27 years experience 

We Cover the U. S. Market 

Arthur Leak 

Theatre Sales Exclusively 

3422 Kininore Dallas 10, Texas 

Phone T3-2026 

ATTENTION DRIVE-IN THEATREMEN 

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96 BOXOmCE :: April 9, 1949

. . 

and his wife were here on a business and 

shopping trip. They arrived in a car with 

J. B. Beeson and his wife. Beeson is the 

Columbia salesman for northwest Texas . 

R. J. Cordell, who recently opened the new 

Car-Vu Drive-In at Childress for Mesdames 

Phipps and Layton, and who also manages 

three indoor theatres for that company, was 

on a quick buying and booking trip here. 

H. A. Daniels and his wife of the new 

Palace and Texas in Seguin are reported to 

be expecting an addition to their family in 

Jime. Daniels, a former film salesman, became 

a partner in the Seguin theatres about 

ten years ago with the late W. G. Underwood 

and C. C. Ezell of Dallas and Eph 

Charninsky of San Antonio. H. A. soon 

purchased one of the old Seguin homes and 

fitted up the third floor for visiting film men 

and their entertainment . . . J. B. Underwood. 

Columbia division manager, made a business 

trip to Mayfield. Ky., and Memphis, Tenn. 

Hans Smith, mayor of Irving and owner of 

two theatres, shook hands with his political 

opponent on the platform for the photographer 

and then both talked on who would 

be the best mayor for the coming year. 

James H. Hull, who operated a tent show 

for years at crossroads locations and who 

developed many amateur stage shows for 

various organizations, died at his home in 

Orange after a heart attack. He was 57, had 

been a showman for 44 years and knew many 

Texas exhibitors . . . L. O. Daniel, manager 

of the Delman Theatre, is on a leave of absence 

and is at Fort Bragg, N. C, doing his 

reserve officers hitch as a lieutenant-colonel 

in the 82nd air force division. The Delman 

is owned and operated by I. B. Adelman and 

Harry Sachs, owners of other theatres who 

have offices on Filmrow's Jackson street. 

Two Allied Theatre Owners of Texas committees 

were to meet late this week to map 

future policy and plans for the convention 

June 1. Identity of the committees and their 

reports were not obtainable. ATO directors 

plan to hire a publicity man, it is said, to 

(Continued on next page) 

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^ 

jij[^. BUY NOTHING- 

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DALLAS 

(Continued from preceding page) 

disseminate news from the organization. 

Whether or not his assignment will cover 

more than the industry could not be learned 

at this time. 

. . . 

Sylvan Berry, owner of the Ritz Theatre for 

colored patronage in San Antonio, was up 

buying and booking on his first trip since 

lifting that assignment from one of the 

Row's booking agencies Buddy Harris, 

circuit owner. Variety director and chairman 

of the Heart committee, was host at the 

club's regular weekly party. For the 11:30 

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j 

p. m. feast, he promised 'possum pie and 

sweet 'taters. The 'possum out ran him and 

got away but the other food was more than 

tempting. 

J. G. Long, circuit operator of Bay City, 

was expected here for a regular visit to this 

market and to do his booking office in Jackson 

street . . . Theo Miller of the new Gem 

at Quitman was another exhibitor on a regular 

booking schedule here. He said he is 

building several stores with upstairs offices 

as part of his property. 

Harry Conners of 

the Ritz at Dawson was 

doing some fast buying and booking and left 

early to arrive home in time for his first 

show ...CM. Cooper of the Queen and 

Texas at Mart and Han-y Barngill of the 

REQUIRES 

ONLY 

ONE SQUARE 

FOOT OF 

LOBBY 

SPACE 

R. G. THOMSON & CO. 

3424 Carondolet Drive -v^ Waco, Texas 

Gem at Turkey were other visitors from 

widely separated places . . D. C. Carraway 

. 

of the Circle at Meridian and his assistant 

Bill Stanford spent most of one day on the 

Row and returned via Fort Worth to make 

other contacts. Carraway said his business 

had picked up noticeably but gave no reason, 

unless it was more favorable weather. Stanford 

said he stopped to visit with A. L. Bailey, 

projectionist at the Worth Theatre in Cowtown. 

He also learned that the Palace there 

has a new treasurer, Pat Evans, who was promoted 

from a similar post at the Bowie. 

Trial of St. Louis Suits 

Scheduled in June 

From Central Edition 

ST. LOUIS—Two antitrust suits against 

Fanchon & Marco and various distribution 

companies have been set for trial in the 

U.S. district court here June 13 before Federal 

Judge Roy W. Harper. 

The plaintiffs in both actions are former 

lessees of the Shubert Theatre on Grand 

boulevard. The cases have been consolidated 

for purpose of trial. 

In one action, filed Dec. 18, 1946, Martin 

W. D'Arcy is seeking $600,000, or triple the 

$200,000 losses he claims to have sustained, 

through the alleged refusal of the defendant 

film companies to furnish him pictures during 

the three months he operated the Shubert 

in 1942, while in the other case, Victor G. 

Mossotti, who seeks $300,000, contends he was 

forced to cancel his lease on the Shubert 

30 days after he signed it on Oct. 5, 1942. 

He said his actual losses amount to $100,000 

and he asked for triple that amount under 

the federal antitrust laws. 

The $300,000 damage suit of Matthew L. 

Davis of suburban Wellston against RKO 

Pictures has been set for trial June 20, also 

before Judge Harper. Davis, who has been 

employed as stereotyper for the St. Louis 

Post-Dispatch for the past 26 years, is asking 

actual and $250,000 punitive dam- 

for $50,000 

ages because in "Fighting Father Dunne" a 

newsboy bearing the name of "Matt Davis" 

was depicted as a juvenile delinquent who 

ran away from the home, commits a robbery 

and finally murders a policeman. For his 

final crime the film character was hanged. 

The real life Davis resided at the home 

from 1907 until 1910, "but at no time have 

I ever been guilty of the crimes attributed 

to Matt Davis in the film." 

Short Change Cashiers 

HANDLEY, TEX.—Short-change artists 

are said to have rooked the cashiers of the 

Gem and Tivoli theatres here out of $15 recently. 

Paint Franklin Theatre 

FRANKLIN, TEX.—The Wilder Theatre, 

owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. A. 

Wilder, was recently given a new paint job. 

New Curtains Installed 

GARLAND, TEX.—The Plaza Tlieatre 

installed automatic curtains for its stage. 

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No Teen-Age Rowdies 

At Handley's Gem 

HANDLEY, TEX—The Gem Theatre is 

celebrating its fifth anniversary under the 

continuous management of Mrs. Mildred 

Whitcher. Seven days of color features and 

shorts were played in appreciation of abundant 

and orderly patronage, and special advertising 

and souvenirs were distributed to 

thank the area for its patronage. 

Local postmaster Allen CoUett. on noticing 

the extra bundles of advertising for the week, 

commented that Mrs. Wliitcher had done 

more for the children of the Handley area 

than any other previous operator. CoUett has 

four sons and one daughter. He said there 

was never any rowdiness or misbehavior on 

the part of teen-agers in the Gem. Mrs. 

Whitcher's husband is A. M. Whitcher. well 

known as office manager for Columbia in 

Dallas, He commutes daily from their home 

here to his work, some 28 miles, and sometimes 

fills in at the theatre on heavy nights. 

An exhibitor on the Dallas Filmrow, on 

being told of the ideal juvenile situation at 

the Gem Theatre, remarked on how different 

that was from the recent case of a north 

Texas exhibitor who had a rather serious 

time of it with a group of young hoodlums. 

That exhibitor is known to be capable and 

law-abiding, but the gang of boys thought it 

funny to toss firecrackers into the theatre 

lobby during showtime. The exhibitor asked 

the boys to lay off, but the crackers kept 

coming. The exhibitor walked out front with 

a .45, and .said now we will have some real 

fireworks. He took several shots in the direction 

of the disturbers, who fled. There 

have been no fireworks since. The same man 

recalled how an east Texas exhibitor stopped 

seat cutting by whipping both the boy and 

his daddy. 

Level North Side Theatre, 

Old Houston Landmark 

HOUSTON—The North Side Theatre, at 

the corner of Fulton and Hogan streets, is 

being torn down after serving as a motion 

picture house for more than a quarter of a 

century. Long Theatres, which owns the site, 

said there are no immediate plans for rebuilding 

on the site. 

Baird Owner Asks Paper's Aid 

BAIRD, TEX.—Bob Vaught. owner-manager 

of the Plaza, has asked the local weekly 

paper to help him locate owners of small 

articles found in the theatre. 

^^SU^^tST- QUICKER THilWr//fi?^j;, 

sPEcmi 

TRRILERSI 



Chica9o-1327S. Wabosh New York-619 W.-54 S» 

Accidental Entry to Drive-ln Field 

Spells Success for R, S. Starling 

SAN ANGELO. TEX.—R. S. Starling, 

wholesale gasoline distributor and retailer, 

opened his second big drive-in near this city 

recently and is well pleased with business 

at both situations. The photo herewith was 

taken by B. F. White of Ind-Ex Booking 

Service at Dallas, buyer and booker for the 

two airers, who was here several days ago 

to look over the properties and the town's 

theatre situation. 

The new Starlite, said to compare well 

with other de luxe airers over the state, has 

450 in-car speakers and several acres for enlargement. 

The screen tower is 65 feet high 

and the vari-colored neon star is 25 feet 

wide from tip to tip and overlooks the city. 

The Starlite's total building cost may have 

been as low as $75,000 becau.se Starling utilized 

his oil moving equipment, has a lot of 

know-how himself and was boss of the entire 

construction job. 

Starling says he was forced into the 

drive-in business by accident and against 

his better judgment at first. After years 

of hard work he became successful with his 

Hi 

fleet of 25 oil trucks and group of filling 

stations. An exhibitor from a small neighboring 

town would stop by to get gas and 

would tell Starling about the big business 

drive-ins were reported to be doing in cities 

to the north. Starling had no idea of making 

a big investment in a business he didn't 

know, preferring to stick with oil and gas, 

but he did visualize a way to sell more gallons 

at the pump. About five years ago he 

put a big screen high on the back roof of 

one of his filling stations and gave purchasers 

of five gallons of gas a free ticket. 

Cars came in droves and couldn't get to the 

pumps or find a space to see the picture. 

The oil man then decided there must be 

something to the drive-in business. He started 

enlarging and improving the place, called 

it the Twilite Drive -In and charged a regular 

admission. Gas sales continued as a result 

of many cars on the lot. 

As materials eased up and costs leveled 

off. Starling was set to put in a real drivein 

and the Starlite was the result. He has 

since enlarged and improved his Twilite. 

Starling and White discussed the matter 

of joming the momentum of other b-g driveins 

in striving for earlier availability over 

smaller indoor theatres which charge a lower 

admission price and which are unable to pay 

as high a film rental as the airer might. 

They pointed out that the Starlite charges 

50 cents, same as the downtown first run, 

and plays behind the second run charging 

30 cents and sometimes behind third charging 

a quarter. The Starlite has been opened 

only a short time but is said to be becoming 

quickly established in the city's lineup of 

entertainment facilities. 

Dual Bill Policy Started 

SAN JUAN. TEX.— Claude Idsen, manager 

of the Rex Theatre here, is changing his 

Saturday policy to a double-feature program 

instead of the one film formerly shown. 

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rBOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 sw 98-A

Griffith Theatre Managers 

Confer in Oklahoma City 

OKLAHOMA CITY—Partners and managers 

of Griffith Consolidated Theatres 

houses in Oklahoma and Texas gathered for 

their fourth annual two-day meeting April 

4, 5 at offices of the organization here. 

Business sessions were held the second day, 

the program including these talks: lo;iiic 

Wesson, concessions; Cliff White, film buying; 

Prank McCabe, booking; Dick King, 

short subject; J. A. Johnson, taxes; C. B. 

Akers, legislation; C. R. Guthrie, finance, 

insurance and acco-mting; C. F. Motley, theatre 

operation, and C. O. Fulgham, theatre 

management. 

Thirteen new members of the Griffith 20 

Year clu'j were taken mto the group and 

given rings at a luncheon. They are: Anthony 

L. Bauman, Shawnee; Lawrence O, 

Green, Ada; George F. Guirm, Vinita; William 

H. Hurd, Seminole; James W. Poole. 

Shawnee; Lloyd Sheard, Enid; Fred H. Jackson, 

Norman, and K. C. Blackledge, Amon 

C. Ince, William B. Turk and Oran C. Rose, 

Oklahoma City, Okla., and Samuel P. 

Hatcher, Lubbock, and Clyde Young, Cleburne, 

Tex. 

At the final business session, Henry S. 

Griffing, Griffith Theatres executive vicepresident, 

summarized projects completed 

during the last year. Drive-in theatres were 

opened at Bartlesville, Duncan, Enid, Ponca 

City, Tulsa, Seminole and Shawnee, Okla., 

and Cleburne, Lubbock, Kermit, Borger and 

Midland, Tex. Two conventional theatres 

were completed at Stillwater, Okla. 

Various houses in the two states were remodeled 

and redecorated. The circuit also 

inaugurated a Town of the Month employe 

participation award. Frank Lcve sr., Enid, 

Okla., and H. O. Stephens, Pampa, Tex., 

were retired under the company pension plan. 

Partners and managers from Oklahoma 

registering for the meeting included: 

Fred Brewer, Pawhuska; George Stowell, 

Sayre; Morgan Duval, Duncan; A. R. Powell, 

Guthrie; Bill Love, Sapulpa; John Kniseley, 

Norman; C. J. Oliver, Clinton; R. P. Wilbern, 

Duncan; A. P. Hornbeck, Shawnee; James 

Zartaludes, Sapulpa; Phil Hayes, Bartlesville; 

Frank Love jr., Fairfax. 

Don Hall, Ponca City; Gus Hoenscheidt, 

Blackwell; J. P. Shipley, Enid; C. E. Leachman, 

Stillwater; Hollis Herod, Wewoka; 

Woody Minor, Chandler; Bill Cleverdon, 

Hominy; J. C. Duncan, Tulsa; Kenneth Taylor, 

Okmulgee; W. T. Spears, Altus; Dick 

Klein, Henryetta; Tom Kirkham, Hobart; 

Cecil Hudson, Drumright; Abe Rosewall, 

Vinita; Lawrence Wells, Picher; George Duval. 

Shawnee; E. R. Slocum, El Reno; I. G. 

Killough, Ada. 

Mac Wood, Altus; Finis Stillwell, Ada; Dale 

Davis, Cushing; William Hurd, Seminole: 

Calvin Council, Frederick; A. B. Dean, Hugo; 

C. F. Hudson, Chickasha; Howard Jaggers, 

Claremont; Horace Clark, Holdenville; James 

Rush, Elk City; Harry Lowenstein, Ardmore; 

Joe Delorio, Mangum. 

Among partners and managers from Texas 

were: 

Tom Davidson, Borger; Floyd Barton, New 

Braunfels; Mat Dowling, Dallas; Ernest 

Lindsey, Lubbock; Claude Young, Cleburne; 

J. D. Lindsey, Lubbock; Claude Hanley, 

Wink; J. B. Rhea, Lubbock; Paul West, 

Pampa; Pete Kempf, Refugio; Tom Moorehead, 

Kermit; Emmett Passmore, Wellington; 

John Monroe, Cuero; J. Howard Hodge, 

Midland. 

Wives of the partners and managers were 

entertained the last day at the home of 

Mrs. Henry S. Griffing. Hostesses included 

Mesdames C. R. Guthrie, C. F. Motley, C. O. 

Fulgham. K. C. Blackledge, Paul Cornwell, 

William Turk, Chff White, Lester Gibbs, 

Roy Avey, John King, Dick King, H. O. 

Stark, Jack Brooks, A. C. Ince, R. L. Browning, 

C. B. Akers and Robert Clark. Guests 

included Mesdames: 

Floyd Barton

Long to 

Build Port Lavaca House; 

Carver Theatre Opened in Dallas 

PORT LAVACA. TEX.—J. G. Long of Bay 

City, head of a circuit of 70 theatres, says 

that construction will start soon on a new 

1,000-seat de luxe theatre for this Gulf coast 

town. He said plans have been in the making 

for many months, but are completed 

now. A site has been obtained and nothing 

is in the way of early building. Two local 

businessmen cooperated with Long in helping 

to secure the old public school corner 

facing North street. The Lavaca Wave caiTied 

a big page-one story on the new house and 

its probable completion within the next few 

months. 

Carver Theatre Opened 

In Dallas by Jim Smith 

DALLAS—James Smith, Negro showman, 

has opened his new Carver Theatre for 

colored patronage in west Dallas. It is a 

masonry building and seats about 600. Tlie 

new theatre is named for George Washing- 

REPLACE 

those damaged backs, seats, or 

other parts. Contact us immediately 

for prices regarding parts to 

repair your seating. 

We can also recover on the job 

your worn or torn seats and backs. 

ton Carver of Alabama, who was the third 

recipient of the Variety Clubs International 

humanitarian award. 

Smith has been in show business for .several 

years, the last few as manager of the Harlem 

Theatre downtown. There are some 12,500 

Negroes in this area. A small weekly newspaper 

has been started in the community 

which may become accessible for some of the 

theatre's advertising. 

Leon Circuit Plans Ozoner 

Near Slaton, Tex. 

SLATON, TEX.—Announcement of plans 

for a 500-car drive-in by C. D. Leon of Dallas, 

operator of the statewide Leon circuit, was 

reported this week by G. S. Hill, local manager. 

It will be modern in every detail, including 

in-car speakers. The site will be convenient 

to patronage from Lubbock, 10 miles from 

Slaton. Plans are to have it in operation 

before the end of the present season. 

Leon has theatres located in Amarillo, El 

Paso. Brownsville, Tyler and numerous other 

localities. 

Kingsville, Tex., Drive-In 

Started by Dr. G. Josephs 

KINGSVILLE, TEX.—Dr. G. Josephs of 

Alice, a few miles from here, has broken 

ground for his new Varsity Drive-In, located 

near the campus of the state College of Arts 

and Industries. Tlie renowned million-acre 

King ranch also begins near this town. The 

Hall Industries Theatres of Beeville own and 

operate the principal indoor theatres here. 

Jim Wiggins Transferred 

To Houston, Tex., State 

MEMPHIS—James Wiggins, who started 

at Loew's Palace as an usher six years ago 

and worked up to assistant manager, has been 

promoted and transferred to Loew's State 

Theatre in Houston. Cecil Vogel, manager 

of the Palace, said Wiggins will be assistant 

to Manager Homer McCallon at the Houston 

State. Wiggins is the son of Mr. and Mr-'^, 

C. N. Wiggins of Memphis. 

Here to replace Wiggins at Loew's Palace 

is Emma Rogers, who comes from Monroe, 

La., and who has been with the Loew's chain 


Buys The Favorite' 

Hal E. Chester has bought "The Favorite" 

for Monogram release. 

Ofutall Griggs Seati 

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FORREST DUNLAP 

Griggs Equipment Company 

2008 Jackson St. 

Dallas Texas 

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Remodel at Commerce, Tex. 

COMMERCE, TEX.—Remodeling and enlarging 

of the Palace Theatre is under way 

here. The seating capacity will be increased 

from the present 560 to 770. While this is 

going on, the Lyric will be operated on a fulltime 

basis. 

Alvord, Tex., House to Open 

ALVORD, TEX.—R. N. Guinn of Nocona 

will open a new theatre here soon as his first 

experience in show business. The town has 

been without a theatre for some time. 

Iris at Terrell Remodeled 

TERRELL, TEX.—Complete remodeling 

and redecorating of the Iris Theatre is under 

way. 

Star Reopens at Dumas, Tex. 

DUMAS, TEX.—The Star Theatre recently 

completed an interior and exterior remodeling 

job and is now operating seven days a 

week, according to Manager H. S. McMurry. 

Silco Builds in Silver City 

SUver City, N. M.— E. W. Ward of Silco 

Theatres, Inc., is building a new house here. 

Plainview Airer Open 

PLAINVIEW, TEX.—The Pioneer Drive-In 

recently opened its summer season with 

"Panhandle." W. P. Morgan is owner and 

manager of this outdoor house. 

Our line of Griggs Theatre 

Chairs offers form-fitting backs 

and seats, mounted at just the 

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damaged backs, seats or other parts. 

We can re-cover worn or torn seats 

and backs Jn^ your theatre. Contact us 

regarding replacing parts and recovering 

seats. 

Bee Harlan Dunlap 

in our Memphis office at 410 South 

Second Street in Memphis, Tenn. 

Or Call, Wire or Write 

GRIGGS * 

/9 Texas 

BOXOFFICE April 9, 1949 98-C

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Wilby-Kincey Scores 

In City Tax Contest 

BESSEMER, ALA.—Wilby-Kincey Theatres 

has scored an initial victory before the Alabama 

supreme court in its fight to have the 

city amusement tax ruled unconstitutional. 

The high court ruled that Bessemer Theatres, 

Inc., is entitled to a trial in circuit court 

here. The case was carried to the supreme 

court when the theatre company, which operates 

the Grand and State, asked circuit court 

for a declaratory judgment holding the tax 

illegal. 

Be.ssemer city attorneys, in demurrers, 

argued that no issue had been presented. 

When Judge Gardner F. Goodwyn overruled 

the demuj-rers, the city appealed to the supreme 

court. It was the theatres' contention 

that the tax is illegal because it is unreasonable. 

The tax is 1 cent on admissions of 10 

to 15 cents and 2 cents on admissions over 

15 cents. 

Argument of the city was that amusement 

places should be subject to police regulation 

and therefore taxable. The supreme court 

said, however: "Where a license tax is levied 

under the police power, there should be some 

relationship between the cost of regulation 

and the amount of the levy." 

The coui-t said that the question of constitutionality 

should be determined on the 

facts, not on demurrers. 

Use Tax Case in Alabama 

Heads for U.S. Courts 

MONTGOMERY— Possibility of an appeal 

to the U.S. Supreme court was seen here 

over the state of Alabama's 2 per cent use 

tax on film rentals. The Alabama supreme 

court upheld a ruling by Montgomery circuit 

court that the tax is legal. The case is one 

in w-hich Paramount-Richards Theatres, Inc., 

of Mobile sued to recover tax payments to 

the state. 

Alabama Theatres, Inc., a subsidiary of 

Wilby-Kincey, intervened in the suit as 

amicus curiae. Attorneys have indicated that 

the constitutionality of the state law might 

be appealed to the U, S. courts 

More Towns in Two Dixie States 

Boot Out Sabbath Closing 

ATLANTA — Cities in Georgia and Alabama 

this week continued to consider Simday 

motion pictures in accordance with recent 

rulings by the states that Sunday shows 

could be permitted in individual towns if 

the citizens desired them. 

Sylacauga. Ala., citizens will see their first 

Sunday shows April 10 after voting 601 to 

305 for them in a recent referendum election. 

Meanwhile, petitions are being circulated 

in Talladega asking the city commission 

to okay Sabbath shows. Talladega is 

the only large community in the area which 

does not have Sunday pictures. 

Sponsors of the petition pointed out that 

a drive-in is under construction on the Lincoln 

highway a few miles north of the town 

and that a drive-in is in operation on the 

Atlanta highway. They argue that Sunday 

shows should be available to those residents 

who do not own cars. 

Lane Hebson, city manager for Martin 

Theatres at Sylacauga, publicly thanked 

voters for approving the Sunday shows and 

Silent Green-Haired Boy 

Garners Big Publicity 

BIRMINGHAM—Manager J. 

A. Jackson of 

the Empire Theatre here attracted lots of 

publicity during the recent convention of the 

Alabama Education Ass'n convention here. 

Jackson, playing "The Boy With Green 

Hair" the following week, enlisted the services 

of an usher. He adorned the usher in 

a green wig. 

The green-haired boy circulated around 

downtown streets and through hotel lobbies. 

He carried no banners. Many persons asked 

him questions. But he remained mum. Curious 

people did not get the answers to their 

questions for several days. Then the film 

opened at the Empire. 

Laws 

pledged the best pictures available. He promised 

that theatre operations would at no 

time interfere with church services. 

In Geoi-gia, meanwhile, the city councils 

of three more towns. Griffin, Hogansville 

and Lafayette, okayed Sunday shows pending 

referendums. Elections had not been 

held in Griffin and Hogansville, but the vote 

in Lafayette was 391 to 167 against Sunday 

motion pictui'es. The council there said that 

all interested parties had agreed to abide by 

the decision of the veterendiun. 

A similar circumstance arose in Hawkinsville. 

Ga., where the city council was the 

body to vote down proposed Sunday shows. 

In Columbus, Ga., Sunday theatre closing 

hours, set at 7 p. m. originally, were moved 

back to 8 p, m. by vote of the city commission. 

The action was taken after theatre operators 

told commissioners that the 8 p. m. hour had 

been agreed to be Colimibus ministers. It is 

provided that the boxoffice shall close at 7 

p. m. Under the ordinance, theatres are 

allowed to reopen at 9 p. m. 

Carolina Exhibitors 

Rally to Battle Tax 

COLUMBIA, S. C—The Theatre Owners of 

South Carolina has called an important meeting 

for Wednesday il3i at 10:30 a. m. at the 

Columbia hotel here. The call was issued 

after the Sunday Greenville News revealed 

that a theatre admission tax measure probably 

would be introduced this week in the 

South Carolina legislature, now in session 

here. 

The article said the levy would put theatres 

on the same basis with ba-seball and would 

bring into state coffers an estimated $2,500,- 

000, as compared with the $377,000 realized 

from the tax on baseball last year. 

Higher Theatre Tax Bill 

Proposed in Tennessee 

NASHVILLE—Administration support of a 

bill to increase the tax on theatres from 3 to 

4 per cent and to give half of the revenue 

to municipalities is claimed by the Tennessee 

Municipal league. Louis Johnson jr., president 

of the group, said the measure is expected 

to be introduced early in the general 

assembly, which has reconvened. Governor 

Browning recently declared he would not 

oppose the measure. 

Jim Gaylard Rotary Chief 

TROY, ALA.—Jimmy Gaylard, manager of 

the Enzor Theatre here, has been elected 

president of Ti-oy's Rotary club. Gaylard and 

other new officers of the club were elected 

after a report by the club's nominating committee. 

Rudy Berger Vacations 

CORAL GABLES — Rudy Berger, MGM 

southern sales head, is in south Florida and 

the Coral Gables area enjoying an early 

spring vacation. 


HOW MANY, PLEASE?—Bob Davis, 

3-year-old son of R. Glenn Davis, owner 

of the Car-View Drlve-In at Louisburg, 

N. C, picks up some concessions experience 

by lielping fill popcorn boxes while 

visiting the Louisburg Theatre. 

SE 

Armed Man Robs Cashier 

At Palace in Memphis 

MEMPHIS—A bandit who held up cashier 

Mabel Wilbanks of the Loew's Palace here 

escaped with an undetermined amount of 

cash. The bandit approached the ticket booth 

carrying a brown paper bag. He pulled out 

a white-handled revolver and told Miss Wilbanks 

to hand over the money. She rang the 

alarm switch as the robber pushed the sack 

through the window for the money. 

Miss Wilbanks fumbled with the money, 

stalling for time until the bandit reached 

through the window, grabbed the handful of 

bills she was holding and fled. 'When the 

alarm sounded in the office of Manager Cecil 

Vogel, Division Manager Allen Sparrow, who 

had been seated in the office with Vogel, 

raced dowTi to the ticket booth, but the gunman 

was out of sight. 

Cancel 'Allegro' Dates 

MEMPHIS—The engagement of "Allegro," 

musical drama, scheduled for the Memphis 

Ellis auditorium April 14-16, has been canceled. 

99

. . . H. 

. . Herbert 

. . Theatres 

. . 

NEW ORLEANS 

T>KO City Manager John Dostal has awarded 

the contract for extensive remodeling at 

the Orpheum Theatre, 

RKO's local first run. 

Dostal says renovation 

will include new seats, 

new restrooms. carpeting 

and painting . 

Billy Briant, onetime 

20th-Fox booker, and 

more recently a salesman 

for that firm, has 

resigned to join Pred 

Jack as assistant at 

UA . Schlessinger 

has been appointed 

office man- 

John J. Dostal 

ager at UA. He was former U-I city salesman 

and prior to that was in the booking 

department at Independent Booking Co. He 

fills the job vacated by Joe Moreland's promotion 

as UA manager some time ago. 

Visiting: the exchanges were Max Connett, 

Connett. Newton, Miss.; J. J. Tringas, Tringas. 

Port Walton, Pla.; Ed Delahney, Pike, 

Magnolia, Miss.: Andrew Orkin, Amite, 

Jackson, Miss.; Jack O'Quinn, Joy, Kaplan, 

La.; Sam Wilson, Hazel. Hazelhurst, Miss.; 

Doyle Maynard, Don George, Shreveport, La.; 

Frank Corbitt, Ritz. Laurel, Miss., and Mr. 

and Mrs. R. H. Muse, Leslie, Denham 

Springs, La. 

City shows, both suburban and downtown, 

suffered a heavy loss at the boxoffice one 

evening recently when over six inches of rain 

feU with a few hours suspending most vehicle 

and all pedestrian traffic for about six 

hom-s. In the outlying sections, particularly 

those across the river, exhibitors found it expedient 

to allow theatres to remain closed 

all day. Downtown theatres presented a 

good lineup headed by "South of St. Louis" 

at the Saenger. "Take Me Out to the Ball 

Game" was at Loew's State. "Paisan" opened 

at the Joy. "Knock on Any Door" moved to 

the Liberty and "The Set-Up" replaced it at 

the Orpheum. The Center offered "Slightly 

French." "Adventures of Don Juan" was at 

the Tudor and "A Letter to Three Wives" at 

the Globe. "The Pearl" opened at the Poch^, 

substituting for Blackstone, the Magician 

originally booked and canceled due to his 

sudden illness. The Joy Strand doubled 

"Badman's Territory" and "Money Madness." 

The Rio's double bill was "Jungle Siren" and 

"Beyond Bengal." 

Wilma Jena Hanunons, secretary to Floyd 

Mm-phy, Exhibitors Advertising Co., Alexandria, 

La., is engaged to Marvin Soileau of 

Pineville, La. The wedding wiU be April 14 

J. Ballam jr., son of Harold BaUam, 

sales engineer for Hodges Theatre Supply Co., 

recently was awarded two superior ratings in 

band concerts and bassoon solo contests at 

Fortier High school, where he is a student. 

Young Ballam is first bassoonist in the school 

band and plays in the national guard band. 

bills may be identified by the following 

marks: Left side, letter "G" in a circle: lower 

right side above and to the right of the numeral 

20, the number G-110, L-108, I-llO, J- 

110, H-110, or K-llO. On the reverse face 

of the bill, lower right side and to the left 

of the numeral 20, the number 480 appears. 

A similar influex of spiuious $20 bills a few 

months ago caused authorities much concern. 

James K. McGuinness, former editorial executive 

for MGM, and his wife visited New 

Orleans on a vacation trip through the south. 

McGuinness said that in his opinion the danger 

of Communism in Hollywood is on the 

wane, unless the community succimibs to 

boredom and lets the struggle go by default. 

McGuinness was the first chairman of the 

executive committee of the Motion Picture 

Alliance for the Preservation of American 

Ideals and testified before the un-American 

activities committee concerning Communists 

in 

Hollywood. 

A would-be holdup man was thwarted in 

his attempt to rob the boxoffice of Loew's 

State Theatre, when cashier Aline Rojas refused 

to obey his orders to hand over the 

money. Miss Rojas said the man, a Negro, 

approached her cage, which is located on 

South Rampart street, with his hand in his 

pocket. She refused to hand over the money. 

"Dancing Into Art," a motion picture produced 

by members of the Newcomb college 

art school, received its premiere performance 

at Dixon Hall before members of the Tulane 

Cinema guild. The film was designed as a 

pilot film for testing and perfecting technique 

in the public health visual aid training 

program at the school. The dance theme was 

chosen because it lent itself easily to the 

pictorial medium and because of the availability 

of trained personnel. The principal 

actors, Anne Landry and Sally Thompson, 

are art students at Newcomb. Direction and 

filming was done by Roy Trahan, assistant 

professor of photography. Newcomb art director 

Robert Field served as supervisor and 

narrator. Dance sequences were designed by 

Phoebe Barr. When the finished product 

exceeded expectations of its producers, it was 

decided to release it for public showing. Accompanying 

the Newcomb-made film was an 

experimental dance film produced by Maya 

Deren, New York artist. 

To Star in 'Foolish Heart' 

Susan Hayward will star with Dana Andrews 

in the RKO picture, "My Foolish 

Heart." 

ASTOR— 163 Walton Street, Atlanta 

ASTOR—300 W. Third Street, Charlotte 

Mrs. Rodney Toups, wife of the Loew's 

State manager, has been selected to head the 

women's division for the American Cancer 

Society's 1949 fund drive here . . . I. M. Gauthier 

has closed his Castle Theatre at White 

Castle, La., indefinitely . have 

been warned again to be on the lookout for 

bogus $20 bills, which are being circulated 

widely here. Joseph Scheuering, acting police 

superintendent, has advised that the 

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SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

209 South Poplar St., Charlotte, N. C. 

201-3 Luckie St., N.W., Atlanta 3, Ga. 

625 W. Bay St., Jacksonville 4, Fla. 

MONARCH THEATRE SUPPLY, INC 

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DELTA THEATRE SUPPLY 

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. . After 

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ATLANTA 

trip to Lawton, Okla., for the premiere of 

"The Lawton Story," which opened at the 

Peachtree Art here April 7. 

. 

•Ped Toddy, president of Toddy Pictures, 

came in from Washington to visit the 

Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Jerrell, 

local office . . . 

Strand and Roxy, Winder. Ga., were local 

Irving Rosen of Philadelphia has 

visitors . . . 

been named production manager for Southern 

Poster and Pi-inting Co. enjoying 

the Florida sunshine, Abram Myers, 

Allied State Ass'n general counsel, returned 

to Washington. 

Harry Blackstone, magician, is reported improving 

at the Crawford W. Long hospital 

after suffering an acute attack of asthma at 

his show at the Tower Theatre. His local 

appearance and the remainder of his tour 

has been called off . . . Exhibitors visiting 

on the Row included John Miller, Dixie, Cordova. 

Ala.; Nat Williams. Thomasville, Ga.; 

Eddie Watson, Strand. Montevello, Ala., and 

Mrs. V. W. Edwards, Royal, Monticello, Ga. 

After visiting friends here, Carl Floyd of 

Stein & Floyd circuit, has returned home to 

Irene Fowler has returned 

Haines City, Fla. . . . 

to the boxoffice of the Paramount 

. 

Lauren Novell, amusement editor of the Atlanta 

Journal, returned home after a flying 

Charles W. Evens celebrated a birthday 

exchanges in Charlotte, Atlanta, 

New Orleans and Memphis paused in 

their work for a few minutes in observance 

of the death of Lon T. Fidler . . . Recently 

elected officers of the Atlanta Film council 

are George Dean, Stevens Pictures, president; 

J. E. McGrath, vice-president; Everett Priest, 

secretary, and Clack Tuker, treasurer. 

. . . G. C. and Earle 

Jinunie GUlespie, publicity man from Dallas, 

is visiting here 

Davidson, Lyric Theatre, Whitwell, Tenn., 

were local visitors ... At the Atlanta Variety 

Club, Jack Pries, chief operator at the Fox, 

told friends about the convention in Orlando, 

Fla. 

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The Variety Club will move into its new 

quarters at the Atlantan hotel on May 14 . . . 

Johnny Bachman, UA manager, returned 

from Florida . . . Pi-esident J. H. Thompson 

of the Georgia Theatre Owners and Operators 

says that Ed Stevens, president of 

Stevens exchanges, and GaU Sullivan of TOA 

will be speakers at the May 9, 10 conven- 

. . . 

Dick Ford, 20th-Fox head booker, 

tion . . . 

celebrated 37 years of continued service on 

the Row . . . Emory Austin, MGM publicity 

chief, left for Miami Leonard Allen, 

Paramount southern publicity head, checked 

in at his office. 

Visitors were A. W. Dowoee, Star, Roanoke, 

Ala.; Howard Schuessler and O. C. Lam, 

Lam Amusement Co., Rome, Ga., and Johnny 

Harrell. Martin Theatres, Columbus, Ga. 

Everett Chain Takes Over 

Tabor City, N. C„ Theatre 

CHARLOTTE—Everett Enterprises, Inc., 

assumed operation of the Ritz Theatre in 

Tabor City April 1. H. H. Everett, president, 

reported the house was purchased from Mr. 

and Mrs. Joe Anderson and will be managed 

by Harold Allred, formerly of Farmville. 

Everett also said that Jack Simpson, 

manag-er of the Lyric in Lillington, has been 

transferred to the Paramount in Farmville 

,and that David Harrison, former assistant 

manager of the Everett, Morehead City, has 

been sent to Lillington. 

Safety Harbor Scene of Old Film 

SAFETY HARBOR, FLA.—The public was 

given a general invitation to visit the Harbor 

Tlieatre and see a historic motion picture 

made a quarter of a century ago, with Safety 

Harbor as its locale. The showing was sponsored 

by the Safety Harbor Chamber of 

Commerce. 

WIL-Km 

CHAHLOTTE. N. C. 

It 

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102 BOXOFnCE :: AprU 9, 1949

. 

MEM PHIS 

-rutwiler Theatre. Tutwiler, Miss., closed for 

repairs, has been reopened by owner H. W. 

Bruister 

. . Carl Christian, owner of the 

Garden and Cozy theatres. Tuckerman. Ark., 

has opened both for the summer season 

. 

. . 

H L Frizzell. owner of the Valley Theatre, 

Bluffton. Ark., a new showhouse. reports his 

theatre is now open for business Film 

. . . 

Transit, Inc.. has established a new motor 

route and is now serving Ozark theatres at 

Hardy. Salem and Melbourne. Ark. The new 

route went into service April 1. Formerly, 

these theatres received film by parcel post. 

Null .*dams, Memphis correspondent for 

BOXOFFICE. will speak before a news seminar 

in New York the week of April 15. His 

work wiU be handled by Hila McGee, weU 

known local newspaperwoman, during his one 

week absence ... A new theatre is being built 

in Marked Ti-ee, Ark. . . . Frank Carter, 

salesman for Warner Bros., has resigned . . 

Norman Ayres, general sales manager in New- 

York, was a visitor at Warner Bros, during 

the week. 

Arkansas exhibitors led the parade on 

Pilmrow. Included among them were Zell 

Jaynes, Joy, West Memphis: J. R. Keller, 

Joiner, Joiner: Fred Burns, Friar's Point; 

L. J. Lenhardt. Kansas City, booking for 

Commonwealth houses in Harrison and 

SPECIflL 

TRRILERS 

Searcy K K. King, Rialto and Plaza, Searcy, 

and Burris Smith, Imperial, Pocahontas. 

J. E. Singleton. Tj-ro, T>-ronza; Mrs. Floyd 

Peek Garland. Little Rock; Gordon Hutchins 

Dixie and State, Corning: W. R. Lee, 

Gem and New at Heber Springs and Rice 

at Des Arc- L. N. Haynes. Norman at Bay 

and Hynes at Nettleton; H^ W. Pickens. 

Lvle at Carlisle and Rex at DeValls Bluff, 

Moses SUman, Lux, Luxora; Paul Myers, 

Belinda, McCrory, and B. B. Huffner. Chnton. 

Clinton, were other Arkansas exhibitors 

seen on Pilmrow. 

Roy DiUard, DiUaid. Wardell; W. C. Kroeger 

Shannon and Maxon, Portageville; John 

Mohrstadt, Joy, Hayti, and D. D. Flippin, 

Flippin at Bragg City, were visitors from 

Missouri . . . Whyte Bedford, Marion, Ala., 

was in town . . . G. H. Goff, Rustic, Parsons; 

W H Gray, Rutherford. Rutherford, and 

Louise Mask. Luez, Bolivar, were West Tennessee 

visitors. 

Dr. R. VV. Johnson. Shelby. Shelby; Joe 

Wofford, Mart, Calhoun City; W. E. Booth sr.. 

Hollendale; C. N. Eudy, Ackerman, Ackerman, 

and Houston at Houston; T. E. Williams, 

Tyson, Clarksdale. and A. N. Rossie, Rossie, 

also of Clarksdale, were here from Mississippi. 

Missouri exhibitors here included Jimmy 

Seay. Grand, Cardwell: Lyle Richmond, Richmond 

and Missouri. Senath. and C. A. 

Gilliland. Semo. Steele . . . L. J. Lenhart. 

Commonwealth Amusement Co., Kansas City, 

was on Filmrow booking for Arkansas theatres 

operated by the company ... Ned 

Green, Legion and Princess, Mayfield, was 

in town. Whyte Bedford, Marion, Hamilton, 

Ala., was also here. 

Film Transit Expands 

MEMPHIS—Film Transit, Inc., has expanded 

its service out of Memphis and is 


Enjoy Our Service Cr Quollty! now serving additional theatres in this territory 

with film and .supplies. A new motor 

New York-619 W. 54 St 

route now serves the Arkansas Theatre, Mammoth 

Springs, owned by C. L. Rickard; Cave 

Theatre, Cave City, Ark., owned by Elisha 

G. Jackson, and Parvin Theatre. Evening 

Shade, Ark., owned by P. A. Parvin. 

Start Merchant Quiz Show 

WEDOWEE, ALA.—The Wedowee Theatre 

is sponsoring a Merchants Quiz night. The 

program starts May 4 and will continue on 

Wednesday nights for 13 weeks. Patrons 

must sign cards to be eligible for the prizes. 

A cash award of $25 to $45 or more is supplemented 

by merchandise prizes donated by 

local merchants. Five merchants donate 

NOW DISTRIBUTING 

prizes each Wednesday night. 

EXCLUSIVELY 

Heads Chamber of Commerce 

LORRJUNE 

OPP, ALA.—WiUiam E. Wilkinson, former 

assistant general counsel for Will Hays' Motion 

Picture Producers and Distributors 

CaRRONS 

In Memphis Film Area 

Ass'n. is now executive secretary of the Opp 

Chamber of Commerce. Wilkinson has returned 

to his home state after 35 years. He 

Y/rite for trial trim — State size. 

was graduated from the University of Alabama 

law school in 1914. He was a track 

TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY 

318 So. Second St. 

star and a footbaU player while at the university. 

Memphis, Tenn. 

BOXOmCE AprU :: 9, 1949 

Chicogo-1327 S. Wobosh 

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ASTOR— 163 Walton Street. Atlanta 

ASTOH—300 W. Third Street. Charlotte 

ASTOR—302'/2 So. Harwood St.. Dallas, Texas 

(Serving Memphis and Arkansas) 

103

'Exhibitor Has His Say 

Contributor 

Meets Many Readers on Dixie Tour 

Snapshots from a showman's tour, left: Clarence Ducett in an informal pose in 

front of his Ace Theatre, Natchez, Miss.; top center, Harland Rankin and F. C. Cobb 

of the Richards Theatre in Fayette, Ala.; lower center, Alan Mowbray standing beside 

the Rialto Theatre, Blue Ridge, Ga., and right, Isadore Lazarus, Center Theatre, 

New Orleans. 

Harland Rankin, who ivrote 

the following 

discrivtion of a vacation tour he 

made in the U.S.. is president of Rankin 

Enterprises of Chatham. Ont., 

which operates theatres in Tilbury, 

Wheatley, Bothwell and Belle River, 

Ont. 

By HARLAND RANKIN 

After having put cut the cat, locked up the 

house and seen that the children were left in 

proper hands, my wife and I decided that we 

should take a little trip. We both were anxious 

to see New Orleans. We visited the 

Mammoth cave in Kentucky and the Wilson 

dam in Alabama, and after three days on the 

road, the writer could not resist the urge to 

call on a theatreman, so while passing 

Fayette, Ala., we noticed the Richards Theatre, 

and I received permission from my wife 

to spend a short time in saying hello. She 

was expecting this any day now, and never 

could convince me that I should forget theatres 

and have a good holiday. 

We found R. 0. Cobb, who insisted that 

my wife and I have cokes with him. I presented 

him a souvenir of Canada. He showed 

us through his theatre and the new system of 

ventilating he had arranged. Instead of the 

two large blowers driving air in from the 

front of the theatre, he was using four blowers 

at the top of the theati-e one-quarter of 

the way from the front. This broke up the 

air and eliminated drafts. He felt quite satisfied 

with it and said that he was able to 

cope very successfully with the Alabama 

heat. He also had installed new seats. 

We went up to his office to find a large 

file of BOXOPFICE magazines, which he 

used for reference. He said that he got a 

lot out of Exhibitor Has His Say, and ap- 

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C, Mo. 

predated meeting us. since he had read 

many of our articles. We found the likes and 

dislikes of his theatre very similar to our 

own, with westerns still predominating on 

weekends. 

Our next stop was at Natchez, Miss., where 

we met Clarence Ducett, who with his brother 

operates tlu'ee theatres in that area. He related 

that he joined the brother's theatre 

business after the war, and found it most 

interesting. He was running a theatre for 

Negroes and I gathered from his conversation 

that he was doing exceptionally well. 

Our next stop was in New Orleans. After 

seeing the sights, I spied the Center Theatre, 

and while my wife went shopping I 

visited the theatre and met Maurice Joseph, 

the nianager, and Isadore Lazarus, the 

owner. The secretary phoned to announce 

me and they said, "Send this fellow Rankin 

up, we want to see him. We have read his 

many articles in Exhibitor Has His Say in 

BOXOFFICE." They asked if I ever did 

any work, I spent so much time on "magazine 

work." I assured them it was just a 

hobby and felt that others should be contributing. 

A MEAL AT ANTOINE'S 

Lazarus arranged a reservation for us at 

Antoine's, which is known all over the world. 

He phoned the proprietor and that evening 

we were able to go up in state by taxi and 

ask for Louie, announce ourselves and find 

ourselves immediately escorted to the head 

waiter, with a lineup of people waiting outside. 

This we found a most interesting place. 

Everything is French, and we had oysters 

Rockefeller with chicken Clemenceau, served 

to us by Angelo. This was very novel, but 

when we got the bill we felt like we might 

have to put a mortgage on the theatre. 

I also visited Loew's Theatre and met Rodney 

Toupes. He showed me all through his 

house, which was in shipshape condition, 

especially the restrooms. They are outstanding 

in black and white tile. 

I wandered down the street to the Joy 

Theatre, which I was anxious to see as I 

had built a theatre and called it the same 

name. This was a very modem theatre in 

every respect. The manager's office was outstanding, 

having a background of ripply 

glass with flowers back of it illuminated by 

Ughts, giving a twil'ght effect. The walls 

were buttonholed with leather and the furniture 

was in yellow, buttoned. It was very 

impressive. We met the three Joy partners, 

very fine men who I thought seemed ideal 

partners, by the name of Montgomery, Mac- 

Kenna and Briwa. They operated, I understand, 

several theatres (32) and the Joy 

was their latest. We discussed many of the 

current theatre problems and learned tha9 

they had recently built an outdoor theatre 

and were not too happy about it and felt that 

their biggest bread and butter was still in the 

year-around situations. 

Om- next stop was in St. Petersburg, and 

after being guests af the "ifacht club at the 

light class saiUng races. I found the old theatre 

lure creeping up again, so I visited the 

Florida State Theatre, where I met Lillian 

Carter. She was the assistant and a fine 

and attractive business executive. Later I 

met Manager Harry Anderson, a regular fellow 

with lots of experience. He has the 

largest house in St. Petersburg, and has one 

of the nicest doormen I have ever had the 

privilege of meeting. He made you feel welcome 

and radiated with congeniality. Later 

we visited Harry and saw "Wake of the Red 

Witch." 

TEN DAYS IN ST. PETERSBURG 

After ten days in St. Petersbm-g. we left 

for Miami, and the first one we looked up 

was our old friend Al Weiss. Al is the noted 

veteran showman of M'ami. who received 

citations during the war for his fine work, 

and on my many visits to Florida a great 

friendship has grown between Al and myself. 

We met the master of ceremonies. After 

talking for about an hour Weiss suggested 

that I see the stage show. When we stepped 

out of the office we heard the master of 

ceremonies using the name of Rankin, and 

warning the people of Miami that an unusual 

character had arrived. This we got a great 

kick out of. 

Al was a marvelous host and I saw' that 

he got a bottle of our good Canadian rye, 

which I brought to him. 

We looked up Ed May of the Lincoln Theatre 

on Lincoln boulevard, who is noted for 

his novel publicity stunts, but I was unable to 

contact him. I also tried to look up Arthur 

Schwartz of the Beach Theatre, who runs a 

de luxe' house. 

We did see Charlie Whittaker of the Paramount 

Theatre and had a short chat with 

him in his office. He has the first run policy 

house for Paramount theatres. We had a 

pleasant talk with George West, who relieves 

at theatres all over Miami for Wometco. 

George is an old showman of the stage days 

and has trouped all over the U.S. with a 

barrel of experience. We all like to hear 

George's experiences as he has kept up to 

date with the fast-moving habits of the theatre 

world. 

HELP ON CUBA TRIP 

We also met Flynn Stubblefield of the 

State Theatre. His theatre is a grand house 

on the main street in Miami and he has a 

complete staff of usherettes. He is proud 

to be working for the firm he is with and 

feels that there does not come any better 

executives than his. We enjoyed several of 

his stories about his experiences and trials 

and tribulations with the public and how 

he had coped with them. 

Through Al Weiss. Stubblefield helped us 

make arrangements for a trip to Cuba. I had 

hoped to look up a theatre there, but after 

a trip through the rum distillery, followed 

by a trip to Sloppy Joe's, we were more inclined 

to feel like going to the capital buldings 

and advising the government how to 

run the country than to see theatremen. 

104 


" 

However, my wife told me of a very beautiful 

theatre she had seen and was gloating 

over the fact that I had missed it. She 

thought I was slipping. 

On returning from Cuba we settled in 

Miami for two weeks and spent some time in 

Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. 

On our return trip to Canada, we visited 

Alan Mowbray of the Rialto Theatre. Blue 

Ridge. Ga. Alan had read one of our articles 

several years ago and had WTitten to 

us in Miami asking that we call and get 

acquainted on the way back. That year we 

had stayed four months in Miami and it 

just wasn't in the books when we got started 

for home to stop and do any visiting. This 

year I insi.sted that we should stop. We 

dropped Alan a card and told him we would 

be there the first part of March. However, 

he was waiting for us as he had seen the 

article in BOXOFFICE about our trip 

through the States. I phoned him and asked 

him if he usually read Exhibitor Has His 

Say and what he thought of it. He said he 

had read it, so I .isked him if he had ever 

read articles by a Canadian contributor, and 

asked him if he thought that fellow knew 

what he was talking about. He exclaimed, 

"You wouldn't by any chance be him, would 

you?" and instructed us to his house as fast 

as possible. Both he and h's wife Betty were 

out to meet us. 

MEMBER OF ATL.ANTA ASS'N 

Alan is a very enthusiastic showman and 

a member of the theatre association which 

meets monthly in Atlanta. We took a couple 

of pictures of his theatre and also went 

through it. 

We arrived back in Canada with many a 

pleasant memory and happy that we were 

connected with the theatre business. In 

most places we found ourselves not strangers. 

due to the fact that the Exhibitor Has His 

Say was very popular. Some get a great 

deal out of it, some said they used it as a 

booking guide, but everyone seemed to be 

interested in it. They all said that they 

wondered where I got the time to write my 

contributions, but I don't think there is any 

exhibitor who doesn't have a few minutes 

once a week to write up the reports in the 

interest of his fellow exhibitors. 

We found the theatres in the States have 

not the rigid inspection and regulations that 

we are confronted with here in Canada. 

Showmen seem to be the same in United 

States and Canada. 

One problem that exists in the States that 

we do not have in Canada is the segregation 

of the different audiences. In the south the 

colored patrons are restricted to a separate 

section. 

BLOCK BUYING IN 

CANADA 

In some places exhibitors also have to contend 

with the competitive bidding problem. 

This can be a hardship to the theatre owners. 

If they are independent, then it is a case of 

both parties getting together and agreeing 

upon prices. The pictures, we find, are sold 

in smaller lots than in Canada, where buying 

is by contract for the complete season. As 

for film rentals, I find that our prices are 

somewhat the same, but it is pretty hard to 

gauge this due to the fact that each house 

has a different earning power, which is regulated 

by the pay rolls and industries in the 

towns. 

No one seemed very disturbed by television. 

All felt there had been a sltrnip in the quality 

of pictiu-es, but were looking forward to 

better pictures the coming season. 


Ritz Co. at Abbeville, La., Starts 

New Theatre; Hialeah Essex Opens 

ABBEVILLE LA.—Preliminary work has 

started on the 1,400-seat theatre being built 

here by Ollie Bales and S. J. Campisi of the 

Ritz Theatre Co., a local concern, and the 

owners say they hope to have the SIOO.OOO 

house ready for opening July 1, 

The new theatre will be all-white, air conditioned 

and equipped with Brenkert projectors 

and RCA sound, installed by the Delta 

Theatre Supply Co. of New Orleans. An 

ultramodern lobby will house the concession 

stand and a cry room will be added to the 

structure in the future. 

J. G. Broggi of the Broggi Booking Co., 

New Orleans, will be in charge of buying and 

booking for the new first run theatre. This 

will be the fourth theatre in Abbeville, a 

town of some 6,600 persons. Others in operation 

here are the Dixie and Rex theatres, 

part of the Dixie Theatres chain, and the 

Gem belonging to Milton Guidry. 

Essex Theatre Opens 

In Hialeah, Fla. 

HIALEAH FLA. — Opening of the Essex 

Theatre in Hialeah was a gala event, starting 

with a parade led by Mayor Henry Milander 

and owners Mitchell Wolf.son and 

Sidney Meyer of Miami. 

The Essex, a Wometco unit, is Hialeah's 

first air conditioned theatre. Interior decorations 

carry a tropical motif in emerald 

and rose coral. The 1,200 seats are of the 

new pushback variety. Three large parking 

lots have been paved for dust and puddle 

proof comfort of patrons. 

All proceeds from the opening night performance 

were donated to the Hialeah Optimists 

club, toward the establishment of 

their youth center. 

The greater Miami Boys' Drum and Bugle 

Corps took an active part in the opening 

ceremonies. 

Drive-In Job Nears End 

TUPELO, MISS.—An early opening is anticipated 

for the 78 Drive-In near here. It 

is a 500-car layout and Altec engineers are 

now busy with sound installations. Operators 

are John Miller and associates of Jasper. 

Ala. They also operate the 78 Drive-In 

at Jasper. 

Martin Builds at Dothan 

DOTHAN. ALA.— Construction of a drivein, 

costing in excess of $100,000, is under 

way here by Martin Theatres. 

Rufus Davis. Martin's city manager, said 

contracts for the exterior wall and paving 

have been let to the H. H. Brown Co. of 

Dothan. Architect is Rufus E. Bland of the 

Martin circuit at Columbus, Ga. 

The theatre is located near Dothan at the 

Columbia-Ashford highway jimction. 

Reopen East Gadsden Coosa 

EAST GADSDEN. ALA.—The Coosa 

Theatre, 

closed since March 15, has been reopened 

under the management of Alaga Theatres 

Corp.. after complete remodeling and 

redecoration. 

Former operator of the theatre was B. 

Ward Wright and associates. Charles S. 

Pittman, president of Alaga Theatres, will 

.supervise operation of the Coosa. Mrs. Ailene 

Hudson, who has been associated with the 

Pittman Theatre in nearby Gadsden since 

Sept. 26. 1947, will be house manager. 

Churches Protest Ozoner 

GADSDEN, ALA.— Pi-otests have been 

lodged with the city commission against the 

construction of a drive-in theatre on Van 

Courtland street in the Walnut Park section 

of Gadsden. 

The Rev. W. C. Hallmark, pastor of West 

End Baptist church, presented a petition 

bearing 97 names. The pastor said that three 

other churches had joined in gathering the 

names. 

It was argued that the theatre would 

encourage "drinking and wrong-doing." 

Cullman Ozoner Started 

CULLMAN, ALA.—A drive-in is being 

built on highway 31 about 2>4 miles south 

of here. Owners are H. R. Brown and Jimmy 

Jones, both of Jasper. They hope to open the 

drive-in within 30 to 45 days. 

Gainesville Ozoner Changes Name 

GAINESVILLE, GA.—Drive-in, located on 

the Atlanta road, has changed names and 

is under new management. Formerly called 

the Family Open Air Theatre, it will now 

be known as the Skyview Theatre, manager 

John Thompson announced. 

Remodel Jonesboro House 

JONESBORO, ARK.—Remodeling and redecorating 

of the Strand Theatre is under 

way. A structural glass front is included in 

the modernization program. 

Build Hammond, La., Airer 

HAMMOND, LA.—Dallas Calmes, operator 

of the Star Theatre here, has started construction 

of a 500-car drive-in, which he expects 

to have ready for opening by May 15. 

RCA sound and projection equipment is being 

installed. 

Nashville Ozoner Opens 

NASHVILLE—The Open-Air Theatre has 

resumed operations here. Manager is 

Chester Morris, who is said to be a dead 

ringer for the film star of the same name. 

M&M to Build in Wildwood 

WILDWOOD, FLA.— Bill Cumbaa, general 

manager of M&M Theatres, has announced 

work is to start at once on a theatre here. 

The theatre is to be air conditioned. 

Acme to Build in Decatur 

DECATUR, ALA.—Acme Amusement Co., 

of Dublin, Ga„ is seeking to locate a drive-in 

theatre here. Decatur already has one drivein, 

operated by A. B. Reese. 

Building at Kinston 

laNSTON, N. C—A 100-car drive-in is 

under way here by E. S. Holland. 

105

. . . Walter 

. . Wometco 

. . The 

MIAMI 

paramount Enterprises screened "My Dream 

. . . 

. . Called 

Is Yours" April 7 at the Paramount in 

downtown Miami and tlie Beach on Lincoln 

road in Miami Beach. It world premieres at 

the Paramount in Palm Beach Easter day 

"Paisan" opened at the Colony Wednesday 

(6) for a limited engagement . 

by Claughton's the "year's biggest double 

show." two of the Academy award films are 

being presented at the Variety and Embassy 

theatres. They are "Johnny Belinda" and 

"Treasure of Sierra Madre." 

Stating: that "every once in a while it is 

our good fortune (and yours) to be able to 

present a couple of the better 'oldies' from 

long ago." the Royal offered "Marked 

9nitall Griggs SeaU 

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comforta'ble coil-spring cushions 

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^ê^ ^4 REPAIR 

damaged backe, seats or other parts. 

We con re-cover worn or torn seats 

and backs Jn_ your theatre. Contact us 

regarding repla'cing parts and recovering 

seats. 

See. 

Harlan Dunlap 

in our Memphis office at 410 South 

Second Street in Memphis, Tenn. 

Or Call. Wire or Write 

GRIGGS 

^ 

Texas 

Woman" and "Dust Be My Destiny" . 

I.Q. and his quiz show will be broadcast from 

Wometco's Miami Theatre for the next six 

Monday nights. Managing Director Sonny 

Shepherd says that there will be no extra 

admission charge and no reserved seats . . . 

"Champion" opens at the Miami, Lincoln and 

Miracle theatres. "When you see it," says 

George Bourke, "and wonder if the gory fight 

that has a surprise ending isn't taking a 

trifle too much license with the truth, rest 

assured it d'd happen. Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom 

and this reporter caught a preview at 

the Lincoln and he says it's right out of 'the 

Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom story.' Slapsie 

says that no one short of Kirk Douglas, star 

of the film, took the lacing he did back in 

the 20s from Hambone Kelly. From first to 

fourth he was completely out on his feet, but 

in the foui'th Slapsie let go a wild swing, 

and down and out went Kelly. 

Notice has appeared locally that applications 

for competitive examinations for sound 

technicians, script writers and other positions 

in the motion picture field are being received 

by the Board of U.S. Civil Service examiners 

in Atlanta. Entrance salaries run from better 

than $3,500 to $6,000-plus, yearly. Applications 

are being solicited from the general 

public with preference given to veterans . . . 

Ryt Suez, Swiss manager of Paramount's 

Colony, is getting national publicity for his 

student art exhibit. "Portrait of Jennie" has 

been showing at advanced prices at the theatre. 

Some Lincoln road merchants lent their 

windows for displays, a very unusual procedure. 

Eagle Lion film officials recently experienced 

a proud feeling when a patron went to 

see "The Red Shoes" eight times. This record 

was broken here when Mrs. Ernest L. 

Bryant mentioned that she had attended the 

Flamingo showing of the picture nine times. 

It is in its 15th week at the Brandt hou.se . . . 

"Brains Can Be Beautiful." the Eve Curie 

film, was timed to open at Wometco's Cameo 

Theatre simultaneously with Miss Curie's appearance 

on a speaking tour here. 

Billy Gilbert is the headliner at the Olympia. 

This house is billed as the "new and 

finer Olympia" since its recent renovation 

... A triple Hollywood sneak preview was 

held recently at Paramount's Sheridan, Paramount 

and Beach theatres. The surprise picture 

was "My Dream Is Yours." A quote, 

"Nothing short of marvelous," made by a 

patron whose name and address was given, 

was used in the following day's advertising. 

Robert Quinn, head of Miami's publicity 

department, says that a full-length picture, 

written around Miami and using the local 

police department as the center, soon will be 

started in the Hollywood studios of Warner 

Bros. Charles C. Ebbets, this city's chief 

photographer, already has forwarded 50 background 

shots to the California producers. In 

a letter to Ebbets, Norman H. Moray. WB 

vice-president, wrote that "Pohce lieutenants 

will be heroes and not heavies in the new 

picture, and the story will be favorable to 

the police." "It has been a long time coming 

about," said Police Chief Walter E. Headley. 

"We can not expect to get the proper respect 

for the law from the pubhc when fiction 

wi-iters, radio and the films persist in making 

heroes out of glamorous 'private eyes,' 

and monkeys out of regular police. We appreciate 

what Warners is doing and will give 

them our fullest cooperation." 

Friends of Les Rhode, orchestra 

leader for 

so many years at the Olympia, are glad to 

hear that he has recovered from his recent 

illness. He is leaving soon on a South American 

tour . . . Sidney Head, radio department 

chairman of the University of Miami, says 

that the university will offer two six-week 

summer TV and radio workshops. Registration 

will be handed to students with experience 

and talent. Television programs arranged 

by the students will originate from 

the studios of WTVJ. 

Wometco, says Dick Lowe of the Miami 

Daily News, is getting one of the few really 

legitimate publicity breaks in history. "The 

Undercover Man" has opened at the Miami, 

Miracle and Lincoln, and purely by coincidence, 

Frank Wilson is in town on vacation. 

Wilson is the retired Treasury Department 

and Internal Revenue intelligence agent 

who was in charge of the investigation which 

led to Al Capone's downfall, and it is his 

story which is depicted in the film. Lowe, 

sitting next to Wilson at a showing of the 

picture, said it 

was the second time the former 

government agent had viewed it. "He 

seemed as enthralled as I was by the film 

which he admits causes him to relive, in 

imagination, some pretty rough moments in 

his life." 

Tickets to "The Red Pony" are included 

in prizes which will be given "all red-headed 

kids in town" who attend a local radio show 

Saturday. The film is showing at the 'Variety 

and Embassy presented the 

second of its 

. 

new vaudeville shows at the 

Strand, a neighborhood house . Miami 

area is getting used to being a "location." 

Gregory Peck is scheduled to do a bit of 

shooting here in connection with "Twelve 

O'clock High"—unless he goes to Pensacola 

"The Miami Story" is supposed 

instead . . . 

to go before local cameras sometime this 

month, with Burt Lancaster in the lead. 

A $900 camera is being purchased by the 

city, and next year's budget will include television 

advertising on all national hookups. 

Staff photographers will televise news events 

in Miami and supply them for broadcasting 

throughout the nation. 

Cartoonist Pauline Commodore, who left 

the Max Fleisher animated cartoon staff a 

few years ago to move her studio to New 

York, is back in Miami to stay. She was featured 

on the Surf Theatre children's matinee 

recently, and is scheduled to play other 

Wometco matinees with her sketching act 

and Harold Mirisch are here for 

the 75th birthday of their father Max, a local 

resident. Walter is the producer of "Bomba, 

the Jungle Boy," and Harold is vice-president 

of Monogram and Allied 

Artists. 

Buys Kershaw, S. C, Airer 

KERSHAW, S. C—The drive-in theatre 

here has been purchased by C. P. Truesdale. 

He also operates the restaurant and service 

station adjoining the open air theatre. 

Four Sign for Kid Shows 

MEMPHIS—Better Films council reports 

four suburban theatres, the Airway, Rosemary, 

Memphian and Peabody. have signed 

up for council-approved kiddy matinees this 

summer. 

106 

BOXOFFICE ;: April 9, 1949

. . Joann 

Birthday Celebrated 

By Florida in Miami 

MIAMI—James Barnett. manager of the 

Florida, newest house here of the Paramount 

Enterprises chain, had extensive plans for 

celebrating the first birthday anniversary of 

this downtown theatre. The April 8 ceremonies 

were to include installation of a commemorative 

plaque. 

The Florida Theatre's birthday party occurred 

in the middle of the three-day convention 

of the Historical Society of Florida, 

which has a real interest in participating in 

the event. Although there will be only one 

birthday candle, there actually might very 

well be 35. For three and a half decades 

the site of the Florida has been an entertainment 

center of the city, a longtime span 

in the life of a city that officially came into 

existence in 1896. 

Of greater interest to historians is the fact 

that the theatre stands on the site of the 

family homestead of Dr. James M. Jackson, 

pioneer Miami physician and founder of Jackson 

Memorial hospital. It was back in 1914 

when Miami's official population was approximately 

10,000 mow it's more like 500,0001 

that Dr. Jackson's home gave way to the 

Hippodrome, which some claim was the first 

theatre constructed here. In the early 1920s, 

this house in turn was supplanted by' the 

Rex, and later this building gave way to the 

Florida. 

Participating in the Plorida-Hippodrome- 

Rex anniversary celebration were to be such 

prominent persons as Mayor Robert Floyd 

of Miami: Arthur Griffith, chief editorial 

writer for the Miami Herald and president of 

the Historical Ass'n of South Florida: president 

Joseph Cheetham of the Miami Pioneers, 

and the late Dr. Jackson's daughters Mrs. 

Helen Jackson Freeland and Mrs. Ethel Jackson 

Hutson, who were to be presented with 

a memorial plaque commemorating the occasion. 

It will later be installed in the lobby 

of the Florida. 

Manager Barnett arranged to have the 

Miami Edison High school 100-piece band 

furnish musical accompaniment for the ceremonies. 

Barnett also arranged a special film 

program. 

BIRMINGHAM 

pred Barton, city manager in Johnson City, 

Tenn., for Wilby-Kincey Theatres, and 

Mrs. Barton spent their vacation in Birmingham 

and vicinity . . . Lew'is Worthington, operator 

of Auto Movies No. 1 on the Bessemer 

superhighway, has returned after a ten-day 

Earl Worthington 

business and pleasure trip . . . 

and Robert Walker, manager of 

the 

. . . Lewis 

theatres, went to town on promotion for 

"The Best Years of Our Lives" 

Worthington has signed for Altec service for 

Auto Movies No. 1 and the Varsity Drive-In 

at Tuscaloosa. 

H. M. Powell, manager of Waters' Norwood, 

has returned home after a stay in the hospital, 

Jesse Pierce jr. served as relief manager 

. . Sarah O'Brien has been named 

. 

cashier at Waters, Delman, replacing Willie 

Burch who resigned to be married. Miss 

O'Brien has been succeeded at the Norwood 

by Joyce Welden O'Reilly, 

a relief cashier, 

. 

is now at Central Park, succeeding 

Evelyn Butler, resigned. 

Salesmen seen making the rounds here included 

Bob Tarwater, EL: Cameron Price, 

RKO, and Frank Folger, Paramount . . . 

Leonard Allen, Paramount publicist, was another 

William Hampton, Tarrant 

visitor . . . manager for Waters, has installed a newscreen. 

George J. "Jack" Nealeans, founder of the 

nationally famous Mickey Mouse club at the 

Alabama Theatre, which has the distinction 

of being the world's largest, is now manager 

of the Travis Shelton Music Co. in Sylacauga, 

Ala. Nealeans also is former general manager 

of the Waters circuit neighborhood and 

suburban houses here. 

Several shifts have been made in the assignments 

of projectionists here. Fred N. 

Wackyn, former projectionist at Tarrant City, 

has moved to Asheville, N. C. . . . Harry S. 

Biggins, stage manager at the Temple The- 

. . William 

. . Louis 

atre during the winter vaudeville season, has 

become projectionist at Five Points . 

Mankin is now in the booth at the 

Newmar. replacing Earl Jones, who has been 

transferred to North Birmingham . 

Stone has been moved from North Birmingham 

"The Boy With 

to Tarrant City . . . Green Hair" moved to the Galax after a 

week at the Empire. "A Letter to Three 

Wives" moved to the Lyric after a week at the 

Alabama. 

Florence Theatres Give SI.299 

FLORENCE, ALA.—The four Florence theatres 

— Norwood, Majestic, Shoals and 

Princess—contributed a total of $1,299 to the 

recent March of Dimes. The theatre contribution 

brings the county total to $5,156. 

Kirkpatrick Manages Tropicaire 

CORAL GABLES, FLA,—Wood Kirkpatrick 

has been named manager of the Tropicaire 

Drive-In Theatre. 

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Insurance for Library Films 

CHARLOTTE — A new system on which 

film borrowers are insured against possible 

damage to films is in operation at the city 

county public library here. Heretofore the 

borrower has borne cost of repair when film 

was damaged. Now, however, he is given the 

choice of paying 10 cents, or of accepting 

the risk involved. 

Six Spring Hits Scheduled 

MEMPHIS—The Malco Theatre "parade of 

hits" for spring announced by Manager Jack 

Tunstill includes "A Connecticut Yankee in 

King Arthur's Court," "The Red Pony," "The 

Life of Riley," "Tulsa," "Family Honeymoon" 

and "Bride of Vengeance." 

Exhibitor Donates Papers 

BRUNDIDGE, ALA. — Charlie Johnson, 

manager of the Brundidge Theatre, is providing 

free copies of the Brundidge Sentinel 

for each room in both of Pitke county's hospitals 

for one year. 

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CHARLOTTE 

Tnvitations have been received to the wedding 

of Charles Freeman, Wilby-Kincey 

booker, and Mrs. Nancy Kerr at the Second 

Presbyterian church April 24 . , . Visitors 

on Filmrow last week were John Dineen of 

Leaksville, Fin Lee of Warsaw, Harry Cook 

of Mount Olive, J. B. Harvey of Clover and 

Wives of 

J. Lee Little of Camden, S. C. . . . 

Variety Club members entertained at a square 

dance party in the club rooms. Bill Robinson, 

local square dance expert, called the 

numbers. A midnight supper was served. 

Committee In charge of the dance was headed 

by Mrs. Tom Bailey. Other members were 

Mrs. Cy Dillon, Mrs. Olin Mock, Mrs. Hal 

Keeter, Mrs. Gene Dyer. Mrs. Hank Hearn, 

Mrs. Ralph Tannuzzl and Mrs. Ruth Cockrill. 

. . . 

Robert Arnold has been named manager 

of the Bryant Theatre Supply, according to 

an announcement by Mrs. Max Bryant, owner 

Sigmund Romberg appeared with the 

symphony orchestra at the Armory last week. 

Featured soloists in the all-Romberg program 

were JarmiHa Novotna, who appeared in 

"The Search," Gene Marvey, Victoria Sherry 

and Hazay Sacher . Monroe and 

his orchestra are scheduled for an appearance 

here April 24. Cast of the "Camel Caravan" 

includes Ziggy Talent, Jay Lawrence, 

Texan Vocalists and the Moonmaids. 

Two matinee and night performances of 

"Harvey" were presented here at the Carolina 

Theatre. Joe E. Brown, in the leading 

role of Elwood P. Dowd, passed his 110th performance 

while in the city . . . The first touring 

company of the Dock Street Theatre has 

begun a tour of the Carolinas. Towns on 

the tour are Walterboro, Summerville, Columbia, 

Rock Hill and Orangeburg, S. C. . . . 

Rex Rossi, film stunt rider, was a performer 

in the Southeastern Championship rodeo held 

here last week. 

Paramount newsreel's "The Atlantic Pact 

—What You Need to Know About It" 

J^^., BUY NOTHING-

'Rope' Leads Atlanta 

With Rating of 124 

ATLANTA—Spring weather bolstered trade 

at local first runs. "Rope" at the Paramount 

carded a lusty 124 per cent to pace newcomers. 

"Mother Is a Freshman" at the Fox 

registered U2 per cent to rate second place. 

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game," in a second 

stanza at Loew's Grand, continued to 

show strength. 


Fox—Mother Is a Freshman (20th-Fox) 112 

Loew's Grand—Take Me Out to the Ball Gome 

(MGM), 2nd wk 110 

Paramount—Rope (WB) _ 124 

Rhodes Center—The Bribe (MGM), 2nd d.t. wk 104 

Roxy-Down to the Sea in Ships (20th-Fox), 

2nd d I. wit 102 

Four Ozoners in Carolinas 

Equipped by Southeastern 

CHARLOTTE—Orders for di-ive-in equipment 

have been taken by the Southeastern 

Equipment Co. for four new ozoners in the 

Carolinas. according to Manager Bill White. 

First of the new theatres to open was the 

Hi-Peak Drive-In at Drexel. Owner R. D. 

Drum also operates the Lenoir Drive-In, 

Lenoir. The Hi-Peak will accommodate 338 

cars. 

Scheduled to open in about 60 days, a new 

ozoner at Great Falls, operated by Mr. and 

Mrs. E. L. Edwards, will also be equipped by 

Southeastern. It will have a 200-car capacity. 

Opening of the third Southeastern-equipped 

drive-in is expected within a few days at 

Chester. F. B. Gregg is the operator. Fourth 

zoner, to be equipped for B. B. Anderson 

Theatres, Inc., is expected to open in about 

two months. 

Other orders for equipment have been received 

from J. Francis White for a new 

drive-in in Burlington and a 472-car theatre 

in Asheboro. Frank Beddingfield and Tom 

Little, who opened the 475-car Forest in 

Raleigh and S. S. Stevenson, who will open 

a new 600-car drive-in in Henderson in 60 

days. 

Free Baseball Show for Kids 

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—A crowd of 575 boys 

saw a free baseball show at the Florida Theatre 

which featured the highlights of the 

1948 world series. This show marks the third 

consecutive year such a presentation has 

been offered the youngsters. 

Building Nicaraguan Theatre Chain 

Provides Humor and Some Danger 

MANAGUA, NICARAGUA—HoUywood may 

have a lock on gaudy theatre premieres, but 

it will never match the ogle-eyed crowd that 

turned out for the grand opening of Harold 

Becklin's barnyard Palace in the backwoods 

of this Latin American country. 

There were no speeches, no bouquets, no 

searchlights, and the only footprints in the 

"foyer" were the hoof marks of the horses 

that brought many of the first-nighters. But 

for the one-house, no-name village ten miles 

outside of Managua the coming of the flickers 

was easily the biggest event since the 

invention of "guaro," firewater, reports 

Charles Fernandez, correspondent for the 

Miami, Pla., Herald. 

For many it was their first film. And they 

celebrated the occasion by donning their Sunday 

best, which is not to insinuate they were 

trying to compete with the Duke and 

Duchess of Windsor. Actually, foiTnal finery 

would have been rather out of place, for 

Becklin's barnyard Palace is hardly in a class 

with Grauman's Chinese. In fact, it's pretty 

much in a class by itself. 

EXPERT WITH MACHETE 

The theatre consists of a crude wooden 

fence erected around a concrete square used 

by Becklin's "business associate and house 

manager," Santos Sequeira, to butcher hogs. 

It connects with Santos' combination home, 

chicken coop and firewater tavern, the only 

visible building in the village that caters to 

farmers and sharecroppers in the back hills. 

Becklin, a lanky Montanan who operates a 

chain of theatres in Nicaragua and owns the 

big house on a hill overlooking the village, 

set up his home projector in the theatre with 

good-natured alarums. For safety's sake he 

elected his husky half-Indian "business associate" 

ticket seller and ticket-taker, for 

Santos is generally regarded as the biggest 

man in town by virtue of his prowess with 

a machete. "We better keep a couple of mules 

saddled up for a fast getaway in case anything 

goes wrong with the machine," Becklin 

laughingly told his house manager. 

Becklin. no novice at the game, knew that 

not all theatre openings in Nicaragua had 

gone off like Mickey Mouse. Backwoods firstnighters 

had been known to get provoked if 

engine trouble grounded the film. There was 

the danger, too, that folks seeing a show for 

the first time might get so carried away they 

would forget they were just watching a show. 

That had happened. 

One opening night crowd in a country 

town had stampeded the exits when a train 

charged head-on from the screen. In another, 

the patrons burst right through the walls 

when Tarzan uncaged a brace of ferocious 

lions. Probably with that in mind, Becklin 

showed his first-nighters a picture they could 

all understand and appreciate: Wallace Beery 

and Margaret O'Brien in something with a 

lot of horses, a lot of oxen and a lot of 

.shooting. 

EVEN CACKLING SUPPRESSED 

But the droll Montana impresario need not 

have worried. The patrons would have done 

credit to Carnegie Hall. They sat on folding 

chairs and on boxes breathlessly taking in 

the wonders of this modern age. They 

scratched their flea bites noiselessly, and you 

could have heard a pin drop—were the "floor" 

not insulated in dust. 

Even the chickens, roosting in tree branches, 

overhanging the orchestra seats, behaved 

with utmost decorum, not once cackling 

through the show. Some of the neighbors, 

lacking the nickel-and-dime piece of admission, 

did try to "knot-hole" the performance 

from the tree-top vantage points around the 

stockade, but Santos neatly dislodged them 

with a ten-foot pole. 

Becklin, waxing enthusiastic over the opening 

night success, had big plans for the 

future. He thought he'd put in bank night. 

"We can give away a couple of pigs," he 

mused, "and my business associate can 

butcher them right in the middle of the 

theatre. That would go great." 

Manager's Saddle Arrives 

ELBA, ALA.—Dozier Roberts, manager of 

the Elba and Claire theatres here, mailed a 

saddle from Nuernberg, Germany, to his address 

in Elba in 1945. That was the last he 

heard of it until it arrived at the local postoffice 

this month safe and sound. 

Roberts, a parttime clerk in the postofflce, 

says he is at a loss to explain where the 

saddle has been all of this time. 

lona Gets New Equipment 

WEWAHITCHKA, FLA.—New equipment 

in the projection room of the lona has improved 

service. The theatre is operating under 

the direction of Bob and Billy McDaniel. 

sons of the owner. 

Patrons Star in Film 

VERNON, ALA.—O. R. Jones, manager of 

the Lamar Theatre here, had some of his 

own patrons as stars in a recent film. The 

attraction was a film made in Vernon, Crossville, 

Caledonia and other communities. 

Host Paper Carriers 

MONTGOMERY—The Charles Theatre was 

host recently to carriers of the Montgomery 

Examiner, local weekly newspaper. After the 

show the boys enjoyed ice cream provided 

by the theatre. 

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BOXOFFICE :: AprU 9, 1349 loe-c

Philco Chief Warns 

Of TV Competition 

MIAMI—Jon Ballantyne, chairman of the 

board of the Philco Corp., vacationing here 

with his wife and two children, warned that 

motion pictures had better look to their 

laurels in the face of competition from 

television. 

"Film makers should wise up," Ballantyne 

said, "and make films for television. Television 

is terrific entertainment and it's gaining 

every day." 

Ballantyne said that the day might never 

come when a generally satisfactory television 

set can be marketed for $100. 

"Of course the price will come down," he 

said, "but it's hard to believe that it will 

reach that figure—at least any time soon." 

The problem of building a cheap television 

set is more difficult than that of designing 

a low-priced radio, he said. 

"No one has yet found a way to simplify 

the TV receiver," he said. 

The Philco executive also believes that 

radio may become a "dead duck" except for 

daytime and bedroom listening and that production 

of radio receivers will drop off. The 

whole industry, Ballantyne said, turned out 

15 to 16 million conventional sets of phonograph 

combinations last year and will turn 

out perhaps only 10 million in 1949. 

Show Soapbox Derby Film 

To Boys of Montgomery 

MONTGOMERY—The Empire Theatre will 

be host to all Montgomery boys at a free 

party where they will see the film of the all- 

American soapbox derby. In Montgomery, the 

derby is co-sponsored by the Advertiser and 

the Chevrolet Motor Co. The film, "Patterned 

for Sportsmanship," is the story of a 

young derby entry from his first application 

to the final race at Akron, Ohio. The fUm 

was made by General Motors and is issued by 

national headquarters of the derby organization. 

Outdoor Charter Granted 

MACON, GA.—A charter for Outdoor Theatres, 

Inc., was granted in Bibb superior 

court recently by Judge Mallory C. Atkinson. 

New corporation will engage in the operation 

of outdoor theatres for showing motion 

pictures and projecting television programs 

and exhibiting plays and stage shows. Petitioners 

were E. K. Cargill, Mrs. Allie V. Cargill 

and Miller G. Edwards jr., all of Macon. 

Ask Early Sunda'y Shutdown 

MERIDIAN, MISS.—A group of churchmen 

represented by Lyle V. Corey, lawyer, have 

asked theatre owners and managers to end 

their showings at 6 p. m. on Simdays. 

A RESEARCH BUREAU 

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Kansas City 1, Mo. 

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Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive mtormation regularly, as 

released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

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Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience in obtaining information 

ore provided in The MODERN THEATRE RED BOOK (Nov. 20, 1948). 

Miami Variety Wives 

Plan Second Benefit 

MIAMI—Variety women's committee Chairman 

Mrs. Edward N. Claughton reports that 

the first benefit luncheon and games party 

will be followed by others and that the newly 

established committee will turn over all 

money raised to the club's fund for the South 

Florida Crippled Children's hospital. 

The second benefit is the fashion show, 

May 6. at the Variety Club. Mrs. Hal Kopplin, 

entertainment chairman, will select the 

models and Eve Tellegen, radio commentator, 

will present the styles. 

In greeting guests at the luncheon, Mrs. 

Claughton expressed her enthusiasm over 

the response received. Originally, the committee 

had thought 100 women would be a 

good turnout, but there were 250 present. 

Mrs. Sid White was credited with efficient 

handling of the ticket committee. Assisting 

with the benefit were Mrs. George Hoover, 

Mrs. A. W. Corbett jr., Mrs. Ralph Kirsch 

and Mrs. O. H. Bloom. 

Theatreless Paulding, Ohio 

Greets O'Connell Theatre 

From Mideast Edition 

PAULDING, OHIO—The recent opening of 

the new $160,000 Paulding Theatre was an 

event of countywide importance, as the county 

seat here had been without a theatre since 

the Grand, 60-year-old landmark, was destroyed 

by fire in 1946. 

Owners Jack O'Connell, president of 

Community 

Theatres, Inc., Toledo, and Arthur R. 

Weaver, who had owned the Grand, donated 

aU proceeds from the two performances on 

opening night to Paulding county memorial 

hospital fund. The seats for the opening 

performances sold from $1 to $200, and more 

than $5,300 was raised for the hospital by the 

ticket committee, head by Ernest Rulman. 

Harry Wolfert, fire chief, and Charles 

Smith, police chief, had extra crews on hand 

to handle the crowds which swarmed around 

the theatre waiting for doors to open. Nineteen 

men were deputized to aid traffic. The 

street was roped off in the evening by the 

state highway department. The Chamber of 

Commerce committee installed floodlights 

borrowed from the county fairgrounds. The 

Paulding High school band also was present 

to play for the grand opening. 

Two planes dropped 40.000 handbills over 

the county in advance of the opening, and 

the Paulding County Republican published 

a special progress and achievement edition. 

Radio station WONW in Defiance, aired 

special programs preceding the opening and 

had a staff of six men on hand to interview 

the first-nighters. 

The theatre was equipped by Frank Masek 

of National Theatre Supply, Cleveland. Equipment 

Included Voice of the Theatre sound 

and projection, coated Kollmorgen lenses, 

Crestwood carpets, American Bodiform seats, 

Walker silver plastic screen and a Brenograph 

color effect machine. 

The interior of the house was designed 

by O'Connell. A refreshment bar is located 

in the center of the lobby. Mork-Green, Detroit, 

designed and installed the draperies. 

The house has a stage large enough for 

traveling shows. The building is of fireproof 

steel and concrete construction, and seats 

700 patrons. The front has a 40-foot sign 

and a 55-foot marquee. 

106-D BOXOFHCE April 9, 1949

Firsi Drive-In Begun 

In Prairie District 

CALGARY—Grading and surfacing has 

started on the first drive-in theatre to be 

built in the prairies. Frank Kershaw, managing 

director, says the work will take about 

30 days and that opening is planned for about 

the middle of May. 

Heating devices will be installed since evenings 

are comparatively cool in the 3.500- 

foot altitude. The drive-in will be called the 

Chinook. 

Work also has started on the Edmonton 

site, which will be a copy of the Calgary 

plan and should be completed about the 

same time. Norman McDonald has been 

named manager for the Edmonton drive-in. 

He now is at the local head office getting 

acquainted with the policy and plans for 

Alberta drive-ins. Name of the Edmonton 

outdoor theatre will be the Starllte. 

Court Calls Bank Books 

In Suit Against Rank 

TORONTO—Although several years have 

passed since court action started, Empire- 

Universal Films has won another round in 

its $1,000,000 breach of contract battle with 

the J. Arthur Rank Organization over certain 

films which Eagle Lion of Canada is distributing. 

Empire-Universal claims the distribution 

rights under contract and is asking for an 

accounting of the revenues obtained from 

distribution by EL. In the most recent action, 

Thomas F. Whitley, manager of the 

Toronto branch of the Royal Bank of Canada, 

has been ordered to produce books, 

papers and other articles pertaining to the 

suit and to answer questions set forth in 

letters from the U.S. di.strict court in New 

York. Empire-Universal also seeks an injunction 

against the alleged breach of contract. 

Bandit Confesses Robbing 

Ottawa Rideau Theatre 

HALIFAX, N. S.—Edward Morgan, 28, recently 

stepped into the local police base and 

announced that he held up an Ottawa theatre 

March 7. He claimed he and another 

man pushed a note at the cashier of the 

Rideau Theatre, flourished a revolver and 

demanded all the cash available. She handed 

over $393 and the thieves separated. Morgan 

headed for Halifax. An Ottawa policeman 

returned Morgan to Ottawa to face charges 

of armed robbery. 

Beauty Pageants Planned 

VANCOUVER—Plans are under way for 

the annual beauty contest to be conducted 

by the local Junior Board of Trade tmder a 

committee headed by Ivan Ackery, manager 

of the Orpheum, and Audrey Buchanan of 

the Tonia School of Charm. Pageants will 

be held throughout British Columbia and 

the girls chosen will compete for the Miss 

Vancouver title. 

The winner will go to Hamilton, 

Ont., to compete for the Miss Canada 

crown, and Miss Canada will then be sent 

to Atlantic City. The competitive pageants 

will be held in Famous Players theatres 

wherever possible, Ackery said. 

Video Stations Will Share 

Canadian Development of TV 

Private 

In 

MONTREAL—Canadians are at last to 

have a television system of their own. Like 

the CBC's radio network it will be publicly 

owned and operated but the licensing of 

private stations will share in its development. 

The big national venture will at the outset 

be financed by a loan of $4,000,000 from 

the federal govertiment which will ask parliament 

for that sum at the present session, J. J. 

McCann, minister of national revenue, announced 

in a lengthy statement read in the 

House at Ottawa. 

Montreal and Toronto will be both production 

and transmitting centers for the national 

system, but licenses will also be 

granted to private transmitting stations in 

different areas of the country and where 

adequate assurances can be given of necessary 

financial backing and .service. 

A careful study of the Montreal situation 

has not yet di.sclosed the kind of site CBC 

wants for production work in that area. Because 

of the excessively high cost of equipment, 

officials admit they would prefer an 

inexpensive site, such as an abandoned 

structure with lots of room. 

EQUIPMENT IS BIG PROBLEM 

But the most pressing problem confronting 

the planners is the getting of equipment. 

Up to date the plants in Canada capable of 

fairly speedy production of the needed machinery 

and parts are few, and it may be 

necessary to bring in some equipment with 

which to make a start, although the policy 

is to stimulate the making both of production 

and transmission equipment here. 

The first objective of the publicly owned 

and operated television system is to make it 

possible for Canadians in various parts of 

the country to get Canadian programs, which, 

in turn, will encourage Canadian talent and 

express Canadian ideals. But the government 

declares its system will not bar non-Canadian 

material, for the people will want their stations, 

public and private, to carry the good 

programs available from the United States. 

Listing the four principal features of the 

plan, McCann stated the CBC governors 

Two Canadian Theatres 

Closed by Fire Damage 

TORONTO—Two theatres were closed by 

flames in what seems to be the first 1949 

theatre fires reported in Canada. A disastrous 

fire which swept through the village 

of Chrysostime, Que., destroyed the Roxy 

Theatre, a 270-seat five-day house owned by 

E. Cote. In Birch River, Manitoba, a oneday 

house, the 175-.seat Community, operated 

by M. Perchaluk, was gutted by a fire which 

started in the furnace room. 

Kelowna to Have Ozoner 

KELOWNA, B. C—Plans are imder way 

for a drive-in to be constructed four miles 

from town by W. C. Boyd and associates of 

Vancouver. The new ozoner will be the 

fourth planned in British Columbia this year. 

Two are near Vancouver and two in the Interior 

of the province. 

would direct the television business, arranging 

for operations by CBC and by licensed 

private stations. There would be national 

television production centers in Montreal 

and Toronto, and transmitting stations also 

in 

Montreal and Toronto. 

CBC also would provide a service of television 

programs for broadcasting by stations 

which may be established in other areas of 

the country, thus furnishing part of their 

programming. This service will be provided 

by 

by CBC either by kinescope recordings or 

direct physical relays, but CBC will see to it 

that a certain minimum of national programs 

be caiTied by each television station. 

ASSOCIATIONS SUGGESTED 

Because of the high cost of television 

operations, the government is suggesting that 

individuals or groups interested in establishing 

a private station in any city may wish to 

form an association for the purpose of applying 

for a license. By this means the 

licen.see would be able to guarantee adequate 

financial means and public service. 

The government is not pretending that 

license fees and commercial revenue will 

carry television, at least for a few years. Because 

of the high cost of getting equipment 

and making a start on production and transmission, 

it has been decided to have parliament 

or the public provide the initial funds 

through a loan of $4,000,000. McCann's statement 

does as.sert that national television 

operations would become self-supporting "in 

a few years." 

Extensive studies have been made at home 

and abroad. A representative of CBC engineering 

division traveled in Europe and the 

United States, the CBC annual report states, 

to obtain detailed information on all aspects 

of television services in other countries. Then 

the transmission and development department 

has continued studies in high-frequency 

propagation and In other fields which will 

be directly applicable to television development 

in this country. CBC has kept itself 

informed, too of the latest technical developments 

of the art. 

Clifford Taylor, 48, Dies; 

Halifax Capitol Employe 

HALIFAX, N. S.—Clifford N. Taylor, 48, 

for the last three years superintendent of 

the Capitol Theatre Bldg., died recently after 

a short illness. During the war years he was 

secretary and controller of the navy league 

in Nova Scotia and was especially active for 

commercial seamen. He was a 32nd degree 

Mason and a past lodge master. Surviving 

are the widow and one daughter, Mary Jane. 

Building Boom Begins 

CALGARY—Construction will start this 

month on an agricultural school at far north 

Fairview near Peace River. A new hotel also 

is going up next to the theatre in the commimity. 

A new theatre, the Palace, is under 

construction at Ponoka and will be operated 

by Hec LaBrie, who will continue to operate 

the Empress there. The new house will be 

modern in design and equipment. 


K 107

Careers 

of 2 Montreal Managers 

Began With Doorman Positions 

MONTREAL—The success stories of two 

managers for United Amusement Corp. theatres 

here is the story of their rise from 

doorman positions. 

Thomas Orville Harrigan. manager of the 

first run dowmtowTi Strand, began his career 

here in 1946 as doorman at the Strand. He 

had come here from Bourget, Ont., to take 

a course at Sir George Williams College. 

Of his job at the Strand, Harrigan said. 

"I found this much to my liking. Meeting 

all different types of people was an education 

in itself." 

He was promoted to assistant manager in 

1947 and late in 1947 he became manager. 

"I like working for United Amusement 

Corp.." Harrigan said. "I must say the Strand 

is a very lively house, and I take great interest 

In my duties there. I hope to make a 

successful career in show business." 

The second manager to rise from a doorman 

position is Jack Moore, manager of the 

Van Home Theatre, who started in the business 

as doorman at the Snowden. Moore is 

a native of Montreal and began his theatre 

career in 1938. A year later he was trans- 

Arrests Are Made in Two 

Toronto Theatre Cases 

TORONTO— Arrests made in two cases are 

expected by police to halt a recent wave of 

theatre robberies here. Two youths were 

seized following the wrecking of the office 

of Manager Len Bishop in the Tivoli, where 

the loot consisted of a few boxes of Lifesavers 

candy. However, the damage was substantial. 

Two safes in the independent Metro on 

Bloor street west were cracked and the thugs 

made off with $250. Later the police took in 

a suspect who had $15 In one-cent pieces, 

corresponding with the amount of pennies 

which had been taken from the theatre. A 

few days previously the Victoria was the 

scene of a second break-in when the office 

of Manager Russ McKibbin was torn apart 

with considerable property damage. 

Bouquet to 'Best Years' 

CALGARY—"The Best Years of Our Lives" 

is the pet picture of Arthur Elliott, manager 

for RKO here. He vows this picture is bringing 

in the biggest grosses of any he has 

handled since coming to this territory. It is 

one picture, he says, about which he has had 

no complaints. 

LoMv Grosses Blamed on Tax 

VANCOUVER—Exhibitors in British Columbia 

report the added cost of 25 per cent 

amusement tax has cut down theatre attendance, 

and hold the legislature responsible 

for not reducing the tax as expected 

this year. As it was an emergency war 

tariff, the tax is now working hardship 

among exhibitors, especially in small towns. 


FOR U^MEDIATE DELIVEHY 


C, Mo. 

Jack Moore 

Thomas Harrigan 

ferred to the newly opened York Theatre 

as assistant manager. In April 1941 he went 

to the Strand as manager, remaining there 

until early in 1943 when he enlisted in the 

Royal Canadian Air Force. 

After his discharge from the RCAP, Moore 

returned to his first theatre, the Snowden, 

as manager. He left that post in September 

1947 to become manager of the Strand. In 

January 1948 he left the Strand to open the 

new Van Home Theatre here. 

Ontario Treasurer Frost 

Is Outdoor Western Fan 

TORONTO—In n debate on film censorship 

in the Ontario legislature here, Leslie 

M. Frost, provincial treasurer, admitted he 

had a weakness for western and outdoor pictures 

with plenty of hard riding and shooting 

and "was nauseated by pictures which 

depicted the smart set engaged in drinking 

cocktails." 

"How about love?" came a voice from the 

opposition benches. He did not an,swer. Frost 

is considering an enlargement of the threeman 

censor board. 

Alex MacLeod, a Toronto Communist, suggested 

that enlargement of the censor board 

should not provide "just a panel of advisors 

who are brought in when a sexy picture 

comes to town." MacLeod thought the Ontario 

censors should select the ten best pictures 

each year to show Hollywood that Ontario 

has a higher standard than those that 

prevailed in the United States. He suggested 

that British films .should be encouraged. 

J. D. Baxter, member from Prince Edward- 

Lennox, agreed with Frost when the latter 

said that juvenile attendance for objectionable 

pictures was a matter of parental control 

and discipline. 

"There is nothing the Ontario government 

can do. It is entirely up to the parents of 

the province," said Baxter. 

J. B. Salsberg, the other Toronto Communist 

member, charged that the Ontario 

board had bamied the showing of "Native 

Land." which dealt with the battle of workers 

and farmers for civil rights in the United 

States. Treasurer Frost replied that the picture 

had never been submitted to the Ontario 

censor board for examination. 

Kaslo, B. C, Theatre Open 

KASLO, B. C—Musicland Tlieatre, a 150- 

seater, was opened recently here. Equipped 

with a fine stage, it will also be used for 

public functions. 

Private TV 'Shocked' 

By Ottawa Program 

TORONTO—Canada's television policy, 

announced in the House of Commons, is a 

"shocking surprise" to prospective TV entrepeneurs 

in this area. Jack Cooke, head of 

radio station CKEY, Toronto, and applicant 

for a TV license, said. 

"This policy will force television operators 

to work on a completely unrealistic, cooperative 

basis, with three or four applicants sharing 

one channel," Cooke said. "This system 

was tried out and dropped in the early days 

of radio broadcasting. It was found that it 

didn't provide adequate service." 

It would be a year, at least, before television 

could be available for all in Canada, he said, 

and In the meantime taxpayers outside the 

larger cities will be paying for the television 

which those in Toronto and Montreal will be 

enjoying. 

"Private enterprise is willing to bring television 

to Canadians at no cost to the 

country," Cooke declared. "Pi-ivate enterprise 

brought radio here, and private stations 

are the backbone of Canada's radio system." 

His 0W11 application for a television permit 

has been before the government since May 

1948, he said. 

H. A. Sedgwick of CPRB, Toronto, said the 

government's policy, "fails to answer the 

questions that a man has to know before he 

can decide whether to go into the business. 

Is the government going to apply the existing 

rules, designed to cover radio operation, 

to television? We don't know yet— but we're 

pretty sure that these rules are no good for 

the new medium. 

"It seems that stations all across the 

country are to be obliged to carry television 

programs originated by the CBC. Does this 

mean they will get no remuneration for doing 

so? We'll have to know the answers to these 

questions and hundreds of others, before 

we'll know where we're at. The statement in 

the House was too vague." 

Four from the Toronto area have asked 

permission to go into TV—stations CKEY and 

CFRB. Famous Players Theatres and Al 

Leary. 

Credit Buying Splurge 

Cuts Theatre Takes 

ST. JOHN—A record volume of credit buying 

is reported as affecting theatre business 

here. In recent months, merchants, including 

some that offered only restricted credit 

for years, have dropped all barriers and are 

offering merchandise of all kinds at as low 

as nothing down, 25 cents per week and 

three years to pay. Shoppers have gone on 

a buying spree, despite heavy carrying 

charges, and in many cases the theatre dollar 

has been cut into drastically. 

Some of the biggest stores and mail order 

firms have joined the credit splurge and are 

promoting such items as wearing apparel, 

furniture, footwear, electrical appliances, including 

washers, refrigerators, radios, jewelry, 

watches, etc. One department store is 

considering adding sales of one make of car 

at $5 a week, nothing down, but plenty on 

the carrying charge. 

Film Editor on Twrelve O'Clock' 

Barbara McLean has been selected as film 

editor on 20th-Fox's "Twelve O'clock High." 


oadshow 

. . . Jack 

. . Marie 

. . 

. . . Tom 

. . Ameen 

Spring and Lent Help 

Dent Toronto Trade 

TORONTO—Lent. Easter shopping, college 

examinations and balmy weather made a dent 

in the week's business in Toronto. There 

were relatively few holdovers and plenty of 

reissues. The big Imperial had a revival engagement 

of "Northwest Mounted Police," 

this being the first reissue for the key house. 

Nice interest was being taken in the roadshow 

run of "Joan of Arc" at the new University 

but the people appeared to shy at the 

high prices. 


Biltmore—Allegheny Uprising (RKO), reissue; 

Bodyguard (RKO) . 90 

Danlortli Woman Hater (EL), plus stage show. -..100 

Eglinlon and Tivoh—Kiss in the Dork (WB), 

2nd wk. 90 

Fairlawn—Road to Rio (Para), Dear Ruth (Para) 90 

Humber—Woman Hater (EL); jack London (UA), 

reissue .. 90 

Hyland—The Red Shoes (EL), moveover 105 

Imperial—Northwrest Mounted Police (Para), 

reissue 105 

Loew's—Force of Evil (MGM), part ol 2nd wk 75 

Odeon Toronto Saraband (EL) 105 

Shea's and Nortown Whispering Smith (Para).... 105 

University—Joan of Arc (RKO) No average 

Uptown—The LHe ol Riley (U-1) 105 

Victoria—India Speaks (RKO); lacare (UA), 

reissues 95 

New Studio Grosses Best 

In Vancouver 

VANCOUVER—The new Studio topped the 

town with excellent busine.ss on "My Brother 

Jonathan," while "Johnny Belinda" in its 

seventh downtown week at the Cinema held 

up well. The State with "Intrigue" and the 

"Follies Bergere" on stage, also did good 

business. 

Capitol—Alias Nick Beat (Para) Fair 

Cinema—Johnny Belinda (WB); Smart Girls 

Don't Talk (WB), 7lh wk Good 

Dommion—Â Song Is Born (RKO); Race 

Street (RKO) _ Moderate 

Orpheum—So Dear to My Heart (RKO) Fair 

Paradise—S.O.S. Submarine (SG); Harpoon 

(SG) 

Good 

Plaza—Sleeping Car to Trieste (EL); Road Show 

(Rep) - Fair 

State—Intrigue (UA), plus stage show. Good 

Slrand—The Accused (Para), 2nd wk „ Fair 

Studio—My Brother Jonathan (IFD) _ Excellent 

Varsity—Hamlet (EL) , Good 

Vogue—Wake ol the Red Witch (Rep), 2nd wk Fair 

Grosses Remain High 

In Calgary Theatres 

CALGARY—Exhibitors felt quite good over 

continued top business. Agile Gene Kelly and 

the high adventure of "The Three Musketeers," 

made it a popular favorite. Feminine 

audiences packed the Grand to see "Blanche 

Fury." Surprise hit was "3 Godfathers" coupled 

with "King of the Gamblers." 

Capitol—The Three Musketeers (MGM) Excellent 

Grand—Blanche Fury (EI) Excellent 

Palace— 3 Godlathers (MGM); IKing of the 

Gamblers (Rep) Very good 

F&H Mayfair Books Film 

Concurrent With Award 

ST. JOHN—So sure was Sam Babb, booker 

for Franklin & Herschorn, that Jane Wyman 

would win the top feminine Oscar, that a 

fortnight before the Academy announcements 

were made he booked "Johnny Belinda" into 

the Dartmouth Mayfair, timed with the Oscar 

news. In advance of the opening, it was 

stressed that Miss Wyman had taken the 

Oscar for her portrayal of the deaf mute in 

the picture. After seeing "Belinda" and 

"The Snake Pit," he predicted Miss Wyman 

would nose out Olivia DeHavilland, but that 

the choice would be limited to these two. 

He did not figure on either picture taking 

the award. 

MONTREAL 

Duth the Snowdon and the Outremont of the 

United Amusement Corp. April 1 switched 

to a Friday opening policy instead of on 

Saturday. Both are showing first run British 

Montreal East 

and Hollywood pictures . . . 

has a new theatre, the Broadway, owned by 

the mayor of the municipality. Napoleon 

Courtemanche ... A new theatre, the Dieppe, 

owned by Emile Ruffo, will open shortly at 

Montreal South. 

Mrs. Anita Lapensee, secretary to Owen 

Lightstone, manager here for Empire-Universal, 

attended a concert at the Capitol Theatre, 

Ottawa, where her nephew, Karl Du 

Plessis, was guest artist with the Ottawa 

Philharmonic orchestra under the direction 

of Dr. Allard DeRidder. 

Albert Pruncau is the new revisor at Peerless 

Films. Formerly 16mm operator at St. 

Charles de Mandeville, where he remained 

two years, he was afterwards for one year 

operator at the Turner Theatre, owned by 

Jimmy Turner at St. Alexis des Monts . 

George J. Kelly of the Madelon, Cap de la 

Madeleine, was indisposed on St. Patricks 

day and missed the celebration. 

. . William Elman, 

John Levitt, salesman for Columbia, is on 

a selling expedition to the eastern townships 

Roller, president of Peerless Films, 

was in town from Toronto . 

manager at Columbia, visited Sher- 

brooke and Three Rivers on business. 

Staff changes: Bill Spears is the new assistant 

booker to Hector Hurteau of Monogram-Eagle 

Lion, where Hurteau is back at 

his desk following three weeks illness ... At 

Paramount, Eileen Monohan is assistant 

booker replacing Bill Taylor ... At Warner 

Bros.. Suzanne Corbeil is replacing Mrs. Ruth 

Downing as stenographer . Anne 

Ducharme, revisor at Warner Bros., has resigned 

. . . Helen Young is the new cashier at 

United Artists. 

HANDY 

Manager Arthur Bahen marked the first 

anniversary of the opening of the Champlain 

Theatre of the Odeon circuit. From March 

19 until April 1, a giant cake was exhibited 

in the theatre lobby. During that period each 

patron received with his admission ticket a 

coupon entitling him to vote on the exact 

weight of the cake. The contestants who 

most nearly guessed the correct answer received 

prizes, including a season ticket to 

the theatre for one year. Each spectator on 

the gala evening was given a slice of the cake, 

on the icing of which was inscribed the titles 

of the films presented dm-ing the year at the 

Champlain. 

On the sick list were Marcelle Renaud, assistant 

accountant at 20th-Fox, and Lucille 

Galarneau, film inspector at Warners . . . On 

holiday: Molly Foreman, manager for Alliance, 

vacationing in the maritime provinces 

Trow, owner and manager of the 

Imperial, Three Rivers, weekended in the 

Laurentians . Lawand, booker at 

Confederation Amusement Corp., is spending 

three weeks at Daytona Beach, Fla. 

Gratien Gelinas, better known as Frldolin 

the French-Canadian comedian, has donated 

$50 as a prize for the best Canadian play . . . 

Henri Poitras has been engaged by Renaissance 

Films to play the role of Filasse in "Le 

Docteur Louise," which will be completed in 

Paris during May. Poitras will remain in 

Paris until June 15, as will Suzanne Avon, 

another Canadian at present in Paris. The 

film will star Madeleine Robinson and Jean 

Murat ... A speedy recovery to Rheal Girard, 

manager of the Ahuntsic Theatre, who is ill 

at the Veterans hospital. He spent three 

years in the army during the late war. 

Theatre Duals as Church 

SHEET HARBOR, N. S.—The recently 

opened Atlantic Theatre here has become a 

temporary church in addition to a film house. 

The congregation of St. Michael's Anglican 

church has outgrown its facilities, a former 

school, and has started to build a new and 

larger edifice. In the meanwhile, an offer 

from the Atlantic owners to the congregation 

has been accepted and the new theatre is 

used for Smiday morning and evening services. 

The basement of the new church probably 

will be completed this summer. 

Remodel at Grand Manan 

GRAND MANAN, N. B.—The Happy Hour 

Theatre here, owned by T. R. Griffin, is being 

remodeled and redecorated. Improvements 

include a new floor, new seating and 

the addition of new booth equipment.

. . Paul 

. . 

. . . Mac 

. . . The 

. . Max 

. . Agnes 

VANCOUyER 

•Phe Sovereign Films front office girls hail 

from three provinces. Audrey Reid, billing 

clerk, is from Edmonton; Elizabeth Alexandra, 

stenographer, from Winnipeg, where 

she was with Paramount, and the British Columbia 

girl is Villa St. Marie, cashier, from 

Golden in the Rocky mountain section . . . 

Bill Boyd, who sold his Capitol at Peace 

River, is now president of the company building 

a drive-in near Kelowna, B. C. 

Dave Griesdorf, president of Studio Theatres, 

Ltd., and head of International Film 

Distributors, was here ten days planning the 

new Studio Theatre opening . . . Leo 

Devaney, captain of the Ned Depinet sales 

drive in Canada, conferred here with Jim 

Davie, local RKO manager. He will stop at 

Calgary and Winnipeg on his way back east. 

Jack Randall, Strand manager, is back on 

the job after a quick trip by car to Hollywood. 

He and his family went thi'ough the 

Paramount studios and saw two pictures in 

M. Metropolita has sold 

the making . . . 

his 280-seat house at West Summerland to 

J. Harrison, a newcomer to show business. 

Spot is a fruit town in the interior with 

600 population. The policy will be two 

changes weekly . Harmond sold his 

Squamish house up the coast from Vancouver 

to George Kuzye. The theatre seats 

200 and plays Wednesday and Saturday 

nights. Squamish, 850, is a lumber center. 

There are six theatres listed for sale in 

British Columbia, three of them in the 

Vancouver district. Most of them were built 

and sold at inflation prices. So far there 

are no takers . . . Cayuse Camp, a lumber 

spot on Vancouver Island, will have its own 

theatre shortly—a 130-seater to be operated 

on circuit with Youbou, a nearby town . 

Franklin River on the west coast of Vancouver 

Island is without a theatre since the 

lumber business has been curtailed due to 

the loss of overseas markets. 

Kelowna's regatta may make its film debut 

this year. The Warner studio has advised 

the board of trade it may send a camera 

crew to make a colored short of the aquacade 

. . . Mrs. H. Waddington, secretary to 

Stan Atkinson, head of General Films at 

Regina, Sask., is spending a month on the 

coast on leave due to poor health. 

The 300-seat Village, being erected by Harold 

Warren of Port Alberni at Qualicum 

beach on Vancouver Island at a cost of 

$32,000, will open in May. The resort's first 

35mm will operate on two changes weekly 

Smee, assistant at the Orpheum 

promoted to manager of the suburban Victoria 

Road Theatre here by Famous Players, 

was given a farewell party and gift by 

the Orpheum staff. Smee is succeeded by 

Walter Hopp from the downtown Capitol, 

where he was assistant to Charlie Doctor. 

Jack Miller of Vancouver has started construction 

of a 438-seat cement block theatre 

at 49th and Main streets, seven blocks from 

the Odeon Eraser, 850-seater now under construction 

... A Lethbridge resident, feeling 

that the recent cold snap was very trying 

on inmates of the local old folks homes 

in that town, sent enough money for 75 of 

them and transportation to see the show at 

the FPC Capitol. 

. . 

Vancouver will receive a color film showing 

the ceremonies which marked the 150th 

anniversary of Capt. George Vancouver's 

death. The films are a gift from the city 

of Richmond, England, where Vancouver's 

discoverer is buried Joe Gibson, operator 

of the theatre at Langley Prairie in the 

Eraser valley who sold it to Pete Barnes, 

is now one of that district's auctioneers. Last 

week he had a big sale of racing stock. 

Local Odeon employes finished the bowling 

season with the Marpole Theatre team as 

winner and the Vogue as runnerup. The 

league held a party Sunday at the Narrows 

Supper club where the prizes were awarded. 

About 150 were present at the annual affair 

new Studio staff is the best dressed 

among theatre employes around these parts. 

The doormen resemble army generals with 

lots of gold braid, etc., and the usherettes 

look like fashion plates, all blonds and real 

smart looking. 

Bill Turner, Paradise assistant who recently 

maiTied, has purchased a home in 

the west end . . . Joe Errington, veteran 

projectionist, went one better, building himself 

Girvan studios 

an apartment house . . . are busy giving the downtown Odeon theatres 

a splash exterior paint job. All are 

vivid colors, which makes theatre row the 

brightest spot in town. 

The east side State is going in for stage 

shows combined with pictures. Last week it 

played the "Follies Bergere" on the stage 

Screens — Arc Lamps — Rectifiers — Lenses — Carbons — Theatre Chairs 

J. M. RICE & CO. 

202 Canada BIdg. Winnipeg, Manitoba 

Phone 25371 

mm 

COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEMS 

Everything For Your Theatre 

An Expert Repair Department 

to big business, which proves Vancouver folk 

are hungry for flesh attractions, Hymie 

Singer, manager, said . 

Banbury 

is doing some outstanding art work for 

the Studio Theatre, a change from the circus-type 

fronts of the local deluxers. 

Trans-Canada Film's Wally Hamilton and 

National Film Board's Evelyn Cherry are in 

the Fraser valley starting the filming of a 

story of flood rehabilitation and the rediking 

program. The film will be produced 

by the Dominion government, and Ti-ans-Canada 

Films, Ltd., of Vancouver will do most 

of the actual shooting. The subject is expected 

to be in color ... To show the inroads 

I6mm made in the last year in western 

Canada, rentals jumped to 169 in 1948 

from 98 in 1947 in the western territory. 

Rentals in the Dominion in 1947 were well 

over the 1,000,000 mark . Hilton, 

formerly in charge of the candy counter at 

the downtown Orpheum, has been appointed 

head usherette at Vancouver's largest theatre. 

Provincial Censorship 

Nuisance to Bookers 

ST. JOHN—The vagaries of censors in 

different provinces have been adding to the 

worries of executives of theatre chains and 

distribution companies, chiefly the bookers. 

In one province, the censors insist on carving 

up a picture and slapping on an adult entertainment 

restriction. In an adjoining 

province, the censors do little or no cutting 

and order no restriction on the same picture. 

This involves a lot of extra work for bookers 

and revisers and from the boxoffice angle 

makes quite a difference between the receipts 

for one film in two fairly close together 

but in different provinces. 

With appointments to censor boards based 

on political considerations, few are wholly 

suited to such duties. For instance, there 

is a female censor who still gets feverishly 

excited at run-of-the-mine westerns and 

goes hysterical when the good guys shoot it 

out with the bad guys. On one board, it is 

claimed practically all the cutting is done by 

one member, a woman. The chairman rarely 

sees a complete film. 

Suggested has been one central board, for 

all Canada, and minus any political connection, 

federal, provincial, mimicipal. 

New 25-Year Club Member 

Is Arthur C. Roberts 

BRANTFORD, ONT—Arthur C. Roberts 

became the sixth Brantford member of Famous 

Players 25-Year club, when Jack Arthur, 

FPC district supervisor, presented him 

a certificate of membership. Brantford 

members who attended the ceremony were 

Christina Ausleybrodk, Florence Ginn, Archie 

Fraser, Ernie Moule and W. T. Johnston. 

Still Being Held Up 

TORONTO—Bookings of "Mom and Dad" 

and "Sins of the Fathers" in Ontario are 

still being held up by the provincial board 

of moving picture censors pending a decision 

on a new governing policy for sex features 

to be based on recommendations from 

medical and other organizations. 

Develops 'Moon Over Java' 

Joel Malone is developing "Moon Over 

Java," South Seas romance, a U-I picture. 

110 BOXOFnCE :: April 9, 1949

L 

. . . Finley 

. . Ernest 

ST. 

JOHN 

IJooked up with "Girls in White" (RKO), 

a documentary short, for a three-day 

showing at the new Paramount, HaUfax, was 

the Children's hospital. Manager Freeman 

Skinner garbed all the usherettes in white 

nurses' uniforms, even to cap and shoes, for 

the three days. The hospital hopes a reaction 

from the screening will be an increase 

in the number of student nurses. The 

booking was arranged between Famous Players 

and the hospital heads. 

Barbara Ann Scott, Ottawa figure skater, 

gave Bill O'Neill credit for his cooperation 

during her two days at the St. Andrews rink. 

He manages the rink and is an ex-partner 

of Ed Finigan in the Marina Theatre. It 

was the first Scott booking in the maritimes, 

and in a border town of only about 1,400 . . . 

Henri Moraze, St. Pierre, reports his partner 

Emmanuel Ruault-Cazier in the Renaissance 

Theatre is gradually recovering in full from 

surgery at Halifax. 

Yvonne Fry of the PWC, St, Johns, N. F., 

suggests that exhibitors of Newfoundland 

group boys and girls in one section during 

afternoon shows in order to attain more success 

in keeping the children quiet and allowing 

adults to enjoy the programs. She 

recommends, too, that prizes be offered for 

essays by the children on educational shorts 

that should be on each matinee program. 

Jack O'Toole of Fairville, N. B., got out 

of bed after a long siege with rheumatism 

and heart complication to direct and act in 

an amateur stage production, the receipts 

of which went to district shelters for orphaned 

and deserted children. He has been 

raising money for these institutions and other 

charities for the last 53 years. He's now 

heading into 73. In his younger years he 

could have taken to the road with pro-stage 

units but preferred home life. 

Some people come back from Gotham with 

Manhattan madness, and Mitchell Franklin 

of St. John is no exception apparently. He 

returned from New York recently as an addict 

to the piano accordion, and has installed 

one at his home. Thus far there 

has been no complaint from neighbors, so 

the theatre executive isn't going to fold up 

like his latest crush . . . The Rev. J. Emeric 

Dolan here is quick on the trigger. Seeing 

a friend at the entrance to a local theatre 

looking at the posters, the clergyman said, 

"If you go in there will be 'the Devil to 

pay. The Devil to Pay" was the title 

of one of the films on the theatre program. 

In behalf of '"Who -Will Teach Your Child?" 

Manager Syd Wyman of the Yarmouth Community 

obtained the cooperation of the teachers 

of Yarmouth county in mailing advertising 

on the picture to parents. A tieup 

was also made with the Daughters of the 

Empire and another with the Home and 

School Ass'n . . . Mrs. A. C. D. Wilson, who 

died recently at Moncton, was a veteran 

director of amateur stage shows, and was a 

former member of the New Brunswick censor 

board. 

Tom Courtney, a former manager of the 

Halifax Casino, assisted in the promotion 

for the 1949 edition of "The Ice Cycles" at 

the Halifax Forum for five days. Courtney 

is now director of provincial publicity . . . 

The formal union of Newfoundland with 

BoxorncE April 9, 1949 

Canada had special significance for an exhibitor 

and a distributor on the mainland. 

Freeman Skinner, manager of the new Paramount, 

Halifax, and Pat Hogan, manager of 

the Paramount exchange, St. John, are natives 

of Newfoundland. 

At the new Cornwall Friday night each 

week is Family night with prizes. There are 

only two matinee showings weekly, both on 

Saturdays, one at 10:30 a. m. and one at 

2:30 p. m. British films are shown very 

frequently and single bills prevail . . . Steve 

Doane, chairman of the Nova Scotia censor 

board, had an involuntary stay of four days 

on Newfoundland. He flew from Halifax, 

headed for Sydney on business, but the plane 

was unable to land there because of bad 

weather. It continued to Harmon U.S. army 

air field, and couldn't take to the au- again 

for 

three days because of fog. 

Vaudeville to Two More 

TORONTO—Vaudeville stage features have 

been added to film programs at two more 

theatres here. Manager Ron Bryce of the 

Grant has introduced professional acts on 

the first three nights. This theatre was 

opened in 1929 as a combination film-vaudeville 

house. At London, Manager James 

Hardiman of the new Odeon has added 

vaudeville to the bill on Wednesday night of 

each week. 

Redwater Theatre to Open 

REDWATER, ALTA—With the completion 

of the 350-seat theatre now being constructed 

for George Hunehak, this city will have 

its first motion picture theatre. Early opening 

is anticipated. 

'Loon's Necklace' Wins 

Canadian Oscar 

TORONTO—Canadian producers of 

short subjects received their own Oscar 

awards when honors were distributed by 

the Canadian Ass'n for Adult Education, 

The shorts were judged by a panel which 

included trade executives. 

The winner in the theatrical section of 

the first annual competition was "The 

Loon's Necklace." based on an Indian 

legend, a product of Crawley Films, Ottawa. 

It had already secured honorable 

mention at the Edinburgh festival last 

year. This short was on the program of 

the International Cinema, Toronto, when 

the award was announced and it was held 

for a second week, although the main feature 

was being changed. 

A special award was given a French 

Canadian featm-e, "Un Homme Et Son 

Peche," which was made by Paul L'Anglais 

of Quebec Productions, and also to Norman 

MacLaren's "Dots and Loops," a cartoon 

release of the National Film board. 

The winner in the documentary class 

was "Who Will Teach Your ChUd?" a 

National Film Board short subject. Honorable 

mention went to Associated Screen 

News. Montreal, for its whole Canadian 

Cameo series. One of the five judges was 

Robert Evans of Famous Players Canadian 

Corp.. the others being identified 

with the documentary field. 

OTTAWA 

Tn connection with the official observance 

of the 25th anniversary of the Canadian 

air force, appropriate distinction was accorded 

Ernie Warren, manager of the 20th 

Century Elgin. He enlisted as an airman in 

1942 and rose to the rank of pilot officer, 

being a flying instructor and examining officer 

until his discharge four years later. 

Warren also has an interest in Atlas Aviation, 

Ltd., Ottawa. 

During the celebration of the 34th anniversary 

of the Wellington Salvation Army 

citadel, war veterans paraded to the Elmdale 

for a Sunday service. The theatre was made 

available by Manager Jack Gibson . . . When 

Manager Ernie Smithies of the Capitol, 

Kingston, played "Mr. Blandings Builds His 

Dream House" duiing the week ending April 

1, he secured the cooperation of Drury's 

Builders Supplies for a full-page advertising 

co-op in the Kingston Whig-Standard. The 

display included a large still for the theatre 

feature with appropriate references. 

Exhibitors in Ottawa and other cities of 

Ontario will face daylight saving, starting 

April 24. In most places the summer time 

will continue until November 27, two months 

later than usual, as a move to conserve power. 

Since the adoption of the dates by municipalities, 

however, Chairman Robert Saimders 

of the Ontario hydro commission has announced 

that power restrictions will be necessary. 

The former orchestra director of the Capitol 

in Montreal, Maurice Meerte, conducted 

the special orchestra for the Ottawa-Hull 

concert recital of Mario Berini, tenor of the 

Metropolitan Opera, in the Menage Milltaire 

McRae, administrator of the 

estate of Harry Brouse, once prominent as 

a Canadian theatre owner, has been elected 

vice-president of the Ontario division of 

the Canadian Red Cross society. McRae retired 

this 'year as a member of Ottawa city 

council. 

The newly formed Canadian-Ukrainian 

choir of Ottawa gave its first public concert 

before a crowded house Sunday night in the 

Odeon Roxy . Morgan. 26, was 

arrested in far-off Halifax and was returned 

to Ottawa where he admitted the armed 

robbery of the Rideau cashier of $393 last 

month. He was passing through Ottawa 

when he grabbed the theatre's cash. 

Down to $2,580,000 

OTTAWA—For the fiscal year ending 

March 31, the government lists receipts from 

the 20 per cent amusement tax, abolished 

last April, as $2,580,000, compared with $15,- 

369,000 for the previous fiscal period of 12 

months and $14,552,000 in the 1946-47 year. 

Two Projectionists Required 

VANCOUVER—Theatremen trying to have 

the theatre act changed object to the clause 

which requires two men in a booth in theatres 

under 449 seats operating more than 

40 hours a week. At present the fire marshal's 

act allows one man in a booth in 

houses that operate less than 40 hours. The 

New Studio, a downtown theatre which seats 

446, is now compelled to employ two projectionists 

on each six-hour shift. 

Ill

. . Three 

. . Brian 

. . 

TORONTO 

The Odeon Hyland found itself without a 

radio show from the stage because of the 

cancellation of the program for a hockey 

broadcast. The breach was fUled by Bill 

Kemp, however, when he rounded up all 

available radio announcers and disk jockeys 

for an impromptu presentation that proved 

Gordon Lightstone, Cana- 

a big success . . . 

dian division manager for Paramount, has 

returned from Hollywood after a ten-day conference. 

T eslie A. Allen, formerly of Vancouver, has 

been appointed vice-president and general 

sales manager of Cardinal Films by 

President Harry J. Allen. Sam Nagler. formerly 

with United Artists, has become British 

Columbia manager for Cardinal while 

Vernon Dixon, lately with International Film 

Distributors, has been appointed Calgary 

manager. Cardinal Films has secured Canadian 

distribution rights for "Choral Concert." 

a National Film Board picture featuring 

the Leslie Bell singers of Toronto. 

. . . 

Ben Geldsaler, manager of Famous Players 

booking department, and Mrs. Geldsaler have 

announced the engagement of their daughter 

Emily L. to Eugene M. Grant, son of 

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Greenberg of New York 

City, the wedding to take place in Toronto 

The Forum, a north side neighborhood 

house, is under the management of Peter 

Sarok, formerly of B&F Theatres, following 

a change in ownership . new members 

of the Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n 

of Ontario are the new Odeon at Brantford, 

and the Hyland and Humber of Toronto. 

The Ulsters have been staging a demonstration 

of television in the lobby of the 

Embassy, with the programs from Buffalo, 

N. y. . . For the observance of the national 

. 

Independence day of Greece, the Greek 

community of Toronto sponsored a variety 

show Sunday afternoon at the 20th Century 

Victory. 

The stage was set for a civic reception here 

to Frances Langford in appreciation of her 

services during the war but her plane from 

New York was delayed by a storm and later 

she flew dii'ect to Hamilton . . . The foreignfilm 

season at the King continued with 

"Amami Alfredo," to be followed by "The 

Jewish Melody." 

Arch H. Jolley was a busy booker at his 

office of the Motion Pictui-e Theatres Ass'n 

when he routed Easter seal campaign trailers 

to 120 Ontario theatres in cooperation with 

the Ontario Society for Crippled Children 

. . . Manager Gordon Cullen has started a 

Saturday morning Movie club at the new 

Odeon in Brantford where he is competing 

with the long-established Famous Players 

club at the Brant. 

Norman Chamberlain has replaced Tom 

Miller as head of the theatrical division of 

the National Film Board. Miller has been 

transferred to Vancouver. 

Joseph Simon, 44, head booker for MGM 

here, died recently after a lengthy illness. 

Born in England, he entered the industry 

USED THEATRE CHAffiS 

All lots in A-1 condition at only $3.75 each. Now 

locâted along Canadian border. All chairs guaranteed 

and iuU refund wrill be made if dissatisiied. 

Terms offered ii so desired. Contact us 

today v/hile the selections are unlimited. 

ALBANY THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

1046 BROADWAY Phone 5-5055 ALBANY, N. Y. 

Ramp Identification Lights 

SAVES TIME — ELIMINATES CONFUSION 


with MGM as an office boy 29 years ago . 

Bill Forman, head booker for National Theatre 

Services, has been named district supervisor 

for that company, according to 

President Sam Fingold ... A dispute over 

the sale of theatre property in Newmark has 

been settled in assize court. Original terms 

of the sale were accepted by both Norman 

J. Sedore. the seller, and Charles Bondi, 

buyer. 

Astral Films has acquired the Canadian 

rights to "Thunder Rock," an MGM British 

production . 

. . Larry Graburn, Odeon advertising 

director, is father of a baby boy, 

Biltmore Theatres 

the Graburns' first child . . . 

moved into new offices at 221 Victoria 

Recent visitors were Ray Avery, Associated 

St. . . . 

Screen News, Montreal; Ray Tub- 

man, Ottawa, and Fred Peters, Dominion 

Sound. Montreal. 

An article on mechanics and business operations 

of the Canadian film industry appeared 

in the Telegram, leading local evening 

paper. It was inspired by Sam Glasier 

of 20th-Fox and was the headline story on 

the financial page, giving considerable attention 

to Fox operations. 

There is a possibility that television licenses 

may be granted to Toronto and Montreal 

applicants at the April meeting of the 

Canadian Broadcasting Corp. It is expected 

that applications from other areas will be 

postponed. At least five Canadian companies 

are producing television sets and 

many Canadians ai'e making television shorts, 

hoping to sell them to established stations 

in the U.S. 

The Canadian rights to Robert Flaherty's 

semidocumentai-y film. "Nanook of the 

North," has been acquired by Alliance Films, 

according to Jay Smith. Alliance president 

... A Canadianwide testimonial sales drive 

. . Sidney 

in honor of Harry J. Allen, president of 

Cardinal Films, is under way and will continue 

until August 29. Allen, a veteran of 

over 30 years in the industry, is away in 

an attempt to rebuild his health . 

R. Johnson has been appointed art director 

for the Toronto branch of Rapid Grip & 

Batten, Ltd., engravers ... In connection 

with the recent successful engagement of 

"The Mozart Story" at the International 

Cinema, Mi-s. Pi-octor, manager, and Arna 

Mann of Twinex head office, arranged window 

displays in five leading record stores. 

. 

Christie Theatre, an Odeon neighborhood, 

is the latest to add dinnerware to the evening 

program Doherty's "The 

Drunkard," with an all-Canadian cast, is 

playing an indefinite Chicago run in the 

Safecrackers smashed 

Via Laga club . . . 

open two safes in the office of the Metro 

Theatre, a Bloor street neighborhood, and 

escaped with $250 in bills and silver . . 

. 

Manager Gordon Cullen of the new Odeon 

Theatre, Brantford, is busy forming an 

Odeon Movie club for young Canadians. 

When J. D. McCuUoch went to Petrolia 

to take over the Iroquois he was greeted by 

an advertisement of welcome in the local 

newspaper from the Petrolia Merchants Ass'n 

and the Chamber of Commerce which was 

addressed to both Mr. and Mrs. McCuUoch. 

His reopening picture was "The Fuller Brush 

Man," followed by "On an Island With You." 

Curbs on Theatre Power 

End for Good in Ontario 

TORONTO—Power troubles are over for 

theatre owners in Ontario for all time. At 

least that is the promise of Chairman Robert 

H. Saunders of the provincial hydroelectric 

commission. 

Saunders said that restrictive regulations, 

including compulsory blackouts, would probably 

be unnecessary next fall and winter 

due to two factors, namely, reduced requirements 

for electricity by industrial plants and 

the voluntary conservation that had been 

adopted by householders. After next winter 

the commission will open several new hydro 

power plants. 

For five months commencing last September 

16. power restrictions had been applied 

to all exterior lighting, particularly signs, 

marquees and advertising displays, and there 

had been blackouts which disrupted theatre 

performances. 

Patrick J. Hanifen Dies; 

Halifax Ex-Showman 

HALIFAX—Patrick J. 

Hanifen, 83-year-old 

retired showman, died here following a brief 

illness. The one-time manager of the Garrick 

began his career as an actor about 52 

years ago following his graduation from St. 

Mary's college. 

His diversified activities in the entertainment 

field included acting, producing and 

directing in amateur shows and touring in 

stock and legitimate stage troupes, teaching 

dramatics and serving as chairman of the 

Nova Scotia Censors for eight years. Hanifen 

also operated a men's wear store here 


Survivors are a son Ralph, a daughter 

Katherine, and a brother and a sister. Funeral 

services were held at St. Thomas Aquinas 

church. 

CALGARY 

\](7illiam Guss, manager of the MGM distributing 

office here, is suffering with 

an inflamed ankle which will confine him 

to his home for ten days . . . The new theatre 

now nearing completion at Taber will 

be a beauty, vows film salesman Al Genaske. 

The house will open in June. Taber is the 

town where the big million-dollar beet sugar 

factory is going up. 

State side roads from the main highways 

have been affected by the spring thaws to 

make traveling rough. Some bans still prevail 

John Albert 

on a few highways . . . Carruthers of Vulcan, father-in-law of C. R. 

Robson, operator of the theatre there, died 

New operator of the Broxy 

recently . . . 

Theatre at Nanton, Bud Archibald, was seen 

along Filmrow . . . E. Raymond of Raymond 

was another visitor here buying film. 

112 BOXOFTIGE AprU 9, 1949

J. J. Fitzgibbons Given 

Variety Heart Honor 

TORONTO—John J. Fitzgibbons. president 

of Famous Players Canadian Corp. and 

chief barker of Tent 28, was presented the 

Heart award of the Variety Club at a dinner 

at the Prince George hotel here March 

30 for his outstanding work in connection 

with its charitable activities. The presentation 

was made by Chief Barker R. J. O'Donnell, 

Dallas, Tex., before approximately 180 

members of the local and other tents in 

Buffalo, Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. 

Morris Stein, chairman of the Heart committee 

and toastmaster at the dinner, told 

Fitzgibbons that the honor was presented to 

him because of his modesty, his liumanity 

and his inspiration to other members. 

In acknowledging the award. Fitzgibbons 

paid tribute to the late Peter Campbell, 

president of the Toronto baseball club, wliom 

he felt should have received the honor posthumously. 

He expressed the hope that he 

would always possess the humility to be 

grateful for the recognition accorded him. 

Special guests at the dinner included Ceremonial 

Barker James G. Balmer, Pittsburgh, 

representing the first Variety club; Ed Stukey, 

chief barker of the Detroit tent, and 

Myron Gross, chief barker of the Buffalo 

tent. Gus Van, veteran stage entertainer, 

headed entertainers who were featured at 

the dimier. He gave reminiscenses of Tent 

1 of Pittsburgh of which he and his late 

partner Joe Schenck were honorary members. 

Fitzgibbons last year received a decoration 

for meritorious war service, the honor having 

been awarded by King George VI. 

Theatres on TV Networks 

Predicted in 10 Years 

TORONTO—That within ten years motion 

picture theatres in Toronto would be 

linked with television networks for the relaying 

of important events to audiences was 

the prediction made by Fi-ancis S. Harmon. 

New York, vice-president of the MPAA, 

during his recent visit here. 

Harmon described recent video projection 

at the Paramount Theatre in New York, 

and pointed out that the large image on the 

screen was better than early motion pictures. 

"While Canada is experiencing a dollar 

crisis." Harmon said in discussing the present 

situation, "the government is allowing 

the spending of U.S. dollars on films. Hollywood 

in turn makes travel films on Canada 

for showing in the United States, thus returning 

millions of dollars in tourist 

trade." 

Harmon gave a stirring speech before the 

Empire club here on "The Iron Curtain and 

the Silver Screen" but the talk was off the 

record and not to be reported. An audience 

of about 250 gatheied in the Royal York 

hotel for the luncheon, and the great majority 

of his hearers were representatives of 

the film and theatre business. Among the 

guests at the head table were J. J. Fitzgibbons, 

president of Famous Players, and 

George H. Peters, vice-president of Odeon 

Theatres. 

Famous Players Canadian Corp. had a 

number of tables reserved for its executives. 

Anti-Necking Patrol 

Is Too Ambitious 

Toronto—A public dispute developed 

between Ben Freedinan, proprietor of the 

Royal in suburban Long Branch, and T. 

A. .Aisthorpe, a special policeman who 

had been hired to regulate the conduct 

of young; patrons. 

Following complaints of heavy necking 

at the theatre by the local Home and 

School Ass'n, the constable was hired 

to preserve order, but the theatre owner 

riaimed that the guard exceeded his authority 

and indulged in faLsehoods. The 

exhibitor said that the youths were better 

behaved than patrons of 90 per cent 

of Ontario theatres. 

The dispute, which resulted in the resignation 

of Aisthorpe, was given heavy 

play in the Toronto newspapers. Freedman 

is president of Allied Cooperative 

Exhibitors, a group of Ontario independent 

theatre proprietors. 

Rouleau, Sask., House Sold 

ROULEAU, SASK.—J. King has acquired 

the 250-seat Rouleau Theatre, the only one 

here, from S. Johnson, previous owner. 

The MODERN THEATRE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd., 

Kansas City 1, Mo. 

Gentlemen. 

Vogue at Montreal 

To Be Opened June 1 

MONTREAL—The Vogue Theatre being 

constructed at Charlevoix and Rozell streets 

here by David and Raymond Berzan is expected 

to be opened June 1. The 600-seater 

is costing an estimated $150,000. Luke, Little 

& Mace are the architects while the general 

contractor is Louis Donolo & Co. 

The Berzans have remodeled their Center 

Theatre here at a cost of $20,000. The work 

included new marquee, lobby, new front and 

complete interior redecoration. Architects 

were Louis & Aspler and contractor was the 

FYank & Pascal Construction Co. 

The Berzans also operate the Royal here 

and Rivoli in Coaticook. They own the 

Metropolitan Amusement Corp. 

To Enlarge Hope Theatre 

HOPE, B. C—H. S. Trout, operator of the 

New Hope Theatre here, is planning a 20- 

foot addition to the house. The theatre, 

which seats 224 persons, is the only one in 

operation here. 

A RESEARCH BUREAU 

for MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 4-9-49 

Please enroll us m your RESEARCH BUREAU to receive inlormation regularly, as 

released, on the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

D Acoustics 

O Air Conditioning 

n Architectjual 

Service 

D "Black" Lighting 

D Building Material 

D Carpets 

D Coin Machines 

D Other Subjects 

Theatre 

Address 

City 

O Complete Remodeling 

n Decorating 

D Drink Dispensers 

n Drive-In Equipment 

D Lighting Fixtures 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

n Projectors 

Signed.. 

n Projection 

Lamps 

Seating 

D Signs and Marquees 

D Sound Equipment 

Television 

n Theatre Fronts 

n Vending Equipment 

Seating Capacity.. 

State.. 

( Onmar-Manoger 

Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience in obtaining information 

are provided in The MODERN THEATRE RED BOOK (Nov. 20, 1948). 

BOXOrnCE :: April 9, 1949 113

. . more 

NEW! 

BIGGER BETTER FINER 

The Always-Popular 

MODERN 

THEATRE 

MONTHLY EQUIPMENT SECTION 

LET 

of 

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BOXOFFICE open new vistas for 

you—new ways to better profits and real 

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iVlore illustrations . 

features . 

. . 

more ideas on building, decoration, 

lighting, 

as protection, 

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maintenance, etc. 

The Modern Theatre is the outstanding 

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of theatre betterment — a vital subject in 

these days of higher and higher costs. 

Let it 

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BOXOFFICE 

Always in the Lead — Over 23.000 Subscribers 


BOXOFFICE BAROMETER • EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

FEATURE CHART • REVIEW DIGEST • SHORTS CHART 

SHORTS REVIEWS • FEATURE REVIEWS. • EXPLOITIPS 

BookinGuide 

BOXOFFICE 

FIRST RUN REPORTS 

This chart shows the records made by 

key cities 

pictures in five or more of the 21 

checked. As new runs are reported, ratings 

ore added and averages revised. 

BAROMETER 

TOP HIT OF THE WEEK 

Knock on Any Door 

Son Francisco 200 

Minneapolis 175 

^sWM«UM^'«)MM«4S« 

Computed in terms of percentage in 

relation to normal grosses. With 100 

per cent as "normal," the figures 

show the percentage above or below 

that mark.

EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

ABOUT 

PICTURES 

Just as the Barometer page shows first run reports on current pictures, this 

department is devoted for the most part to reports on subsequent runs, made 

by exhibitors themselves. A one-star contributor is new, two stars mean the exhibitor 

has been writing in for six months or longer, and a three-star contributor 

is a regular of one year or more, who receives a token of cmr appreciation. All 

exhibitors welcome. 

COLUMBIA 

Black Arrow, The (Col)—Louis Hayward, 

Janet Blair, George Macready. Although this 

was a big picture, it did not go over very 

v/ell here.—Harland Rankin, Plaza Theatre, 

Tilbury, Ont. Small lown patronage. * * * 

Her Husband's Aliairs (Col)—Lucille Ball, 

Franchot Tone, Edward Everett Horton. This 

is just average. It may get by in some spots 

but not here. It is good entertainment but 

won't draw much by itself. To do good business, 

put something good wH]n it and run a 

double bill. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Cold.—Rahl and Hanson, California Theatre, 

Kermon, Calif. Small town and rural patronage. 

* * * 

It Had to Be You (Col)—Ginger Rogers, 

Cornel Wilde, Percy Waram. Fantasy is a 

starvation theme in Fruita, but I enjoy it when 

I con keep my mind off the boxoffice. This 

is a grand little comedy that pleased everyone 

with any imagination, and the last scene 

rolled them in the aisles. Ginger Rogers and 

Cornel Wilde both turn in tine performances. 

It mystified my Spanish trade and I couldn't 

explain to them satisfactorily where the Indian 

came from. I doubt if it will ever do 

business but it's a shame not to use such a 

good comedy. I lost my shirt again. Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.—R. C. 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Rural 

patronage. * * * 

Lulu Belle (Col)—Dorothy Lamour, George 

Montgomery, Albert Dekker. If you can find 

anything else, use it. This will get by but it 

is nothing to rave over. Played on a double 

bill. Otherwise, I think it would have flopped 

badly for us. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Cloudy.—John N. Allison, New Vivian Theatre, 

Carlisle, Ind. Small town and rural patronage. 

* 

My Dog Rusty (Col)—Ted Donaldson, John 

Litel, Ann Doran. As far as we're eoncerned, 

the producers can quit making any more dog 

or horse pictures (I don't mean westerns). 

The last five or six features starring a horse 

or dog have done poorly at our boxoffice and 

this brought us a new low. We operate an 

action, family-type theatre where such pictures 

flop with our kind of patrons. It's high 

time that producers started checking up on 

what patrons want.—Abe H. Kaufman, Fountain 

Theatre, Terre Haute, Ind. Small town 


Sign of the Ram (Col)—Susan Peters, Alexander 

Knox, Phyllis Thaxter. Here is a "dud." 

It's awful. When producers find a rotten 

apple in the barrel, why don't they toss it 

out? It makes exhibitors leary about the 

rest of the barrel. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Cold.—Bill Leonard, Leonard Theatre, 

Cedarvale, Kas. Small town and rural 


Thunderhoof (Col) — Preston Foster, Mary 

Stuart, William Bishop. Just three people and 

a horse. However, they create enough excitement 

and suspense for anyone. The sepiatone 

spoils it somewhat but it's well worth 

playing. A well pleased, above average 

crowd. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.— 

A. Vetter, Rio Theatre, Edinburg, 111. Small 

town and 

* 

rural patronage. 

EAGLE LION 

Man From Texas (EL)—James Craig, Lynn 

Bari, Johnny Johnston. .This is just a western. 

It could have been a lot better. In this western 

the bad men got away and didn't go to 

jail. James Craig got one year and then 

was pardoned. This isn't good for children. 

Played Saturday. Weather: Cold.—Kenneth 

Clem, Earle Theatre. Taneytown, Md. Small 

town patronage. 

* 

Northwest Stampede (EL) — James Craig, 

Joan Leslie, Jack Oakie. This will do well 

in small situations. It has horses, action and 

good comedy. The trailer is good, too. Give 

it preferred time. Played Sunday. Weather: 

Cold.—Rahl and Hanson, California Theatre, 

Kermon, Calif. Small town and rural patronage. 

* * * 

Raw Deal (EL) — Dennis O'Keefe, Claire 

Trevor, Marsha Hunt. This was a raw deal 

at our boxoffice, although it is a fairly interesting 

story about an ex-convict. There's 

nothing in it, however, to draw them in. We 

could have gotten along fine without it. Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cold, rain 

and snow.—William J. Harris, Crown Theatre, 

Lincoln, Ark. Rural and small town patronage. 

* 

Sutler's Gold (EL)—Reissue. Edward Arnold. 

This is good but too slow for Fri., Sat., 

which was when I played it. The trailer is 

misleading. They were expecting a story 

about the gold rush. Instead it started in 

Switzerland, jumped to New York, across the 

United States, then to the Sandwich Islands, 

and finally to California and Mexico. The 

life story of John Sutter, but not much gold 

in it. Not much silver in it for me, either!- 

Mrs. Pat W. Murphy, Queen Theatre, Holliday, 

Tex. Oil field patronage. * * 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Big City (MGM)—Margaret O'Brien, George 

Murphy, Robert Preston. A thoroughly enjoyable 

family picture. Everyone loved it. To 

our way of thinking, this was the best Margaret 

O'Brien picture in a long time. Played 

Wednesday to average attendance. Weather: 

Cloudy and mild.—J. E. Rougeau, Club Theatre, 

Seven Sisters Falls, Man. Rural and 

small town patronage. * * 

Pleasantly Surprised 

By This Picture 

FOUR FACES WEST (UA)—Joel 

Gone With the Wind (MGM) — Reissue. 

Clark Gable, Leslie Howard, Olivia DeHavilland. 

This makes the fourth time we hove 

played this feature and it still has the necessary 

punch that pulls them in. Played Tues., 

Wed. Weather: Stormy. — Lawrence Gil- 

Mc- 

Crea, Frances Dee, Charles Bickford. I 

had heard so many unfavorable comments 

on this picture from other exhibitors 

ttiat I was a little wary of it, but 

was pleasantly surprised. Tliis is a superoutdoor-epic 

or western, which is unique 

in this respect—there isn't a shot fired 

throug:hout the 89 minutes of it, but the 

absence of gunfire only added to the 

story. It was so skillfully handled that 

you didn't realize there wasn't the usual 

sound of gruns. Don't pass this one up. 

It will please your entire patronage. Business 

was above average both days. 

Playedi Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair and 

cold.—"Art" V. Phillips, Haymond Theatre, 

Cromona, Ky. Mining and small 

town patronage. * * 

Enjoyed Facing Patrons 

Alter Playing This One 

BLACK EAGLE, THE STORY OF A 

HORSE (Col)—William Bishop, Virginia 

Fatten, Gordon Jones. Played this on a 

double bill with "Singin' Spurs" which 

drew a good crowd. A dandy short feature, 

a nice plot and good acting. I didn't 

mind facing my customers after this one. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Rain and 

cold.—E. C. Holt, Freebum Theatre, Freebum, 

Ky. Mining and small town patronage. 

* * 

breath, Isis Theatre, Lucas, Kas. Small town 

patronage. • * 

Julia Misbehaves (MGM)—Greer Garson, 

Walter Pidgeon, Peter Lawford. This is a 

nice comedy that brought favorable comment 

from those who come, and quite a few did. 

The rental is a little too high on this one but 

most people are liking comedies better all 

the time. Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon 

go together like ham-and-eggs, and no crack 

meant. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Fair. 

—Paula Welch, Star Theatre, Rising Star, 

* 

Tex. Small town and rural patronage. 

Luxury Liner (MGM)—George Brent, Lauritz 

Melchior, Jane Powell. If your people don't 

like musicals (ours don't), they won't walk 

across the street to see this if you run it free 

(which you can't at Metro prices). Don't go 

overboard. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Warm.—Rahl and Hanson, California Theatre, 

Kerman, Calif. Small town and rural patronage. 

* * * 

On an Island With You (MGM)—Esther Williams, 

Peter Lawford, Jimmy Durante. Leo 

needs a retread. He's slippin'. W« flopped 

on this one after the first night. Played Sun., 

Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold. — Bill Leonard, 

Leonard Theatre, Cedarvale, Kas. Small town 

and rural patronage. • * * * 

Pirate, The (MGM) — Judy Garland, Gene 

Kelly, Walter Slezak. Some came, some 

stayed—very few said they enjoyed it. Beautiful 

color, silly story. I guess it wasn't made 

for us hillbillies. Played Sunday only. 

Weather: Fair.—Lloyd Hutchins, Pangburn 

Theatre, Pangburn, Ark. Rural patronage. 

* * * 

3 Godlathers (MGM)—John Wayne, Pedro 

Armendariz, Harry Carey jr. John Wayne 

draws well here and Pedro Armendariz is 

especially good for this town, as we have 

quite a few Spanish people here. Everyone 

seemed to be well satisfied (if a little thirsty) 

as they left, so chalk up another good one for 

Leo. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Good. 

Dave Warnock, Lake Theatre, Johnstown, 

Colo. Small town and rural patronage. * * * 

Words and Music (MGM) — Perry Como, 

Judy Garland, Lena Home. Musicals never 

go over very well here but not even those 

who prefer musicals liked this one. Mickey 

Rooney is passe here. Played Sat., Sun. 

Weather: Good.—T. M. Patton, Scenic Theatre, 

Lexington, III. Small town patrona_ge. * * 

MONOGRAM 

Bad Boy (Mono)—Lloyd Nolan, Jane Wyatf, 

Audie Murphy. This was as nice a little picture 

as one would want. I played up the 

fact that most of the scenes were shot in 

Texas. Audie Murphy's being a Texan and 

the wonderful work being done by Boys' 

Ranch at Copperas Cove, Tex., gave us good 

business. The rental was fair, my customers 

were pleased and so was I. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Windy; raining.—Paula Welch, 

Star Theatre, Rising Star, Tex. Small town 

* 

and rural patronage. 

Dude Goes West, The (Mono)—Eddie Albert, 

Gale Storm, James Gleason. The regular 

western fans took this as straight western 

BOXOFHCE BookinGuide April 9, 1949

fare and loved it. The more sophisticated got 

the sarcasm and the wit—and they laughed, 

tool The best of its kind that we've had in 

weeks. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold. 

R. E. Halstead, Tri-Town Theatre, Lindstrom, 

Minn. Rural and small town patronage. * * * 

Jinx Money (Mono) — Leo Gorcey, Huntz 

Hall, Billy Benedict. Not too bad, not too 

good. The Bowery Boys always draw a certain 

crowd but never a large one and that's 

what we are shooting for. This should be on 

a double bill. Will not stand alone. Played 

Wed., Thurs. Weather: Moderate and fair. 

Joe and Mildred Faith, Linn Theatre, Linn 

* 

Mo. Small town and rural patronage. 

Oklahoma Blues (Mono)—limmy Wakely, 

"Cannonball" Taylor, Virginia Belmont. This 

guy Jimmy Wakely seems to be' tops here. 

They came and they said they enjoyed it, 

and that's what I like to hear. Print was 

good. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.—Lloyd 

Hutchins, Pangburn Theatre, Pangburn, Ark. 

Small town patronage. * * * 

PARAMOUNT 

Caged Fury (Para) — Richard Denning, 

Sheila Ryan, Buster Crabbe. 1 kicked this 

one around for nearly a year and finally 

played it. It is surprisingly good tor a Pine- 

Thomas "little picture." The kids loved the 

lion-tamers. Average business. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Fair.—Mrs. Pat W. Murphy, 

Queen Theatre, Holliday, Tex. Oil field 

worker patronage, * * « 

Emperor Waltz (Para)—Sing Crosby, Joan 

Fontaine, Roland Culver. Don't be fooled by 

Crosby's name. It doesn't mean a thing. This 

is a poor picture at best. It won't draw worth 

a hoot in a small town. There is no story 

value and the acting is C-pIus. Your customers 

will wonder why they came. Played 

Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cool.—Rahl and Hanson, 

California Theatre, Kerman, Calif. Small 

town and rural patronage. * * * 

Miss Tatlock's Millions (Para)—Wanda Hendrix, 

Barry Fitzgerald, John Lund. Well, Paramount 

seems to be in a rut. The reaction to 

this is the same as to some of the others from 

the same company this year. Let your conscience 

be your guide. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Sun., rain. Mon., fair.—John N. Allison, 

New Vivian Theatre, Carlisle, Ind. 

Small town and rural patronage. 

* 

Miss Tatlock's Millions (Para)—Wanda Hendrix, 

Barry Fitzgerald, John Lund. This is a 

screwy comedy. It didn't get as many loughs 

as I thought it would get. The people said 

they liked it but it didn't break any records. 

John Lund is good as the "nut." Played Thurs., 

Fri. Weather: Cold.—Kenneth Clem, Earle 

Theatre, Taneytown, Md. Small town patronage. 

* 

Sorry, Wrong Number (Para)—Barbara 

Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards. An 

excellent bit of acting on the part of Barbara 

Stanwyck. Having this picture second run 

downtown helped this one, which normally 

wouldn't be worth running after a second 

downtown run. Not enough patrons fully appreciate 

fine acting as exhibited in this story. 

Duo with "Pitfall" (UA). Played Sat. (preview), 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Cool and cloudy. 

—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. 

*" 

Subsequent run patronage. 

Sorry, Wrong Number (Para)—Barbara 

Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster, Ann Richards. 

Here is a good mystery drama which enjoyed 

average business. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. 

* * * 

RKO RADIO 

WBishop's Wife, The (RKO)—Cary Grant, 

Loretta Young, David Niven. This is very 

good entertainment for everyone. Average 

attendance for Saturday. Weather: Cold and 

clear.—J. E. Rougeau, Club Theatre, Seven 

BOXOFHCE BookinGuide AprU 9, 1949 

Sisters Falls, Man. Small town and rural 


Good Sam (RKO)—Gary Cooper, Ann Sheridan, 

Ray Collins. This is a good comedy 

which pleased all and business was above 

average, because this picture -has both star 

power and length. Play it. I made a profit. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Cold.— E. M. 

Freiburger, Paramount Theatre, Dewey, Okla. 

Small town patronage. 

* * * 

II You Knew Susie (RKO)—Eddie Cantor, 

Joan Davis, Allyn Joslyn. This was a good 

lit;le show bearing strictly on the family 

life angle, with Eddie and Joan as the father 

and mother. There is enough singing and 

dancing and comedy interspersed to make it 

most interesting and lively. It should do well 

in the smaller towns. Played Sunday. 

Weather: Fair.— I. Roche, Vernon Theatre, 

Vernon, Fla. Rural and small town patronage. 

* * * 

Melody Time (RKO)—Disney cartoon with 

Roy Rogers, Dennis Day, Andrews sisters. 

After seeing this nice picture, I still maintain 

few cartoons should run over 20 minutes. 

All sketches were good but the picture got 

tiresome. Played Fri., Sat., Sun. Weather: 

Okay.—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, 

Mont. Small town patronage. 

* * 

Melody Time (RjCO)—Disney cartoon with 

Roy Rogers, Sons of Pioneers, Ethel Smith. 

Almost any Disney cartoon is interesting but 

not all are boxolfice. This did only average 

business. A couple of stories in it are pretty 

Methodists Are Pleased, 

Who Sponsored 'Mickey' 

MICKEY (EL)—Lois Butler, Bill Goodwin, 

Irene Hervey. Once each year the 

Methodist Church here sponsors a movie, 

receiving- all net proceeds. BeUeve me, 

this is a discriminating group and they 

always have difficulty selecting a movie 

that is clean and appropriate. Movie 

titles and stars are very misleading and 

several times after showing a picture they 

were disappointed and were severely 

criticized for showing it in the name of 

the church. However, this year they 

chose 'Mickey,' and what a grand picture 

it was—clean and wholesome yet it had 

plenty of action and suspense. Lois Butler 

as Mickey was superb. Many came 

back the second night to see it, and 

despite the basketball tournament, a 

free show and several other attractions 

in town, they cleared a neat sum. Why 

can't we have more pictures like this? 

Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Fair.— 

T. M. Patton, Scenic Theatre, Lexington, 

III. Small town patronage. * * 

good—Johnny Appleseed and Pecos Bill. 

Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Cloudy 

—rain—fair.—John N. Allison, New Vivian 

Theatre, Carlisle, Ind. Small town and rural 

patronage. 

* 

Melody Time (RKO)—Disney cartoon with 

Roy Rogers, Sons of the Pioneers, Ethel Smith. 

This did not seem to have the quality or hold 

the audience's attention as well as previous 

Disneys. The Roy Rogers scene and Johnny 

Appleseed episode seemed to please the most. 

Played Wed., Thurs.—W. D. Rasmussen, Star 

Theatre, Anthon, Iowa. Small town patronage. 

* * 

Out of the Past (RKO)—Robert Mitchum, 

Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas. This is another 

reason so many people are staying home 

nights playing gin rummy. A beautiful blond, 

four murders, and thousands of feet of flashback 

dialog with a wistful, bewildered 

Mitchum in the middle of the deal. This one 

was dealt from a cold deck as far as busi- 

INTRODUCING - - 

Day Engle jr., manager of the Strand 

Theatre, Lowell, Mich. Ray is a new 

contributor who is associated with Earl 

H. Evans at the Strand. 

ness was concerned. Played Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Warm.—Philip Cohnstein, Midway 

Theatre, Perrine, Fla. Rural patronage. * 

Race Street (RKO)—George Raft, William 

Bendix, Marilyn Maxwell. This is a good picture 

but hit a new low. Raft just doesn't 

mean a thing in my town, and 40 per cent is 

just out of the question. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—Jim Honey, Milan Theatre, 

Milan, Ind. Farmers and distillery worker 

patronage. * * 

Rachel and the Stranger (RKO)—Loretta 

Young, William Holden, Robert Mitchum. 

This is as much of a comedy as a western. 

It has just about everything a picture should 

have. We had more people the second night 

than the first. The little boy is very good. 

Played Mon., Tues. Weather: Rain both nights. 

—Kenneth Clem, Earle Theatre, Taneytown, 

Md. Small town patronage. 

* 

Tarzan and the Mermaids (RKO)—Johnny 

Weissmuller, Brenda Joyce, Linda Christian. 

This Tarzan picture isn't up to par as far as 

story or length is concerned but it still had 

the old pull for me. The most remarkable 

thing about the picture was its swimming and 

diving scenes. Even without Boy in it I believe 

it will please your Tarzan fans. I played 

to better than average business with no 

unfavorable comments. — Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Rain. "Art" V. Phillips, Haymond 

Theatre, Cromona, Ky. Mining and small 


REPUBLIC 

Grand Canyon Trail (Rep) — Roy Rogers, 

Andy Devine, Foy Willing. If you want a 

good weekend program picture, this is it. 

Played Thurs., Fri.—Harland Rankin, Plaza 

Theatre, Tilbury, Ont. Small town patronage. 

* * * 

Girl From God's Country (Rep)—Reissue. 

Chester Morris, Charles Bickford. This is another 

different picture about the outdoors, so 

business was average. Good double-feature 

material. Played Fri., Sat.—Ralph Raspa, 

State Theatre, Rivesville, W. Va. Small town 

patronage. * » * 

Pilgrim Lady, The (Rep) — Lynn Roberts, 

Warren Douglas, Alan Mowbray. Played this 

with "Untamed Fury" (EL) to a poor weekend. 

This show just fair and belongs with a western. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: No warmer.— 

Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. 

* 

Rural and small town patronage. 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Belle Starr's Daughter (20th-Fox)—George 

Montgomery, Rod Cameron, Ruth Roman. A 

slightly different twist to a western yarn. 

Drawing with this were the Bowery Boys in 

"Jinx Money" (Mono), and had a nice reception 

even though it had played in six theatres 

ahead of myselT in fast rotation. Actually 

this Fox epic (?) surprised me to see how 

it could draw. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Cloudy and cool.—Jim Dunbar, Roxy Theatre, 

Wichita, Kas. Subsequent run patronage. * 

Deep Waters (20th-Fox)—Dana Andrews, 

Jean Peters, Cesar Romero. Had a nice business 

on this story of east coast fishermen. 

The engagement showed a profit. I say play 

it, but not on your best time. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Cold.—E. M. Freiburger, Paramount 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small town patronage. 

* * * 

Gay Intruders (20th-Fox) — John Emery, 

Tamara Geva, Leif Erickson. This is about 

the corniest picture to hit the screen. Just 

where did Fox get all those hams together at 

(Continued on page 14)

FEATURE CHART 

Feature productions, listed by company, in order of release. Number in square is national, 

release date. Production number is at right. Number in parentheses is running time, aaj 

iumished by home oiiice of distributor; checkup with local exchanges is recotmnsnded.j 

R—is review date. PG—is Picture Gruide page number. Symbol U indicates BOXOFFICE 

Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Symbol O indicates color photography. 

I 

JUNE 5 

(67) Cumedy 912 

[3] 

BLONDIE'S REWARD 

renny Singleton 

Aitlmr Lake 

Larry Simms 

II—.lime 12—PG-941 

JUNE 12 

JUNE 19 

JUNE 26 

[2] (TG) Drama 823 [9] (7GI Drama 824 [17] (54) Western S5S (87) Drama 825 (S3) Drama 826 

JIH 

SWORD OF THE CLOSE-UP 

THE TIOGA KID ©MICKEY 

CANON CITY 

AVENGER 

.\l:m Ba.xter 

Eddie Dean 

Lois Butler 

Scott Brady 

Ramon Pel Gado 

Virginia Gilmore 

Ro-scoe Ates 

Bill Goodwin 

Charles Russell 

Siisrid Gurie 

Richard Kollmar 

li—Mar. 20—PG-913 John Sutton 

DeForest Kelly 

Italpli Jlorgan 

1!—Apr. 17—PG-921 

Hattie McDanlel R—June 26—PG-944 

R—June 26—PG-914 

liuiiran Renaldo 

l;—May 29—PG-937 

g 

(931 Comedy 928 (77) Drama 904 

[U 

FULLER BRUSH MAN thunderhoof 

Red Skelton 

I'reston Foster 

li—.May 15—PG-932 Mary Stuart 

William 

[T] (55) Western 968 

Bishop 

R—July 10—PG-949 

BLAZING ACROSS THE 

PECOS 


g 

JULY 3 

JULY 10 

JULY 17 

JULY 24 

[21] (70) Drama 

SHED NO TEARS 

Wallace Ford 

June Vincent 

Robert Scott 

li—Aug. 14—PO-91 

(lOS) Drama 827 (102) Musical 825 

BIG CITY 

©THE PIRATE 

.Mirearet O'Brien Judy Garland 

Kiilieit Preston 

(jene Kelly 

lianny Thomas 

Walter Slezak 

K—Mar. 27—PG-915 U— .^pr. 3—PG-918 

(107) Comedy 828 

©ON AN ISLAND WITH 

YOU 

Esther Wlllianis 

Jimmy Durante 

Peter Lawford 

Cyd Charisse 

R—May 1—PG-926 

g 

(103) Musical 829 (113) Com-Mus 831 

U© EASTER PARADE ©A DATE WITH JUDY 

Fred Astaire 

Jane Powell 

.ludy Garland 

Elizabeth Taylor 

Peter Lawford 

Wallace Beery 

Ann Miller 

R-Junc 26—PG-946 

R—May 29—PG-938 

[i] (54) Western 4766 (71) Drama 4715 

ID (56) Western 4752 27] (69) Drama 4717 [T| (55) Western 4762 

(n] (65) Mystery 4718 

RANGE RENEGADES STAGE STRUCK FRIGGERMAN 

JINX MONEY COWBOY CAVALIER THE SHANGHAI CHEST 

irnmy Wakely 

Ivane Itichmond 

Johnny Mack Brown Leo Gorcey 

.limmy Wakely 

Roland Winters 

Cannonball" Taylor Audrey Long 

Virginia Carroll 

Huntz Hall 

Caniionball" Taylor Manton Moreland 

H—Aug. 14—PG-959 li—May 22—PG-935 Raymond Hatton li—May 22—PG-935 

[18] (54) Western 4 

BACK TRAIL 

Johnny Mack Brown i 

.\IUdred Coles 

Raymond Hatton 

[g (72) Drama 4717 

3SHAGGY 

Brenda Joyce 

liobert Shayne 

It-Apr. 17—PG-922 

[18] (101) Drama 4719 

|25| (64) Drama 4719 

[2] (106) Musical 4720 

HATTER'S CASTLE WATERFRONT AT ©EMPEROR WALTZ, 

lames .Mason 

MIDNIGHT 

THE 

Deborah Kerr 

William Gargan 

Buig Crosby 

R—Apr. 17—PG-922 -Mary Beth Hughes Joan Fontaine 

R—May 8—PG-927 iiichard Uaydn 

Lucille Watson 

li—May 8—PG-928 

Reissue 

[9] (126) Dr R7-350S 

THE CRUSADES 

Loretta Young 

Henry Wilcoxon 

g 

(86) Comedy 4 

DREAM GIRL 

Betty Hutton 

.Macdonald Carey 

Virginia Field 

Patric Kiiowles 

R—May 8—PG-927 

Reissue 

Group 5 

Itl5) Adventure 818 

[5] 

BRING 'EM BACK 

ALIVE 

Frank Buck 

p 

(60) M'drama 711 

SECRET SERVICE 

INVESTIGATOR 

L\iiiie Roberts 

Lloyd Bridges 

It—June 5—PG-939 

Group 5 

Group 5 

Special 

ggj (93) Drama 816 (60) Western 819 

\t] (172) Com-Dr 904 

FIGHTING FATHER (Suns of hate THE BEST YEARS OF 

DUNNE 

Tim Holt 

OUR LIVES 

fat UBrien 

.Nan Leslie 

Fredric March 

Darryl Hickman R—May 15—PG-931 .Myrna Loy 

Myrna Dell 

Dana Andrews 

R—May 15—PG-931 

R—Dec. 7—PG-769 

15] (67) .Mus-West 656 

©THE TIMBER TRAIL 

Monte Hale 

Lyiui Roberts 

li—July 3—PG-947 

(60) M'drama 712 

HH 

TRAIN TO ALCATRAZ 

Don Barry 

J.met Martin 


Group 5 

[it] (90) Western 817 

RETURN OF THE 

BADMEN 

Randolph Scott 

Robert Ryan 

Anne Jeffreys 

R—.May 

22—PG-934 

(70) Oufr-Mus 732 

[III 

©EYES OF TEXAS 

Roy Rogers 

Lynn Roberts 

.\ndy Devine 

Rûly 24—PG-953 

Special 

^ (75) Musical 

©MELODY TIME 

.\ndrew3 Sisters 

Roy Rogers 

Dennis Day 

R—May 22—PG-934 

Reissue 

Herald (Negro) 

rij (79) Western HC20 ru] (71) Drama X-3 

LAW OF THE PAMPAS MIRACLE IN HARLEM 

William Boyd 

Stepin Fetchit 

Itussell Hayden 

Sheila Guyse 

Siilney Toler 

Sav.annah Churchill 

R—Aug. 14—PG-959 

Reissue 

(70) Western HC21 

lU 

SANTA FE MARSHAL 

William Boyd 

Russell Hayden 

Rambeau 

Marjorie 

Reissue 

Reissue 

[16] (S9) Drama S-4 g (71) 

KING OF THE TURF 

Comedy 

Adolphe Menjou 

Barbara Stanwyck 

Dolores Costello 

Robert Young 

RUNAWAY DAUGHTI 

iSa) Drama 818 (S9) Musical 827 (73) Drama 819 Reissue 

(91) Drama 823 (102) Drama 824 (85) Drama 821 (67) Drama 

i,©GREEN GRASS OF ©GIVE MY REGARDS THE COUNTERFEITERS (87) Drama 830 STREET WITH NO MINE OWN 

DEEP WATERS THE CHECKERED CC 

WYOMING 

TO BROADWAY lohn Sutton 

BELLE STARR 

NAME, THE 

EXECUTIONER Dana Andrews 

lorn Conway 

l'ct;;;y Cummins 

Dan Dailey 

Doris Merrick 

Scott-Tierney 

.M.uk Stevens 

Burgess Meredith 

Cesar Romero 

.\oreen Nash 

Cliarles Coburn 

Charles Winninger Hugh Beaumont 

Lloyd 

(71) Drama 831 

Nolan R—June 19—PG-944 Jean Peters 

Hurd Hatfield 

Robert Arthur 

.Nancy Guild 

FRONTIER MARSHAL Barbara Lawrence 

Dean Stockwell R—Aug. 7—PG-957 ' 

R—May 1—PG-925 R—May 29—PG-937 

R—July 


10—PG-950 


.Nancy Kelly 

Is] (107) Comedy 564 

DN OUR MERRY WAY 

(formerly A MIRACLE 

CAN HAPPEN) 

All-star Cast 

R—Feb. 7—PG-898 

g 

(79) Comedy 581 

SO THIS IS NEW YORK 

Henry Morgan 

Rudy Vallee 

Hugh Herbert 

R—May 15—PG-932 

(89) Drama 576 

\J\ 

FOUR FACES WEST 

Joel McOea 

Frances Dee 

(Jliarles Bickford 

R—May 22—PG-933 

g 

(68) Drama I 

BORROWED TROUBL 

William Boyd 

Andy Devine 

(S7) Drama 659 (78) Drama 661 (107) Dram 660 (87) Musical 662 (90) Dram; 663 (83) Comedy 664 (79) Drama 666 (7S) Mus-Com ( 

LETTER FROM AN ©RIVER LADY ANOTHER PART OF UP IN CENTRAL PARK BAD SISTER 

ABBOTT & COSTELLO MAN-EATER OF FEUDIN', FUSSIN' 

UNKNOWN WOMAN Yvonne De Carlo THE FOREST 

Deanria Durbin 

Margaret Lockwood MEET FRANKEN- KUMAON 

AND A-FIGHTIN' 

Joan Fontaine 

Rod Cameron 

Fredric March 

Dick Haymes 

Ian Hunter 

STEIN 

Sabu 

Donald O'Connor 

Louis Jourdan 

Dan Duryea 

Ann Blyth 

Vincent Price 

Dennis Price 

Abbott & Costello Joanne Page 

Percy Kilbride 

JIady Christians R—May 16—PG-932 Dan Duryea 

R—June 5—PG-940 R—June 12—PG-942 Lon Chancy 

Wendell Corey 

R^lune 19—PG-943 

K— Apr. 17—PG-922 

R—Apr. 24—PG-924 

Bela Lugosi 

R-ûne 26—PG-945 


y 

[i2| (77) Drama 726 

WALLFLOWER 

Robert Hutton 

Joyce Reynolds 

Janis Paige 

1;—IVIay 22—PG-934 

(SO) Drama 727 [T| (99) Musical 728 

g6J 

THE BIG PUNCH ©ROMANCE ON THE 

Wayne Morris 

HIGH SEAS 

Lois Maxwell 

Jack Carson 

Gordon MacRea 

Janis Paige 

R—May 29—PG-937 Don DeFore 

R—June 12—PG 942 

Reissues 

[17] (82) Drama 730 

FLOWING GOLD 

Garfield-O'Brien 

[17] (71) Drama 729 

GOD'S COUNTRY AND 

THE WOMAN 

m < 

(62) Western New Rel 

(641 Western New Rel 

DEADLINE 

PS Sunset Carson 

o 

P.it Starling 

FIGHTING MUSTANG 

Sunset Carson 

Pat Starling 

(60) Western Reissue 

THE LAW COMES TO 

TEXAS 

"Wild BiU" Elliott 

(67) Mus-Com New Rel 

LOOK OUT SISTER 

Louis Jordan 


SUNSET CARSON RIDES 

AGAIN 

Sunset Carson 


RETURN OF DANIEL 

BOONE 

•Wild BUI" EaUott 


LONE STAR PIONEERS 

"Wild Bill" Elliott 


IN EARLY ARIZONA 

"Wild Bill' Elliott 

( . 

. ) Western New Real 

STALLION CANYON 

Ken Kurtis 


FROM 

MAN 

TUMBLEWEEDS 



FRONTIERS OF '49 



RIO GRANDE 

Sunset Carson 

Evohn Keys

I 

JULY 31 

(90) 8'We«tCTii 939 

15 

JCORONER CREEK 

undolpb Scott 

—June 6—Pa-940 

3 (8S) Musics 953 

RKANSAS SWING 

oofller HoUbots 

Inly 24— PQ-e53 

CHECK RUNNING TIME WITH LOCAL EXCHANGES 

AUGUST 7 

[|] 

(79) Drama 827 [T] (61) DriiM 131 Reissues 

THE AMAZING MR. X LADY AT MIDNIGHT ^ (8$) Corned; 847 

(formerly THE 

Klcbard Deonlnt HOLD THAT GHOST 

SPIRITUALIST) Trances Bafferty 

Abbott-Costello 

Turhan Bey 

Ralph DuiUl 

Lynn Barl 

.Nana Bryant ^ (96) Comedy 850 

Cathy ODonnell R—July 24— PQ-964 HIRED WIFE 

It-Auk. 7—PG-9B8 

Rosalind Russell 

Brian Afceme 

(1*4) Drama 830 

fHE SEARCH 

.Vtonlgomery Cllft 

Mlnv MacMahoD 

U—Mar. 20—PO-914 

AUGUST 14 

AUGUST 21 

AUGUST 28 

(94) Western 967 (87) liramii 941 (76) Adv-Drama 942 

[i2J 

LULU 

TRAIL TO LAREDO 

BELLE 

THE BLACK ARROW 

Iturothy Lamuur 

Charles Starretl 

Louis Hayward 

Gt'orê Montgomery 

Smiley Buraette 

Janet Blair 

.\lbert Dekter 

Jim Bannon , 

George Macready 

Utto Kruger 

Virginia Maiey 

Edgar Buchanan 

R-ûne 19—PG-943 

Bûly 17—P(I-»B1 

Rhys Williams 

11-ûl? 10—PG-949 

SEPTEMBER 4 

g 

FEATURE CHART 

(79) Western 982 [9] (66) Drama 916 (76) Western 903 

QTHE STRAWBERRY GENTLEMAN FROM BUCK EAGLE. THE 

ROAN 

NOWHERE 

STORY OF A HORSE 

Gene Autry 

Warner Baiter 

William Bishop 

Cliamplon 

Fay Baker 

Virginia Patton 

(ilorla Uenry 

Luis Van Rooteo 

Gordon Jones 

Jack nolt 

R—Oct. 2—PG-973 R—Sept. 4—PG-96B 

R—.Mar. 6—PO-907 

[s] (98) Uuslcil 901 

(SLUXURY LINER 

Jane Powell 

Liurlli Melchlor 

George Brent 

Frances Glirord 

R—Aug. 21—PO-962 

SEPTEMBER 11 SEPTEMBER 18 

[5] (76) Outd'r-Dr 901 [l| (64) (98) Docum902 

©NORTHWEST ©OLYMPIC GAMES 

STAMPEDE 

OF 1948 

Joan Leslie 

(2 versions) 

.lames Craig 

Rill Stern, Commen. 

Jack Oukle 

Ted Huslng 

Chill Wills 

It—Sept. 28—PG-OTl 

R—July 10—PG-9B0 

^ 

I 

* 

(81) Drsma 4801 

)l6 FATHOMS DEEP 

Ml (^hA/iey 

rthur Ul[p 

9Dis CbAndlfr 

^June IS—PO-941 

^ (63) Drama 4722 [5] (109) Drama 4723 

IG TOWN SCANDAL SO EVIL, MY LOVE 

Itay 

iUlp Reti 

Mllland 

ilary Brooke 

.\nn Todd 

aniey 

Geraldlne Fitigerald 

Clements 

uryl Hlolinian 

Leo G. Carroll 

-May 22—PO-933 

K—May 24—P(}-933 

^ (88) Outd'r-Dr 715 

IE GALLANT LEGION 

Ullam Elliott 

-May 29—PO-938 

5 (60) Western 756 

ARSHAL OF 

AMARILLO 

Ian "Rocky" Lane 

Mssue 

, (66) Western HC22 

IE 

SHOWDOWN 

I lUlam Boyd 

' issell Htyden 

issues 

(106) Muslul 826 (89) Musical 836 (61) Drama S2S (TO) Outd'r-Dr 829 Reissues 

(861 Miiîonl 832 WALLS OF JERICHO QTHAT LADY IN FIGHTING BACK THE WINNER'S CIRCLE (82) Drama 835 

ISE OF WASH IN GTON Cornel WUde 

ERMINE 

Paul Langton 

Jean Wllles 

I WAKE UP 

RISH 

SOUARE 

Inda Darnell 

Betty Grable 

Cary Gray 

Morgan Farley 

SCREAMING 

Tyrone Power 

rone Power 

\nne Baxter 

Douglas Fairbanks jr. Jean Rogers 

Johnny Longden 

Betty Grable 

Anne Baxter 

R—July 18—PG-9BI Cesar Romero B—Oct. 30—Pa-982 R—Aug. 7—PO-987 Victor Mature 

Cecil Kellaway 

(02) drama 833 

Walter Abel 

(125) Drama 834 

AVE SHIP 

R—July 17—Pa-951 

BLOOD AND SAND 

illace Beery 

Tyrone Power 

(109) Com-Dr 582 

HE OF YOUR LIFE 

Cagney 

Ties 

lllam Rendli 

lyne Morris 

inne Cagney 

-May 22—PG-933 

(10) nrama S76 

E END OF THE 

RIVER 

m 

il Ferreira 

nond Knicht 

In Thatcher 

-June 28—PG-94B 

(1»1) Drama 731 

Y LARGO 

nphrey Bogart 

nrd 0. Robinson 

ren Bacall 

• nel Barrymore 

-July 10—PG-949 

\sj (79) Drama 4719 

[16] (83) Western 4753 |22] (83) Western 4763 [29] (69) Drama 4720 [5] (66) Musical 4721 

MICHAEL O'HALLORAN FIGHTING RANGER SILVER TRAILS THE GOLDEN EYE THE MUSIC MAN 

Scotty Beckett 

Johnny Mack Brown Jimmy Wakely 

Roland Winters 

R—July 24— PU-983 

.\Uene Roberts 

ICaymond Hatton 

Christine Larson 

Claire Trevor 

[a] (107) Blog-Dr AAIO 

Tommy Couk 

Dub Taylor 

Charles Blckford UTHE BABE RUTH 

Isabel Jewell 

STORY 

B^June 19—PG-944 

William Bendli 

It—July 31—Pa-98B 

Special 

|l4] (97) Drama 961 

THE VELVET TOUCH 


Leo Qenn 

Claire Tretor 

Sydney Greenstreet 

R—July 24— PG-954 

(lO] (80) M'drama 716 

DAREDEVILS OF THE 

CLOUDS 

Robert Livingston 

Mae Clark 

James Cardwell 

B—July 31—P0-9BS 

(61) Outd'r-Dr 4802 

[U 

JUNGLE GODDESS 

George Reeves 

(7ff) Comedy 583 

TEXAS. BROOKLYN 

AND HEAVEN 

B—July 24—PG-984 

|u] (8B) Drama 587 

PITFALL 

Dick Powell 

B—Aug. 7—PG-9B7 

(109) Drama 668 (89) Comedy 667 (89) Drama 669 (82) Comedy 670 (88) Drama 671 (00) Comedy 672 

©TAP ROOTS 

MR. PEABODY AND LARCENY 

ONE TOUCH OF VENUS THE SAXON CHARM FOR THE LOVE OF 

Van Hedln 

THE MERMAID John Payne 

Ava Gardner 

Robert Montgomery MARY 

Susan Hayward 

William Powell 

Joan Caulfleld 

Dick Haymes 

Susan Hayward 

Deinna Durbln 

Ward Bond 

.\nn Blyth 

Dan Duryea 

Robert Walker 

John Payne 

Edmond O'Brien 

R—July 3—PG-047 Irene Harvey R—Aug. 14—PG-9B9 R—Aug. 28—PG-964 R—Sept. 11—PO-967 Don Taylor 

R—Sept. 4—PO-966 

Andrea King 

B-ûlj 10—PO-949 

^ 

(118) Comedy 702 (80) M'drama 732 

©LIFE WITH FATHER EMBRACEABLE YOU 

WlUlam Powell 

Dane Clark 

Irene Dunne 

Geraldlne Brooks 

EHzabeth Taylor 

8. Z. Sakill 

Edmund (jwenn 

Wallace Ford 

Zasu Pitts 

R—July 31—PG-98B 

R—Aug. 23—PO-8S0 

^ 

(116) Drama 4724 

FOREIGN AFFAIR, A 

Jean Artliur 

John Lund 

Marlene Dietrich 

William Neff 

Boyd Davis 

R-ûne 12—PO-941 

^ 

[3] (82) Drama 4726 

BEYOND GLORY 

Alan Ladd 

Donna Reed 

George M&cready 

George Coulourjj 

Henry Travers 


Group 1 

Special 

Group 2 

Group 6 

(89) Musical 902 (f| (114) Com-Dr 962 

[4] (63) Mystery 905 in] 

(66) Mystery 822 

VARIETY TIME 

GOOD SAM 

Leon 

BODYGUARD 

MYSTERY IN MEXICO 

Errol 

Gary Cooper 

Edgar Kennedy 

Lawrence Tlerney 

William Lundlgan 

Ann Sheridan 

Priscllla 

Jack Parr 

Lane 

Jacqueline White 

Edmund Lowe 

Philip 

Frankle Carle 

Reed 

Rlcardo Corbel 

Joan Lorrlng 

Steve Brodle 

Tony Barrett 

R-ûly 7—PG-9B8 

K—July 31—Pa-966 R—Sept. 4—PO-968 R—July 3—PG-948 

[T] (60) M'drama 718 [n] (61) M'drama 717 (60) Western 757 

ig 

SONS OF ADVENTURE OUT OF THE STORM DESPERADOES OF 

Lynne Roberts R—Sept. 2B—PO-971 DODGE CITY 

It— Dec. 4—PO-992 

[6] (67) Outd'r-Mus 733 R—Sept. 11—PG-968 

[3] (98) Drama 719 

©NIGHTTIME IN ra (60) Western 741 

ANGEL IN EXILE 

NEVADA 

©SON OF GOD'S 

John Carroll 

Roy Rogers 

COUNTRY 

R—Jan. 1—PO-1000 R—Oct. 30—PG-981 R—Sept. 28—PO-971 

(81) Drama 4801 Reissues 

Reissue 

THE RETURN OF 

[3] (62) Western HC23 

(10] (72) Comedy S-5 

WILDFIBE 

HIDDEN GOLD 

FLIRTING WITH FATE 

Richard Aileo 

William Boyd 

Joe E. Brown 

B—Aug. 21—Pa-9e2 Russell Bayden 

[3] (81) Comedy S-6 

THAT'S MY BOY 

Jimmy Durante 

(77) Drama 584 

|lo] (61) Western 594 (126) West-Dr 585 

VICIOUS CIRCLE, THE FALSE PARADISE RED RIVER 

Conrad Nagel 

William Boyd 

John Wayne 

Prlti Korttier 

Montgomery Cllft 

Lyle Talbot 

Walter Brennan 

PhUlp Van Zandt 

.loanne Dru 

R—June 8—PO-930 

R—July 17— PG-9B2 

[4] (86) Mus-€on 801 

®TWO GUYS FROM 

TEXAS 

Dennis Morgan 

Jack (^son 

Dorothy Malone 

B—Aug. 7—PO-9B8 

(99) Drama 837 

THE LUCK OF THE 

Lee J. Cobb 

R—Sept. 4—PO-96B 

(78) Drama 822 

ESCAPE 

Rex Harrison 

Peggy Cummins 

William Hartnell 

Normal Wooland 

R—June 8—PO-948 

^ 

itO 

Sept. (86) Dr. New Bel 

©SOFIA 

Gene Raymond 

R—Sept. 11—PG-96: 

•ct. (76) M'dr. New Rel 

©MIRACULOUS 

JOURNEY 

R—Aug. 21—PG-962 

Nov. (62) Mys. New Bel 

INNER 

SANCTUM 

Mary Beth Hughes 

R—Oct. 9—PO-978 

Nov. (67) Mys. New Rel 

APPOINTMENT WITH 

MURDER 

John Calvert 

R—Oct. 16—PG-978 

Dec. (78) Dr. New Bel 

©UNKNOWN ISLAND 

Vlrplnla Grey 

Philip Seed 

R—Nov. 27—PG-989 

Jan. (69) Drama 

THE JUDGE 

MUbum Stone 

Katharhie DeMllle 

Feb. (68) Dr. 

JACARE 

Frank Buck 

Feb. (77) Dr. Reissue 

INDIA SPEAKS 

Richard Halllburlor 

Feb. (76) Dr. New Rel 

DEPART- 

©STATE 

MENT—FILE 649 

WlUlAm Lundlgan 

5—PG-1016 

R—Mar. 

Mar. (77) Dr. New Rel 

ALASKA PATROL 

Richard Travis 

Helen Westcott 

Mar. (701 Drama New 

AMAZON QUEST 

Tom Neal 

Carol Mathews 

Apr. (63) Mys New Rel 

SEARCH FOR DANGER 

John Calvert 

Dekker 

Albert 

Apr. (74) Com. New Rel 

THE LOVABLE CHEAT 

C!harles Ruggles 

Peggy Ann Garner 

Apr. (76) Dr. New Rel 

OF 

©DAUGHTER 

THE WEST 

Philip Reed 

R—Apr. 2—PG-1023-A 

riiiiiilMii 

April 9. 1949

I 

FEATURE CHART 


I 

SEPTEMBER 25| OCTOBER 2 

|l9l (66) M'drama 4802 

JOE PALOOKA IN 

WINNER TAKE ALL 

B—Aug, 28—PO-963 

§4{ (89) Drama 4801 

SORRY, WRONG 

NUMBER 

Barbara Stanwyck 

Burt Lancaster 

Ann Rlcbards 

Wendell Corey 

R—July 31—PG-9(i6 

OCTOBER 9 

Special 

Group 1 

Group 1 

(48) Docum 907 (88) Drama 903 

DESIGN FOR DEATH THE PEARL 

[U (92) Drama 901 

R—Jan. 1—PG-883 

RACHEL 

Pedro 

AND THE 

Armendarlz 

STRANGER 

Group 6 

Maria ESena Marques 

Loretta Young 

\^ (79) M'drama 821 R—Feb. 21— PG-903 

WUliam Holden 

RACE STREET 

Robert Mltchum 

R—July 3—PQ-948 

R—Aug. 7—PG-968 

OCTOBER 16 

OCTOBER 23 OCTOBER 30 

(91) Drams 12gi (70) Spec-Act 104 [t] (68) Drama 113 (iij (66) Western 165 

WALK A 

[21] (59) Ould'r-Dr 

CROOKED 

111 (98) Drama 129 

TRIPLE THREAT 

MILE 

SURRENDER, DEAR EL DORADO PASS RUSTY 

©THE LOVES 

LEADS THE 

OF 

Ricbard Craoe 

Gloria Jc*u 

Dennis •'Keete 

Charles Starrett 

WAY 

CARMEN 

Gloria Henry 

David Street 

Rita 

R—Sept. 

Smiley 

UaywurUi 

11—PG-968 

Burnette 

Ted Dun.ildson 

B—Oct. 9—PO-975 Don McOulre 

Elena 

R—Aug. 

Verdugo 

Sbaryn 

21—PG-961 

Moflett 

^ (82) Art-Mus 954 

R—Oct. 9—PO-97(l Steve Darrell 

(79) Super 

John 

West 130 

Litel 

SINGIN' SPURS 

H— ©THE 

Dec. 11—PG-993 Ann 

UNTAMED 

Doran 

Hoosler 

BREED 

Hotsbots 

It—Oct. 16—l'G-977 

R—Oct. 23—Pa-»78 

^ (62) Drama 903 Reissues 

|2|] (102) Mystery 

J] 

(83) M'drama 904 [w] (73) Drama 905 [17] (62) Mys-Dr 906 Reissues 

734 

IN THIS CORNER 

THE SCAR (also ©ADVENTURES 

Scott Brady 

INTERNATIONAL 

OF BEHIND LOCKED ^ (119) Odv. 738 

LADY HOLLOW TRIUMPH) GALUNT BESS DOORS 

COUNT OF MONTE 

Annabel Sbaw 

George Brent 

Paul Ueoreld 

Gallant Bess 

Lucille Bremer 

CRISTO 

Jimmy MilUcan 

Basil Ratbbone 

Joan Bennett 

Cameron Mitcbell 

Richard Carlson 

Robert Donal 

R—Sept. 4—PO-966 ^ (117) Drama 737 Eduard Franz 

.Vudrey Long 

Douglas Fowley 

|4] (102) Ad?. 739 

Leslie 

MY SON, MY 

Brooks 

SON 

"uzay Knight 

Kalf Haroide 

SON OF MONTE 

Brian 

R—Aug. 

Abeme 

21—Pa-961 H—July 31—PG-956 R—Sept. 18—PO-969 CRISTO 

Louis Hayward 

^ (9«) Comed; 902 

[|] (99) Comedy 903 

A SOUTHERN YANKEE 

JULIA (71) MISBEHAVES 

m 

Docum 905 

Red SlêltoD 

Greer GarsoD 

©THE SECRET LAND 

ArlUie Dabi 

Walter PIdgeon 

Commentators 

Brian Donlevy 

Peter Lawford 

Robert Montgomery 

R—Aug. 7—PG-9S8 

Saizabetb Taylor 

Robert Taylor 

Cesar Romero 

Van Heflln 

B—Aug. 14—PG-969 

R—Aug. 28—PO-9e3 

do] (87) Comedy AA8 

d] (66) Western 4754 

jto] (66) Adf 4726 

§4j (57) Western 4764 

THE DUDE GOES WEST THE SHERIFF OF SMUGGLER'S 

Eddie 

COVE 

OUTLAW BRAND 

Albert 

MEDICINE BOW Leo Oorcey 

llmmy Wakely 

Gale Storm 

Jobnny Mack Brown Bowery Boys 

Christine Larson 

R—May 1—Pa-926 

|6] (66) Western 4767 

THE RANGERS RIDE 

Jimmy Wahely 

[|] (88) Comedy 4802 

_ (81) Mystery 4803 

[s] (83) Drama 4804 

ISN'T IT ROMANTIC 

NIGHT HAS A 

SEALED VERDICT 

Veronica Lake 

THOUSAND EYES 

Ray Mllland 

Mary Hatcher 

Edward G. Robinson 

Florence Marly 

Monk Freeman 

GaU Russell 

Broderick Crawford 

Blliy DeWolfe 

John Lund 

John Holt 

R—Aug. 21—PG-961 

Virginia Bruce 

R—Sept. 11—Pa-967 

R—July 17—P(^961 

|T] (90) Drama 714 

MOONRISE 

Dane Clark 

OaU RusseU 

Ethel Barrymore 

R—Sept. 18—PG-979 

[T| (69) Western 758 

DENVER KID 

[It] (121) Drama 917 Group 2 

Special 

MOURNING BECOMES §5] (92) Ould'r-Dr 906 \t] (110) Mus-Com 952 

ELECTRA 

STATION WEST @A SONG IS BORN 


Dick Powell 

Danny Kaye 

Michael Redgrave 

Jane Greer 

Virginia Mayo 

Raymond Massey 

Agnes Moorebead 

Steve Cochran 

Leo Genn 

Burl Ives 

Esther Dale 

R—Dec. 6—PG-879 R—Sept. 4—PQ-966 II—Aug. 28—PO-964 

NOVEMBER 6 NOVEMBER ] 

[u) (76) Drama 1 

LEATHER GLOVES 

Cameron Mitchell 

Virginia Grey 

Jane Nigh 

Sam Levene 

R—Nov. 13—PG-985 

(86) Qimedy 91 

LET'S LIVE A LITTU 

Hedy Lamarr 

Robert Cummlnfs 

Anna St en 

Robert Sbayne 

R—Oct. 30—PG-981 

in (96) Comedy 90 

NO MINOR VICES 

>ana Andrews 

Mill Palmer 

lane Wyatt 

Louis Jourdan 

R—Oct. 9—PO-9T6 

[Tj (66) Western 475 

GUNNING FOR JUSTIC 

.lohnny Mack Brown 

F.velyn Flnley 

Raymond Hatton 

Reissues 

Q] (108) 

Reissue 

|5] (60) Western 4807 

(^medy 3-7 

(60) Western 

(64) Western 

DUKE OF WEST POINT 

IP] 

HC24 MARK OF THE LASH Ul 

4808 

Lash 

Louis Hayward 

STAGECOACH WAR 

LaRue 

UtAD MAN'S GOLD 

Lash LaRue 

Joan Fontaine 

William Boyd 

Fuzzy St. Jokn 

[T| (88) Comedy S-S 

^ (81) Drama 4804 

^ (69) Docum 4803 

MISS ANNIE RODNEY 

HARPOON 

SOS SUBMARINE 

Shirley Temple 

John Bromfleld 

R—Oct. 16—PG-977 

R—No?. 27—PG-990 

(139) Drama 638 

QFOREVER AMBER 

(68) Conedy 840 

(96) 

(96) 

Com-Dr 842 (68) Mys-Dr 

M'drama 

843 

841 

Linda 

THE GAY 

Darnell 

INTRUDERS 

y©APARTMENT FOR NIGHT WIND 

CRY (96) 

OF 

Drama 84 

THE CITY 

ROAD 

Cornell Wilde 

John Emery 

Victor 

HOUSE 

PEGGY 

Charles RusseU 

Mature 

Ida Liiplno 

Tamara 

R—Oct. 

Geva 

18—PG-866 

Jeanne 

lllchnrd 

Crain 

Conte 

Virginia Christine 

Cornel 

Lelf Erlckson 

IVUliam Holden 

Fred 

WUde 

Clark 

Gary Gray 

(64) Mystery 839 Roy Roberts 

Edmund 

Shelley 

Richard WIdraark 

Gwenn 

John 

Winters 

Ridgely 

Celeste 

THE 

Holm 

CREEPER 

R—June 12—PG-942 

Oene Lockhart 

R—Sept. 

lames Burke 

25—PG-972 

li—Oct 

Eduardo 

2—PO-974 

Clnelll 

Randy Stuart R—Sept. 11—PO-S 

R—Sept. 18—PO-969 

|4] (57) Docum 586 

(T] (81) Comedy 590 (62) 

OLYMPIC 

Ul Western 552 

CAVALCADE 

[I|f (90) Comedy 591 |§ (83) Drama 596 

[|] (94) Comedy 596 

i 

THE GIRL FROM STRANGE GAMBLE 

Bill Stern, narrator 

AN 

MANHATTAN 

INNOCENT AFFAIR PLOT TO 

MY 

KILL 

DEAR SECRETARY 

William Boyd 

l>araine 

R—Sept. 11—PG-968 

(Also DON'T 

Dorotby 

TRUST ROOSEVELT 

Day 

Lamour 

Kirk 

YOUR HUSBAND) Selected 

Douglas 

Films 

|4] (65) Jungle Dr 588 George Montgomery 

Fred 

Keenan 

MacMtirray 

R—Nov. 6—PG-983 

Wynn 

URUBU 

(Carles Laugbton 

Helen Walker 

R—Sept. 

George 

Hugh 

4—Pa966 

Breakstone 

Herbert 

^ (67) Docum 579 

Rudy Vallee 

B—Aug. 

R—Sept. 

21—PO-961 

26—PO-972 

THE ANGRY GOD 

II—Sept. 11—PG-96i 

R—Oct. 30—PO-983 

H 

(60) M'drama 713 

CODE OF SCOTLAND 

YARD 

R—Sept. 18—PG-970 

Reissue 

|i] (67) Outd'r-MuB 871 

SHINE ON HARVEST 

MOON 

[T] (86) Drama 720 

ANGEL ON THE 

AMAZON 

R—Dec. 25—PG-998 

[b] (66) Western 861 

SUNDOWN IN 

SANTA FE 

\llan "Rocky" Lane 

^ (80) 

©ROPE 

Drama 

James Btewirt 

Jokn Dall 

Farley Granger 

Constance Collier 

R—Aug. 28—PQ-963 

H2 

(81) M'drama {J] 803 

SMART GIRLS DON'T 

TALK 

Virginia Mayo 

Bruce Bennett 

Robert Button 

R—Sept. 25—PG-971 

g 

(192) Drama 804 

OJOHNNY BELINDA 

Jane Wyman 

Lew Ayres 

Charles Blckford 

Agnes Moorebead 

R—Sept. 18— PG-970 

(79) Drama 681 

KISS THE BLOOD 

OFF MY HANDS (Also 

THE UNAFRAID) 


Joan Fontaine 

Robert Newton 

R—«ct. 16—PG-978 

(86) M'drama 

ROGUES' REGIMENT 

liick Powell 

Marta Toren 

Vincent Price 

Stephen McNally 

R—Oct. 9—PO-97J 

|u| (97) Comedy I 

JUNE BRIDE 

Bette Darlj 

Robert Montgomery 

Fay Balnter 

Betty Lytm 

Tom Tully 

R—Oct. 23—P0-9TB 

O 

K 

(117) Drama 105 

THE PARADINE CASE 

Hregory Peck 

Valll 

U3 Ann Todd 

Ethel 

Barrymore 

B—Jan. 3—PQ-888 

(86) Drama 

PORTRAIT OF JENNIE 

Jennifer Jones 

Joseph Cotten 

Ethel Barrymore 

LUlian Glsh 

R—Jan. 1—PO-999 

X 

PQ 

(89) Drama 

Eng. FUms 

SHOVn'fME 

R—June 12—PQ-942 

(72) Musical 

BeU 

CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE 

R—Aug. 14—PG-960 

(83) Comedy 

Dlst. FlltM 

QUIET WEEKEND 

R—9ct. 2—PG-973 

(62) Drama 

Vlro, Inc. 

STREET 

B—Jan. 

CORNER 

1—PO-999 

u 

(77) Documentary 

Loperl 

LOUISIANA STORY 

R—(let. 2—PG-974 


•xford Films 

WHAT'S ON YOUR 

MINDr 

R—Jan. 8—PG-1002 

(58) Docum-Dr ', 

MPSC !., 

PREJUDICE > 

R— .Mar. 12—PG-1018 

(75) Relie-Dr 

Rudolph Carls 

I AM WITH YOU 

R—Mar. 26—PO-1024 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide April 9. 1948

J 


FEATURE CHART 

I

I! 

FEATURE CHART 


JANUARY 15 

(75) Drmu 136 

THE DARK PAST LOADED PISTOLS 

William Holden 

Oene Autry 

Nina Foch 

Champion 

Lee J. Cobb 

Barbara Brltton 

Adele Jergens 

Chill WUls 

U—Jan. 1—PO-1000 B—Jan. 8—PG-lOOl 

ju] (106) Drama 911 (88) Drama 912 

|8| (100) Musical 913 

03 GODFATHERS PICCADILLY INCIDENT ©THE KISSING 

.iulin Wayne 

XnnsL Neafile 

BANDIT 

Harry Carey Jr. 

Michael Wilding 

Frank Sinatra 

Pedro Armendarlz 

Reginald Owen 

Kathryn Grayson 

Ward Bond 

Michael Laurence 

Cyd Charlsse 

R—Dec. 4—PO-992 

R—Feb. 7—PO-897 

J. Carrol Naish 

R—Nov. 20—PG-988 

[9] (87) Western 4S41 (74) Western AAll 

[23] (67) M'drama 4829 (66) Western 4861 

CRASHING THRU BAD MEN OF 

INCIDENT 

GUN RUNNER 

Whip Wilson 

TOMBSTONE 

Warren Douglas 

.ticimy Wakelj 

Andy Clyde 

R—Dec. 18—PG-996 Jane Frazee 

CannonbaU Taylor 

Barry Sullivan 

Robert tsterloh 

Noel NelU 

Marjorle Reynolds 

Joyce ComptoD 

R—Jan. 1—PG-99fl 

[h] (100) Drama 480S 

THE ACCUSED 

Loretta Younj 

{obert Oimmlnga 

Wendell Corey 

Sam Jaffe 

R—No?. 20—Pa-987 

^ 

g 

JANUARY 22 

(79) Western ISl 

^ 

JANUARY 29 

(82) Com-Dr 912 

AN OLD-FASHIONED 

GIRL 

Gloria Jean 

Jimmy Lydon 

Frances Rafterty 

John Hubbard 

R—Dec. 18—Pa-996 

g 

(67) Drama 4809 (84) Ul 

Drama 4810 

DYNAMITE 

MY OWN TRUE LOVE 

William Gargan 

PhyUls Calvert 

Virginia WcUes 

.Melvyn Douglas 

Richard Crane 

Wanda Hendrii 

Irving Bacon 

BInnie Barnes 

R— Nov. 20—PG-988 R—Dec. 11—PG-894 

g 

FEBRUARY 5 FEBRUARY 12 

^ 

FEBRUARY 19 

(93) Drama 919 

|3] (59) Western 953 \2] (86) Drama 9 

©BLANCHE FURY ©RIDE, RYDER, RIDE ©RED STALLION IN 

Valerie Hobson 

Jim Bannon 

THE ROCKIES 

Stewart Granger 

Little Brown Jug 

Arthur Franz 

Walter Fitzgerald li—Mar. 12— PG-1017 Jean Heather 

Jim Davis 

Red StalUon 

R—Mar. 19—PG-1019 

[n) (82) Drama 914 |l|] (111) Drams 915 (93) Drama 916 [T] (98) Mystery 9. 

ACT OF VIOLENCE COMMAND DECISION ©THE SUN COMES UP THE BRIBE 

Van Hcflln 

Clark Gable 

Jeannette MacDonald Robert Taylor 

Robert Ryan 

Waller Pldgeon 

Lloyd Nolan 

Ava Gardner 

Janet Leigh 

Van Johnson 

Claude Jarman Jr. 

Charles Laughton 

Mary Astor 

Brian Donlevy 

Lewis Stone 

John Hodlak 

R—Dec. 25—PG-997 R—Dec. 26—PG-997 Lassie 

R—Feb. 12—PG-1010 

R—Jan. 8—PG-IOM 

[is] (84) Comedy 4830 

{^ (87) Drama AA15 

HENRY, THE 

BAD BOY 

RAINMAKER 

Uoyd Nolan 

William Tracy R—Jan. 22-PO-1008 

Raymond W&lburn 

Walter Catlett ^ (54) Western 4852 

Mary Stuart 

LAW OF THE WEST 

R-ân. J9—PQ-IOOT Johnny Mack Brown 

[is] (88) Western 4811 

©WHISPERING SMITH 

Alan Ladd 

Robert Preston 

Donald Crisp 

Brenda Marshall 

R—Dec. 11—Pa-994 

FEBRUARY 26 

MARCH 5 

[3] (56) Western 166 ^ (61) Musical 114 (81) Drama 137 (77) Drama 138 (59) Mystery 1: 

Ul 

CHALLENGE OF THE LADIES OF THE SLIGHTLY FRENCH SONG OF INDIA BOSTON BLACKIE'S 

I 

RANGE 

CHORUS 

Dorothy Lamour R—Feb. 26—PG-1014 CHINESE VENTUR 

Charles Starrett 

Adele Jergens 

Don Ameche 

Smiley Burnette 

Marilyn Monroe 

Janls Carter 

(95) Drama 139 Chester Morris 

Paula Ray 

Rand Brooks 

Willard Parker 

THE AFFAIRS OF A Maylla 

R-ân. 22—PG-IOOB R—Feb. 12—PG-IOIO 

ROGUE 

Richard Lane 

Jean Pierre Aumont R—Mar. 26—PG-10211 

B—Feb. 19—PO-1012 

[T| (93) Drama 481 

ALIAS NICK BEAL 

Audrey Totter 

Thomas Mitchell 

George Macready 

R—Jan. 22—PG-1002 

Special 

Reissues 

(82) Comedy 992 (94) Drama 912 

C.©SO DEAR TO MY LAST DAYS OF 

HEART 

POMPEII 

Burt Ives 

Preston Foster 

Beulah Bondl 

|2| (93) Drama 913 

Bobby Drlscoll 

SHE 

Luana Patten 


R—Dec. 11—PG-993 

g (60) Western 863 

SHERIFF OF WICHITA 

Allan Lane 

^ 

Lyn Wilde 

EMdle Waller 

R—Mar. 5—PO-1015 

Reissue 

(68) Western 

ID 

FRONTIER PONY 

EXPRESS 

Roy Rogers 

873 

Group 6 

(82) Drama 914 

TARZAN'S MAGIC 

FOUNTAIN 

Lez Barker 

Brenda Joyce 

R—Jan. 22—PG-ie85 

[g] (69) M'drama 804 

DAUGHTER OF THE 

JUNGLE 

Lois Ball 

James CardneU 

Rr—Mar. 19—PG-1020 

(85) Drama 916 (60) Western 919 

A WOMAN'S SECRET BROTHERS IN THE 

Maureen O'Hars 

SADDLE 

Melvyn Douglss 

Tim Holt 

Gloria Grahame 

Richard Martin 

R—Feb. 12—Pa-10«9 Steve Brodle 

Virglnls Coi 

R—Mar. 5—PG-1016 

Reissue 

(58) Western B74 

IP] 

SAGA OF DEATH 

VALLEY 

Roy Rogers 

[T] (106) Drama g( 

WAKE OF THE RED 

WITCH 

John Wayne 

Gall Russell 

Adele Mara 

Gig Young 

R—Jan. 8—PG-lOOl 

(58) Drams 4813 

HIGHWAY 13 

Robert Lowery 

Pamela Blake 

Mickael Wkalen 

Dan Seymour 

R—Jan. 1—P0-10e» 

^ (81) West-Dr 

I SHOT JESSE JAMES 

Preston Foster 

Barbara Brltton 

John Ireland 

Reed Hadlej 

B—Feb. 12—PG-1»«9 

[4] (60) Western 4S; 

SON OF BILLY THE 

KID 

Lash LaRue 

Fuziy St. John 

Reissues 

(82) Comedy 902 (94) Drama 949 (102) Drama 903 (103) Drama 906 

(94) Comedy 907 

THAT WONDERFUL JOHNNY APOLLO THIS WAS A WOMAN A LETTER TO THREE 

CHICKEN EVERY 

URGE 

Tyrone Power 

Sonla Dreedel 

WIVES 

SUNDAY 

Dan Daliey 

Tyrone Power 

Dorothy Lamotir 

Barbara White 

Jeanne Craln 

Celeste 

Gene Tlerney 

(76) Drama 950 

Walter Fitzgerald 

Linda DameU 

Holm 

Colleen Townsend 

Reginald Gardiner SHOW THEM 

Cyril 

NO 

Raymond 

Ann Sothern 

v\lan 

Arleen WhaJen 

MERCY 

R—Jan. 8—PG-1002 

Young 

Kirk Douglas 

R— Dec. 

R—Noi. 27— PQ-990 Cesar Romero 

R—Dec. 11—PG-993 

18—PG-996 

g 

(60) Drama 600 

|m] (99) Drama 601 

VALIANT HOMBRE 

Duncan Renaido THE LUCKY STIFF 

Leo CarrUlo 

Dorothy Lamour 

John Lltel 

Brian Donlerj 

Barbara Bllllngsley 

(Halre Trevor 

R—Jan, 8—PG-1001 R—Jan. 19—PG-1008 

Reissue 

(99) Drama 948 

THIS IS MY AFFAIR 

Robert Taylor 

(93) Drama 909 

A MAN ABOUT THE 

HOUSE 

Kieron Moore 

Margaret Johnston 

Duleie Gray 

Guy MIddleton 

R—Jan. 29—PG-1008 

(S3) Drams 602 

COVER-UP 

William Bendli 

Dennis O'Keete 

Barbara Brlttoo 

Art Baker 

R—Feb. 26—Pa-1014 

(80) Drama 686 

AN ACT OF MURDER 

Predrle March 

Bdmond O'Brien 

Florence ffldrldfe 

Geraldlne 

R—Sept. 

Brooks 

4—PO-965 

(94) Drama 687 

THE FIGHTING 

O'FLYNN 

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. 

Helena Carter 

Richard Greene 

R—Jan. 15—Pa-ie«4 

(87) Drams 611 

CRISS CROSS 


Yvonne DeCarlo 

Dan Duryca 

Stephen McNslly 

Rân. 22—PG-IOOB 

, 

(90) Comedy 6> 

FAMILY HONEYMOON 

CTaudette Colbert 

Fred MacMurray 

Rita Johnson 

j 

William DanleU 

R—Dec. 18—PG-SOI; 

|15] (91) Drama Bll 

WHIPLASH 

Dane Clark 

Alexis Smith 

Zachary Scott 

E\e Arden 

R—Dec. 25—PG-998 

g 

(105) Drams 

(88) Drama 

Sh-itzky-Int'l 

Dlsclns Int'l 

NAIS 

BLIND DESIRE 

R—July 3—PG-94T R—July 17—PG-95a 

(90) 0>medy 


Strltzky-Int'l 

Mayer-Burystyn PORTRAIT OF 

THE ILLEGALS 

R—July 17—PO-952 

INNOCENCE 

R—.lulv 24—PQ-954 

(110) M'drama 812 

©ADVENTURES OF 

DON JUAN 

Errol Flynn 

VIveca Llndfora 

Robert Douglaa 

ALin Hale 

1!— Dec. 25—PO-99S 

(81 1 Drama 

Creative 

FRANCOIS VILLON 

B Auk 14—PG-96n 

(105) Drama 

Films Inn 

SYMPHONIE 

PASTORALE 

R—Sept. 26—PG-97S 

^ 

IT2] (86) Drams 813 (96) Comedy 814 

FLAXY MARTIN JOHN LOVES MARY 

Virginia Mayo 

Ronald Reagan 

Zachary Scott 

Jack Carson 

Dorothy Malone 

Wayne Morris 

Tom D'Andrea 

Edward Arnold 

R—Jan. 22—PG-1006 R—Jan. 29—PG-1008 

(92) Drama 

SuperfUm 

THE LOVES OF DON 

(105) Drama 

Azteca Films 

LA MORENA DE Ml 

COPLA 

JUAN 

R—Aug. 28—PG-963 R—Oct. 2—PO-974 

(96) Drama 

Art kino 

(76) Comedy 

Superfllra 

MURDERERS AMONG 

US 

THE MERRY CHASE 

R—(let. 2—PG-974 

(92) M'drama 

OramtTCy 

MARRIAGE IN THE 

SHADOWS 

R—Oct. 2—PG-973 

(83) Mus-Dr 

Clasa-Mohme 

LA BARCA DE ORO 

R—Oct 2—PG-973 

(65) Drama (87) Drama 

Lopert DlscUia Int 1 

WHERE WORDS FAIL RUY BLAS 

R—Oct. 9—PG-976 B—Set. 23—PG-98(I 

(102) Drams 

(105) M'drama Film Right Int 

SuperfUm BACK STREETS OF 

WHEN LOVE CALLS PARIS 

R—Oct, 16—PG-978 R—Oct. 3»—PG-981 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuJde :: April 9, 1949

I 

fhnrd 

' 

an 

I 


FEATURE CHART 

MARCH 12 

gjo)

REVIEW DIGEST 

and Alphabetical Picture Guide Index 

A 

987 Accused. The (100) Para 11-20-48 ++ ^ 

997 Act of Violence (82) MGM 12-25-48 + 

1022 Adventure in Baltimore (89) RKO 3-26-49 -f ± 

998 Adventures of Don Juan (110) WB.. 12-25-48 ++ 

956 Advenlures of Gallant Bess (73) EL 7-31-48 ± ± 

1012 Affairs of a Rogue. The (95) Col... 2-19-49 + — 

1006 Alias Nick Seal (93) Para 1-22-49 ff ± 

965 An Act of Murder (90) U-l 9- 4-48. + + 

1000 Anoel in Exile (90) Pep 1- 1-49' + ± 

998 Angel on the Amazon (86) Rep. . .12-25-48 ± 

982 Angry God. The (57) UA 10-30-48 = = 

969 Apartment for Peggy (96) 20-Fox 9-18-48 -H + 

978 Appointment With Murder (67) FC 10-16-48 ± , 

B 

955 Babe Ruth Story. The (107) Mono. 7-31-48 H ff 

ff ff 

1006 Bad Boy (87) Mono 1-22-49 + ff 

+ ff 

995 Badmen of Tombstone (74) Mono. . .12-18-48 + + 

-f + 

969 Behind Locked Doors (61) EL 9-18-48 + ± ± 

982 Belle Starr's Daughter (87) 20-Fox 10-30-48 ± S: ± -(- 

+ ± i 

964 Betrayal. The (183) Astor 8-28-48 ± - 

944 Beyond Glory (82) Para 6-19-48 ± ± ± ± ± + 

1025 Big Jack (85) MGM 4- 9-49 ± 

+ + 

+ 

+ 

Bio Sombrero, The (78) Col 

949 Black Arrow, The (76) Col 7-10-48 + 

965 Black Eagle, the Story of a Horse 

(76) Col 9- 4-48 -I- 

969 Blanche Fury (93) EL 9-18-48 - 

935 Blonde Ice (73) FC 5-22-48 ± + 

1021 Blondie's Big Deal (68) Col 3-26-49 ± + 

991 Blondie's Secret (68) Col 12- 4-48 ± ± ± 

985 Blood on the Moon (88) RKO 11-13-48 +f ± ± 

965 Bodyguard (63) RKO 9-4-48 + ± ± 

1016 Bomha, the Jungle Boy (71) Mono. 3- 5-49 + ± + 

1021 Boston Blackie's Chinese Venture 

(59) Col 3-26-49 ± ± 

897 Boy With Green Hair, The (82) RKO 11-20-48 i: -f ++ 

1023-A Bridge of Vengeance (95) Para 4- 2-49 ± ± + 

1010 Brihe.The (98) MGM 2-12-49 + ± ± 

1015 Brothers in the Saddle (60) RKO.. 3- 5-49 ± ± 

Bungalow 13 (65) 20-Fox ± ± 

c 

1013 Canadian Pacific (97) 20-Fox 2-26-49 + + ± 

1010 Canterbury Tale, A (90) EL 2-12-49 + ± + 

1012 Caught (SS) MGM 2-19-49 + ± ± 

Challenge of the Range (56) Col 

1019 Champion (99) UA 3-19-49 ff ff 

996 Chicken Every Sunday (94) 20-Fox. 12-18-48 ff ± 

1015 City Across the River (90) U-l 3- 5-49 ff -f 

1012 Clay Pigeon, The (63) RKO 2-19-49 -f ± 

970 Code of Scotland Yard (60) Rep 9-18-48 + ± 

997 Command Decision (111) MGM 12-25-48 ff 

1013 Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's 

Court, A (107) Para 2-26-49 -f -f 

943 Corridor of Mirrors (96) U-l 6-19-49 — + 

984 Countess of Monte Cristo, The 

(77) U-l 11-6-48 ± ± 

Courtin' Trouble (56) Mono 

lC14Cover-Up (83) UA 2-26-49 ff ± 

Creeper, The (64) 20-Fox — 

Crime Doctor's Diary (..) Col ± 

1005 Criss Cross (87) U-l 1-22-49 -f 

972 Cry of the City (95) 20-Fox 9-25-48 it 

D 

1000 Dark Past (75) Col 1- 1-49 -f 

+ 

+ 

1020 Daughter of the Jungle (69) Rep... 3-19-49 

1023-A Daughter of the West (81) FC. . 4- 2-49 

=t 

+ 

± 

± 

992 Decision of Christopher Blake 

(75) WB 12-4-48 - ± 

Denver Kid, The (60) Rep 

896 Design for Death (48) RKO 1-31-48 + 

968 Desperadoes of Dodge City (60) Rep. 9-11-48 + 

980 Disaster (60) Para 10-23-48 ± - 

1007 Don't Take It to Heart (90) EL.. 1-29-49 ± ± 

1012 Down to the Sea In Ships (120) 

20-Fox 2-19-49 ff ff 

926 Dude Goes West. The (87) Mono. . 5- 1-48 + + 

1024-A Duke of Chicago (59) Rep 4-2-49 ± ± 

986 Dulcimer Street (112) U-l 11-13-48 tt * 

988 Dynamite (67) Para 11-20-48 ± — 

E 

1017 Easy Money (94) EL 3-12-49 rt ± 

993 El Dorado Pass (56) Col 12-11-48 ± 

1018 El Paso (103) Para 3-12-49 + ± 

955 Embraceable You (SO) WB 8-31-48 ± 2: 

993 Enchantment (102) RKO 12-11-48 + ± 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

H 

+ 

+ 

+ ± 

H 

+ 

± ff 

+ 

++ 

++ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

ff 

ff 

ft 

+ 

+ 

+ 

-f 

+ 

+ 

+ 

ff 

+ 

-f 

+ 

+ 

ff 

+ 

+ 

+f 

-f - ± 

H f+ ff 

- + H 

± + 

ff 

+ 

+ 

+ 

ff ff ff 

ff 

+ 

+ + 

ff 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

ff 

+ 

+ 

ff 

+ 

+ 

+f ++ 

ff -f 

+ + 

+ ± 

+ ± 

+ + 

± ff 

10+ 

7-f 

7-f 

9+ 

7+ 

2+ 

10+ 

8+ 

7+ 

5+ 

2+ 

10+ 

4+ 

13+ 1- 

9+ 1- 

7+ 2- 

5+ 4- 

7+ 5- 

1+ 3- 

8+ 5— 

1+ 1- 

2+ 1- 

6+ 2- 

6+ 5- 

5+ 3- 

4+ 3- 

5+ 3- 

5+ 5^- 

8+ 3- 

6+ 2- 

5+ 1- 

5+ 5- 

10+ 1- 

4— 4— 

7+ 6- 

5+ 4- 

6+ 5- 

7+ 1- 

4+ 1- 

8+ 4- 

2+ 2- 

7+ 

11+ 1- 

9+ 1- 

6+ 5- 

8+ 3- 

11+ 

8+ 

6+ 4- 

± 7+5— 

1+ 2- 

+ 8+ 3- 

± 2+ 5- 

± 4+ 3- 

+ 8+ 1- 

+ 9+ 1- 

5+ 

± 5+ 

6+ 4- 

2+ 1- 

5+ 1- 

3+ 1- 

3+ 4- 

6+ 3- 

14+ 

8+ 

3+ 4- 

5+ 4-

An interpretative analysis of opinions deducted from the language oi lay 

and trade press reviews. The plus and minus signs indicate the degree 

of favor or disfavor of the review. This department serves also as an 

ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Numeral preceding title is 

Picture Guide Review page number. In parentheses after title is rxinning 

tune. Date foUovnng distributor is BOXOFFICE review date. Listings cover 

current reviews. It is brought up to date regularly. The meaning of the 

various signs and their combinations is as follows: 

T Very Good; -r Good; — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. 

In the summary " is rated as 2 pluses; = as 2 minuses. 

1009 Life of Riley. The (S7) U-i 2-12.49 + 

1014 Litlle Women (122) MGM 2-26.49 H 

1001 Loaded Pistols (79) Col 1- B-49 -|- 

Lone Woir and His Lady, Tlie ( ) Col 

923 Lost One. The i84) Col 4-24.48 -( 

1025 Lovable Cheat. The (74) FC 4- 9-49 i 

961 Lo>es of Carmen, Tlie (98) Col... 8-21-48 -H 

965 Luck of the Irish, The (99) 20-Fox 9- 4-48 H 

1008 Lucky Stilt, The (99) UA 1-29-49 * 

9J3 Lulu Belle (87) Col 6-19-48 -f 

962 Luxury Liner (98) MGM 8-21-48 -(- 

M 

102a-A M,i and Pa Kettle (75) U-I 4- 2-49 + 

977 Macbeth (107) Reu 10-16-48 :*: 

1008 M.in About the House (93) 20-Fox 1-29-49 it 

899 Man From Colorado (99) Col 11-20-48 -f 

988 Manhatlan An(iel (68) Col 11.20-48 ± 

1026 Massacre River (78) Mono 4. 9.49 ± 

994 Mexican Hayride (77) U-I 12-11-48 -f 

977 Million Dollar Weekend (73) EL. . .10-16-48 :t 

1003 Miranda (75) EL 1-15-49 -f 

Miss Mink of 1949 (69) 20-Fox 

970 Miss Tstlock's Millions (101) Para. 9-18-48 + 

1026 Mr. Belvedere Goes to College (84) 

20-Fox 4- 9-49 -F 

949 Mr. Peabody and ttie Mermaid 

(89) U-I 7-10-48 + 

997 Mr. Perrin and Mr. Tratll (91) ... .12-25-48 + 

970 Moonrise (90) Rep 9-18-48 + 

1016 Mother Is a Freshman (81) 20-Fox 3- 5.49 ff 

879 Mourning Becomes Electra (173) 

RKO 12- 6-47 ^- 

990 Mozart Story. The (93) SG 11-27-48 ± 

953 Music Man (66) Mono 7-24-48 ±. 

1016 My Brother's Keener (85) EL.... 3- 5-49 ± 

968 My Dear Secretary (94) UA 9-11-48 ++ 

1020 My Dream Is Yours (101) WB 3-19-49 ff 

994 My Own True Love (84) Para 1211-48 - 

948 Mystery in Mexico (66) RKO 7- 3-48 ± 

N 

951 Night Has a Tliousand Eyes 

(81) Para 7-17-48 -)- 

981 Nightime in Nevada (67) Rep 10-30-48 -f 

96S Night Wind (68) 20-Fox 9-11-48 ± 

976 No Minor Vices (96) MGM 10- 9-48 + 

950 Northwest Stampede (79) EL 7-10-48 -(- 

o 

996 Old-Fashroned Girl. An (82) EL 1^-18-48 ± 

. . 4- 2-49 

967 Olympic Cavalcade (57) UA 9-11-48 -f 

971 Olympic Games of 1948 (88) EL.. 9-25-48 + 

M24 One Night With You (85) U-I.. 3-26-49 ± 

995 One Sunday Afternoon (90) WB 12-18-48 -f 

964 One Touch of Venus (82) U-i 8-28-48 -V 

Outlaw Brand (57) Mono 

971 Out of the Storm (61) Ren 9-25-48 ± 

± 

1024-A Outpost in Morocco (92) UA 

P 

980 Paleface, The (91) Para 10-23-48 H 

888 Paradine Case, The (117) SRO 1- 3-48 -H 

1003 Parole, Inc. (87) EL 1-15-49 -f 

903 Pearl, The (77) RKO 2-21-48 - 

897 Piccadilly Incident (88) MGM 2- 7-48 ± 

957 Pitlali (85) UA 8-7-48 

1013 Place of One's Own, A (95) EL.. 2-26-49 

+ 

± 

983 Plot to Kill Roosevelt. The (83) UA 11- 6-48 -(- 

983 Plunderers, The (87) Rep 11-6-48 ff 

999 Portrait of Jennie (86) SRO 1- 1-49 -f 

1018 Prejudice (58) MPSC 3-12-49 -f 

Q 

1023-A Quartet (120) EL 4- 2-49 ff 

R 

948 Race Street (79) RKO 7-3-48 ± 

9S3 Rachel and the Stranger (92) RKO 8- 7-48 -f 

983 Racing Luck (66) Col 11-6-48 -f 

Rangers Ride, The (56) Mono 

1009 Red Canyon (82) U-I 2-12-49 -f 

1011 Red Pony, The (89) Rep 2-19-49 -f 

952 Red River (126) UA 7-17-48 ff 

1019 Red Stallion in the Rockies (84) EL 3-19-49 -f 

980 Red Shoes, The (134) EL 10-23-48 + 

Renegades of Sonora (60) Rep 

979 Return of October, The (89) Col.. .10-23-48 + 

962 Return of Wildfire (81) SG 8-21-48 -f 

1017 Ride. Ryder. Ride (59) EL 3-12-49 -f 

Riders of the Whistling Pines- (..) Col 

1024-A Rimfire (67) SG 4-2-49 -f 

974 Road House (95) 20-Fox 10-2-48 ± 

97; Rogues' Regiment (86) U-I 10-9-48 -f 

963 Rope (80) WB 8-28-48 + 

-f -I- 

-f ± 

ff 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

-f 

:+: 

ff

SHORTS CHART 

Short subjects, listed by company, in order ol release. Running Ume loUown 

title. First date is national release, second the date of review in BOXOFFICE. 

Symbol between dates is rating Irom the BOXOmCE review: ++ Very Good. 

+ Good, ^ Fair. - Poor, = Very Poor. O Indicates color photography. 

Prod. No. 

Columbia 

Title Rel. Date Rating Hev'd 

ASSORTED COMEDES 

1421 Billie Gets Her Man (17) 9- 9 + 9-18 

1422 Go Chase Yourself (17) 10-14 4- 10-16 

1431 A Pinch in Time (16).. 11-11 ± 12-11 

1423 Parlor. Bedroom and Wrath 

(16) 12-16 + 1-22 

1432 He's in Again (16'/2) . . 1-13 

in . 1433 Miss a Mess (ISKz) . 1-20 

1424 Radio Riot (16) 2-10 

1425 Sunk in the Sink (16) . 3-10 . 

+ 4-2 

1434 Trapped by a Blonde 

(I51/2) 4-7 

CAN YOU TOP THIS? 

1411 Can You Top This? (13).U-18 

COLOR FAVORITES 

1601 The Stork Takes a Holiday 

(S) 9-9 

1602 Swing Monkey Swing (g). 10-14 + 10-16 

1603 The Little Match Girl 

(Si/j) 11-25 ± 12-11 

1604 Glee Worms (y/j) 12-16 

1605 A Boy and His Dog (7) . . 1- C 

1606 Spring Festival (S) 3-17 + 

COLOR PHANTASIES 

4-2 

9703 Short Snorts on Sports 

(61/2) 6-3 + 7-3 

COLOR RHAPSODIES 

1501 Pickled Puss (61/2) 9-2 ± 9-18 

1502 Lo. the Poor Buffal 

(61/2) 11-4 ± 11-6 

1503 Coo-Coo Bird Dog (6) 2-3 

. . . 4-14 

FAVORITES 

1504 Grape Nutty 

COMEDY 

(6) 

1441 Pest From the West 

(ISI/2) 9-30 + 

1442 Ay Tank Ay Go (16).. 10-21 * 

1443 Static In the Attic (19). 12-23 + 

1444 Nothing But Pleasure 

(17) 3-31 

COMMUNITY SINGS 

1651 No. 1 Baby Face (9) 9-16 + 

1652 No. 2 My Happiness (10) 10-21 -f 

5657 No. 7 Series 8 Christmas 

Carols (12) Reissue. . .12- 9 

1653 No. 3 It's Magic (91/2) . .12-23 

1654 No. 4'Bouquet of Roses 

(10) 3-10 

1655 No. 5 June In January 

(10) 4-21 

FILM NOVELTIES 

1901 Rhapsody on Ice (9) . . .12-23 

FOX AND CROW 

1701 Robin Hoodlum (7) 12-23 

1702 Magic Fluke (7) 3-24 

ONE-REEL SPECIAL 

1551 No. 1 Candid Microphone 

(11) 10-21 

1552 No. 2 Candid Microphone 

(101/2) 3-3 

SCREEN SNAPSHOTS 

1S51 Hollywood Holiday (9) . . 9- 2 + 

1S52A Day at C.B.S. (91/2). 10- 7 

1553 Stars lo Remember (91/2) 11-18 

1554 Hollywood's Santa Claus 

Lane (10) 12-23 + 

1855 A Rainy Day in Hollywood 

(9'/2) 1-27 - 

1S56 Frank Borzage Golf 

Tournament (10) 3-3 + 

1857 Medals for Hollywood 

Stars (10) 4-14 

STOOGE COMEDIES 

1401 Heavenly Daze (16'/2) 9- 2 + 

1402 I'm a Monkey's Uncle 

(16) 10- 7 -f 

1403 Mummy's Dummies (16). 11- 4 4- 

1404 Crime on Their Hands 

(I71/2) 12. 9 

1405 The Ghost Talks (16)... 2- 3 ± 

1406 Who Done It? (I61/2) . . 3- 3 -f 

THRILLS OF MUSIC 

1951 Elliot Lawrence & Orch. 

(10'/2) 9-23 + 

1952 Ray Eberle & Orch. 

(IO1/2) 11- 4 + 

1953 Louis Prima & Orch. (10) 12-16 -|- 

1954 Buddy Rich & Orch 

(lO'/s) 1-20 

1955 Charlie Spivak 

(10) 

& Orch. 

3-2 

1956 Frankie Caile & Orch. 

(10) 4-21 

VERA VAGUE LAFF TOURS 

10- 2 

12-11 

1-22 

10- 

11- 

1751 A Lass In Alaska (ICA) .10-28 -f 10-16 

1752 Sitka Sue (10"/2) 1-20 

WORLD OF SPORTS 

10-16 

1-22 

3-26 

4- 2 

9-18 

10-16 

U- 6 

3-26 

4- 2 

9-18 

U- 6 

1-22 

9S09 Aqua Zanies (9) 7-15 

-I- 7-31 

1948-49 SEASON 

1801 Diving Champions (91/2). 9-23 -|- 10- 2 

1802 Acrobatic Babies (8) 10-14 -f 10-16 

1803 Babe Didrikson, Queen of 

Sports (9) 11-25 

1804 Flashing Fins (91/2) 12-23 

1S05 Mrs. Golf (gi/j) 2-24 + 3-26 

. 4-28 

1806 Trigger Magic (10) 3-17 

1807 Lady of the Links (10) . 

SERIALS 

1120 Congo Bill 10-28 

15 Chapters 

1140 Bruce Gentry 2-10 ++ 3-5 

15 Chapter* 

Metro-Gold'wyn-MaYer 

Prod. No. Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd 

CARTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

3-20 

W-936 Make Mine Freedom (6) 3-10 + 5-15 

W-935What Price Fleadom 

(7) 

3-20 

T-17 Quebec in Summertime (9) 4- 9 

W-938 Little 'Tinker (8) 5-15 7-10 

W-939 The Bear and the Hare 

(7) 

6-26 7.10 

W-941 Half-Pint Pygmy (7) . . 8- 7 10- 9 


W-32 Lucky Lucky (8) 10- 9 

W-34The Cat That Hated People 

(7) 12-18 12-18 

W-36 Goggle Fishing Bear (7) 1-15 

2- 5 

W-37 Bad Luck Blackie (7)... 2-24 

2- 5 

W-39 Senor Droopy (8) 4-9 

FITZPATRICE TRAVELTALKS 

(Technicolor) 

T-913 Cape Breton Island (9) 5- 8 + 7-10 

T-914 Chicago, the Beautiful 

(10) 7-17 + 8-14 


T-11 Wandering Through Wales 

(9) 10-16 + 11-27 

T-12 Night Life In Chicago (9). 11-27 + 12-18 

T-13 Scholastic England (8).. 12-18 + 2- 5 

T-14 Ontario, Land of Lakes 

(10) 

2-12 

T-15 Calling on Michigan (10) 3- 5 

T-16 Playland of Michigan (9) 4- 9 

GOLD MEDAL REPRINTS 

(Technicolor) 

W-924The Midnight Snack (9) 3-27 -|- 

W-925 Puss 'n Toots (7) 4-24 -|- 

W-926The Bowling Alley Cat 

(8) 6-12 

-I- 


W-21The Little Goldfish (8).. 11-20 

W-22 Fine Feathered Friends 

(7) 1-1 

W-23 The Blue Danube (S) 

W-24 Sufterin' Cats ( . ) . 

MARTIN BLOCK'S MUSICAL 

MERRY-GO-ROUND 

M -982 Tex Beneke & Orch. (10) 4-24 -f 

M-983 Ray Noble-Buddy Clark 

(11) 6-26 

-f- 

M-984 Les Brown-Virginia O'Brien 

(10) 7-17 ± 

M-9S5 Frankie Carle & Orch. 

(10) 8-28 

M -986 Art Lund. Les Brown, 

Tex Beneke (10) 8-3 

NEWS OF THE DAY 

(Released Twice Weekly) 

PASSING PARADE 

K-975 Souvenirs of Death 

(10) 6-19 

K-976The Fabulous Fraud 

(11) 8-28 


K-71 The City of Little Men 

(10) 11-20 

K-72 Annie Was a Wonder (10) 1-29 

K-73 Stuff for Stuff (11).... 3-26 

PETE SMITH SPECIALTIES 

S-957 Now You See It (9) 3-20 

S-958 ©You Can't Win (9) . . . 5-29 

S-959 Just Suppose (9) 7-17 

S-960 Football Thrills (lo. U 

(9) 8-21 

S-51Why 

1948-49 

Is Itf (9) 

SEASON 

9-U 

S-52 Pigskin Skill (9) 9-18 

S-53 Ice Aces (9) 11-16 

S-54 Let's Cogitate (8) 12-25 

S-55 Super Cue Men (8) 1- 1 

S-56 What Want Next 2-12 

I (8) . . 

S-57 Scientifiquiz (10) 4- 2 

S-5g Those Good Old Days (10) 4-16 

SPECIALS 

A-902 Going lo Blazes (21) . . 4-24 


A-1 Mighty Manhattan (..) 

TOM & lERRY CARTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

W-937 Kitty Foiled (7) 5- 1 

W-940The Truce Hurts (8)... 7-17 


W-31 Old Rockin' Chair Tom 

(7) 9-18 

W-33 Professor Tom (8) 10-30 

W-35 Mouse Cleaning (7) 12-11 

W-3g Polka Dot Puss (8) 2-26 

5-15 

5-15 

7-10 

+ 11-27 

-1-10-9 

+ 10- 9 

7-10 

+ 10- 9 

-1- 

4- 2 

3- 6 

7-10 

8-14 

Prod. No. 

Paramount 

Title Rel. Date Rating Rev'd | 

Prod. No. 

GRANTLAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS 

(Technicolor) 

R7- 8 Riding Habits (10) 4-30 

R7- 9 Big League Glory (10) . . 6-11 

R7-10 Her Favorite Pools (10) 7-30 

194S-49 SEASON 

RSI Hot Rod Speedsters (10). 11- 5 

RS-2 Acrobatic mini (10) 12-10 

RS-3 Sno'time for Learning 

(10) 

RS-4 In the Driver's Seat 

(10) 

RS-5 Best of Breed (10) ... 

RS-6 Fail-way ehampions (10) 

+ 

+ 

+ 

4-17 

6-26 

8- 7 

11- 6 

1-22 

1-21 + 1-22 

+ 3-19 

-I- 7-3 

8-21 

10- 9 

11- 6 

10- 9 

11- 6 

12-25 

2- 5 

3-19 

3-19 

RKO Radio 

Title Rel. Date Rating Re»' 

12.

!*l 

SHORTS CHART 


Prod. No. Title Rel. Dite Rating Rn'd 

DRIBBLE PUSS PARADE 

8902 0>in{i to Live (9) May + 6-5 

1949 SERIES 

9901 Sjtisded Saunans (9).... Mar. -r 3-12 

FEMININE WORLD 

8602 Fishioned lor Action 

(Ilka Ctiase) (S) Apr. =: 4-17 

MARCH OF TIME 

Vol. 14. No. 9 Life With Junior 

(18) Apr. 

Vol. 14, No. 10 Battle lor Greece 

(18) May + 5-15 

Vol. 14, No. 11 The Fight Game 

(18> June + 6-12 

Vol. 14, No. 12 The Case ol Mrs. 

Conrad (18) July ff 7-10 

Vol. 14, No. 13 White 

(17) 

Collar Girls 

Aug. + 8-7 

Vol. 14, No. 14 Lile With Grandpa 

(19) Sept. H 9-18 

Vol. 14, No. 15 Battle for 

Germany (19) Oct. ++ 10-16 

Vol. 14, No. 16 America's New Air 

Power (19) Nov. 

Vol. 14, No. 17 Answer to Stalin 

(19) Nov. -I- 

12-4 

Vol. 14, No. 18 Watchdogs of the 

Mail (18) Dec. + 1-1 

1949 SERIES 

Vol. 15, No. 1 On Stage (18) Jan H 1-29 

Vol. 15, Na 2 Asia's New Voice 

+f (18) FelL 3-5 

Vol. 15, No. 3 Wish You Were Here 

(17) Mar. + 3-26 

MOVIETONE ADVENTURES 

8255 0Scaiic Sweden (8) June -f 6-5 

8204 Majesty ot Yellowstone 

(9) July tt 6-5 

8256QRiddle of Rhodesia (8) . .July 8-14 

8257 0Bcrmuda (8) Aug. 8-14 

8258

. sents 

SHORTS REVIEWS 

Opinions on the Current Short Subjects 

A Boy and His Dog 

Columbia (Color Favorites) 7 Mins. 

Good. A delighliul Technicolor fantasy in 

which a young boy, who has mistreated his 

puppy, goes to bed and dreams that his dog 

has grown to great dimensions. The puppy 

now returns his master's mistreatment with 

more of the same. When the boy awakes, he 

realizes his wrong and decides to treat his 

puppy with the proper care. This points a 

moral for all youngsters. 

Miss in a Mess 

Columbia (All-Star) 16 Mins. 

Fair. Vera Vague cuts up in her usual daffy 

fashion in a moderately amusing short. This 

time she has the dubious honor of marrying 

a man who is the "splitting" image of a 

hatchet murderer who has been terrorizing 

the local countryside. Her aunt tries her best 

to right this wrong, but the two women nearly 

get chopped up for their pains. 

Sitka Sue 

Columbia (Vera Vague LaH-Tour) 11 Mins. 

Fair. Vera Vague adds a few laughs to a 

silly plot about a slightly-demented lecturer 

who is sent to Outer Mongolia by her weekly 

tea group. However, she slips up slightly 

and lands in Alaska instead. While her homemade 

movies and the narration that accompanys 

them horrifies the straight-laced ladies. 

Vera gets some fun out of her customary manchasing 

antics. 

Exhibitor Has His Say 

(Continued from page 3) 

one time? Double featured it with "Silver 

Trails" (Mono) to good business, but I had 

many walkouts. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Good.—Jim Haney, Milan Theatre, Milan, Ind. 

Farmers and distillery worker patronage. * * 

Give My Regards Jo Broadway (20th-Fox)— 

Dan Dailey, Charles Winninger, Nancy Guild. 

This is a good family show but something 

went wrong. Sunday business was off, and 

the worst Monday since 1 took over here. The 

print was good and the weather was good, 

and 1 had no competition.—Lloyd Hutchins, 

Pangburn Theatre, Pangburn, Ark. Small 


How Green Was My Valley (20th-Fox)—Reissue. 

Walter Pidgeon, Maureen O'Hara, Donald 

Crisp. What a show! It shows that they 

did make pictures a few years ago. This man, 

Donald Crisp, is great. We didn't do business 

but the ones who came were more than satisfied. 

Played midweek. Weather: Bad—cold. 

—Ray S. Hanson, Fox Theatre, Fertile, Minn. 

Rural and 

* 

small town patronage. 

UNITED ARTISTS 

My Dear Secretary (UA) — Laraine Day, 

Kirk Douglas, Keenan Wynn. Did not expect 

too much from this one but it turned out to 

be a very clever comedy-type feature that 

seemed to please 100 per cent. Played Sun., 

Mon., Tues. Weather: Cold.—W. D. Rasmussen, 

Star Theatre, Anthon, Iowa. Small town 

patronage. * * 

On Our Merry Way (UA)—Paulette Goddard. 

Burgess Meredith, lames Stewart. A 

big cast with an eye-catching title rated an 

almost everage boxoffice. However, many 

were not too well satisfied with the product. 

Funny, yes, but nothing spectacular. Played 

late but got by with another UA high priced 

program picture. Coupled with "Night Wind" 

(20th-Fox). Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. 

Wfather: Light snow and rain.—Jim Dunbar, 

Roxy Theatre, Wichita, Kas. Subsequent run 

patronage. * 

Playlands ol Michigan 

MGM (FitzPatrick Traveltalk) 9 Mins. 

Good. The film makes it clear why for years 

Michigan has lured travelers and especially 

vacationists. It is timely because vacations 

aren't far in the offing, and planning with 

travel literature and transportation schedules 

is already going on. Emphasis is on water 

sports on the state's many lakes. There are 

also scenes of a fish hatchery and the novel 

In the Newsreels 

Movietone News, No. 26: 

sand dunes over which youth speed in specially 

constructed cars. In Technicolor. 

MGM 

Polka Dot Puss 

fab stirs 

(Tom & Jerry Cartoon) 8 Mins. 

Good. This Technicolor subject tells very 

amusingly how the mouse paints the sleeping 

cat's face to make 

Paramount News. No. 63: 

it believe it has the 

measles, then, consulting medical tome by 

Dr. Quack, puts the cat through a number of 

drastic treatments that include freezing in 

the refrigerator and baking in the oven. In 

the end both animals fall victim to the measles. 

Drawing and animation are of top quality. 

The Swooner Crooner 

Warner Bros. (Blue Ribbon Cartoon) 7 Mins. 

Good. A re-release of one of the best of 

the Porky Pig cartoons. A rooster with a 

Frank Sinatra voice stops the egg production 

in Porky Pig's egg factory by transforming 

Movietone News, No. 27: 

the hens into idolizing fans. Porky, not to be 

outdone, hires a Bing Crosby rooster to get 

them back to laying eggs. The ensuing battle 

of the baritones results in a laugh-provoking 

climax. 

Time of Your Life, The (UA)—James Cag 

ney, William Bendix, Jeanne Cagney. If you 

like lots of drinking in a picture, this is i; 

Also, a special drinking scene while singing 

a church hymn, fair business the first night 

none on the second. Played Wed., Thurs 

Weather: Fair.—E. B. Wacaster, Ozark Theatre, 

Ozark, Ark. Rural and small town pa 

tronage. » * * 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

Man-Eater of Kumaon (U-1)—Sabu, Wendell 

Corey, Joanne Page. This is an exciting picture 

and well done but we lost money on it. 

Warner Pathe News, No. 66: 

nual French tidal wave; spring is 

It is very poor business for us to give playing 

lime to this type of picture. Played Tues., 

Wed. Weather: Good.—Earl A. London, State 

Theatre, Olivet, Mich. Small town, rural and 

college patronage. 

* 

You Gotta Stay Happy (U-I)—James Stewart, 

Joan Fontaine, Eddie Albert. This was a 

swell comedy and even though business is 

slow this time of year, it drew above average 

and was well liked by those who came. Houston wins art 

Henley and Burri? Smith, Imperial Theatre, public opening. 

Pocahontas, Ark. Small town patronage. * * * 

WARNER BROS. 

God's Country and the Woman (WB)—Reissue. 

George Brent, Beverly Roberts, Barton 

MacLane. This is an old picture that was 

certainly received well here. Business is off 

here so did not set the world on fire, but any 

action house will not go wrong by playing 

this one. And it also ends leaving a good Telenews Digest, No. 13: 

taste in your mouth. Play it. Played Thurs., 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Cold.—H. J. McFall, Lyric 

Theatre, Russell, Man. Small town and rural 

patronage. 

• 

UMy Wild Irish Rose (WB)—Dennis Morgan, 

Arlene Dahl, Andrea King. This is a 

fine family feature in Technicolor. No good 

Irishman could stay home—they all showed 

up. Singing, comedy, story and color left 

nothing to be desired.—Frank Sabin, Majestic 

Theatre, Eureka, Mont. Small town patron- 

Feeling runs high 

at Red-sponsored peace talk; Pope Pius thanks 

American people for their charity; Greeks 

celebrate Independence day with parade in 

New York; Royal Evzones pay a call on President 

and Mrs. Truman; Academy awards; 

roller derby; grand national steeplechase; 

sweepstakes winners. 

News of the Day, No. 2G0: Red peace con- 

up a storm; Mississippi levee breaks; 

dream house for child heroine; new defense 

chief takes office; Greeks bear gifts; thrilling 

films of Britain's Grand National; sweepstakes. 

Peace parley stirs 

controversy; Hollywood makes annual awards; 

Peron takes oath of new Constitution; Grand 

Nalional—66 to 1 shot wins classic at Aintree. 

Universal News, No. 234: Pickets denounce 

peace delegation; Greek parade; tornado; 

President Peron; Academy awards; Grand 

National. 

Warner Pathe News, No. 65: Churchill; 

Peron; Leahy; fire girl; Forrestal and Johnson; 

Academy awards; basketball; Grand Nationalsweepstakes. 

• 

Greece celebrates 

128th anniversary of independence; Bevin and 

Gromyko arrive in New York; Israeli war 

heroes to tour U'.S.; a talk by Secretary Johnson; 

fog disperser "fido" demonstration; 

9-year-old Italian prodigy conducts Paris 

orchestra; intercity Golden Gloves; water 

skiing. 

News of the Day, No. 261: European leaders 

in U.S.; Greece celebrates Independence day; 

signs of spring; youngster amazes musical 

world; water ski champ; a cancer trailer. 

Paramount News, No. 64: Water artistry; 

new defense chief meets the press; UN seeks 

peace for the entire middle east; gorilla 

flees zoo, climbs Eiffel Tower; a cancer trailer. 

Universal News, No. 235: Air safely fog disperser 

system boosts air force ceiling; ship 

news; egg beater propeller spins ship; 50,000 

sheep get fleeced; Oxford crew race; water 

skiing in Florida. 

Ship news; an- 

sheer beauty 

to ranches; vacation fashions in the Bahamas; 

Golden Gloves; rugby football; water ski wizard; 

Great American quiz. 

• 

All American News, No. 336: ROTC unit preguard 

mount and review in Kansas City; 

Our World magazine staff in New York demonstrates 

steps in going to press; Memphis 

Red Sox in spring training; Frank Collins of 

scholarship; Oak Ridge has 

All American News, No. 337: Warhawk air 

club in White Plains, N. Y., teaches young 

people to fly; ultra-modern motion picture 

theatre, the Lyric, opens in Lexington, Ky.; 

fire fighters of 'Wichita, Kas., observe 55th 

anniversary; new records set at Chicago relays; 

Army day observed in Frankfurt, Germany; 

Joe Louis turns fight promoter. 

• 

New York—Culture 

conference, a three-day war of words, flares 

in New York; Richmond—Huge fire razes mill; 

New York—Greek parade; Italy—Atlantic pact 

riots; England — Parachute nurses; carnival 

time—Mexico and Venezuela; Japan—The emperor 

is present as the Japanese Diet convenes 

in Tokyo; India—Prime Minister Pandit Nehru 

visits Hyderabad for a conference; Mexico 

an international ring of smugglers is uncovered 

by Mexico and United States: Fox returns 

to the fashion spotlight in a display of 

new fur styles by Esther Dorothy; Norwayski 

jump thriller; Brooklyn—organized suicide. 

14 BOXOFFICE BookinGuidev April 9, 1945

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips for Selling to the Public 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

Mr. Belvedere Goes to College F Comedy 

20th-rox (913) 84 Minutes Rel. May '49 

Those millions who were delighted when Mr. Belvedere 

made out of the profession of baby sitlin' one of screen history's 

most hilarious comedies undoubtedly will storm theatre 

turnstiles in their eagerness to witness his academic 

adventures. That avidity alone should be sufficiently potent 

to assure a rosy financial future for this successor to 

"Sitting Pretty." That many of the fans will be somewhat 

disappointed is unfortunate but also it is unavoidable inasmuch 

as the offering fails to attain either the pace or the 

hilarity of its record-breaking forerunner. Tille-roler Clifton 

Webb delivers his characteristic fine-grained performance 

and the picture boasts moments of dialog and situations 

which generate maximum mir;h, but they are somewhat 

offset by an overv/ritten screenplay and the fact that the 

supporting cast fails to keep in stride with the star. Directed 

by Elliott Nugent. 

Clifton Webb, Shirley Temple, Tom Drake, Alan Young, Jessie 

Royce Landis, Kathleen Hughes, Taylor Holmes. 

T? Costume 

The Fan •^ 

Drama 

20th-Fox (914) 79 Minutes Rel. May '49 

An excellent period piece, which retains the best features 

of i:s somewhat dated turn-of-the-century story and points 

them up by adding a modern-day prologue. Based on Oscar 

Wilde's drawing-room comedy, "Lady Windermere's Fan," 

the film is filled with sparkling and witty dialog and superb 

characterizations of high society folk. However, Director 

Otto Preminger has maintained a swift pace and made it 

far less of a conversation piece than the same author's "An 

Ideal Husband," which was made in England. While it will 

do best in big cities and class houses, the cast names will 

insure good business generally. Madeleine Carroll looks 

ravishing and gives a splendid performance as Mrs. Erlynne, 

an adventuress who saves, her noble daughter from a 

romantic indiscretion. Jeanne Crain does nicely as the 

daughter and Martila Hunt is outstanding as a sharp-tongued, 

gossipy duchess. Sets and costumes are lavish. 

Jeanne Grain, George Sanders, Madeleine Carroll, Richard 

Greene, Martita Hunt, John Sutton, Richarof Ney. 

Massacre River 

F 

Western 

Drama 

Monogram-Allied Artists (AA9) 78 Minutes Rel. Apr. 1, "49 

To give the picture spectacle and scope there are plenty 

of cavalry and Indians—two established prime elements for 

the bang-up western; and rugged scenic backgrounds filmed 

in sepiatone in the wastelands of northern Arizona. And to 

endow the offering with above average initial drawing power 

there is a name-heavy, youthful, enthusiastic cast with 

strong support for their thespian chores. Unfortunately, neither 

the script nor the direction took full advantage of such basic 

assets and, consequently, the film fails to fulfill their promise. 

Both situations and dialog are patently archaic and 

over-accented, which shortcomings are magnified when the 

yarn, with a striking loss in pace, departs from its sagebrush 

provinces to indulge in an excess of unnecessary 

and unconvincing heroics, making the picture something of 

a neither-fish-nor-flesh procedure. Directed by John Rawlins. 

Guy Madison. Rory Calhoun, Carole Mathews, Cathy Downs, 

Johnny Sands, Steve Brodie, Art Baker, Iron Eyes Cody. 

The Lawton Story 

F 

Religious 

Drama 

Hallmark Productions 111 Minutes Rel. 

Because of the nature of the offering and further because 

of the unconventional manner in which it is to be distributed, 

the film must be evaluated in other than the established 

manner both by the reviewers who will appraise it and by 

the showmen who will book if. The picture's ingredients are 

an off-beat blend of a contrived fictional plot and a documentary 

presentation of a passion play which is staged 

each Easter by the citizens of Lawton, Okla. The latter, which 

is handled entirely by amateur actors, impresses as a dignified 

and sincere undertaking which unquestionably will 

exert strong appeal among the religiously-inclined. The plot 

cooked up to accompany the pageant, however, is woefully 

weak. Whether the subject's assets will outweigh its liabilities, 

only initial bookings will reveal. Kroger Babb and 

J. S. Jossey co-produced and the co-directors were William 

Beaudine and Harold Daniels. 

Ginger Prince, Forrest Taylor, Millard Coody, Ferris Taylor, 

Gw-yn Shipman, Willa Pearl Curtis, Darlene Bridges. 

ddil lit kit 

$75, 

uildirV 

1026 BOXOFHCE 

lent. 

town. 

Flamingo Road 

Drama 

Warner Bros. (821) 

94 Minutes 

Rel. Apr. 30, '49 

Within its somewhat complicated story structure are several 

tried-and-proven plot ideas — prominent among them the 

"Hell hath no fury ." 

. . and "the female of the species is 

deadlier ." 

. . themes—any one of which would have been a 

wise selection for showcasing the talents of Joan Crawford. 

Thus it is difficult to foresee anything other than highly 

tousto' profitable results in all of the picture's appearances, although 

comparably expectable is the probability that critics and 

analytically-minded ticket-buyers will indict the offering's 

labyrinthal literary ensemble and its failui-e to convincingly 

conclude any of its many threads. Nor will the film's financial 

fate suffer from the top names with which La Crawford 

will shjare marquee space and acting honors, its lush production 

mountings and the always-skillful direction of 

Michael Curtiz. 

Joan Crawford, Zachary Scott, Sydney Greenstreet, David 

Brian, Gladys George, Virginia Huston, Fred Clark. 

Comedy 

Big Jack 

Drama 

MGM (924) 

85 Minutes Rel. Apr., 29, '49 

For the individual and collective fans of Wallace Beery 

and Marjorie Main and the admirers of the mugging marathon 

which ensues when they are teamed, this period picture 

has much to offer. There's plenty of shoot-'em-up action 

especially in the earlier sequences—a steady strain of 

rough-'n-ready comedy and production mountings sufficiently 

impressive to create an aura of importance. Concerning its 

literary excellence and logic, less can be said. The film is 

two yarns merged into one. The first stems from the title 

and has Beery in a "Viva Villa" type of role as a bandit 

of the early 1800s preying on the people of Virginia and 

Maryland The other treats with a grave-robbing young 

doctor, eager to bring scientific medicine to the new frontiers. 

They are treated to considerable literary license to effect 

the merger. Directed by Richard Thorpe. 

Wallace Beery, Richard Conte, Marjorie Main, Edward Arnold, 

Vanessa Brown, Clinton Sundberg, Charles Dingle. 

proof 

.Action 

lulpm' 

Hideout 

F 

Drama 

Republic (806) 61 Minutes 

ReL Mar. 8. '49 

A moderately entertaining programmer dealing with big 

city jewel thieves and small town detectives. While name 

value is mild, the picture will fit into the lower half of the 

average dual bill, the purpose for which it was made. The 

story starts off in melodramatic fashion, but slows down 

during a few romantic complications about midway. The 

finish has a fair amount of suspense and excitement. Adrian 

Booth, previously seen in Republic westerns, does a good 

acting job as an alluring crook but she is surpassed by 

Sheila Ryan, who gives the role of a clever little secretary a 

light touch. Ray Collins is excellent as the leader of a gang 

of jewel thieves who hides out with his loot in a small town. 

Audiences will recognize such dependable character players 

as Charles Halfon, Alan Carney and Fletcher (formerly 

"Chick") Chandler. Directed by Philip Ford 

Adrian Booth, Lloyd Bridges, Ray Collins, Sheila Ryan, Alan 

Carney, Charles Halton, Nana Bryant, Fletcher Chandler. 

Comedy 

The Lovable Cheat F 

Film Classics ( ) 

74 Minutes Rel. April '49 

Although it was produced entirely in Hollywood with a 

cast of predominantly American players, the effort smacks 

unmistakably of the continental approach to costume comedy. 

Such treatment is understandable in view of the fact 

that it was made by Richard Oswald, producer-director who 

began his career in Germany in the movies' early days. 

This offering, which has Chai-les Ruggles in the title role, is 

difficult to classify, and even more difficult is the task of 

prognosticating its revenue potentialities. Adapted from a 

play by the French author, Honore de Balzac, it is a satirical 

.rieati comedy of the 

ime ar 

mounted high Parisian social life of a century ago, 

•33 with the necessary opulence and well enough 

. . What 

. . That 

. . Who 

. . The 

. . That 

EXPLOITIPS 

Suggestions for Selling; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

SELLING ANGLES: "Flamingo Road" 

Let your patrons know that the film reunites Joan Crawford 

and Director Michael Curtiz, who teamed earlier to turn 

out the Academy award-winning "Mildred Pierce." Since 

Miss Crawford is recognized as one of the screen's bestdressed 

women, arrange for tieups with women's clothing 

the actress. If you can secure police permission, change the 

*- 

name of the street on which your theatre is located to -^ 

"Flamingo Road" during the booking of the picture. 

struc 

CATCHLINES: 

Packed With a Mighty Dramatic Wallop . . . You'll Hail 

It as an Emotional Triumph . Unforgettable Story of 

an Unforgettable Girl . Fought Her Way Out of a 

Network of Scandal ... To Find Love. 

•What Was the Amazing Truth . Lay Buried in 

This Woman's Soul? . Was the Secret She Was So 

Determined to Keep . She Was Willing to Kill? . . . 

Don't Miss the Year's Dramatic Triumph.

drinking; 

I 

ATES: 10c per word, minimiiTn $1.00, cash with copy. Foitr insertions lor p>rice of three. 

LOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers to 

Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 82S Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 1, Mo. • 

HELP WANTED 

Manager, second run small tbeotrt competing 

Ui lars« dreult, Florida. Apartmuit rurnlshed. 

lull beginnUie salary against percentage. Box- 

'ice. 

A-3:iC7. 

Projectioniit, qualified making; minor repairs, 

'lllaê •pcralion). State particulars, salary. 

Jo Dellinen, WalervUle, Ohio, 

Manager Wanted: Thorout;hly experienced, buy- 

;, booking, exploitation, presently employed. 

honest; reliable. Furnish best refnces. 

Tortn 8,000. two theatres. St. Louis 

Titory. (iive TuU information first letter. 

>nderful opportunity for right man. Boxofflce, 

3383 

Excellent opportunity for young hard bitting 

?atre manager. Learn home office operation in 

m buying and booking. I'erfect position for 

iit man. Complete security, all employee beoes. 

Gslabll.'ihpd expanding circuit. Advance- 

'nl depends upon you. Boxofflce, A-8365. 

Handle world's lovve.st priced, new type film 

.erllslng for your theatre or territory. Make 

niy easy money. No experience necessary, 

ite for free information. Associated Film Co., 

'.. I2th and Walntit Bldg., Kansas City. Mo. 

Theatre manager wanted for small Kansas 

.n. Bo\offic« 3404. 

Theatre manager wiuiteJ suburban theatre Kan- 

Clly. Mo. Bovoffice 3405 

Expanding midwest circuit hits immediate atrtlve 

opport unit it's for eicperlcnced young thee 

managen;. Bnxnfflce .^304. 

Display artists, good at fronts, set-pieces 

leral theatre flash work: prefer one who can 

a£ assistant manager or where needed. Good 

)ortunity with growing circuit. Write Rocket 

Mce. Box lt62. rnlontown, Pa. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

Nine years experience on any make of eqni fill. 

Will KO an>^\here. Married, aged 24. 

fer Simplex onnlpment. Boxofflce. A-33ao. 

L8 years experience, personality, sober, steady, 

able. All phiises theatre operation. Good 

lager, cipable project lonlfvt. Best references. 

fer northern Wisconsin. Boxofflce, A-33&J. 

/eteran desires theatre supenlsor or manr's 

position. Six years experience as manr 

or operator. Will go anywTiere In the U.S. 

kins Wiesen. 131 Roanoke Ave.. Riverbea^l, 

.. N. Y. 

Projectionist: 18 years experience, married, 

er, reliable, anywhere. Some experience as 

lagw. Round experience. Boxofflce. 3395. 

I^roiectionist: 24 years experience, available 

( 

'. ab'ôlutcly sober, reliable, no Negro house 

.office 3396 

Manager: 15 years experience desires position 

(fth«rn California. Other offers considered, 

Good used or new 35mm mowe equipment complete, 

state condition, price. Earl F, Bush, 

lioffice 3402. 

Cl\1c Theatre. Pretty Prairie. Kas 

*ouple: Above average. Now employed, must 

ictantly resign account no housing. Pro-ecilst 

27 ye;irs experience, all repairs, malnten- 

Manageress -cashier 15 ye.irs experience, 

e«, small touTis. Sober, dependable, corative. 

permanent. Housing a mu.^^t. Boxce 

3403 

SALESMEN 

^tefined, aggressive, to sell display advertising 

merchants for theatres In your own territory, 

com. paid at once on Immedhite sales. Reres 

traveling. Film salesmen preferred. Stats 

erlence. Maurice Zell, 308 Eddy St., San 

ncisco 2. Calif 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

13 years "Sale by Mall" policy insures your 

ch.xse here: 50.000 customers the world ovrr 

It SOS and keep bu>ing here because SOS sells 

less: 1949 cat.ilog ready. Pept. C, S.OS. 

ema Supply Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St.. New 

k 19. 

electrifying electronic values— Amplifiers. Speak- 

Soundhead.s, Closing out away below cost— 

our list. Dual Simplex outfit. F. S. projec- 

>: lenses: 2.000 ft. m;ig;izlnes: changeovers: 

oy soundheads: Peerless L. I. arcs; rectifiers; 

ikers. good condition. $795: Dual DeVry XD 

nsportables. complete, rebuilt. $595: RCA 

frequency folded baffles, worth $300. $99.75: 

iplex Mechanisms from $69.50. 1949 catalog 

1y. Dept. C. S,0,S. Cinema Supply Corp.. 602 

52nd St.. New York 19. 

heck These Items! Competition defied! Asht 

65 ampere lamphouses. rebuilt, $425; Cenmechanl.'^ms. 

new. $375; Griswold splicers 

.50; Simplex rear ^^hnttrr mechanisms: latest 

ure.s. rebuilt. $279.50; Powers $114,50: 

ry XD proiectors. genuine DeVry amplifier, 

lilt. pair. $575: Holmes, rebuilt, pair. $550; 

[f do you need? Star Cinema Supplv. 441 

50lh St . N.V irt 

Iomplete booth equipment, like new. for theaup 

to 500 seats. Including RCA soundhends. 

ex lamp*, etc. Motion Picture Service Co.. 

Hyde St.. San Francisco 2. Calif. 

XOFFICE 

GENERAL EQ'PM'T—USED (Cont'd) 

Complete booth equipment, like new ; all rebuilt 

and matching black wrinkle flnhih, consisting rear 

shutter Simplex mechanisms, bases, magazines, 

soundheads, amplifier, speaker system, Brenkert 

lamps and rectifiers for 500-seat theatre. A steal 

at $1,500. Medfield Theatre. Medfleld. Mass. 

Two Powers 6B prujeders and IJCA sound system, 

complete, êry good condition. Can be seen 

in regular theatre operation until May 1st. You 

can get a lot of satisfactory operation from this 

equipment. Selling figure very low. Dorsey TheatTe. 

Phune 110. Jamestown, Ohio. 

For Sale: 14 celling fans, perfect condition; can 

be seen. Kedzle Theatre. 3204 W. Madison St.. 

Chicago. Phone KEdzle. 3-0257. 

Two Powers 68. WeUers sound ampllller. rectifiers, 

lenses, speakers. 250-seat. $1,000. Lake 

Ttieatre, Monpunsett, Muss. 

Western Electric Motlograph sound system with 

double channel 91-B amiillfiers. perfect condition, 

operating in Imperial Theatre. New Orleans. La. 

Large lot of used Simplex mechanisms and 

Peerless low lumps at a real bargain. Boxoffice 

3399. 

Pair DeVry 35mm portables, fair, like new 

DeVry 25-wfitt amplifier 12-inch speaker. $295 

complete. A & T. Wickes, Ark. 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW 

62 paces chockful of bargains. Get yuur 1949 

catalog and find—RCA microphones, $12.95; 

7x9 ft. spring roller screens. $39.50: Baby Spotlites, 

$7.45; Coin Ciiangcrs, $149-50; 15 amp. 

rectifier bulbs, $4.95; beautiful Stage Settings, 

Imish velour and satin. $277.50; Automatic 

Curtain machines. $129.50; Plastic Soundscreens. 

39^c sq. ft.; Hual Wenzel projector outfits with 

RCA type amplifier; two-way Speaker; Coated 

Lens; IKW Arclamps; Rectifiers, worth $4,500, 

now $2,950. (Available on time payments). Depl. 

C, SOS. Cinema Supply Corp, 602 W. 52nd 

St.. New York 19. 

"Phillips" Safety Carbon Savers. Ask your theatre 

dealer. 

Projection bulbs. Genepfll Electric, 1,000-watt 

T 20 Mocul Pre-focus, C 13 D. Brand new, $1.50 : 

each. Limited supply. (MinimiMn order one dozen). 

I 

Jules Epstein. GOl Pelham Pkway. Bronx 67, N, Y. 

Draperies, curtains, steel tracks, automatic curtain 

machines. Send for dimension form for 

quotatlonR. Fred's Theatre Service, Vina, Ala. 

Holmes projectors. ".America's Greate.st Value." 

New 1949 models. 35 ,ind ICmm. Send for descriptive 

liternture. Cinema Projector Senice. 

P. 0. Box 703. Ch;irle.stnn 23. W. Va. 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

Wanted: 150 good used upholstered chairs. 

Avalon Theatre. Avon. S. D. 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

1949 Catalog Film Production Equipment Ready. 

Everything for studio, lalwwtory and cutting room, 

flet yours! New 16mm Sound and Picture Printers. 

$585: 35mm Tape Itworders. $1,500; Composite 

Soiifid Moviola tvpe 35mm, $495; Belhowell 

16mm comWnstlon Sound Pxlitor. $312 50: 

Schijstek 35/16mm Rediicfinn Print-er, $1,250; 

Arriflex Newsrecl CamtTn. 4 lenses, complete, 

$795; 18 ft. Microphone Boom. $300; Stop Watch 

Film Timer. $34.75: Cinephone 35mm Recorder. 

$495: Neum.ide combination 16/35mm Au'tomatie 

Film Clearer. $350 value. $194,50; Giant Spotlite 

Tripods, ft. high. $9,95; Bardwell 5000W 

8 

floodllfes. $11-1.73: 1/12 hp Sjnchronous Motors, 

$57,50: Sound Moviolas lowest in years, Dept. 

r, S.OS. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., 

New York 19. 

OR OUTDOOR 

DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Drive-In Owners: Hop first plane to New York, 

you'll save airf;ire many times! Time Payments, 

too! All makes in-car speakers in stock—try 'em 

before you buy 'em. Complete booth outfits \\lth 

high intensity arcs. $1,595 up; new 500-watt 

Western Dectric Booster Amplifiers. $650; driveway 

enlrance and exit signs, illuminated. $22.50: 

Burial Cable. 6c ft.; Super Snaplite fl. 9 leases 

from $125. Special Drive-ln catalog section 

ready. Dept. C. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 

W^ 52nd St.. New York 19. 

Low cost fencing for Drive-ins. Prefabricated 

Rustic Fence has saved wiê builders thousand'^ 

of dollars. Immediate delivery. Rustic Fence. 

2343 N. Upton. Minneapolis. Minn, 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets. 

100.000. $23.95; 10.000. $6 85: 2.000, $4.45. 

Each change in admission price. Irtchidlng change 

in color. $3,00 extra. Do

îêoi>{4 

TALKIIVS 

. . and everybody's 

saying it's 

the 

organization that 

works the hardest 

to help the 

showmen of America 

BELVEDERE 

THE EAN. THE SNAKE P.T 

CANADIAN PACinC 

A LETTER 

TO THREE WIVES 

OOWNTOTHESEAINSH^ 

Ni^t£^/IL3 

U^MlO^ 

-^ ^ 

CENTURY-FOX 

ô^^Kjeô^j /

1NATIONAL

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