Boxoffice-November.07.1953

P/G^to&n. 

MctuAe yncuxAt^ 

elected or the Chicago convenlion Seated: R. R. Livingiton, Omaho, secretory, Walter Rni.t. ir tj, . York, prctident; 

ihrille, retiring president, now chairman of board and executire committee; Herman Levy, general counsel Standing A. Julian Brylow- 

D C, Pot McGce, Denver, Albert Pickus, Stroltord, Conn., and Pot Cooper, Son Francisco, directors.—Convention report starts on page 8. 

MiffllSlli 

lo(l4Mlinfl 

in« SetUoJul M«Mk Piflci of All editions 

NOVEMBER 7, 1953

0yi oft- 

WASH., D. C. WOW! 

"EASY" DOES IT! 

"EASY 

K.C 

fl^pyno, I 

HUB 

i^\ 

JOHNHi^MI

' 

/ 

fat'on 

oru"' ^'''''"'on that rA 

Possibi,_ -Ho^W ''"'="''' never 1?''' 

\.D1NEPAGE 

WARD BOND 

• 

MICHAEL PATE 

• 

JAMES ARNESS 

DIRECTED Bv JOHN FARROW 

• A WAYNE FELLOWS PRODUCTION 

WIDE SCREENS 

SCREEN PL*V B» 

POOrwCEDBv 

JAMES EDWARD GRANT • ROBERT FELLOWS 

o.sT«,eoTE0 9v WARNER BROS

this exhibitor is 

equipped for 

CinemaScopE

' 

I Offices: 

282 

' 

superior 

i 7û£ie- o^ (/ie^/?/>/ic>n 7î'cfn7e //uitiAhi/ 

THE KATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

PaMlhtd 

In NIni SKtional Editions 

BEN SHLYEN 

Edllor-in-Chiel and Publisher 

JAMB M. JERAULD 

Editor 

NATHAN COHEN , . Executive Editor 

ItSSE SHLYEN Manogino Editor 

IVAN SPEAR Western Editor 

L THATCHER. .Equipment Editor 

WRRIS SCHLOZMAN. Business Mgr. 

NUitatloil Officts: 829 Van Brunt Blvd.. 

KuMI Cll» J4. Mo N«lhan Cohen. Eitcu- 

",. uitor; Jpsse Shlytn, MmaKlnj Ml- 

Morrb SoWoemui, Business Munager. 

Itor The Modem Theatre 

I CHestDut 7777. 

tl Ordces: 9 Rockefeller Plui. New 

JO. N V. Donald M. Meriereau. 

Publisher t General Manajer: 

5-6370. 

Jerauld. Editor: A. J. Stocker, 

I Advertising. Telephone COlum- 

I Offices: Editorial—MO No. Ulctl- 

CWcago U. ni , Francea B. 

7-3972. Adver- 

IbtM—36 East Wackcr Drlva. Chlcaia 1. 

'-• - 'nj Hutchison and E E. Vcck, 

ANdover 3-S043. 

Bdltorlal and Film Adver- 

(lilUt—6404 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 

- - 

Spear, manaeer. Tele- 

HOIlyvood 6-1186 Equipment and 

oe-ntn Ad»erlL>dng—672 S. LaFayette 

I. Us Angeles, Calif. Bob Wettiger. 

Telephone Dunkirk 8-2286. 

jVasklniton Office: Al Goldsmith, 1365 

KaUoul Press BIdg. Phone tlelropolltan 

k-0001. Sara Young, 41S Third St., N.W. 

hie MODERN THEATRE Section Is Inlluded 

In the first issue of each month. 

Ilie PROMOTION Section Is Included In 

[be third Issue of each month. 

\ibtaj: 21-23 Walter Are., J. 8. Connera 

»lrBli«ham: The News, Eddie Badger, 

kottoo: Frances W. Harding, Ub 2-0306. 

liarlotte: 300 W. 3rd St., Richard E. 

Euon. 

tadnvatl: 4029 Reading, Ulll.-ui Laianjs. 

lewlind: Elsie Locb, Falrmount 1-0046. 

tllu: 200SA Jackson. Frank Bradley. 

Mm: 1646 Ufayette. Jack Rote, 

TA 8617. 

a Uolnes : Register-Tribune, Russ Schoch. 

«tn>lt: Foi nieatre BIdg.. H. V. TImts. 

idlaniioliJ : Route 8, Box 770, Howard 

H. Hudeaui. OA 3339 

Itaplils: 707 Spring St . Null Adamg. 

Ilnoiapolls: 2123 Fremont, So.. Les Rees. 

ii« Haven: New Haven Register. Walter 

Dadar. 

lev Orleans: Frances Jordan. 

NO. States. 

kla. aiy: 821 NB 23rd. Polly Trlndle. 

on 61«t8t. Irving Baker. 

Mladelphla: 6363 Berks. Norman Shlgon. 

R. P. KllnjensmiUi, 616 Jeanmiklnsburg, 

OiurchUl 1-2808. 

Ore.: Arnold Marks, Oregon 

i: 6149 Rosa. David Bari«tt. 

alt UkeClty: Deseret News, H. Pearson 

ui Antonio: 326 San Pedro. BS-M80. 

L J. B. Ketncr, S. Taias editor, 

n FVandsco: Gall Lipman. 387-J8th 

Ave; Skjilne 1-4365. Advertising: Jerry 

Newell. Howard BIdg.. 209 Po«t St.. 

TDkoo 6-2522. 

itUe: 1303 Campui PkwT . 

John: 116 Prince Edward. W. 

Dave Ballard. 

McNulty. 

ronto: 1675 Bayview Ave.. R.R. 2. 

Vork MUls, Ont., W. Gladish. 

incouver: Lyric Theatre BIdg., Jack Droy. 

pnlpef 

: Rupertsland. Ben Sommers. 

Meaiber Audit Bureau of Circulations 

Altered as Second Class matter at Post 

met, Kansas City, Mo. Sectional Edition, 

1100 per year: National Edition, $7.50. 

NOVEMBER 7, 1953 

'ol. 64 No. 2 

D. 

SPOTLIGHT ON PRODUCT 

\\\: ..(lii.iisiios uitli mIiIiIi ixliiliilors 

view the cffi its of u prtidticl nhortngc was pivpii 

strong ciiiphnsi.^ by the vigorous ili.*cour»e on 

the siilijcit at the Theatre Owners of America 

convention held at Chicago this week. Uhilc 

great interest was manifested in other trade matters 

at the five-day gathering, a fear of product 

scarcity and the jjrohlems thai stem therefrom. 

tooiv the spotlight. 

In his keynote address, Iônard Goldenson. 

president of American Broadcasting-United Paramount 

Theatres, dealt mainly with problems 

arising out of the technological whirlpool in 

which this industry has been floundering since 

early this year. He sought to bring about solution 

of these problems bv the suggestion of forthright 

action to be taken by exhibitors. 

On the point of product supply, he proposed 

that exhibitors enter or finance production to 

provide a sufficient number of pictures to meet 

the demand. Xo doubt, it jiroved surprising to 

the rank and file that the largest theatre circuit 

in America should be faced with "product shortage," 

but, as we pointed out on this page last 

week, this is due. not so much to the number of 

releases in prospect, but to the slowing up of 

their flow. Tlic technological developments, of 

course, and the over-extended runs of key attractions, 

are 

along with the upsetting of clearances, 

the principal causes. 

Mr. Goldenson attributes some blame to 

divorcement, which, he says, "has left the balance 

of bargaining power heavily weighed in favor of 

production." (This certainly is not what exhibitors 

were expecting when they pressed their 

antitrust 

case.) 

Be that as it may, product shortage begets another 

problem—exorbitant film rentals. And this, 

in turn, takes away from exhibitors the means of 

keeping up the physical attractiveness of their 

properties, leading to retrogression and self-destruction, 

instead of progress. Terming this a 

"vicious chain." Mr. Goldenson suggested that 

the cure was "statesmanship." which he defined 

as "the realization on the part of producers that 

already in small towns the only theatre in 

existence is starting to close . . . that it is a 

losing battle unless the producers furnish the 

film (needed) . . . that they cannot cut off these 

basic roots of the motion picture theatre and 

expect the trunk and branches to remain strong 

and healthy." 

Very much in the same vein, .Alfred Starr, retiring 

T0.\ president and new board chairman, 

declared. "The scarcity of product leaves a 

vacuum in the subsequent and small town theatres 

... To ignore any large segment of the 

great American i)ublic is to drive them to other 

forms of amusement, and people do lose the 

motion picture habit. The industry digs its 

own grave, if it ignores or neglects any segment 

of its audience or iU potential audience." 

.Mr. .Starr, howrvir. f..rc.ia« .i filling of the 

vacuum that would be left by fwarrily of product; 

that "someone will rome along and produce 

the modesth -budgeted picturett thai are 

and always have been the bread an«l butter of 

our prosperous industry." 

From this, one may take the view that quantity 

is counted upon as a highly nereMary factor 

still 

—at least for the subsequent and small town 

theatres. The industry has Irie.l «. often to 

veer away from this school of thinking, with 

frequent advocacy of "fewer and better." but 

always it has, somehow, returned to what wc 

term following the lines of least resistance. 

It may take less effort that way. But we 

wonder, if that's the way to progress. 

Congratulations, Barney! 

It is alli>gcthcr fitting that Barney Balaban 

was chosen as the Motion Picture Pioneer of 

19,53, for he is truly a pioneer in every sense 

of the word. From a modest beginning in the 

operation of a nickelodeon in Chicago in 1907, 

Îr. Balaban has contributed much to the growth 

and progress of the industry. In the field of 

exhibition, he introduced air conditioning 

through his Riviera Theatre, nearly forty years 

ago. This was followed by a succession of innovations, 

some startlingly daring for their time, 

all of which added to the importance of the 

motion picture theatre in community life and 

to its overall growth as the world's finest entertainment 

medium. 

When Mr. Balaban entered production-distribution 

about 20 years ago. he brought to the 

Paramount companies an exhibitor's viewpoint. 

along with an astute ability as a businessman, 

that steered that organization through the dark 

depression period into brighter days. On the 

occasion of his tenth year as president of Paramount, 

he was feted by industry members, not 

merely for the success he had achieved in this 

post, but because of his efforts in the field of 

human relations, which work he has progressively 

continued. 

.\gain in May of 1951. Mr. Balaban was the 

honor guest at an unusual testimonial dinner, 

which was given by his friends and neighbors 

of Westchester County in tribute to his devotion 

to patriotic and humanitarian causes. 

We felicitate Barney Balaban on this significant 

occasion and for his nearly fifty years of 

service to his industry and fellowmen. 

\Ji^ /64uu)tyy^

TOA CONVENTIOI 

TOA CALLS FOR RESUMPTION 

OF ARBITRATION DISCUSSIONS 

Firmly Resolves to Find 

An All-Industry Plan 

To Settle Disputes 

By NATHAN COHEN 

CHICAGO—Theatre Owners of America 

at its convention here this week called for a 

resumption of arbitration discussions to 

draft an all-industry system of settling 

disputes. 

The TOA is willing to go it alone or in 

association with other exhibitor organizations, 

but the organization firmly is resolved 

to find a way to establish an arbitration 

plan. 

The resolution which was adopted by the 

members calls for TOA "to join with distributors 

and all other exhibitor groups that wish 

to establish a .sy.stem of arbitration for use 

of all exhibitors in the country who desire 

to use it." 

MORE THAN 2,000 ATTEND 

It was the major decision at a convention 

which was confronted with many vital industry 

problems. More than 2,000 persons—theatremen, 

equipment manufacturers, dealers 

joined in making the meeting possibly the 

largest ever held by an exhibitor organization. 

The tradeshow alone drew more visitors on 

its opening day than last year's show attracted 

during the entire convention week. 

It was a strenuous convention, with open 

fonuns, busine.ss meetings, tradeshow demonstrations 

keeping delegates busy from early 

morning until late evening. 

Other convention developments: 

1. Pat McGee, co-chairman of the national 

tax repeal committee, said the committee Ls 

ready to talk to anyone in the administration 

about a tax plan which will bring relief to 

the greatest number of exhibitors who require 

it. This was not to be interpreted as compromise 

on the 20 per cent tax, but McGee 

pointed out that the concensus of those wellgrounded 

in politics is that there will be no 

presidential message concerning hope for 

immediate relief, "certainly not the kind of 

relief that the industry as a whole must 

have." He called for a campaign which will 

have sufficient congressional support to override 

a presidential veto. 

CINEMASCOPE CREDIT PLAN 

2. Spyros Skouras, president of the 20th- 

Century-Fox, announced that his company 

will extend credit to any theatre owner who 

Is unable to buy Cinemascope equipment by 

guaranteeing payment to the manufacturer, 

and allowing a reasonable length of time for 

payment. 

Skoura-s also told the convention: 

A. Only the A-strollte and Miracle Mirror 

.screens are acceptable for Cinemascope 

performances by his company, but 20th-Pox 

will work with any .screen manufacturer 

and assist in research and financing the 

development of a screen surface satisfactory 

for Cinemascope standards. 

B. The company will not relea.se "The 

Robe" to drlve-ln theatres without stereophonic 

.sound and acceptable screens—but 

he feels that Pox engineers shortly will 

Exhibitor COMPO Dues 

To Be Reduced 25% 

Chicago—Exhibitor dues for COMPO 

will be reduced by 25 per cent because of 

the favorable financial situation in which 

the org:anization finds itself. 

Sam Pinanski, TOA's member of 

COMPO's governing body, released the 

following statement signed by himself, AI 

Lichtman, who represents the distributors 

on the COMPO triumvirate; Trueman 

Rembusch, who is .Allied's representative; 

Wilbur Snaper, Allied's president; Col. 

H. A. Cole and Pat McGee, co-chairmen 

of the national tax committee; A. F. 

Myers, Allied's general counsel: 

'In view of the position in which 

COMPO finds itself financially (with a 

carryover of approximately 830,000) , justifying 

lesser demands for funds, it has been 

decided to cut back exhibitor dues by 25 

per cent. The distributors have agreed to 

a dollar for dollar matching of these 

funds. The MPAA has estimated Its liability 

at $150,000 on this basis, but if 

exhibitor dues exceed this figure, the distributors 

will meet this average on the 

same dollar for dollar basis." 

whip the drive-in problem posed by the 

Cinemascope requirements of stereosound 

and screen. 

C. "The Robe" will be sold on a basis of 

guaranteeing every exhibitor a 10 per cent 

profit. The sales plan for Cinemascope 

pictures also calls for guaranteeing a profit 

on each picture. The company will make 

adjustments on playdates where adjustments 

are justified. The company is not 

dictating admission prices. Skouras said 

the picture is playing at regular prices in 

St. Louis and drawing big crowds. 

3. The board of directors voted to affiliate 

with COMPO for another year and named 

Sam Pinanski as its representative. 

4. Washington was picked as the midwinter 

meeting place, to be held sometime in January. 

5. The board endorsed the purposes of the 

National Exhibitors Theatre Television Committee, 

which is to apply to the Federal 

Communication Commission for common 

carrier channels to handle theatre TV exclusively. 

While new equipment and processes was a 

big point of interest, as had been anticipated, 

the major concern of exhibitors was product. 

As Alfred Starr, the retiring president and 

new chairman of the board remai-ked, the 

theme of this convention is, "we must have 

product." 

There was every evidence that the pressure 

on distributors to Increase production is on. 

Leonard Goldenson, president of American 

Broadcasting-Paramount Tlieatres, in the 

keynote address warned that exhibitors will 

go into picture making If the distributors fall 

to provide them. This warning was echoed by 

Starr In his address to the convention at the 

cUxsing banquet. 

Concern over future supply of product 

overshadowed everything else. Television Is 

no longer considered the big ogre which will 

kill off the motion picture theatre, top theatremen 

agreed. S. H. Fabian tind Mitchell 

Wolfson, co-chairmen of the TV committee, 

both reported that there is evidence on almost 

every TV front that people in televLsion areas 

are going back to the movies. 

On equipment, exhibitors got some assurances 

from manufacturers and engineers. 

They were told that equipment now on the 

market—screens, projection, stereophonic 

sound—will not be outmoded within the foreseeable 

future by the introduction of new 

techniques. There may be changes in the 

way thLs equipment is to lie produced and 

some modifications may come, but the basic 

pattern has been set. 

MANY TECHNICAL MEN PRESENT 

For the first time, there were many projection 

and maintenance men in attendance, as 

evidence that theatremen are anxious to get 

as much information as possible for better 

operation of the new system. Circuit presidents 

brought along their chief projection 

men, and many maintenance executives as 

well as concession managers were present 

Wliile the accompanying tradeshow was one 

of the big attractions for the men, they also 

participated in the various forums and discussions. 

The exhibitor has recognized the Importance 

of these individuals in a new era of operational 

problems. 

Everyone was impressed with the manner 

in which the tradeshow was operated this 

year. On all sides there was the e\idence of 

cooperation between TESMA-TEDA and TOA 

personnel in creating a top show. The exhibits 

were attractive. The new screens, the 

magnetic sound systems and concessions, in 

particular, were big interest items, but exhibitors 

were not forgetting the need for improved 

physical condition of the theatre. Carpet and 

chair manufacturers said theatremen in 

greater numbers than in many years were 

asking for information on these products. 

STARR TALKS ON ARBITRATION 

Tlie convention came to a clo.se with an allindustry 

banquet Tliursday night, at which 

general James Van Fleet and Alfred Starr 

were the speakers. George Jessel was master 

of ceremonies and Paul Wliiteman and his 

orchestra provided musical entertainment. 

"Ai-bitration will not offer an eiusy solution 

for all our problems," Starr told the huge 

assembly at the final banquet, "or even for all 

our disputes. Arbitration does not guarantee 

the sin-vival of a marginal theatre, and It 

certainly does not guarantee the survival of 

a marginal producer. Tlie very best tliat can 

be said for it is that it provides a forum, a 

calm meeting place, and an opportunity for 

an aggrieved person to talk out his problem.-- 

under circumstances that comixM careful attention." 

A great many of the arguments in the 

industry which wind up in antitrust suits can 

be avoided he said, if theatremen with a complaint 

simply have an opportunity of telling 

their side of the controversy to a group of 

Industry nuMubcr.s. 

BOXOFFICE Novembci 1953

: November 

: 

PRODUCT SHORTAGE MAY FORCE 

EXHIBITORS INTO FILM MAKING 

Leonard Goldenson, AB-PT 

President, So Warns in 

Keynote Address 

CHICAGO— If producers do not supply 

enough pictures, exhibitors will have to 

protect themselves by producing pictures, 

by financing production, or in some other 

way, Leonard H. Goldenson, president of 

American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres. 

Inc.. told members of Theatre Owners 

of America in his keynote address to the 

convention here. 

Exhibitors have a four-to-one ratio of 

Investment in the industry and must protect 

themselves, if necessary. Goldenson 

asserted. 

BELIEVES TIME IS NOW 

"I don't know of a better time to go into 

production than presently when the demand 

for pictures far exceeds the supply. I am sure 

new forces will be set in motion to correct this 

imbalance unless the producers correct it 

themselves within the near future," Goldenson 

declared. 

Exorbitant film rentals follow from the 

shortage of product, he said, and deterioration 

of theatres as physical properties will 

come unless exhibitors can keep enough money 

to maintain them. 

At the start of his talk Goldenson said: 

"Let me make here and now. lest any criticism 

I make hereafter be misconstrued, my 

profession of faith in the motion picture industry 

and its future." 

Goldenson is the one man in the entertainment 

business who heads both a national 

radio-television organization—A m e r i c a n 

Broadcasting Co.—and the largest circuit of 

theatres in the country. He led up to his 

discussion of a product shortage for theatres 

by admitting that television is a competitor 

for man's leisiue time, but added that so is 

every other form of entertainment. He described 

TV as the "at home snack" while 

films are the "full seven-course meal at a 

sumptuous restaurant." 

SEES TV AS -GREATEST ALLY' 

"And," he continued, "television will no 

more put motion pictures out of business than 

home cooking—good as it may be—has put 

restaurants out of business. The motion picture 

satisfies the human need for gregariousness. 

Last, and let us not underestimate 

this, it satisfies the woman's need to get out 

of the home, to see her friends, to show off 

her new dress, to see the world in which she 

lives." 

Then he said that television could be motion 

pictures' "greatest ally" and pointed out 

that relatively few pictures have used it because 

the picture industry has not yet found 

the right method. He said he believed that 

television was "peculiarly suited to advertise 

motion pictures for it provides a method for 

bringing a sample of the product into the 

potential user's home." 

Turning to a discussion of the new production 

and projection techniques—Cinerama, 

3-D, Cinemascope, WarnerScope. stereophonic 

sound, Vistarama and other systems—Gold- 

BOXOFnCE : 

7, 1953 

Keynote High Points 

IHkIi poiiiis in Lcomiril (iulilen.vin'.H keynote 

spetH'h: 

1. Producers must supply an adequate 

number of films or exhibitors will be 

forced to produce motion pictures In selfprotection. 

2. I am heartily In favor of standardization 

. . . but I am opposed to a standardization 

which will ri-sult in the motion 

picture settlinK down to another run for 

another 'iO years. 

3. Exhibitors should be constantly on 

the alert to put on their screens any possible 

new techniques which will maintain 

the interest of the public. 

4. The shortage in product is an artificially 

created situation. Divorcement has 

left the balance of power heavily weighed 

in favor of production. 

5. With product shortugr "has come 

other attendant evils of which unconscionable 

film rentals and over-extended 

playing time are undoubtedly the worst." 

6. If film rentals and picture shortages 

. . . take away from the exhibitor the 

money that is necessary to transport our 

patrons into attractive, well-kept theatres, 

there will be less patrons, less money, 

less theatres and so less production and. 

therefore, 

self-destruction. 

enson said confusion has resulted in a clamor 

for standardization, but that he had only 

two comments to make 

"First, this revolution in screen presentations 

has brought to the motion picture industry 

a resurgence of public interest that 

it has not enjoyed for many years. Even if 

the public is somewhat confused, they are 

interested. This interest has caused increased 

gi-osses at the boxoffice. 

"Secondly. a.s to the clamor for standardization. 

I can only say that I am heartily in 

favor of a standardization which will enable 

us to do cheaply what we are now doing expensively—for 

a standardization which will 

bring all the new techniques within the financial 

ability of all the theatres. But I am just 

as heartily opposed to a standardization which 

will result In the motion pictures settling down 

into another run for anotlier 20 years. It would 

be tragic if motion pictures again became 

commonplace and lost the interest of the 

public. On the contrary. I feel that, as exhibitors, 

we should be constantly on the alert 

to capture and to put on our screens any possible 

new techniques which will maintain the 

interest of the public in our business and 

which should represent progress rather than 

distress." 

Then Goldenson turned to the product 

shortage that has agitated regional and national 

meetings for some time. 

"I beheve that the motion picture industry 

has it within its power to destroy itself." he 

said. "Our industry has need for great statesmanship 

to avoid the pitfall. 

Itic daiiKcr to the motion picture liidu-itry 

comes about through an artlflcaily created 

Hituation." he continued. Prlor to divorcement 

the Indastry had reached u balance of 

bargaininK power between production and txhlbition. 

Divorcement has left the balance 

heavily weighed In favor of production. I do 

not need to document that aA.sertlon— the 

financial statementu of the larger production 

companies are .sufficient proof. But— ao U 

that were not enough— it appears that these 

production companies may have deserted to 

the opportimlam that mast of us .so loudly 

Joined in condemning before divorcement. 

FLAYS INDEPENDENT PRODUCERS 

"I am sure you will remember the independent 

producers who produced one or two or 

three pictures each year; who felt no responsibility 

to see that there was an adequate supply 

of product for the theatres, but who 

screamed to the high heavens when the theatres 

did not become available to them at 

their bidding, because the exhibitor recognized 

his responsibility to the producers who 

furnished a regular supply of pictures. Theirs 

was a .simple case of wanting the taxi to be 

available all day but to be willing to pay only 

for the 30-cent ride. 

"With this opportunism has come other 

attendant evils of which unconscionable film 

rentals and over-extended playing time are 

undoubtedly the worst. The exorbitant film 

rentals and over-extended playing time follow, 

of course, from shortage of product. Up to 

now this is as far as the vicious chain has 

progressed, but from the exorbitant film 

rentals can follow deterioration of 

the theatres 

as physical properties, if the result Is 

that no money is left to keep them in condi- 

Uon that once made them the fairyland where 

worldly cares and reminders were checked at 

the door. 

"If film rentals and picture shortages which 

go hand in hand are to take away from the 

exhibitor the money that is necessary to 

transport our patrons into this fairyland, 

there will be less patrons, less money, less 

theatres and so less production and, therefore, 

self-destruction. 

EMPHASIS ON STATES>L\NSHIP 

"You. perhaps, ask what Ls necessary to cure 

this and I answer as I did before—statesmanship. 

Just a UtUe enlightened seU-interest on 

the part of producers who must to able to 

foresee this vicious chain as well ais you and I. 

Just the reaUzation on the part of these producers 

that already in small towns the only 

theatre in existence is starting to close and 

that although the public in these small towns 

and in the neighborhoods of larger towns Is 

striving through its Chamber of Commerce 

and American Legion Posts to retain this 

source of culture in common with the large 

city, it is a losing battle unless the producers 

furnish the film. The producers cannot cut 

off these basic roots of the motion picture 

theatre and expect the trunk and branches to 

remain strong and healthy. 

"But. let there be no mistake about this: 

If the producers will not recognize these facts 

—if they will not act upon them— if they In- 

( Continued on page 10)

TOA CONVENTIUI 

ûUc ^c(^t^ 

Nord Co. to Give Equipment 

Free in Purchase Plan 

Exhibitor will get free equipment iX he 

agrees to buy Magic-Vuer glasses for a twoyear 

period or for 12 three-dimension pictures; 

deposit of $500 will be required. 

* 

Bell and Howell to Produce 

New Lens on Mass Basis 

Reports approval by 20th Century-Fox of 

manufacture of precision anamorphic type on 

big scale; will be distributed through dealers 

approved by film company, according to 

Arthur H. Holt, sales director. 

* 

Total Gross of 'Robe' 

k Over $6,000,000 

Opened in 55 situations in the U.S. and 

Canada by the end of October; figure does 

not Include taxes and is the highest in film 

earnings for any six-week period. 

• 

Damages of $41,350,000 

Asked by RKO Theatres 

Replies to $87,690,000 antitrust suit brought 

by Skouras Theatres against it and other distributors 

and circuits by filing a counter claim 

in New York federal district court. 

* 

Eugene F. Walsh Elected 

Treasurer of Universal 

Succeed.s Leon Goldberg, who left the company 

last month to become financial vicepresident 

of United Artists; Walsh has been 

with Universal more than 28 years. 

• 

James H. Richardson Named 

Para. Assistant Treasurer 

Senior assistant to F:-ed Mohrhardt, treasurer 

of the company, elected to newly created 

post; has been a public accountant for 21 

years and a certified public accountant. 

• 

Initial Color Television 

Viewed Across Nation 

RCA and NBC engineers stsige crosscountry 

transmission of RCA's compatible 

color video system showing standard color 

film, beamed from New York on closed circuit 

to NBC's Burbank studios. 

Vote Voluntary Continuance 

Of Eady Plan in Britain 

Clnematogriiph Exhibitors A-ss'n balloting 

on theatre tax which helps support production 

shows 19 for the six against; committee Is 

then named to tell Board of Trade the tax 

Is Impossible under current conditions. 

• 

Alfred Crown Says 3-D Dead 

As Draw in Foreign Areas 

ItKO foreign head, arriving in Tokyo on 

la-sl leg of round-the-world trip, reports new 

method has not come up to expectations as 

boxofflce attraction. 

Market Must Have Films, 

Warns Alfred Starr 

CHICAGO—Alfred Starr, retiring president 

of Theatre Owners of America, joined with 

Leonard Goldenson, the convention's keynote 

speaker, in attacking producers and distributors 

for creating a product shortage in an address 

delivered at the closing banquet of the 

five-day meeting. 

He warned that the market must have 

product and that if the film companies do not 

provide it someone will come forward and 

produce the modestly budgeted pictures which 

are and always have been the bread and 

butter of the industry. 

"Let me warn," he declared, "that while a 

successful big picture can earn a great deal 

of money, an expensive failure can bring 

disa.ster to its producers. And several in a 

row can bring bankruptcy." 

With the responsibility of operating theatres 

cut away from them by court order, distributors 

and producers have found the new 

freedom a "heady wine whose effects are 

about to distort their good judgment," he 

.said. 

"They seem to be on the point of deciding 

that they should aim for long runs in big 

'A' houses and forget the subsequent runs 

and smaller towns. The argument they use 

to persuade themselves runs something like 

this—we get most of oiu- revenue from the big 

first runs, and we can greatly reduce our distribution 

costs by ignoring the smaller theatres. 

Besides, these small theatres are unable 

Standing Ovation Given 

Goldenson After Talk 

CHICAGO—Leonard Goldenson's declaration 

that exhibitors may be forced to get 

into picture production, if the film companies 

fail to provide sufficient product 

won him a standing ovation from nearly 

1,000 exhibitors who heard his keynote 

address. 

His talk stirred much di.scussion in the 

convention hall. Tliere also was surprise 

in his statement that television will not 

come as a crippling competitor for motion 

pictures and that, in any race between 

the two as top entertainment mediums, 

films will emerge the winner. Coming 

from an Individual who also heads a 

major television network that was an expression 

which pleased the large assemblage. 

Goldenson said TV can help films, not 

only as a medium through which they 

can be advertised, but to supply new 

talent. The American Broadcasting Co.. 

of which he Ls head. Is to employ young 

talent and provide actors and directors 

with .several "exposures" on network programs 

to determine their abilities. This 

would be the same as appearing In several 

"B" pictures In the movies, he said. Tliose 

who show promise will be made available, 

after the first year, to film companies as 

part of a talent pool for "new faces." 

With fewer films being made, he .said, not 

enough young people are being trained 

for sUirdom in motion pictures. 

to pay more than a token film rental in comparison 

with the cost,s of our big pictures. So 

their reasoning runs, but, if they carrjthrough 

this shortsighted production plan, it 

will be a tragic mistake, and there are three 

reasons why it will be a mistake. 

"First, to ignore any large segment of the 

great American pubhc is to drive them to 

other forms of amusement, and people do 

lose the motion picture habit. The industry 

digs its own grave if it ignores or neglects 

any segment of its audience or its potential 

audience. 

"Second, there are in the entire world almost 

100,000 theatres that exhibit pictures 

made in HoUjTôod. Last year the foreign 

market alone accounted for 40 per cent of all 

earnings of the American producers. Can the 

producers ever become so short-sighted as 

to forget that important foreign market? 

"Third, the most compelling argument of 

all. the scarcity of product leaves a vacuum 

in the subsequent and small town theatres. 

By the inexorable laws of economics that 

vacuum will be filled. Someone will come 

along and produce the modestly-budgeted pictures 

that are and always have been the bread 

and butter of our prosperous industry," Start 

concluded. 

Product Shortage May Force 

(Continued from page 9) 

sist on being the ostrich which does not see 

the danger and so hope to escape it—if they 

choose the opportunistic road, there is no reason 

why the exhibitor must join them in this 

hari-kari. 

"Only the first two links of the vicious chain 

of which I spoke have been forged and there 

is no reason why the exhibitor must stand idly 

by and see the chain completed. For after all 

it is the exhibitor who has the greatest stake 

in this industry by approximately a ratio of 

four to one in money investment and. if 

necessary, he must protect himself whether it 

be by producing pictures, by fiimncing production, 

or in some other maimer I don't 

know ol a better time to go into production 

than presently when the demand for pictures 

far exceeds the supply. I am sure new forces 

will be set in motion to correct this imbalance 

unless the producers correct it them- 

.selves within the near future," 

Charles Skouras Rallies 

At Chicago Hospital 

CHICAGO Charles P. Skouni.s. president 

of National Theatres, here for Uie Theatre 

Owners of America convention, was reported 

improving and resting comfortably in Michael 

Reese hospital, to which he was removed for 

treatment following a .serious heart attack 

complicated by u fluid congestion in his 

breathing passages. 

Skouras wius stricken early Monday in hLs 

Blackstone hotel suite, and his condition at 

first was so critical that a fire department 

rescue squad was summoned and later he was 

placed In an oxygen tent. 

The address scheduled to be given by 

Skourius ut the TOA convention was canceled. 

10 

BOXOFFICE 

: : November 7. 195S

Til 

! 

^^^^ 

I 

isk The Men | 

Who've Seen It 

lb 

th's 

SECOND 

GREAT 

PICTURE 

YOU SEE IT 

WITHOUT GLASSES

4 1 as 

' 

| 

TOA CONVENTION 

EXHIBITORS TOLD NOT TO FEAR 

EQUIPMENT BEING OUTMODED 

Forum on New Processes 

Helps Clarify Some 

Recent Problems 

CHICAGO— Exhibitors now have the tools 

they need to present a variety of motion 

picture systems on their screens, and they 

need not fear that equipment now being 

used for the various processes will become 

obsolete within a short period. 

This was developed at a forum on new 

equipment and processes which attracted 

more than 1,000 exhibitors, equipment and 

supply manufacturers, dealers and engineers 

held on Wednesday 1 part of the 

TOA convention. 

DISCUSSION OVER THREE HOURS 

A panel of experts—men who have had engineering 

experience in every field involved in 

the new techniques of projection and sound 

discu.ssed booth and screen problems and 

answered questions for more than three hours. 

Of special interest to theatremen were these 

reports: 

1. Engineers from 20th Century-Fox are 

conducting experiments on the presentation 

of Cinemascope on drive-in screens 

and will have definite recommendations 

to be made before the end of the year. 

2. Experiments are being made in the 

use of stereophonic .sound in outdoor 

theatres by several companies. 

3. A new-type outdoor theatre screen 

has been developed by the Glowmeter 

Corp., which makes the AstroUte screen. 

The screen in a 2.55 to 1 ratio has been 

installed at a Niagara Palls, N.Y., drive-in 

for experiment. The screen is 104 feet 

wide by 40 feet high and will be adaptable 

for Cinemascope. Glowmeter official.^ 

said they see a screen width up to 120 

feet within a short time. 

4. Experiments have shown that stereophonic 

sound is even more effective in the 

small theatre than it Ls in the large 

house. There is a greater feeling of Intimacy, 

and the directional effect of the 

sound is more dramatic, the experts said. 

HY^fDMAN IS IVIODERATOR 

D. M. Hyndman, sales manager of the motion 

picture film department of Eastman, who 

presided as moderator of the open forum, 

.said, while changes in the way new equipment 

produced may be made in the upcoming 

month.s, there is no danger that present equipment 

will became obsolete In the foreseeable 

future. ThLs statement was made In answer 

to a question asked by E. D. Martin, head of 

the Martin circuit of Georgia. 

"Engineering research is ba.sed on the principle 

that we work for new ideas, and developments, 

and always consider how these Ideas 

affect economics. I don't think that any 

manufacturer win change equipment so that 

equipment now in use will become obsolete 

.ôon." 

J. Robert Hoff, of the Ballantyne Co.. dlscus.,ed 

experiments which are being made In 

the area of stereophonic .sound for outdoor 

theatres One of the.se Involves the use of u 

12 

TEDA Re-Elects Colvin 

As Executive Director 

CHICAGO—Ray Colvin, St. Louis, was 

re-elected executive director of the Theatre 

Equipment Dealers Ass'n at a meeting 

of the group here this w-eek. Thomas L. 

Shearer, Seattle, was renamed chairman 

of the board, and Joseph Cifre, Boston. 

wa.s elected honorary member of the 

board. Elected to the board; J. Eldon 

Peek, Oklahoma City; Ernest Forbes, Detroit; 

W. E. Carrel, Louisville; S. F. Burns. 

Seattle; George Hornstein, New York; 

Nash Weil. Atlanta: Harold Abbott, Chicago: 

Ray Busier, Tampa; Phil Wicker, 

Greensboro, S.C; Charles Creamer, Minneapolis: 

H. F. Tegtmeier, San Francisco. 

cluster of three In-car speakers, placed directly 

in the center of the dashboard. This treatment 

does give the illusion of stereophonic 

.sound, he said. Whether this approach is too 

clumsy or will be accepted by patrons must 

be determined in actual tests, he said. 

To gain stereophonic sound, outdoor theatremen 

will have to rewire their operations. 

On the other hand. Earl I. Sponable of 

20th Century-Fox pointed out—in answer to 

a direct question from the floor— that a drivein 

theatre could play "The Robe" by having 

the four-channel .sound track piped into a 

single output and transmitted to the speakers 

J 

in this fashion. 

A "hot" subject of the afternoon was 

whether Cinemascope could be projected on 

any screen other than a Miracle Mirror or 

Astrolite. and the decision was inconclusive. 

Tom Manos of the Manos circuit of Ohio way 

the exhibitor who asked the question. The« 

.screens, Sponable said, are the only ones 

which the company feels can adequately do 

the job. Cinemascope can be projected on 

any screen, however, which does the job of 

providing adequate light. 

Leonard Satz of the Raytone Screen Co. 

said Cinemascope had been projected on Raytone 

screens and had worked. He also declared 

that an exhibitor should be permitted 

to pick the screen of his own choice. Thi.^ 

drew applause from the exhibitors. 

There will be no problem of dehvery on 

Cinemascope lenses. Sponable said. There i.^ 

a good stockpile and delivery can be obtained 

through dealers immediately. 

R. J. O'Donnell of the Interstate circuit, in 

an address keynoting the equipment forum, 

warned exhibitors not to close their minds to 

the new changes and developments and "thus 

refuse the public its opportunity to decide and 

determine how and which way it will buy and 

have its motion pictures served." 

"If we decide against 3-D. wide-screen, 

stereophonic sound. Cinemascope and other 

mechanical forms being introduced," he said. 

we shall surely be guilty of using extremely 

(Continued on page 16' 

Theatre Seat Makers 

Discuss New Chair Plan 

CHICAGO—A meeting of all manufacturers 

of theatre seating represented at the TESMA- 

TEDA trade show here was called late Monday 

(2) by J. Robert Hoff, TESMA president, 

to di.scu.ss a new plan by which the manufacturers 

would agree to stress comfort, wider 

spacing, bigger aisles in reseating theatres, 

and to provide at least the amount of comfort 

a patron would get sitting at home in his 

living room watching a TV show. 

Respon.se to the proposals as outlined by 

Hoff, who. Incidentally, does not manufacture 

or sell theatre seats, but was acting in his 

capacity as TESMA president, was enthusiastic, 

according to .several manufacturers' 

representatives present. 

Prohibition on smoking in many theatres, 

due to local fire laws, brought forth the 

suggestion that manufacturers fireproof their 

fabrics, and conduct a public relations campaign 

to have rulings relaxed. 

The new TESMA president will appoint a 

committee to meet with a Theatre Owners of 

America committee to dl.scu.ss problems of the 

theatres, and Uie chair manufacturers. A 

committee of the chair manufacturers also 

will be established to work out ii plan by 

which their national and trade paper advertising 

will be so correlated as to stress "comfort" 

in all ads. 

Theatre seating maiiufacturers represented 

at the meeting included; American Seating 

Co.; Intei-national Seating Co.: He>'wood- 

Wakefield; Irwin Seating Co.: Kroehler 

Manufacturing Co.: Hewitt-Robins aoom 

rubber cu.shion supplier) ; luid IdeiU Seating 

Co. Joseph J. Zaio. chairman of the TOA 

Theatre Equipment and Acce.ssories Committee, 

was also present. 

il= 

"Emphasis has been placed lately on such 

equipment items as stereophonic sound, the 

lUiamorphic and other wide screen projection.- 

proce.sses," Hoff said, "and TESMA IhouKht 

that the .seating miunifacturers had been 

neglected by theatre owners, to the detriment 

of their business and theatre business m 

general. 

"Tliat is why we called this meeting, 

in an effort to stimulate theatre .seating 

business generally. I think It Is a step In the 

right direction and from the reaction of the 

manufacturers, they tlilnk so too. I cerUUnly 

liope that something concrete results from 

meeting." 

f 

BOXOFFICE November 7, 1953

I 

I 

I 

CHICACiO 

Boxoffice Television 

Stressed As Vital 

Tlipatre iclivision piesfnts 

such tremendous possibilities for the exhibitor 

that the industry must stake an Immediate 

claim In the field of boxoffice television, exhibitors 

were told lU the theatre-TV forum 

at the convention here this week. 

It was evident from the discussions and the 

opinions expressed that a fight looms before 

the Federal Communications Commission on 

the question of who gets control of subscription 

television— whether major attractions 

wUl be channeled through motion picture 

theatres or whether special events will go into 

homes by way of subscription TV. 

On decisions to be made by the FCC rest 

the future potentials of television as a profitmaking 

and entertainment-providing medium 

for movie hou.ses. 

Mitchell Wolfson. co-owner of the Wometco 

circuit, who is co-chairman of TOA's 

TV committee with S. H. Fabian, doubted 

that the FCC would change its historic policy 

of free radio and television in the home. 

"Make no mistake," Fabian said, "theatre- 

TV Is the coming thing in the future of our 

business. The day will come when we will 

accept the TV attraction in the movie theatre 

just as we accept the feature 

film. 

"I am not advocating that the small town 

theatre rush in and buy TV equipment costing 

$10,000 to $15,000, but there are theatres 

in cities where line facilities are available 

and which can afford to put it in." 

There was considerable discussion of the 

business theatre television has done on recent 

attractions. Fabian said the Marciano championship 

fight was shown in 16 of his theatres 

and a profit was made in each of them. 

And, he added, none of the other theatres 

suffered that evening because the fight was 

not offered on home TV. 

"But when the Turpin fight was free at 

home several months later, business took a 

decided drop all through the circuit. This 

shows that acquiring major attractions for 

exclusive theatre TV is important." 

Phil Hading of the Fabian circuit reported 

on the spectacular business done at the Cammack, 

L.I. drive-in for the Marciano fight 

telecast. The tariff was $14.50 a car and the 

gross reached approximately $21,000 plus 

about $45,000 in concessions business. 

Common Carrier Licenses 

For Theatre TV Sought 

Fabian Urges Industry 

Action on Theatre TV 

CHICAGO- S H Fiibian urged Theatre 

Owners of America members iiot to 

overlook the Importance of a Federal 

Communications Commission ruling 

handed down June 25 granting permission 

to apply for "common carrier" frequencies 

for theatre television use both In cities 

and between cities. 

Once before the Industry has had thLs 

opportunity for action, he said, but defaulted 

through inaction. He said he 

hoped it would not happen again. 

Fabian said the recent Marclano-La- 

Starza fight was a success for theatre TV 

in spite of the fact that It was a poor 

fight. In .some cases where drlve-ln operators 

mounted portable apparatus on trucks 

they took in a month's gross in one night. 

"With rare exceptions, almost every TV 

program to date has been a financial succe.ss. 

despite the high cost." Fabian reported. 

"When these costs can be controlled, 

theatre TV. as I have said time 

and time again, can become a most Important 

supplement of our theatre programs." 

Theatre Sound Engineers 

Form National Alliance 

CHICAGO—Independent sound .service 

companies formed the National Alliance of 

Theatre Sound Engineers at an organization 

meeting held here this week. Officers elected 

are: L. K. Brisbin. Cinesound Co.. Portland, 

Ore., president: Byron Savage. Theatre Sound 

Service Inc.. Oklahoma City, vice-president; 

Al Suddeth. Theatre Sound. Inc.. Milwaukee, 

secretary. 

TESMA voted to confer with Allied States 

Ass'n on holding its 1954 tradeshow In conjunction 

with AUied's Milwaukee convention. 

Inclusion of Admissions Suggested 

In 

General State Sales Tax Laws 

CHICAGO— Exhibitors may find it advisable 

to have admissions included in general 

state sales tax laws rather than seek exemption, 

the committee on local and state legislation 

reported to the TOA convention. 

The committee pointed to a tendency by 

the lawmaking bodies of several states to 

exempt motion picture admissioas from 

general sales tax measures. 

"A majority of the 28 sales tax states do 

not Include admissions as part of their act 

but appear to be holding amusement admissions 

for what may prove to be special 

treatment through separate tax acts," committee 

said. 

"This indicates a dangerous trend in the 

general sales tax plan and exhibitors in the 

states concerned now express some fear that 

legislators may await the outcome of our 

tax repeal effort by the Congress and thereafter 

strive to levy part of the former federal 

tax for the state and or its municlpalties." 

It is for this reason that the committee 

suggested it may be wise not to ask for 

exemptions for theatres when state sales taxes 

are being considered. In several states this 

has helped keep the levy to a low 2 or 3 per 

cent. 

"We do not object to taxation at the same 

rate levied on all other merchants," the committee 

said. Chairmen of the group are 

Robert E. Bryant and LaMar Serra. 

CHICACiO The National Exhibitor* Theatre 

TelevLslon Committee will a«k the Federal 

Communication* Commlwslon to Kranl common 

carrier theatre TV llcen*«i. for both 

intercity and Inlraclty channel* 

ThLs decision wa-s reached at a special me*l- 

InK of the committee here thLs week The 

members of the organization. representlnK 

important theatre-TV exhibitors, 

virtually 

were 

all 

here for the TOA convention but 

NETTCO. as the television group l.v known, 

Is not a Theatre Owners of Amerlca-^ponsored 

organization. 

Although the FOC hae denied .special TV 

channels for theatres on VHF or UHF frequencies, 

as originally applied for. the government 

body has Indicated Its wllllnKnes.s to 

consider special theatre channels In the 

common carrier .spectrum. It has been via 

common carrier facilities that theatre TV has 

been transmitted .so far. What the Indaslry 

now wants are common carrier channels 

designated as exclusive for theatre programming. 

NETTCO MEETING UNEXPECTED 

The meeting of NETTCO wa-s unexpected 

The Industry has been .so Involved In the new 

processes of projection and .sound that theatre-TV 

ha-s been in the background for the 

last ten months. There Is now a renewed 

interest, principally because of the sensational 

gro.s.ses racked up by the theatres showing 

the Marciano-LaStarza heavyvêight champion.ship 

fight, and the Increasing Interest in 

the Saturday afternoon Notre Dame football 

games. 

S. H. Fabian, chairman of the committee, 

said the group also decided to meet with 

major manufacturers of theatre television 

equipment to a-sk for research leading toward 

theatre television color. 

The work of the committee is financed by 

theatremen interested in theatre-television— 

not only those having equipment but tho.se 

contemplating Installations. To raLse funds to 

finance the program, a special committee 

was named, consisting of Fred Schwartz. Century 

circuit executive, as chairman. Donald 

Schine. GloversviUe. N.Y.: Arthur Lockwood, 

Boston: Jay Solomon. Chattanooga; and 

Philip Harllng. New York. 

Getting good programs for TV Is a real 

problem, Fabien said. 

We don't have enough shows to sell sets 

and we don't have enough set* to sell programs." 

ENDORSE LEASING EQinPMENT 

It was this line of reasoning that led the 

committee to endorse the plan of Box-Officc 

Television Attractions to lease theatre television 

equipment to exhibitors The leasing 

arrangements involve use by the theatres of 

a minimum number of programs offered by 

Box-office Television. 

Tlie committee took its action on the FCC 

applications on the advice of Its counsel. Cohn 

and Marks. Washington law firm speclaUzing 

In television. 

Pointing out that the FCC has recognized 

theatre TV as an existing service, the law firm 

in a memorandum to the committee, pointed 

out that the theatremen had better apply for 

the common carrier channels real soon. 

BOXOFFICE : : November 7, 1953 

13

Shortly after this phot* was taken. 

Walter Reade jr. (second from left) was 

plerled president of TOA. He is shown 

with, left to right: .lack Bomar. president 

of the Theatre Owners of Arkansas; 

Walter Morris. Knoxville. Tenn. exhibitor; 

and Stacy Wilbite, Mid-Central Theatre 

Co.. C"ooke\ille, Tenn. 

R. B. Wilby (rifht) of AtlanU. a member 

of the board of TOA. discusses a viewpoint 

with (I to r) R. J. O'Donnell, Dallas; 

Edward Zom, Pontiac. 111., president of 

United Theatre Owners of Illinois; Martin 

.Mullin. Boston, head of New England 

Theatres. Inc. and Nate Blumenfeld. San 

Francisco, of the Blumenfeld circuit. 

A. Julian Brylawski (left) tells a story 

to (1 to r) Robert Bryant, a rice-presidenl 

of Theatres Owners of North Carolina and 

South Carolina; Tom Bloomer, president 

of Theatre Owners of St. Louis. Eastern 

Missouri and Southern Illinois; Paul 

Kreuger, of the same organization; and 

C. E. Cook. Kansas-Missouri president. 

CCREEN advertLsing was used by approximately 

15.000 theatres this year, bringing 

an estimated $9,000,000 in extra income 

to exhibitors. Claude Lee of Motion Picture 

Advertising Service. Inc.. told the convention 

at a luncheon Wednesday sponsored 

by his company and its associated company. 

United Film Service, Inc, Virtually 

every one of the 255 circuits having ten 

theatres or more in the country are now 

making their screen.s available to movie 

ads. On dais at the luncheon were 

W, Hardy Hendren, president of United 

Film Service, and Carl Mabry, president of 

Motion Picture Advertising Service. 

Theatremen. are discovering a great many 

neio refreshment service items which are 

becoming surprising concessions grossers. 

At the concessions forum, presided over by 

Abe Bloom of the BkK circuit, exhibitors 

reported such unusual tidbits as Chinese 

egg rolls, apple turnovers, pizza pies, caramel 

apples and hot and cold toddys. One 

drive-in exhibitor sells 2,000 egg rolls a 

week at 30 cents each. The same operator 

sells over 1.000 pizza pies a week, has his 

own ovens, finds it such a hot item he has 

to hand out numbers to patrons so that 

they get their pies in an orderly manner. 

Balaban & Katz reported a tremendous 

sale of soft caramel apples, in Loop theatres 

as well as in suburban. 


SIDELIGHTS 

A. Montague, general sales manager of 

Columbia Pictures Co., spoke on the work 

of the Will Rogers Memorial hospital at 

Wedne.sday's luncheon. He made an appeal 

for financial help. The hospital, he .said, 

has funds on hand to guarantee operation 

of the hospital for four more months. Citing 

the great work being done at the hospital, 

he said 94 per cent of the patients are 

sent back home cured and able to carry on 

their work. 

Montague revealed that the north wing 

at the hospital is to be known as the Charles 

E. Lewis wing, in memory of the late 

"Chick" Lewis who was actively engaged in 

the hospital's program arid fund-raising 

activities. 

Mayor Kennelley of Chicago told exhibitors 

of the work being done by his city in 

saving neighborhoods from deteriorating. 

Committees are now working in 50 neighborhoods 

ti-ying to rehabilitate them or 

build them up. This is something theatremen 

should promote in their home towns. 

the mayor said, as only strong neighborhoods 

perpetuate neighborhood theatres. 

The delegates were royally entertained. 

Coca-Cola was host at a beefsteak dinner 

at the Saddle and Sirloin club, and the delegates 

were wheeled out in 15 buses escorted 

by a corps of motorcycle police. Pep«-Ji 

Cola hosted a buffet supper and a perform-\ 

ance of the Ice Follies. National Carl 

was host at a cocktail party preceding 

final banquet. 

There were low bows of appreciation 

Dave Wallerstein. general convention chalT' 

man. and to the convention coordinator, 

Abe Piatt, both of the B&K circuit. 

Two top TOA leaders, Alfred Starr, retiring 

president and new board chairman 

and S. H. Fabian, head of Stanley Fabian 

Theatres and Cinerama, arc convinced that 

exhibitors must come to a single nationa 

exhibitor organization. Fabian discussed 

the advisability of seeking the step now a 

a meeting of the board. 

Ed Zom. Pontiac. HI.. United Theatr 

Owners of Illinois, said he learned a lot 

about the film business reading the tradepapers 

while he was on his back recuperating 

from a broken leg. He was astounded 

he said, to find so much information and 

helpful material in the film industry pub 

lications. 

Colonel H. A. Cole. Allied leader, cochairman 

of COMPO tax committee, iras a 

convention insitor recruiting help and ocri- 

>:rally pitchiyig for renewed tax effort 

M 

(;ilm

AUNCHED BIG IN ITS FIRST 

DATES! YOUR BIG 

iHRACTIDN TO DATE TOO! 

ANOTHER BOXOFFICE 

INNER FROM PARAMOUNT! 

-I,, 

— says Hollywood Reporter 

// 

ALAN LADD 

• 

JAMES MASON ."BOTANY BAY"c. »«« PATRICIA MEDINA • SIR CEDRIC HARDWICKE 

A JOHN FARROW PRODUCTION • Produced by Joseph Sistrom • Directed by John Farrow • Screenplay by Jonathan Litimu 

From the novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall • Color by TECHNICOLOR • A Paramount PIcturi

Ray 

| 

j 

' 


TOA Elects Reade Head; 

Starr Board Chairman 

CHICAGO—Walter Reade jr., a third 

generation showman, was elected president 

of Theatre Owners of America at an open 

meeting of the board of directors Monday (2). 

The 37-year-old exhibitor, who operates a 

40-theatre circuit in New Jersey, has been in 

the motion picture business for 19 years and 

has been an active leader in TOA affairs 

since its organization. 

He .succeeds Alfred Starr of Nashville who 

becomes chairman of the board and chairman 

of the executive committee. 

Starr, in his farewell remarks as president, 

expressed the hope that some day exhibitors 

would be united in a single national association 

so that theatremen "will be able to 

speak as one authoritative voice to legislators 

in Washington and producers in Hollywood." 

He said he was convinced that exhibitors 

were moving toward that goal. 

FCLL SLATE OF OFFICERS 

The membership also elected 

the following 

slate of officers: 

Vice-presidente: E. D. Martin, Columbia, 

Ga.; Albert Pickus, Stratford, Conn.; Myron 

Blank, Des Moines; John Rowley, Dallas; Pat 

McGee, Denver; Roy Cooper, San Francisco; 

and A. Julian Brylawski, Washington, D.C. 

R. R. Livingston. Omaha, .secretary; S. H. 

Fabian. New York, treasurer; Herman Levy, 

general counsel; M. A. Lightman sr., Memphis, 

and Mitchell Wolfson, Miami, co-chairmen of 

the finance committee; Alfred Starr, chairman 

of the board and chairman of the executive 

committee. 

Members of executive committee: Art 

Adamson, Portland; Tom Bloomer, St. Louis; 

Jack Braunagel, Kansas City; C. E. Cook, 

Maryville, Mo.; Edward Fabian, New York; 

L. S. Hamm. San PrancLsco; Russell Hardwick, 

Clovis, N.M.; Mack Jackson, Alexander 

City, Ala.; George Kerasotes, Springfield, 111.; 

Arthur H. Lockwood, Boston; Morris Loewensteln, 

Oklahoma City; Roy Martin, Columbus, 

Ga.; J. J. O'Leary, Scranton, Pa.; Samuel 

Pinan.ski, Boston; Elmer C. Rhoden, Kansas 

City; J. J. Ro.senfield, Spokane, Wash.; 

William F. Ruff in jr., Chattanooga, Tenn.; 

A. Fuller Sam.s, jr., Salisbury, N.C.; Morton 

Thalhlmer, Richmond, Va.; I>avld B. Wallerstein. 

Chicago.; R. B. Wilby, Atlanta; Nat 

Williams, 

ThomasvUle, Oa. 

CHAIRMEN OF COMIVUTTEES 

Named chairman of standing committees 

for the year were: research, Myron Blank and 

E. C. Rhoden; organization and membership, 

George Kerasotes and E. D. Martin; COMPO, 

Sam Plnanskl and Pat McGee; theatre-television. 

S. H. Fabian and Mitchell Wolfson; 

state and local legl.slatlon, Robert E. Bryant 

and LaMar Serra; legal advi.sory coun.sel. 

Herman Levy; film reviewing committee, H. F. 

KIncey; drlve-lns, Jack Braunagel and Arthur 

Lockwood; arbitration, R. B. WUby and Alfred 

Starr; building and .safety codes, Henry Anderoon. 

Concessions, Herbert Hahn and AJidrew 

Krappman; theatre equipment, Joseph Zaro 

and L. E. Pope; public relations, E. C. Rhoden 

and Emll Bemstecker. 

Wolf.son. head of Wometco theatres, and 

E. D. Martin, who heads the Martin circuit, 

reported a renewed Interest In TOA member- 

.ship during the past year. Several new 

organizations have become affiliated with the 

association in recent months, including the 

exhibitors association of Washington 

northern Idaho and Alaska and the drive-in 

theatres association of Washington. In addition, 

Oregon theatre owners are organizing 

and in all probability will affUiate with TOA. 

Joseph Rosenfield, Spokane exhibitor, spoke 

for the Washington-Idaho-Alaska unit. 

In addition, Wolf.son announced that Century 

Theatres, an important metropolitan 

New York area circuit, had become affiliated 

with TOA and S. H. Fabian, who with Sam 

Rosen recently acquired control of the 

divorced Warner theatres circuit, placed all 

of the WB theatres in the TOA fold and 

tendered a $10,000 check as part payment of 

membership dues. 

There was a special bow by the board to 

Dave WaJlerstein. general manager of the 

Balaban & Katz circuit, who was general convention 

chairman. The board also gave special 

honors to Congressman Noah Mason, who as 

a member of the Hoase Ways and Means 

Committee, introduced the Mason repeal bill 

and Congressman Leo Allen, chairman of the 

House Rules Committee, for their work in 

behalf of admissions tax repeal, in the form 

of illuminated scrolls praising their work. 

The board also endorsed the Brotherhood 

Week principle and members at the open 

meeting made an offer of cooperation to the 

national exhibitors chairman. Emanuel Frisch. 

New York. 

Exhibitors Told Not to Fear 

(Continued from page 12) 

bad judgment and eliminating the effort to 

please the public, which is, and always has 

been, the primary reason for the existence 

of our business." 

He told the exhibitors that no matter what 

their personal opinions and preferences are. 

or how valid their reasons may be. they should 

not be guilty of ignoring this vital factor of 

letting the public make its choice. 

If the public is given its choice, the industry 

can be assured that it will decide quickly 

on what it prefers and what it does not want. 

Herbert Barnott. president of the Society of 

Motion Picture and Television Engineers, and 

Ralph Heacock of RCA also spoke—Barnett 

on research and engineering in the film industry 

and Heacock on a historical resume of 

new equipment developments. 

Barnett declared there was a great need 

for coordination of research. The Industry 

should have a research body, free of controls, 

with .some .sort of subsidy which would be 

.supplied by all .segments of the business. 

"Basically, we all sell the same kind of 

product, and there seems to be no argument 

on working together on an engineering level." 

Heacock presented an Illustrated report on 

the evolution of the new system. He said 

that the industry now has the tooLs exhibitors 

need to present the new systems and proce.sses. 

"You can't sell the .same make car to everyone," 

he .said. "Neither should you attempt 

to give the same kind of pictures to all customers. 

We Hhoiild ii.sp all proce.s,srs and tech- 

MGM 'Kale' 3-D Tests 

Outgross 2-D Prints 

NEW YORK—Three-D outôssed 2-D b\ 

an average of 40 per cent on test engagements 

of MGM's "Kiss Me Kate." and in Dallas the 

lead was 60 per cent. The tests were made in 

six cities—Dallas, Columbus, Houston. 

Rochester. Syracuse and Evansville. The picture 

was held over in all these spots, excep' 

E\ansville. 

Interest in the tests was general becau>i 

•Kate" is supposed to be the first importarmusical 

in 3-D and its reception in both mf 

diums may have an effect on production pol 

icies of MGM as well as other compani' 

Comparisons were made by MGM with "Tl.. 

Bad and the Beautiful." "The Band Wagor; 

"The Merry Widow." "Dangerous When Woand 

"Above and Beyond." 

"Kiss Me Kate" was shown in 3-D in Da; 

las, Syracuse and Columbus. The 2-D .showings 

were in Houston. Roche.ster and Evan.'- 

ville. 

Public reception was excellent in all the 

cities, and reviewers agreed that it was the 

first quality picture to be shown in the 3-D 

medium. Some critics, who were opposed to 

3-D, admitted they might have been wrong 

Rochester and Houston which started the 

film in 2-D switched to 3-D the second week 

The latest models of Polaroid glasses were 

used. There were also slip-on viewers for 

patrons wearing glasses. 

Charles M. Reagan, general sales manager, 

said both 3-D and 2-D prints would be available, 

but he urged theatre to play the 3-D 

prints. 

niques—3-D. 2-D. wide-screens and stereophonic 

sound. 

The reasons why wide screen presentations 

and stereophonic sound are equally effective 

in small theatres and large theatres were outlined 

by L. D. Netter, jr.. general sales manager 

of Altec-Lansing Corp.. at a meeting of 

more than 75 dealers Sunday (1> who attended 

a cocktail party and dinner sponsored 

by Motiograph. Inc. 

J. S. Rascoe was in charge of an open 

| 

forum on motor generators as they apply to 

present projection lighting problems. Following 

the dinner, dealers' ladies were guests of 

i 

Fred. Doug and Thor Matthews of Motiograph 

| 

at the performance of the Ice Follies. 

Participants in the forum were, in addition 

to those mentioned : Colvin. president of | 

Theatre Equipment Dealers Ass'n; Jack Servies. 

National Theatre Supply; J R. Johnstone. 

National Carbon Co.; Jack Turner. 

J. Polaroid Corp.; F. O'Brien. RCA; Richard] 

Orear. Commonwealth circuit; L. E. Pope. 

Fox Midwest Theatres; J. C. Skinner, Interstate 

circuit; O. L. Wilschke. Altec Liuising I 

Corp.; A. L. Trebow. B&K Management Corp . 

Colin Miller. Natural Vision Corp.; Ray Clapp. 

Nord .system of 3-D. 

Answers Will Be Sealed 

In Federal 16mm Suit 

LOS ANGELES On the grounds that Uie| 

data required is a "trade .sorrot." .several defendants 

In the government's antitrust sutt| 

seeking to force film companies to 

16mm versions of their product available tol 

television secured n federal district court rul-f 

Ing providing that their answers be .sealed 

safeguard against pcxsslble dt.s.srmlnHtion 

the Information to out.sldo parties 

16

m/i^/imutf3. 

The Thundering Story 

of Uncle Sam's 

"Flying Bullets" 

..and Their Women! 

CLEVELAND' 

KICKS OFF SATURATION REGIONAL BOOKING! 

HUNDREDS OF ENGAGEMENTS ZOOMING IN! 

THEN WATCH THESE KEY CITY DATES COMING UP: 

LOS ANGELES (Loyola, Uptown, Iris, Los Angeles); PORTLAND, ORE. 

(Liberty); SAN FRANCISCO (United Artists); 

MILWAUKEE (Palace); 

DETROIT (Broadway-Capitol); NEW YORK (Criterion). 

with coast-to-Goast television, radio and press coverage! 

THE SKY'S 

THE LIMIT 

WHEN YOU 

BOOK IT! 

ROBERlSIACKcfllEENIiGRAY—ARL[N,«BIS[10PA1S 

Cnda BLAKE • Reed SHERMAN -NlKliael MOORE • lucille KNOCH • Prwiueed b, Carl KfUeger • Ouated by low tog So«n;tey 

In naiR FimMn and Katliem lyW . an h W bWW • to li^

| 

j 

j 

I 

j 

'• 

'Class Appeal Ads Urged 

To Attract New Patrons 

INDIANAPOLIS— Special cla^s" advertising 

addressed to a new group of customers— 

the intelligent, discriminating people who 

rarely go to a motion picture—was urged at 

the Allied Independent Theatre Owners of 

Indiana convention here this week by Abram 

F. Myers, general coun,sel of Allied States 

Ass'n. 

Pointing to this group of potential patrons 

sts one of the industry's new frontiers, Myers 

urged exhibitors to experiment and take on 

new risks rather than till the same old soil 

until it is wholly barren. 

"No worse thing could happen to any business," 

he said, "than for it to reach the saturation 

point, with no new fields to conquer. 

Saturation means stagnation and death." 

He told the exhibitors that in order to exploit 

these frontiers, the industry would have 

to adapt a new and radically different attitude 

toward the public. re.sorting to the subtle 

persuasion of flattery. 

He pointed out that the industry has never 

done anything to heighten the self-esteem 

of the customers, letting critics blame them 

for the shortcomings of the motion picture 

and he urged exhibitors to use "class" advertising. 

He pointed to the effectiveness of 

Lord Calvert's "Men of Distinction" ads and 

other similar devices. 

The film industry, he said, even in its premieres, 

fails to feature society leaders, but 

expends its energies upon ixtliticians and film 

company executives, despite the fact that the 

average American woman enjoys reading 

about the society leaders and their activities. 

Myers renewed his plea of a year ago that 

the industry adopt the slogan. "It's Smart 

to Go to the Movies" and that it de-emphasize 

.\

NATURAL VISION THEATRE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 

BOOTH EQUIPMENT 

'Tta^'Z^ 

PRICES SLASHED! 

NVTEC, fhe tompany vthkh originated and set the standards for 3-D 

now has a limited supply of complete pro/ecf/on booth equipment 

available at absolute cost, a price cut of 40%. Buy How. Buy Right. 

NVTEC 3-D CONVERSION KIT 

O ELECTRICAL INTERLOCK 

Two Selsyn motors, complete with mounting plates, sprockets and 

chains, electrical jumper cords for use with 1 10 volts -îSXf 

'200 

& POLAROID PROJECTION FILTERS 

Polaroid filters and holders $S(i^pa\r ^v 

Silent blowers for cooling Polaroid filters 

STATICMASTER brush to clean filters 

Precision level 

€) REELS 

24' reels - $^^^^0 

Inertia FrM each 

Wheels - 

Clutch Hub 

I 

I 

O MAGAZINES 

Upper ond lower 25' 

5500 feet magazines 

$5525? 

230 

LINE-UP CHART 

lOO' calibroted film to line-up 

projection machines 

ALL NATURAL VISION THEATRE EQUIPMENT CORP. 

CONVERSION KITS ARE BUILT TO THE STANDARDS 

SET BY THE MOTION PICTURE RESEARCH COUNCIL 

JLo^ 

NATURAL VISION THEATRE EQUIPMENT CORP. 

1 

^10 NORTH LA BREA AVENUE 

• HOLLYWOOD 46, CALIF. • PHONE Hollywood 3-2344 

I

?.o Novenib«T 7, 1853 

BOXOFFICE 

J 

7Kc«t aacC S(^^c«tt^ 

'Woiih Noting 

TN THE report of the theatre equipment 

and accessories committee to the Theatre 

Owners of America convention Joseph J. 

Zaro, chairman, wrote: "Last but certainly 

not least is the observation that some exhibitors 

in their pre-occupation with 'new' 

picture presentation methods are doing 

their new and old patrons an injustice and 

themselves a disservice by overlooking the 

continuing need for adequate theatre maintenance." 

Leonard H. Goldenson touched on the 

subject in a different way by pointing out 

that if film rentals get so high there is 

no money loft for maintenance theatres 

will lose their glamor. 

At one point the judge remarked: "I 

think you lawyers should get together in 

an arena of youi- own and fight it out and 

.settle this case between the lawyers as to 

who is who in the case without intervention 

on my part." 

At another point he said: "There is 

nothing here to indicate that .stockholders 

are worrying a great deal. Not nearly as 

mucli as the lawyers." 

Shea Men Cheerful 

J^N OPTIMISTIC exhibitor satisfied with 

tlie product outlook and voicing no complaints 

about the high cost of wide-screen 

and other installations is a surpri,se these 

days. There are some. Pittsburghers 

found this out when the Shea circuit managers 

converged there last week for their 

annual meeting. 

They talked new processes at great 

length and agreed the public interest had 

helped the boxoffice. They reported six 

houses will be showing "The Robe" or 

"How to Marry a Millionaire" with Cinema- 

Scope by early December. 

All houses on the circuit will have allpurpose 

wide .screens by the first of the 

Insurance Costs 

fjENHY ANUEiiHON. wlio knows as much 

about Insurance In this industry ns any 

living man as a result of his long association 

with Paramount, told the TOA convention 

the time had arrived to drop completely 

the u.sc or storaRO of nitrocellulose 

film, 

All features and shorts now come on 

.By JAMES M.JERAULD 

safety stock, but in all exchanges there are 

old prints and many theatres have old 

nitrocellulose trailers of various types. 

Nobody knows how much money could be 

saved on insurance by total elimination of 

the old-type film. Now is a good time to 

start finding out. 

Equipment Rush 

CALES figures for General Precision 

Equipment Corp. for the first nine 

months of this year give an indication of 

the tremendous extent of the rush for new 

theatre equipment. The total for the period 

ending August 31 was $65,614,915. compared 

with $35,633,521 for the same period 

last year. 

Patrons—especially women—are quick to Add to this an estimate of the totals not 

note housekeeping details and the comments 

yet reported by other companies and you 

they make on the condition of a get some idea of wliat the technological 

theatre are a form of word-of-mouth advertising 

that reacts on boxoffice takes. In the same week that the above figiu-es 

revolution is costing exhibitors. 

came out it was announced that Polaroid 

Judge Raps Lawyers 

building an entirely new plant. 

is 

TJS. District Judge Ben Harrison in Los 

Angeles minced no words in postponing New Zukor Memento 

the stockholders suit against RKO and Howard 

J^DOLPH ZUKOR has treasured a photo 

Hughes brought by Eli Castleman and of himself shaking hands with the late 

others. He refused to permit the taking of Queen Mary for many years. Now he has 

more affidavits, told the lawyers he thought another—a trophy of his 50th anniversary 

the entire action was an effort on their tour of Europe—a picture of himself shaking 

part to collect fees, and announced he would 

continue to postpone the case from time to 

time until a similar action has been decided 

in Nevada. 

hands with the smiling Queen Elizabeth 

at the Royal Film Performance in London. 

This was one of the highlights of a series 

of honors paid the industry's patriarchal 

ambassador of goodwill in the British 

capital. 

Odds and Ends 

T ARTHUR RANK reported that 236 of his 

theatres lost money last year, but he had 

to pay $9,700,000 ticket taxes on them. 

Roy Rogers Enterprises recently reported 

gross retail sales of $22,000,000 in the first 

seven months of 1953—36.5 per cent above 

last year. This was income from the varied 

forms of merchandise that carries his name. 

Las Vegas clubs out-bid theatres for live 

talent. The situation has reached the point 

where the huge New York Paramount has 

decided to drop stage shows until prices 

come down. 

Chesapeake Files Antitrust 

Action vs. National Screen 

NEW YORK Chf.viiJfakf Iiulu.-tncs, ;is 

owner of the dissolved Producers Releasing 

Corp., Eagle Lion Films and Eagle Lion Classics, 

filed an antitrust suit against National 

Screen Service in U.S. district court here Friday 

(30). Triple damages are sought, but no 

amount was specified. 

The suit claims that National Screen 

charged higher rates for trailers and accessories 

than for competitors from 1944 to 1951. 

Chesapi'uke Industries also hius an antitrust 

suit pending against LoeWs and RKO 

Theatres charging Etm\e Lion was unable to 

get Into these houses because of a product 

split agreement between Loew's and RKO 

theatres. 

PRODUCER IN EUROPE — Joseph 

Mankiewicz (left), producer-director of 

"The Barefoot Contessa," forthcoming 

picture for United .\rtists release, and 

Richard Condon, who is conducting a 

special overseas survey of publicity and 

exploitation for V.\. meet the press at a 

London reception. .Mankiewicz is touring 

Britain and the Continent to find an actress 

to star opposite Humphrey Bogart 

in "The Barefoot Contessa." 

Loew's Extension Plea 

Okayed to August 31 

WASHINGTON—The Department of 

Justice 

on Monday (2i indicated approval of a 

Loews request for an extension in the deadline 

for completion of the first phase of the 

company's divorcement plan, although the 

D of J was willing to agree to only a part of 

the time requested. 

The Justice Department said it 

had agreed 

to a delay from Feb.^. 1954, to Aug. 31. 1954. 

in the deadline for LOew'.s to have a separate 

theatre company set up with all theatre assets 

transferred to the new company. 

Loew's had asked for an extension at least 

to the end of 1954 and preferably longer, on 

the grounds that under the Loew's retirement 

plan the first retirement date will come on 

March 1, 1954. The company said it expects 

to lose a number of key employes at that time, 

and would find it difficult to staff two new 

companies. 

The D of J, m commenting on the August 

31 date, said that Loew's fiscal year ends on 

that day. 

This postponement does not affect the final 

deadline of Feb. 6, 1955, by which time Loew's 

is .scheduled to have all stock distributed to 

individual stockliolders. 

Official Army Approval 

Is Given 'Cease Fire' 

WASHINGTON- The U.S. iiriny has approved 

of "Ceiuse Fire." Hal Walli.s production 

for Paramount, after a special screening here, 

MaJ. Gen. Clark Ruffner, public Information 

chief, issued the statement. 

The screening was attended by Wallls, 

Joseph Hazen, his partner: MaJ. Raymond 

Hiuvey, Congressional Medal of Honor soldier 

who wius technical adviser, and Robert Denton, 

Piuamounf Wnshlngton representative. 

The picture was filmed with stereo.scopic 

photography under actual Korean battle conditions. 

M

! 

The proud papa is B. F. Michtom, Chairman of Ideal Toy Corporation, but . 

Do you recognize his famous family? 

They're all celebrities except the happy "father"! He's B. F. 

Michtom, who built a $25,000,000 business promoting "character" 

dolls inspired by famous personalities. He's holding 

Saucy Walker and Harriet Hubbard Ayer. The others are 

Mary Hartline, the Toni Doll, Shirley Temple, and Smokey 

Bear, protege of the U. S. 

Forest Service. 

"Real-life stars create plenty of excitement when they appear 

at famous stores," says B. F. Michtom. "But to cash in, wc have 

to get the dolls on the counter on time. We call 

Air Express. 

Frantic telegrams come in: Sold out. 1,000 kids in store. Send 

more dolls I' Wc keep both kids and stores happy — we call 

Air Express again 

"Stores need mat ads. They run out of autographed photos, 

Jr. I'orest Ranger application cards and similar promotion 

materials. Air Express fills the gap fast. 

"Nobody needs Air Express more than wc. It"s indispensable. 

Yet we pay no premium for this superior ser^'ice. 

In fac^, 

Air Express rates are louesl of all on most of our shipments." 

It pays to express yourself clearly. Say Air E.vpress ! Division 

of Railway Express Agency. 

^ AirExpress 

GETS TMEFtE 

SchrHuUd .-Urlines 

BOXOFTICE : 

: November 7, 1953

. . . Over 

. . Robert 

: 

November 

. 

j 

, 

ôUtftMod lêfunt :1 

unit headed by actor John Wayne and producer 

Robert Fellows, is attaining an alltime 

peak of activity. The pictures, both for 

Warner release, are "The High and Mighty." 

New Independent Organized; 

Co-Production for Another 

Ciiienianias lailbiid.s. who have been freely 

predicting that the drastic curtailment of 

picture-making schedules by many of the 

major companies is serving as the harbinger 

for a resurgence of activity in the independent 

filmmaking fraternity to fulfill the demands 

of exhibition and distribution for a 

continuing quantitative flow of product, found 

two more proofs of their contentions in recent 

trade developments. 

One concerned the formation of Treasure 

Island Productions as a new cooperative company 

by producer Joseph Kaufman, director 

Byron Haskin, scenarist Martin Rackin and 

actor Robert Newton to film a series of features 

ba.sed on the further adventures of two 

of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous "Treasure 

Island" characters. Long John Silver and 

Jim Hawkins. 

First of the pictures, 'Adventures of Long 

John Silver." will be filmed in color for wide- 

.screen projection, title-roling Newton and to 

be megged by Haskin from a Rackin script. 

Kaufman, in charge of production, has taken 

off for Australia to investigate location- 

.shooting po.s.sibilities. and will also inspect 

location sites in England. 

Newton, it will be recalled, portrayed the 

one-legged pirate in. and Haskin directed, 

the Walt Disney version of "Treasure Island." 

The new company has not as yet made releasing 

arrangements. 

Another announcement from independent 

rank-s came from Edward L. Alper-son's National 

Pictures, which has set up a co-production 

deal with Berman Swarttz to bring 

to the .screen—in Cinemascope and Ea-stman 

color— the Broadway musical review. "New 

Faces." for distribution by 20th Century-Fox. 

Leonard Sillman. producer of the stage 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

play, us bringing the entire New "ifork cast, 

including Ronny Graham. Eartha Kitt. 

Alice 

Ghostley. Robert Clary, June Carroll and Virginia 

DeLuce. to Holh^vood for the venture, 

on which principal photography is scheduled 

to begin early this month. 

Hecht-Lancaster Unit Buys 

Rights to "The Way West' 

Rapidly expanding its new .schedule of properties 

to be filmed for United Artists relea.se. 

Hecht-Lancaster Productions, headed by Harold 

Hecht and actor Burt Lancaster, secured 

.screen rights to A. B. Guthrie jr.'s 1950 

Pulitzer prize-winning novel. "The Way 

West." Guthrie, who also authored "The Big 

Sky" and wrote the script of Paramount's 

"Shane." currently is penning "The Gabriel 

Horn" for the Hecht-Lancaster organization 

at MGM a new story purchase was 

that of "Digby." the novel by David Walker, 

slated for 1954 lensing as a Spencer Tracy 

starrer. It deals with a business tycoon who 

finds himself losing interest in life, career 

and his charming wife. 

Dore Schary Writes Story 

For MGM Production 

As if he weren't busy enough in his capacity 

a.s vice-president in charge of MGM studio 

operations, Dore Schai-y sat himself down and 

ground out an original treatment. "I'll See 

You Again." which has been added to Leo's 

upcoming schedule. Dealing with the problems 

of today's young men and women, and 

the effect on their lives and families as a 

result of World Wai- II and Korea, the yarn 

is being turned into screenplay form by 

With two pictures 

Ranald McDougall . . . 

slated to hit the cameras at mid-month. 

Wayne-Fellows Productions, the independent 

starring Wayne, and "Ring of Fear." a circus ; I 

story toplining Pat O'Brien. Clyde Beatty and 

I 

Mickey Spillane. the whodunit author ... I 

Panoramic Productions, headed by Leonard 

)' 

Goldstein and releasing through 20th Cen- 

tiu-y-Fox. booked Hugo FYegonese to direct ; 

its forthcoming (Jivil War drama. •: 

"The 

Raid " . . . Rudy Mate was inked by Universaly 

International to meg "Men of Iron." Techni- i 

color costumer about medieval Bigland ... J 

Lee Sholem moved his megaphone over to the J 

Sam Katzman umt at Columbia 

"Jungle Man-Eaters. 

to pilot 

\ 

1 

Personal Appearance Tours 

' 

Planned for Several Stars 

t 

\ J 

\ 

1 

Camera work may be at a low ebb. but 

• 

I 

barnstorming tours by Hollywood personalities, .'I 

plugging the new relea:5es in which they 

appear, fall into the boom-market category, 

Among the travelers: 

f 

John Wayne, who will make a series of 

pa's in Texas beginning later this month 

| 

to spark the southwest premieres of "Hondo. " 

the Wayne-Fellows production in which he 

stars for Warner release. Wayne's itinerary 

includes San Antonio, Dallas, Port Worth and 

El Paso. 

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, currently 

wrapping up their co-starring spot in Paramount's 

"Living It Up," who will take off in 

mid-Januai-y on an eight-city tour of onenighters. 

winding up with a two-week stand 

at the Copacabana in New York. 

Songstress Yma Sumac, the Peruvian 

thiush who is making her screen debut in 

"Legend of the Inca" at Paramount, who 

will launch a concert tour the day after 

Christmas, opening in Chicago and moving on 

to Oklahoma City and other commimities. 

She'll feature the authentic Peruvian melodies 

which she sings in 'Legend." 

'Green Mansions' Reactivated 

On MGM Production Slate 

Short notes from the sound stages: "Green 

Mansions." the W. H. Hudson novel of romance 

and adventure in South American 

jungles, to which MGM has held the screen 

rights for lo! these many years, has been 

reactivated as an entry on Leo's 1954 schedule. 

It's been handed to Arthur Freed to produce, 

with Vincente Minnelli directing and Alan 

Jay Lerner preparing the screenplay ... A 

new addition to the membership roster of the 

Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers 

is Ivan Tors Productions, which has 

two science-fiction features. "Riders to the 

Stars" and "Gog" awaiting United Artists release. 

U.M.I.I.S IlO.sr.-, AIC.MV KK.AS.S—Luncheon kii.m> ..i Iri.ihi.n liall Wallis iliirinK 

a rc liollywood by the U.S. army's deputy chief of Infurmatlon, BrlK.-(irn. 

Frank Dorn, Iniluded (from left, sealed) Y. Frank Frremun, I'aramount vUr-prrsldent 

In charKt' «f studio o|>eratlunN: (ienrral Dorn and Shirley Booth, currently starring In 

the Wallls produrllon for Paramount n-lease. "About Mrs. resile." StandlnK. same 

order; Wallls, Owen (rump, who directed the Wallls- Paramount dcMumonlary on 

Korea, "('i-sise Fire." an

##• 

uouH 

Get those 

OUNCES OF PREVENTION 

to bring us a 

POUND OF CURE 

All those pennies, dimes, and 

quarters being collected 

in Will Rogers coin boxes 

in theatres throughout the 

Nation are helping to 

swell a mighty tide of 

healing help and treatment 

at "our own" Will Rogers 

Memorial Hospital. 

Theatre OWNERS- 

MANAGERS— 

4.101 Ejhibilors are helping—are you? 

Support your Hospital m its TB Battle 

by partjcipating in 

the Will Rogers c 

Everybody in the Amusement Industry 

"share" of the wonderful, serious 

work of Will Rogers Hospital Every 

body's protected—Everybody shares— 

Everybody helps. 

collection program. It costs you i 

ing.Get your display from your National 

Screen Service Exchange Office, of 

contact Will Rogers Hospital. ISOl 

B'way. N«w Yorii 36, N. Y. 

Will KogersMcMiorialJiospital 

Will Rogers Hospital gratefully acknowledges contributions of ad production by Columbia Pictures, and space by publisher of this magaxint 

November 7, 1953

j 

Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe are shown primping up to step out in this 

scene from "How to Marry a Millionaire" as Lauren Bacall gives them a bit of advice. 

'How to Marry a Millionaire' 

Is Superlative Film Fare 

EVEN 

By IVAN SPEAR 

were 20th Century-Fox's "How to 

Marry a Millionaire" less meritorious 

as screen entertainment, its debut commands 

attention from both exhibitors and 

position 

their potential patrons because of its 

as the second featuie to be released in the 

widely discussed Cinemascope photographic 

process. 

In occupying that niche, the film invites 

many conclusions probably the most arresting 

of which Ls irrefutable testimony to Cinemascope's 

flexibility as concerns the subject 

matter it can impressively embrace. It 

is virtually impo.ssible to conceive of a theme 

more diametrically opposed to "The Robe," 

Cinemascope's kickoff venture, than "Millionaire." 

Yet in the opinion of many—and this 

is one of them—the process reveals itself to 

better advantage in the film under discussion 

than in the phenomenally successful screen 

edition of the Lloyd C. Douglas novel. Such 

comparative evaluation stems from the fact 

that the lush, modern, familiar backgrounds 

of the second picture lend them.selves more 

naturally to the depth -Illusion filming than 

did the more imaginative, fictional sets and 

locatloas of "The Robe." This condition is 

accented repeatedly by breathtakingly beautiful 

and panoramic shots of New 'Vork's skyline, 

airplanes in flight, the snow-clad Maine 

woods and countless other scenes to which 

limitless .spectacle and .scope are contributed 

through little more than the camera. 

After having first established the inescapable 

fact that Cinemascope Is undoubtedly 

here to stay— and on a greatly varied fronts 

"How to Marry a Millionaire" can turn to taking 

Its well-de.served bows as superlative film 

fare, that could be con.sldered entirely dependable 

to register Itself In the hit cla.ss, 

even If It appeared In conventional form. 

A .sophisticated, slick, sclntlllatlngly dlaloged 

comedy, there can be not an lota of doubt 

as conceras its appeal to the most exactuig 

and mature tastes in motion pictures. There 

are two by now proven yardsticks by which its 

fiscal future can probably be accurately measured; 

and inasmuch as they both bore the 

20th Century-Fox trademark, their use is 

logical and permissible. Fir.st. there is the 

recent and highly profitable "Gentlemen Pi-efer 

Blondes." to the over-all aura of which 

"Millionaire" adheres, and wliose vast audience 

appeal it should parallel. Secondly, the 

aforementioned "The Robe," with the natural 

assumption that the curiosity quotient about a 

new screen technique that is a factor in determining 

its stratospheric takes will also pertain 

to "Millionaire." 

In view of the above appraisal of the further 

application of Cinemascope, it is probably unnece.ssary 

to record that producer Nunnally 

John.son mounted the movie magnificently, 

and to him goes another shining credit, for 

he also wrote the screenplay. 

Casting approaches flawlessness. The ac- 

TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX 

Presents 

•HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIKI" 

A CpnemoScope Production 

Color by Tectintcolor 

Running Time: 95 Minutes 

THE CREDITS 

Nunnally Johnson. Director: Joan 

Negules( 

Based on ploys by Zoo Akins, 

Driginol; 

Dole Eu T ond Kathcrine Albert. Screenploy: 

lly Johnson Musical director; Altrcd New- 

Cinematographer: Joe MacOonald Art 

Lyio Whcolor, Leiand Fuller Film odi- 

irs: 

3uis Locftler Costume designor: Travilla. 

director; F. E. Johnston. 

THE CAST 

Betty Grobic, Monlyn Monroe, Lauren Bacoll, 

David Wayne, Rory Calhoun, Comeron Mitchell, 

AloK D'Arcy, Fred Claris, William Powell, George 

Dunn, Percy Helton, Rotiort Adier, Harry Carter, 

Tudor Owen, Mourico Morsoc. Emmctt Vooon, 

tion, and most of the humor, revolves around I^HjL 

the three fair femmes in the toplines ''' 

- 9 

minutes, the first five minutes of which ;iri 

devoted to the 20th Century-Fox symphni , 

orchestra's presentation of "Street Scer.i 

composed and conducted by Alfred Newm.i: 

This introductory mu.sical interlude is also ;: 

Cinemascope and bright Technicolor, ai; 

could be eliminated without affecting the f-..- 

ture presentation. Newman, incidentally, w.i 

musical director throughout, his being oi.l 

one of a be\'y of distinguished technical ;f - 

complishments. 

With so much at his disposal by way of 

•script, cast, photography and productional 

excellence, director Jean Negulesco took com- 

| 

plete advantage of a rare opportunity to add 

another shining credit to his list. 

'Millionaire' Debut Sellout 

At Hollywood Wilshire 

HOLLYWOOD— It was a seUout at the 

2,100-seat Fox Wilshire Theatre here when 

20th Century-Fox staged the world premiere 

Wednesday (41 of its second Cinemascope : 

lease, "How to Marry a Millionaire." M> : 

than 200 stars and civic dignitaries \vi : < 

among the first-nighters as the Numially 

Johnson production, .starring Betty Grable.j^ 

Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall. made I* 

its bow. The feature, directed by Je;^r 

Negulesco, began its regular run at 

the .sh< 

case on the following day and will lau: 

a day-date engagement Wednesday (11 > .. 

Warners' Downtown. 

Complete with bleachers, klieg lights and 

the usual appurtenances, the "Millionaire" 

premiere at the Wilshire was attended, amo 

others, by: 

Nunnally Johnson 

Lew Schreiber 

Hugo Fregonese 

Charles Brockett 

Julian Blaustein 

Fronk McCarthy 

Sol C. Siegcl 

Robert Mitchum 

Lauren Bacall 

Jeon Negulesco 

Leonard Goldstein 

Cecil B. DcMille 

Samuel G. Engel 

Ray Klune 

Henry Levin 

Y. Frank Freeman 

Bing Crosby 

Marilyn Monroe 

Humphrey Bogort 

'Joe Louis Story' Opens 

In New York at Holiday 

NKW YORK The Joe Unas Story" opened 

Tuesday (3i 

at the Holiday Theatre with thej 

former heavyweight boxing champion and] 

other champions and near-champions 

| 

and present In the audience. Also present) 

were Robert K. Christonberry, choirmiui 

the New York Slate Boxing Conimi.--Mon; C. B.I 

Powell, commissioner, luid Hari'y Marksonil 

managing director of Uie International Box-J 

ing Club. 

The picture is a United ArtLsUs release produeed 

by Stirling SlUlphant and directs bfl 

Robert Gordon from a .screen play by Robert^ 

Sylvester. It is a Walter P. Chrysler Jr. p 

eiitatlon 

j 

'Mi 

mk 

•am 

m. 

«lo 

[kiiiltilii 

•ittfit fro 

'I ply 

Ul 

"3)1 

24 

BOXOFFICE November 7. IS

: November 

t loyalty 

In the Newsreels New TESMA President to Appoint 

Movl«lono Now«, No. 89: 

of Honor; train deroiled on Israel border; steel fear 

for oromic engines, 100,000 ( 

rally hear Pcron, 

jiuiky tiusker'picks plenty (only Chicago); over 6,000 

Yonks sloin in Red atrocities; germ warforo confestioru 

repudiated; Greek royalty arrives m United 

Slotes for a month visit. 

N«wi of thtt Doy, No. 219: U.S. exposes confessions 

oxforlcd by Reds, Pcron hails friendship with U.S.; 

Greek monarchs begin U.S. tour; pro-grid teams in 

mud bottle. 

Paramount News, No. 22: Heroes receive Medal of 

Honor; young girls show party dresses; the truth 

obout germ war "conlcssions"; Clevelond wins on 

muddy gridiron. 

Unlvenol Newi, No. 513: Korea and U.S. Red lie 

bored; New York ond Washington— royal visit, foshioru 

north and south; Seattle—Stanford vs. Washington; 

in New York—Browns vs. Giants. 

Warner Potho News, No. 24: The big lie exposed; 

Greek royalty visits U.S.; New York—king and queen 

arrive; Ike greets royal couple at White House; football—Browns 

outmuddic the Gionfs. 

• 

Movietone News, No. 90: U.S. hails Greek king and 

queen on stofe visit; ground oir teams hit Reds; 

Queen Elizabeth at film festival; Joe Mortin talks 

to Budestag; Johnston visits Israel; Irish swamp 

Novy, remains undefeated; UCLA Bruins top Californio 

Bears, 20-7. 

News of the Day, No. 220: New York goes all out 

for king and queen of Greece; Reds blosted as British 

airliner crashes on Pacific coast; spotlight on o rodiont 

queen; Eric Johnston in Israel; Santo orrises early 

by helicopter; Notre Dame sinks Navy, 38-7; world's 

richest horse race. 

Paramount News, No. 23: World's richest horse 

race; royal film performance in London; New York 

greets royol pair from Greece; Eric Johnston's mission 

in the middle cast; Panmunjom again in the 

spotlight; UCLA-California. 

Warner Pothe News, No. 25: Reds' stall threatens 

peace talk; city salutes rulers of Greece; 19 die as 

plone hits California peak; French launch bomb raids 

on Indo-China Reds; President urges Americans to 

attend church; queen meets movie queens and kings; 

western style premiere for "Colamity Jone "; richest 

horse roce; Notre Dame-Navy game. 

• 

Telenews Digest, No. 448: Greek royalty here for 

visit; Korean atrocities shock nation; Vietnam launches 

fall offensive; Queen Elizabeth ottends movie premiere; 

floods sweep over southern Italy. 

RKO Theatres 9-Month Net 

Exceeds 1952 Period 

NEW YORK—RKO Theatres and subsidiaries 

liad a net profit of $788,331 for the first 

luiio months of 1953 after taxes and all 

t liaruo.s. including a loss of $19,480 on sale of 

rapital assets. This compares with a consolidat€d 

net for the same period last year 

of $623,411. 

Net for the third quarter was $370,728, compared 

with a third-quarter net of $448,608 

in 1952. 

The profit from operations before taxes for 

the nine-month period was $2,915,917, compared 

with $2,751,855 for the same period 

last year, in spite of large allowances for in- 

.stallation of Cinemascope and other new 

equipment. 

Leonard Utrecht Forms 

Gold Stamping Firm 

CHICAGO—Leonard C. Utrecht, formerly a 

theatre manager and publicity man for Essaness 

Theatres, Manor Amusement Co, Balaban 

& Katz and Columbia Pictures, has 

formed a new firm with Harry Van Cleave to 

stamp and imprint gold, silver and other 

colors on plastics, wood, paper and other 

materials at wholesale and retail. The new 

firm will operate under the name of A.A.A. 

Gold Stamping in Chicago. 

Utrecht's wife, Irene, was formerly cashier 

with Balaban & Katz in Chicago and is 

associated with the new firm as is his mother. 

Pearl, who was formerly candy attendant for 

Confection Cabinet Co. and Essaness Theatres. 

BOXOFFICE : 

Equipment Information 

CHICAGO Appointment of a ..tfcrliiK committee 

to channel authoritative Information 

on new equipment to pxhlbltorN. and re.solvInK 

differences between 

manufacturers before 

the release of Information 

to the market, will 

be the principal aim of 

Fred C. Matthews, the 

newly elected president 

of Theatre Equipment 

and Supply Manufacturers, 

during hLs administration, 

he declared 

following his 

election to succeed J. 

Robert Hoff. ^^^ j, Matthews 

Matthews, who Is 

executive vice-president of Motiograph, Inc., 

al.so said he believed the motion picture business 

was just embarking on an era of unprecedented 

popularity. 

OTHERS ELECTED TO OFFICE 

Elected to office with Matthews were L. W. 

Davee, Century Projector Co., vice-president; 

Roy Boomer, secretary and treasurer, and the 

following directors: Arthiu- E. Meyer, International 

Piojector Corp.; H. B. Engel, GoldE 

Mfg. Co.; C. S. Ashcraft, Ashcraft Mfg. Co.; 

W. A. Gedris, Ideal Seating Co., and Lee 

Jones, Neumade Products Co. 

Matthews, in hLs statement, said, "The history 

of the theatre has always been a succession 

of periods of opposites, days of elation 

and great promise or days of grim foreboding, 

SRO or sheriffs padlock. 

"This will probably never change. Call those 

in the theatre business emotional, if you will, 

but there is no other .single group that is generally 

so optimistic, so hop>eful of the future. 

Rightfully so, for there will always be a demand 

for those who entertain." 

He said he was certain that the industry 

faces its 

brightest future. 

'T believe that theatres which have closed 

down may have done so prematurely or would 

have shuttered under any set of conditions. 

"We are entering an era of new things in 

pictiu-e presentation which in any language 

can spell nothing but unprecedented prosperity. 

And thanks to the technicians, engineers 

of those gods that watch over the theatreman 

these things are to be enjoyed not only by 

the large theatres, but by the smaU theatre as 

well." 

TO HELP CLEAR CONFUSION 

He said that wide screens and stereophonic 

sound alone can be termed "nothing short of 

fabulous in even the smallest auditoriums." 

One of TESMA's principal objectives, he 

said, during his tenure of office will be the 

promotion of manufacturer-dealer relationship 

for the creation of better co-ordinated 

activities. 

"I believe that in the interest of the dealers 

and exhibitors as well, all the manufacturers 

whose policy it is to sell through dealers 

should distribute only through legitimate 

theatre supply dealers, who are capable of 

rendering satisfactory service in the field, 

whose integrity is unquestioned. 

"If there has been a degree of confusion in 

the minds of theatre owners and equipment 

dealers, I believe that it is not only understandable 

but pardonable. The manufacturers. 

Committee 

Ukewue. huvv been Ui the painful Ltirocn of 

childbirth—brUiKlnK Into the theatre world a, 

new and promLsInK youngAler that evcryon* 

wanted to father. 

"In view of IhU recent period of confUAton. 

I plan to urge the Immediate appointment of a 

steering commlttard of directors 

will be so channeled as to bring benefits 

that will be enjoyed by all In the industry," 

he said. 

He was optimistic about future relations 

with exhibitor groups. 

His great hope, he added, was the eventual 

realization of one gigantic Industry gathering 

of equipment manufacturers, dealers, both 

exhibitor associations and the film producers. 

Altec Signs Supervisory 

Contract With Ampex 

NEW YORK— Ampex Electric Corp. has 

signed a contract with Altec Service Corp.. 

which has been given exclusive installation 

supervision of Ampex stereosound equipment 

in theatres throughout the U.S.. according to 

E. O. Wilschke. operating manager of Altec, 

and H. Johnston, general sales manager, acting 

for Ampex. 

Altec has completed supervisory work on 

the Ampex installation in the Rivoll Theatre. 

New York City, and Altec engineers are now 

performing these same duties in all Skouras 

Theatres In the metropolitan area and at the 

California Theatre, San Jose. Calif. Altec 

personnel located In the company's 31 

branches will engage in supervisory installation 

for Ampex under WiLschke's direction. 

Sign RCA Service Again 

For National Theatres 

CAMDEN. N J.— Tlie RCA Service Co. wUl 

provide service for the 17th consecutive year 

for about 400 theatres of National Theatres 

and its subsidiaries, according to W. L. Jones, 

vice-president in charge of technical products 

.service of the RCA company. 

The contract was negotiated by Charles P. 

Skouras, president, and R. H. McCuUough, 

purchasing agent, of National and A. E. 

Jackson of RCA. It covers the Fox Intermountain. 

Fox West Coast, Fox Wisconsin. Fox 

Midwest and E\ergreen State subsidiaries. 

7, 1953 25

Universal Films Will Fit 

All Screens, Says Muhl 

NEW YORK—Universal i,-> making all of 

its pictures with wide-angle lenses so that 

they can be projected on screens up to 2 to 1 

screen ratio without cutting off heads or feet 

and will continue to do so until it is certain 

that exhibitors want them otherwise, said 

Edward Muhl, vice-president and studio manager, 

at a luncheon in the Laurent restaurant 

Monday (2). 

The company has a commitment to make 

a picture with Cinemascope, but has not 

picked the story as yet. This picture, when 

made, will be available for both the Cinema- 

Scope 2.55 to 1 ratio and all sizes up to 2 to 1. 

Muhl leans to the theory that an adventure 

melodrama would be most suitable for the 

Cinemascope screen. 

"There is still a demand for good standard 

pictures," Muhl declared. "Some of the 

grosses they are rolling up axe phenomenal." 

The company has two 3-D films in production, 

but ha-s no plans for others at present. 

Alfred Daff, executive vice-president, made 

it plain that Universal is not attempting to 

push any special process. 

"If an exhibitor wants a picture in 2-D, it's 

his; if he wants it in 3-D, it's his. We don't 

have any fixed policy. We are not engaged in 

any race. There are 80,000 theatres in the 

free world and some of them can't install a 

.screen more than 25 feet wide." 

There will be no change in production policy, 

Daff said, adding; "You don't start 

kicking a successful policy around." 

Daff returned recently from a trip around 

the world and said he was impressed by the 

first theatre in the world constructed especially 

for wide-screen use. It's impressive, 

Daff said. It is located in Manila and is 

owned by Manila interests, although it is 

called the Universal. 

Muhl came east for the first meeting of 

the board of directors following the end 

of the fiscal year and to discu.ss plans 

for the coming year. 

Brandon Gets Pagnol Films 

NEW YORK—"The Baker's Wife," "The 

Well Digger's Daughter" and "Harvest," wellknown 

French features released during the 

past 15 years, are to be reissued in the 

United States by Brandon Films, Inc. Under 

the terms of an agreement just signed in 

Paris by Thomas J. Brandon, president, practically 

all the Marcel Pagnol films produced 

prior to this year will be released by Brandon. 

MPAA Votes Reduced 

COMPO Assessments 

NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Ass'n oft 

America did not wait on Theatre Owners wVt 

America action on continued support of thfff*, 

Council of Motion Picture Organizations. Atj 

the urging of Al Lichtman. a member of the) 

: 

governing board of COMPO and distributioni i. .: 

head of 20th Century-Fox. the MPAA board! 

- 

met on the eve of the TOA convention andj 

voted its financial support. 

There had been some question 

whether MPAA should continue its previi 

all-out support by matching exhibitor 

tributions, which rose to S225.000. This 

resolved by Lichtman and the MPAA 

by assuming a lesser amount is needed now 

were that COMPO has a 

The reasons given 

balance of about S50,000 in its treasury ar-' 

that operating expenses will be lower beca . 

repeal campaign. 

On this basis, Lichtman estimated thai, 

the amount needed would be about 25 per 

cent less than the previous $225,000. or between 

$150,000 and S168,750, with consequent 

savings both to exhibitors and MPAA members. 

This would mean a reduction b\ 

COMPO in its previous assessment to exhib: 

tors of dues of from SIO to $100 accordli..: 

theatre seating capacity. 

Ralph D. Hetzel jr., MPAA vice-presidciii 

presided. Eric Johnston, president, was on 

a presidential mission in the Near East. 

National Allied had previously vot«d continued 

support without any stipulation.^ a- 

to the amount of contributions. 

COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING 

PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING 

and TAMBAdlielalenleil Clump) 

Saw Pill b) CARROll TOUNG ind mm HO[Rl 

Bistd u|n Uk tuna hntle ^m Ka( Inlues 

Srndale iiewspi|iei lealive • Pioduced by SAM KAIZMAN 

OiKlRl br mm G BtNNll 

JOHNNY 

WALLACE FORD '"^' ''*^"' ^^^^ '^ '^^"^"^ ^^""^^^^^ """^ '' 

" **^^*''^ ^^^^^^^ 

I0( 

BOXOFFICE

— 

H^ 

"^^^Hk 

BOXOFFICE BAROMETER 

I 

Thi» chort recordt the pcrformancr o( current altroctioni ir< the opemnf seek of their lir»t runt in 

fi»e cities the 20 ker checked Picture* with fewer than enqogemenrt ore not luted Ai new runt 

are reported, rotingt are added and oicragei rc«iied Compulation in tcrmi of pcrcentoge in 

>t 

relation to groitet ai determined by the theotre normal manoqe't With 100 par cent at 

grott rating or "normol," the figuret thow the aba«e below that mark

IFE Distribution Setup 

Is Realigned by Jacon 

is the new sales represeiiuilive lor San Francisco. 

Portland and Seattle. He is working 

out of San Francisco under the direction ol 

Alex Cooperman. division manager, located 

in Los Angeles. Cooperman also supervises 

Alfred Mabey, sales representative for Salt 

Lake Cily and E>enver. based in Salt Lake 

City. 

NETW YORK—Bernaid Jacon, vice-president 

in charge of .sales and distribution of IFE 

Releasing Corp.. has made changes in the 

field .setup looking toward more national 

coverage. 

The Buffalo and Pittsburgh areas, formerly 

serviced out of the central division office at 

Cleveland, have been put in 

the eastern division 

under Seymour Schus.sel. who also is assistant 

to Jacon on the national level. Ellis 

Gordon has been moved from the post of 

Boston sales representative to that of northeast 

district manager and will supervise Al- 

I See Ifor 

Yourself 

HOLLYWOOD CURVASCOPE FRAMES 

HAVE PROVEN THEY'RE THE BEST BUY 

Ifi the frome thof fits every theotre, large 

7"

: 

Nov. 

- 

and 

nedl 

HUGH E. FRAZE 

Q/mm E 

Acting Editor 

"""%.«>M^^ 

C T I O N 

PRACTICAL IDEAS FOR SELLING SEATS BY PRACTICAL SHOWMEN 

Wild Animals in Lobby for 'Mogambo' 

Miami Manager Adds Stage Merchandise, Giveaways, Romantic Ads for Long Run 

EN 

HE 

D 

"Mogambo" patrons piling into the Florida 

Theatre in Miami in capacity numbers sawsights 

other than those on the screen, not 

the least of which was Manager Ralph Puckhaber 

strolling casually about the lobby with 

a live boa constrictor draped around his 

neck. 

"A nice fellow, but a little temperamental," 

Puckhaber said. 

The campaign was designed to attract three 

different types of patrons, Puckhaber declared. 

The newspaper advertising and 

publicity was planned for its "romantic and 

adventurous" appeal; the exhibits in the 

lobby, the displays out front and the forthcoming 

caravan of exhibits were aimed at 

children and the more youthful ticket 

buyers, while the impressive list of giveaway 

merchandise was promoted to whet the interest 

of the housewife in particular. 

Puckhaber expected to play the picture a 

month. 

The merchandise tie-ins were made with 

Goodyear stores. Africa U.S.A.. Tropical 

Hobbyland, Dodge Trucks and Pepsi-Cola. 

Patrons, or anyone who applies at the boxoffice, 

are given a numbered coupon of which 

each holder retains the stub. A booth provides 

facilities for filling out name and addiess. 

and the remainder of the ticket is deposited 

in a box. On the second-floor lounge 

is displayed the merchandise to be given 

away later. Holder of the lucky stub will receive 

a refrigerator, awarded at a November 

16 show. 

Other awards to be made to other ticket 

holders come from local Goodyear stores and 

include a television set. a .set of tires and 

tubes, a washing machine, bicycle, electric 

fall, hand vacuum cleaner, popcorn popper, 

toaster, deep fryer. 

Huge gorilla cutouts have been pasted to 

the Florida's gla.ss front doors, along with 

colored stills from the picture. "Mogambo," 

in flickering colored lights, appears above. 

Colored hangers in the shape of inverted 

With Africa U.S.A.. a 300-acre reproduction 

of an African veldt complete with animals, 

and Tropical Hobbyland, a tropical animal 

and flora attraction, nearby. Manager Ralph 

Puckhaber was able to arrange a lobby 

exhibit of real animals for "Mogambo." In 

photo below, Puckhaber kneels beside a 

handler holding a baby leopard. Other 

handlers are holding a baby chimpanzee, 

monkeys and one holds a boa constrictor. 

Also note the "native" African in tribal 

regalia and the tom-tom (baby chimp is 

sitting on it.) 

pyramid.s decorated with the (Urn's title, 

dangle from the marquee and twirl ax the 

air hits them. A big gray .stuffed lion, animated 

.so that his mouth open.s and closes 

and his tall moves, stands to one .side In a 

cluster of palm fronds, and a life-.slze cutout 

of Ava Gardner sits on his back The lion was 

loaned by one of Miami Beach's colorful citizens. 

"Silver Dollar" Jake Schreiber. the retired 

showman. 

Attracting plenty of notice Is what Puckhaber 

staunchly insists Is a "native." attired 

In African garb of leopard skin, war paint 

and waving headdress, and carrying a rhlnosceros 

hide shield and hunting spear. He 

parades up and down in front of the theatre, 

occasionally pausing to beat a three-foot high 

tom-tom. 

In the down-stairs lobby. Puckhaber arranged 

an African exhibit, courtesy of Africa U.S.A . 

a 300-acre tract north of Miami that has 

been turned into a reproduction of an African 

veldt, stocked with appropriate animals. Besides 

the warrior mask, tom-tom. .shield, pangas 

knives I I 

sheaths. Watusi war spear 

and a reproduction of a gra.ss hut. animals 

from time to time are shown One of the 

animal exhibit,s features two tame Cheetahs 

Continued on next 

page' 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser 

: 

7. 1953 243 —

i 

Wild Animals in Lobby for 'Mogambo' Miss America Assists 

'Continued from preceduiB 

papei 

from Africa U.S.A. which can be petted Hke 

dogs and aje on leashes, not caged. 

PrevioiLsly on exhibit were a boa constrictor 

'.scheduled for a return engagement i. a baby 

chimpanzee, five monkey.s and a baby leopard. 

The boa and the leopard will appear at 

intervals after this. 

.>êparate 

"They don't like each other very well." 

said Puckhaber mildly. 

A traveling exhibit toiu'ed outlying communities. 

A truck was given an African "decor" 

with animals and cui-iosities. and visited 

neighborhoods. The theatre was packed for 

every performance during the film's first 

week. In ca.se interest lags Puckhaber plans 

to dfape that boa constrictor around his neck 

again and start the excitement all over. 

Four-Day Radio Contest 

In New Haven, Conn 

The opening gun m Morns Rosenthal's 

campaign for "Mogambo" at the Poll Theatre. 

New Haven, was a four-day radio contest 

on station WAVZ which netted -six fiveminute 

spots a day at no cost. Entrants were 

asked to name feminine stars who have played 

opposite Clark Gable in past years, and the 

title of the respective films, in competition 

for a S25 savings bond and theatre guest 

tickets. Al.so gratis were saturation spot announcements 

on the same station for two days 

prior to opening and opening day. 

Rosenthal promoted a coloring contest in 

the Journal-Courier which ran for two days 

and drew a fine response. Here again a $25 

Sunday Paper Labels 

'Wild' Movie of Week 

Manager John Godfrey garnered considerable 

coverage in both Ashland. Ky.. dailies 

for a W'eek prior to the opening of "Blowing 

Wild'" at the Paramount Theatre. A fivecolumn 

picture story, a four-column photo 

quiz and .several star Interviews carrying banner 

headlines appeared in the Daily News. 

The Sunday edition featured the picture under 

the headline. "Movie of the Week." 

The Independent also carrried feature 

stories on the stars, one and two-column art 

and a cla.ssifled section contest that ran 

throughout the week before the opening. 

The .song. "Blowing Wild," was plugged by 

various disk Jockeys and a song guessing contest 

that tied in with the title of the picture 

wa.s featured. 

Murphy's department store promoted a 

"Blowing Wild" ice cream sundae. The music 

.section displayed scene stills with play date 

and plugged the title song and herald's were 

used as bag stuffers. 

Window cards were posted in prominent 

locations throughout the area and Inserts 

planted in hott-l lobbies, drug stores and 

arcades. 

'Venice' Contest Winner 

J:tck Kllvcrthoiiic. iiianiinii dI tin- Hlp|)i)- 

drome Theatre, Cleveland, hits been nunii-d 

winner of "Tlic Thief of Venice" exhibitor 

showman-shlp contest conducted by 20th 

Century-Pox. 

bond was the lure, with the theatre passes for 

runners-up. 

A full window display in the Gamble and 

Desmond department store, hooked up with 

the United Fund drive, was on view for five 

days, and the clo.sed Bijou Theatre was utilized 

for publicizing "Mogambo" via door 

panels and banners. A 24-sheet on the back 

wall of the Poll, facing a parking lot. drew 

attention to the booking three weeks in advance. 

Other outdoor exploitation included a parade 

of Dodge trucks appropriately bannered, 

cards on buses, a 40x60 display in a sporting 

goods store, and signs in hotels, garages, restaurants 

and bus terminals. A colorful float. 

built in New York, was used around the New- 

Haven area for three days. It was on hand 

for the Yale football game Saturday after 

opening, parked where every car had to pass 

it on the way out. 

Street ballyhoo found a girl ambling through 

town carrying a suitcase lettered with picture 

copy. Boys wearing pith helmets imprinted 

with the title of the picture covered the Yale 

football game, and all ushers and doormen at 

the theatre wore such helmets for a week prior 

to opening. 

Five thousand tabloid heralds were widely 

distributed, and 2,000 autographed postcard 

photos of Ava Gardner were mailed to students 

at the university. "Mogambo" sundaes 

were arranged for at several downtown soda 

fountains. 

A special front sporting a huge still display, 

attractive displays and streamers in the 

lobby, and a cross-trailer at the affiliated 

College Theatre wound up the campaign. 

'Java' Display Is Centered 

On Airlines Posters 

p. H. Gaston, assistant manager of the 

Savoy in Sale, Man., England, effected a colorful 

display for "Fair Wind to Java" by use of 

a seven-foot streamer, renters stills and full 

color posters from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. 

A treasure hunt was held in conjunction 

with four local shops, each of which 

displayed in a window one letter of the word 

"Java." Patrons had to name the four shops 

displaying the letters. Guest tickets were the 

prizes. 

Lost Audience? Message 

On Card Brings 'Em Back 

A. J. Casey of the Harney Theatre, 

Custer, S.D., sent out a written message 

on mimeographed cards to bring back 

patrons who had got out of the theatre 

habit. Sent to boxholders, the.se words 

did the trick: 

"Strange as it seems there are people 

who actually brag about not having been 

to a movie for weeks, months, or even 

years! What a lack of understanding 

this Indicates when movies are the best 

contact with .society that we have. Use 

your hometown theatre the same as, and 

us often as, you do your radio, newspapers, 

and magazines. Stay in the know, attend 

a show, do It today." 

Cusey comments on the results thus: 

"Since sending them out. we're getting 

back fallcn-aways' and they're Uklng It!" 

Red Feather Kickoif 

On 'Band Wagon' 

An all-around piece ol exploitation, which 

embraced a tieup with the Community Chest 

drive and Mi-ss America of 1953. was executed 

by Fred Godwin, manager of the Wellston 

Theatre. Warner Robins. Ga.. to hypo 

his booking of "The Band Wagon." 

Godwin persuaded Miss America to make 

an appearance on the stage of the Wellston as 

part of a program to kick off the Red Feather 

drive, and promoted five neighborhood merchants 

to share the cost of her services 

The project had the blessing of Mayor W. T. 

Giles and the chairman of the drive, both ol 

whom were on hand for the ceremonies as 

were other prominent local citizens. The program 

was tied in with the screen presentation 

through the slogan. "Get on 'The Band 

Wagon' . . . join the Red Feather drive. et«." 

The resulting publicity was extraordinary. 

Both local dailies broke stories and photos. 

A two-column story made the front page of 

the Warner Robins Sun, and everything included 

"Band Wagon and "' theatre playdate 

mention. Writeups also appeared in Macon 

and Atlanta papers, and the event was covered 

by radio as well as WMAZ-TV. 

Godwin was publicly commended for his 

civic interest and goodwill endeavor, beyond 

which he drew a fine house the night of the 

program and good business for "The Band 

Wagon" generally. 

Godwin credited the sponsors in his newspaper 

ads and a special herald announcing 

the .show, and saw to it that all newspaper 

publicity included their names as well, to 

soften them up for future cooperation. 

Baker Donating Sweets 

For Saturday Kid Shows 

The first Saturday in October marked the 

beginning of a long-range program of kiddy 

matinees at the Auburn iN.Y.i Theatre. Manager 

Jack Mit

(* 

Action 

Displays 

The displays at right and below have 

the football motif in common. At right. 

Carl Ferrazio of Keith's in Cincinnati 

developed an interesting window display 

in the Bolls sporting goods store, 

using the special I'-I Lori Nelson still. 

Bottom, he expands the football idea to 

include forthcoming releases in a panel 

in the outer lobby of Keith's. 

Three lovely 17th century maiden.s await the arrival 

of guests at a special showing of "The Beggar's Opera" 

at the Vogue .Art Cinema in Denver. All guests rereived 

some old English roses. 

TICKETS ON SALE A 

Consolidated .Agencies, operating in Missouri and Kansas, uses 

a clown as its promotional trademark. Here Bob Collier, Claco 

Drive-In, prepares to chauffeur Claco the Clown in the William 

.Jewell college homecoming parade nearby at Liberty, Mo. 

The .African jungle came to Hollywood when the Egyptian 

Theatre there put on a native promotional stunt for its opening 

of '.Mogambo.' Here, a jungle warrior in authentic tribal attire 

demonstrates his agility underneath the colonnade. 

BOXOFTICE Shovmiandiser : : Nov. 7, 1953 245

a.ldicsscd 

: 

Nov 

. 

j 

I 

Monster Angle Is 

Subordinated 

In Des Moines 'Mogambo Buildup 

'Sabre Jet' Contests 

Attract Small Fry 

In Wilkes-Barre 

Frank Kovaletz, manager of the Paramount 

Theatre. Wilkes-Barre. Pa., capitalized 

on the national air force backing of, 

"Sabre Jet" to get all-out cooperation from* 

the local recruiting office. 

fl 

liiif 

The opening of "Mogambo" at the Des 

Moines (Iowa) Theatre was preceded by a 

well-planned campaign carried out by Manager 

Don Knight and Ivan Fuldauer, MGM 

field man in the midwest. 

Some of the pressbook ads were changed to 

concentrate on the personal appeal of Ava 

Gardner and Clark Gable, as against the 

gorilla -monster angle, and proved to be right 

for this territory. The newspaper budget was 

upped one-half over normal, but the publicity 

breaks were well above average. 

The picture was screened for press and 

radio repre.sentatives. some of whom did special 

reviews on the film. Frank Bunny Allen, 

the white hunter who led the safari into 

Africa during the filming of "Mogambo." was 

In town in behalf of the opening. He and his 

wife got nine separate newspaper breaks including 

an interview in the Sunday Tribune. 

A story on the woman's page of the Des 

Moines Register concerning Mrs. Allen's chore 

of preparing food for over 600 people on the 

safari made good reading for the ladies. 

Allen and his wife appeared on numerous 

radio shows, and the celebrated hunter spoke 

at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and 

an Izaak Walton League gathering. 

Through a tieup with the local Dodge dealer, 

a number of trucks posted with appropriate 

copy paraded through town opening day. The 

dealer also ran underlines in all hi.s classified 

Boy Scouis Parade 

For 'Scouimasier' 

Merl Hall, uiaiiai'ii of the Martin Theatre,. 

Thomson, CJa 

. the district council 

of Boy S'oul liadi IS to .set in motion a countywide 

tieup for "Mr. Scoutmaster." Following 

hl.s address. Hall arranged Street 

with 

Stunt 

the 

and Contest 

Scout's finance .section to underwrite the cost Stimulate 'Dream Wife' 

of sending each Scout troop to the Martin 

In publicizing "Dream Wife. ' P. 

Theatre. 

H. Gaston 

of the Savoy In Sale, Man., had a man carrying 

a .suitcase through the streets. Tlie suit- 

The boys attended In trucks coming from 

distant points and displayed banners with case bore a large label with the wording "I'm 

picture and theatre lettering. On their ar- 

going to sec my 'Dream Wife' etc." Gaston 

rival In Thom.son, they n.s.sembled at a rendezvous 

and marched to the theatre en masse. 

The Scoul.s also provided an Interesting 

lobby exhibit of camping equipment and the 

local radio station Interviewed Komc of the 

32 

advertising, and posted 30x40 display boards 

in the showroom and at the used car lot. 

Copy plugged the picture and Des Moines 

playdates, and called attention to the truck 

tie-in. 

A total of 40 gratis radio spots were promoted 

on station KCBC, KSO, KIOA and 

KRNT, with reciprocal screen advertising 

squaring the deal. Paid spots were run on all 

station breaks over KCBC. and the Clark 

Gable interview record made on location in 

Africa was plugged on all stations. 

Several hundred Ava Gardner postcard 

photos were mailed to local Izaak Walton 

League members and the auxihary. The 

Chamber of Commerce mailing list, numbering 

some 1,500. was obtained for the same 

purpose. 

The teaser Technicolor trailer was used a 

full two weeks in advance, followed by the 

regular trailer in due cour.se, and cross-trailers 

were screened in affiliated houses. Other 

promotion included a special Day-Glo 24- 

sheet in the lobby, door panels, twirly hangers 

and streamer pennants, outdoor posting of 

Day-Glo jumbo window cards, and innumerable 

window tieups with local merchants. 

A special front was constructed for current 

u.se, featuring blowups selling copy and special 

marquee ends, with interest divided between 

the romance angle and the jungle 

setting of the film. 

Scouts at the theatre following the program. 

Hall has coined a slogan that he uses in 

all advertising and which is a strong factor 

in pointing up the theatre. Copy reads: "Tlic 

entertainment and the popcorn at the Martin 

Theatre go together like Georgia peaches and 

cream." 

al.so had 2,000 contest leaflets distributed the 

week before the playdale, offering guest tickets 

for the best entries telling In not more 

than 100 words "why you think your wife 

(or wlfe-to-bc> Is a 'Dream Wife.' 

— 246 — 

The night before opening, a group of air I 

force enlistees were driven to the theatre ir. 

a cavalcade of Hudson Jet cars, appropriately 

bannered, and sworn in on the stage 

with due ceremony. Two Scranton dailies.' 

in addition to the local papers, covered thej 

event with stories and photos. 

Twenty recruiting A-boards in and around 

the city were posted with playdate copy, and 

the air force office loaned Kovaletz working 

models of jet engines for a lobby display 

Kresge's daily TV show over WILK plugged 

the film for an entire week before playdate 

by showing stills and awarding theatre passes 

to viewers correctly identifying them. The 

' 

store further cooperated with a full window ! 

display of model planes and comic books 

; 

tied in with provocative copy for youngsters, 

A similar window was lined up 

I 

at Woolworth's 

in addition to a display at the toy 

counter. 

Aimed at the younger set was an airplane ! 

identification contest on station WILK. The 

| 

25 entrants naming the greatest number of 

Jet planes were awarded tickets to see "Sabre 

Jet" at the Paramount. 

Again slanted for small-fry trade were 

5,000 "glider" throwaways distributed at 

schools throughout the Wilkes-Barre area and 

a coloring contest in the Sunday Independent 

which drew over 1,000 entries. A collection 

of books on jet planes and air combat, 

with accompanying scene stills from the picture, 

wêre displayed in the public library 

with theatre and playdate signs. 

Kovaletz ran special ads on the women's 

pages of local papers two days in advance 

^j 

to overcome the "man's picture" tag. Copy , 

played up the role of wives who must wait 

for their return from war. 

For street ballyhoo, a man in an authentujet 

flying suit complete with crash helmet, 

goggles, survival kit and oxygen cylinder, 

i 

strolled through the downtown section with 

a sign announcing picture and playdate. 

Hangers were placed on the door-handles of 

parked cars with copy. "Don't speed . 

Obey traffic law\s ... If it's fast, exciting 

thrills you're looking for. see 'Sabre Jet.' etc ' 

With his three-level campaign angled for 

men, women and youngsters, Kovaletz report.": 

that "Sabre Jet" played to some of his bosi 

business In recent months. 

Stage Wedding Slated 

As Midweek Booster 

James Salmans, manager of the Sixth Striit 

Theatre. Coshocton. Ohio, has promoted ;v 

stage wedding to boost his business on Tuesday. 

November 3. Tlie show Is being billed a.~ 

Coshocton's Bride and Groom of the Ycnr 

Merchants have already donated hundreds nl 

dollars worth of wedding glff~s for the couple. 

Newspapers, both dally and weekly In the 

county, are going all-out with advance publicity. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiaer 

: 

7. 1953 

4 

tin 

i 

tie pi 

Ejstast 

Lit 

pmtilli

hlilllW'-':; 

I 

i 

I 

iJ 

I Gordon, 

I 

• 

rtlit*'| 

Bedroom Suite Used 

for 'Wife' In Lobby 

Sold lo Fairon 

A tleup that paid off for the theatre and 

the cooperatiiiK store was staged by assistant 

t) manager Geoffrey Mapes for the opening of 

"Dream Wife" at the Siivoy Cinema in Stourbridge, 

England. A suite of bedroom furnituri' 

Mapes had borrowed from a local dealer and 

put on display in the theatre lobby was purchased 

by a woman patron, much to the delight 

of the furniture store. 

Another effective tleup was with the National 

Savings organization which shared the 

cost of a full color banner spanning the main 

street and plugging the benefits of invcstim; 

In savings for a "Dream Wife." A pester m ;i 

popular local restaurant carried the play dad 

and showcards were spotted in two department 

window displays featuring lingerie and 

nylon stockings. 

For his showing of "Jeopardy" and "Time 

Bomb." Mapes ran 16mm trailers with sound 

In a prominent center-of-town store window. 

He also used the trailers In the theatre lobby 

to catch the attention of his evening show 

Showmandiser : : Nov. 7, 1953 33 

Beacon Hill Theatre in Boston hag turned "arty," presenting lobby diaplayii o( canvawiee 

by local orlistB. Arrangemonis are made through the Margaret Brown gallery, there. Managing 

Director Samuel Richmond and asHistant Harry Harding have student models liom the 

Allen School of Modeling appear each evening as receptionists and ticket takers." The 

picture shows Richmond, leit, and Harding, right, standing before one of th© oil canvasses 

writh models Laura Knight, Sherry Lowe and Scott Briley. 

patrons. 

A six-foot compoboard display of a cooperating 

Diamond Co-Op Boosts Interest 

store's merchandise and featuring 

stills from the pictures was planted in another 

window. Ten additional local stores used silk 

screen posters that read: "Closed. Gone to 

For 'Blondes and Fred Lentz 

see 'Jeopardy' at the Savoy." Fifty scene 

Recent activities of Fred Lentz. manager of Dan Gilhula, manager of Shea's Theatre, 

were given to patrons on opening night. 

the Paramount Theatre, Toledo, included a starting two weeks in advance. 

stills 

comprehensive campaign on "Gentlemen Prefer 

Lobby posters and still displays were used 

Blondes." Large cutouts of the two stars along with teaser trailers and the regular 

Models in Pith Helmets 

were used for lobby, marquee and current talking trailer. Newspaper advertising was 

For 'Mogambo' Ballyhoo front exploitation. With the lobby display, increased about 10 per cent and both the 

Lou Cohen and Norm Levinson staged a a record player plugged the songs from the Jamestown Sun and the Post-Journal used 

picture. 

editorial comment and art for the picture. 

fine 

gambo" at Loews Poll in Hartford. Conn. 

all-around to campaign launch "Mo- 

A local jeweler used art work of the two The ads followed the same type of copy used 

stars in large newspaper co-op ads plugging In the trailers with a teaser theme. 

Five lovely models wearing pith helmets with 

"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." The For outdoor exploitation, Gilhula used 100 

the picture title and credits printed on them 

paraded through downtown streets for days in ads were 5-column. 18-inch and 4-column. window cards, three-sheet posters and both 

18-inch with threes and sixes on main highways leading 

full credits. 

advance of the opening. 

Prominently located stores cooperated with One thousand postcard photos of Marilyn into the city. An advertising truck toured the 

full window displays featuring hunting clothing 

and equipment and color stills from the piece to a select list of patrons. An attractive ping section. 

Monroe were used as an advance mailing countryside and covered the downtown shop- 

picture. Cut-out posters and inserts in the herald designed by Lentz was distributed to Both Jamestown radio stations cooperated 

all factory employes in the Toledo area. The by using gratis announceemnts and interview 

door panels were effective eye catchers. 

A large float utilizing huge cutouts of the 

records in support of the theatre's usual radio 

entire campaign was slanted to tie in the 

gorilla and the stars toured the city. A 

installation of a new panoramic screen at the 

miniature stage display made up in panoramic 

Paramount. 

spots. 

Rural householders received Marilyn Monroe 

postcards with a teaser message 

For "Mr. Scoutmaster." merchants tied 

in full color 

screen form and featuring the title and 

from "Mogambo" provided an attractive 

lobby display. Additional poster cutouts 

and a quantity was mailed to local resi- 

in with window displays of scouting equipment 

backed by picture and theatre plugs, dents with copy. "Have Just Seen 'Gentlemen 

scenes 

and scout troops deployed their members to Prefer Blondes' at Shea's. Don't Miss It." 

were used as sidewalk standees. 

Three Da-Glo 24-sheets were posted in the 

plug the picture by word-of-mouth publicity. Special heralds were distributed as inserts 

Prior to the opening of "Pickup on South by magazine dealers and window displays 

best locations while excellent picture breaks 

m the local papers for three days provided 

Street." Lentz prepared an attractive display were set up with music shops, the Jamestown 

consisting of cutouts of the stars concealed Travel Bureau and other stores. 

free publicity for the show. 

behind a Venetian blind. Patrons were invited 

to tip the blind whereupon they saw 

News Breaks for 'i?oJbe' 

the sales message. 

Three-Unit Show 

In an effort to maintain kid patronage Louis Prieskel. manager of the Park. Caldwell. 

N.J., planned a gala three-unit Hal- 

The Liberty in Beaumont. Tex., owned by 

which flourished through the summer .school 

Jefferson Amusement Co.. headed by Julius 

recess, a Back-to-SchooI kiddy show was promoted 

in cooperation with a Toledo automoing 

giveaway tie-ins with local merchants for 

loween show for kiddies. Prieskel is arrang- 

president, received excellent news 

breaks in the Enterprise upon the installation 

bile agency. The agent bought out the entire the forthcoming holidays. 

of its Miracle Mirror screen and its anamortheatre 

for a free show, contributing $750 as 

^ phic lens for the presentation of "The Robe." 

an allowance for the kids admission and free 

y The Enterprise on consecutive days gave two 

^ 

popcorn for every child attending. 

and three-column photos on the theatre page 

NOW - NOW - NOW 

lO-SIAl lUaiM will AVAIUMU IN 1«-S 

to the installation. The first photo showed 

- Ol nVANMOf UNIM Ot JUWOt 

the new screen and compared it with the old 

screen size, while the second photo showed Billposting, Teasers, Radio 

Gordon examining the anamorphic lens. Copy Used by Dan Gilhula 

TW HSt h llM SWItT aarf Mm MrUT 

I* Mm MIT. 

gave details of the installation and the Cinemascope 

process to the reading public. 

The Jamestown, N.Y. opening of "Gentle- 

ORIVI-S'THMTSf 

i^cS^'SfMT 

.;t I 

BOXOFFICE 

men Prefer Blondes " was well promoted by 

— 247 —

PAL Booth in Lobby Heads Lineup 

Of Promotions for So Big' 

A lieup with the Police Athletic League 

sparked the midwest premiere of "So Bit 

at the Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. Dal 

Shuder, manager, worked with Mayor Clart: 

and the local chief of police on the promotion 

which was tagged with the slogan. "PAL 

is 'So Big' but it can be bigger." 

A recruiting booth was set up in the theatre 

lobby to enlist young.st«rs and interest adults 

in PAL. The booth was staffed by PAL members, 

and a competitive spirit was encouraged 

by the prize of a "So Big" plaque offered by 

Warner Bros, for the top recruiting sergeant. 

Newspapers gave editorial support to the 

promotion, in addition to regular coverage, 

prior to and during the engagement. 

Radio and television tieups were many, 

notably a contest over WFBM-TV on two of 

its audience participation programs. Women 

and 

were asked to compile a basket party list, 

the one who submitted the best list received 

a complete basket filled with the articles she 

selected. "Compliments of the Circle Theatre" 

plugs and credits were generously interspersed 

throughout both programs. 

Newspaper co-op ads were promoted from 

Barney's, large downtown jeweler, to break 

on opening day. Space was divided between 

display ads for the theatre and merchant copy 

keyed to the tie-in line. "Our Diamonds Are 

•So Big.' " 

Three phone calls to Hollywood from newspaper 

writers resulted in feature breaks timed 

with the premiere. A feature writer on the 

News had a cro.ss-country chat with Robert 

Wise, director of "So Big" and a native 

Hoosier. while calls were put through to Jane 

Wyman from reporters on the Daily Star and 

the Times. 

In Toledo, the picture opened at the Paramount 

following a powerful buildup. A 

greatly augmented newspaper ad campaign 

was backed with co-op ads from furniture. 

'Young Bess'Book Tops 

British Promotion 

To promote the showing of "Young Bess" 

at the Regent Cinema in Chatham, Elngland, 

Manager G. C. Williams and his assistant, 

A. A. Allen, used the book upon which the picture 

was based to good advantage. A giant 

replica of the book cover fronted a display of 

.scene stills to create an attractive display in 

the window of the local library. 

A thousand "Young Be.ss" contest forms offering 

guest tickets as prizes were distributed 

through the schools. Good publicity for the 

show was created by the education committee 

granting perml.sslon for this stunt. 

The local dance hall ran a "Young Bess" 

contest to find the girl resembling Jean Simmons, 

the winner receiving a ticket to the 

show and a prize promoted from a local merchant. 

Three leading restaurants cooperated 

by putting on Elizabclhiin luncheons with the 

Dal Shuder of the Circle, Indianapolis, shows 

the Warner "So Big" trophy to Lf. Casper 

Kleifgen of the PAL clubs while a PAL club 

boy looks on. 

Jewelry and automobile dealers promoted by 

Fred Lentz. manager. Merchant ad copy was 

tied in to the theme. "Our Values Are 'So 

Big.' 

etc." 

The city's only television station, WSPD- 

TV, went all-out in plugging the premiere, 

and the Emerson Kimball Man on the Street 

radio show emanated from the front of the 

Paramount Theatre on opening day. with 

plenty of free plugs for "So Big." 

Some 5,000 school teachers attending a 

meeting in Toledo the day after opening received 

handbills with "welcome" copy and 

the recommendation to "See 'So Big' . . . the 

love story of a school teacher." 

A total of 250 window cards were placed in 

leading stores, counters, hotel lobbies and 

other prominent locations around town. 

menus crediting "Young Bess," and all copy 

set in old English type. 

The theatre lobby and foyer was decorated 

with a variety of banners and cutout poster 

standees. A man dressed as a beef-eater 

stood on guard near the boxof fice and another 

man. dressed in costume and carrying a staff 

with a poster, paraded through nearby towns. 

An editorial box in the local newspaper provided 

additional publicity. 

Pulls School Trade 

William DouKherly, manager of the Webb 

Playhouse. Wethersfleld, Conn., built up nice 

business for a revival engagement of "Macbeth" 

at advanced prices through u little 

effort In the direction of the school trade. 

Dougherty wrote letters to English Instructors 

in the Hartford area, with the results that announcements 

were made In high .schools and 

colleges urging allciulance. 

Scouts Distribute Gum 

Dale Tysinger, manager of Shea's Theatre, 

Ashtabula, Ohio, promoted .several thousand 

sticks of Beechnut gum samples and enclosed 

tlicin In Imprinted envelopes for distribution 

aiinouiRlng the booking of "Mr. Scoutmaster." 

LiKul Hoy Scouts distributed the envelopes on 

I'YIday and Saturday preceding the opening. 

'Summer' Ads Stress 

Film Beauty; Pastor 

Gives Approval 

Bill Denny, operator of the Academy The 

atre i!i Hou.non, Tex., which features specia 

type films, demonstrated how diplomacy cai 

pay off even in showmanship. He boolce< 

"One Summer of Happiness," which has beei 

censored in several places because of its fran; 

scenes of passion, and by the time he go 

through promoting it he had a Methodis' 

minister endorsing the picture, not privatel 

nor in comparatively small confines of hi 

church, but over signatiure in a two-columi 

ad. 

Denny in his advertising and other exploi 

ration admitted that controversial scenes hai! 

brought about the banning of the film else: 

where, but he emphasized these scenes wer 

not the main point of the screen drama. Ai 

copy declared that persons who are lookin; 

for beauty would find it in "One Summer o 

Happiness." and people who sought sensatioi 

would find that in the film, too—all de 

pending on what the viewer sought. 

The Rev. Farrell Fulton, the Methods 

pastor, in a subsequent ad during the rui 

described the film as genuinely religious ii 

that it paints the human predicament rea^ 

Ustically. He expounded the underlying theW 

of the picture as showing love is a healini, 

power that unites and transforms. Hr 

is asserted that sex basically good thougl 

often distorted by mankind. 

Publicity Put in Schools 

For Halloween Show 

Ben Geary, manager of the Athena Theai 

tre. Athens. Ohio, ran a Saturday matine! 

kiddy Halloween show on October 31 offerim 

15 cartoons and a costume contest on thi 

stage. Frizes were promoted for the winner: 

in addition to a quantity of balloons for pres 

entation to the first 200 children attending; 

Two 30x40 sidewalk displays called atten 

tion to the show and contest in advance, ancj 

announcements were made in classrooms 

on bulletin boards of local schools. The 

station came through with five free si 

plugging the event. 

Screen Ads Foot Bill 

For 4 Pages of Plugs 

Jerry Lasswell, publicity manager for 

Rialto Tlieatre in Loveland, Colo., pro 

four full pages of free space in the local 

i 

on the theatre's Fall Festival of Hits. A nu 

ber of friendly merchants footed the bill, | 

ting screen advertising in return, 

plastered the town with window cards 

window displays tieing in the strong lineup I 

coming attractions, and has a giveaway 

for November. 

'War Paint' War Dance i\ 

Many Boescl, manager iif the Palact 

utre, Milwaukee, got a group of Indians to dt 

a wiu- dance in front of the theatre oponlnf 

night of "War Paint. " Dressed In their trlba 

finery, the Redskins drew continuous crowds 

A photo of this was taken which Boese 

planted In the local dallies with a captloi 

crediting film and playdat«. 

— 248 — BOXOFFICE Showmandisai Nov 

W}

: November 

Goldenson Sees Film 

Business on Upgrade 

NEW YOKK L. 

president ol Amen 

>I(U 

Broiulciustiim-Pur 

mount Theatres, told the New York Society 

()( Security Analyses Thursday i5> that the 

company's theatre business had shown a definite 

improvement in the third quarter and 

that he viewed the future with confidence. 

Reorganization of the company's theatre 

holdings under the consent decree is nearing 

completion, he said. The company now has 

627 wholly owned theatres and 53 partly 

owned in about 300 cities and towns in 37 

state.s, 

of which 65 remain to be divested. 

Some factors which have adversely affected 

theatre attendance, he said, could be expected 

to reverse themselves in the future. He mentioned 

among these factors the drop in poplUa'ion 

from 1940 to 1950 in the under 30- 

year age group, which comprises the 

bulk of 

theatregoers. This will be reversed as the 

postwar generation comes of theatre age, he 

predicted, and will make a great new market 

to 

be tapped. 

Goldenson said the ABC division of the 

company had completely revamped the ABC 

network with established talent and the division 

should show a good profit for the 

fourth quarter. 

Loew's State, Globe Close 

Before 'Millionaire' 

NEW YORK—Both Loew's State and the 

Globe Theatre will be closed all day Monday 

(91 to prepare for the evening invitation 

openings of "How to Marry a Millionaire," 

second 20th Century-Fox Cinemascope production. 

The picture will open to the public 

Tuesday (10). 

For the opening. 20th-Fox will use a helicopter 

hovering over Times Square as part of 

a three-way telecast covering the event. Tex 

McCrary. NBC commentator, will describe the 

excitement of the opening night from the 

helicopter while celebrities arriving will be 

interviewed from the lobbies of the Globe 

and Loew's State. Lauren Bacall, one of the 

three stars, will head the star contingent 

present at the opening. 

The Miracle Mirror screens on which "How 

to Marry a Millionaire" will be shown measure 

46 feet at Loews State and 38>2 feet at 

the Globe. 

Abby Wershof Joins ABC 

NEW YORK—Abby Wer.shof. former editor 

with Bantam Books and promotion writer for 

Macfadden Publications, has become a publicity 

writer for the American Broadcasting Co. 

$41250,000 Damages 

Asked by RKO Theatres 

District Judge Dismisses 

National Screen Case 

rhil.idel|ihia — Judicr KIrkpulrl. k of 

caslom district of I'cnnsylvaniji frdcrul 

court ha-s dismis.srd the National Srrr*n 

Service case broucht by Indrprndrnt 

Poster Kxchange on Ihp ground the 

present action i.s barred b«H-au.Hr of res 

Judicata since the same partirs had 

settled a similar case about a decade ago. 

New Jersey Approves 

Local Option Bingo 

NEW YORK—Buigo will .soon be legal in 

Gerald Shea Presides 

At Pittsburgh Session 

PITTSBURGH—Gerald Shea, president of 

the Shea Cucuit. presided at the annual 

meeting of managers at the Roosevelt hotel. 

Showmanship was the keynote of the meeting 

and the quality of upcoming product and the 

new processes, including Cinemascope, 3-D 

and wide screens, were discussed. 

Shea pointed out that six Shea theatres, 

the Colonial, Akron: Paramount, Youngstown; 

Shea's in Eiie, Pa.: Fulton. Pittsburgh: Shea's 

in Jamestown. N.Y.. and State. Manchester, 

are installing Cinemascope equipment. Five 

of these will open "The Robe" while the 

Fulton in Pittsburgh will open "How to Marry 

a Millionaire" November 10. Many of the 

circuit houses already have all-purpose wide 

screens in use. and similar installations will 

be in all first run spots by the end of 1953, 

he said. 

Resistance to advanced admission prices is 

more marked than last spring. This was an 

important objection to 3-D, because whether 

viewers were included in the established price 

or whether they were .sold separately, the total 

cost to the patron represented an increased 

price, it was reported. Shea -said that, while 

the circuit was committed to cooperate 100 

per cent with 20th Century-Fox in the matter 

of Cinemascope, a policy of proceeding 

"cautiously" in adopting the process was urged 

since cost factors and potential earnings would, 

of necessity, have to be fully analyzed. 

NEW YORK RKO Thcalr.- 1.... replied to 

the »87.690.000 antltru.it suit brouKht by 

Skoura.s Theatres aRala%t It and other dl.ttrlbutors 

and circuits by filing a counter 

claim for $41,250,000 In federal district court 

here The company charged that SJcoura* 

Thcatre.s and 20th Century-Pyjx engaRcd In a 

coiuplracy In product allocatlonx In the metropolitan 

area. It also asked dUmLvsal of the 

original .suit 

Other defendants named by RKO Theatres 

are George P. Skoura-s. president of Skouras 

Ttieatrcs. Charles P Skoura.s. pre.sldent of National 

Theatres: Spyros P. Skoura.s. president 

of 20th-Pox. and subsidiaries and afflllat«R 

of Skoura.s Theatres. The counterclaim wa-s 

Ba.sed on the Sherman antitrust act and the 

Clayton act. It wa.s filed by the law firm of 

O'Brien. Drlscoll and Raftery 

The original suit, filed June 4. 1953. named 

as defendants all majors except 20th-Fox and 

Theatre grosses have improved in TV sections of New Jersey. The voters of the Loew's. It charged that affiliated circuits. Including 

RKO Theatres and Warner Bros., 

state Tuesday i3» approved a referendum calling 

saturated areas, he stated. He again said 

television could be the greatest ally of motion 

were favored through unfair clearances and 

on the 1954 legislature to legalize bingo 

pictures as a selling and merchandising and other minor games of chance on a local runs. 

medium and that it can also help movies option basis. Exhibitors, while opposed to the Skouras Theatres now is charged with anti- 

through the development of new acting, directorial 

referendum, took no active part in the campaign 

against the proposal. 

and production talents. 

After commenting on increased film rentals The decision of the voters followed years of 

Goldenson said. "There is room and opportunity 

in our industry for bright, young people 

heated controversy. 

in their laps after 

The matter was thrown 

the state supreme court 

to engage in independent production, and decided early in the year that county prose- 

product. RKO Theatres claimed it has had to 

I am sure they will find in the industry cutors who did not enforce the antigambling pool the operations of the RKO Jefferson and 

groups ready and willing to finance their laws could be indicted. Legislative approval RKO Coliseum theatres with the Academy of 

productions and to handle their distribution of bingo in 1952 had been vetoed by Gov. Music and Audubon theatres owned by 

on reasonable terms. 

Alfred E. DriscoU on the ground that it would Skouras Theatres, also that it was forced into 

encourage an influx of racketeers. 

trust law violation through l.ssuance of exclusive 

licenses from 1931 to the pre.sent time and 

with compelling exhibitors to share the income 

and profits of their theatres with 

Skouras Theatres in order to receive 20th-Fox 

pooling deals affecting the RKO Proctor 

Theatre. Newark: the Terminal, a Skoiu-as 

house, in Newark, and the RKO 81st Street 

Theatre here. 

The court also was asked to enjoin Skouras 

Theatres and the others from 'attempting 

monopolize and combining and conspiring 

to 

to the of monopolize exhibition motion 

pictures in the New York metropolitan area." 

The complaint said that Skouras Theatres and 

affiliates operate or control about 120 houses 

in the metropolitan area while RKO Theatres 

has 14 houses. 

Mention was made of a money pool to which 

the three Skouras brothers contributed from 

1931 to 1951 and on which they drew for funds. 

This was said to play a part in the alleged 

discrimination against RKO Theatres. 

25 Per Cent of High School 

Students Want Classics 

NEW Y'ORK-Approximately 25 per cent of 

more than 14.000 junior and senior high 

school students who took part in the Lowell 

Thomas essay contest favored stories and 

scenes from classic fiction represented by the 

works of Charles Dickens. Mark Twain. Herman 

Melville. Lewis CarroU and Rudyard 

Kipling as story material for Cinerama- 

Twenty per cent favored current events, 

stories current from headlines, use of atomic 

energy, travel and exploration. Adaptations of 

current Uterature to the Cinerama screen 

were favored by 17 per cent. Other categories 

included historical events. 15 per cent: Biblical 

themes. 13 per cent: motion picture and 

Broadway stage adapUtlons. 10 per cent 

BOXOFHCE : 

7, 1953 

N 

35

I 

111 

. . 

'Bay' and 'Gilbert and Sullivan' 

Open Big; 'Robe,' 'Eternity' Good 

NEW YOHK—The eleclion day tioliday. 

coupled with mild weather, brought out the 

crowds, many of them into the Broadway first 

run houses. Two of the newcomers, "Botany 

Bay" and "Gilbert and Sullivan," did strong 

business and the long-run holdovers. "The 

Robe" and "From Here to Eternity." also 

held up exceptionally well. 

"Botany Bay," starring Alan Ladd in his 

first since "Shane." had a smash opening week 

at the Mayfair and "Gilbert and Sullivan" 

was capacity in the first week of its two-aday 

at the Bijou. The other two new pictiu-es. 

"Jack Slade" at the Globe and the Englishlanguage 

version of "The Little World of Don 

Camillo " at the New York Theatre were comparatively 

mild. 

"The Robe" still attracted crowds in its 

seventh week at the Roxy as did "From Here 

to Eternity" in its 13th week at the Capitol, 

where it had only two more to go to pass the 

long-run record of "Moulin Rouge." "Little 

Boy Lost" was still strong in its sixth week 

at the Rivoli and "Torch Song," in its third 

good week at LoeWs State, and "The Moon 

Is Blue," in its 17th week at the Victoria, also 

held up well. 

"The Captain's Paradise." in its fifth big 

week at the Paris, led the art house pictures 

with "Little Fugitive," which had waiting 

lines evenings in its fourth week at the 

Normandie, and "Martin Luther." in its eighth 

week at the Guild, not far behind. "This Is 

Cinerama" remained at capacity for all evening 

performances in its 21st week at the 

Warner Theatre and "Julius Caesar," in its 

first week of continuous performances at the 

Plaza, was strong after 21 weeks of two-a-day 

at the Booth Theatre. 

Two big masicals, "Kiss Me Kate," in its 

2-D version, and "Calamity Jane," opened during 

the week as did "Sabre Jet," "The Joe 

Louis Story" and the foreign-made "Queen 

of Sheba." 

(Average Is 100) 

Ajfor—Moin Street »o Broodwoy (MGM), 3rd wk.. 95 

Baronet—The Beggor's Opero (WB), 9th wk 105 

Bi|Ou—Gilbert and Sullivan UA), two-o-doy . . .. 1 1 5 

Copitol— From Here to Eternity Col), 13th wk.llS 

Cinema Vcrdi— La Fovorito 'IFE) 100 

Criterion The Big Heat iColj, 3rd wk 110 

Fine Arti—The Cruel Sea :U-I), 12th wk 110 

Globe—Jack Slode ( AA) 1 00 

Guild—Mortln Luther (DeRochemont), 8th wk...l20 

HERE'S YOUR CHANCE 

to get in the 

BIG MONEY 

HOLLYWOOD takes top 

honors. Aj a box-office attraction, 

it i» without equoL It has 

favorite 

wilh theatre goerj (or 

over 15 yeors. Write today for complete details. 

Be sure lo give seating or car capacity. 

HOLLTWOOD AMUSiMINT CO. 

Loews State—Torch 

Moytair—Botony 

Song 

Boy 

MGM), 

(Pora) 

1 

.... .1 

Little 1 

Normandie Fugitive (Burstyn) 4th wk. 

New York—The Little World of Don Comillo 

(IFE) 

• ' 

Poromount So Big (WB), plus stoge show, 2nd 

„k 

' 

Pans The Coptoin's Porodise (UA), 5th wk 1 

PlozQ Julius Caesor :mGM), continuous 1 

Rodio City Music HqII— Mogombo (MGM), plus 

stage show, 5th wk 1 

Rivoh Little Boy Lost iParo), 6th wk I 

Roxy—The Robe :20th-Fox), 7th wk 1 

Sutton Tango-Tiko fSchaefer), 4th wk I 

Trans-Lux 52nd Lili (MGM), 34th wk 1 

Trans-Lux 60th The Actress (MGM), 3rd wk 1 

Victoria The Moon Is Blue (UA), 1 7th wk 1 

Warner This Is Cinerama (Cineramo), 

21st wk. of two-a-day 

Worner The Overcoat (Times), 3rd wk. 

'Robe' Marks Up Record 

In Pittsburgh Top Gross 

PITTSBURGH—With more than 150,000 

admi.ssions registered in four weeks, the J. P. 

Harris Theatre marked up another record 

with the initial Cinemascope production, "The 

Robe." Five shows are being exhibited daily 

at the Harris where evening admis.sion is 

S1.50. The Warner closed for installation of 

Cinerama. 

Fulton The All American (U-l)... 

Horns The Robe (20th-Fox) 4th w 

Penn Mogambo (MGM), 3rd wk.. 

Stanley— Blowing Wild (WB) 

"Martin Luther' Rates 300 

In First Week at Buffalo 

BUFFALO— 'Martin Luther" stood 'em up 

for seven days in Shea's Teck at advanced 

prices and tallied a sock 300. "The Robe" also 

went right along, taking up to 210 in its 

fifth week at the Buffalo. "So Big" was okay 

in its second week. The Century had some 

action with "Vicki" but the Lafayette was 

quiet 

with "Glass 'Web," 

Buffalo The Robe (20th-Fox), 5th wk 210 

Center—So Big (WB), 2nd wk 140 

Century 

— 

Vicki (20th-Fo - 165 

Cine-no From Here to Eternity (Col), 5th 95 

105 

Lofoyette Glass Web (U-l) 

Poromount Blowing Wild (WB), 2nd wk. 

Teck Martin Luther (DeRochemont) 

'Pitz-Palu' Booking Set 

NEW YORK—"The White Hell of Pitz- 

Palu," the English-language version of the 

mountain climbing picture filmed in Germany, 

will open at the New York Theatre 

following the current English-language version 

of "The Little World of Don Camillo." 

IFE Releasing Corp, is distributing botli pictures. 

'Sentry' to Beekman in NY 

NKW YORK "Tlif Pa.ssionat*- Sentry," 

London Film.s comedy, will open Wedne.sday 

at the Beekman Tlieatre. It stars Nigel 

Patrick, Valerie Hobson and Peggy Cummins 

and is distributed In the U.S. by Pine Art,s 

Films. It was released In Britain as "Who 

CiocN Tliere?" 

Italian Film for Baronet 

NKW YORK "Thr.'c Fiiibuld.'n Stones." 

Italian picture distributed by Ellis Films, will 

open Saturday (14) at the Baronet Theatre. 

.succeeding "Tlie Beggar's Opera." It has 

l)iin shown in London, Rome and Paris. 

BRITISHERS IN THE U.S.— Sid Hvams 

managing director, and Ben Henry, 

(left I. 

right, director of Eros Films, Ltd., of 

Great Britain, who are in the United 

States for conferences with .\merican 

film representatives, are welcomed to New 

York by Alfred E, Daff. executive vicepresident 

of Universal Pictures. 

Notre Dame Football TV 

Picks Up at Albany Grand 

ALBANY—Tlie third Notre Dame-Nav:| 

football game in the Box-Office Televisioij 

series attracted about 1.025 patrons to th' 

1,500-seat Grand. Tlie percentage of childrei, 

was larger than for the first and second con-j 

tests, probably because of "Tarzan and thi' 

She-Devil" on the regular bill. Receipt! 

dipped slightly from the level for the Notn^ 

Dame-Georgia Tech title, despite a total j 

count Increase from 960, because of the ad 

mission of small fry is 50 cents. Concessiw 

trade was naturally brisker due to the pi 

ence of the kids. Manager Paul Wallen 

ported. 

Philadelphia Theatre Gets 

Big Game Telecast Permit 

PHILADELPHIA—The Stanley Theatre a .i 

able to pre.-^cnt a closed circuit telecast ol ;;•. 

Penn-Notre Dame football game Saturday 7 

because Franklin Field was sold out. The citj; 

had originally been blacked out. Consent was 

given Box-Office Television, Inc., and Stanleji 

Warner by the university, according to Teej 

Schlanger, zone manager of the Stanle^.' 

Warner. Tlie theatre seat* 2,700 persons 

Seats were not reserved. They went on sale' 

at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. 

First CinemaScope Cartoon 

With Stereophonic Sound 

NEW YORK—The first animated cartoon; 

to be filmed in CinemaScope with ster 

phonic sound will open as a supporting at-j"* 

traction to "How to Marry a Millionaire') *! 

Tuesday (10) at the Loew's State and Glob«; 

theatres. It is Walt Disney's "Toot, Whistle' 

Plunk and Boom," which deals with the origin 

and development of musical instrumont-s 

sounds. 

'Cease Fire' to Criterion 

NKW YORK rcil.M' V'm-r Hill Walll 

Paramount picture, will open NovemU'r 

It at the Criterion Theatre. shows a patrol 

action by American soldiers behind the enemy 

lines in Koiia 

j 

' 

pRicl 

I 

f' 

Jf 

BOXOFFICE November 7, 19K>

I 

. . . Charles 

. . Roland 

. . Al 

. . Virginia 

. . 

. . 

. 

. . . Jack 

tie 

Universal Elects Walsh 

To Post of Treasurer 

NEW YORK Eimfiu' F, Walsh t roller 

Wii.s eU'clecl vice-prusldt'iit 

and treasurer by 

the board of directors 

Wednesday (4). He 

succeeds Leon Goldberg 

who left the company 

last month to become 

financial vicepresident 

of United 

Artists. 

Walsh has been with 

Universal more than 

28 years. Besides being 

con'roUer, he has 

been assistant treas- 

Eugene F. Walsh ^ler of the company 

and subsidiaries since 1935. Before joining 

Universal, he was controller of the General 

Silk Importing Co. and a member of the 

staff of Price Waterhouse & Co. He is a 

graduate of the school of commerce, accotmts 

and finance of New York university. 

James Richardson Elected 

Para. Assistant Treasurer 

NEW YORK—James H. Richardson, senior 

assistant to Fred Mohrhardt. treasurer of 

Paramount Pictures 

Corp., has been elected 

assistant treasurer of 

the company by the 

board of directors, acording 

to Barney 

Balaban. president. 

The assistant treasurer 

IS a newly-created post. 

Richardson, who has 

been a public accountant 

for 21 years and 

a certified public accountant 

since 1939, 

was associated with James Richardson 

Price, Waterhouse & Co. three years before 

Joining Paramount. Richardson was graduated 

from Northwestern university in 1932. 

World Brotherhood Theme 

Is Selected for Dinner 

NEW YORK — The theme of the annual 

brotherhood dinner sponsored by the amusements 

industry will be "world brotherhood." 

it was reported Monday (2i by Emanuel 

i7i to attend the "How to Marry a Millionaire" 

opening Bosler. who appeared 

on Broadway in "Brigadoon." left for 

the coast to re-create her role in the MGM president of Warner International, has been 

elected president of the Warner Club. Inc., 

picture. 

at a meeting of the board of governors. Others 

Helen Deutsch, MGM screen writer who did elected are Tom O'Sullivan, vice-president; 

Larry Leshansky, membership vice-president; 

is 

the script for "Lili," the film which still 

FYisch, national chairman of the industry's 

playing at the Trans-Lux 52nd Street Theatre, 

Ruth Weisberg, welfare vice-president; Donald 

participation in the dinner to be held February 

Cherry, claims vice-president: Harry 

and "King Solomon's Mines." among 

4 at the Waldorf-Astoria under the auspices 

Mayer, social activities vice-president: Barry 

others, came in for a few weeks of playgoing 

of the National Conference of Christians 

and Jews. 

LeMaire. 20th-Fox wardrobe director 

who.'ie latest effort. "How to Marry a 

O'Connor, treasurer: Elsie Torbach. assistant 

treasurer, and Max Greenberg. secretary. 

FrLsch also said three new sections will be Millionaire." will open at Loew's State and 

added to those participating in the annual 

and 

the Globe November 9. returned to Hollywood 

a to promote the picture dinner. They are radio-TV, publishers after brief visit 

Renzo Rufini. general manager of Italian 

records. 

The decisions were reached at a luncheon 

meeting of committee heads planning the din- 

Films Export Rome office, arrived aboard the 

Andrea Doria for two weeks of conferences. 

ner, consisting of J. Robert Rubin, general 

chairman of the amusement division; Harry 

Brandt, Eugene Picker and Sol A. Schwartz, 

associate chairmen of the campaign: Max E. 

Youngstein. advertising and publicity chairman, 

and Maury Goldstein, distribution chairman. 

The campaign committee tliis year will 

consist of the chairmen of the various sections 

comprising the entire amusement industry. 

B R O A D \N 

Tôris v.. Wlllianu, formerly .secrclury U> J 

Miller Walker, RKO vice-president and 

general counsel, has been named admlnLttrutlve 

assistant to Walker, a newly created po«ltlon 

in the home office legal department . 

Herb Steinberg, Paramount publicity director. 

Is back from a two-week visit to the Hollywood 

studio . . . Paul F. Thomas, treasurer of Altec 

Service Corp.. has left the home office on a 

trip which will take him to Texas for conferences 

with C. J. Zcrn. southwestern division 

manager, and to California, for meetings with 

officials of the Beverly Hills manufacturing 

plant. 

Rudy P. Hagen, head of the Warner Bras, 

home office checking department, became a 

grandfather for the first time October 30 

when his daughter. Mrs. William J. Morris, 

gave birth to William J. Morris Jr. at the 

Lawrence hospital. BronxvlUe. Max Herschmann. 

eastern sales manager of Filmack 

Trailer Co.. is a grandfather again with the 

newcomer. Allen D. Kerner, son of Ben and 

Mrs. Kerner . Fitter, assistant to Hugh 

Owen. Paramount eastern and southern division 

manager, and Mrs. Fitter are the proud 

parents of their second child and first daughter, 

born at Greenwich hospital. Conn., on the 

birthday of Ru.ssell Holman. the baby's grandfather, 

currently in Europe. 

r.dwin W. Aaron, 20th Century-Fox western 

sales manager, is al.so a grandfather since his 

daughter. Mrs. Herbert Nussbaum. gave birth 

to a daughter. Elizabeth Carol, at SanU 

Monica. Calif. ... Sid Ginsberg, director of 

publicity of the Trans-Lux Theatres Corp.. 

and Arthur Gutowitz. office manager for 

Walter Reade Theatres, also became fathers 

in October. Ginsberg's son, Robert Eugene. 

Wius born at Kew Garden.s General hospital 

and Gutowitz' daughter. Felice, was born at 

Central Maternity hospital in the Bronx . 

Robert Haggiag, managing director of Dear 

Films. United Ai'tists' distributor in Italy, is 

recuperating from a tonsillectomy at Doctors 

hospital in New York. 

Robert Wagner, 20th Century-Fox star of 

two forthcoming Cinemascope productions. 

"Beneath the 12-Mile Reef" and "Prince 

Valiant," will arrive from the coast Sunday 

Charles Goetz. chairman and managing director 

of MGM British studios, flew in from 

England Culver. British stagescreen 

star, who has been starring on Broad- 

. 

way in "The Little Hut." and Ronald Waldman. 

director of television variety programs 

for the BBC. returned to England . . . 

Bert 

Fiiedlob. who will produce "Untamed" for 

AY 

2Ut)i-Kux in CIncmaScopv. pluiied in following 

conference!! In ParU with Durryl P. 

Zanuck . . . Bu.^ter Crabbc. film and TV star, 

left on a Junket to Morocco with hl« 9-yearold 

.son Cuffy to make a film xerlen. "Captain 

Valiant," for TV 

Victor .MrLaclen left for London Sol 

Berasteln. chairman of Granada ThJ-atres. 

flew In from London a* did Harry Bowden. 

general manager of J. C. Williamson Theatres 

Cohn. executive vlce-pre.^ldent of 

Columbia Plcture.s. returned to the home 

office following a two-week bu.slnewi trip to 

London. Paris. Madrid and Rome to dL«:u.s.s 

foreign openings of "From Here to Enmity " 

Ann Miller, star of 'Kl.ss Me Kate." returned 

from New Bedford. Ma.ss . 

where she 

made a personal appearance at the opening 

of "All the Brothers Were Valiant The 

MGM " home office contingent. Including Dan 

S. Terrell, publicity manager: Emery Austin, 

exploitation manager, and Frances Lane. Bill 

Orn.stein and Norman Kaplan of the publicity 

department, got back from the New Bedford 

opening November 4 as did Ernie Emerllng 

and Jim Shanahan of Loew's Theatres while 

Arthur Canton, eastern division press 

representative, got back Thursday

: November 

Ampa Showman's Class 

Hears Daff on Methods 

NEW YORK—Ten guiding principles in 

the 

advertising, publicizing and exploitation of 

motion pictures were outlined by Alfred E. 

Daff, executive vice-president of Universal- 

International, at the opening session Thursday 

i5» of the new showmanship school of 

the Associated Motion Picture Advertisers. 

In doing so, he pointed to the importance 

of the world market, estimating that the industry 

receives 39 per cent of its income from 

foreign countries, that an anti-American policy 

in any of those countries can become an 

acute problem affecting remittances, that advertising 

men should always keep the foreign 

market in mind and that often advertising 

material is produced here which can't be used 

abroad because of differing cultural standards 

and emotional attitudes. 

"The whole psychological key in foreign 

countries is set at our mood." Daff said. "When 

some leader of our industry sings the blues, 

it is immediately picked up abroad to the 

extent that I am frequently confronted with 

the idea that the American industry has 

developed a great deal of pessimism in the last 

few years." 

Daff advanced the following ten points: 

1. This is a complex business and it is 

your Job to understand what makes it tick. 

2. This, despite any manifestations, is 

a respected business in the community. 

Like all busine.sses, we are beholden to 

banks and stockholders. 

3. To advertise intelligently, we must 

learn to think intelligently. 

4. The publicity man of today can be 

the producer of tomorrow if he has the 

will to develop sound ideas. 

5. The selling of pictures should be 

tempered by a sen.se of public relations 

and responsibility to the community. We 

should always be interesting but never 

vulgar. 

6. Everyone entrusted with the .selling 

of pictures should be instructed in the 

manner of its distribution and in the way 

it fits into the company's program. 

7. The day has arrived when the advertising 

crafts should be instructed in industry 

matters and policy. No one company 

lives 

alone. 

8. There should be frequent industry 

selling clinics where new blood may be 

injected with new ideas and enthusiasm. 

9. There should be an industry training 

school so that those who want to enter 

this business may have a chance to test 

their aptitudes. 

10. And lastly, there should be more 

pride of craftsmanship and more faith in 

our industry's future. 

Daff also discussed types of advertising 

in acceptable certain sections of the country. 

"I feel strongly." he said, "that we have now 

reached a point where there is no such 

thing as a common denominator in the selling 

of motion pictures. We know for a fact that 

down .south certain types of pictures do well, 

and, conversely, the same picture will do very 

badly in the east and middle west." 

The answer, Daff said, is specialized advertising 

for localities. 

"Such a procedure is only a fragment in 

the reappraisal that should be done in connection 

with our techniques," he said. 

He told the students that every picture has 

selling content. 

"You must start on the theory," he said, 

"that every picture has an audience, and 

that it was made for this reason." 

He asked for fresh thinking in terms of 

formats now that television has become a 

"serious" competitor, and said he wondered!I 

if 

the industry "should not direct more of ourj 

publicity and advertising to the women," as\ 

they live in a different "dream world" from' 

men. He also said the "constant scream f«j 

economy in production" should not be permitted 

to injure exploitation angles. 

, 

Big Turnout Assured 

For Pioneers Dinner 

NEW YORK—Outstanding representatives 

of many industries, the church, civic life and 

motion pictures and television will join with 

more than 80 members of the Motion Picture 

Pioneers at its 15th anniversary dinner Thursday 

(12 1 at the Hotel Astor. which will honor 

Barney Balaban. Paramount president, as 

"pioneer of the year." 

Balaban will be the seventh Pioneer to be so 

honored. Jack Cohn. president of the Pioneers, 

recalled the others as Adolph Zukor 

in 1947. Gus Ej-ssell in 1948. Cecil B. DeMille 

in 1949. Spyros P. Skouras in 1950. the Warner 

brothers in 1951 and Nate J. Blumberg 

in 1952. 

Among the guests of honor and speakers 

will be Henry Ford 11. the Rev. James A. Pike, 

dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 

and John Daly, radio and television news 

analyst. Eric Johnston, president of the Motion 

Picture Ass'n of America, will return from 

Europe in time to be chairman of the evening, 

and George Je.ssel will be toastmaster. 

The finance committee of the Foundation 

of Motion Picture Pioneers met during 

week at the office of Cohn and discussed 

plans for aiding the needy. John J. O'Connor, 

chairman, said there will be fund-raising 

drives in coming months to replenish t 

treasury. Others on the committee are Ned 

Depinet. William J. German. Marvin Kirsch 

and Harry J. Takiff. 

Judge Ferdinand Pecora will induct about 

100 new members at the dinner. Among the 

latest to be approved are Walter J. Barber, 

Universal-International; David L. Cantor, 

RKO: Robert H. Denton. Paramount, Washington, 

DC; Eric H. Ericsson, Paramount; 

Chester Friedman, MGM, Toronto; Paul 

Gro.sz, 20th Century-Fox; William K. Hollander. 

Balaban & Katz. Chicago: Bernard 

Kleid. National Theatre Supply: Frank La- 

Grunde, Paramount; Morrie Roizman. New 

York; Allen G. Smith. National Tlieatre Supply: 

Philip Smith. Boston; Elmer C. Upton. 

BnUiban & Katz. Chicago: Charles F. Wolfe, 

New York. 

Al.so. Irving Asher. producer: Raymond J, 

Barnes. ABC Theatrical Enterprises. Atlanta; 

Albert Deane. Paramount: Nat D. PeUman, 

Stanley Warner Corp.; Donald E. Hyndman, 

Eastman Kodak: Joseph Josephson. 

York; C. C. Kellenberg. 20th-Fox. Pittsburgh; 

Arthur J. Miller. Republic: Norman P. Oakley. 

E. I. du Pont de Nemours; Harvey Pergamcni. 

Hollywood: Jo.seph Tisman. Paramount 

.Arnold Van Leer. Paramount. Boston, and 

Kmanuel Waxberg, RKO Theatres. 

^05 

tie Eva 

pajDecen 

SSMleyW 

IKIUDTK TO UKA.MH—ILirrv Hraiult. second from Ufl. prr.sidiiU of Uranilt 

TlieatreM, recelvm a plaque "in recuKnitlon of his rontributlon.s to the community" 

from Kdmund Waterman, co-chairman of the Joint I)efen.sc Appeal of New York, at 

a dinner on behalf of the JDA by the motion picture Industry and Cinema I.odRe of 

B'nal Brlth at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. New York City. 

A. W. Schwalberg, president 

of Paramount Film DlHtrlbutlng Corp., l.s on the left, and Max K. Youngsteln, vlcepreHldent 

of United ArtlsLs; William J. German, general chairman of the J I).\ drive, and 

Harry (nmld. executive vUe-pre«ldent of the .lewlsh Theatrical (luUd, arc on the rlRlit. 

NFIP to See Goldwyn Film 

NKW YORK- -riu' Best Yoius of OUT 

Lives." Samuel Goldwyn picture, will be shona 

Sunday (Bi at the annual conference of statB 

advisers on women's activities of the National 

Foundation for InfiuitUe Paralysis at ths 

Waldorf-Astoria. Att^^-nding will be the president.s 

of 50 major women's organizations 

well as representatives of the foundation. 

T 

BOXOFFICE 

: 7. II

i 

4,135 

i "The 

I 

j 

I 

Schenectady 

. . Johnny 

. . Sid 

: November 

ALB ANY 

Mews stories thai the PouKhki-ep.sie city 

council would Investigate its power to enact 

an ordinance banning •Immoral shows 

and motion pictures," as requested in a petition, 

presented by a Catholic group, bearing 

names and protesting the exhibition of 

Moon Is Blue" at the Bardavon Tlieatre, 

provoked the comment by a legal auth- 

I 

orlty here that he doubted municipalities 

possess such authority a.s to films under the 

present state law. It was his understanding 

that an amendment piussed by the legislature 

and signed by the governor in 1950 made the 

decision of the slate motion picture division 

as to a films morality binding upon all subdivisions, 

and that no local prosecution or 

action could be initiated. The attorney general's 

office to which dispatches reported, the 

Catholic delegation's protest on "The Moon Is 

Blue" would be sent, had not received any 

word from the Poughkeepsie common council 

or corporation counsel ten days after the 

council meeting. 

A criticism of "Martin Luther" by Dr. 

Friederich Engel-Janosi, history professor at 

Catholic University of America, was frontpaiU'd 

by the Evangelist under the six-column 

(aptiin. "Martin Luther Film Described as 

More Anti-Catholic Tlian Pro-Lutheran' by 

Noted European Historian." A story on the 

SclieiK'ctady Union-Star's religious page reported 

that Schenectady Catholics have been 

advised to shun patronizing the film during 

a ten-day engagement at that Fabian house, 

beginning December 3. The picture will open 

at the Stanley Warner Ritz in Albany November 

U. 

Ray Pollack, Schine circuit booker for the 

Albany district who suffered broken ribs, 

chest and other injuries in an automobile 

accident at Gloversville. was removed to 

Littauer hospital where he was expected to 

remain a patient for two weeks. Pollack's new 

Mercury was wrecked, according to reports 

received on Filmrow. 

Fabian's Mohawk Drive-In on the Albanyroad 

dimmed the lights for 1953 

Wednesday i4>. It was the last automobiler 

in this immediate Albany area to close . . . 

Admission at the premiere of "Tlie Robe" in 

Fabian's Palace was $1.25, not $1.50 as stated 

in last week's story. It had been reported 

that $1.50 would be the week-end top, but the 

adult price finally set was $1 to 3 p.m.. $1.25 

from 3 to closing Saturday, and $1.25 Sunday. 

The Stanley Warner Strand will be the second 

Albany theatre to show Cinemascope. 

Installation of booth equipment and stereophonic 

sound Ls to be made for "How to 

Marry a Millionaire," slated to open the latter 

part of November. The house has been using 

a Miracle Mirror curved screen for several 

months. It will be opened out seven feet 

for Cinemascope, according to Manager Al 

LaFlamme. 

at the Palace. The Slavcaslca-Franklin 

troupe drew about 1,500 at $4.80 top . 

. . Th>- 

Troy's new wide, curved .screen is drawlnkplenty 

of favorable comment from palrori.s. 

according to Sid Summers. Summers played 

up the Christopher award for "Little Boy 

Lost" In new.spaper advertising and on the 

marquee. Troy Is predominantly Catholic. 

A large number of bequests to friends, 

priests and others was made by Lc Orand 

J. Voudry, former assistant manager of the 

Strand and former symphony orchestra violinist. 

In a will admitted to probate. "Le" died 

June 17 . . . Among those attending the first 

Saturday night floor .show. In a series planned 

for the Empire room of the Ten E^ck hotel, 

were Harold Gabrllove, Gene Teper and Sidney 

Urbach, Variety Club members. 

WTRI-TV has opened a temporary office on 

the second floor of the Strand Theatre building, 

staffed by Paul Jacob.son, treasurer and 

assistant general manager of Van Curler 

Broadcasting Co., and a secretary. The company, 

controled by Fabian Enterprises and 

Troy Broadcasting Co.. is scouting for larger 

local quarters. A 40-acre tract on Bald mountain, 

two miles northeast of Troy, has been 

purcha.sed for a transmitter location. Jacobson, 

Si Fabian's .son-in-law, announced work 

would begin soon on the construction of a 

concrete structure and the erection of a 500- 

foot antenna tower. The station, a Columbia 

outlet, is slated to begin operation "with full 

power" in January. 

The 20th-Fox branchers listened clo.sely to 

a WPTR noontime broadcast, taped in the 

outer lobby of the Palace at the premiere of 

"The Robe," for the voices of Wayne Carignan, 

head shipper; Mrs. Nat Rasen, wife of the 

20th-Pox manager, and the husband of Helen 

D'Amico, a.ssistant cashier. They were among 

those interviewed on their reaction to the 

picture and to Cinemascope by announcer 

Ken Parker. The 20th-Fox bunch also heard 

Jack Goldberg, MGM manager, in a flattering 

tribute to film and process. 

Rush Coronation Prints 

NEW yORK—Prints of "The Coronation 

Parade," first Cinemascope short subject, are 

being rushed into United States and Canadian 

exchanges for use with "How to Marry a 

Millionaire." 

Sunday Shows Gain 

In Pennsylvania 

PrrrSBUHGH .SuiKluy riiotloii pictures 

were approved in moat local rcfercnduou at 

the general election. 

In Allegheny county, Oreen Tree borough 

voters marked "X ' for "Yea" 799 to 368: and 

Ohio township voted approval 289 to 76. 

Newly constructed drlve-ln theatres had been 

opened laat summer In the.sc communlUcs and 

they had operated Sunday movies without 

approval of voters. Now such exhibitions are 

legal. 

In Beaver county, the Lwue wa* defeated 

by a slim margin at Beaver. 1599 to 1.576; 

and E^conomy townxhlp voters approved the 

measure 698 to 143. 

In Greene county. Perry township rejected 

Sunday movies. Mount Morris Ls the only 

community In the township having a theatre, 

which remains the only theatre In the entire 

area which does not permit Sunday movies. 

In Indiana county, the Lssue again was 

defeated 1.774 to 1.359. In Indiana borough, 

and In Homer City, where the Homer Theatre 

has been closed for a number of months, 

the voters approved 434 Lo 302. White township 

lost by 37 votes. 570 against 533. 

An outdoor theatre had operated Sunday 

movies without legal approval for four years, 

and this past summer a .second drlve-ln theatre 

was opened and started Sunday evening 

exhibitions within the township of White. A 

complaint was registered with authorities 

and both outdoor theatres were forced to close 

on Sundays. 

In Armstrong county. Sunday movies were 

approved at Kittanning and In Manor township. 

The vote at Kittanning was 1,170 for 

the issue and 1,147 against Sunday movies. 

In past referendums at Kittanning voters 

had disapproved. The Manor township vote 

was 573 in favor and 420 against Sunday 

films. 

Hanover In York county defeated the 

measure. 

Approval came from voters In Bloomsbiu-g. 

Columbia county. 

The issue won in Mount Holly Springs. 

Cumberland county, and In Clinton township. 

Lycoming county. 

In Dauphin county, the Lssue was approved 

by Williams township voters 

Stewart McDonald, treasurer of Stanley 

Warner Theatres, and wife were visitors in 

Troy . Gardner's Turnpike Drive- 

In, Westmere, and Joe Miller's Menands 

Drive-In, Albany-Troy road, called it a season 

Sunday . Summers, manager of the 

Troy, attended the Slavenska-Franklin Ballet 

performance in the Strand. Paul Jacobson, 

treasurer of Van Curler Broadcasting Co.. 

and wife divided their evening between the 

ballet show and the premiere of "The Robe" 

AT ALB.AN'i' 'ROBE' OPKNING—Several Fabian executives attended the opening 

of "The Robe" in the Palace Theatre at Albany. Left to rlRht: Fred Haas, Louis R. 

Golding. Edward L, Fabian and Bernard Brooks. Haas is chief of construction. instaUation 

and maintenance. 

BOXOFnCE : 

7. 1953

. . "The 

WASHINGTON 

Jane Froman, the singer and entertainer, and 

'dt. Selman A. Waksman. scientist, will receive 

the annual achievement citations of 

the show business at a dinner at the Statler 

hotel here November 21. Variety Clubs International 

its 

will present Humanitarian 

award to Waksman at the linal event of its 

annual two-day midyear meeting on the 

20th and 21st. Variety members from Mexico. 

Canada. Japan. England. Ireland. Germany 

and the U.S. will attend. Miss Froman will 

receive the Personality of the Year plaque 

presented by Tent 11 of Washington at the 

joint dinner and dance. 

Local F-13 has nominated the following for 

its annual election December 7: President. 

Max Rutledge; vice-presidents. Sara S. Young 

and Jack Dean; recording .secretary. Judy 

Cohen: financial secretary, Agnes Turner; 

treasurer. Mildred McDonald; business agent. 

George Sullivan; trustees. Larry Friess. Esther 

Blendman and Lillian Lee; executive board. 

Jane Harrell. Jesse Smith. Henry Ajello and 

Kathleen Thome. 

Hazard Reeves and Lester Isaacs were guests 

on Mark Evans television .show Tuesday evening 

in conjunction with the^ opening of 

"This Is Cinerama" at Warner Theatre on 

Friday (6i night. Rodney Collier, manager of 

the Stanley in Baltimore, accompanied Reeves 

during his stay in Baltimore and Washington. 

Prior to the Friday opening the local Stanley 

Warner office, headed by George Crouch, zone 

manager, were hosts to Filmrow folk and exhibitors 

in the territory at various .showings 

during the week. 

Manager Joe Rosen and .sales manager Ira 

Sichelman went to Norfolk to attend the opening 

of 20th-Fox's "The Robe" at the Norva 

Theatre Tuesday evening HO). Lou Golding. 

district manager of Fabian Theatres, and Ben 

Perse. Capitol Motion Picture Theatre Supply 

Co., were in from New York to attend the 

opening. 

Jake Flax, Republic manager, was at Johns 

Hopkins hospital for a checkup . . . Happy 

birthday to salesman Joe Cohan . . . Approved 

for membership in the Variety Club wa,s Norman 

Sprowl. chief of information, headquai-- 

ters military district . . . Jimmy Pritchett 

reports he has closed his West End Theatre 

at Martinsville, Va. 

Visitors on Filmrow included Tom Halligan 

and Cecil Houck, William.sburg, Va.; 

Sam Melllts and .son Allan. Denton, Md.; 

Herman Hable and Lou Bachrach. Winchester, 

and from Baltimore, Aaron Seldler. Joe 

Walderman, Will Brizendlne and Mike 

Lcvonthal, 

JOHN WAYNE 

-ah\ (2nd 5cri«) 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

PLUS 50 OTHER 

WESTERNS 

Big Washington Audience 

Sees Cinerama Opening 

WASHINGTON—Government 

representatives, 

foreign diplomats, the armed services 

and social leaders attended the opening 

Thursday (5i of "This Is Cinerama" at the 

Warner Theatre. This was the sixth city to 

show the picture. 

The opening was sponsored by the American 

Newspaper Women's club as a benefit for the 

Children's hospital and it was telecast by 

WTTG, including a presentation to S. H. 

Fabian, president of the Stanley Warner 

Cinerama Corp. of a citation from the local 

Board of Trade. 

Among those attending who are associated 

with the Cinerama process were Lowell 

Thomas, Fred Waller, Hazard Reeves and 

Merian C. Cooper, and Harry Kalmine and 

Samuel Rosen of the Stanley Warner organization. 

Stereophonic Sound Now 

Going in Small Houses 

NEW YORK — The audience appeal of 

stereophonic sound is becoming well known 

and the coming months will see many small 

and inexpensive installations in cities and 

towns far removed from key centers, according 

to L. D. Netter jr.. general sales manager of 

Altec Service Corp. 

Netter said records maintained by E. O. 

Wilschke. operating manager, bore out his 

statement. They listed installations completed 

or under way in 32 places in West Virginia. 

Mis.souri, Texas. North and South Carolina. 

Mississippi. Alabama. Virginia. Louisiana. 

Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Colorado. 

Wyoming. Oregon. Idaho and Montana. 

Paramount Films Top Poll 

LONDON—The monthly poll of exhibitors, 

press and public conducted by the British 

Film Institute has resulted in the selection 

of three Paramount pictures for the first three 

positions. They are: "Shane." "Roman Holiday" 

and "Little Boy Lost." The fb-st is the 

Adolph Zukor Golden Jubilee Salute picture. 

Jules P. Griffin Resigns 

NEW YORK—Jules P. Griffin, west central 

division carpet sales manager for James Lees 

and Sons Co., with headquarters in Dallas, 

has resigned. He had been with the company 

since 1940. He will announce hLs future plans 

in the near future. 

Son to Edward Aliens 

NEW YORK- A second .son named Charles 

Scott wius born October 31 to Edward W. 

Allen Jr. at Montclalr. N.J. Tlie father is 

nianauer of publicity and publications of 

Allen B. DuMont Laboratories at Clifton. Mrs 

Allen Is the former Gwendolyn Latour of 

llronxville, NY. 

BUFFALO 

John A. Kane, erstwhile actor, soldier and 

stage production manager, has succeeded 

Harold Murphy, resigned, as manager of the 

Cinema local art house, operated by Cohen 

and Slotnick, the partners who also run the 

Cinema in Rochester, where Kane has been 

assigned. Prior to joining Cohen & Slotnick. 

he was with the Schine and Stanley Warner 

circuits, managing theatres in Rochester, New 

York City, Detroit, Toledo, St. Louis and 

Philadelphia. A graduate of Fordham U., 

where he played football and baseball. Kane 

went into the theatre as a stage manager for 

productions by his father John J. Kane. He 

entered the army in 1942, rising from private 

to a captaincy in the OSS. 

"Limelight" Pickets Get Wet 

ATLANTIC CITY—Several members of the 

Shore Boros American Legion past of nearby 

Seaside Heights picketed the Community Tlieatre 

at Toms River during a driving rain. 

They were protesting the showing of the 

Charles Chaplin film, "UmeligUt," on the 

grounds of Chaplin's alleged Communist activities. 

So successful was the last two-p>erformance 

stage show at the Paramount that the Buffalo 

UPT flagship will put on another similar 

show, this time Stan Kenton and his orchestra 

in a Festival of Modern American Jazz. The 

show will be staged at 8:30 p.m. and 12 midnight 

November 14 and a big ad. TV and radio 

promotion barrage is being laid down by 

Arthur Krolick and Charlie Taylor to put the 

show over with a bang . Green Goddess" 

was shown last weekend in the Drj'den 

Theatre of the George Eastman House in 

Rochester. This was a George Arliss starring 

vehicle adapted from the stage play . . . Eddie 

Susse, MGM salesman here, attended the 

executive training class in New York for 

selected MGM field personnel. 

Joan Perre, former booker's stenographer at 

Republic, has succeeded Use Dahlman as 

secretary to Manager Leon Herman . . . Harry 

Altman. who operates the Town Casino, 

hopped to New York on the crest of the publicity 

wave on the Godfrey-LaRosa confab 

. . . Halloween 

and now announces that Julius will appear In 

person at his popular Buffalo theatre-restaurant 

in the "near future" 

.spook shows were put on last Friday night at 

the UPT Seneca and Niagara, managed by 

Charlie McKernan and Bill CouL

. . Manos 

. . Weslpen 

. . Ray 

. . Jack 

. . 

. 

. 

. . 

. . . Sam 

. . Fifteen 

. . The 

. . Theodore 

. . FYank 

PITTSBURGH 

eteve Rodnok sr. Is celebrating his 30th annlversary 

in exhibition at Oakmont with "A 

Month of Hits" at the Oaks Theatre . . . Abe 

Betcr. former Irwin exhibitor, for the sixth 

consecutive year Is heading the March of 

Dimes campaign In Westmoreland county . 

A. N. Notopoulos, president of Altoona Pubhx 

Theatres, will Install Cinemascope at the 

Capitol there for "The Robe" opening late 

m November . 

circuit's State Theatre 

at Uniontown Ls Installing Cinemascope years, will testify, starting November 9. In 

and will open "The Robe" about Novem- 

the long-awaited Internal security subcom- 

ber 18. 

Alvin Seller. Llgonier exhibitor. Is In the 

EUklns. W.Va., hospital as the result of a rupture 

. . . Samuel Richman. north side exhibitor. 

Is recuperating from an illness . . . Gordon 

Glb.son of Atlas Theatre Supply Co. was in 

Chicago this week to look over the TESMA- 

TEDA displays and to attend a meeting of 

Motiograph. Inc. . . . Also there were James 

H. Alexander of Alexander iRCA) Theatre 

Supply Co.; H. D. Putnam. Alexander salesman, 

and M. S. "Mort" England. Filmrow 

equipment distributor. 

Charles Biok. former manager of Dipson's 

Plaza, Erie, has formed a company there 

which will make slides and movies for tele- 

\1sion commercials . 

Television. 

Inc.. headed by Scott Pink. Irwin exhibitor, as 

one of the applicants for TV channel 4 at 

Irwin, has filed a comment with the FCC 

seeking to prevent the removal of that channel 

assignment from Westmoreland county . 

Cinemascope is being installed at Dipson's 

Plaza. Erie, and the initial feature will be 

"How to Marry a Millionaire" . . . George 

Jaffe. 73. Pittsburgh burlesque theatre owner 

and manager for more than 40 years who died 

October 24, left 50 .shares of stock of the firm 

Jaffe-Hii-st. Inc.. to his brother Milton, and 50 

shares in trust to his 

wife Rose. 

Variety Tent 1 named the 1954 crew as 

follows: Ray Downey. I. Elmer Ecker. Harry 

Hendel. Harry Kodinsky. Da-iid McDonald, 

Norman Merv-is. Bob Prince. Ray Scott. Sam 

Speranza. Al Weiblinger and Abe Weiner. 

David C. Silverman. RKO manager, will be 

the delegate to the international convention 

in Dallas next spring . Lewis. U-I 

salesman, resigned . Allison. Altoona 

exhibitor, recuperated from an illness, is back 

on the job . . . Harry Fry is awaiting the deer 

hunting season. That's his dish. 

to Incorporate to accept un Inheritance of 

$1,500,000, the gift of the late Mr.s. Mary 

Puller Frazler . . . Bob Suits, formerly with 

Loew's and the Warner circuit In AmbrldRe, 

has been called from hl-s SW Rllz Theatre 

post at Clarksburg, W.Va., aa mana«lnK director 

for Cinerama at the Warner Theatre here. 

Joseph D. .Maxiel and hl.% wife Mary, operators 

of the Grant Theatre, MJllvale, who had 

served as FBI undercover a«enLs for a dozen 

mittee InveMigation Into sabotage and espionage 

In area Industry. 

Following an old custom, Manos theatres 

on election day reduced admi.ssion price onehalf 

for patrons who presented voting stubs 

which showed that they had done their duty 

at the polls . . . Shea's Theatre. Erie, Is 

installing CinemaScope and will open .soon 

with "The Robe" . LewLs. Blatt 

Bros, booker, has been on jury duty here for 

several weeks . Manos circuit made a 

clean break at Hollidaysburg. When the 

Manos there was closed, the leasing arrangement 

was assumed by Jake Silverman, 

owner-operator of the Blair at Hollidaysburg. 

and the second theatre remains dark ... A 

month ago Johnstown merchants staged a 

cut-price sale for a week and the Lyric 

and RiaJto Theatres went along with the 

promotion and reduced admission prices to 

9 and 25 cents, rates which have continued to 

this 

writing. 

Every 500th admission ticket purchaser at 

the Penn in New Castle during the showing 

of "Blowing Wild" received a record of 

Prankie Laine singing the title song, the 

records being promoted from Fleming's music 

store . winners of an Erie Times 

essay contest were guests of Bob Davis, manager 

of Dipson's Plaza Theatre, to preview 

"Mogambo" . Grance. Grance 

Outdoor Theatres circuit and the Everett 

Amusement Co., has been 111, but now is recuperating. 

John Perry, Belle Vernon Theatre owner 

and Republican nominee for burgess, was defeated 

at the general election . . . Fabian's 

Logan Theatre at Altoona. which was closed 

all summer and was reopened about a month 

ago. again has turned lights off. It was no go 

Galanty. Columbia dustrict manager, 

was here from Washington to confer with 

Jack Judd. local manager. 

Only Two Theatres 

Open on Boardwalk 

An..\Nrif rirV !-, in-'..:. ;.•..-. 

(IrijWKlil liii-. hit All.ii.tic City hiircltr llii.^ winter 

than any .season within recent yearn, with 

only two theatres operating on the famotu 

Boardwalk, and two basliirAs district houses 

above the usual number turning out Ughu 

until next seaxon. 

The SUnley and the Apollo on the walk are 

still keeping full .schedule with a special run 

of 'The Robe" slated soon In the Warner 

Theatre, which ha.s undergone exten-slve 

changes. Clased are the Strand. Warner and 

Virginia. Latest ca.sualtles on the avenue 

bu.slne.ss district arc the Capitol and the 

Ventnor. the latter In the adjoining community 

of Ventnor. The Margate, further down 

the Island. Is going on a two-show-a-nlght 

schedule. 

The only one admitting near capacity bu.slne.ss 

is the Atlantic Drlve-In where Manager 

Dave Welnsteln says he Is going to try and 

keep the house going throughout the winter 

months. Last year he held out until January. 

Pittsburgh Cinerama Dec. 9 

PITTSBURGH—Cinerama will make lis 

local bow at the Warner Theatre on December 

9. There will be two performances dally, 

Monday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. and 

8:30 p.m.. and three exhibitions on Saturday 

and Sunday. All seats will be re.served, with 

prices .scaled at $1.30, $1.80. matinees: $1.80. 

$2.40 and $2.80. evenings. 

WITH 

GREAT 

PRIDE- 

We Announce 

Distribution 

Of 

J. P. J. Kelly, father of MGM's Gene Kelly. 

who has been a precinct election judge for a 

quarter of a century, hurried home with 

Mother Kelly from a New York vacation to 

serve in this capacity for the last time . 

Thomas Karolcik. who was elected to the first 

council of the new borough of 

Perryopolis. is 

the son of Michael Karolcik. Perryopolis 

grocer-butcher and exhibitor and Fayette 

county treasurer. The "Cinderella" town had 

SAM FINEBERG 

TOM McCLEARY 

JIM ALEXANDER 

84 Van Broam Street 

PITTSBURGH 19, PA. 

Phone Express 1-0777 

Bttttr Than E»ef How's Y 

November 7, 1953 

Drive-In Appeals Fins 

BEAVER FALLS. PA —Ralph Felton of the 

Spotlight 88 Drive-In will appeal the fines 

levied against the operation for showing Sunday 

movies. Township voters have never 

.sanctioned Sunday movies although his outdoor 

theatre had been open in season on Sunday 

evenings for more than five years. A 

church group protested recently and Alderman 

Gertrude Tinsman brought action on 

October 25 and fined Felton $250 plus costs 

at a hearing the next day. Felton and his wife 

Virginia, the cashier: Robert Taylor, concessionist, 

and projectionists James Hindman 

and Robert Batto are protesting the action 

on the grounds that the constables who Issued 

the warrants were not present at the hearing. 

Ann Miller has been cast in the Metro picture, 

"Athena," which stars Esther WilUams. 

PITTSBURGH EXCHANGE TERRITORY 

Through 

Louis deRochemont Assoclotcs, Inc. 

and 

Lutheran Church Productions. Inc 

YOUR EARLY INQUIRY INVITED 

Moore Theatre Service 

402 Miltenberger Street ATlontic 15082 

Pittsburgh 19, Pa. 

PHONE WIRE WRITE 

(Physical distribution by Nationol Screen) 

41

'Robe' Tola! Gross 

Over $6,000,000 

NEW YORK—-The Robe." the first 20th 

Century-Fox production in Cinemascope, 

passed the $6,000,000 mark in grosses by the 

end of October, when it had opened in 55 

situations in the U.S. and Canada. This figure, 

which does not include taxes, is the 

highest film earnings for any six-weelc release 

period. 

The picture opened at the Roxy Theatre, 

New York City, September 16 and an eighth 

week started there November 5. The engagement 

Ls expected to continue until the Christmas 

holidays. 

"The Robe" opened in-^l additional theatres 

in the U.S. and Canada during the first week 

in November, to make a total of 80 playing 

the 20th-Fox picture. On November 4, it 

opened at the Lincoln, Springfield, 111.; 

Orpheum, Tulsa: Fox, Bakersfield, Calif.; 

Crest, Fresno; Norva, Norfolk: Majestic, 

Providence; Colonial, Akron; Paramount, 

Wilkes-Barre, and Comerford, Scranton. 

The eight openings November 5 were : Rialto, 

LiOuLsville: Paramount. Montgomery; Miller, 

Augusta: McDonald, Eugene, Ore.; Montana, 

Butte: Chief, Pocatello; Fox, Billings, Mont., 

and Capitol, Gregory. On November 6, the 

picture opened at the California, San Jose; 

Gillioz. Springfield, Mo.; Kearse, Charleston, 

W.Va., and State, Harrisburg. 

The picture is continuing its run in all the 

80 theatres with .some of the grosses besting 

such 20th-Fox hits as "David and Bathsheba" 

by margins as high as 400 per cent, according 

to 20th-Pox officials. 

The second 20th-Fox CinemaScope feature, 

"How to Marry a Millionaire," will open in 

two New York first run theatres, Loew's State 

and the Globe, Monday (9). 

Maas May Visit Indonesia 

On Remittance Assignment 

NEW YORK—Irving A. Maas, vice-president 

of the Motion Picture Export As-s'n, may 

leave within a few days for Indonesia where 

U.S. companies are in remittance difficulties 

with the new government. His assignment 

was discu.s.sed Wednesday (4) at a meeting of 

the association. It also studied an offer from 

Pakistan of more Import licenses in return 

for a 50 per cent cut in remittances. 

The export managers at the meeting were 

told that little new has developed in negotiations 

on a new U.S.-French pact and Spanish 

import licer-ses. Griffith Johnson, MPEA 

economist now in Paris, is marking time while 

the French consider new proposals before resuming 

direct talks. He may go to Madrid 

when Eric Johnston, MPEA president, returns 

here shortly. 

TV Receiver Industry Near 

Absurdity, Says GE Man 

DETROIT—The television receiver Industry 

has come as close to complete economic absurdity 

as any Industry could reach In a 

few years, Paul H. Leslie, General Electrics 

television sales manager, told dealers recently. 

Trade .sources are constantly demanding 

larger ratios of price-leader .sets and at the 

same time wholesalers and retailers want 

longer trade morglas to make passible more 

retail price manipulating, he said. 

ABC Film Syndication 

Adds Four to Staff 

NEW YORK—Frank Freeman, who has 

been with American Broadcasting since 1946 

and more recently has been assistant manager 

of the film program department for the 

ABC-TV network and local program operation, 

has been named administrative assistant 

to George T. Shupert, vice-president in 

charge of ABC film syndication. 

John B. Burns, recently account executive 

for CBS-TV film sales, has been named 

supervisor of the Chicago sales office for ABC 

film syndication and Patrick Rastall, who has 

been with ABC radio network in Chicago, has 

been added to the ABC film sales staff. 

Joseph Greene, recently assistant manager of 

the film exchange for NBC film syndication, 

has been named traffic manager for ABC 

syndication. 

ABC film syndication has completed arrangements 

for the syndication of "Racket 

Squad," produced by Hal Roach jr. and 

starring 

Reed Hadley. and "The Playhouse," 

26 half-hour dramatic programs featuring 

Joan Caulfield. John Hodiak, Richard Carlson, 

Maureen O'SuUivan, Fay Bainter and 

other name players, both available for sale 

on a first-come-first-served basis. 

L. Wolfe Gilbert Elected 

Director of Ascap 

NEW YORK—L. Wolfe Gilbert, author of 

"Ramona" and many other well-known song 

hits, has been elected to the board of directors 

of the American Society of Composers, 

Authors and Publishers to fill the unexpired 

term of the late Fred E. Ahlert. 

Gilbert, who previously served as director 

from 1941 to 1944, has been chairman of the 

Ascap we.st coast committee for a number of 

years and a member of Ascap since 1924. Born 

in Ode-ssa in 1886, he came to this country the 

following year and became active in vaudeville 

at an early age. He was a columnist for the 

New York Clipper, a predecessor of Variety, 

for several years. Among his other song liits 

are: "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee." "Take 

Me to the Swanee Shore." "Jeannine, I Dream 

of Lilac Time," written for the silent film 

"Lilac Time"; "La Golondrina," "Oh Katharina," 

"I Miss My Swiss." "My Mother's 

Eyes" and others, in collaboration with Mabel 

Wayne, Harry Akst, Harry Ruby, Milton Ager 

and other composers. Gilbert makes his home 

in Beverly Hills, Calif. 

ABC Appointments Divide 

Radio and TV Activities 

NEW YORK— Robert E. 

Kintner. president 

of the American Broadcasting Co., has made 

a number of appointments in a move for a 

clear-cut division between radio and television. 

Oliver Treyz, director of re.scarch and 

sales development for both radio and lelcvlslon, 

is now director of the ABC radio network. 

Eugene Accas, manager of radio sales 

development. Is director of network radio 

sales development. Dean Shaffner, assistant 

director of research and sales development 

for radio and television, has been made director 

of network radio research. 

Don Durgin, manager of television sales 

development, has become director of network 

television .sales development. Donald Coyle, 

manoger of the research department, has become 

director of network television research. 

Decca Buy of U Slock 

Tops September Mart 

WASHINGTON — Decca Records bought 

another 29.900 shares of Universal Pictures 

common stock during September to bring their 

total holdings to 598.275 shares at the end of 

the month, according to the September 11- 

October 10 Securities and Exchange Commission 

report. 

The report, covering dealings In the stocks 

of their firms by corporation officers and directors, 

was released on Monday (2i. 

John B. Bertero bought 300 shares of National 

Theatres common, and owned 1.700 

shares at the end of the period. Peter Colefax 

bought 400 shares of the same stock, for 

a total holding of 2,100 shares. Charles P. 

Skoura-s bought 5.200 .shares of National Theatres 

common, and owned 42,110 

the 200 shares owned by his wife. 

shares plus 

Y. Frank Freeman bought 500 shares of 

Paramount Pictures common and had bought 

200 in August, and at the end of the period 

owned 1.800 shares. George Weltner reported 

purchase of 140 shares of the same stock in 

March, for a total holding of 215 shares. 

Albert D. Erickson bought 200 shares of 

Ti-ans-Lux common, and owned 1.600 shares, 

Sol A. Schwartz bought 2.000 shares of RKO 

Theatres common, for a total holding of 4.500 

shares. James R. Grainger bought 200 shares 

of RKO Pictures common, his entire holdings 

to date. 

The Albert Warner trust acquired 5,000 

shai-es of Warner Bros. Pictures common, for 

a total of 18.300 .shares, plus the 159.675 shares 

he owns under liis own name. Jack L. Warner 

bought 1.600 shares of the same stock, and 

owned 232.699 shares in his own name, plus 

12.750 shares in a trust. 

CBS Reports Record Sales 

In Earnings for 9 Months 

NEW YORK—Columbia Broadcasting System, 

Inc.. has reported record sales and earnings 

for the nine months ended September 30 

Net profit was $5,661,343, an increase of 49 per 

cent over the S3,807 netted in the same nine 

months of 1952. Earnings a share for the two 

periods were $2.42 and S1.63. 

Sales were $223,109,649, an increase of 28 

per cent over the $174,819,597 for the 1952 period. 

Third quarter 1953 business also set a 

new high with sales up 23 per cent to $71,- 

855, 969. The sum of $58,275,937 was reported 

for the 1952 period. Net profit for the September 

quarter was $1,657,966. compared with 

$956,000 in 1952. 

William S. Paley. chairman, said the directors 

had voted a special dividend of 25 cents 

a share and a dividend of 40 cents a share on 

the class A and class B stock, both payable 

December 4 to stockholders of record November 

20. 

Decca Earnings $471,593 

For 9 Months of 1953 

NEW YORK D,ih;i HtccudN. Inc. ha.s reported 

lon.soluiattil not earnings for the nine 

months ended September 30 of $471,593 after 

provision of $273,041 for Income tax. Tinearnings 

equal 35 cents a .share on the 

1.354.158 shares of capital stock outstanding 

September 30. and compare with net earnings 

of $487,168. or 47 cents a .share, on 1.035.533 

shares for the corresponding 1952 period. 

F! 

42 BOXOFTICE : 

: November 7. 1053 

j;

'is^ 

^ÛxyooD 

NEWS 

PRODUCTION 

lyivooa u/ncc—ûitc 219 at 6404 Hollywooa Ulva.: Ivan Sjir-ar. Western Mi 

CENTeR 

Roman Forum Bow 

For 'Julius Caesar' 

HOLLYWOOD— A-s Kainishment for the 

western premiere of 'Julius Caesar" at the 

Pour Star Theatre on Tuesday (10), MOM is 

transforming the showcase's front into an 

exterior of the Roman forum. The event will 

mark the picture's second opening in the U.S., 

the other boing at the Booth Tlieatre in New 

York, where it is in its 23rd week. Produced 

by John Houseman and megged by Joseph L. 

Mankiewicz. the feature stars Marlon Brando, 

James Mason and Greer Garson. 

"The French Line," RKO's Technicolor 

musical starring Jane Russell and Gilbert 

Roland, produced by Edmund Grainger and 

directed by Lloyd Bacon, has been set for 

Christmas day prerelease bookings in Dallas, 

Port Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Current 

plans call for a stage show headed by 

Miss Russell and Mary McCarty in conjunction 

with the premieres, plus a fashion show 

to be staged in collaboration with Neiman- 

Marcus. 

Following the Tuesday (3) world premiere 

of MGM's "All the Brothers Were Valiant" 

at the State Theatre in New Bedford, Mass., 

the Robert Taylor-Ann Blyth-Stewart Granger 

vehicle began a series of saturation bookings 

in more than 200 New England theatres. 

Ann Miller attended the premiere of the 

Pandro S. Berman production as a guest of 

honor, while civic and state officials also 

were among the audience. 

With the cooperation of the mayors and 

Chambers of Commerce of Rapid City, Lead 

and Deadwood, S.D., Warners' "Calamity 

Jane," Technicolor musical western starring 

Doris Day and Howaid Keel, premiered Sunday 

(1) at the Elks Theatre in Rapid City 

and the Homestake in Lead. 

Republic's "Flight Nurse," Korean war 

drama directed by Allan Dwan, world-premiered 

Tuesday (3^ at the Ontario Theatre 

in Washington, D.C. Making p.a.'s were Joan 

Leslie, the title-roler, Richard Simmons and 

Capt. Lillian M. Kinkela. veteran of 175 

Korean missions, who acted as technical adviser 

on the film. 

Three Paramount attractions have been set 

for holiday bookings in the Los Angeles area. 

"Little Boy Lost," after winding up a nineweek 

upped-price engagement at the Fox Wilshire, 

will open Wednesday (11 1. Armistice 

day, in seven theatres; "War of the Worlds" 

will begin a run, also in seven theatres, on 

Thanksgiving day, and the Christmas-New 

Year's release will be "Here Come the Girls." 

Mexico Film Costs Low; 

Little Saving in Europe 

HOLLYWOOD—Diametrically o p d a s i I c 

opinions as concerns the advantages derived 

from overseas filming by U.S. production units 

were expressed here almost simultaneou.^ly 

by two veterans of the independent filmmaking 

field. 

Producer Frank Melford, lately returned 

from a three-month junket to Europe, opined 

that lensing activities in most of the countries 

of western Europe which he visited cannot 

be accomplished for much less money 

than if the pictures were to be made here, 

since technicians and craftsmen are less 

efficient and longer production schedules are 

necessary, even though the workers receive 

lower wages. 

On the other hand, Robert Fellows, partner 

of John Wayne in Wayne-Fellows Productions, 

waxed enthusiastic over working conditions 

in Mexico, where the W-F unit recently 

filmed "Plunder of the Sun" and "Hondo" for 

Warner release. Writing in the Screen Producers 

Guild Journal, Fellows lauded Mexican 

technical crews, declaring, "Their I-Q is 

high; they conduct themselves with dignity, 

and they run, not walk, to do their work." 

At the same time. Fellows needled American 

film unions for freeloading sets and expressed 

the feeling that locally there is a "lack of 

interest in doing a job—a sense of cooperation 

'Rouge' Suit Dismissed 

HOLLYWOOD— A $5,000,000 damage suit 

brought by the Montmartre-Moulin Rouge 

Corp. of Paris against United ArtLsts and 

Fox West Coast was dismissed Monday (2) 

in federal district court. Judge Leon Yankwich, 

who ordered the dismissal, last August 

gave the Paris cafe 30 days in which to amend 

its complaint charging infringement upon its 

trade name by the UA release, "Moulin 

Rouge." The plaintiff failed to comply with 

the court order. 

66 Per Cent of Goal 

HOLLYWOOD—Tlie subscription total to 

date in the Permanent Charities Committee 

1954 campaign is $810,579. against a goal of 

$1,225,000. according to a tabulation revealed 

by Steve Broidy. campaign chairman. Broidy 

said 14.791 subscriptions have been secured, 

representing slightly more than 66 per cent 

of the total. 

Robert Fellows 

Frank MeUord 

and interest in the picture seems to be lacking 

up here." If all things are equal, he added, 

"you can make a picture In a distant location 

for no more, and sometimes for less, than you 

can make it here, plus the advantage of 

realism and authenticity." 

Melford. however, holds to the opinion that 

films can be produced more efficiently here. 

at lower costs, then abroad, if Hollywood 

crafts and guilds will work out a new wage 

schedule under which independent production 

could be stimulated. On this point he plans 

a meeting with Ellis Arnall. president of the 

Society of Independent Motion Picture Producers, 

when the latter next comes to Holly- 

Council Chiefs Envision 

No Letup for Next Year 

HOLLYWOOD— Activities of the Motion 

Picture Industry Council during 1954 will be 

paced at the same level as during the year 

now drawing to a close, it was agreed by 

the membership at a regular meeting of the 

organization. The session was attended by 

Y. Frank Freeman, board chairman of the 

Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers; Gunther 

Lessing. board chairman of the Society of 

Independent Motion Picture Producers; 

Steve Broidy. president of tlie Independent 

Motion Picture Producers Ass'n; Ronald Reagan, 

representing the Screen Actors Guild: 

Ralph Clare, for the Hollywood AFL Film 

Council; Sam Engel, Screen Producers Guild; 

Leonard Spigelga.ss. Screen Writers Guild; 

Arthur Lonergan. Society of Motion Picture 

Art Directors; Kay Lenard. Screen Story 

Analysts Guild; Ed Ralph. Unit Production 

Managers Guild, and Art Arthur. MPIC executive 

secretary. 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: November 7, 1953

action 

' 

. . nor 

j 

' 

. 

STUDIO PERSONNELITIES 

Barnstormers 

Allied Artists 

WAYNE MORRIS took off for St. L 

eek stogc engagement as the tit 

oberls at the Empress Theatre. 

Blurbers 

Universal-International 

In a realignment caused by the deporture of Frank 

McFodden, who has joined Leonard Goldstein's Panoromic 

Pictures, JACK DIAMOND was upped to OSsistant 

studio publicity director under Sam Isroel. 

Brieiies 

Warner Bros. 

Three new "Joe McDookes" shorts have be*;n scheduled 

for immediate filming, with Cedric Francis producing 

ond Richord Bare os the director. Starring 

George O'Honlon, the titles are "So You Want to Be 

o Banker," "So You Want to Be Your Own Boss" and 

"So You Want to Go to a Night Club." 

Cleffers 


DMITRI TIOMK 

Meggers 

Columbia 

"Jungle Man-Eaters," on entry in the Jungle Jim 

series toplining Johnny Weissmuller, will be directed 

for Producer Sam Kotzmon by LEE SHOLEM. 

20th Century-Fox 

HUGO FREGONESE was signed by Leonard Goldstein's 

Panoromic Productions to direct "The Raid," 

Civil Wor drama starring Van Heflin. 

Options 

Metro 

ANN MILLER was cost in the Joe Posternok production, 

"Athena," which stars Esther Williams and 

w.ll be directed in Technicolor by George Sidney. 

LOUIS CALHERN drew a character lead in Producer 

Joe Pasternak's "The Student Prince." Toplining Ann 

BIyth and Edmund Purdom, the Technicolor musical 

w.ll be megged by Mervyn LeRoy. Handed top roles 

were EDMUND GWENN and JOHN ERICSON. 

RKO Radio 

ROBERT MITCHUM will star with Debbie Reynolds 

in "Susan Slept Here, 

Porsons, with Fronk Toshlin directing. 

20th Century-Fox 

Ponoromic Productions, the 

,i^^,..,c 

headed by Leonord Goldstein, cost MICHAEL RENNIE 

in the Debro Poget-Jeftrey Hunter starrer, "Princess 

of the Nile." 

ontroct rcnewol was MICHAEL RENNIE. 

United Artists 

Producer Edward Small booked RICHARD EGAN to 

' 

stor in "Khyber Poss, dramo in color, which 

Seymour Friedmon will direct. 

Producer Chester Erskme signed^ GARY MERRILL 

Stanwyck 

to share the stellar honors 

and George Sanders in "Witness to Murder.^ 

suspense drama will be megged by Roy Rowland. 

Universal-International 

Replocing Chill Wills, forced to withdraw 

of an eye injury, IRVING BACON was cast 

Canyon," Technicolor westei 

and Man Blonchord. The . 

Rogers 

tion IS being directed by Jesse Hibbs, 

Just discharged from the army after o two-year 

hitch, TOM BROWN was cast in the Abbott and 

Costello comedy, "Fireman Sove My Child," being 

directed by Chorles for Lamont Producer Howard 

Christie. 

Scripters 

Independent 

n "Echo 

McCrea 

produc- 

Aries Productions, heoded by Allan Dowling, inked 

ORIN JANNINGS to pen "The Tram," which will be 

produced in Europe. 

Story Buys 


"Wanted by the F.B.I.," on original by Jchn Mc- 

Loughlin, was purchased by William F. Broidy Productions, 

which scheduled camera work to begin 

late this month. John Rich is writing the screenplay. 

Metro 

"Digby," a novel by David Walker about a business 

tycoon, was purchased as o forthcoming Spencer 

Tracy starrer. 

Title 

Changes 

Paramount 

Treasure of the Amazon" 

,) to JIVARO. 

Filmdom's 50lh Year 

Honored by C of C 

HOLLYWOOD—Filmdom Ls throwing itself 

a party—a series of events commemorating 

the 50th anniversary of the movie capital, 

sponsored by the Hollywood Chamber of 

Commerce. 

F^st clambake on the schedule was a 

luncheon session of the Hollywood Advertising 

Club, held Monday i2) with Dore Schary. 

MGM studio head, as the speaker. Scharjwas 

dubbed winner of the organization's 

Encore award, and retained as guest speaker 

after being voted by the club as its best 

speaker during the 1952-53 season. He discussed 

"The Star System." 

Because of the tendency of Americans toward 

hero-worship. Schary said, the star 

system is here to stay until such a time as 

it may be determined that a popular stellar 

personality no longer is capable of enhancing 

a picture's boxoffice potential. He denied that 

the star system as such can be branded as 

the "ultimate reason for bad pictures," said 

the day of the "temperamental movie star 

' 

is drawing to an end." and added that "not ' 

all the stars in the world, nor all the 

mechanical advancements . the most 

iiTesistible color can substitute for the basic 

m. 

.story." 

At the same time, the Chamber of Commerce 

selected Jane Wyman as the Anniversary 

award star of Holly\vood's golden anniversary 

celebration, the choice being timed 

conveniently to coincide with the "carriage 

trade" premiere on Tuesday i3i of her current 

Warner starrer. "So Big." Miss W>-man 

was presented with the award scroll as part 

of the festivities at the Holl>-\vood Paramount 

Theatre by Mrs. Leiland Atherton Irish, 

president of the women's division of the 

Chamber of Commerce. 

The actress and more than 125 other film 

| 

celebrities were on hand for the premiere of 

the Henry Blanke production. The guest list 

also including Joan Bennett. Vera-Ellen, Edward 

G. Robinson. Dennis Morgan. Shelley 

Winters, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Pat , 

I;',, nisi 

THK HOLLYWOOD STORY—Itonald 

Ki-aKun (left), former president of the 

Screen Actors Guild; Walter Compton, 

president of the Publicists Guild, and 

Francis X. Bushman exhibit wholehearted 

approval of the script porlra.vinK 

the screen career of Bushman, one-time 

matinee Idol, presented ax part of "The 

Hollywood Story" radio show. The weekly 

Merles, aired by NBC In association willi 

the publicists' organl/atlon, portrays the 

lives of outstanding film pcrMonalltles, 

past and present. 

Panoramic Prod. Hikes 

Film Schedule to Ten 

HOLLYWOOD— Increasing to ten the new 

company's output for 1953. Panoramic Productions, 

the sharecropping unit headed by 

Leonard Goldstein and releasing through 

20th-Fox, has set six more features to begin 

camera work before the end of the year. 

Rolling at midmonth will be "Pi'incess of 

the Nile," in Technicolor, title-roling Debra 

Paget. It will be followed during the next 

six weeks by "The Raid," starring Van Heflin; 

"Baton Rouge," in Technicolor; "Justice 

Brown," "Hawk of the Desert," in Technicolor, 

and "A Matter of Life and Death." 

Organized last August, Panoramic has already 

completed four subjects: "Man In the 

Attic," "Three Young Texans," "Tlie Siege of 

Red River" and "Gorilla at Large." 

Don Hartman to Emcee 

HOI.I.VVVOdl) Don llailiiimi, Paramount 

cxcciitiVf producer, will be the keynote 

spciiker and emcee at tlic Publicists Guild's 

.seventh annual Panhandle dinner Deceiiiber 

2 at the Ambassador hotel. Jack Atlas of 

MGM Is chairman of the program committee 

O'Brien. Walter Brennan, Mala Powers, Deb- 

; 

bie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney. Anthony 

Quinn, Judy Canova. Howard Keel, Ruth 

Roman. Danny Tliomas, Robert Mitchum, 

Robert Cummings, Will Rogers Jr., Dan 

[ 

Duryea and many others. 

The premiere festivities were telecast over "f 

station KLAC-TV and broadcast by station it foa.pi 

KPWB. A liighlight was a Hollywood boulevard 

parade of 23 old but elegant automobiles, 

ranging from 39 to 50 years of age. which 

'"-lift 

transported stai-s, celebrities and digiutarles 

to the opening. 

The Abner Greshler production for United 

Artists, "Yesterday and Today," opened simultaneously 

with the "So Big" booking. 

Stage Houston Benefit 

HOLLYWOOD- Pnxlucers Wllliiun H. Pine 

and William C. Tliomas, wliosc celluloid output 

is released by Paramount, took time out 

from tlieir filmmaking activities to stage a 

benefit show Wednesday (4> at the Sliamrock 

hotel in Houston for the Edna Oladney 

Foundation auxiliary, a children's home. 

Starring in the $50-a-plate dinner show wer« 

Rhonda Fleming, U\e Bell sisters luid Roscoe 

Ates, all from tlie cast of P-T's "Tliosc Redheads 

From Seattle," a-s well as William 

Demarest, Tom Morton and Jun Gitrbor and 

his orchoslni. 

Kit CM 

Ell 111 

«ailts: 

BOXOFFICE November 7. 1953

. . and 

First Color Telecast 

Across U.S. Viewed 

HOLLYWOOD — Television history was 

made here Tuesday (3i when RCA iiiid NBc: 

engineers staged the first cross-country transmission 

of RCA's compatible color video system 

and the Initial transcontinental telecast 

of a standard color film. The demonstration 

was beamed from New York on a closed circuit 

and was viewed at NBC's Burbank 

studios by some 600 representatives of the 

TV and motion picture Industries. 

Host at the affair was John K. West, NBC's 

wes'ern division vice-president, while Gen. 

David Sarnoff, board chairman of both 

RCA and NBC, was introduced by Sylvester 

Weaver, the NBC board's vice-chairman. 

At the same time, Sarnoff disclosed his 

company has developed a .system of magnetic 

tape-recording of color-TV programs, as well 

as black-and-white, which he said does away 

with all chemical processing and permits the 

films to be viewed the instant after they are 

taken. The development, he averred, "holds 

great promise for the motion picture industry" 

as well as for TV. 

The color-TV telecasts embraced the showing 

of a live program featuring Nanette 

Pabray, the Hit Parade dancers and George 

Burton; a sample commercial: and, on film, 

a sequence from a documentary on the woolen 

Industry in England. The demonstrations were 

viewed on 14-inch receivers with tri-color 

tubes. 

It was reported color sets will be available 

within six months after the Federal Communications 

Commission has approved the 

new tint-TV standards. 

East: Producer-Director George Stevens 

headed for Chicago to function as a keynote 

speaker at the annual Theatre Owners of 

America convention. Stevens discussed "Hollywood 

and Its Future Product" at a Monday 

(2) session of the TOA parley. 

East: Director Robert Wise planed out for 

New York en route to Rome to launch preparations 

for the filming in Italy of Warners' 

upcoming "Helen of Troy." 

West: Russell W. Hadley jr.. Far East district 

manager for Paramount International, 

checks in at the studio early next week after 

home office conferences in New York. He 

will check out for his headquarters in Singapore 

after a short stay here. 

^^ OMEONE Is making a bad guess. 

J^^ 

Recently Charles P. Skouras, president 

National Theatres and the Fox West 

of 

Coast circuit, summoned representatives of 

the trade and general press to a conference 

at which it was revealed that he had dispatched 

a momentous communique to Y. 

Frank Freeman, chairman of the board of 

directors of the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers. 

The Skouras letter, and his amplification 

thereon, were widely and generously publicized. 

The veteran executive held thai there 

can still be a bright and profitable future for 

motion picture production and exhibition— 

the latter, however, on a restricted .scale— 

if those engaged In the manufacture and display 

of celluloid entertainment take prompt 

and intelligent cognizance of radical changes 

in theatregoing tastes and the rapidity with 

which new techniques in filming and projecting 

movies are being developed. 

At the press conclave Skouras reiterated 

in no uncertain terms an 

had expressed on previous 

opinion that he 

occasions—that 

the reasonably-near future will see the 

complete passing of the so-called small neighborhood 

theatre and the double bill, which 

he castigated as an "admitted evil." To bear 

out that prediction he cited that of 653 

showcases which constituted the NT circuit 

In 1946, only 380 are In operation under the 

organization's banner today, and prognosticated 

the shuttering of another 75 within the 

next three years. In this regard, however, he 

did not disclose how many had closed because 

of unsatisfactory business and how 

many had been transferred to other ownership 

because of divorcement. 

This gloomy analysis of the prospect confronting 

the smaller exhibition situations was 

Until something better makes an appearance, 

he contended. Cinemascope and its 

accompanying stereophonic sound are the 

logical to keys the trade's survival. The 

impact of 3-D has been "almo.st destroyed" 

because of "second-rate" product, he said, 

and "really fiist-rate" pictures produced in 

Cinemascope or "similar processes" offer the 

best present chance, in his judgment, "to 

bring back to the motion picture theatres of 

America millions of patrons which we have 

lost." 

Urging the industry to "strike while the Iron 

is hot" by providing an ample supply of 

Cinemascope product, Skouras predicted that 

within the next two years an estimated 100 

features will have been manufactured In 

Cinemascope and said his circuit is expending 

upproxlmutcly 15,000,000 to convert M>me 

250 of Its theatres to the anamorphtc wldef.crccn 

process. 

On the very same day there came from 

Universal-International an announcement of 

Its production plans for the comln^? year, 

which blueprint for future film fabrication 

establishes, per se. that U-I'.s executive brass 

miss by a country mile concurrence In 

Skouras' opinion of the Industry's future. 

The slate of 34 contemplated feature.^. 23 of 

them In Technicolor, represents an Increase 

—slight, but nonetheless encouraging—over 

the 31 turned out by the company during the 

fiscal year Just ended; but no mention whatever 

was made as concerns the titles or number 

of films which may be turned out utilizing 

the Cinemascope system. 

Some weeks earlier, a U-I statement had 

dLsclosed the studio would employ Cinema- 

Scope on some of its forthcoming pictures, but 

did not Indicate to what extent. In Its 

product announcement appeared only a vague 

and cursory reference to the various widescreen 

and 3-D processes, limited to the 

observation that "further research in all 

media is being conducted . a? these 

rc-êarches bear fruit they be adopted 

will 

for use when deemed suited to the subject 

matter ..." 

Injecting further significance Into Skouras' 

bold prognostication is the unavoidable coincidence 

that Freeman, to whom his letter 

was addressed, functions as Paramount's vicepresident 

in charge of studio operations as 

well as AMPP board chairman—and that 

Paramount has thus far shown no indication 

of even placing a venturesome foot on the 

Cinemascope bandwagon. 

It could be that the masterminds at the 

Marathon street film foundry, although duly 

West: Herbert J. Yates, president of Republic, 

and executive assistant William Saal re- 

enthusiasm with which Skouras viewed the 

overshadowed, however, by the boundless 

impressed by the stratospheric grosses being 

corralled by "The Robe," are remembering 

turned from a trek to Washington, Chicago phenomenal patronage accorded, in its initial 

that they have been doing reasonably well—as 

and New York. 

runs, to 20th Century-Fox's first Cinemaconcerns 

patronage, praise and profits— with 

Scope attraction, "The Robe." In his missive 

such prosaic, conventional li'l films as 

South: Harold Hecht, of Hecht-Lancaster to Freeman, the NT chieftain admitted that 

"Shane," "Stalag 17." "Roman Holiday," "Little 

Boy Lost" and "The Caddy," to name 

Productions, planed to Mexico City to confer the "almost fantastic" grosses so far recorded 

on plans for the filming there of a Burt Lancaster-Gary 

Cooper starrer, on which lens- 

higher admission prices, but stressed that the 

by the film may In part have been due to 

but a few. 

ing will begin next February. 

public has amply demonstrated Its willingness Past performance, to say nothing of the 

to pay the increased scale to "enjoy a completely 

new experience." 

command that pronouncements, whether 

earning records, of NT, U-I and Paramount 

through word or deed by their respective 

executive echelons, must be taken seriously. 

Rank-and-file toilers in the celluloid vineyards, 

whether they manufacture, distribute 

or exhibit motion pictures, will reach their 

own decisions as to who is making the bad 

guess. 

Perry Lieber, who beats the No. 1 drum at 

RKO studio, has invested a few bob in a valley 

eatery—named, appropriately enough. 

Komy's Kitchen. 

Parenthetically. Praise Pundit Perry's restaurant 

will not cater the luncheon that the 

industry is stagînK to honor the visllng kine 

and queen of Greece, even though it is to b^ 

held at his Cower street film emporium. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: November 7, 1953

. . . Off 

. . Harold 

. . Alex 

. . 

. . Manhattan 

LOS ANGELES 

Theatre darkenings: Jim MuUin's Brea in 

Brea: Jay Berger's Buena in Ventura . 

Harry Mandel of Filmakers Releasing Organ- 

ization checked in from a sales trip Cliff 

Geisseman. western zone manager for Cinerama, 

paused here briefly en route to San 

Francisco . 

Wirthwein. Allied Artists' 

western sales chief, returned from a 

swing around the San Francisco. Portland 

and Seattle territories. 

Resigning as western field representative for 

MGM, Edward Beck has opened his own 

Golden West Attractions, handling one-nighters 

for John Denton's ice cavalcade. Howard 

is assuming 

Beck's duties for 

Herty. swinging over from the studio, 

MGM 

Estrada is now handling booking-buying 

chores for Frank Fouce's three local Spanishlanguage 

theatres, the Mason. Mayan and 

Million Dollar . Cooperman of Italian 

Film E.\port took off for Salt Lake City and 

Denver on business. 

J. F. Sepulveda has taken over operation of 

the Woods Theatre in Chino from Al Woods. 

Sepulveda also has the Globe in San Pedro 

to Chicago and Detroit on business 

went Alex Schreiber. owner of the Paradise 

in the Westchester district . . . Among localites 

attending the TOA conclave in Chicago 

were Lloyd Ownbey and Bundy Smith of National 

Theatre Supply and Ed Budd of the 

B. F. Shearer Co. . . . Ray Robbins has taken 

over operation of Carl Young's Victoria Theatre, 

retaining Young as manager. 

Joe Felder, vice-president of Favorite 

Films, checked in from New York for business 

huddles at the local office . . . Among booking-buying 

vLsitors: Harold Stein, in from 

Sierra Madre; Bill Alford of the Desert in 

Desert Hot Springs; Mr. and Mrs. &nest 

Harper of Fontana . . . Bill Spencer of the 

Manley local .sales staff has been switched 

to the Seattle territory, and is replaced here 

by George Janson. 

Joe Sarfaty, Warner salesman, is back on 

the Job after a vacation . . . Foster Blake, 

U-I western district chief, returned from New 

York ... A bandit wearing a halloween mask 

and brandishing a gun robbed the cashier of 

the Roadium Drive-In near Torrance of $130. 

Dick Dickson, former southern California 

Congratulations to FrancLs Bateman. western division manager for Fox West Coast and 

sales head for Republic, and Mrs. Bateman. 

now managing director of the Roxy Theatre 

in New York, came in for conferences with 

who are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary 

. . . George A. Smith. Paramount 

Charles P. Skouras. president of National 

Theatres Films International 

. 

western division manager, returned from Chicago 

and Omaha sales meetings, while A. R. 

obtained distribution rights in the 11 western 

states to "Mahatma Ghandi," produced by the 

Taylor, local branch head, checked in from a 

Asian Film Guild. 

business jaunt to Arizona . . . AJ Nunes has 

taken over the Pilmrow stationery store from 

Bob Chatkin. 

Illl'pwi-

. . Lloyd 

. . Bob 

: November 

. . Buck 

. . Halloween 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Para), 

— 

— 

— 

— 

SEATTLE It's Still 'Robe' and 'Eternity' 

pvergrecn officials who attended the opeii- 

Eight hundred Lutheran teenagers left their 

confirmation classes at Seattle Lutheran 

churches Saturday i31) accompany their 

to 

pastors to a showing of "Martin Luther" at 

the Coliseum Theatre. 

Hamrick Theatres has scheduled a threeday 

engagement at the Orpheum starting 

March 19 of the Ballet Theatre. 

The Greater Seattle Motion Picture and 

Television Council, Inc., held its annual 

cinema tea Thursday (22) in the American 

Legion Post I clubhouse. A colored travelog 

and musical selections by Miss Leone Cottrell. 

.soprano, accompanied by Mi-s. Carolyn Tower, 

entertained the guests. 

Reopen Boise Pinney 

BOISE. IDA.—The Pinney Theatre has been 

reopened after installation of a new wide 

-screen, rearranged seating and other improvements. 

The new screen, says owner J. Rodger 

Mendenhall, is 60 per cent larger than the 

old 

one. 

Far in Front at Los Angeles 

Ing of "The Robe" at the McDonald Tlieatre 

In Eugene. Ore.. Thursday (5) included LOS ANGEX.es A rubber .stump uppciixs 

Wm. H. Thedford. vice-pre.sldent: George to be all that is nece.s.sary In reportlii« local 

Patterson, secretary, and Carl Mahne. who 

first run takes, since "The Robe" continued 

supervLsed the Cinemascope installation In 

to dominate with a 425 per cent average 'Luther' Opens Run 

the theatre Robert Johnson, who has rating for . . . Its sixth week in one theatre and 

In Portland Oriental 

been managing the Clyde Theatre in Langley, its opening .stanza In another. In place pasltion, 

"Prom Here to Eternity" grabbed a nifty 

resigned to join the Sterling Theatres as an 

PORTLAND, ORE —"Martin Luther" hit a 

assistant manager. 

400 per cent nvpraRc at the Oriental Saturday 

and Sunday. "The Robe," In Its fourth 

200 per cent as it finished Its fifth stanza, 

while "Mogambo." in its fourth week, attained 

Gene Manzanares has been named manager 

week, continued at a 300 per cent pace. 

a comfortable 150. 

of the Northgate . . . Sterling's Port Angele.s 

Poromount—A Lien It In ttie StrMH 'WB). 2nd 


Drive-In. and Sunset Drive-In on Mercer 

wk 100 

Chincic (6lh wk.), Lo» Angele» (Uf wk.) Tlw Orpheum—The Rob* '20th-Fo«), 4th wk 300 

Island have been closed for the winter . . . 

Rob* (20th-Fox], odv. price* 425 Orientol— Martin Luther (DeRochetnonI) 400 

John Doer and Pete Panagos of Midstate were Downtown. Hollywood Poramounti Blewlnfl Wild Broodwoy— LIHIe Boy Loet (Poro), 2nd wk 120 

(WB), 2nd 

In from Chicago, and Ed Hickey and Howard 

wk 100 United Ariisit—From Here te EleffiMy (UA), 7th 

Egyptian Mogambo (MGM), odv prices, 4tti wk..lSO wk 120 

McGhee of the same chain were here from Fine Arts—The Cruel Sea (U-l), 3rd wk 75 Liberty—Blowing Wild WB) 100 

Walla Walla . and Fay Honey, owners Four Stor, R. alto—The Moon It Bluo (UA), odv. 

Guild Beggar's Opera (WB) 100 

prices, 1 8th wk 65 Paramount So Big WB) 200 

of the North Star theatre and drive-in at Fox Ritz Martin Lulher (DeRochcmont), odv. 

Richland, were on The Row. as was Roland prices, 8th wk 35 

Fox Wilshire Little Boy Lojt (Paro),9th wk 65 

Landers of the Oak Theatre in Oak Harbor. Hillstrect, Pontages From Here to Eternity (Col), 

Board Rejects Rehearing 

adv. prices, 5th wk 200 

Al Larpanteur, salesman for Northwest Releasing 

Corp. returned from a trip through Los Angeles, Uptown, Ins, Loyola Sabre Jet [tJA); TUCSON—The zoning board of adjustment 

Locw's State, Vogue Gun Fury (Col); Jennifer Of Drive-ln Petition 

(AA) 90 

eastern Oregon . Smith of Smith VIekl (Fox), 2nd wk 90 here has rejected a bid by Harry Agron for 

Orpheum, Wiltern, Fox Hollywood Appointment 

Enterprises is in the Swedish hospital . . . in Honduras (RKO); Marry Me Again (RKO). . 100 rehearing on an early petition for permission 

Junior Mercy and his wife Dorothy, flew to Worners Beverly Decameron Nights (RKO), 3rd to ase a site along 22nd street for theatre 

70 

Kew York . 

Anderson resigned as 

parking. However the board indicated it would 

Worners Downtown, Howoii, Picwood, Century 

district manager for Sterling Theatres, effective 

October 31 . atmosphere 

Drive-ln, Gage Dnve-ln, El Monte Dnve-ln, Von coasider the request if it were presented as a 

Nuys Drive-ln Botany Bay (Poro) 125 new petition. 

Warners Hollywood This Is Cinerama (Cineromo), 

was the order of the night at most local odv. prices, 27th wk 100 Agron was given permission some time ago 

theatres Friday midnight i31i. Two horror 

to build a drive-ln on East 22nd street at 

films plas a stage act was featured at the 

Belvedere boulevard. However, the board at 

'Robe' Rises in Fourth 

Egyptian, and the annual program of "Shock. 

that time restricted from his u.se land along 

San Francisco Week to 400 

Shiver and Shudder" brought thrills and 

22nd street which Agron was leasing. 

SAN FRANCISCO—Whoops, the fourth 

chills to Halloween merrymakers at Sterling 

Agron now has purchased the land and 

week of "The Robe" at the Fox Theatre held 

houses—the Admiral. Magnolia, Uptown, Bel- 

asked rehearing on his right to use it for theatre 

parking. Residents of the area have ap- 

up to a lovely 400 per cent. Over at the 

Vue and Crest. 

United Artists, "I, the Jury" broke out in the pealed Agron's right to build a theatre to 

"Princess Do May," the Cherokee halfbreed 

big time with a neat 200. 

superior court and have asked that the rehearing 

be denied on the grounds that the case 

who is advertised as the favorite dancer of the Fox—The Robe (20th-Fox), 4th wk 400 

Golden Gate Wings of the Hawk (U-l); Murder 

former King Farouk. has been the featured Without Teors (AA) 90 now is out of the jurisdiction of the board 

entertainer in the burlesque show at the Loews Worficid Mogambo (MGM), 5th wk 100 of adjustment until the superior court retuihes 

Orpheum The Big Heot (Col); Chino Venture 

Rivoli . . . Arthur Fiedler was in town to 

a decision on the original petition. 

(Col), 2nd wk 150 

conduct the gala premiere of the Seattle Poromount Blowing Wild ( WB) 110 

St. 

Symphony's Golden Jubilee concert season in Francis—A Lion Is in the Streets (WB) 100 

United Artists i, the Jury (UA); Phontom From 

the Orpheum Tlieatre Tuesday i3) . . . Liberace, 

stage and TV piano star, will appear 

LAUREL. MONT—Requiem ma.'^s was said 

Thomas E. Moran Dead 

Space (UA) 200 

November 13 at the Ciric Auditorium, and 

in St. Anthony's church here for 

Many Holdovers Continue 

Thomas E. 

Rudy VaUee is coming November 23 to the 

Moran. Montana Theatre Corp. advertising 

At Denver Houses 

Met for a five-day run of a program featuring 

music and 

manager, who died last week. 

DENVER—"The Robe" was still fine at the 

comedy. 

Denver and stayed again. Other holdovers 

included "Torch Song" at the Broadway: 

"Botany Bay" at the Denham and "Melba" 

at the Esquire, all going into their second 

week. 

I 

Mortin Luther (DeRochemont), 4th wk.. .100 

Aladdin 

Broadway Torch Song 

Denham—Botany Boy 

(MGM), 2nd wk 130 

2nd wk 110 

Denver-The Robe i20th-Fox), 3rd wk 270 

Esquire—Melbo UA), 2nd wk 100 

Orpheum—Mogambo MGM), 2nd wk 90 

Poromount—Golden Blade (U-l); Broken Arrow 

(20th-Fox), reissue 135 

Tabor, Webber Vice Squad (UA); That Man From 

Tangier (UA) 80 

Robe' Continues to Smash 

Records at Seattle 

SEATTLE—"Robe" contin\ied to smash alltime 

records at the Fifth Avenue with a sensational 

550 for it.s fifth week. "From Here 

to Eternity" pulled a very strong 350 in its 

second week at the Paramoimt. "Moon" was 

in its 15th week after drawing 115 In iU 14th 

at the Music Box. 

Blue Mouse—The Cruel Seo fU-l), 2nd wk 85 

Coliseum Mortin Luther (DeRochemont), 2nd wk.. 175 

Fifth Avenue—-The Robe i20th-Fox), 5th wk 550 

Liberty-The Joe Louis Story lUA) 90 

Music Box—The Moon Is Blue (UA), 14th wk 115 

Music Hall—Mogambo (MGM), 2nd wk 180 

A Dusk-to-Dawn Showing 

COOS BAY, ORE—Robert Mattecheck. 

manager of the Motor-Vu Drive-ln, offered 

seven feature films in a dusk-to-dawn show 

Saturday night. 

CinemaScope to San Raiael 

SAN RAFAEL. CALIF.—Don Donohue. 

owner of the Novato Theatre, has Installed a 

Cinemascope screen costing approximately 

S5.000. to be ready for use early In November. 

Pix Theatre Reopened 

CLARKSTON. WASH—The Plx Theatre 

here opened recently after being closed foi 

the summer. 

^^''^'-'^ 

MOW Wfc^*'°' "''•"',^^^ 

MOTION PICTURE SERVICE CO 

UimiUMMtiiMauimuM 

BOXOF7ICE : 

7, 1953 

47

. . Frieda 

. . George 

. . 

. . Off 

. . Mel 

. 

. . 

I 

' 

' 

SAN FRANCISCO 

XX7eU, It's all set for Cinerama to invade San 

Francisco! The Orpheum. a North Coast 

Theatres house, will be converted for "This 

Is Cinerama" opening on Christmas day. 

While the conversion is being carried out, the 

theatre will be redecorated at a cost of $50,000. 

The theatre will close November 12. 

The district court of appeals here reversed 

the decision of a superior court judge of Santa 

Clara county in the Bettancourt vs. Gilroy 

Theatre Co. suit. The suit for around $80,000 

brought by Bettancourt against the Gilroy 

company, had been declared a nonsuit about 

a year and a half ago. Tlie appellate court 

ruled that the plaintiff does have sufficient 

case and has ordered that the trial continue 

in a San Jose court. The suit was brought on 

the basis of a breach of contract between 

Bettancourt and the theatre company regarding 

an agreement that the theatre company 

was to build a theatre on the lot occupied by 

a used car company. The company bought 

the lot from Bettancourt but later resold it 

without building. 

A Cinemascope screen is being installed in 

the Novato Theatre, according to Don Donohue, 

owner, at a cost of approximately $5,000 

. . . Elsa Lanchester headlined the "Israelogue" 

program at Peacock Court in the Mark Hopkins 

hotel last week. "Israelogue" was staged 

by the Northern California Israel bonds committee 

. . . Beverly, daughter of Mrs. Walter 

Barusch who heads the Barusch advertising 

agency, was married October 25 to Thomas 

McFetridge, student at City college. 

The mother and .sister of Graham Kislingbury, 

district manager for North Coast Theatres, 

who were recently injured in an auto 

accident, are well on the road to recovery . 

Variety Tent 32 has decided to move from 

Eddy street headquarters, but as yet no suitable 

location has been found . . . Eleanor 

Byrne, General Theatrical, returaed from a 

vacation in Reno and Las Vegas. 

Dave Petersen, Western Theatrical Equipment 

Co., had a bad cold but put health behind 

duty and went to Chicago on convention 

business anyway . . . Al Stanford, Oak.s, Paso 

Robles, was on the Rx)W . Benjamin, 

RCA service man, was in Butte, Mont., 

on an installation . . . Some 3-Ders are being 

.screened locally in 2-D . Fleishman, 

National Screen Service, and Dorothy Haley, 

B. F. Shearer Co., returned from a Mexico 

vacation trip . . . Fred Calvin, publicist for 

RKO, was In to work on the opening of 

"Decameron Nights," due at the Stage Door 

Theatre. 

Mabel Dahir, who recently left the NSS 

booking desk to marry, returned to pay the 

gang a vLslt . . . Santocono, who designed the 

new 5-Points Drive-In at Five Points, has 

been receiving many compliments on the Job, 

and rightfully so, too. It's a beautiful, functional 

drive-ln . . . John TIerney and Harry 

Sarbcr. Triple S Supply Co went to Chicago 

^ Phon, 

!'stal at Salinas; Dan Tocchini, 

Analy at Sebastopol: Verne Shattuck. 

Donner at Truckee. and James Stephens. 

Dixon, were on Filmrow. 

George Carmone, head booker at Paramount, 

is expecting to be a papa again. This 

will make the fourth little Carmone. 

lATSE and Studio Chiefs 

Reach New Wage Pact 

HOLLYWOOD—Concluding two weeks of 

intensive huddles, agreement has been 

reached between the lATSE and major studios 

concerning a new collective bargaining agreement 

which runs through October 1957, w-ith 

a provision that it can be reopened in October 

1955 if wage adjustments are deemed 

necessary. Notification of the agreement was 

announced jointly by Charles Boren. labor 

liai.son executive of the Ass'n of Motion 

Picture Producers, and Richard F. Walsh, 

lATSE president. 

All details of the pact are being withheld, 

it was declared, until the various lA local 

memberships have been given an opportunity 

to ratify it. 

Installs at the Harriet 

HARDIN, MONT.—New projector bases 

have been installed at the Harriet Theatre 

and other changes made which will facilitate 

a later change over to the Cinemascope films. 

Mrs. Vera Wells, swner, says it will be several 

months before the additional equipment 

for Cinemascope can be installed. 

Drive-Ins Close for Winter 

SPOKANE, WASH.—Two local drive-ins 

have prepared for winter. The Autovue. managed 

by Fi-ank Schock, hivs closed Its eighth 

sea.son. The Y Drive-In, now in Its second 

year. Is open only on weekends. Morrle Nlmmer 

is the owner-operator. 

The 3,950 drlvc-lns operating In the U.S. 

at mid-year, 1953, represent a growth In that 

field from 100 theatres In 1946. 

Bob Lotito Appointed 

To Denver Denham 

DENV:ER—Robert F. Lotito became the 

fourtli house manager of the Denham. first . 

run, since 1934, when he was appointed by 

Vera L. Cockrill, president 

of Denham Theatre. 

Inc.. and widow of 

the late Dave Cockrill, 

who bought the house 

in 1934. Lotito succeeded 

Al Lawter, tenyear 

veteran of the ; 

operation. 

, 

A native of Denver, 

Bob was graduated , 

from the Denver public 

schools and the University 

of Denver. His 

Robert F. Lotito motion picture theatre 

: 

career began in 1942 while in high school as 

an usher in the then Fox-operated Broadway. 

He continued with Fox Intermountain as chief 

of service and assistant manager while he 

attended the university. His house assignments 

included the Broadway. 

• 

Rialto News- 

reel and Mayan. He was also assistant to 

Harry E. Huffman, Fox Intermountain district 

manager, during the time the theatres ) 

sponsored a concert artists series in the Mu- 

; 

nicipal auditorium for several winters. 

j 

. 

, 

In November of 1946, Lotito was named 

manager of the Webber (Pox>. where he re- 

] 

mained two years. Early in this period he 

founded the Webber Theatre birthday club 

for kids, an innovation that remained with 

; 

the house through several succeeding man- \ 

agers and spread to other Fox operations. 

Election year of '48 saw Bob move downtown 

to the Rialto, where he succeeded Jack Cope- 

, 

: 

land, who was called back into the air force. 

The same year he moved to the beautiful 

Aladdin on East Colfax for a six-month 

period, and then was promoted to Pocatello. 

Ida., as city manager. A year later Lotito 

asked for a return to Den\er. and again 

assumed the managership of the Aladdin. In 

July of 1950 Lotito sailed from New York for a 

four-month tour of Europe, during which he 

i 

visited European exchanges, studios and thea- 

tres. 

In 1951 Bob resigned his theatre post to 

become public relations director for the 

Loretto Heights college. Denver, the only 

four-year girls college in state. the Tliis was 

followed by a period of freeUuice publicity, 

public relations and promotion activity, and a 

year of .service with Aithur M. Oberfelder. 

dean of western impresarios. 

He resides at home with his mother. Mrs. 

Anna C. Lotito. 

Remodel the Forsyth Roxy 

FORSYTH, MONT.—The Roxy Tlieatre. 

operated by Faust and Wolkc, Is being remodeled 

under the direction of Carl Ander- 

,son of the Harvey Tlieiitre Construction Co. 

of San Francisco. The balcony, the concession 

sUmd, and the stage of the theatre are 

to be changed and preparation made for the 

Installation of a 30xl6-foot panoramic screen. 

Glasgow, Mont., Airer Closes 

GLASGOW. MONT. Miinagcr Ed Dnvlson 

Theiiire lias lio.sod of Survant the West 

Drlvc-In for the 

BOXOFTICE November 7. 1953 

iiiii 

t 

J 

"MorlSi 

auMa 

Fratcis 

wtchji 

jV'*liithal

. . James 

: November 

' amc 

. . . Tom 

PORTLAND 

•The Paramount, one of the largest theatres 

In the northwest, opened under new management 

Sunday »1) with the Warner Bros. 

Jane Wyman starrer, "So Big." M. M. Mesher. 

president of the newly formed operating organization, 

reported that the balcony in the 

3.000-plus capacity theatre had to be opened 

(or the first time in a year to take care of 

ihe opening audience. Richard Newton, former 

manager of Northgate Theatre in Seattle, 

and president of the Northgate Chamber of 

Commerce, is the new manager. 

Among local theatrcmen attending the TOA 

convention in Chicago were Jesse Jones. Ike 

Geller. Leo Palley and Art Adam-son. Will J. 

Cornier, vice-president of John Hamrick theatres, 

also attended ... At U-I. Manager 

Ernie Piro was reported in Seaside .seeing 

Mike Callahan, coa-st theatre operator. M. E. 

Ritter suffered a heart ailment while hunting 

and is at his father's home near Roseburg 

convalescing. Archie Holt returned from a 

sales trip to Coos Bay. 

At North Bend, the Western Amusement 

Co.. reports their Port Theatre, a 1,000-seater, 

Is is nearly completed. It equipped for conventional 

projection. Cinemascope, widescreen 

. . B. A. 

and stereophonic sound 

Stover and his wile of Bend, operators of the 

Gilchrist, were here on a buying trip. They 

attended the Oregon-California football game 

and were guests of Carl Miller for a venison 

breakfast. 

Pat Paterson, formerly of Oregon Film Cooperative, 

has become a salesman for Favorite 

Films . Hommell is still on the 

critical Ust at Veterans hospital, although his 

condition has improved somewhat. Hommell. 

former manager at U-I here, was with Favorite 

Films when he suffered a stroke about 

a month ago . . . Gene Engelman, with RKO 

here until his transfer to Spokane recently, 

has sold his Portland home and is moving his 

family to the Inland Empire city. 

AI Oxtoby, Warner manager, returned from 

a sales trip in southern Oregon . . . Martin 

Foster, Guild Theatre operator, exploited the 

British made U-I release. "The Cruel Sea," 

with a special display in J. K. Gill & Co.. 

leading department book store, and w-ith displays 

in school libraries. 

The estimated theatre boxoffice receipts in 

the U.S. for 1953 is $1,213,000,000, including 

an estimated $202,000,000 in ticket taxes. 

Awarded $459,375 

For 6.250 T&D Shares 

San Francisco—N. E. Zeibak, a retired 

linen merchant, was awarded $459,375 in 

superior court as his share in a merger of 

three large theatre chains. Zeibak owned 

6^50 shares in the T&D Jr. Enterprises, 

Inc., which along with the Golden State 

Theatre and Realty Corp., was merged 

into the United California Theatres. Inc. 

He had, before court aetion, refused an 

offer of $343,750 and filed suit on the basis 

his shares were worth more. The agreement, 

which was approved by Superior 

Judge Preston Devine, removed the block 

to the three-way merger, giving United 

California Theatres control of 105 theatres 

in California and Nevada. 

RKO Rocky Mount Drive 

To Bear Al Kolitz' Name 

DKNVKR I>>ci-mb«-r will bt?rs txctrienct ineluding 

exhibition. Ask Better Businesi Bureau, 

or our customers. Know your broker. 

ARTHUR LEAK Thcotrc Specialists 

3S05 CarutK. Dallas. Te.as 

Telephones EM 0238 - EM 7439 

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE 

BOXOFFICE : 

7. 1953

: November 

IS not enough! 

The need for blood is greater than ever, not only for men 

wounded in combat, but here at home ... to cure disease, to meet 

accidents and disasters, and to prepare for civil defense. 

Our quota can ONLY be met, if those who give keep on 

giving . . . regularly! 

You CAN give more than once ... as often as every three months 

with complete personal safety. The more often you give the more often 

you save a life. For every pint of blood you give goes to someone 

who needs it desperately. 

Remember . . . once is NOT enough. Give blood again and again! 

Call your Red Cross, Armed Forces or Community Blood Donor Center 

for an appointment 

GIV 

to give blood today. 

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES! 

CH£CK THESE QUESTIONS 

If you can answer "yes" to most of them, 

you- and your company— are doing a 

job for the National Blood Program. 

O 

O 

O 

O 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o FOR SCHEDULING DONORS' 

needed 

HAVE YOU SEI UP A LIST Of VOLUNTEERS 

SO THAT EFFICIENT PLANS CAN BE MADE 

Remember, as long as a single pint of blood 

may mean the difference between life and 

death for any American ... the need for 

blood IS 

urgent! 

¥ 

...give it again again 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

7, 1953'

Convention Women 

Meet at the Lounge 

Chicago—The Hospitality Lounge wa> 

the village. 

Sunday night, however, when Miller brought 

the monkeys in, the other animals in the 

village, after some sort of monkey conclave, 

had decided that it was "time for a change" 

in the monkey village administration. They 

proceeded to, a-s Miller put it, "beat the tar" 

out of George. George contacted pneumonia 

after the beating, then died. 

Miller said he first met George in Jefferson 

City five years ago and put him on display 

at the Jefferson City drive-in. George, 

an escape artist of note, made several excursions 

from the drive-in before he finally 

was transferred to the Leavenworth airer. 

There, too, he escaped frequently. The first 

time, he was found running around the top 

of the screen tower. The second time. Miller 

lassoed him in a pig pen some distance from 

the drive-in. Then the third time, George 

made the front pages when he led Miller a 

merry chase through the rush-hour traffic on 

Troost avenue, before he finally was captured 

atop a car by Miller and three policemen. 

Dale Stammer] ohn at Liberty 

SEDALIA, MO.—Dale Stammerjohn, new 

manager of the Liberty Theatre. Fox Midwest 

house here, started his industry career 

in his native town of Boonville in 1945. 

He was transferred to the Fourth Street 

in Moberly as manager and this past summer 

has been serving as relief manager for Fox. 

A graduate of Central College at Fayette, 

Stammerjohn is 22 years old. 

Ray Culvert Is Elected 

Head of Indiana Allied 

the most popular place for the women attendlni: 

the convention of the Theatre 

Owners of America and the Theatre 

Equipment and Supply Mfrs. and Dealers 

associations at the Conrad Hilton hotel INDIANAPOLIS-Raymond Culvert of Decatur 

wa.s elected president of Allied Theatre tendance at the PllLBburgh- Notre Damr game, 

Th(>e theatres drew only *0 per cent at- 

this week. 

The exhibit hall oasis for the wives and Owners of Indiana, succeeding Trueman Rembu.sch, 

president the la.st eight years. 

game drew a .sellout In four of the ten thea- 

he explained, but Uic Irlih-Gc

. . New 

. . Dad's 

CHICAGO 

^here was a dearth of personalities and activity 

on Filmrow this week. However, just 

a few blocks away at the Conrad Hilton hotel, 

everybody and everything affiliated with the 

theatre industry appeared at the TOA- 

TESMA-TEDA convention and tradeshow. 

which got under way last Saturday (31i, a 

day earlier than the scheduled November 1 

opening . . . Rollin K. Stonebrook. who hasn't 

been seen as frequently since leaving Eitel's 

Palace, Ls now associated with the Cole Products 

Corp. He presided over the company's 

display at the convention, consi.sting of a 

variety of new dispensers and samples of the 

Cole beverages. 

Harold Cnpeland, RKO, Denver, is taking 

over as sales manager here, it was reported. 

The post was vacated when Seymour Borde 

was promoted to branch manager in Los Angeles 

. . . Ben Esenberg has reopened the 

Royal Theatre. He was a former branch 

manager for Allied Artists. 

The Crown Theatre arranged for the exclusive 

telecast of four of the major Notre Dame 

football games: Navy on October 31: Pennsylvania. 

November 7; Iowa, November 21: 

Southern California, November 28. Admis- 

.sion price was set at $1.50, including tax . . . 

"Sangaree" currently is showing at the United 

Artists as a 2-D attraction. 

Julius LaRosa makes a stage bow at the 

Chicago Theatre .>;tarting Friday (13). He will 

be followed by other big names, who are expected 

to maintain the f uU house the Chicago 

has enjoyed for weeks on end. Betty Grable 

and Harry James and band are scheduled for 

a week's stint, beginning November 27. 

Operations at the Oriental have proceeded 

without a hitch during the installation of 

Cinemascope for showing of "How to Marry 

a Millionaire." Management at the Oriental 

said boxoffice receipts have held up at a high 

level during the nine-week run of "Prom Here 

to Eternity." 

Burtis Bishop jr., division sales manager for 

MGM here, flew to Winston-Salem, where 

his mother is critically ill . . . Mike Simons, 

New York, exhibitor relations representative 

for MGM, is credited with personally setting 

up the unique booth which proved to be one 

of the top attractions for exhibitors. While 

an array of colored film panels presented 

a realistic illusion of the 3-D theme, the hub 

of the MGM display was a "wheel of chance" 

which gave every exhibitor spinning the wheel 

a packet of 24 colored stills suitable for lobby 

advertising. 

Displays lining the TESMA-TEDA aisles. 

Edward Wolk Co.'s new wide-screen aperture 

plates, parts for high-intensity arc lamps, and 

3-D rewinds . Boot Beer Co.'s complete 

i 

line (reported to be the first of dual- 

purpose syrups which can be served either in 

carbonated or noncarbonated form. Trade 

name for the syrups is Prutaste Fountain 

Syrups . Coldisplay, ice cream mer- 

chandiser designed and engineered to increase 

the sale of ice cream in theatres, a 

Supurdisplay development. 

Also the GoldE Mfg. Co.'s new 300-watt 

2x2 slide projector, shown for the first time 

at the tradeshow . . . Norpat Sales Co.'s new 

line of arc lamp selenium rectifiers, which, 

according to M. D. Faige, the designer, will 

be shipped to theatres within two weeks of 

receipt of order . . . Dair>' Service Co.'s new 

fudge server, completed after six months of 

experimentation. Featured as outstanding ad- 

\antages are a non-drip sanitary spout and 

an adjustable heat control. 

Da-Lite Screen Co. gave Gil Heck, sales 

manager, a wrist watch in honor of his 25 

years of service with the company . . . The 

Byrd Tlieatre has been renovated by Hanns 

Teichert, whose specialty is theatre decorating 

. . . Sarra, Inc., film producer, received 

its fourth advertising award of the year for 

"excellence in TV film commercials." The 

award was announced at the 1953 annual 

dinner of the Art Director's club of Chicago. 

Although 50 HolI>-wood celebrities were to 

participate in one way or another in the TOA 

convention activities, unexpected visits were 

made by Paul Douglas and his wife Jan 

Sterling, Robert Montgomery and his wife 

John Barrymore jr. and his wife, Martha 

Scott, Producer Harold Lloyd and Cary Grant 

Bruce Trinz said the Clark Theatre, which 

operates on a 24-hour basis, does its biggest 

busine.ss at noon, making it apparent that 

Loop office workers enjoy the quiet of a theatre 

.. . In addition to the personal appearance 

of Joe Louis in connection with "The 

Joe Louis Story," which opens at the Grand 

November 11, there wUl be a special benefit 

showing November 10. Mrs. Albert Spaulding, 

the former Mi-s. Louis, is sponsoring the benefit 

for the Tabernacle Nursery school. 

>l5fC 

YOURSELF! 

H Was the Refreshment Service Provide(d at your Drive-ln Theatre 

entirely satisfactory to you, and most important, to your Patrons? 

Get the most out of your Refreshment Service by Utilizing the Experience, 

Specialization and Integrity of the Midwest's leading Theatre 

Concessionaire. 

For luriher detoi/s, Phone, Write or Wire 

CONFECTION CABINET CORP. 

Refreshment Conccssionoires in Theatres, 

Coast to 

153 W. Ohio Street 

Clilcago, 

III. 

Superior 7-1353 

Coast 

UranrhL", 

2921 Locujt Street 

St. Louii, Missouri 

Lucas 9115 

3000 W Davison 

Detroit. Mlctilgon 

Townsend 9-4500 

CHECK THESE ADVANTAGES 

ic Expert design and equipment 

• Quolity notionolly advertised merchondis 

ir Troined, courteous, cHicicnt soles Pcrso; 

* Pcrsonolized supervision 

it Proven top Volume Soles per admission 

-quarter century 

Carol .\nn Finke, daughter of D. H. Finke, 

head of the Coinmeter and Ticket Register 

companies, was to be married to Charles 

Steinberger Saturday (7). 

FiUnack employes and their families participated 

in a big Halloween party staged by 

President Irving Mack . . . Harry Nepo, owner 

of the Kimbark Theatre, underwent surgery 

at the Michael Reece hospital. 

Dr. Robert Gilbert, president of Chicago 

Cinema Lodge of B'nai B'rith, is in Gra:it 

hospital following a heart attack . . . Henry 

J. Burrow- jr. of Filmack, who was called to 

Minneapolis because of the illness of his 

parents, returned to his work here. 

MGM star Debbie Reynolds cainf r>cago 

to help two of her friends. D.v. 

• - 

Skeeter. open the Encore, new l; 

Street night club , 

. . "Vasily's Retui; :; 

sian film in Magnicolor reported to be tl.c 

last production directed by V. I. Pudovki: 

before his death, is .showing at the Clnein.i 

Annex. 

Olivia Dellavilland was here to chrlst»-ii 

the plane which inaugurated a direct Aii- 

Frnnce flight between Chicago and Paris . . 

A. V. CAUGERse,.^ce^«.. 

Merchant Trailers for sure-fire 

merchant-exhibitor Satisfaction 

PHONE or W.ltE>.„C,V»7je'«»l°.. 

CHAIRS REBUILT IN 

YOUR THEATRE 

By Experts in Thoir Field 

Write for Quotations 

Chicago Used Chair Mart 

829 So. Slate St. Chicago 5 

. 

Irving Mack, president of Filmack Trailer Co 

announced a 25 per cent reduction In prices 

of all TV slides. Mivck said the move came 

because local and national advertl.sers. iw. 

agencies and an ever-increasing number e: 

TV stations "deluged Filmack with TV slide 

orders the first nine months of this year." 

Muck added that Filmack has expanded Its 

facilities 50 per cent within the last few M 

months. 

BOXOFFICE :: November 7, 1953

: November 

. . 

. . The 

. . The 

Audio-Visual Ass'n Okays 

New Dealer Members 

CHICAGO— Following a moetinfi of tlie 

NaUonal Audio-Visual Ass'n In Evan-ston. 

NAVA President Carroll Hadden of Hadden 

Films, Louisville, announced that the board 

of directors had approved seven dealer and 

one advisory applications. This approval succeeded 

a policy which had been permanently 

adopted at the annual fall board meeting to 

apply stricter standaids for membership in 

the association. 

Dealer membership applications approved 

were for Visualcraft, Blue Island. 111.; Associated 

Visual Services, Vancouver. B.C.: 

Audio- Visual Associates, Toronto, Ont.; Severance 

Photo, Watertown, N.Y.; Photo Service, 

Des Plaines, 111.: Augustana Lutheran 

church, Minneapolis, Minn.: Christian Youth 

Cinema, Glenside, Pa.: for advisory membership—County 

Agent and Vo-Ag Teacher magazine, 

Philadelphia. Fifteen applications were 

either tabled or rejected by the board under 

the new standards for membership. 

Theatre Building to Amvets 

DANVILLE, ILL.—The Lincoln Theatre 

building has been sold by Great States Publix 

Theatre to Memorial Post 53, Amvets, who 

will use the building for its clubrooms. 

Earl Sniith Buys Majestic 

SEYMOUR, IND.—Earl Smith, 220'2 West 

Second St., has purchased the Majestic Theatre 

from Switow Bros, of Louisville and 

closed it for improvements. 

INDIANAPOLIS 

patroiM of the Pendleton Pike Drlve-In 

played Santa Clau.s Monday nlKht despite 

the early sca.son and .saw three feature fllnvs 

besides. Truman LaMar, manaser, donated 

all proceeds from the show to the IndlanapolLn 

Star Santa Claus fund. The fund provldm 

toys, food, fuel and clothing for needy children 

and for the aged and sick. 

The BIr Variety Clob treat for members 

and guests is .set for Friday 03 1. There will 

be food, fun and dancing. Music will be 

furnished by Dan Cummins and his band . 

Admi.ssion prices are edging upward here. The 

Indiana has raised its regular .scale. Two 

neighborhoods, the Uptown and Zaring. have 

Jumped their prices. Other houses, both first 

run and subsequent run, are expected to 

follow suit . . . "The Robe" broke all boxoffice 

records at the Indiana, gro-sslng in excess of 

$43,000, according to Manager Al Hendricks. 

The Logan at NoblesvUle has been taken 

over by Lazoras Paikos. Indianapolis Cooperative 

Theatres will do the booking and buying 

. . . Jesse Flakes of Owensboro. Ky., takes over 

management of the Palace there November 

13 . . . R. L. Conn. 20th-Fox manager, visited 

relatives in Missouri over the weekend . . . 

All parks in Kentucky have been closed and 

hunting is forbidden by order of the governor 

because of the water shortage. 

Jerome Paul Greig, 30, who formerly managed 

the Rivoli and Parker here, died at 

Tuscumbia, Ala. . . . John Jackson jr. opened 

a new 300-car drive-in on the Balesville- 

Oldenburg road . Duma at Tipton wm 

acquired by Lazorait Pmlkos Ptie Fortune wlU 

do the buying and booklns 

Colowrum Lo«e 17 donated 1100 to the 

Will Rogers Memorial ônpUal . Re«al. 

IndlanapolLs. dark for over a year, wan reopened 

Sunday

. . . Junior 

. . 

. . Lou 

. . Larry 

. . . Annaline 

. . Nat 

. . Rube 

j 

i 

KANSAS CITY 

Dobert Withers, RepubUc manager, disclosed 

that Gus Kopulos has taken charge of the 

booking department, effective Monday (2>. 

Kopulos was formerly 

__ 

head booker at Univerj 

3al. Bob McKinley. 

^^^^^^ ^^^^^ 

former Republic 

I B booker, resigned to enf^ 

'^'ÎV 'sr another type of 

' 

business "How to 

. . . 

„;, jS Marry a Millionaire" 

\^_Jm opens Thanksgiving 

^ ^*y^ day in all four Fox 

^^^ A ^^^^ Midwest houses . 

^^H Lois Webb and Genny 

are 

^^^ 

ÎBk A fl 

^^H Larson 

20th-Fo.\ from their 

Gus Kopulos New Orleans vacations 

Lucille Carter, switchboard operator, has 

. . . 

been on sick leave . . Earl Dyson. RKO city 

salesman, is back from a two-week vacation 

Clark, exhibitor from Albany. Mo., 

was on the Row. 

Filmrow's population was .somewhat depleted 

by the TOA-TEDA-TKSMA conventions. 

Among those who made the trip were 

Stanley Durwood, Durwood Theatres; L. J. 

Kimbrel. Missouri Theatre Supply; J. W. 

Shreve. Shreve Theatre Supply; C. H. Badger, 

Stebbins Theatre Equipment; E. D. Van 

CRETORS POPCORN 

MACHINES 

I L 6l L POPCORN CO. | 

116 West 18th St. Konsos City, Mo. 1 

I 

TIRED OF WINTER? 

Why not try the friendly, henlthful. prospefoui 

Oklahoma otter widest variety curative 

sunshine climate, younu hospitable growino 

towns. (We accept only the top 20V' of 

111 theatres aiailable.) Write your detailed 

requirements, finances. 

ARTHUR LEAK 

Satisfaction — Always 

MISSOURI 

THEATRE SUPPLY COMPANY 

L. I. KIMBRIEL. Managsi 

Pbona BAltimoro 3070 

lis W. 18th Kaniu Cily 8, Mo. ^Z, 

OUR BUSI NtSS IS SOUND 

^'led M. Walk 

THEATRE SERVICE CO., INC. 

Duyne. RCA Service; Don Davis. RCA Radio; 

E. C. Rhoden Jr.. Jack Braunagel. Dick Orear 

and Fred Muhmel from Commonwealth; 

Elmer C. Rhoden. Senn Lawler. L. E. Pope 

and Frank Banford of Fox Midwest; Woody 

Latimer. L&L Popcorn; Beverly Miller, president 

of Allied Theatre Owners of Kansas and 

Missouri; Joe Stark. Stark Theatre Enterprises. 

Wichita; Glen Dickinson jr. and Paul 

Kelly from Dickinson Theatres. 

Robert Shade reports he is doing splendid 

business at his Siloam Theatre in Excelsior 

Springs with "The Moon Is Blue." The film 

cannot be shown in Kansas City because of 

censorship, but the stage play is being put on 

at the Resident Theatre . 

Klein, 

universal office manager, is back from a New 

York vacation where he took in a number of 

Broadway shows and visited old friends and 

relatives ... A new assistant shipper at 

Universal is Frank Dillion. 

Joanne Gabbert, secretary to Fred Souttar 

of Fox Midwest, married R. E. Fitzgerald at 

the Redemptorist church Saturday (7i morning 

at 10 o'clock. She was given in marriage 

by her father, George Gabbert, office manager 

at Columbia. She is the granddaughter 

of the late Joseph Gilday. Gilday will be remembered 

as a former Paramount manager 

here. He was district manager for the company 

at the time of his death in 1921 in 

Chicago. Judy Gabbert. who is in the office 

at 20th-Fox. was her sister's maid of honor 

and Rose Marie Earp. secretary to Edd Haas 

at Fox Midwest, was bridesmaid. Gabbert has 

four daughters, but this is his initial performance 

as "father of the bride." The groom 

has just returned from 18 months in Korea. 

The young couple will have a Florida honeymoon. 

Ralph LiBeau, former district manager at 

Paramount from 1920 until his retirement in 

1948, visited the Row Monday (2). Before 

becoming district manager here. LiBeau was 

branch manager for Paramount at Des 

Moines from 1914 until 1920. Since his retirement 

he follows his hobby of drafting in 

a studio in his backyard, keeping office hours. 

The studio is decorated not only with many 

of the.se drawings, but with photographs accumulated 

over the years from district and 

branch meetings, as well as from visiting film 

stars . . . Harry Gaffney of Dixie Enterprises 

reports that "Martin Luther" is being held 

over a second week at the Trail Theatre in 

St. Joseph. 

Sol Frank of the Rocket Drive-In at Salina. 

Kas.. is still in Asbury hospital there, but 

IS improved to the point where he can talk 

ovi I the telephone, reports Ben Marcus. Columbia 

division manager. Frank talked to 

Marcus from the hospital Monday (2* morning 

. 

Astor. Columbia circuit sales 

manager from the home office, visited the 

Kansas City office . . . Ben Marcus, division 

manager; Tom Baldwin, branch manager; 

George Gabbert. office manager, and all the 

salesmen will attend the Columbia meeting in 

Chicago November 15-19. Tlie meeting, to be 

held at the Drake hotel, is for the midwest, 

ccjitral and southern divisions, comprising 

16 branches. 

I)rivr-ln closings are ahead of the weather 

In many spots In the territory. Tliose clo.scd 

last weekend were Bill Brndfleld's 66 Drlve-In 

at Carthage; Rube Finkelstein's Kansas on 

Highway 40 here; Robert Smith's Grand 

Glaize, Osage Beach, and the Frontier. Atchison, 

owned by Charles Potter and Harold Lux. 

commonwealth closed its 52 Drive-In, CUnton; 

Cass County. Harrisonville ; 

Lav.rence, 

Lawrence: Grandview. Trenton; Dixie, Searcy, 

Ark., and Grand Island. Grand Island. Neb. 

Commonwealth's Starlet at Warrensbiu-g began 

a weekend schedule on October 31. All 

Commonwealth drive-ins not mentioned are 

on full-time or weekend policies. 

Sid Levy, National Screen Service salesman, 

on a two-week business trip in northeastern 

. 

is 

Kansas Hechtman of 

Capitol Flag & Banner Co. is not only helping 

to sell tickets for the Shrine circus for 

the Shrine's crippled children's program, but 

will usher for one day at the circus. The 

circus will be held November 16-22 in the 

municipal auditorium . . . Hall Walsh, district 

manager for Warner Bros., was in from 

St. Louis to spend Wednesday. Thursday and 

Friday at the Kansas City office . . . 

Don 

Walker. Warner exploiteer. left Tuesday i3i 

for Minneapolis and Des Moines to work on 

; 

"So Big" 

. . • Assistant cashier Joann Crust 

married Bill Rising October 31. 

Maurice Druker, Midland Theatre man- 

• 

ager. says that for the first time he is using 

. 

the permanent glasses for the current Midland 

showing I "I. the Jury"* and that audiences 

seem to like them. These are collected 

after the show and sterilized for future use 

The doors have to be policed to insure collection, 

however, as just leaving a basket is not 

enough. He is hoping there will be no more 

than 2 or 3 per cent loss of glasses. Then 

he win decide if the extra comfort tc customers 

is enough to make the extra work of 

handling the permanent glasses worth while. 

, 

Stanley Durwood of Durwood Theatres says 

the Skylark drive-ins at St. Joseph. Leavenworth 

and Jefferson City are still operathii; 

on a seven-day schedule. The Belt Drive-Ii 

at St. Joseph has been reduced to a weeken.; 

operation. Kiddieland, next to the Belt, haclosed 

now that school has begun Lighted 

. . . 

Thanksgiving posters are up at National 

Screen Service, reminding exhibitors of holiday 

additions to make in their program pUi: 

Balke, bookkeeper at NSS. h.i 

returned from an Ozark honeymoon as Mr< 

Lewis Bossert. She was married October 18 

at Cole Camp. Mo. 

George Heller. Eddie Hlgginbotham. Francis 

Keilhack and John Stanhart flew to Chicago 

for the TESMA convention where they have 

two display booths. They report sales are 

still going strong on PermaCurve screen 

frames and interest in the German Zeiss lens 

is snowballing .so they are finding it hard 

to keep up with the orders Melchcr 

. 

and Howard Strum of Poppers Supply Co. arc 

attending the TESMA convention StMiii 

. . . 

Lawler. Ai-thur Cole. Pinton Jones. Bob 

Withers and Ed Hartman are Industry reprc 

.sentatlves 

in the local United Funds drive 

M. L. Lyons, division manager for Manloy. 

Inc.. .spent a couple of days in the home offu i 

the past week. Lyons is stationed in Chicago 

To Rebuild the Holiday 

1,1HI:HTYVILLE. ill The Holiday Tliea- 

Irc, which wius destroyed by a windstorm 

early lii,st June, will be rebuilt. 

BOXOFFICE November 7. 1963

— 

— 

— 

Pictura) 

— 

'Robe' Rolls Ahead 

InSthKayceeWeek 

KANSAS CITYÂUhoiiKh 

The Robu" luld 

Its own In Its fifth-week showinK at the 

Orpheum. business was not too good In other 

spots. "LIU" went to 90 per cent In its 25th 

week at the Kimo and after one more week, 

which Ralph Gregory in.sists is Its final one. 

will bow out for "Tonight We Sing." "So Big" 

drew a more-than-average adult trade at the 

Missouri, but teenagers passed it by. bringing 

the gross down. "Leonardo Da Vinci" won 

enthusiastic praise from cultural groups who 

patronized it but it had only a week's run. 

"Penny Princess" came in. "The Caddy" did 

man than average in Its second week at 

Pwamount but was not held. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

i 

KImo—till (MGM), 25th wk _ 90 

MkJIond— I, th« Jury (UA); Troin 

Terror on a 

(MGM) 120 

Miuouri—So Big iWB), Troll Btoien (AA) 85 

Orpheum—Tho Robe i20th-Fox), 5fh wk 220 

Poromount—The Caddy (Poro), 2nd wk 105 

Uptown Foirwoy Tower and Gronodo The Golden 

. 

llode U-l); The Stand of Apache River (U-l). 75 

VOfluc— Leonardo Do Vinci 1 30 

At 20fh-Fox Session in St, Louis 

*Boy Lost' and Torch Song' 

Brisk in Chicago 

CHICAGO— "Little Boy Lost" at the Chicago 

and "Torch Song" at the Monroe did 

exceptionally brisk busine.ss. But. the holdovers 

are responsible for the repetitive story 

that business in Loop houses has been running 

at an alltime high. "Sangaree." the 3-D being 

run in 2-D at the United Artists, held up well 

twin-billed with "Sailor of the King." "The 

Captain's Paradise" upped grosses at the 

Ziegfeld. 

Carnegie—The Sun Shines Bright (Rep) 1 75 

Chicago—Little Boy Lost (Paro), plus stage revue. 200 

Eitel's Palace This Is Cineroma (Cineromo), Ufh 

wk 300 

Esquire—The Cruel Sea (UA), 3rd wk 185 

Grand—Conquest of Cochise (Col); China Venture 

(Col) 150 

Loop—Mortin Luther (DeRochemont), 6th wk 300 

McVickers Sea of Lost Ships (Rep), 2nd wk....220 

Monroe—Torch Song (MGM) 205 

Oriental—From Here to Eternity (Col), 10th wk...355 

Roosevelt—A Lion Is in the Streets (WB); Mission 

Over Koreo iCol), 2nd wk 190 

Stole Loke The Robe i20th-Fox), 6th wk 535 

Surf—The Titfield Thunderbolt (U-l), 2nd wk...l30 

United Artists Sangaree (Para); Sailor of the 

King (20th-Fox) 180 

Woods—The Wor of the Worlds (Pora), 3rd wk.. .155 

World Playhouse Two Cents Worth of Hope 

(Times), 3rd wk 170 

Ziegfeld The Captain's Paradise (Lopert) 175 

"Robe' Hits 225 Mark 

At Indianapolis 

INDIANAPOLIS—The third week of "The 

Robe" at the Indiana continued to pace all 

other first run contenders, scoring 225 per 

cent. "Mogambo" in a second week at Loew's 

took second place honors with 120. 

Circle—So Big ( WB) 110 

Indiana—The Robe i20th-Fox), 3rd wk 225 

Keith s—Wings of the Howk (U-l) 85 

Loews—Mogombo (MGM), 2nd wk 120 

Lyric— Fair Wind to Jovo (Rep); Topeka (AA) 85 

E. W. Aaron, assistant general sales managrr. and M \ l< w, cllM^llHl m.inaKrr. 

were snapped with (n"oups of local area exhibitors at the di%iîiin niet-linK held in 

St. Louis. Top photo, left to right: Paul Knieger, Wehrenberg Theatres; .\aron; Ru.s-s 

Bovim, lyoews Theatre manager: Levy, and Tom James, Comet Theatre. Bottom 

Photo: H. E. ."Vllller, Festus, Mc; .Varon, Gordon Halloran, St. Loui.s 20th-Fox manager; 

Levy; Jimmy FrLsina, Springfield. III., and Izz> Ueineschenk, Alton. 

Branch managers present included J. H. Lorentz. Milwaukee; Sol Malverson. 

Minneapolis; Don Gold. Des Moines; J. E. Scott, Omaha; J. R. Neger. Kan.sas City, 

and Gordon Halloran, St. Louis. Including the salesmen from the branch offices 

the attendance totaled 36. 

Bandit Capture Enlivens 

Showman's Hunting Trip 

OSCEOLA, MO —Harold Porta, who has the 

Civic Tlieatre here, co-starred in a regular 

western thriller recently on a deer-hunting 

trip to Oregon. With Richard Bratton of 

Humansville, Porta was sleeping in an open 

field near Yuma, Colo., when the third man of 

party, Joe McCallister of Jerico Springs, who 

was sleeping in the station wagon, was held 

up by three bandits. 

This roused Porta and Bratton. They turned 

a large flashlight on the bandits and shot a 

little high, but this was enough to make the 

robbers give themselves up. 

On the way into Yuma, the bandits attempted 

to turn the tables with a concealed 

gun, but this time they were treated rough, 

tied up and dumped into the station wagon. 

Our doughty Missouri hunters turned their 

western badmen over to the authorities in 

Yuma and continued on to Oregon after deer. 

Lavern Modrell Obtains 

Odeon in Green City, Mo. 

GREEN CITY. MO —Lavern Modrell has 

purchased the Odeon Theatre here from Basil 

Fogle.son. who built it in 1946. Fogleson recently 

moved with his family to Marceline. 

Mo., where he has the Uptown Theatre. 

Modrell is associated with Claude Hensley In 

the M&H Tractor Co. ol Milan, Mo. 

nPC^TMPKDM 

STAGE EQUIPMENT COMPANY 

New Manager at Twilite 

RANTOtTL, ILL.—Bernard J. Baker is the 

new manager of the Twilite Drive-In. four 

miles north of town on Route 45. Baker recently 

was released from service at Chanute 

air base where he was officer in charge of 

wind testing. He came to Chanute in 1951 

trom Shullsburg, Wis. 

Matinees Discontinued 

CANTON. ILL.—B. T. Ely has discontinued 

matinees at the New Garden Theatre on 

weekdays. 

Fire at Snack Bar 

COLUMBUS. KAS.—The Snack Bar of the 

Columbus Drive-In, operated by Art Pugh, 

was damaged by fire here early in the morning. 

Apparently the fire started in the popcorn 

machine, which was melted by the intense 

heat, and comiderable damage was 

done to other equipment before the fire department 

aiTived. The concession buildint 

was of fireproof construction so did not burn 

A film delivery man discovered and reported 

the fire. Pugh was out of town at the time. 

BOXOmCE November 7, 1953 

55

. . Popcorn 

. In Our 79th Year . . 

. . The 

. . The 

| 

ST. 

LOUIS 

Tndustryites were urged to purchase their 

tickets immediately for the Har\'est Moon 

Festival to be staged by Variety Tent 4 at 

Kiel auditorium here Saturday (14). Tickets 

are priced at SI, SI .50 and S2 each. The 

three-hour spectacle will feature a S3,000 

dance content and talent quest. Ray Anthony 

and his orchestra and other nationally prominent 

personages of the entertainment world 

will be on hand. The show will benefit the 

St. LouLs-St. Louis County Day Nursery Care 

building program, the principal Heart fund 

activity of Tent 4, of which Edward B. Arthur, 

general manager of Fanchon & Marco, is chief 

barker. 

The annual Christmas party of the Better 

Film Council of St. LouLs for residents of 

institutions for the aged will be held at 

Fanchon & Marco's 5,000-seat Fox Theatre 

December 18. For many previous years, the 

event was staged at the Missouri. The council 

gave its annual cinema tea at the Fox Thursday 

(29), with the theme. "Around the World," 

and a number of short subjects dealing with 

life in other parts of the world. 

Deborah Kay Bloomer, daughter of Mr. and 

Mrs. Thomas L. Bloomer of Belleville, was 

born at the St. Louis Maternity hospital 

here recently. The Bloomers have one other 

child, a son, Thoma.s L. jr., nine years old. 

Bloomer is president of the Motion Picture 

Theatre Owners of St. Louis. Eastern Missouri 

and Southern Illinois . . . Mrs. Tom P>rice of 

Oblong suffered a broken arm and broken leg 

in a fall at her husband's publishing plant 

here recently. Price owns and operates the 

Star at Newton and also is publisher of the 

* POPCORN DRIVE-IN SUPPLIES • 

CARRY CUP & TOTEN' TRAYS 

HAMBURGER, SANDWICH 

HOT DOG & POPCORN BAGS 

TEN KINDS POPCORN CARTONS 

STAR POPCORN MACHINES & 

FOOD SERVING EQUIPMENT 

RUSH HOUR POPCORN 

Pike Hit sent upon request 

PRUNTY SEED 6- GRAIN CO. 

C,?n tloflh 2nd St., St. Louis 2, Mo. 

Processors . . 

EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE 

St. 

Louis Theatre Supply Company 

Oblong Oracle. Mrs. Price is said to be doing 

nicely In her recovery from her injuries. 

Benjamin Lorbcr, head of the insurance department 

of U-I, spoke on "Major Medical 

Expense Insurance" Monday i26) at the opening 

session of the American Gas Ass'n convention 

at the Kiel auditorium. Some 5,000 

delegates attended the gathering . . . The 

Southtown Players, local amateur group, has 

leased the old Dakota Theatre, a former unit 

of the Wehrenberg circuit, which has been 

dark for several years. The amateurs will 

stage their first show this month. It will be 

Noel Coward's "BUthe Spirit." 

Andy Dletz, head of the Andy Dietz Enterprizes 

and Cooperative Theatres, buying and 

b(X)king agency, has retiu-ned to St. John's 

hospital for further study by the doctors. 

Dietz underwent abdominal surgery several 

weeks ago . . . Hall Walsh, south prairie (iistrict 

manager for Warner Bros., was in 

Kansas City . . . Exhibitors seen along the 

Row included Charle.s Beninati, Carlyle; 

Frank X. Reller. Wentzville; Tom Bloomer, 

Belleville; Joe Goldfarb, Alton: Forrest Pirtle, 

Jer.seyville; J. M. Ennls, Quincy: Bill Wiliams, 

Union; Jimmy Frisina. Springfield. Many of 

these and other out-of-towners attended the 

testimonial luncheon Monday (26) for Nat 

Steinberg, former Republic manager. 

Business declined slightly during September 

and early October, but employment in the 

major centers of the Eighth Federal district 

showed little net change from August, according 

to the monthly review of the Federal 

Reserve bank here. Department store sales 

in St. Louis the week ended October 24 were 

11 per cent below the total for the same week 

in 1952. The district as a whole also was 

down 11 per cent. 

Hugh Graham's suit against officers and 

members of Local 143 to prevent picketing 

of his theatre will go on trial in circuit court 

at Clayton on November 10. Graham, operating-lessee 

of the LaCosa Tlieatre, filed the 

suit last Februai-y 14 and the case has been 

in and out of the state and federal courts in 

various phases since that date. It now is 

scheduled to be tried on the merits of 

Graham's original allegations, including 

featherbedding designs by the union." The 

theatre was picketed by members of the 

boothmen's local in an attempt to get a twoman 

booth operation. 

Officers, directors and committees for the 

annual convention of the Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners of St. Louis, Eastern Missouri 

and Southern Illinois will meet here November 

10 to hear reports on the national Theatre 

Owners of American convention in 

Chicago. They also will di.scu.ss the activities 

of the various committees planning for the 

regional MPTO convention here December 

14, 15. 

"From Here to Eternity" moved to the 

Orpheum for its sixth week in the city. It 

continues to do excellent business . . . "Tlie 

Robe" hod an outstanding week at the St. 

Louis Theatre, where it opened at popular 

prices ...CD. Hill, Columbia manager, siUd 

that "Piom Here to Eternity" ran one week 

at the Criterion, Poplai- Bluff; the Rodgei-w, 

Curbondale, and the Rltz, Blytlievlllc. 

GeorKP J. Cohn, Columbia salesman, retiirnt'd 

to work itfler being confined to his 

home by an attack of flu . . . Mrs. Jlmmjj 

Bradford is said to be doing as well as coukj 

be expected at St. Marj-'s hospital, Quincy, 111., 

where she recently had a leg amputated. Stuj 

is the wife of the Columbia salesman. 

Dr. Scott G. Kramer, son-in-law of Leste 

Bona. St. Louis manager for Warner Bros.- 

has joined the staff of St. Johns hospital a.' 

resident doctor of surgery. He formerly was ir 

private practice at Houston . St. LouL 

chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy A-ss'i 

will try to raise 525,000 in a drive this month 

Mrs. Bill Guinan is secretary of the loca 

chapter. Guinan is with McCarthy Theatr- 

Supply Co. here. 

The Better Films Council held its annua 

Cinema tea at 1:30 p.m. Thursday i29i a' 

the Fox Theatre. The program titled "Arounc 

the World" featured color films selected b; 

Mrs. Arretus F. Burt, founder and honornr 

president of the council. Among the gue>-. 

were patients from the Veterans hospital a 

Jefferson Barracks . 

police in El-^ 

dorado and Gillespie are enforcing old curfe*' 

laws to curb juvenile vandalism. It seem;^ 

that the youngsters in those towns starteC| 

their pre-Halloween pranks too soon. So th«^ 

police decided to crack down by keeping 

juveniles unaccompanied by their parents of: 

the streets. 

Dave Ross, formerly a salesman for RKO 

has made a deal with Jack Kane of Concordia 

Pictures to handle their "Reachinf. 

From Heaven" on a states rights basis in th£' 

Los Angeles territory. Harry Gaffney oil 

Dixie Enterprises is handUng this picture Irj • 

the Kansas City territory, while Concordia'f 

headquarters is looking after the St. Louis 1 

territory. 

Sue Hosier, daughter of Arch Hosier, heac 

of the St. Louis Theatre Supply Co.. will bi 

married to Tom Stolze in St. Mary's Catholic 

church in Edward.sville. 111., at 9 a.m. Novem-j 

ber 21. The Hosiers reside in Edwardsv 

Stolze, recently released from the coast gua 

attended Notre Dame prior to going 

service. 

Protects Against Fire 

KANKAKEE. ILL.—Leonard Klafta, mansj 

ager of the Majestic Theatre here, who vol«| 

untarily closed the Majestic at the openij 

of the summer, is cooperating with the citj| 

in correction of faulty fire exits and 

escape. Acting Fire Chief James Ma 

says Klafta plans to make all the necea 

repairs before reopening the theatri 

Ransom Money List 

Sent to Theatres 

Kansas City— Notiies liavt- luiii sont out 

from the local office of the FBI to exhibitors 

in this area to be on the watch for the 

unrecovered portion of the ransom money 

paid in the Greenlease kidnuppini; rase. 

Kxhibitor ILsts were obtained from tin- 

Kansas-Missouri Theatre .Vss'n and from 

Allied Theatre Owners of Kan.sas-Mi.ssouri. 

.\ complete list of the serial nuni- 

Ihts on the federal reserve notes was distributed 

to them. The FBI ofricc said 

that Uio list was KoinK to everyone hnvhiK 

contact with currency In sizable 

amounts. 

BOXOFFICE

illotsliil'- 

Individual Screen Airer 

Closes Its First Season 

URBANA, MO.—Tlic only drive-in in 

ths world With individiml .screen.s, the 

will not be necessary." Smith explained. 

Tom's brother. Bob Smith, sales engineer 

in the Kansas City office of National 

Theatre Supply Co., is associated with him 

in the project. 

Big Screen at Salem, 111. 

SALEM. 111,.—Local residents had their 

first view of a wide screen recently when 

Loren Cluster of the Cluster Theatres 

unveiled a new Radiant Astrolite screen at 

the 600-seat Salem Theatre. Cluster used a 

rather dramatic manner of presenting the 

creen to his patrons. Tliey had somewhat 

of a decided letdown a-s the program opened 

with a selection of shorts in the normal ratio 

screen. Then suddenly there came the opening 

of Paramount's "The War of the Worlds" 

on the beautiful new 36-foot wide screen. 

The sudden contrast caused many in the 

audience to applaud. 

New Poblocki Screens 

MILWAUKEE—Poblocki & Sons will erect 

Permalum screens at the following drive-ins: 

Westlake, Indianapolis; screen size 53x136 

feet. 

The Evansville, Evansville, Ind.; 32x82 feet. 

This theatre is operated the year around. 

The New. Eldorado, Aj-k.; 38x52 feet. 

Dark at Raymond Again 

RAYMOND, ILL.—The 350-seat Community 

Theatre, operated for several years by 

J. R. Thompson, formerly of Steeleville, Mo., 

was closed after the last .show Saturday (17) 

îtlilw* 

for an indefinite period. Thompson had reopened 

the theatre last May 5 after it had 

been dark for four months. 

Host to Chanute Airmen 

R3J9S* 

RANTOUL, ILL.—Donald F. Walraven, 

manager of Rantoul Drive-In Theatre, was 

host to 26 convalescing Chanute AFB airmen 

last week at the theatre. Rantoul Motor Sales 

provided cars in which the men sat to watch 

the 

movie. 

Purse-Snatcher Invades 

Two Circuit Offices 

KANSAS CITY Purses wire taken from 

height, and a number of people in both offices 

saw him but thought he was there on some 

kind of errand. 

Miss Crosswhite's purse was later found 

behind the Shreve Theatre Supply building, 

with the billfold missing but other contents 

left. It had contained $2 and some change. 

Mi-ss Clark's purse is still missing and contained 

around $15 and items of personal 

value. 

Missouri Cinerama Corp. 

To Show Film at St. Louis 

ST. LOUIS—The Missouri Cinerama Corp.. 

recently chartered under the laws of Delaware 

at Dover, Del., plans to pre-sent "This Is 

Cinerama" at the 3,200-seat Ambassador, a 

Fanchon & Marco theatre. 

BOWLING 

KANSAS CITY Bowling kuKut- team« 

Friday Holiday bowl 

the desks of two glrU In separate theatre played i30i ul PopiMJrn 

Supply won three polnt>. rr..n. Si,;. .. T". v'r>- 

• 

circuit offices here Tuesday (3). The first 

one was taken about noon from the dc.ik Supply: Uptown Tli' ' 

from Hallman Print:; 

of Janet Crosswhlte. secretary to Jack Braunagel 

at Commonwealth. The second was three point* from M. 

taken around 2 o'clock in the afternoon from Dixie Enterprises won tnr.-- p-jn. ;:'.ni .î.i..- 

the typewriter compartment under the desk 

Multi-scope, invented and operated the past 

summer by Tom Smith, hius closed for the 

It was a successful season from 

;,ea.soii. 

many angles, for it brought him wide attention 

The standings: 

ley. 

In the motion picture world and it 

Wen 

of Barbara Clark, secretary to Charles E. 

Mcn't 

brought the curious as well a-s regular customers. 

patrons commented on 

Shafer. treasurer of Pox Midwest. 

At Commonwealth, 

Satisfied the clearness of the pictures and the quality 

of focus, contact and depth, ajid enthe 

man had entered 

and asked for a Job, wandering back among 

the offices as if familiar with the place. At 

Joyed the advantages of seeing a picture at Fox Midwest, he was seen coming out of 

clase range. 

Mi.ss Clark's office with the purse by Senn 

Smith is planning further development Lawler's secretary. Jean Seymour. She 

sounded the alarm and Charlie Robinson 

of the theatre for next year. Viewing 

.screens will be placed completely around from the stockroom gave chase. Robert G. 

the 'wheel," making it a 360-degree circle. Montgomery, head of the accounting department, 

Plans also call for a concession room, 

was Just coming in the door when 

restrooms and the projection room in the 

walking lanes 

the man ran out and he took up the chase 

center of the circle, with with Robinson, but they were unable to 

extending from this "hub" to the outlying 

parking space. 

catch him. 

The descriptions of the thief tallied and 

Viewing screens will be increased from police expressed the opinion that it was the 

80x40 inches to 30x60 inches, and experimentation 

same man and that he had probably worked 

will be done with Cinemascope. around the offices at some time. He was 

"With out multiple optical system, the 

special lens supplied with Cinemascope 

described as a light-colored Negro of average 

Third Lon Cox Operation 

PITTSBURGH. KAS.— Lon Cox has laken 

over the Cozy Theatre here from J. A. Lenski. 

Cox operate-s the Vogue at Salina and the 

Howard at .Arkansas City. Lenski had closed 

down the Cozy a few weeks ago after trying 

to operate it himself when Fox Midwest gave 

up its lease on the house. 

New Manager at Voncastle 

GREENCASTLE. IND—James Roberts will 

be the new manager of the Voncastle Theatre 

here, according to Andrew Browning of the 

Vonderschmidt Amusements, Inc. Roberts ha-s 

worked as a projectionist for the past 20 

years. 

New Screen in Salina 

SALINA. KAS.—The Watson Theatre's newcurved 

screen has been put in use, according 

to James O. Martin, manager.

: November 

Overland Curfew Would 

Provide Fine for Parents 

OVERLAND, MO.—A bUl to impose a 10:30 

pjn. curfew on youngsters under 17 years 

of age was given its first reading by the Overland 

board of aldermen at a meeting October 

30. The measure makes parents Uable for a 

fine up to $100 for each violation. The youthful 

offenders also may be fined up to $100. 

The ordinance would not apply to young.sters 

accompanied by their parents or legal guardians 

or to those going straight home from a 

motion picture show. 

Gordon Douglas, who is currently directing 

the science-fiction drama, "Them," for Warner 

Bros., ha-s been given a new long-term 

contract. 

Andre Rabbit to Marseilles 

MARSEILLES, ILL.—Andre Rabbit is the 

new manager of the Mar.>; Theatre here for the 

Alliance circuit. S. W. Mitchell, who came to 

the Mars 18 months ago from Chicago, is on 

a special a.ssignment at Peru, Ind. Tlie home 

city of Rabbit is Hartford, Ind. Before joining 

Alliance, he was district manager for the 

Scheidler Theatre Co. at Hartford City, and 

stationed at the Marionaire, drive-m at 

Marion, Ind. 

Vondee Theatre Reopens 

SEYMOUR, IND—The Vondee Theatre 

here has been reopened by George Jaegers, 

city manager for Switow Bros, of Louisville. 

It was closed about a year and a half and has 

been completely redecorated and renovated. 

Zone heating has been installed. 

Bruce Trinz Will Teach 

Film Course in Chicago 

CHICAGO—Bruce Trinz, general manage 

of the Clark Theatre, will teach a course os 

the motion picture at the University o 

Chicago downtown campus, beginning in De 

cember. 

Trinz, who has gained quite a reputation fo 

his interest in film classics of all types, ha 

been responsible for two innovations at th' 

Clark. They are the Sunday Film Guild pro 

gram, which includes a double feature o 

special merit each Sunday, and the Grea 

Films festivals, a semiannual 15-day camiva 

of outstanding films, which have been pre 

duced over the last 20 years. 

The forthcoming Great Films f«stiva 

will include such releases as "The Informer. 

"The Ox-Bow Incident," "Tight Little Island. 

"Oliver Twist" and many others. 

You CANTm 

WITH 

CAUGER 

MOVIE TRAILERS 

For SURE-FIRE 

MERCHANT EXHIBITOR SATISFACTION 

Distributing . . 

• FORD • CHEVROLET 

• SPEED QUEEN • WESTINGHOUSE 

• SCHULZE and BURCH CRACKERS ^ 

. . . and 77 other Manufacturer Dealer 

Programs 

PHONE OR 

WRITE -^ 

,ERT1S1NG_^^ 

ENCE. MO. 

Ritz at East Alton, 111., 

To Be Used for Stores 

EAST ALTON. ILL.—The 500-seat Rit 

here, which has been dark since early las 

April, is being remodeled into a commercis 

building. The building is owned by Sol Gold 

farb, formerly of Woodriver. but now a resi 

dent of Olivette, Mo. In addition to the spac 

for three stores, the building will have spac 

in the rear for storage purposes. 

that 

It is expectfr 

the remodeling wiU be completed abou 

Januai-y 20. 

Goldfarb has owned the building for abou 

12 years. The Ritz was the only theatre i 

East Alton. In the summer, the Altwoo 

Drive-In is convenient for residents of Eaj 

Alton. The drivC-in is owned by Irwin Dubln 

skv. Lincoln, Neb., and others. 

Wide Screen Installed 

PANA, ILL—A Walker Hi-Intensity wld 

screen ha.s been installed by National Theatr 

Supply in the Roseland Theatre, 900-seate;, 

owned by the Tanner family. The new scree' 

is 21x36'j feet and is ciurved slightly. Th' 

screen is made in one piece and has a metaUi^ 

reflecting service. Every square foot of th 

screen has 4,004 small holes molded withl, 

for the transmission of the sound whlc 

comes from speakers located behind th 

screen. Manager Harry Tanner said tha 

when the screen is used for conventional twoj 

dimensional pictures it gives a much bette 

presentation for both black and white an; 

Technicolor. 

Louis Odorizzi Leases 

Grand at Mount Olive 

M(H'\T OIJVK. ILL The New Gran 

Ihcilr.-, y.K ,s.M'..-. lias bi'.n reopened unde 

Ihr inanai'.nunt ol l^nils (Wovi/M of StaUT 

Ii.ii. wlio also own.- aiul oponites the Sun« 

Onvo-In on Hmhwiiy 60 near here. Odorli: 

has loa-sod the Grand from Mrs. Joslc Lawso' 

and plans to operate the Uieutre on Pridaj; 

.Saturday, Sunday imd Monday evening' 

Opening feature was "Tlie Caddy." 

Mrs. Lawson had oporatfd the 

Uieatre ft 

a number of years. St>vcral years ago. ah 

Ua-sod the house to Joe KaU of Bcnld, wh 

cca.sed operation of the house some wee* 

aô. He clo-sod his Grand Tlieatrc In Ben) 

la-l .June H. 

; 

BOXOFFICE 

M 

7. 1»J

Atlanta Theatre Folk 

Al Ernie Rogers Party 

ATLANTA WiUiiiiii Ernest Rogers, who 

hius wished thoiusaiid.s of AllaiitliULs "happy 

birthday" in his Atlanta Journal column, ri-- 

colvcd a pUasiint Nurpri.se la-sl week i27i in 

the DlnklL'r Pliuui hotel. 

At least 350 friends— film eaecutlves. Variety 

Club members, Lion's club and Civitan 

club representiUlves—had gathered at tinhotel. 

Police Chief Jenkias and LI. E. V 

Forrester went to the home of Rogers, handcuffed 

him, then hauled him downtown in a 

bright red paddy wagon. Two burly polici' 

officers carried him from street to the banquet 

hall where he was .seated in a large chair, 

still handcuffed. 

After a steak dinner, In which the defendant 

was released from his handcuffs and allowed 

to eat with the "jury" and the "judge," 

Ernie found himself the defendant in a 

kangaroo court, described as a sort of 

"Gestapo-OGPU" hall of justice presided 

over by black-robed bewigged "Judge" 

G. Maynard Smith, a local lawyer. Smith 

had Sam Dull, Journal advertising man and 

"clerk of the court" recite the indictments 

against 

Rogers. 

"Baliffs" Freeman Strickland. Jack Robertson 

and H. L. "Huck" Ebersole, dressed as 

marshals, hustled the witnesses up to the 

stand as their names were called. Tlêy did 

hot have difficulty in convmcing the already 

convinced judge that Ernie was guilty of impersonation, 

spreading "columnistic" propaganda, 

creating a distrubance and stealing. 

Smith ordered slides shown, showing Rogers 

"Impersonating a radio stai-, a guitar player, a 

Hollywood leadiiig man, and Rogers 'the 

gambler' getting dope out of the horse's 

mouth." Percentage Sam, Roger's creation, 

urged the judge to "give him the punishment 

he so richly deserved—make him leave me 

alone." 

Rogers, whose wit kept the audience howling 

for two hours, admitted he was a "red 

columnist" in 1930 when he founded the Red- 

Head club, which anyone who had red hair 

or red of anything could join. EIrnie explained 

that at that time, he was red-headed, and 

also had a red beaid. 

The Rev. Wallace Rogers, his father, testified 

defendant on 

that he first knew the Oct. 27, 1897. This was followed by Ernie 

producing identification cards strung together, 

which showed him to be only 51 for the past 

four years. 

Other witnesses included Dr. Goodrich C. 

White, president of Emory university, where 

Ernie graduated. Dr. White recalled Rogers 

as an "incorrigible punster" who founded 

Emory's paper with the worst pun of all the 

Emory Wheel. 

Ernie was handed a guitar, and he played 

and sang his famous song, "Forgiveness." 

The verdict was guilty on all counts, including 

stealing the hearts of all those who 

know him. 

Then came presentation of gifts, including 

telegrams from leading film stars—Btng 

Crosby, Gary Cooper, Bob Hope, Susan Hayward, 

Rosemary Clooney, Cecil B. DeMille. 

and others. He also received bound volumes 

from the Breakfast Club of Atlanta, the Atlanta 

Civitan Club and the Variety Club. 

Finally, with Forsyth street blocked off, the 

party adjourned to the street in front of 

the 

hotel where Er-nie and his wife were presented 

a new eggshell colored Pontiac convertible. 

WOMPI of New Orleans Receives 

Charter and Installs 

C'S 

Officers 

o 

i 

New officers of the Women of the Motion Picture Induslrv \m (irlr.ins i hapti-r 

are pictured here. Officers were instulled at a recent affair at tin- .Mitairii- ( ountry 

club, where the local club also received its charter. Shown here, left to righl: Agnen 

Garcia, Paramount-Gulf Theatres, Irea.surcr; Lorraine C'avs, Paramount, president; 

Ida Klos, Paramount-Gulf, second vice-president; Connie Aufdemorte, llodKes Theatre 

Supply, first vice-president, and Mrs. Lee NIckolaus, Lip|>ert, secretary-treasurer. 

NEW ORLEANS—The Women of 

the Motion 

Picture Industry chapter here met Saturday 

(24) at the Metalrie Country club, with 

107 members in attendance, for the Installation 

of officers and the presentation of the 

chapter's charter. 

Vice-President Connie Aufdemorte had 

Father Bassich, dean of music at Loyola university, 

deliver the invocation. Mrs. Bertrand 

Klern, wife of Bert Kiern of the Happy Hour 

Theatre, was pianist for the affair. 

Featured speaker at the event was N. L. 

Carter of Paramount-Gulf Theatres, who gave 

high praise to the WOMPI for building up 

such a large and useful organization In barely 

two months. Carter said that the men of the 

industry have been trying for more than ten 

years to organize a Variety Club here and 

have never made any headway. 

Pamela Britton, star of the stage show, 

"Guys and Dolls," playing at the Civic Theatre, 

was honored guest at the luncheon. Jill 

Jackson, New Orleans radio and film columnist, 

was made an honorary member of the 

New Booking Accounts 

MARIANNA, FLA.— S. E. McDaniel of 

Mack's Booking Service will handle booking 

for a number of new accounts, including 

Spears Drive-In. GracevlUe: East Mack's 

Drive-In and West Mack's Drive-In. Marlanna: 

B&L Drive-In. Bonlfay; Pug's Drive-In. 

Montlcello; Malone Theatre. Malone. and 

lona Theatre. Wewahltchka. 

Popcorn Dollar Nights 

NEWPORT. ARK—On Saturday and Sunday 

nights at the Skylark Drive-In here, a 

lucky patron finds In his box of popcorn a 

crisp, new $1 bill and two passes to the drivein. 

Tlie Skylark owners. Mr. and Mrs. Larry 

Lancaster, say. "It's working swell; the winners 

are happy and so are we." 

organization and gave the charter to the 

president. 

Bill HoUiday, Paramount manager, gave 

President Jôrralne Cass the gavel and Installed 

all of the officers. The charter was 

signed by all members of the organization. 

New officers are Lorraine Cass, Paramount, 

president; Connie Aufdemorte, Hodges Theatre 

first Supply, vice-president: Ida Klos, 

Paramount-Gulf, second vice-president: Lee 

NIckolaus, Lippert, secretary, and Agnes 

Garcia. Paramount-Gulf, treasurer. 

Directors, serving two-year terms, are 

Augusta Woolverton. MGM: Gene Barnett. 

Brimont Booking Service: Georgia Bruno. P. 

Goodrow Films: Rosalie Lutenbacher, RKO. 

Serving one-year terms: Cornelia Schmltt, 

Delta Theatres: Gladys Montreuil, Warner 

Bros., and Leona Schmltt, U-I. 

Guests at the luncheon included Harold 

"Babe" Cohen. Lippert : Myrna Posey, Hodges 

Theatre Supply: Maurice Barr. Paramount- 

Gulf, and Helen Amman, president of the 

Pilot club of New Orleans 

Two Leesburg Managers 

Shifted by MCM Chain 

LEESBURG. FL.^. — T\vo managerial 

changes in Leesburg theatres have been announced 

by Bill P. Cumbaa. general manager 

of the MCM circuit. 

Mrs. W. E. Parker, long-time cashier of 

the Fain Theatre, will take' over the management 

of that house. She replaces Tom W. 

Willeman. who becomes manager of the Palace. 

Opens 300-Car Drive-In 

HATTIESBURG. MISS.—The 300-car East 

Forrest Drive-In. located just across the River 

Avenue bridge in Harvey, has been opened by 

J. E. Adams of Columbia and Herbert Rushton 

of Harvey. Admission is 35 cents. 

November 7. 1953 59

I 

Big Screen to Leaksville Grand 

LEAKSVILLE, N.C.—A giant panoramic 

screen has been installed and the stage 

setting completely remodeled at the Grand 

Theatre on the Boulevard. 

NEW ORLEANS 

W" 

screen game, 

HOLLYWOOD takes top 

honors. As a box-office attraction, 

it is without equaL It has 

been a favorite with theatre goers for 

over 15 years. Write today for complete details. 

Be sure to give seating or cor capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO. 

•31 South WobothAvenu* • Chlcoso S, llllnoli

. . W. 

William Wilson Named 

Manager of New House 

CLEARWATER, FLA.—William Wilson luibeen 

named manager of the new theatre, 

which Is expected to be completed here before 

Chrlstma.s. He wa-s manager of the Pine 

Hills Drive-In In Orlando for some time, and 

prior to that served as manager of the Florida 

In St. Petersburg. The new theatre is being 

built by the BayLan Theatre Corp., of which 

Jack Flt7,\vater Is vice-president and general 

manager. Fitzwater recently resigned from 

Florida State Theatres to head the new corporation. 

Besides CInemaScope films, the new theatre 

win also present 3-D and two-dimensional 

pictures. The stage has been planned so that 

small stage presentations can be given. 

Redecorates Theatre Fronts 

EUPOR-A, MISS.—Joe Fox Wofford, manager 

of the Eupora and Jomac theatres, is 

having the theatre fronts completely redecorated. 

Wofford, who is in partnership with 

his father, is a World War II veteran who 

received two Purple Heart awards. The 

Eupora and Jomac are part of a chain of 

four. The other two are at Calhoun City, and 

Union, and owned and operated by Wofford's 

brothers Mart and Wilburn. 

Drive-In Firm Chartered 

OPELOUSAS, LA.—The H&T Theatres, 

Inc., 330 East Franklin St., has been granted 

a charter of incorporation to operate a drivein 

theatre, listing capital stock of $60,000. 

JACKSONVILLE 

TJiil .Stanton, organist and a-sKLstnnt manager 

of the Florida Theatre. wa.i robbed by a 

hitch-hiker he brought from the beach Into 

town . . . Stanton picked up the man at 

Jack-sonvllle Beach and gave him a ride to 

the Riverside .section of Jack-sonvllle When 

Stanton stopped the car to let the rider out 

he struck Stanton and took hLs money. 

The .snark bar at the Skyvlew Drlvc-Xn. 

Kings road and Spires street. wa.s almost destroyed 

by fire which was discovered a little 

after noon. The fire wa.s caused by a short 

circuit in the wiring according to the a-sslstant 

fire chief. The frame building and contents 

suffered damage estimated at about $6,000. 

National Theatres Enterprises Is owner of the 

snack bar. 

T. P. Tidwell, manager at 20th-Fox, was on 

a vacation In Dalla.s. Ray Prultt. bookkeeper, 

spent a week in South Carolina. Madeline 

Farr, clerk, enjoyed her week's vacation at 

home. Jerry Greelish has returned as switchboard 

operator after a long absence becau.se 

of illness. Cliff Hardin, head t>ooker, enjoyed 

a week's vacation. 

The Warner staffers were favored with 

beautiful weather and a full moon for their 

weiner roast at the beach . O. Williamson 

jr.. district manager from Atlanta, spent 

several days in the local office, as did Benjamin 

Kalmenson, vice-president. 

Lamar Sarra, head of Florida State Theatres 

legal and public relatiorus sections; Guy Kenimer. 

genenU manager of operaUons ana 

malnt^'iiance. and U D. Nelt«r. prt«Jdenl. attended 

the TOA convention In Chicago Novemb«'r 

1-6 Surra and co-chairman Bob 

Bryant of Rock Hill. SC . ot the »UUr legUlailvc 

committee made reporU before the 

TOA board . . . Irving Hano»er of the Columbia 

home office spent a couple of week* 

here 

VUiton on FUmrow included Harold Popel. 

Telco Theatres. West Palm Beach. R. U 

Bang. Municipal Theatre. Apopka. Harlow 

Land. Land Theatres. Mayo: Bill Murphy, 

booker for B S. Mos.s Corp.. New York. Leon 

Ta.sk. Llbclty Drlve-In, Miami; Harry Gordon. 

Carver, and Jim Partlow. Kuhl Drlve- 

In. Orlando; Jimmy Blddle. Fay. Jasper; J. N 

WelLs. Wells Theatre. Kingsland, Oa Nat 

: 

Bern.steln and R H. Clyman. Bernstein Theatres. 

Miami. 

Universal District AUnaêr J V. Frew. Atlanta, 

was at the local branch Byron 

Adams. Atlanta UA manager, was In 

Repair Storm Damage 

TITUSVILLE. FLA—The Rivervlew Auto 

Theatre, which was closed several weeks 

ago by storm damage, will be reopened by 

November. Driveways were damaged by recent 

heavy rains and had to be repaired. 

H. H. Si.sson and Don Sisson are co-owners 

and operators. 

Mr. and Mrs. Exhibitor! 

We are looking for you at our best convention. 

MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS OF FLORIDA 

ROOSEVELT HOTEL, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 

NOVEMBER 15-17 

• BUSINESS SESSIONS • FINE DISPLAYS • SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT 

DR. WILLIAM H. ALEXANDER, Feature Speaker 

• 

For Reservations, Write or Wire 

MRS. BETTY LOOP 

P- O. box 1962, JocksonviHe, Florida, Phone 93371 

BOXOFFICE : : November 7, 1953

MEMPHIS 

\XT C. Handy, father of the Blues, came home 

to Memphis from New York where he 

runs a music publishing house to inaugurate 

an all-Negro amateur program on the WMCT 

television station. The program originated 

from W. C Handy Theatre, named after the 

mmum 

famous Memphian. He blew his golden trumpet 

to launch the show. 

Clyde McCoy, the Sugar Blues man, has 

quit the music business again. He has gone 

into the oil business at Denver. The last time 

Clyde quit music, he opened a florist shop 

in'Memphis. The McCoys have many friends 

and relatives in Memphis where they lived 

for many years. 

Five drive-ins in this territory have gone 

into weekend only operations because of chilly 

weather. They are the 64 at Whiteville Tenn., 

owned bv Robert Wilson: Highland at Hohenwald. 

Tenn.; Sunset at Calvert City, Ky.: 

Bel-Air at Centerville, Tenn., and the Sundown 

at Paris. Tenn. The last four are 

booked by Exhibitors Services. 

Closed for the season were these drive-ins: 

Lyon County Drive-In, Kuttawa Springs, Ky., 

booked bv Exhibi^rs Services: Dixie at 

Searcy, Ark., owned by K. K. King; Paris at 

Paris," Ark., booked by Exhibitors Services; 

Jacksonville at Jacksonville, Ai-k.; 45 at Mayfield, 

Ky., owned by Ned Green; 61 at Hayti, 

Mo., owned by J. C. Mohrstadt. 

J. C. Mohrstadt has also closed his Joy Theatre, 

Hayti, a seasonable operation, for the 

sea.son K. K. King, owner, will reopen 

. . . 

his Plaza at Searcy, Ark., November 12. He 

will book and buy in Memphis . . . N. B. 

Blount, manager, and L. A. Mitchell, representing 

Monarch Theatre Supply Co., left 

for 

the November 1 meetings of TESMA-TEDA 

and TOA in Chicago . . . R. L. Bostick and 

PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW 

FOR EARLY DELIVERY 

The New Ballantyne All System 

Equipment Patkage Offers You 

\ Complete For 

• 3-D LESS 

. PANORAMIC SCREEN 

t,„„ 

. STEREOPHONIC SOUND 

j 

j^ qOO 

TAILORED & ENGINEERED FOR YOUR PARTICULAR THEATRE 

SMALL DOWN PAYMENT 

CONVENIENT TERMS 

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH US NOW 

TO SURVEY YOUR THEATRE 

fOR FURTHER DETAILS OR APPOINTMENT 

WRITE — PHONE — WIRE — COME IN

; 

. . . The 

. . Claughton 

. . FYank 

both 

I 5 Veors One Location The Bryont i 

Making Friends Keeps 

Theatre Business Up 

Prom Mldoo^r E(lition 

MIDDLEFIELD. OHIO The vaUu- ot 

establishing and mainUiinlnt? good public relations 

has often been 

demonstrated by Frank 

J. Slavik, who in the 

short time he lias operated 

theatres In the 

Cleveland exchange 

area, has built hLs circuit 

to three indoor 

and two outdoor theatres. 

They are the 

Mumac. Middlefleld; 

Palace. TiltonsvlUe 

Diana in Rlttman; 

Frank J. SUvlk Belvedere D r i v e-I n, 

Paine.sville. and Shane 

Drlve-In. Andover. 

"Make the people of the town your friends 

and they will become regular theatre patrons." 

Slavik says. 

He puts his theory into practice by frequently 

turning his theatres over to an 

organization for a benefit show. But his 

benefit show.s are unique. He pays for everything—operation 

of the theatre and the film 

program—and doesn't take a cent from the 

organization which sells the benefit tickets 

and keeps all the money. 

Recently he gave the 400-seat Diana in 

Rlttman to the Rotary club for a special showthere. 

The Rotary club did not approach 

Slavik for help in raising money for its underprivileged 

children's fund or help in support 

of a bond issue to build a new school 

in Rittman which it is sponsoring. On the 

contrary, Slavik went to the Rotary club and 

asked whether it wanted help to support the 

l)ond issue and raise funds The answer, of 

course, was in the affirmative. 

So Slavik immediately put in motion the 

plan that he has u.sed successfully in Middlefleld. 

Because the theatre is always closed 

on Tuesday, he set the benefit date on a 

Tuesday: specifically on the Tuesday preceding 

the voting on the school bond issue. With 

the theatre as the focal point, he got the 

high school band and the Boy Scouts to 

agree to stage a parade on the day of the 

benefit. Paraders will both assemble and disband 

in front of the theatre, thus making the 

theatre the center of the occasion. A first 

showing of "Mr. Scoutmaster" is the benefit 

feature attraction. 

"It is things like this that make the people 

of a community theatreconscious." Slavik 

says. "It knows we do not directly benefit 

because our boxoffice isn't open for the .sale 

of tickets. It knows that every cent the 

Rotary receives from the sale of tickets it 

keeps. It knows that our theatre has the 

good of the community at heart. The natural 

response is to support the theatre as regular 

patrons. We have practiced this policy of 

participating in civic affairs without apparent 

profit, but this policy pays at the boxoffice 

In the long run." 

New Screen at the Village 

RALEIGH. N.C.—The Village Theatre here 

is installing a Miracle Mirror screen. Phillip 

N. Nance, manager, says that stereophonic 

sound will be used, too. 

Richard Egan will star in the United Artists 

action drama, "Khyber Pass." 

MIAMI 

Îne Uomrtco nciKhborliitod lhe^ltrl•.^ will be 

used on Saturday momlnK-s for a .scrlei 

of U'^flllmate plays for children The Sam 

Hlrsch Junior Playhou.se will present them 

Hirsch ha-s made a lentîtive play selection, 

which includes Don Quixote" and "The 

Sorcerer's Apprentice. " prepared for a 

child audience by Sid Michaels, co-producer 

of the National Youth Theatre. Costumes and 

scenery for the forthcoming .scrle.s will be provided 

by Hirsch's Casablanca Players. Members 

of this Kroup will make up the ca.st 

for the children's shows. Wometco has designated 

the Miracle. Surf. &sex. Gateway at 

Fort Lauderdale. Tower, Rosetta. Cameo, 

Capitol, formerly the Harlem, and the Center 

for the Junior Playhoase series, beginning 

November 14. 

Wometco asked patrons to be the Jury when 

"I, the Jury" was shown at the Tower and 

Rosetta. The former hoase showed the picture 

in 3-D and the latter had the same film 

in "flat." Special advertising caUed attention 

to this booking as a "test engagement," 

and patrons were asked to state their preference. 

Confusion over "The Miami Story." to be 

filmed here with George Raft in the lead, 

stems from the fact that another picture by 

the same name was partly made here some 

months back. The picture was subsequently 

renamed and has no connection with the 

present production. Fred Sears is booked to 

do the Raft film, with background shots to be 

made next month. 

Florida State Theatres put on Halloween 

midnight shows at the Coral. Dade, Shores, 

Warnor at Fort Lauderdale, Paramount and 

Beach. Shockers were on tap at most houses. 

Pumpkins, ghosts, bats and owls figured in 

the advertising . . . The independent Hallandale 

Drive-In had a special Halloween show, 

offering "no tricks, but treats for all." 

McComas' Tropicaire Drive-In had a 

Halloween affair for its patrons A kids' costume 

contest went on at an early show, and 

at midnight a spook show appeared on screen 

Dixie Drive-In also had a midnight 

show . had a chiller for its midnight 

Halloween show at the Floyal and Variety. 

"The War of the Worlds" was the 

subject on the new wide screens installed 

in both houses. 

Wometco held its Halloween feature the 

preceding night and gave turkeys to winners 

of the costume parades on the stages of nine 

theatres in the circuit. A special ad listed the 

Boulevard Drive-In. Strand, Parkway, Essex, 

Biltmore. Center. Rosetta, Tower and Surf as 

participating . J. Bradock, for many 

years associated with the Handy Film Co., has 

been named general manager of Reela Films, 

an affiliate of Wometco and WTVJ. 

Manager Earl Potter, TivoU. labels his current 

feature. "Big Leaguer." a filmed-in-Florida 

picture. Shows filmed in this state attract 

localites who like to pick out familiar landmarks 

. . . Vyvyan Donner, fashion editor of 

Fox Movietone News, spent a brief holiday 

here. 

Joseph Rodriquez, controller of distribution 

of most of the Italian motion picture industry's 

output in Cuba, has been in town to 

explore the possibilities of moving Ws troupe 

of big name actors and actresses from Rome 

to Miami Bcttch. atonx with srv.-n wiected 

Italian films The pcrfornwrs and th» flints 

have been fcent from Italy I! •• 

:«.h 

„i 

the lUllun Film Festival [,: 

November 30-Dccembi-r 6 : . rj 

.serve promote Itolliui f::: . on 

of which ha.s been spotty in the Miûm area. 

The current "The Sinners" and "Anna." 

which played the Claughton theatre*. plu» 

"Blfer Rice," which clicked on the Wometco 

circuit, have betn the only ones to enjojr 

great .success outside of art theatres The 

latter did saasfactorlly with "The Bicycle 

Thief." "Open City " and othcrii 

The Shores neighborhood theatre provided 

the stage recently on which the Boy Scouts 

held a special ceremony honoring Mike Berenguer. 

the lad who saved a three-year-old child 

from drowning here a short time ago. 

Bob Battln. manager of the Sheridan In 

Miami Beach, arranged a lobby dLsplay for 

"Take the High Ground!" Courtesy of the 

Dade county national guard, a quantity of 

combat equipment wa.s on view for patroas 

ÂTLANTA 

CHARLOTTE 

20 

ZANE GREY 

WESTERNS 

Plus 

100 Other 

Westerns. 

•lEW 

MEMPHIS 

ORLEANS 

STEPHENS 

Theatre Booking Service 

Indiriduat attention to every account 

: p. O. Box 1536 Tdephone 6-5531 

Savannah, Go. 

Be REllANT-on BRYANT 

Dependable Products - Best of Service 

• Bl9«low Corp.M !,!"„„/• 9Uorontt« „T of 

• Co-Op In-Car Speoktri 

' ac ion. 

• O* LuK« Popcorn ond " 

S«asonlngf 

BRYANT 

227 S. Church St.. Chjriottt. 

SPECIAL TRAILERS 

Quality and Serrice 

Serving theatres in tho South tor 31 ytan. 

12 cents per word 

Loyrest cost anywhere 

STRICKLAND FILM CO. 

220 Phorr Rood, N. E. Atlanta 

BOXOFHCE :: November 7. 1953

and 

J. J, Fitzgibbons to Get 

Canada Pioneer Award 

1 ConodK lEdil 

TORONTO—John J. Fitzgibbons. president of Famous 

Players Canadian Corp., Is the Pioneer of the Year, it 

was revealed recently by President N. A. Taylor of 

the Canadian Picture Pioneers following an executive 

meeting. 

Fitzgibbons will be feted at the annual CPP award dinner, 

scheduled to be held November 25 in the great haU of 

the Royal York notel when tribute will also be paid to 

three other film industry veterans: Ray Lewis, publisher 

of Canadian Moving Picture Digest; Col. John A. Cooper, 

Toronto, former head of the Canadian Motion Picture 

Distr.butor.- Ass'n, and Bernard E. Norrish of Montreal, 

ex-pre.'ident and chairman of the board of Associated 

Screen News. 

Distinguished representatives of state and city will 

join with film leaders in honoring the four guests at the 

which expected to rival the brilliance of the 

banquet, is 

Pioneers' first award function last year. 

JOHN J. FITZGIBBONS 

Honored in 1952 for their contribution to the industry 

prior to 1910 were Jule Allen, Toronto; George 

Ganetakos and L. Ernest Ouimet, Montreal; 

hich he founded and the chief award of the 

Canadian Council of Christians and Jews of 

which he is a former national chairman. 

A. Mason, Springhill. N.S.; John Schuberg, 

J. 

Vancouver, and the late Fred G. Spencer, St. 

John, N.B., all of whom were equally honored. 

Year, 

The Famous Players president has served 

the industry as president of the Motion Picture 

Industry Council of Canada, the National 

Fitzgibbons, the 1953 Pioneer of the 

has well served the community, country and 

coming Canada from New committee of Motion Picture Exhibitors 

Ass'n of Canada, the Canadian Motion Picture 

industry since 

England in 1929. 

to 

For his war .service, Fitzgibbons 

War Services committee and the motion 

was inves'ed as commander of the 

Most Excellent Order of the British Empire 

by King George VI. He has received the 

Heart award of the Toronto Variety Tent, 

picture section of the Toronto Board of Trade. 

He is a member of the board of governors of 

St. Michael's hospital, Toronto, and Notre 

Dame college in western Canada. 

COCOYL 

FINEST GOLDEN 

COCONUT OIL 

SEASONING 

ROY SMITH 

TAMPA 

JACKSONVILLE 

1207 19th St. • 1075 W. Adorns St. 

Rhodes-Stelling Service 

COMPLETE SOUND & PROJECTION SERVICE 

ENGINEERS: 

E. L. RHODES CLAY STELLING 

218 E S6lh St. P. O. Bo< 194 

Augusto, Go. 

Phones: 3:6909 

1:6829 

Theatre Equipment and Supp/ies 

3-D 

DRIVE-IN 

SCREEN PAINT 

TRENKLES SUPER DEPTH 

TRI STATE THEATRE SUPPLY 

New Albany, Miss., Ritz 

Is Destroyed by Fire 

NEW ALBANY, MISS.—The Ritz Theatre 

was a total loss as a result of a fire which 

burned nearly two hours. Firemen from as far 

away as Tupelo came to help fight the blaze. 

Damage was $40,000, David Plexer, Flexer 

Theatre.s, Inc., owners, estimated. About half 

the loss was covered by insurance, Flexer said. 

Flexer, whose headquarters are in Memphis, 

was in New Albany when the fire occurred. 

He had gone there to plan for an opening at 

Magnolia Theatre, also at New Albany, of its 

wide screen and stereophonic sound systems. 

^la-Hi Chosen as Name 

HIGH SPRINGS, FLA.—The new drive-in 

on Highway 441 has been named Ala-Hi. The 

name was selected from hundreds of entries 

sent in by contestants. A year's pass to the 

theatre was awarded the winner. Bratt 

Yongue. Carlos Gutschlag, Hubert and Virgil 

Alberson are owners of the new theatre. 

Airway Closes for Winter 

MEMPHIS. MO.—The Airway Drive-In. 

throe miles west of here, has closed for the 

winter. C. W. Locke, manager of the Airway 

and also of the Time Theatre in Memphis, 

snk\ the drivc-in would reopen in May. Tlu- 

Airway was built last spring. 

Give Eight-Week Film Festival 

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. -The Florida 

.Stall' Theatres chnlii i.s Nlaglng all elghtwtik 

Fabulous Fall Film festival. 

Nord-Columbia Deal 

On Single-Strip 3-D 

From Western Edition 

HOLL'YWOOD — Exhibitors who request 

them will be supplied by Columbia with prinb 

in the Nord "extended area" single-strip 3-D 

system of any of the studio's films which 

have been, or will be, made in the stereoscopic 

3-D technique. 

Such was announced by Oolumbia after a 

.-eries of meetings with Nord executives. At 

present, final color tests are being conducted 

at the Technicolor laboratory here, where the 

Nord prints will be made. First film to be 

made available in the single-strip process wil 

be "Gun Fury," a Technicolor western. 

Also due to be processed in the Nord system 

are "The Nebraskan." "Miss Sadie 

Thompson." "Drums of Tahiti." "Jesse Jame,> 

" vs. the Daltons "The Mad Magician." 

Representing the Nord firm in the negotiations 

with Columbia were Nate Supak, presl-' 

dent; Dr. Roy Klapp, inventor of the process 

and Danny Elman. 

Use of the Nord single-strip film eliminates 

the necessity for two synchronized projectors 

NFB Expert Says Hurry 

Has Killed 3-D Films 

From Conadian Edition 

OTTAWA—Prior to leaving for a 

stration in New York City, Chester BeachaU 

of the technical research branch. Nation*;, 

Film Board, contended in a speech here thai 

the Holh-wood industry had -killed" three-, 

dimension films as an entertainment medium 

' 

by producing faulty pictures. 

The studios had been in too much of a 

hurry, he said. The early stereo pictures wert 

shot at set distances, he explained, but the 

margin of error was too great, distortion ot 

scenes being evident at the converging p>oinl 

of the two cameras. Because of focus faults 

patrons had headaches. 

Beachall claimed that a new range-finding 

3-D camera had been developed by National 

Film Board which corrected the out-of-J 

focus difficulty at any distance. The new^ 

equipment was to be demonstrated before Ui«; 

motion picture engineers at New York 

II 

Copper Drippings Helping 

Welfare Fund of Tent 35 

From Eastern Edition 

NEW YORK— Despite official ending of th( 

copper drippings collection, exhibitors hav( 

been continuing the collections, says Ber 

Perse, barker of Variety Tent 35, who haj 

been in charge of the salvage drive. A sub-' 

t 

stantial check has been turned over to thh 

welfare fund, Ed Lachman, chief barker, re-i 

ported. 

1- 

Honors Football Team 

CAMDEN, ARK.—'Wlien "The All Amerl-' , 

i 

can' played at the Melco, Bill Garner, man-' 

ager, had all members of the Camden higtrj^ 

football team as his stage guests in a spe-il 

cial rally program honoring the Pantheill 

team and Coach Sam Coleman for goo

on 

Sovereign Starts Work 

On TV 'Eye of Beholder' 


HOLLYWOOD—Following a KcneriU re- 

Productions. TV fUm 

organization. Sovereign 

unit of which Stuart Reynolds Ls president 

and executive producer, launched camera 

work on "Eye of the Beholder," a Richard 

Conte starrer directed by Felix Feist, and will 

follow with "Walking John," to topUne Edward 

Arnold, with Alfred E. Green megglng. 

Both are entries In Sovereign's "General 

Electric Theatre" series. 

With Edwiixd Gray as vlce-pre.sident and 

Randolph Montcr a-s secretary-treasurer, the 

Sovereign firm has Joseph SLstrom, formerly 

of Paramount, and David Hire as associate 

producers, while Maxwell Shane has been 

Inked to a directorial ticket. 

Dowling Sets 'Hunters' 

As Next Production 

HOLLYWOOD— Allan Dowling Productions 

has set "Hunters of the Sea," full-length 

documentaiy on underwater life and spearflshing, 

as the Independent firm's next venture. 

To be produced by Tom Gries, it will 

be processed in color by the Color Corp. of 

America. 

Allan Dowling, company president, has 

checked out for Europe to arrange facilities 

for overseas lenslng of "Hedda Gabler," the 

Henrik Ibsen play, which will follow "Hunters 

of the Sea " the slate. 

MCM Theatres Purchases 

Priest at High Springs 

HIGH SPRINGS. FLA.—Final 

negotiations 

have been concluded for the purchase of the 

Priest Theatre building and adjoining property 

by the MCM Theatre chain, according 

to Mrs. Mary Priest Logan, owner, and Bill 

P. Cumbaa, general manager for the theatres. 

The theatre has been leased by the MCM 

interests for more than seven years. Several 

weeks ago the Priest Installed a new wideangle 

panoramic screen. Mrs. Janie Underwood 

Is manager. 

'Robe' in Third Week 

Hits 250 in Memphis 

MKMI'HI.S 'Martin I.utlni - ..p.i.ril .it ih. 

WariiiT, cioiMK iwue iioriiml lJUhlIl»•.^1 "rii> 

Robe. " which had been hitting 300 durlr.g the 

first two weeks at Mulco, dropped off to 250 

during It.s third week. 

rage 100) 

(20th-Fox), 3rd wK Maico The Rob« 250 

Warnfi Martin Lulh*r (DoRochomont) 200 

Locw Stoic Torch Song (MGM) 150 

i 

Locwi pQlocc—Mogombo (MGM), 150 

2nd wk 

Strond—Tho War of tho Worlds (Poro), 2nd 90 

wk.. 

New St. Petersburg Palm 

To Be Opened This Month 

ST. PETERSBURG—The Palm Drlve-In 

here Is scheduled to open Sunday (15) under 

the ownership and management of H. J. 

Knight, theatre operator from Columbu.s. 

Ohio. 

The Palm, located on Ulmerton road, has 

the latest RCA equipment. It has a capacity 

of 400 cars and It is expected that a playground 

for children will be added later. 

Knight has owned and managed Indoor and 

outdoor theatres in Ohio for the last 20 years. 

J. L. Damm Appointed 

Damm ha.s 

HAINES CITY. FLA.—John L. 

taken over management of the Florida Theatre, 

according to Florida Theatres, Inc. Damm 

comes to Haines City in central Florida from 

the Florida west coast, where he managed the 

Beach Drlve-In at Riviera until its recent 

sale. He has over 30 years experience in show 

business in Florida and Ohio. 

Walter Colby Shifted 

WINTER PARK, FLA.— Walter Colby, longtime 

manager of the Colony Theatre, has been 

transferred by Florida State to the Florida 

in St. Augustine. He has been replaced In 

Winter Park by Allan Armstrong, former 

manager of the RIalto In Orlando. 

* MACHINE FOLD 

* ROLL, SINGLE-DUPLEX 

* RESERVED SEAT 

* BOOK STRIP 

THEATER GIFT COUPON BOOKS 

SIASON PA55IS — ONI IIMI COMPi 

-AGGUÂeY- 

SOUTHWEST TICKETS COUPON CO. 

JACK POT QUIZ NITE 

For over five ycati now, this plon hoi proved both 

succcisful and profitable to exhibitors operating 

regular ond drive-in theatres in the South. Wc 

hove operated in competition to most so-called 

business stimulant plans to the delight ot our 

munlcation with our customers, OS we will gladly 

furnish their names They are well-known ond 

highly rcputobic exhibitors. If you do not krsow 

them, you will have heard of them. 

Remember that this plan is legal in all states ond 

approved by the Postoffiee Deportment for odvcrtising. 

Patronage Builders, 

Inc. 

p. O BOX 1442 604 4th St. 

CLASSIFIED ADS—EASY TO USE 

TV Permit to Vic Damone 


HOLLYWOOD—Another MGM contractee 

cracked through the company's usually rigidly 

enforced no-television clause when singer Vic 

Damone was granted permission to appear as 

a guest star on any and all "live" TV programs, 

the first of which will be on the 

Milton Berle show out of New York. Damone 

Is not, however, permitted to have his own 

video program or to appear in filmed television 

subjects. 

'Better America' Showing 

PARIS, TENN.—Robert Lax, manager of 

the Sky-Vue Drive-In, presented Hallmark's 

"Better America" show week, including "The 

Prince of Peace," "Mom and Dad," "She 

Shoulda Said No," "Daddy Wants a Divorce" 

and "The Power of Prayer." 

Panoramic Screen at Gem 

KANNAPOLIS, N.C.—The Gem Theatre 

has Installed a panoramic screen and will set 

up a stereophonic sound system In a few 

months, says Julian K. Whitley, manager of 

Towel City Theatres, Inc. 

A good sound system should be capable 

of reproducing the entire sound 

frequency range recorded on the film 

from the lowest 40 cycle tones of the 

bass viol to the 10,000 cycle fones of 

the flute. 

mOTIOGRflPH SOUnD SySTEfUS 

the best balanced, most complete tonal range; life-like 

aûafuuttee 

reproduction; delicate 

shadings of voice; musical qualities never before approached; uniform 

sound level throughout the theatre. 

1 4 models for indoor theatres from 500 to 5,000 seals ond drive-ins from 200 

lo over 1,000 cars — ALL built to the one some high itondord of quality. 

WIL-KIN THEATRE SUPPLY, inc. 

Atlanta, Georgia—Chorlotte, N. C.—Jacksonville, Fla. 

"Everything for the theatre except film" 

BOXOFTICE November 7, 1953 65

. . again 

: November 

~lhre& (^rntiM people s^y :; 

* we're HERE ... 

// 

because iôa vVe-reTnCKE ! 

Each one of these people is dive today because someone 

gave blood. 

Communist machine-gun Ore dropped him In 

combat. But whole blood kept him olive, saw 

him through (he hospital. He thanks you for 

If you've given blood before, you know how easy it is 

—how quick and painless. And you know what a 

wonderful feeling it is when you realize that what you've 

done may give another person his life. 

Now you are asked to give blood . and again. 

And you can do it safely every 3 months. 

Because America's need for blood has increased 

enormously—for our armed forces, for accident and 

disaster victims at home, for new disease-fighting serums. 

Many a life hangs in the balance! Will you help? 

Call your Red Cross, Armed Forces or Community 

Blood Donor Center today! 

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES 

CHECK THESE QUESTIONS 

If you can answer "yes" to most of them, you--and your company 

She'd been exposed to polio. A new serum, 

Gommo G/obudn, mode from blood, helped 

word off the dread disease. She thanks you 

o 

ooo 

HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR EM- 

PLOYEES TIME OFF TO MAKE 

BLOOD DONATIONS? 

HAS YOUR COMPANY GIVEN 

ANY RECOGNIt ION TO 

DONORS' 

HAS YOUR MANAGEMENT EN- 

DORJED THE LOCAL BLOOD 

DONOR PROGRAM? 

HAVE YOU INFORMED EM- 

PLOYEES OF YOUR COMPANY'S 

PLAN OF CO-OPERATION? 

are doing a needed job for the National Blood Program. 

DO YOU HAVE A BLOOD 

DONOR HONOR ROLL IN YOUR 

COMPANY? 

HAVE YOU ARRANGED TO HAVE 

A BLOODMOBILE MAKE REGU- 

LAR VISITS? 

o 

o 

Oii 

o 

HAVE YOU CONDUCTED A 

DONOR PLEDGE CAMPAIGN IN 

YOUR COMPANY? 

WAS THIS INFORMATIOrt 

GIVEN TtVfOUGH "" PLANT BUL- 

HOUSE MAGAZINE? 

oHAVE YOU SET UP A LIST OF 

VOLUNIEERS SO THAI EFFI- 

CIENT PLANS CAN BE MADE 

FOR SCHEDULING DONORS? 

Remember, as long as a single pint of 

blood may mean the difference 

between life and death for any American . . the need for blood is urgentl 

GIV 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

A tornado whipped juddonly across her home 

town. She was badly injured by falling debris. 

But quick operation, several transfusions 

pulled hor through. She Ihonks you for her life. 

• give it again and again 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

7. 19b

" 

— 

Tent 22 Will Stage 

Big Charity Show 

OKLAHOMA CITY— Variety Tent 22 of 

Oklahoma will .sponsor Hippociromf of 1954, 

a skiitinK and water extravaganza, at the 

6.000-scat Municipal auditorium November 

25-29 to raise funds for Its charity program. 

The club, at its election meeting Monday. 

approved the project and went over preliminary 

plans with Lon Hall, advance man for 

the show. Chief Barker Cliarles Hudgens appointed 

Dave Hunt, Leonard Kilfoy. Eddie 

Ijane. Mike Carmichael and Bill Lewis as 

members of a committee to supervise arrangements 

and work with Connie Riggs. executive 

director, and Dee Fuller. Municipal auditorium 

manager. 

Admission will range from $1.50 to $2.95. A 

special Saturday matinee will offer a special 

$1 admis'-ion for children and students. 

All Oklalioma City theatres will run trailers 

promoting the Variety Club Show. Chairman 

Hunt of the arrangements committee reported 

Morris Loewenstein has made the trailer ai'- 

rangements with Video. Cooper Foundation, 

the Center and State theatres. Stanley Warner 

houses. R. Lewis Barton circuit, Sam 

Caporal Theatres and independent houses. 

Oklahoma Variety 

Selects New Crew 

OKLAHOMA CITY — Variety Tent 22 

elected a new crew at the annual election 

Monday (2). C. A. "Pappy" Dolsen. chief 

barker of Tent 17 of Dallas; William C. Mc- 

Craw. executive director of Variety Clubs International: 

Kendall Way of Interstate Tlieatres 

and second assistant chief barker of 

Tent 17; Jack Bryant, executive director of 

Tent 17; Jack Morris, assistant manager of 

Tent 17. and Frank Bradley. BOXOFFICE 

representative in Dallas, attended the session. 

Named to the new crew were Jess Bowman. 

Howard C. Federer. Paul Townsend. Eddie 

Thorne, all of Oklahoma City, and D. Vance 

Terry. Woodward. Re-elected were Sam 

Brunk. Paramount salesman; Ralph Drewry. 

Tulsa, general manager of the Tulsa Downtown 

Theatres; Dave Hunt, film director for 

KWTV here; George Fisher. MGM manager; 

C. R. Guthrie. Video Independent Theatres. 

and Dee Fuller. Municipal auditorium manager. 

The membership elected Charley Hudgens, 

U-I branch manager and 1953 chief barker, 

plus Paul Rice. Paramount salesman, as delegates. 

The alternates named were Eddie Lane 

oi station KTVQ here and Terry of Woodward. 

The 1954 crew will elect officers within a 

week. 

The Dallas group comprised the 1954 Variety 

International convention committee, and 

came here to promote attendance at the 

March 22-25 convention at Dallas. 

Following the membership meeting. Variety 

held an open house, including bingo and 

a buffet supper. Among the out-of-towners 

were Mr. and Mrs. Terry of Woodward. H. L. 

Boehm. Watonga; Bill Jones. Sand Spring.s; 

Mrs. Opal Gray. Chickasha; Mrs. Elizabeth 

Tucker. Guthrie; Johnny Jones. Shawnee; 

Volney Hamm, Lawton; Mr. and Mrs. Drewry 

and Art LeMan, Tulsa; Bill Slepka. Okemah. 

and Mr. and Mrs. Horace Falls. Dallas. 

Mercedes McCambridge and Scott Brady 

have been signed for top supporting roles in 

Republic's "Johnny Guitar." 

Closed Theatres Are Being Loaned 

To Churches by Wallace Circuit 

LUBBOCK. TKX .S J N-yliiiul Jr of Wiillace 

Theatres suggesUs that circuits lend closed 

theatres to church orRanlzutions. Thl.s Is not 

only a good policy for goodwill purposes but 

also It could lead to the sale of the unneeded 

properties to the religious group, he points 

out. 

"Television hit our area about one year 

ago; the shortage of good product also hit 

our circuit at about the same time along with 

a confused state In the exhibitor field due 

to new processes. 3-D and wide screens." the 

Wallace circuit executive relates. "As If this 

was not enough to give any exhibitor ulcers 

and fits, we have been under the strain of 

a drouth and a definite shortage of money 

in all our farm situations. There Is no need 

to state, but we will, what all of this, at one 

time, did to our bu-siness. It closed down six 

of our theatres almost immediately. 

"Closed theatres in any town gives a 

deteriorating effect on the town and the business 

neighborhood. This was recently proven 

by the National Ass"n of Real Estate Board's 

economic committee. But what the committee 

did not say was how adverse the effect was 

on the remaining open theatres in the town. 

"To overcome some of this adverse publicity 

and to maintain our goodwill in the 

town as much as was po.ssible. we of the 

Wallace Theatres have found it good policy 

Dallas Trinity Reopens 

With Stage Program 

DALLAS— "Searchlights." a stage .show and 

"Member of the Wedding" featured the opening 

Wednesday of the refurnished Trinity 

Theatre at 1730 S. Ewing. under the management 

of Lottie Burt Strong. The Trinity 

has been equipped with a new aU-purpo.se 

screen and a stage for live shows. Headlining 

the stage show was Bobby "Uncle Ukie" Henshaw 

with Dean Janis. Columbia records star. 

Paul Jordan was at the console of the theatre's 

new Hammond organ. 

According to Mrs. Strong. Jordan will play 

nightly at the theatre and at the Saturday 

matinees. 

Tommy Thomason Named 

Athens Theatres Head 

ATHENS. TEX.—J. S. 

"Tommy" Thomason, 

manager of Orange-Smith Theatres before 

seUing his interests to Owen Killingsworth 

and his associates, has been appointed by 

administrators to head the Athens theatres 

owned by Killingsworth. who was killed about 

two months ago near Fremont. Tex., in an 

automobile mishap. Thomason said he 

planned to remodel and reequip the Liberty 

Theatre here. 

'Kiss Me Kate' Grosses 

120 at Dallas Majestic 

DALLAS—"Kiss Me Kate" led 

DaUas percentages 

with 120 at the Majestic. "The AU 

American" was average and "Fanfan the 

Tulip" a little below. 


Coronet— Fonton, the Tulip (Lopert) 90 

Moiestic— Kiss Mc Kotc MGM) 120 

Melbo The All 

Kuulzutluiu>. We found that many churche.^ ii. 

our area were crying for additional spac'- 

for services. Bible clas-ie-s, and church organization 

meetlnK-i We made Jtome good 

conlacU and have loaned thc.ie empty theatres 

to the.se organlzatlona In mo.M cbmis for 

the cost of clean-up and utilities 

"Of the six theatres now closed on our 

circuit due to the above causes, we have 

managed to loan out, on the above ba.sls. (our. 

The Wallace Theatre at Morton. Tex : the 

Wallace at Andrcw.s. the Wallace at Seagraves 

and the El Charro at Levelland. 

"We have found this such a good arrangement 

that we thought other clrcuiu In the 

same predicament as our own would appreciate 

this Information for what goodwill it wlU 

get for their operation. Besides we found 

that once these churches began to u.se these 

buildings they became reluctant in giving 

them up and sought to purcha.se the bulldlng.s 

and the fixtures. We have not as yet sold any 

of our buildings, but we believe we have created 

a market for them should we desire to sell. 

"Our present position Is that the situation 

is temporary and with the advent of new 

technique In our Industry we will once again. 

In perhaps a year or two. be "blowing and 

going" Just like the good old days. In the 

meantime we have taken care of a situation." 

Thompson Managers 

In Annual Gathering 

OKLAHONLA CITi'—Ttiomp.'-on circuit held 

its yearly meeting of managers last week i29i 

at the Variety Club quarters in the Biltmore 

hotel. Mr. and Mrs. Glen Thomp.son. operators 

of the circuit, were hosts for the banquet 

honoring the managers and a few special 

guests. 

Attending were the following managers and 

their wive.s; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Hutchison. 

Healdton. Mr. and Mrs. Jetty Kilmer. Tishomingo. 

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin PhilUps and Mr. 

and Mrs. Mike Ralls, all of Atoka. Mr. and 

Mrs. Forrest Finley. Britton. Mr.^ and Mrs. 

Roy Powell. Tonkawa, Mr. and Mrs'. Ed Asher. 

Walters. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ralls. Wagoner. 

Other managers attending included Dale 

Anderson of the Derrick Drive-In and Amos 

Glenn of the Thomp.son Theatre, both at 

Wilson. 

Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Byron Savage 

of Century Theatre Supply of the city and 

Norman Gossling of United Film Service, 

Kansas City. 

The home office staff Included Mr. and 

Mrs. Dick Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Glen D. 

Thompson jr.. Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson. 

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Thompson ajid Mrs. 

Wilma Miller. 

Awarded S5,000 Damage 

AUSTIN. TEX— Ro.-^s Aguilera. 13-yearold 

boy injured when the Queen Theatre ceiling 

collapsed during a matinee in July 1952. 

was awarded $5,000 by a district court Jury In 

a damage suit against Trans-Texa.^ Theatres. 

Inc.. owners of the Queen. 


sw 67

EASTERN OKLAHOMA 

By ART LAMAN 

Tirith the first fall weather arriving, the 

show business appeared to take on a new 

outlook with lots of top entertainment at all 

the first run theatres and more coming. The 

downtown Ritz had a good front for "Mogambo." 

arranged by J. J. Kirchoff. "So Big" 

was at the Orpheum. I would like to suggest to 

theares that have this fine one coming up 

shoot some of your advertising at the older 

folks. They most certainly will like this picture 

very much. Another picture that good theatre 

operators can clean up on is Columbia's "Big 

Heat." recently run at the Delman Theatre. 

Gene Welsh, manager, put some extra work 

back of this one. and the resulus at the boxolfice 

proved that extra work on the good ones 

pays off. 

The Orpheum went all-out for the opening 

of "The Robe" Wednesday (4i. The lobby 

was well flashed with a special display, all 

ushers and doormen wore "Robe'' badges 

from the National Flag Co. All in all this 

great picture should set an all time high for 

T-Town theatres. 

Buck Weaver. bo.ss of Oklahoma Paramount, 

was a recent visitor. Halloween passed 

without very much excitement, with some of 

the ozoners running extra late shows. The 

Tulsa put on a contest with prizes, and the 

Delman gave a late show. 

While motion pictures take the lead in 

entertainment in Tulsa, the stage and other 

attractions are on the upswing. "The Ice 

Cycles of 1954" clo.sed a one-week engagement 

at the Fairgrounds PavOion with a top 

business recorded. Coming up at the Tulsa 

Muncipal Theatre November 15 are Dorothy 

Lamour and her Vaiiety Revue:—November 

11. "The American Album of Famihar Music." 

19 and 20, "Madame Butterfly" with a big 

New York cast, with many more attractions 

booked for later dates. These attractions help 

show business as a whole; it helps to drag 

more folks away from the TV sets. 

It's wild guess that Jess Cooper, the- 

Quality Popular Priced! 

Butter Flake Popcorn 

Now you can have the very best canned popcorn at a 

price you want to poy. Butter Flake gives you the biggest 

possible popping volume—only the finest quality is 

labeled Butter Flake. It's sealed for moisture perfection, 

cleonliness and sanitary safety. 

Order premium quality Butter Flake today and increase 

your popcorn profits Immediately. You can't buy better 

popcorn—and your customers will agree. 

Packed four lOlb. cans to the case. Keeps 

indefinitely. Easy to handle Available at all 

our 

warehouses. 

ASSOCIATED POPCORN Dist., inc 

308 S. HARWOOD • Phone RI.6134 • DALLAS. TEXAS 

EQUIPMENT DISPLAY 

SALES 

•SSOCI«TED WAREHOUSE. IIO« Commiii., H 

OKI*. TME/ITRE SUPPLT (0.. t:f i 

W. Ciond, 

ASSOCIATED rOPCODN DIST.. ]0I S. Hor»«od 

Pop Cohn Machinis 

WAREHOUSES 

HOUSIOK—U0« Comm.. 

EAUMONI— SSO Moin S 

LUIIOCK— UOS Avinui 

SAN ANTONIO—Maiihoni

. . . Maudie 

. . Robert 

. Melba 

DALLAS 

Urge delegation of Tcxuns left Saturday 

A 

(31) on a Santa Fe special for Chicago to 

attend the Theatre Owners of America and 

TESMA-TEDA conventions there. Amonp; 

those In the group were Mr. and Mrs. John 

Rowley. Mr. and Mrs. Al Reynolds. Mr. and 

Mrs. Charles Darden, Dave Callahan. Bruce 

Collins. C. V. Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Don Douglas 

and Jake Elder. A birthday party was 

Riven on the train for Mrs. John Rowley. 

Jefferson Amusement Co. is enlarging the 

Don Drive-In at Port Arthur to a twin-screen 

operation ... A large number of Variety 

members and their guests attended the homecoming 

football game at Boys Ranch in Bedford 

between the Ranchers and the team 

from the Texas Catholic high school of 

Texarkana. The Ranchers played well but 

lost. 12 to 0. The Variety Ranchers had a 

(;ood time afterwards showering their hospitality 

on the visiting team which stayed at 

the ranch overnight. The bus ride to Texarkana 

is about four hours. 

Harold Teel, manager of the Variety Theatre, 

and .several Women of the Motion Picture 

Industry members played hosts for 

Louis Novy. owner of the theatre, to children 

from the Dean Memorial home at a special 

Halloween program Saturday morning (31). 

The early part of the program consisted of 

awards for the best looking costumes, and a 

half hour radio program over KGKO from 

the stage of the theatre. Representing the 

WOMPI's were Verlin Osborne, president; 

Lorena CuUimore. Columbia, and Boyle 

Blanche. Theatre Enterprises. 

Wallace Walthall of National Screen Service 

and Frank Bradley. BOXOFFICE representative, 

helped Mrs. Colson and the PTA 

group at the Clinton Russell school in Oak 

Cliff make their Halloween party a big success. 

Walthall arranged for a few stills to be 

used in connection with promoting the 

"Candid Camera" corner of the carnival and 

Prank Bradley took some flash pictures. 

John C. Flinn, director of advertising and 

publicity for Allied Artists Productions in 

Hollywood, was in Houston to supervise promotion 

on the opening of "John Slade" at the 

Metropolitan . K. Bixler. field man 

for Paramount, accompanied Helen Winston 

on a promotion tour in Oklahoma . . . Morris 

H. Yowell, formerly a salesman for 20th-Fox, 

is returning from service in Korea. 

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hardin and Mr. and 

Mrs. Paul W. Humphries of Hardin Theatre 

Supply attended the TOA convention and 

TESMA-TEDA trade.show held in Chicago. 

Ernest Berber, Herber Bros. Supply, left a 

week ahead of time for the TEDA board 

meeting in Chicago to be held the day before 

the opening of the TOA convention. Herber 

spent several days in Kansas City visiting 

with manufacturers before going on to Chicago. 

Herber is one of the directors of TEDA. 

Joe and Mary Beckhan of Columbia are 

parents of a son. named Davis Joe. He was 

born October 28 at St. Paul's hospital. Beckham 

is the Columbia salesman for west Texas 

Densill was promoted from contract 

clerk to short subjects booker. Betty 

McDaniel. former assistant cashier, was made 

head contract clerk, and Katherine Brown 

wa.s promoted from ca-shler-clcrk to av.l'.tiini 

cashlerv 

More tlian 75 girla attended the rcuulur 

monthly luncheon of the Women of the Motion 

Picture Indu.stry at the Town and Country 

restaurant Thursday, presided over by 

President Verlin Osborne . Martin 

was called upon to give the Invocation. Ml.^--. 

Osborne opened the meeting by IntroduclnK 

the gue.sts and then presented the new member. 

Mary Robinson. Lorena I. Culllmore. 

chairman of the .service committee, asked for 

chaperones to attend the Saturday morninK 

program at the Varsity Theatre for children 

of the Dean Memorial home. Ml.s.s Osborne 

called for volunteers to serve on the telethon 

for Cerebral PaLsy to be held November « 

Mrs. Robert D. Walker from the children.- 

development cent«r of the School for Retarded 

Children spoke and showed a motion picture. 

Jones Circuit Grew 

With Browniield 

BROWNFIELD. TEX.—A feature story in 

the Brownfield News points out that the 

growth of the city might well be indicated by 

the growth of the Jones Theatres. 

Mrs. W. T. Howze, who now has an estimated 

investment of S300.000 in seven theatres, 

says that when she and the late Earl 

Jones, her first husband who died in 1939. 

opened a theatre in Brownfield in 1922 there 

were approximately 200 residents. Their first 

theatre was the Legion, later moved and 

renamed the Pastime. In 1924 the Rialto 

was completed. In 1935 the Jones Co. opened 

and operated the Ritz. In 1937 the Rio was 

built. In 1950 Mrs. Ethel Jones Howze purchased 

the Rig Drive-In on Lubbock road. 

The Regal was opened in February 1951. The 

Rustic Drive-In. located on the Plains highway, 

was opened on Valentine's day the same 

year. 

Mis. Howze is assisted in the management 

of her interests by Sammy Jones, one of 

her sons. 

Equips Fourth Austin House 

With New Screen 

AUSTIN, TEX.—Tliree of the four local 

Interstate theatres can boast of panoramic 

screen, stereophonic .sound, and 3-D. The 

fourth theatre, the Austin, will be completely 

equipped with these newest developments by 

mid-November. 

"Very few cities in the United States which 

are the size of Austin have as many as three 

theatres thus equipped," says W. E. "Bill" 

Heliums, city manager in Austin and one of 

the original theatre managers for Interstate 

when the chain started in Austin in 1933. 

The Paramount, where "The Robe" is 

scheduled for the near future, was the first 

Austin theatre bought by Interstate, which 

has since built the State. Varsity and Austin 

Theatres. Interstate managers in Austin are 

Gerald Raines at the Varsity. F. W. Vickers 

at the Paramount. Charles Root at the State 

and W. F. Booth at the Austin. 

Philip Dunne was inked to a new three 

year pact as producer, director and writer 

by 20th-Fox. 

- 

Picture 

Yourself 

in a more 

Profitable 

Operation 

Your theatre can be 

more profitable i( you 

"equip up" at Southwestern. 

See for yourself. 

See the most modern, 

money-soving theatre 

Southwest 

equipment 

— at 

in 

Southwestern. 

the 

Southwestern 

Theatre Equipment Co. 

BOXOFnCE : 

: November 7,

. , Driving 

. . The 

. . Also 

. . Charley 

1 1 and 

. . . The 

. . The 

; 

November 

seiitffli 

Itt, 

i«riii«tlie 

'hen the ( 

Replaces Temporary Screen 

PALESTINE, TEX.—The Texas Theatre, 

managed by J. F. Jones, has iastalled a permanent 

tjTje large panoramic screen. 

* MACHINE FOLD 

* ROLL, SINGLE-DUPLEX 

• RESERVED SEAT 

• BOOK STRIP 

THEATER GIFT COUPON BOOKS 

SEASON PASSES — ONE TIME COMPS. 

^—A&eu-RAeY—>- 

SOUTHWEST TICKET & COUPON CO. 

SELL YOUR THEATRE PRIVATELY 

Laraeil covtrajt in U.S. No "Net" list- ' 

^ 

eluding (xtiibition. Ask Better Business Bureau, 

or our customers. Know your broker. 

ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specialists 

3305 Carulh. Dallas. Te»as 

Telephone-, EM 0238 EM 74K9 

CONFIOENTIAl CORRESPONDENCE INVITED 

i?/i.i;jLe|^ 

^ »»»T0««« 

MOTION PICTURE SERVICE CO. 

Westerns-Features-Serials 

Tower Pictures Co. 

HAROLD SCHWARZ 

rwood Si- Dalian 

Phono 

RA-7736 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

TOA conventiongoers liom Oklahoma City 

included Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Th^rne of 

Cooper Foundation Theatres, who made the 

trip by plane, leaving Sunday 

( returning 

Friday i6i 

. 

Jake Watkins. manager 

of NTS here: the Morris Loewensteins, 

who left early by train to meet the Herman 

Hunts of Cincinnati for a bit of preconvention 

visiting: Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Fulgham. 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cornwell, Mr. and Mrs. 

K. C. Blackledge and Mi-, and Mrs. W. B. 

Turk . to Chicago for the TESMA 

tradeshow only were Mr. and Mrs. BjTon 

Savage of Century Theatre Supply and Dick 

Thompson, vice-president of the Thompson 

circuit. 

Going to the TOA convention from Binger 

were Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Cox. He is chairman 

of the TOO board . Guthrie 

of Video flew to Beverly Hills to visit L. C, 

Griffith, hLs former boss. Charley, who 

planned a social visit with L. C. of about a 

week, said the former circuit owner in Oklahoma 

and Texas is getting along fine. He 

suffered a stroke several years ago and sold 

his theatre interests, retiring to the west 

coast. 

Al O. Bondy, distributor for 

General Electric 

motion picture films. New York City, 

called at local circuit offices and booking 

agencies which handle independent theatre 

accounts . second and third floors of 

the Video Independent Theatres home office 

here are being redecorated. While the work is 

underway, part of the executive staff is officing 

out of the Guthrie building at 18>j North 

Lee. The interior facelifting is expected to 

be completed late in November. Henry S. 

Griffing, president, is now at the Filmrow 

Video building, having moved from the First 

National bank building where he headquartered 

many years. 

Allied of Oklahoma's board met the last 

week in October for a luncheon-business 

session with Glen Thompson, president, giving 

a report on the recent National Allied convention 

at Baston. He went to the Allied Boston 

session with Mrs. Tliompson. Al.so attending 

were Mr. and Mrs. Claude Motley. The Allied 

board elected to have its annual state convention 

soon after the first of the year, 

probably March. The next session will be the 

last Monday in November, 

Rtd Slocum, El Reno, was in town Monday 

i2i, making convention plans for Theatre 

Owners of Oklahoma. He also attended the 

annual Variety Tent 22 general meeting and 

election of officers. Slocum was lining up 

exhibitors for the TOO tradeshow which will 

be held in coiuiection with the December 7-8 

convention. This will be the first tradeshow 

held at convention-time in the past several 

years. Red reported several concerns are 

tted for tradeshow space. 

On the Row Friday (30) was C. B. Brownie 

Akers, theatreman who is al.so In the TV and 

radio business. Brownie is still operating out 

of Peoria, 111., but plans to move back to Tulsa 

soon. 

In Oklahoma City this week was ii delegation 

from the Dallas Variety Tent 17. here 

111 regiu'ds to the 1954 convention In Dallas 

of Variety International. In the party were 

Jack Bryant, executive director of Variety 17: 

Kendall Way of Interstate Theatres and 

.second as.slstant chief boi-ker: C. A. Pappy 

Dolseii. chief barker, and Fiank Bradley. 

BOXOmCE correspondent. Joining the 

quartet here were Col. William C. Bill Mc- 

Craw, executive director of Variety International, 

and Jack Morris, assistant manager 

of Tent 17. The Dallasites met with Tent 22 

crewmen for the annual election of officers 

and general meeting Monday afternoon and 

stayed over for the Monday night open house 

and party at club quarters in the Biltmore 

hotel. 

Home Theatre Suit 

Dismissal Asked 

OKLAHOMA CITY— Eight major motion 

picture distributors have asked dismissal here 

of a S2.250.000 federal court damage case^ 

filed by Robert D. Curran and H. T. Brauctat 

of Colorcraft Poster Service. The dismissal 

was asked on the grounds the suit was not 

filed in the public interest and that the 

statute of limitations had expired. The plsUntiffs 

are former operators of the Home Theatre, 

once located at NW 6 and Robinson. A 

few years ago the theatre closed and now an 

insurance company has offices there. Curran 

and Braucht charged the picture companies 

had conspired to keep them from obtaining 

first run pictures. 

The firms asking the dismissal were Columbia. 

Loew's. Paramount. RKO. 20th-Fox. Universal, 

Warner Bros. Pictures and Wamar 

Theatres. 

SAH ANTONIO 

Qlasa-Mohme's biggest hit for the week at 

the Alameda Theatre was "Cuando los 

Hijos Pecan" iWhen Our Children Stray). 

This luxurious showplace will be the first hoiise 

in Texas to run a Spanish 3-D picture which 

is booked for showing during the holidays . . . 

Lew Bray, former Interstate Theatres Rio 

Grande valley district manager who now runs 

several former Interstate houses in the valley, 

was in to book Mexican product. Bray 

recently participated in a golf tournament in 

Torreon, Mexico . . . Genaro Trevino, who 

operates the Alta Vista, Beeville, will soon reopen 

that situation for the winter . . . Halloween 

midnight spook shows were held at the 

National, Hi-Ho and Majestic Saturday (31). 

Charles Laughton will be seen in person In 

a recital at the Municipal auditorium theatre 

December 6 . Majestic set a new 

house record in holding "Tlie Robe" for a 

four-week engagement. 

L. H. "Tex" Beneke of the Theatre Arts 

Shop is father of a son. the Beneke's seventh, 

child . . . Charlotte Staudt now is the new 

secretary in Manager Robert "Dude" Sklles 

office at the Municipal auditorium theati* 

. . . Julius Sadoskey. Wealder businessman, 

has purchased the Wealtex Tlieatre there . . 

Visiting the Mexican film exchanges were 

Joe Chamoun. who operates theatres in West 

Tampa and Ybor City. Fla.: Eddie Reyna, 

Fi-els circuit head booker. Victoria, and 

Adolph Garza and Gilbert Andrede. who are 

associated with the same firm there. 

A Moviethon was held Halloween night 

four Statewide drive-in theatres— the AlamOt 

Mission. Rigsby and South Loop 13. Pout 

features were shown at each and for an exti« 

thrill there were prizes and surprises given 

away by witches at the stroke of midnight 

Fredericksburg Road and Trail 

drive-ins also billed Halloween midiiighters. 

siOOiii 

!H-Tlieri 

•aids 111 

worfa 

3 its seci 

jwthe 

fiisaDot 

eopo 

SEAPOLII 

ended 

k! (hen ( 

KEHltlMai 

Mkal 

mi m\ 

sitdtliei 

Rtferil 

6. Fos, t 

a its 

daj 

a? attract 

iSen 

^Scents 

Ctunasa, 

ffciasri 

Ss'ilJ-cen 

Piling ct 

tiller tile 

t, a sect 

*aadd 

^t.siysti, 

Jitijgti 

•iitat a 

70 

BOXOFTICE 

: 

7. 1958

I Second 

' 

, 

reissue 

— 

" 

L U., 

opened 

'Robe' Continues Best 

At 250 in Twin City 

MINNEAPCH.IS—Two .stroiiK newconur.s. 

Take llu' HiKh Ground!" aiid -Calamity 

" 

Jane. benefiting from the fact that holdovers 

^till were numerous and fresh fare comparatively 

scarce, came through nicely. "The Moon 

Ij Blue" was in its 11th week and it was 

the sixth, fourth and second for "From Here 

to Eternity." "The Robe" and "Mogambo." 

respectively. All have continued to do tremendous 

business. 

Sollor o» the Kins (20th-Fox) 75 

Ccntuiv— 

ophcr— Mogombo fMGM), 2nd wk 140 

vric!' Alona Come Jono iSR), Bell* of th« Yukon 

90 

SRl rc-1-.-.uc-. 

-actio Civ — The Robe :20th-Fox), 4th wk 250 

^KO Ofphoum Colomity Jane (WB) 100 

1.1K0 Pan From Here to Eternity (Col). 125 

6th wk.. 

iQlc- Tokc the High Ground! (MGM) 140 

.vorlil The Moon Is Blue (UA), 11 th wk 100 

Week of 'Etemity' 

I Scores 200 in Omaha 

OMAHA—There wius nothing average about 

iheatre crowds here in the past week. It was 

cither feast or famine. "Piom Here to Eternity" 

in its second week at the Brandeis 

ilrew twice the average attendance. "Mo- 

^•ambo" was another second-weeker that did 

well. 

Mrondeis— From Here to Eternity (Col), 2nd wk...200 

imoha— Mogombo (MGM), 2nd wk 115 

rpheum—Wings ot the Hawk (U-l); Hot News 

AA) 80 

jtate Blowing Wild (WB); Block Fury (WB), a 

... 165 

Towr\— Down Laredo Way (Rep); Good Time Girl 

lUD); Not Wonted (UD) 80 

Minneapolis Burlesque 

Theatre Is Shuttered 

MINNEAPOLIS—The Alvin. local home of 

burlesque, ended its career as a theatre last 

Sunday when Charlie Fox. the operator, 

stepped out because the lease had been turned 

over to a local evangelist who will use it 

for revival meetings. 

It marked the end of burlesque, temporarily 

.-it least, after 50 consecutive years in Minneapolis. 

Fox. however, is negotiating with 

he Minnesota Amusement Co. for its shuttered 

Aster. 

In addition to burlesque, which has held 

forth there more than a dozen years, the 

Alvin in its day also has housed legitimate 

traveling attractions, films, musical revues 

and vaudeville. It was for many years the 

home of dramatic stock, too. 

Youth Sends Letter 

ABERDEEN, S. 

D.—An unsigned letter containing 

50 cents, which Mike Guttman, Orpheum 

manager, received, informed him that 

the writer was repentant because he had been 

getting into the theatre the last year on 

children's 12-cent tickets when he should have 

been paying the junior price. He promised to 

send more money later and said he'd never 

cheat 

again. 

Reopening at Lake Crystal 

LAKE CRYSTAL, MINN.—The Rocket 

Tneatre. formerly the Crystal, reopened this 

month after the interior had been completely 

done over, a section of new seats installed and 

a cryroom added. Wilbur Addleman, newmanager, 

list 

"-J 

says that further remodeling will be 

lisesM 

fniM done during the winter. Lake Crystal had 

been without a theatre since the first of the 

year when the Crystal closed its doors. 

\\V AKl) TO POLICK CHIKF— .\ special 

scrtHuiing uf Columbia "The Big Heat" at 

the Fox Palace Theatre in Milwaukee wa.s 

the occasion for the presentation to John 

\V. Polcyn, police chief, of a plaque for 

"courage, intelligence and devotion to 

duty as guardian of the law." Here Polcyn 

is shown after the presentation with 

Harry G. Boesel, left, maJiager of the Fox 

Palace. Another award "for national 

achievement in traffic safety and attaining 

an outstanding record" was presented 

to police Sgt. Thomas A. Wolf. Some 50 

members of the police force attended the 

screening. 

Holdovers in St. Paul Draw 

Comment on Patronage 

ST. PAUl^-Retention of -Mogambo" for a 

second week at the Paramount here prompted 

Bill Diehl, St. Paul Dispatch film editor, to 

comment that "obviously, people are coming 

out again." In a by-lined story, Diehl pointed 

out that extended runs aie "an extreme 

rarity" at the Paramount which, with a 2,362- 

seat capacity, Ls St. Paul's largest theatre. 

"Because You're Mine" accomplished the feat 

a year ago. but, commented Diehl, "you can 

count on the fingers of one hand the number 

of times the theatre, which likes to keep 

turning 'em over, has grajited holdovers since 

1944." 

It all reflects "increased interest in movies 

here," Diehl declared. The moral is, he said, 

is to offer quality entertainment, for which 

there apparently is no dearth of customers. 

Diehl cited the fact that "From Here to 

Eternity." in its fifth week, also was doing 

big business and that trade at the newly 

reopened Strand and Tower dow^ntown here 

ranged from "satisfactoi-y" to "well above 

expectations." The "From Here to Eternity 

five-week run was an all-time record for 

St. 

Paul. 

Saturation Showing Set 

For 'Nebraskan' in 3-D 

OMAHA—A saturation showing of "The 

Nebraskan' has been booked in practically 

every 3-D situation in Nebraska, Manager 

Joe Jacobs announced, adding he believes it 

is the first such 3-D undertaking in the 

country. 

The premiere .showing will be at the State 

in Omaha. Phil Carey and Roberta Haynes. 

stars of the film, will make personal appearances 

here. Clarence Bell was a.ssigned to 

Omaha to cover publicity. 

Lionel Lindon will photograph "Legend of 

the Inca" for Paramount. 

Top Runs for Suburb 

End Successful Year 

).MAHA imp iU> tl 

Ith 

complellnR a hluhly .•ûcci 

Blanic Ui plannlnt; a .>peclal > 

Kram at the Admiral and CI: 

ThanlL^glvlnR day to commemorulc thi. 

He ha.s not yet announced hLs bill. 

cwjiit 

A-s an example of Blank's aKKri-Ksf.. anrt 

Hler". management, he recently v

, S3.00 

. . With 

Students 

. . Clarence 

\ 

MINNEAPOLIS 

of the theatres in the Minneapolis 

zone purchasing CINEMASCOPE 

installations have preferred 

NORTHWEST SOUND SERVICE 

installation supervision 

AND 

More Than 90% of these Cinema- 

Scope sound systems 

WILL BE SERVICED 

BY 

Northwest Sound 

Service, Inc. 

73 Glenwood Ave. Minneapolis 

Tlennie Berger, North Central AlUed president 

and Northwest Variety Club chief particular exception to Berger's statement Crosse, Wis.: Sioux Palls, S.D., and Pargo. 

three-column scare head. Leirfallom took 

barker, who also is vice-chairman of the that "if the rest of the country's prisons N.D. 

Minnesota governor's committee on penal reform, 

.stirred up a hornet's nest when, in talk is justification for these prison riots and 

are operated like Minnesota's Stillwater, there 

Harry B. French, Minnesota Amusement 

Co. president, and M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox division 

manager, attended the Theatre Owners 

given at a Kiwanis club luncheon, he charged strikes." 

"little has been done to improve the Minnesota 

prison situation." Jarle Leirfallom, state 

Film stars Tyrone Power, Anne Baxter and of America convention in Chicago. Former 

Raymond Massey were in town appearing at also was in Austin, Minn., this week to deliver 

a civic club address . . . 

public welfare director, hit back at Berger, 

the University of Minnesota Northrop auditorium 

in "John Brown's Body" . . . The mont, Warner Bros, head booker, is back from 

Gertrude Gul- 

terming his statements "foolish and careless." 

and the story got a big play on the 

Campus, independent neighborhood art theatre, 

offered its thiid Russian-produced pic- 

around Minneapolis . Quincer, 

a fortnight vacation, spent mostly in and 

St. Paul Pioneer Press front page with a 

ture, "Sadho," for the film's first Twin cities Wadena, Minn., exhibitor, was a Pilmrow visitor 

.. . 

showing . product becoming increasingly 

scarce, the Minnesota Amusement Co. test on the stage of the Cokato, Minn., thea- 

competed in a quiz con- 

neighborhood Rialto is showing occasional tre, with the winner being rewarded with a 

Swedish films . . . University of Minnesota trip here to see "The Robe" . . . Claude 

Film society showed "The White Line." Dickinson. Aved Theatre Service booker, and 

More Than 

his wife attended the Minnesota-Illinois football 

game at Champaign, 111. 

When the St. Paul downtown Strand and 

As.s'n vice-president. in the St. 

50.900 S3.60 . . . 

Paul Pioneer Press showed them stepping up Dorothy Higgins is an addition to the Paramount 

office staff from which Dorothy Olson 

to the boxoffice. and James Eshelman, man- 

resigned to be married. 

Tower reopened 

90% 

after being shuttered for 

more than two years, the first persons in line Despite the fact that it was televised here 

to buy tickets for the Strand were Mayor and nationally, the Minnesota-Pittsburgh 

John Daubney and W. E. Boberg, St. Paul football game here last Saturday drew a 

A picture crowd of that paid a ticket 

ager of the two theatres, standing by . . . 

Warner Bros, exploiteer Don Walker came 

in from Kansas City to beat the drum for 

"So Big." which opens at the Minneapolis 

and St. Paul Orpheums day-and-date November 

11. 

Mort Eichenberg, just out of the armed 

services, has joined the United Artists sales 

staff. He will cover North and South Dakota, 

.succeeding Frank Eisenberg, who resigned to 

enter another line of business . . . MGM 

division pre.ss repre.sentative Ivan Fuldauer 

was in from Chicago to work on newspaper 

roto section layouts here. He and Harry 

Sears, local exploiteer, are chalking up some 

real beats. They landed the first film star St. 

Paul Pioneer Press color roto section cover 

for MGM's Elaine Stewart and they will have 

it again next month for Kathryn Grayson 

and "Kiss Me Kate." 

"Calamity Jane" is proving a boxoffice 

smash over the territory, holding over in 

many spots and making the Warner Bros, 

Twentieth-Fox exploiteer 

boys very happy . . . 

Abe Bernstein came in from New 

York to work on several impending openings 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

BOXOFFICE: 

825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24. Mo. 

Ploaso onler my Bubscriplion to BOXOFFICE. 52 issues per year (13 of 

which conlain 

The MODERN THEATRE Soclion), 

THEATRE 

FOR 1 YEAR G $5.00 FOR 2 YEARS D $7.00 FOR 3 YEARS 

n Romiltance Enclosed D Send Invoice 

STREET ADDRESS 

of "The Robe" in the territory. The State, 

Worthington. Minn., is the latest town lined 

up for the Cinemascope production, which 

also has been set in St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester 

and Austin, Minn.; Eau Claire and La 

Ads for 'Mogambo' Bring 

Trouble at Boulevard 

MINNEAPOLIS—W, R. Frank's top local 

neighborhood house, the Boulevard, found 

itself in trouble when it advertised "Mogambo" 

while the picture was starting a downtown 

first run at the Gopher and before it even 

had made any deal for it. 

The wrath of both Bennie Berger. Gopher 

owner, and the local MGM exchange 

descended upon the Boulevard when their 

attention was called to the matter. MOM 

compelled the theatre to remove from its 

canopy an announcement that "Mogambo" 

was "coming soon." No negotiations for it 

had even been started. 

Effect of the announcement, it was pointed 

out, might be to keep patrons from attending 

it downtown, awaiting it instead at the 

Boulevard. 

Salesman Paul Back Gets 

100 Per Cent Drive Return 

OMAHA— Paul Back. 20th-Fox salesman, 

was the first in the Iowa-Nebraska territory 

to come in with 100 per cent returns for 

theatres assigned to him in the Will Rogers 

Memorial hospital Christma-s fund drive. 

Every salesman on the Row has been 

handed specific exhibitor lists to cover in the 

1953 drive and most of them report they are 

rpceivins good exliibitor cooperation. 

To Open in Spring 

RAY. N.D.—The Midway Drlve-In. seven 

miles east of here on U.S. 2, will open in 

the spring, says Cecil R. Hamers of Ray, the 

TOWN 

NAME 

STATE 

POSITION

. . Stan 

. . Mable 

. . Dallas 

. . Mildred 

DBS MOINES 

Julian King's son Hal Is now general manager 

of Llppert Pictures, Hal ha.s been salesman 

for the company for some time and will 

take over the management when his father 

retires from the business. Mr. and Mrs. Julian 

King plan to make their future home in 

is >outhern Mi.s.souri. Hal pleased with two 

Ijroducts available to exhibitors, "Sins of 

Jezebel" and "Tlie DuPont Story." The latter 

IS available for booking without charge and 

lias won acclaim for Its excellence. 

Lake Tilton is back on the Job at Warners 

.ifter his recent hospitalization . . . Also released 

from the haspital is Mrs. Jim Ricketts. 

wife of Columbia's head booker and office 

manager. During her convalescence, Mrs. 

Ricketts became very adept at making plastic 

jeweliy and several Filmrowers are wearing 

products of her handiwork. 

Ben Marcus. Columbia district manager, 

visited the exchange . Keesler, NSS 

booker, is vacationing . Holden, 

Universal cashier, wiis called from the office 

because of the death of her mother-in-law 

in Castana, Iowa . Magnusson, Lou 

Levy's -secretary at Universal, is portraying 

one of the roles in the next Des Moines Community 

Playhouse production . . . Roberta 

Chapman was away from her desk at Universal 

for a couple of days because of illness. 

After several months of house-hunting, 

Charles Laughlin, Universal salesman, ha* 

Clarence Blubaugh Quits; 

UA Salesman in Omaha 

OMAHA CLiiti.,. Hiiib.iiiKa, i.l.nm 

member of the film Indu.slry in the mlUwe.it, 

i.- resigning, effective November 14, a.s United 

Artists .salesman. Manager Don McLucu-s has 

announced. Blubaugh is leaving for rcaaonji 

of health. He Is planning a trip to the clinic 

at Rochester. Minn., and then expecti to 

spend the winter in Florida. He formerly 

was with 20th-Fox and MOM and served In 

the Minneapolis area. 

Install Screen at Delano. Minn. 

DELANO, MINN.—The Delano Theatre, 

managed by Duanc Clau.sen, has a new wide 

screen installed by the Radiant Mfg. Corp. 

WE ARE 

BBC Makes 3-D Test 

In Television Show 

IAj.'.UCj.-. lia li:. ;...(. ii; cidcik.tlinj Corr> 

Icjitcd "ovcrUy." u device which biciidjt a fllri. 

with a live nhow giving u "near 3-D" eff

. . Charlie 

. . Abe 

. . Mr. 

OMAHA 

J^r. and Mrs. A. G. Miller, exhibitors at the 

Miller in Atkinson, attended the postmaster's 

convention at San Francisco . . . 

Tiller Becker, former RKO in.spector. is now 

billing clerk, replacing Donna Carpenter, who 

has gone to Wabash. Ind.. with her husband 

to hve . Lorenz. MGM shipper, 

has been confined to his home by illness. 

Charles Elder, formerly of Des Moines, is 

now with the Columbia sales staff, replacing 

Joe Foley, who resigned. Charles formerly 

was with Paramount in Omaha and is widely 

known in this territory . . . H. C. Kaufman, 

supervisor of exchange operations for Columbia, 

visited the Omaha branch . . . Edith 

Renfro was back at her post with Theatre 

Booking Service after three weeks absence. 

Mrs. Renfro had as a guest over the weekend 

her sister from Kansas City, Bess Morgan. 

said she bagged a pair . . . 

Filmrow hunters reported varied success 

after early season quests for pheasants, but 

none claimed to have bagged the limit of 

Lucille Sorensen, MGM branch 

performer in play more fantastic 

three roosters. 

the star a 

managers secretary, said she and hubby had than anything Hollywood could think up. 

poor luck. Joe Weiss, RKO office manager, As a result, he made the front page of every 

described his jaunt as "a sight-seeing trip." local newspaper, and was the subject of 

Erma Deland of Theatre Booking Service special radio and TV stories. 

Harold Officer While driving from his home to the theatre 

the other evening, suddenly a ten-dollar 

of the Empire at Sioux City was a visitor in 

bill 

Omaha . . . Harold Qual.sett. Tekamah exhibitor, 

hit his windshield. Startled, he stopped the 

was in town for an insurance meet- 

car and got out to see what was happening. 

And there, scattered along the road wâs a 

ing. 

profusion of bills 10s 20s and 50s. He gathered 

The Columbia sales force of Manager Joe them up. and soon had some $400 worth. And 

Jacobs. Office Manager John Trude and salesmen 

Ed Cohen and Chuck Elder will go to bonds. These identified the loser. Calling the 

then he found a couple of United States 

Chicago November 15 for a sales meeting. police, a further search was made and another 

Jacobs said "From Here to Eternity" is rolling 

up fat grosses and receiving holdover time 

at practically every situation. 

Irene Watonville left Paramount and Mary 

Shahan took over her duties as ledger clerk. 

Shari PhiLson was added as receptionist replacing 

Janet Nave, who is now biller . . . 

Bill Wink, Warner salesman, made a swing 

into the Iowa area covering some of the territory 

of Mel Weaver, who has resigned . . . 

Mona Han.sen. Universal bookers secretary, 

attended the Kansas-Nebraska football game. 

. 

John Adams of the Boyd at Spencer, Neb., 

is coming along fine after a heart attack. He 

has resurrected a hand-operated projector 

some 40 years old and for diversion ha.'; put it 

in tiptop operating condition . and 

Mrs. Millard Rethwi.sch of the Victory at 

Tilden have a baby boy Smead of 

the Liberty in Council Bluffs visiting in 

is 

New York. 

H. G. Smith is the new owner at Naper, 

Neb. Claus Slch formerly had the theatre . . . 

A lot of exhibitors were In town taking advan- 

FiLMACK 

SPECIAL 

TRAILERS 

Syracuse: Frank HoUingsworth, Beatrice: Phil 

and George March, Wayne and Vermillion: 

Jeanette Schoeneman, Wahoo: Woody Simek, 

Ashland: Al Christensen. Ord; Ernie Ka.sebaum, 

Seward: Frank Cook, David City, and 

Don Campbell, Central City: lowans in town 

included Mr. and Mrs. Bob Holdrege, Shenandoah: 

Mrs. Carl Johnson. Red Oak: Lee 

Bainbridge. Kingsley; Arnold Johnson, 

Onawa; Carl Harriman. Alton, and Bob 

Kruger. Sioux City. 

Showman Has Star Role 

In Lost Money Drama 

CLEVELAND~Sam Fritz jr.. manager of 

the Hillard Square Theatre, this week was 

$150 was found. Fritz and the police located 

the owner of the bonds as a resident of the 

neighborhood. She wa.s astonished when they 

presented her the valuables which she did not 

know she had dropped from her handbag. All 

the money wa.s recovered. 

It later developed that this money and 

the bonds was her entii-e inheritance from her 

recently deceased husband. Pi-itz refused to 

accept the offered reward. But one day there 

was delivered to his home a beautiful walking 

doll for his little girl. So, like all Hollywood 

stories, this one, too. had a happy ending. 

Box-Office TV Service 

For Drive-In Theatres 

COLUMBUS— Box-OflRi- Television service 

may be u.scd by drive-ms. according to Bob 

Wile of the Ohio ITO. RCA equipment must 

be used. It has to be installed at a distance 

of about 100 feet from the drive-in screen in 

order to give a screen-size picture. Box-Office 

Television will guarantee to drive-in theatres 

20 events for evenings—Mondays through 

Thursdays except holidays. For this the exhibitor 

must pay $2,000. For each event le.ss 

than 20 delivered, Box-Office Television will 

refund $100. For any events over the minimum, 

the exhibitor pays nothing. This apparently 

higher price is offset by the lower 

installation costs In drive-ins and their 

greater capacity to do business. 

Wile reports an error appeared In one of 

his recent bulletins, regarding Box-Office 

Television costs which stated that the $1,500 

to $2,000 cost "per year." This is Incorrect. 

The RCA Installation theatre cost of $1,500 

to $2,000 Is 

for once, not annually. 

Sam Berger, Twin Cities, 

Fights Suspension 

MINNEAPOLIS—Sam Berger. owner of the 

tage of the invitation to see 'The Robe" at 

lower Loop Grand, which shows mostly burle.sque 

and similar type sex films, has ob- 

the Orpheum. Among Filmrow visitors were 

Nebraskans Mr. and Mrs. Harry Odell and 

tained a temporary court order restraining 

daughters, Odell: Ernie Van Wey, Gothenburg: 

Guy Griffin, Plattsmouth: W. Gunther. 

the city from enforcing a ten-day suspension 

of the theatre's license. 

The suspension was decreed because Berger 

had exhibited the oldie nudist film "Elysia," 

advertising it with posters in front of his 

theatre. During the past 20 or more years it 

had been shown here on numerous occasions 

without police or other interference. 

S. D. Kane, counsel for Berger. announced 

a permanent injunction would be sought to 

prevent the theatre's closing on the grounds 

that such closing would violate his clientlB 

constitutional rights. 

Jake Sullivan, police morals squad head, 

who compelled Berger to halt the showing of 

"Elysia," told the license committee that tile 

film and advertising posters used for it had 

been the subject of complaints to the police 

department. Berger had immediately complied 

with Sullivan's order to cease the exhibition. 

Judge L. L. Anderson continued the case 

until November 12, by which time an "Elysia" 

print will 

be available along with the advertising 

posters. The judge indicated he'll call 

an advisory jury to view the picture and 

posters and hear the facts. 

Wheat Crop Crisis Brings 

Threat to Boxoffices 

WINNIPEG—A sudden economic agricul 

tural crisis is threatening to hit prairie prov- 

| 

ince exhibitors squarely in the boxoffice. With 

i 

grain elevators jammed with last 

year's surplus 

wheat, western Canadian farmers find i 

themselves unable to dispose of this year's I 

crop at local elevators. Therefore, many 

farmers are not receiving any money for this 

year's heavy harvest. In fact, most of them 

have to spend additional money to build their 

own grain receptacles. 

Small town exhibitors, who depend oa 

fai-mer patronage, already have felt the pinch 

as the lack of harvest cash slowed down ticket 

purchases. 

Many exhibitors recall the fearsome years 

when they took potatoes and other farm produce 

in lieu of cash, then saw these perishable 

items rot before they could dispose of 

them for cash to otlier sources. 

Seven Theatres Reopened 

In Year in Twin Cities 

MINNE.^POLIS— Industry optimism here 

continues to run high as theatrcmen learned 

that a total of seven showhouses had reopetied 

here in the last 12 months, while 

none have been closed. 

Latest to reopen is the neighborhood Granada, 

which will resume operations aftei being 

closed for more than six months. Ted Mann, 

operator of the Mitmeapolis and St. PatU 

downtown Worlds and a Duluth drlve-ln, is 

leasing the theatre from its owners Rubenstein 

& Kaplan. He will reopen It with a fine 

arts policy on December 25. 

Two other reopened theatres, the Strand 

and Tower, are St. Paul first run houses f i 

which were dark for more than two years. 

The reopened theatres also Includes four 

that the Minne.sota Aniu.sement Co. relinquished 

upon expiration of their lenses. 

BOXOFFICE November 7, 1953 

^ 

l\\

I 

I 

sion. 

actual 

' 

MICHIGAN ALLIED RECEIVES 

BRIEFING ON BUSINESS TAX 

Robt. Coyne, Wilbur Snaper 

Also Speak at One-Day 

Convention 

DETROIT Allied Theatres of Michigan 

held an actioii-packpd one-day special confereiicf 

here Thursday (29i with sessions 

between the Variety clubrooms in the 

divided 

Hotel TiiUer luid the Wayne room of the 

Statler across the street. The conference, the 

first of its tj-pe ever to be held by Michigan 

Allied, replaced in part the annual convention 

normally held at this time of the 

year, but which was held last April instead. 

Sydney Goodman. supervLsor of the Michigan 

state revenue department, was the openmg 

speaker at the morning session, presided 

over by John Vlachos of Plat Rock, Allied 

president. He di.scu.ssed the business activities 

tax. wiiich became effective two days after 

the conference. According to him, Michigan 

Is the first state in the Union to impose a tax 

of this type, although it ha,s been tried in one 

or two European countries. 

"When the average businessman sees the 

low rate of tax he has to pay, he will love 

it," Goodman predicted. "It places a tax on 

the receipts of any business—any activity carried 

on for gain. Provided it does a gross 

annual business of $20,000 or more, any business 

must file a return." 

He explained the state deficit and the necessity 

of finding new sources of revenue. "It 

was decided that this business receipts tax 

was the most equitable of all. It is scheduled 

to expire March 31. 1955. and it is hoped tliat 

it will be allowed to expire on schedule." The 

tax rate, he explained, is four-tenths of 1 per 

cent on all business receipts as defined, 

except the public utilities, which are given 

a special rate of one-tenth of 1 per cent. 

Many inequities have come to light as a 

result of the tax, he said, adding the tax 

may be revised at the 1954 session of the 

legislature. The quarterly returns should be 

accurate estimates—with quarterly payments, 

as on the federal income tax, but the annual 

return is an involved four-page document, 

which must be returned within 30 days after 

the end of the year. There is a possibility this 

may be extended to 90 days at the next ses- 

Meantime, exhibitors and others must 

pay a 6 per cent interest charge on delinquencies 

in making returns, despite the short 

time allowed. 

Goodman said the tax is essentially a 

roundabout way of imposing a tax upon purchase 

of capital a-ssets, pajTOll costs and some 

John Vlachos 


Wilbur Snaper 

Michigan Allied Elects 

New Board Members 

Detroit— KI(-< (id a.s dircttors nf Allird 

Theatres of ,MlrhiKan wrrr Jotrpli Ih-nnlston, 

.Monroe; Kobrrt I'mnpll, llriinard plan. They include — Rene 

Germani; Monroe; C. R. Beechler. Charlotte; 

Norman Frank. Wayland; C'live 

Waxman. Grand Rapids; William Rice. 

Flint; R. D. Ashmun. Caro; SUnley 

Marz, Saginaw; Harold Hedler, Newaygo; 

Lee Ward. Mount Pleasant. Joe DePaul. 

Sault Ste. Marie; J. Rytkonen. Ispheming. 

Walter Shafer. Wayne; Roy Hardy, Pontiac; 

Edgar E. Kirchner, Saul Korman, 

Elliot Cohen, and Irving Goldberg. Detroit. 

Notable was the heavy representation 

given to the Upper Peninsula in the 

election of Iward members, with four posts 

going to this region. Election of officers 

will be held at a board meeting to be 

called in the coming month. 

other special classifications of payments. It 

appears to work to the advantage principally 

of the business whose cost of merchandise is 

high, as in the wholesale field with a low 

margin of markup, or in a retail outlet, but 

to the disadvantage of businesses which have 

a high percentage of costs in pajTolls, as do 

theatres. 

Items to be deducted from receipts include 

necessary and actual busine.ss expenses, cost 

of merchandise sold, the portion of the Social 

Security tax paid by the employer, federal 

admission tax, advertising, interest on loans 

connected with the business, miscellaneous 

expenses (including entertainment i , lapses 

from bad debts i losses, not a reserve), 

dues and payments to business as.sociations, 

charitable donations, legal and professional 

services for business, and casual or isolated 

transactions such as the sale of a personally 

owned house. 

Items that may not be deducted included 

wages, salary, commission. t>onus. vacation 

pay. payment on insurance or similar items 

for employes capital assets, interpreted to require 

a tax upon equipment having a life of 

more than one year, such as projection equipment, 

but not upon real estate used for theatre 

purposes; any tax based upon income; 

personal life or partnership insurance: insurance 

on capital assets, legal and professional 

services for personal purposes and pensions 

paid to employes. 

The tax law provides an automatic exemp- 

ME 

11.11. ..I til. !ir,t $ji.'-" ' • 

addition to the .sp. 

latter deductloas < 

cent of the grofis !• 

figure may be u-icd iii..i».id luxpajt' i'- 

keep accurate records, available for tJ.i • 

years after the taxation |)frlr»d 

ProbIcm.s of a bu.slne.is n 

more than one state, mini 

or inventory In MichiKun. : 

matters—a condition applyii.K i-. .i

, 

: November 

New Business 

I Continued from preceding pagei 

that the strength of the industry case In itself 

would prove convincing to the press. 

Looking to the future, he urged continued 

action toward securing relief at the next session 

of Congress, continuing the personal contacts 

and friendships that have already been 

so important, so that congressmen will know 

the continuing plight of the industry. He 

pointed out these facts: 

1. Some 1,000 theatres have closed since 

July 1. 

2. Over 4,000 theatres continue to operate 

in the red. 

3. First run grosses have been generally 

higher in the pa-st few months. These 

first run.s have drained the subsequent 

runs, so that the net picture will be minus. 

4. Some theatres have stayed open in 

the hope of tax relief. 

Urging immediate action, Coyne said, "We 

must start again from scratch—and we have 

less time than we had in the last drive." Up 

to now, he said, not a single congressman 

who supported tax relief last time has failed 

to indicate that he would continue to support 

the industry's plea. 

Thi.s time, however, Coyne said, it is important 

to go to newspaper editors—not for publicity 

for the campaign, but to make .sure that 

the editors understand the industry's need. 

Pointing to the need of exhibitor work in 

creating an impre.ssive and successful campaign, 

Coyne said: "You amateurs did the job 

last time. Let's not abdicate to those who 

For 

Tax Explained 

Everything 

would have us licked before we start." 

Both Coyne and President Vlachos paid 

tribute to the work of Montague F. Gowthorpe, 

Butterfield executive, and Lew Wisper, 

head of W&W Theatres, in the tax campaign. 

Luncheon in the Wayne room of the Statler 

drew 210, far exceeding expectations and requiring 

the setting up of several additional 

tables to handle the crowd. On the dais for 

the event were Inspector Herbert W. Case, 

head of police censorship bureau; State Senator 

Gilbert of Saginaw; Donald S. Leonard. 

Detroit police commLssioner; William Staples 

of the Michigan secretary of state's office; 

U.S. Senator Homer Ferguson; Ernest T. 

Conlon. executive secretary of Allied; John 

Vlachos. Allied president; Wilbur Snaper. 

president of National Allied. Robert Coyne. 

Conlon acted as toastmaster. and in introducing 

Senator Ferguson said, "He understands 

very clearly the success you exhibitors 

have made by the use of your screens for bond 

drives. Red Cross and other drives. I was 

amazed by the knowledge, the sympathy and 

interest in the industry which the Senator 

advanced before the secretary of the treasury." 

Conlon went on to detail examples of 

the senator's helpful work in the interest of 

the industry's move for tax relief. 

Ferguson gave a lengthy talk upon the pertinence 

of national financing, which he outlined 

m detail, to the theatre tax. He said: 

"There is no doubt that property can be 

confiscated by taxation. The easiest, most 

efficient way was probably that of the Soviets 

—they just took it. 

"Other countries have tried other methods. 

You Need 

3-D and Wide-Screen 

Presentation 

Motiograph Stereophonic Sound Systems 

Strong 3-D Arc Lamps 

Motiograph Interlock Equipment 

Strong Continuous-Operation Selenium Plate 

Motiograph Conlinous- 

Duty Generators 

Da-Lite and Rayfone 

Wide Screens 

Motiograph 25-inch 

Magazines 

KoUmorgen Lenses 

24-inch Reels 

t Large Reel Rewinds 

"'VO/Vf 

AUTO CITY CANDY CO. 

2937 St. Aubin TCmpIo 1-3330 Dalrolt 7, Mich. 

COMPLETE SUPPLIES 

FOR YOUR THEATRE CANDY DEPARTMENT 

Rectifiers 

*«'«:o?.^«-£) 

PROGRAMS 

34,3 

wrJcop/ 

FREE ! Sample Kit FREE 

3 Program Stylet! 3 Price Ranges! 

'',;,'" 

THEATRICAL ADV. CO. 

Call Dslrolt 1, 2310 Mich. 

I think Britain is a tj-pical example. r 

Because; 

of high taxation, businessmen were unablei 

to put in new fixtiu-e.s or to advertise. Taxa-, 

tion got so high that they could not function 

there in what we call the American way of 

life." 

At this point the senator's talk received a 

dramatic interruption. Following whispered 

arrangements made on the spot by Irving 

Goldberg of Community Theatres and Conlon. 

who then conferred with the senator. Bob 

Simanek, a Congressional Medal of Honor 

winner was brought into the room and to 

the platform, accompanied by his parents. 

Senator Ferguson paid tribute to him as tj-pical 

of "men who are willing to sene the nation 

without thought of themselves" 

Returning to the tax situation, the Senator 

said that "We passed a law taking from 

the theatres the burden of the tax. We were 

convinced that you can confiscate property 

by taxes. About 1.000 theatres have closed 

since July—and high costs and high taxes 

were the principal reasons." 

SNAPER ON N^W PROCESSES 

Allied States President Snaper gave the 

final talk of the formal sessions. 

He interjected a strong plea for exhibitor 

support of COMPO. then turned to the new 

film processes and urged exhibitors: 

"Don't spend your money until you know 

where you are going—especiaUy the smaller 

theatres." 

Jumping back to a conference he had three 

days earlier with 20th-Fox executives, he said, 

"I agree it's been a gamble for Fox—now 

they want you to gamble. But where are yo' 

going to get the money?" 

"I'm in favor of anjthing to get people into| 

the theatre, but I'm not in favor of some- 

1 

thing to the point of lasing the theatre." 

He warned exhibitoi-s repeatedly not to take 

on obligations for equipment that their 

grandcliildren will have to pay off. 

He cited the example of a small-town first 

run house he operates—with Cinemascope 

installation to cost S19.0O0. pliLs $6,000 for remodeling 

of the house—and the 700-seat theatre 

will lose 100 seats in the process. So 

"The Robe" would be available, he noted, 

"only to the theatres that they think are 

going to make money out of it"—at a 70-30-10 

per cent deal. 

GOOD IN ANY PROCESS 

Citing "How to Marry a Millionaire" as "a 

good picture and a good presentation," he 

added that it "would be good on a postage 

stamp; what do you need all those women foj 

60 feet wide?" 

"They are hysterical in New York. Fronr 

hysteria came chaos—now we know nothing,' 

he said. 

Tve got to get more lenses," he wailed 

and I've already got 3-D lenses. We're golnf 

to set up lend-lease on lenses. Wliile one 

fellow is using one set, the other fellow wll 

borrow the other set. We're going to be booking 

lenses, not pictures." 

The real problem, however, he said, is no) 

the first runs who can afford all this-but 

wliat's going to happen to the subsequent 

runs? Two things are essential: 

"1. Equipment people must bring theli 

prices down. 

"2. Any compnjiy putting out pictures todaj 

must give the exlilbitor n chance to get hi! 

money back." 

High percentages were attacked. He men 

tk>iicd one theatre of his own where he in 

.si.sti'd on buying everyUilng flat until hi 

louiid out he was paying 50 per cent on a Ma 

BOXOFTICE 

: 

7. 195:

. . . Rapids 

. . Jack 

. . The 

. . Paramount. 

. . Alfred 

. . Irwin 

. . Four 

. . Howard 

-PTom 

baals, so now. "we're up In the leRlllmatc theatre 

ciass—where they pay 80 or 90 por cent 

The situation In his own area, dcspltu lUs 

metropolitan dominance. Is typical of Uu' 

country, he said. •We follow first run Broadway. 

Theatres are choking to death bocau.se 

of lack of film. As they keep reaching, not 

for good film, but Just any film, the prices 

go up." 

Contributing factors were long runs—like 

those at the Radio City Theatre and the run 

of "The Robe." day and date Broadway bookings—and 

other similar practices decreasing 

the role of Broadway fir.st run theatres as 

feeders for the subsequent run-s in the area. 

"I would like to put in the best .screen, the 

best presentation, the best pictuie.s possible. 

But they bettor put it within reach of us, 

or there won't be anyone ai-ound to buy." 

Statmg that the "operating engineer" of 

Altec had .-stated on the Allied convention 

platform in Boston that stereophonic sound. 

In his opinion, was not "effective." Snaper 

said, "How ctm we put in .something if they 

don't even know if it is effective?" 

Talking of "The Robe." Snaper said. "When 

you see the picture itself, try to visualize dollars 

walking across the screen. Figure out if 

you will get your dough back, if you can afford 

the picture." 

Following the early afternoon session, the 

conferees adjourned to the Fox Theatre, where 

they were the guests of Managing Director 

David M. Idzal for a .screening of "The Robe." 

In the evening, a banquet and floor show 

was held at the Elmwood hotel in Windsor, 

Ont., across the river, giving an international 

finale to the convention. 

Set for 'Apache' Art Director 

Nicolai Remisoff was set as art director on 

the Burt Lancaster-Harold Hecht production. 

"Bronco Apache," a United Artists picture. 

RCA STEREOSCOPE SOUND | 

CINEMASCOPE | 

or 

Fii WIDE SCREEN 

Whatever you need—We can supply it. 

MID-WEST THEATRE SUPPLY 

CO., INC 

1638 Central Parkway Cincinnoti 10, Ohio 

Cherry 7724 

L O- L THEATRE CONCESSION 

DRIVE-IN AND INDOOR THEATRES 

2937 St. Aubin Detroit 7, Mich. 

Temple 13350 

woo oti^liS^M^CI SIGH ca 

CBAtTSMANSM >I0 ENCINEERINC 

CLEVELAND 

The Milton .Muoneyx ol Coopurullvc Tlieuln 

of Ohio and the Harold Kay.s ihc'*; manager 

of the Lake Theatre. Palncsvlllo werr 

In New York to celebrate their weddin? anniversaries 

that fall on the .same day . . . Tom 

Alley, Republic salesman. Is a pneumonia 

patient at St. Luke's hospital . . . "How to 

Marry a Millionaire." .second ClnemaScope 

picture. Is scheduled to open November U 

at the Allen Theatre . new "Robe" 

openings took place In this territory the first 

week in November; at the Colonial. Akron and 

the Palace. Canton, on the 4th; at the Paramount 

in Toledo on the 5th, and at the Paramount 

In Youngstown on the llth. 

P. E. Essick of Modern Theatres and Herb 

Ochs and their wives were in Canada, the 

Essicks on a pleasure trip while the Ochses 

supervised the closing on their drlve-lns In 

Ontario . Ochs. circuit booker, wa.s 

in Cincinnati on business , Relf 

of Modern Theatres is once more a Miami- 

Cleveland commuter. He left this week for his 

winter home in Florida to Join his mother 

and sister, who preceded him by a week or so. 

Nat Barach of National Screen Service 

again reminds exhibitors that they can pick 

up some spare cash with his Christmas trailer 

plan . . . Sally Weln. daughter of John 

"Casey" Wein. business manager for locals 

F-5 and B-5, is on the editorial staff of the 

Baldwin-Wallace Exponent. This is her Junior 

year on a scholarship at Baldwin Wallace 

college. 

Jerry Lipow, Paramount salesman and erstwhile 

independent distributor, pre.sented his 

wife a new Chewy on her birthday. The 

Lipows moved recently from Cleveland 

Heights to East 235th St.. in nearby Euclid 

Theatre, Grand Rapids, closed 

for the summer, is back in business ... It is 

also reported that the Lyric in Bowling Green 

has reopened . George Harf is 

the new student booker at U-I. 

Lester Dowdell was on Filmrow for the first 

time since he was taken ill four months ago. 

With his doctor's approval he's ready to go 

back to work . 

Pollard. Republic 

manager, says there's no shortage of good 

product if the exhibitor knows where to look 

for it . . . Duke Hickey, U-I publicist, and 

wife celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary 

last Thursday (29) . . . Mark Goldman. 

division manager, is looking for a new location 

for his IFE division headquarters. Now next 

door to the Film building, the owners of this 

space, who used the rear part for a printing 

business (which they have sold), now want 

to lease the entire space. IFE has until 

January 1 to find a new home. 

TOLEDO 

A fter six booming week.s at the Rivoli and 

the Pantheon. 'From Here to Eternity" 

departed 3.400-seater. opened 

. 

"South Pacific"' Monday i2t for a week on the 

stage . Rivoli will observe Friday. 

November 13. with Bob Nelson and his horror 

show, titled "A Zombie Nightmare," on the 

stage for a midnight show. 

Mrs. Flora Ward HineUne has booked the 

State, de luxe 1.800-seat neighborhood house, 

for the Jose Greco dancers for a one-nlghter. 

November 14. 

'Eiernity' Tops Record 

At Cleveland Palace 

I'" '! I''i>>ll'- l.s KOllMl 

(I,i:Vl-;I..-\M> 

strtiiiK lur 

l!-' 

From Jlin- U) KH-rnUy juid The 

" 

Robe Here to Etrrnlly " U brcmkln* 

every record at the Palace with a run of 

seven weetv No picture ever played longer 

than four weeks prcvloualy 'The Robe" i 

full playing to at houwsi the Hlppodrom' 

where all thrte balconies were awl to tnJc. 

care of weekend crowd*. 

Allen -So Big WB) 

Stair Sabre Jet in the StreoH (WB) 100 

United ArtistJ— Mogombo 'MOM). 2nd wk 200 

NOW 

3-D MAGIC YUERS 

Immediate 

De/ivery 

Pocked 2000 per Corton 

Ten Cents each 

Check with Order 

National Theatre Supply Co. 

WE ARE 

AUTHORIZED SALES REPRESENTATIVES 

ALL CINEMASCOPE EQUIPMENT 

OLIVER THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

Important Announcement to 

Theatre Owners 

ARGUS, INC. 

PAUL SCHOLZ and JIM EDWARDS 

Otter the finest 35nim and 16inm equipment 

repair service, including sound. 

We invite inspection ot our modern, newly 

equipped shop. 

206 Film BIdg. PRospect 1-7180 

CIcvclond. 

Ohio 

BOXOFFICE November 7, 1953

. . Tommy 

. . Jack 

. . Jim 

. . Bill 

. . 

DETROIT 

T oyal Hairht of the Butterfield office is in 

print again with an article in the current 

issue of Candy Industry . O'Toole, 

the traveling projectionist, is doing his downtown 

business in Saturday morning strolls 

. . . Claude E. Heywood. manager of the 

largest estate in England, valued at $84,000,- 

000 and owned by the Duke of Westminster, is 

identified as a former theatre manager from 

Three Rivers, Mich., in a press dispatch this 

week . . . Projectionist Eldo Burdicker has 

moved across the street on Miller road in 

Dearborn. 

Frank Oldham, operator at the Parkside. 

has moved to Ontario. Calif. . . . George W. 

Craig, dean of Detroit's stagehands, now 80 

and still active at the Shubert-Lafayette. was 

injured in a backstage fall, but wa.s hospitalized 

only briefly . . . Anne Baxter had a 

reunion Friday with her father. Kenneth S. 

Baxter, at Ann Arbor, where her parents 

were visiting for the University of Michigan 

homecoming. The star, with Tyrone Power 

and Raymond Ma-ssey. was in town for a production 

of "John Brown's Body." 

DETROIT DESK SPACE 

FOR RENT 

Excellent Downtown Location 

Convenient to Filmrow 

Write or Phone Boxoffice, 1009 Fox Theotre BIdg. 

Detroit 1, Mich, Phone WOodward 2-1100 

The Blue Water Drive-In at Port Huron, 

operated by the Ochs-Michigan Co.. closed 

for the season . Zide. head of Allied 

Film Exchange, and Norman Meyers, manager 

of the Adams, have scheduled a special 

theatre screening of "Little Fugitive" at the 

Adams Wednesday . Beck, who formerly 

operated the Beck Booking Service 

established by his father, the late Emil 

Beck, and who has been with Clark Theatre 

Service for the last year, has left the film 

business to take a pasition with a Venetian 

blind 

firm. 

Nighting-ale notes—Albert Doyle pulled a 

ligament in his right leg. The team is keeping 

its fingers crossed waiting the outcome . 

Roy Thompson did himself proud, really getting 

the range to roll 652. while Ralph Haskin 

came not too far behind . Swistak is 

'-^x^^J 

NOW TAKING ORDERS 

for RCA STEREOPHONIC SOUND 

with button, on MAGNETIC REPRODUCERS, CINEMASCOPE 

LENSES and CINEMASCOPE MIRACLE MIRROR SCREENS 

( Wc odvise placing orders ot once so you will hove the equipment ) 

\ 

for ovailability ot pictures which will be releosed very shortly. ) 

ERNIE FORBES THEATRE SUPPLY 

WOodord 1-1122 

Detroit 1, Mich 

Wc Help You Make Movies Better Than fvof 

Theatrp Sign and Marquee Maintenance 

Our Specialty 

ff^^— 

%kJHorstma^n ^Co. 

^—;X J[ "It t)« B a nrvndipTOTTTti 

Scr.lcc

, . . James 

. . 

Robe' Debut on 11th 

In New Haven Poli 

NEW HAVEN Tdp state iiiul city leader 

.ire iimong nearly 200 invited guests who will 

uttcnd the Connecticut premiere of "The 

Robe" at LoeWs Poli Theatre here imimhi.s. ri-l)rr.s.-nling 

tlic motion picture industry throuKhoul 

New Eivgland. attended the October 29 testimonial 

dinner at the 

Hotel Bond here? honoring 

Jim McCarthy on 

his recent promotion 

from manager of the 

StarUey Warner downtown 

Strand to Connecticut 

district manager 

for the SW interests. 

Acknowledging the 

many toasts from top 

industry executives as 

well as state and civic 

officials, McCarthy re- •"'" McCarthy 

called 

that he came to Connecticut's Capital 

city some 21 years ago. 

"You're making a mistake, Jim," a Philadelphia 

theatreman admonished. "Hartford's 

known as a cold, indifferent city. You won't 

like the people! " 

"How wrong some people can be!" McCarthy 

exclaimed. "You know, I've never really appreciated 

the wrong version of that Philadelphia 

theatreman's comments until I'd been 

here for a couple of decades, because I've 

never in all my years in show business across 

the country and overseas come into a city 

where there's so much warmth and loyal cooperation 

between fellow show^ people. 

"Everything about Hartford Is big-time, 

from civic officials to theatre managers, who 

take a certain, great-to-be-envied pride in 

Hartford and Hartford people and Hartford 

show business! I thank you for coming here 

tonight, not only to honor someone promoted 

Exchange Gloss Soaped 

With 'Big' in New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—Max Birnbaum, manager of 

the Warner exchange here, is fumly convinced 

of the power of advertising. 

Just nvo words, "So Big," were .soaped on 

windows of the branch building, and. as Birnbaum 

puts it. "The soap cost a dime and we 

received a million dollars worth of advertising." 

Not only industry visitors to Filmrow 

but thousands of passersby had their interest 

aroused by the words plugging the Warner 

Armistice day release. 

The exchange building, a handsome, staid 

structure put up shortly after World War U. 

is located on one of the most strategic downtown 

intersections from the traffic-volume 

standpoint. 

'Robe' Set for Four Houses 

HARTFORD—Harry F. Shaw, division manager. 

Loew's Poli-Ncw England Theatres, has 

scheduled "The Robe" for LoeWs Poli. New 

Haven. November 11 and Loew's Poli. Hartford. 

November 19. Other bookings: Loew's 

Poli Majestic. Bridgeport, and Loew's Poli. 

Waterbury. November 25. 

in the motion picture industry, but also to 

bestow more honor on a great city." 

Ai-thur B. McGinley served as toastmaster. 

with head table guests including Harry Feinstein, 

zone manager: James M. Totman, assistitiii 

/.xiK' iii.iii.tK'i. .itM. .J.iiiicA A Brackcti 

contact manaKer. tttanlcy Warner New Enuland 

zone. 

Oue«t raster Included Harry P Shaw, dlvl- 

,slon nianager, Loew'ji Poll-New EiiKlund Thratrcs; 

Sal Adorno (ir., Sal Adorno Jr , and J'jtcr . John 

Scanlan .sr.. Warner. Torrlngton: Cy OToole 

chief engineer. Stanley Warner Thcatro 

Larry Oermalne. Larry Lapldu-s. SW zone 

office: Joe LLss. Massachu-setUs district manager. 

SW. 

Filmrow delegation Included Ben Simon. 

20th-Fox: Harold SalU, U-I; Max Blrnbaum. 

Warners: Phil Gravltz. MGM; Sid Cooper, 

UA; Hy Levine. Tom Carey. Lou Katz. 

Hartford: Lou Cohen, Loew's Poll; Fred H 

Greenway, Loew's Poll Palace: Ray Mc- 

Namara. Allyn: Sam Harris. State; Maurice 

W. Shulman. Shulman Theatres; George E. 

Landers, division manager. E. M. Loew's Theatres; 

Carroll J. Lawler. general manager. 

Hartford Theatre circuit: Harry Hoff. Jack A 

Sanson. Strand; Randy Mailer, former Warner 

Bros, manager; Henry Needles, former 

Hartford district manager, Warner Theatres: 

Charlie Lowe, at one time district sound engineer. 

Warner Theatres: David R. Daniel, publisher; 

Ward E. Duffy, editor, and Allen M. 

Widem. motion picture editor. Hartford Times. 

Others seen were Jack Shields. Capitol. 

Ansonia: Matt Saunders, Loew's Poll. Bridgeport; 

Rutie Lewis. Dan Debenee. Local 84. 

lATSE. 

Duffy, substituting for former mayor William 

H. Mortensen. called out-of-town at the 

last minute on state development commission 

business, presented a purse to the guest 

of honor. 

Stanley Warner Offers 

To Sell Two Theatres 

HARTFORD—Phil Zimmerman of 

Stanley 

Warner Management Corp. has disclosed the 

circuit is offering the Capitol of Danbury 

and the Bristol of Bristol for sale. 

The Danbury hoase. seating approximately 

1.344. is available subject to prior sale or 

withdrawal without notice. The leasehold on 

the property would go to interested parties. 

The Bristol house is for sale, complete with 

equipment, also subject to prior sale or withdrawal 

without notice. The circuit some 

months ago lost its downtown holdover house, 

the 900-seat Regal, with W. T. Grant Stores, 

building owners, acquiring the space for retail 

store expansion. The move leaves the circuit 

with the 1.400-seat Strand in Hartford. 

'So Big' at Hartford 

HARTFORD — Warners' "So Big" was 

sneak-previewed at the Stanley Warner 

Strand to a sizeable audience. Advance promotion 

handled by Strand Manager Jack A. 

San.son included teaser newspaper advertising 

and publicity copy. He was assisted by Art 

Moger of the Warner field exploitation force. 

BOXOFFICE November 7. 1953 

79

. . Frank 

4 1 and 

• 

' 

BOSTON 

Tirord wa* received here from Toronto of 

the death of Lawrence "Larry" Bearg. 53. 

who has been western division manager for 

Famous Players Canadian for 20 years. While 

in the Boston area, he managed the Capitol 

Theatre. Allston. for the old M&P circuit. He 

wa-s born in Springfield and is survived by 

his wife, a brother and two sisters . . . 

Charlotte Culler, -secretary to Herman Rifkin 

for the last 11 years, has a diamond on her 

engagement finger. Her fiance is Eli Handelman 

of Dorchester. No wedding plans have 

been completed as yet. Handelman is in the 

shoe business. 

Bill Kumins, Warner salesman, has returned 

to his desk after a stay at the Evans 

Memorial hospital for treatment of an 

asthmatic condition . Vennett. 

manager for many years of the Paramount 

Theatre, Rutland. Vt., for New England Theatres, 

is in Rutland City haspital recovering 

after the amputation of his left leg. He is 

well known in that area for his many charity 

endeavors and has been chairman of the 

Jimmy fund drives in Vermont. 

Kenneth Douglass, president of Capitol 

Theatre Supply, attended the TESMA-TEDA- 

TOA convention in Chicago with three of his 

sales staff, Ernie Comi. Don Falco and Ken 

Douglass jr. They left a bit early in order to 

take in the special RCA dealers meetings on 

Friday and Saturday before the convention. 

"I hated to have to strip my .sales force so 

low in Boston while we are in Chicago." said 

Douglass, "but there is so much confusion 

today between exhibitors and supply companies 

that I felt it essential that my staff 

get all the firsthand information available 

pertaining to the new presentation media." 

Holding down the office while they are away 

are Bill Hawkins. Charlie Fish. Don Pickering 

and Mrs. Goodwin. 

Attending the TOA-TESMA-TEDA convention 

in Chicago from this aiea were 

Martin Mullin and John Loftus. New England 

Theatres; Sam Pinanski and Paul Levi. 

American Theatres; Arthur Lockwood and 

Louis Gordon. Lockwood Gordon Enterprises; 

& 

Theodore Flei.sher. Interstate 

Theatres, 

and equipment men Joe Cifre, Joe Cifre. 

Inc.. and Eddie Hosmer. Independent Theatre 

Supply. 

"The Captain's Paradise," latest Alec Guinness 

starrer distributed by United Artists, 

is the next film to play the Astor. It will 

follow the current engagement of "Little Boy 

Lost." which opened to excellent business. 

Should the Bing Crosby film do exceptionally 

well, the Guinness feature might be the 

Astor's Christmas offering . . . The fall meeting 

of Independent Exhibitors of New 

England was held November 3 at the Oak 

room of the Hotel Bradford. It was called by 

Irving A. Isaacs, president. 

The death of Henderson Richey, MGM. was 

felt heavily by his many friends in this area. 

Nathan Yamins said. "The industry has suffered, 

a great loss in Henderson Richey 's 

death. He was always a constructive force for 

good, both as an Allied exhibitor leader i 

as a distributor representative." Arthur] 

Howard, president of Affiliated Theatres I 

Corp., said. "His death will be keenly felt by • 

many in the industry. He was a verj- popular 

man. considered one of the great Allied 

leaders before he joined the distributors. He 

was always active in behalf of exhibitors as 

well as distributors when he went with RKO 

and then with MGM. His death is a great 

loss to the entire industry." 

Edward X. Callahan jr., salesman for 20th- 

Fox. has resigned to join ZIV. a national firm 

selling films for TV. His territory will be the 

; 

New England states. No replacement has 

been made at 20th-Fox a^ yet. Ed Callahai. 

is the son of E. X. Callahan sr.. former disti ... 

and branch manager for 20th-Fox. who ; 

now retired. 

New England Theatres has set a personal 

appearance date for Julius LaRoza, who is 

booked for five days on the stage of the 

. 

Metropolitan Theatre. He is in on a 

guarantee and a split of the profits. The 

surrounding bill consists of three acts, one i 

of which is Gil Lamb. LaRoza opens Wednes- I 

day ( will play through Sunday, when i 

he planes to Chicago to make personal appearances 

there. 

Big Screen to L&G House 

HARTFORD—Doug Amos. Connecticut district 

manager for Lockwood & Gordon The- i 

atres. announced plans to install wide-screen I 

facilities at the first run Strand. Winsted,^ 

first unit on the L&G Connecticut circuit to. 

install such a feature. 

GOODWILL AWARD AND BANKNIGHT 

IT'S 

THE LEGAL WAY AND THE PROVEN WAY 

It will get the people out of their homes away from the 

radio and television 

And to Your Theatre 

New accounts are being opened every day under 

our supervision. 

There are theatres in this territory which have operated 

this plan profitably for over 15 years continuously 

year in and year out. 

Write or call us and we will see you 

GOODWILL ADVERTISING COMPANY 

38 Church St, Liberty 2-9305 

BOXOFFICE 

Jf

. . . The 

. . . Manager 

. . Because 

: November 

I 

Rep) 

— 

— — 

-Fonlon 

MGM) 

Mrs 

. . 

. . 

PROVIDENCE 

•Thcwe lUdheads From Seattle" was given at 

the Strand, with prices upped to 60 cents 

for matinees and 90 cents for evenings. Children 

were admitted for 40 cents at all performances. 

This picture was given good publicity 

over Olive Tinder'.s "Matinee Time," onehour 

live TV show which probably has the 

largest viewing audience of any afternoon 

telecast over WJAR-TV ... A special sneakpreview 

of "Uttle Boy Last" was given at the 

Strand in addition to the regular program. 

No extra admission was charged. 

The Metropolitan once again opened briefly 

for a one- night stand of Slaveruska & Franklin's 

Ballet Co. No word has been forthcoming 

as to future plans of this house, one of 

the largest in the city . . . "Mogambo" opened 

at Loew's State where matinee prices were 

upped to 74 cents and evenings to $1. Children 

were admitted for 35 cents at all times 

Rustic Drive-In offered "From Here 

to Eternity" and prices were upped to 85 cents. 

Evening first run admission prices fluctuate 

from 75 cents to $1.25, according to the attraction. 

These fluctuations greatly disturb 

the teenagers, who are on limited budgets. 

Sometimes embarrassment is caused when 

swains take their dates to the theatres and 

And prices are more than anticipated. 

WORCESTER 

XITest Boylston Drive-In will continue operating 

until the first snowfall. As Mike 

Stranger says, it isn't the cold that keeps the 

customers away— it's the glare from the snow 

Tom Kilcoyne reports a new 

panoramic screen has been installed at the 

Strand in Clinton, 34x17 feet. 

When Manager Murray Howard brought 

"The Moon Is Blue" to the Warner, he advertised 

it for adults only and warned childi-en 

wouldn't find it interesting or entertaining 

. . . Lawson Daniels has succeeded the late 

Louis Gregory as stage manager of E. M. 

Loew'.s Plymouth, of whicli he was manager 

at one time. He also has managed the Olympia 

and Royal here. 

little Boy' Rates 275 

At Aslor in Boston 

HO.sroN I.iitl.' Hny Ui.r (.p.-ii.-.l l,i|.; ,1' 

the Aslor Sunday; "The Robe" held up In 

Its third week at the Keith Memorial; "Mogambo" 

was received enthunluHlically In Itx 

first at the State and Orpheum; and "Botany 

Bay" will hold over at the Metropolitan. 

(Averogc l» 100) 

loti Pora) Aitor- Lltde Boy 275 

Beacon HI Ihc Tulip Lop ), 3rd wk 125 

Bock lo God'i Country (U-l), Top Boston Hot 

(RKO) 95 

Copley- Mr. Pottt Goci to Moicow AA), 3rd «k. 90 

Exeter Street- The Bcqgar'i Opera WB) 115 

Mcmoriol—Th* Robe 

Mclropohton— Botany 

.uih Fj.,, jf.i *k 

Bay Fam,, J«nnl>ar 

200 

.120 

'AA) 

Porocnount and Fon*ay Flight to Tangier (Paro), 

Hot N»w» AA) 90 

State ond Orpheum 

' 

Mogambo 160 

'Mogambo' Held in Hartiord: 

'So Big' Rates 130 

HARTFORD— Mogambo" was held for a 

third week at the Palace. 

Allyn Sea of Lost Shipi :Rep). Champ for a Ooy 

M Locw 

80 

Gun Fury (Col). Combat Squad Col) 90 

E 

Poll Toke the High Ground! ;MGM); Luxury 

Girii ;UA) 100 

Polocc Mogambo MGM), 3rd wk 130 

Strand— So Big VVB); Man of Conflict 140 

(Atlas) ... 

"Wild' Paces Grosses 

At New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—"Blowing Wild," at 140 per 

cent, was the leader last week. 

College— Mogombo MGM), 3rd wk 125 

Paramount Those Redheads From Seattle (Para); 

Cow Country AA) 60 

Poll— Vicki :20th Fox), Kansas City Confidenliol 

lUA) 100 

Roger Sherman—Blowing Wild (WB); The 

Morksmon (AA) 1 40 

Equipment for Covington 

COVINGTON, KY—Covington's two downtown 

theatres, the Liberty and Madison, soon 

will be equipped with new screens and stereophonic 

sound, according to Tom E. Hill, 

manager, and William Macklin, president. 

Work at both theatres is being done by Carl 

Schmidt, general contractor. South Ft. 

Mitchell. 

BRIDGEPORT 

n Krrd M. Ptckum SUatford theatre owi.< i 

hil.^ been named chaimuin of the 8lrmlorcl 

Hliiik>-.',i».ur

. . 

. . 

. . 

. . . Joe 

: 

November 

' 

Ted Jacocks and John Pavone must he plan- 

ning a trip, for both were seen walking up 

Filmrow with big new traveling bags . . . Betty 

j 

Kelly is the new^ booker's clerk at Wamer»,| 

Marie Smith of the same office was on vacaj 

j 

through Christmas. Early commitments Indl- 

cate that Connecticut will surpa.ss last year^ 

| 

j 

HARTFORD 

•The art film policy, increasing in popularity 

in both independent and circuit installation-s 

throughout the territory, has been 

scheduled for two days a week at the Stanley 

Warner Gem. WUlimantic. Hollywood releases 

are shown during the rsst of the week . 

The Rogers Corner Drive-In at New Hartford 

has shuttered for the season. The location 

is operated by the Youmatz interests. 

Harold Saltz, new U-I manager at New 

Haven, visited Peter and Milton LeRoy of 

. 

the Blue Hills Drive-In Theatre Corp. 

The Court Square Theatre. Springfield, has 

resumed Friday-through-Sunday vaudeville, 

with legitimate attractions slated for mid- 

November. Sam Wasserman is managing director, 

with Burton "Buster" Bonoff .serving 

as hoase manager. Wasserman has leased the 

theatre for five years from Gilmore Associates. 

At one time, the downtown house was 

operated by the E. M. Loew interests. 

The Perakos circuit has installed widescreen 

facilities in the Eastwood and Elm . 

The Astor. East Hartford, has been converted 

into a roller skating rink. The Bernie Levy 

interests were among last film units operating 

a film policy at the 500-seater. The building 

is owned by Harry L. Post. 

Winter policy Ls in effect at the three M&D 

theatres in Middletown, according to Sal 

Adorno sr., general manager. New schedule 

has the Middlesex closed temporarily, except 

for special engagements, and the Capitol 

operating only Thursdays through Sundays, 

with continuoas performances on Saturdays 

and Sundays. The Palace continues on its 

full, seven-day schedule, with matinee and 

evening performances. Sal jr. and Mike assist 

their dad in M&D operations. 

Mrs. Tony Masella, wife of the Loew's Poll 

Palace, Meriden, manager, was a New Haven 

hospital patient. By a twist of fate, she was 

Engineered Panoramic Screen Frames 

SELBY INDUSTRIES, INC. 

IMAGE (SOUND SERVICE CORP. 

"Tfie Self Valm In Sound Smict" 

a-ssigned the same hospital bed vacated by 

her sister, Mrs. Mary Cuomo, some 48 hours 

earlier . . . Stereophonic sound has been installed 

at LoeWs Poll. Norwich, with Joe 

Boyle, manager, and assistant TilUe Pysyk 

using plenty of lobby promotion to remind patrons 

of the new feature. In addition, they 

planted special newspaper stories. 

New full-stage, panoramic screen has been 

installed at the State, Jewett City, with Perakos 

circuit advertising calling attention to 

"the panoramic wonder of big-star feature 

pictures on the new giant full-stage .screen!" 

The funeral of Pfc. Raymond B. Campbell, 

son of Hugh J. Campbell, manager of the 

Central. West Hartford, and Mrs. Campbell, 

was held last week. A marine, young Campbell 

was killed in action in Korea only 30 hours 

before the armistice was signed . . . Albert M. 

Pickus, owner of the Stratford, Stratford, 

has been named to the council-citizens committee 

to aid in the proposal to establish the 

American Shakespeare Festival Theatre and 

Academy in Boothe Memorial park. 

Louis Richmond Buys 

Kenmore Properly 

BOSTON—The property housing the Kenmore 

Theatre has been sold to Louis W. Richmond, 

who has been the lessee for the last 

ten years. The new corporate name is Kenmore 

Louis Theatre. Richmond purchased 

the property, which includes parking space 

and 20,000 feet of land, from the estate of 

the late Louis Rothenberg. Stanley Rothenberg. 

Mrs. Frances Watchmaker. Charles 

Morse and Reginald Morse for a reported 

$90,000. 

Richmond was executive assistant to E. M. 

Loew of the E. M. Loew Theatres for 20 years 

and before that was general manager of the 

Cohen circuit in the Springfield area. At one 

time he operated the Bijou in Springfield. 

While operating the Kenmore. Richmond 

selected choice foreign-language product and 

played extended engagements. The theatre's 

next attraction is "Seven Deadly Sins." Richmond 

has brought on from New York actress 

Michele Morgan, who has a leading role in the 

pictui-e. She was introduced to critics and 

drama editors at a luncheon at the Sheraton- 

Plaza. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

fjeorge Leavitt, 88, who was agent and manager 

of the Lebanon Opera House for 25 

years prior to its destruction by fire in 1923, 

died recently at Alice Peck Day hospital in 

Lebanon. Since 1935, he had .served as high 

sheriff of Grafton County . . . After an ab- 

.sence of two years, vaudeville show's have returned 

to the Palace in Manchester, which is 

also continuing its film programs. Stage 

shows were resumed October 31 with what the 

management announced as "six big acts from 

stage, .screen, radio and television." 

The University of New Hampshire concert 

choir of 60 picked voices has made its debul 

In Cinerama. The group recently made part 

of the sound track for a new film with New 

HampshUe background, produced by Lo\its 

Di'Rochcmont of Newlnglon. 

Rochester children were treated to free 

sliows on Halloween by Rochester Community 

Activities, Inc. Following a costume parade, 

tlu' youngsters witnessed two Wiilt Disney 

lllru.s at tlie city auditorium. 

NEW HAVEN 

n large delegation from this city attended 

the dinner honoring Jim McCarthy, new 

district manager for Stanley Warner Theatres, 

at the Bond hotel in Hartford i29t. including 

Max Birnbaum. Warner exchange manager; 

Ben Simon. 20th-Fox; Sid Cooper, UA: Harold 

Saltz. U-I: Phil Gravitz, MGM, and Hymie 

Levine. Lippert. From the Warner zone office 

here were Harry Feinstein. Jim Totman. Larry 

Lapidus, Larry Germaine. Jim Bracken. Phil 

Zimmerman. Joe Liss and Cy O'Toole. Also 

Harry Shaw, division manager for Loew's 

Poli-New England Theatres, and Lou Brown, 

advertising and publicity director for that circuit. 

DeChantal Smith, cashier at the Paramount 

exchange, spent a late-October vacation at 

Pinehurst. N.C. . . . Bill Brown, former man 

ager of Loew's Poll. Evansville, Ind.. has 

named manager of the Stanley Warner 

ace. South Norwalk. succeeding Manny Ca*- 

saras. who resigned. Bill was manager of 

Loew's Bijou. New Haven, for many years 

was transferred to Evansville when the local 

house was closed. 

Ted Harris of the State, Hartford, was on 

Filmrow booking product for the vaudevillescreen 

situation, which begins its annual season 

November 13 ... A private morning 

showing of "Martin Luther" was held at 

Loew's College for clergy and others under 

the auspices of Louis DeRochemont Associates 

and the New Haven Council of Churches. 

The film will open at the College on the 25tll 

, 

Minsky. Connecticut film booker for 

Warner Theatres, reports the birth of hU 

; 

first child, a girl named Jo-An (22i. 

tion. 

The Loew's PoU office here invited a numi 

n 

ber of newspapermen to take part In the ( 

junket to New Bedford. Mass., for the world ; 

premiere of "All the Brothers Were Valiant" .. 

(31. They included Glenn Taylor, Bridgeport ' 

Post -Telegram; Lem McCoUum of the Bridge- 

; 

port Herald; H. Viggo Ander.son, Hartford 

Courant; Allen Widdem, Hartford Times; Jim 

i 

Lee and Bill MoUe, Worcester Telegram- 

Gazette, and Don Caruso, Meriden Journal. 

Harry Shaw and Harry Feinstein are exhibitor 

co-chairmen for Connecticut, and George 

| 

Somma, acting manager of the Republic 

change, is distributor chairman for the WlOj 

Rogers Memorial drive, which will 

total. 

Abraham Bronstein Asks 

Permit for Drive-In 

HAH'I'FURD Abnihain J Bronstein 

Hartford has tiled lui appllcutJon for 

cate of approval for con.sU'uctJon of a drlveat 

South Wlnd.sor, Conn., with Uie state 

lice department headquajters In Hivrtford. 

The project would be built nt Uie southeaslj 

side of Chapel road nt it.s Intersection witlfj 

Route 5 In the Hiu-tford suburb, according 

Hronsteln's nppllcatliin. 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

7, 19614

: November 

PUBLIC 

RELATIONS INSTITUTE 

TO BE TOP TORONTO SUBJECT 

Industry Gathering Also 

Expected to Protest 

Bingo Games 

TORONTO—One of the biggest Industry 

.iffftirs ever to be staKed In this country will 

lake place here, starting Monday (23) and 

lasting the entire week, when three industry 

organizations will hold their annual conventions 

along with a number of social functions 

and a big equipment show. 

On Monday morning officers and directors 

of two national organization.s—the 

National Committee of Motion Picture Exhibitors 

Ass'ns of Canada and the Motion Picture 

Council—will meet to draw up the list 

of subjects to be considered at their conventions. 

ORIGINATED BY N. A. TAY1.0R 

High on the agenda, it is understood, is 

the proposal originally submitted by N. A. 

Taylor, head of 20th Century Tlieatres. for the 

establishment of a Canadian Motion Picture 

Institute to serve as a public relations body 

for the entire industry. During the last year, 

J. Arthur Hirsch of Montreal has headed a 

special committee studying the institute project. 

In addition, the Motion Picture Theatres 

Ass'n of Ontario has made a survey 

among its 375 members on the subject. 

It is also believed that attention will be 

devoted to bingo competition, about which 

there has been considerable comment by 

exhibitors. It is expected that the exhibitors 

will draw up a brief for presentation to the 

federal government protesting bingo operations. 

Provincial laws governing theatre operation, 

taxation and censorship also are to 

discussed. 

NATIONAL COMMITTEE FIRST 

under the chairmanship of President J. D. 

Mcculloch of Petrolia. The MPTA will receive 

«ports of officers and will also prepare 

recommendations to be placed before the 

Industry council at the latter's concluding 

session on Thursday. 

The Canadian industry will stage its first 

tradeshow on Wednesday and Thursday in 

the Sheraton room of the King Edward hotel. 

Manager of the tradeshow is Gerald C. Fitzgerald, 

exhibition organizer. 

Interspersed with the business meetings 

throughout the week will be many social 

functions. 

On Tuesday, all delegates will be guests of 

the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors 

Ass'n at a luncheon. That night, Toronto 

Variety Tent 28 will hold a dinner feting 

Jack Kent Cooke, president of the Toronto 

be 

Winnipeg Writer Says Censorship 

In Canada Is 

WINNIPEG Film revlewtr Frank Morrl.s.s 

devoted a lengthy column recently In the Free 

Pre.s,s belaboring motion picture ceasor.shlp. 

both the Breen-office .self-imposed type and 

that Imposed by the Manitoba cen.sor board. 

Morri.ss touched on what he termed the 

foolishness of the Breen office liisLslcnce of 

changing Alfc Guinnes,s' latest picture, "The 

Captain's Paradise." and on putting a newending 

on the life of Nell Gwynn. Sketching 

the racial taboos either exercised by Hollywood 

or the individual state cen.sors in the 

south, MoiTi.ss struck close to home. 

"In Canada, each province has its own censor 

boai-d. Manitoba is quite likely to reject 

a film which Saskatchewan accepts. None of 

these boards, and I've written to ask, will tell 

you the names of the pictures they censor. 

In Manitoba, a board is .set up to review pictures 

that are appealed by the distributors. 

They won't tell you the names of the people 

who sit in on the appeal. Everything is conducted 

in secrecy by a body presumably set up 

by the taxpayers and answerable to the taxpayers. 

The most pathetic part of all thus 

censorship-on-cen.sorship-on-censorship - on- 

Baseball club, for his cooperation in connection 

with benefit ball games each year in 

aid of Variety Village. 

Wednesday, noon, the MPTA of Ontario will 

host delegates at its annual luncheon and that 

night the Canadian Picture Pioneers will hold 

its annual award banquet for the Pioneer 

of the Year. Guest of honor will be President 

J. J. Fitzgibbons of Famous Players. The 

dinner will be followed by a dance, and the 

First full convention meeting of the week 

will be the National Committee sessions Monday 

afternoon under the chairmanship of 

Morris Stein of Famous Players Canadian. 

Recommendations will be drawn up for submission 

affair will be held at the Royal 'York hotel. 

Thursday noon the Empire club of Toronto 

to the Motion Picture Industry Coun- 

will give a luncheon at which John Davis of 

the J. Arthur Rank Organization, London, 

cil, which will convene Tuesday (24), with 

Mayor A. J. Mason of Springhill, N.S., chairman. 

England, will be guest speaker. 

On Friday, the newly elected directors of 

The following day, Wednesday, the Motion 

Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario will meet 

each trade association will hold executive 

BOXOFFICE : 

Distributors to Host 

Delegates at Luncheon 

Toronto—Frank H. Fisher, president of 

the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors 

Ass'n, has announced a special luncheon 

at the King Edward hotel Tuesday, November 

24, when the major film exchanges 

will entertain all deles:ates to the film 

industry conventions here during the week 

of November 23. 

Arrangements for the function are being 

worked out by C. J. 

Stupid, Wasteful 

Appel. executive 

director of the association. Fisher is 

general manager of J. Arthur Rank Film 

Distributors, 

Ltd. 

lobbyl.sUs u. Uuit It defeat, the vtT>- purport' 

for which It was designed—the rejection of 

morally su-spect movies. 

"Take the case of The Moon Iji Blue,' 

which did very well on Broadway. It wa« 

made quickly and cheaply into a film that 

flouted the cen.sorshlp codes. Promptly there 

was a barrage of publicity. I venlurc to .suggest 

that, without the censors. "The Mfxin Is 

Blue" would have played a fairly succcj^sful 

stand at the Odeon. As It was It ran and 

ran and ran as people went to .see It becau.se 

of the talk. The $64 question Ls: Do we need 

a form of ceasorshlp? I have enough faith 

In people to think that they would reject an 

influx of vulgar brazen movies. Cen.sor boards, 

for the most part, haven't got this faith In 

human nature. 

"They are likely to think that It Ls aU 

right for them to view the motion pictures 

without the lass of moral virtue, but that for 

others tn do .so is a mistake. I'm convinced 

that our present .setup is stupid, wasteful and 

completely outmoded. In pussy-footing about 

moral sensibilities we generally end up by 

being snide and nasty." 

meeting.-< to implement tlic re-^prciive convention 

proposals and on Saturday the delegates 

will attend the Grey Cup football game 

between the eastern and western champions. 

Officers of the organizations meeting here 

are: 

Motion Picture Industry Council of Canada: 

Chairman. Mayor A. J. Mason, Springhill, 

N.S.: vice-chairman. Dave Griesdorf, 

Toronto; secretary-treasurer, R. W. Bolstad, 

and executive secretary. Arch H. JoUey. Toronto. 

National Committee of Motion Pictures 

Exhibitors Ass'ns of Canada: Chairman. Morris 

Stein. Toronto; eastern vice-chairman, F. 

Gordon Spencer, St. John, N.B.: western vicechairman, 

Kenneth M. Leach, Calgary; secretary-treasurer. 

H. C. D. Main, Sutton, Ont., 

and executive secretary. Arch H. JoUey. 

Motion Picture Theatres Ass'n of Ontario: 

President. J. D. McCulloch. Petrolia; vicepresident, 

William A. Summer\'llle jr., Toronto; 

secretary. E. G. Forsyth; treasurer. 

Jack H. Clarke. Toronto, and executive secretary. 

Arch H. JoUey. 

Toronto Variety Tent 28: Chief barker, 

R. W. Bolstad: assistant chief barkers. WUliam 

A. Summerville jr. and Ernest R. Rawley: 

property master, Clare J. Appel, and 

dough guy, Dan Krendel. 

Canadian Picture Pioneers: President. Nat 

A. Taylor, Toronto: secretary, Tom Daley, 

Toronto. 

Canadian Motion Picture Distributors .\ss'n: 

President. Frank H. Fisher, Toronto: executive 

director, Clare J. Appel, Toronto, and 

vice-president, Peter S. Meyers. 

7, 1953 83

1 

EXPERT 

. . Guy 

. . Mayor 

. . The 

. . 

. . Jack 

. . For 

j 

JllftI 

MONTREAL 

tJarold Giles, general supervisor: George 

Destounis. assistant to William Lester, 

second vice-president and director of United 

Amusement Corp., and Bill Murray, general 

purchasing manager for Confederation 

Amusement, attended the Theatre Owners of 

America convention and equipment show in 

Chicago November 1-6 .. . Stanley Hclloway, 

well-known British stage and screen star, 

and Mrs. Holloway were given a cocktail party 

at Ruby Foo's last week by United Theatres 

. . . William H. Mannard, secretary-treasurer 

for United Amusement Corp., has donated to 

the Monkland Tennis club a trophy for the 

junior men's tennis championship. This 

trophy is to be known as the "D. Allen Murray 

Memorial Bowl" in memory, of the late 

D. Allen Murray, well-beloved late vice-president 

of United Amusement Corp. His son, 

Bob Murray of Davis cup fame, presented the 

cup to the winner, Spencer Lanthier. 

William Deveault, assistant secretary of 

United Amusement, attended the annual 

(our business] 

HELPS 

YOUR BUSINESS \ 

Make more profits 

with POPCORN 

and Other Concession Items 

Distributors of 

CRETORS — MANLEY 

Popcorn Machines 

Hot Dog equipment and other 

concession needs for profits 

For Dctaih 'îre Call or Write 

SUPER PUFFT POPCORN LTD. 

97 Duke St., Toronto, or 

SERVICE CONFECTIONS LTD. 

243 Lilac St., Winnipeg, Man. 

REPAIRS ^H,^,"^*^"' | 

MOTIOGRAPH Equipment 

Complete line of factory parts 

Kvi^rytldng for the theatre 

We Sell and Service 

Theatre Chain, Rccflfiori, Arc Lomps, 

Sound Equipment, 16mm and 35mm Protectors 

SHARP S THEATRE SUPPLIES, LTD. 

I 

Montreal Chamber of Commerce convention 

at Lake Placid. N. Y., recently . . . Mrs. 

Clarke, accountant at United, wiU leave 

shortly for Florida where her husband, a 

golf pro, will take up residence . 

RKO 

office staff is working hard preparing for 

the Carl drive, Peppercorn commencing 

December and ending December 31 . . . 

4 

Paul Pellerin, accountant formerly with 

Montreal Poster Exchange, informed his 

many friends that he is now with Corby Distillery, 

Ltd. 

John Sperdakos, advertising department for 

United Amusement, is a new subscriber to 

BOXOFFICE . Cadieux, manager of 

the 16mm division of Arrow Films, was on a 

business trip in north and central Ontario . 

One hundred and fifty RAF personnel stationed 

at St. Hubert airfield, under command 

of Squadron Leader Stevenson, attended a 

showing of "The Cruel Sea" at the Kent 

Theatre. 

Exhibitors on Filmrow: Mr. and Mrs. L. 

Rheault, the Rheo. St. Tite. Que.; A. Allard, 

the Garden, Laval West and Romain I.ussier, 

the Capitol. St. Remi . Camillien 

Houde presented prize-winning checks to 

Jean Paul Legris, manager of the Odeon's 

Champlain Theatre, for his showmanship 

campaign on "A Queen Is Crowned." Legris 

was the province of Quebec winner in the J. 

Arthur Rank Corp. showmanship contest on 

the fihn. He also gained third prize among 

840 Canadian exhibitors in the national contest, 

and his campaign was sent to JARO 

headquarters in London to compete in the 

worldwide JARO contest. Attending the prize 

ceremony were Bob Johnson, manager of J. 

Ai'thur Rank, Quebec, and Art Bahen, supervisor 

of Odeon Theatres in Quebec. 

"The Robe" opened at the Palace here 

October 29 after a delay of a week in order to 

complete tests of the installations of stereophonic 

sound, the Miracle Mirror screen and 

the Cinemascope lenses . . . The city has 

decided to increase rentals of its films from 

the municipal library following recommendation 

by C. E. Longpre and Jules Basin. 

librarian, who said the tariffs did not cover 

cost of repairs, etc. 

Tent 28 of Toronto 

Elects New Crew 

TORONTO— Variety Tent 28 elected three 

newcomers to its crew of 11 canvasmen: 

namely, Dave Griesdorf, Lou Davidson and 

Monty Hall. Re-elected were Herb Allen, 

George Altman, Clare J. Appel, J. J. Fitzgibbons 

jr., Dan Krendel, Harry S. Mandell, 

Ernie M. Rawley and William A. Summerville 

jr. 

The new chief barker, in succession to R. W. 

Bolstad. Is sure to be Summerville who has 

served as first assistant chief barker during 

the past year. Summerville is the assistant 

managing director of Bloom & Fine Theatres. 

Retiring Chief Barker Bolstad. vice-president 

of Famous Players Canadian Corp., was 

felicitated on his sound and progressive leadership 

during his term In the chair. 

The new crew will meet soon to name the 

new officers and committees will be named. 

Arrangements were dlscu.s.sed for the next 

general gathering, a dinner-dance on Tuesday 

night. November 24. when the guest of honor 

will be Jack Kent Cooke, president of the 

Toronto BusebuU club. 

TORONTO 

T en Bishop, manager of Shea's, is cooperaU 

ing with the annual charity show of the 

Tri-Bell club, a community organization, Sunday 

night, November 15. For some years, the 

stage-screen entertainment had been held at 

the Uptown . L. Hunter, head ofa;jl 

foiu--theatre circuit, has equipped his Empire, 

in Hamilton with a panoramic screen 

first went into the Queen's there. 

P 

% 

Curly Posen featured a Halloween celebra-, iij p"^ 

tion at the Kent in North Toronto October^ * *SS'" 

31 for the juveniles. Apart from the film! I' 

J*"" 

bill, Terry the Magician appeared on the' 

stage and there were balloons, hats, candy and! 

novelties for every child ... As a stimulantl 

for "A Blueprint for Murder." Manager Vic 

Nowe of the Odeon presented a junior fashion' 

show for fall styles, young ladies of the. 

Estelle modeling studio appearing on thej 

program. 

Sam Hebscher of the Capitol in Hamilton! 

is getting everybody worked up over "Annlej 

Get Your Gun." booked for a one perform-j 

ance on the stage the night of November 17^ 

. . . Mrs. J. Delaney of the Delaney at Gan 

noque. Ont.. featured an Italian plctu 

Before Him All Rome Trembled" as a roadH 

show for one night. 

With the installation of a curved screen ati 

the Midtown. key Toronto unit of 20th Cen-j 

tury Theatres. Manager Appleby drew excellent 

business with a quick booking of 

Moon Is Blue" . return engageme 

of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at ( 

Capitol in Peterboro. Manager Len 

spread the news that a matron would be 

duty after school each day so that the pup 

could attend. 

Teletype to Crawley 

OTTAWA—Crawley Films, which has o] 

ated a film studio here for 15 years, has estal 

lished a Bell teletype intercommunication 

circuit between the head office and the 

Crawley branches at Toronto and Montreal 

Vice-President Graeme Praser said the service 

would speed up production work. Since the 

start of the company, the studio has produced 

a total of 420 films. Business has stepped 

up recently, largely because of television 

orders. 

First Equipment Show 

To Be Held in Toronto 

Toronto—.\n indu.stry equipment show, 

the first for Canada, will bo a feature of 

the wcok-lonjf industry mectinifs here, 

startinf; Monday ('23), and will provide 

added interest to thratrmen attending the 

conventions. Gerald C. Fit^Korald, manafter 

of the tradeshow, said the latest 

of firms rxhibltinK at 

list 

the event, inrludes: 

.ûdio Plrtures, Dominion Sound Fquipments, 

Supcr-Pufft I'oiK-orn, Pepsi-Cola 

of Canada, Perkins Klectrlr Co., Theatre 

Confections, Salnthill-Lrvine Co., uniforms; 

General Theatre Supply Co.. 

OnmKe-Crush, Folo-Nitr Distributors, 

Canadian Thcatrr (hair Co., Cora-Cola, 

As.so('iated Screen News and Drivr-In 

itefresliments Fquipinent Co. 

• 

iirf 

[OlI 

X^^t 

tiotiie 

llnut 

tiiiinu 

M 

'«'it, 

BOXOFFICE November 7, 196Si

. . The 

. . Harold 

. . 

I London) 

' 

. "The 

. Manager 

MARITIMES 

/Complaints have been made by theutie operalor.s 

that school boards have been renting 

school halls to iravellng shows, which 

thus offer competition for theatres without 

having to meet public safety restrictions . . . 

Empire Co., a service offering special television 

programs in the maritlmes, has been 

organized by Frank Sobey, mayor of 

Stellarton. 

N.S., and long active in film exhibition 

The site chosen for a new drive-in by 

Famous Players is five miles out of Dartmouth. 

N.S.. on what is known as the Westfall 

road. Famous Players for several years 

has been operating an airer near Moncton, 

N.B.. which wa-s acquired from Reg Pope of 

Summerside. P.E.I. . before it was completed. 

Taking lime from exhibiting films to thank 

the town heads of Yarmouth for improving 

conditions on Kirk street, was A. J Mc- 

Namara, manager of the Community Theatre 

there ... An offer to the city council of 

St. John for what had been the Millidgeville 

airport property is understood to have been 

reduced to $4,500 for 16 acres. The land cost 

the city $60,000 and has a $250,000 bond issue 

over it. Although no name has been mentioned 

as to the party making the offer, it 

is understood to be Jack Jones of St. John, 

now distributing and operating coin machines. 

ShowUme at 9 is the title of the art film 

program introduced at the Oxford Theatre, 

Halifax, by Odeon one night a week. A similar 

program has been presented once weekly 

at the Armview Theatre, Halifax, which is in 

the Walker chain . three drive-ins 

operated by Franklin & Herschorn were shuttered 

on the same date. Participating simultaneously 

in the seasonal farewelling were 

airers at St. John, Halifax and Sydney. They 

had been opened for the season about April 1. 

Curtain at 9, consisting of art films, will 

be featured each Wednesday afternoon, as 

well as at the Capitol in Yarmouth, which is 

in the Odeon chain . Gaudet, operating 

the Capitol at Summerside, P.E.I. , is 

taking the leading role in a project to erect 

and operate an arena to be used for a yearly 

fair, roller skating, ice skating witli a plant 

for supplying artificial ice, dancing, etc. The 

land is owned by the Summerside Trotting 

Ass'n, of which the Summerside film exhibitor 

Is president. The rink is to be of steel frame. 

with brick or tile front and the back and 

sides of metallic siding. 

Cecil Beesley of the projection staff of the 

Regent, St. John, does photography work as 

a hobby. Before the motorboating season 

closed on the St. John river, he cruised up 

and down the river, and shot many scenes, including 

animals and birds. Some of the shots 

he colored, and he is particularly pleased with 

one of the motorboat. 

Featured at the Yeo Theatre, Montague, 

P.E.I., is a w-eekly bank night, with $30 in 

cash as the prize ... At the St. Andrew's 

Theatre, Mount Stewart, P.E.I. , "The Miracle 

of Our Lady of Fatima" was promoted from 

the family angle. Parents were urged to bring 

their children for the two-day showing . 

For Saturdays at the Capitol, Summerside, 

double bills prevail. One of the pictures is a 

western. Recently, 8xl0-inch photos of Roy 

Rogers on his horse Trigger were given away 

for one Saturday. 

Toronto Public Views 

'Robe' at Record Pace 

Tf )lt( )NI( ) Bu^ln. s ( nnl inii.'d good to c x- 

cellent ut the fir.st run theutrcs, five of which 

were playing pictures ul advanced price*. The 

big leader was "The Robe.' In Its .lecond week 

at the Imperial. 

Manager Russ McKlbbin reported 50.000 

persons saw "The Robe " 

In Cinemascope during 

the first six day.s of Its cngaKement. the 

gro.ss topping the house record by 50 per cent. 

McKibbin commented that many patrons 

were older persons who hodn't been noted at 

the theatre for some time, for years ax a 

matter of fact. 

(Average 1% 100) 

Eglinton, Un.verMty—Th« Coplaln'i PaiadUa 

nO 

Hylon.l The 105 

Juggler Col). 2nd wk 

Imperial- The Robe 20th-Fox). 2nd 155 

wk 

locw s Mogombo MGM) 10 I 

Nortown Stalog 17 Pnrn;. ?n,1 d wk 105 

t. 

20th-Fox) 105 

Odeon A Blueprint Murder tor 

Shoo-. From Here to Eternity Col). 4ttl wk 100 

Tivoli, Cni>i!ol Mortin Luther IFD) 140 

Townc The Story o» Gilbert and Sullivan 

(London), >n,\ d t, wk 100 

Uptown— Torch Song iMGM) 110 

'Eternity' Is Excellent 

At Vancouver 

VANCOUVER—Big news here was "Prom 

Here to Eternity" at three houses at Increased 

prices, and two revivals, "Along Came Jones" 

and "Woman in the Window," doing better 

than average at the International-Cinema> 

Capitol Little Boy Lost iPara) 2nd wk Foir 

Cinema— Along Come Jones (Alliance), Women 

in the Window Alliance) Good 

Orpheuni -The Sword and the Rose (RKO) Fair 

Paradise— Ambush at Tomohowk Gop (Col) 

Jungle Manhunt (Col) Fair 

Plaza, Vogue and Hastings—From Here to 

Eternity (Col), 2nd wk Excellent 

Strand—Arrowhead (Pora) Fair 

Vogue— Folly to be Wise (IFD) Fair 

Smoke Scare at Trenton, Ont. 

TORONTO—The Century at Trenton, a 

unit of 20th Century Theatres, had a smoke 

scare Saturday afternoon but. thanks to the 

vigilance of attendant Gloria Withers, the 500 

children were marshaled outside without incident. 

OTTAWA 

Qob .Maynard of the- i-'riif.< .iiit •irxunlttd attractive 

HallowrFri dlvi-r Iki. tor the Juvenlle^ 

In the eujit end SlarliiiK at 8 30 ajn 

Saturday i3l». the ncreen fare corwl'ted of 

"Under Nevada Sklek and "War of the Space 

" 

OlanlK." At 4 p.m. the proirram wax changed 

to a .spook bill. "Son of Dracula" and "Bride 

" 

of Prunken.itein Moon ! Blue" 

rounded out lu fifth week at the Ejun, being 

replaced by ManaRcr Ernie Warren with 

"From Here to Eternity" LIkewlJie. "The 

Tale.5 of Hoffmann" .succeeded "Polly to B* 

Wise" at the Little E3Kln. 

Manacer Don W'atla of the RIdeau says. "It 

won't be long now." meaning the fInUh of the 

remodeling project In-sldc and out at this 

20th Century unit. Despite the reconstruction, 

there has been no break In .ihows . . At the 

Glebe. Hye Be.s.sln has dropped matinee shown 

except on Saturday and holidays. On other 

days, the south end theatre opens at 6 p.m. 

BUI Cullum, manager of the Regent, hax 

played more three-dimension features than 

any other Ottawa theatreman. The .series haa 

continued with the showing of "Inferno" . . . 

Work has started on the Installation of 

Cinemascope at the Famous Players' Capitol 

but no date has been set for Its Introduction 

by Manager Ray Tubman . Fred 

Leavens of the Elmdale continued hLs weekly 

amateur stage show, although he was playing 

a religious picture, "The Country Parson," for 

the whole week. 

Arthur Knapp, manager of the nearby 

Winchester, organized a one-man campaign 

for the .securing of larger street lights In the 

vicinity of the theatre. He appeared beton 

the town council which approved a new lighting 

system in the area . . . The National Film 

Board has announced the appointment to Its 

executive board of Harry L. Roper of Hallfax, 

an official of the building construction 

industry, to fill the vacancy caused by the 

elevation of A. W. Trueman to the poet of 

national film commissioner. 

J. M. RICE & CO., Ltd. 

202 Canada Bldg. 

Telephone 93-5486 

Winnipeg, Manitoba 

10911 lIGth St. 

Telephone 28502 

Edmonton. Alberta 

35mm and 16mm Motion Picture and Sound Ecjuipmenf 

EXPERT REPAIR DEPARTMENT 

Sole agents in Western Canada for Ballantyne Sound, Projectors, Drivein 

Ecpiipment and 3-D Equipment. 

Check This List and See Us Soon: 

Screens D Radio Tubes and 

D'— 

Arc Lamps 

Î^^"^"' 5."^^" 

Theatre Chairs 

n Rectifiers Carbons Q Lenses 

n Generators ^ Lamps Tickets 

Electrical Supplies Batteries 

BOXOFFICE : : November 7, 1953

. . Larry 

. . The 

. . New 

. . At 

. . Wolfe 

. . For 

| 

j 

| 

j 

VANCOUVER 

leave to look after the family of her sister, 

who was badly injured in an auto smash. 

Louis Anderson, who was pinch-hitting for 

Lorraine, is back at the candy bar . . . Betty 

Singerman. Hastings cashier, became mother 

of a baby daughter . Bearg, 52, who 

died in Toronto last week, was British Columbia 

manager of Famous Players for 13 years 

before going east in 1946 as western division 

manager of the chain. 

Dr. A. W. Trueman, federal film commissioner, 

spoke at a Hotel Vancouver meeting 

EN AVANT CANADA 

presenre 

'HOCKEY' 

Jeunes espoirs, grandes etoiles 

du sport national des Canadiens 

COUP D'OEIL 

prescntc 

lin bcrgcr, dcs moutons ct dcs chiens 

. . . Ecolc dc vacanccs pour rctardataircs 

A I'aidc dcs fcrmicrs arabcs 

Patterson, 20th-Fox manager, and Charlie 

Doctor of the Capitol were very busy getting 

ready for "The Robe" opening. 

Front-Page Coverage 

Of 'Robe' in Winnipeg 

WINNIPEG—The western Canadian premiere 

of 20th-Fox's Cinemascope production. 

"The Robe." at the Capitol exploded on the 

front pages of the Free Press and Ti'ibune, 

with news and feature stories, photographs, 

explanatory illustrations and headUnes 

heralding a new era in motion picture entertainment. 

Frank Morriss' front-page story said that 

the process "proved to be even more startling 

than advance reports indicated." He marveled 

at the color, panoramic scope of the unfolding 

of the story and eulogized on the stereophonic 

.sound. 

Coincident with the opening day quarterpage 

ads announcing the advanced admi.ssion 

in pioneering Cinemascope the new mai-vel in 

the motion picture entertaimnent field, and 

John J. Fitzgibbons, president of Famous 

Players Canadian Corp., in bringing to Winnipeg 

theatregoers this modern mli-acle of 

entertainment with the presentation of Lloyd 

C. Douglas' story. 'The Robe.' " The ad was 

signed by every member of the as.sociation. 

i;ivint- the cxliibitor's niinie and theatre. 

WINNIPEG 

on organization and program of the National 

Film Board. Trueman formerly was principal 

of Manitoba and New Brun.swick universities 

oldest stage manager in Canada. 

Chirl Wilson. Perkins Electric manager, Harry Peai-son, 80, who retired from the \I7ith the departure of Joe Harris from 

rushed new arc lamps, larger generators Orpheum, is in iU health. Johnny Shuberg. Empire-Universal comes the announcement 

from Manager Wolfe Blankstein that 

and a Selsyn 3-D interloclcing equipment via oldest Dominion exhibitor, is in North Vancouver 

hospital. Both are members of Van- 

former 20th-Fox shorts booker Jack McCann 

a trailer attached to his car to Paul 

Gauthier's new Carib Theatre at Quesnel in couver branch of Canadian Picture Pioneers. steps into the head booker position in the 

the Cariboo dLstrict, about 500 miles from 

EU offices. The offices are being completely 

Projectionists Local 348 gave a dinner dance 

here, in time for Paul's opening 3-D presentation 

on his wide screen. "The Charge at 

Black Ls visiting the Winnipeg offices and 

renovated. Western Division Supenisor Cecil 

at the Flame Supper Club November 1 . . . 

Charles Kearns of the Lux returned from a 

Feather River." It played to capacity business 

. . . Panoramascope all pui-pose screens 

New shorts booker at 20th-Fox is Ken 

conferring with Blankstein on company policy. 

Mexico trip . . . Howard Boothe. Audio manager, 

left for the east on a business trip . . . 

have been installed in the Toffey-Bird houses 

Learont. formerly with the Ealing Studios 

at Cloverdale. Port Moody and Ladner, and 

Harry Howard of Theatre Equipment Supply, 

in England . billing clerk at Warner 

is equipping the Cassidy Drive-In on Vancouver 

Island with booth equipment and 

in the Uptown and the Grand at Calgary 

Bros, is Beverly Rose . press time no successor 

was appointed to replace head booker 

operated by Jack Barron in partnership with 

speakers. The theatre is being built by Jack 

the Odeon. 

Brickman at MGM . Blankstein 

Sweeny of Westholme. 

has been named to the board of directors of 

East side patrons are shopping for cheap Raymond McDonald, head of the provincial the Shaarey Zadek synagogue. 

price amusements, and the Rex. operated by 

censor board, said information on film cuts 

.All exhibitors in greater Winnipeg received 

George Brewerton. is getting the bu.siness. 

is withheld from the public due to an agreement 

wîth distributors. Queried about the 

a herald from a booking agency specializing 

The Odeon Hastings across the street is 

in supplying "Santa Clauses" for personal 

showing "From Here to Eternity" at $1. 

percentage of films treated, he said, "I 

appearances. "This year make your Xmas 

really don't know, and I w-ouldn't want it 

Lorraine Lund, head usherette at the Capitol, 

is back on the job after a three-month 

Real Santa Claus." And to think that aQ 

party an outstanding success . . . Book the 

published if I did." In contrast, the Ontario 

chief censor gives exact figures about such 

these years we have been meeting up with 

matters in his annual report. 

"fake" Santa Clauses ... All members of the 

Sylvia Donnely is back in the boxoffice at Manitoba MPEA received a copy of a report 

the Vogue after a two-year absence . . . Jimmy prepared by J. A. Hirsch of Montreal, chairman 

of the special committee appointed by 

the Motion Pictme Industry Council of 

Canada, investigating ways and means of 

setting up a Motion Picture Institute on a I 

national basis in Canada. Exhibitors are 

asked by Ken Beach, MPEA secretary, to 

mail in a questionnaire with information and 

| 

suggestions about the proposed institute. 

.•\s an aftermath of the appearance of M. J. I 

Pinkelstein before the civic finance committee 

to alleviate the business tax stiuation, Hany 

Hurwitz, Ken Beach, Bob Hm-witz and Ben 

| 

Sommers have been delegated to act with the 

I 

solicitor of the MPEA in working out a 

satisfactory solution to the problem . . . The 

MPEA board of directors has appointed a I 

nominating committee consisting of M. Trlller, 

H. A. Bishop. W. Minuk. G. Miles, P. J. Lowe 

and D. Rotlistein . . . RKO booker Liond i 

Slavin has announced his engagement. 

Advance teaser ads for one whole week preceded 

the showing of "The Seven Deadly 

Sins" at the Valour with quotes of raves from 

seven critics and the catehUne "Nominated 

for the Einopean Academy Award" . . . 

Pictures 

enjoying populai-ity among Winnipt'i;- 

of $1.50 and the .showing of "The Robe." the 

Manitoba Motion Picture Exhibitors Ass'n inserted 

gers and held over recently were "From Here 

to Eternity" at the Odeon. "Gentlemen Prefer 

an ad of equal size .saying: 

"The entire motion picture industry is extending 

hearty congratulations to Spyros P. 

Blondes" at the Capitol. "Gilbert and Sullivan" 

at the Osborn Cinema. "Innocents in 

Pai-is" at the Valour." "Stfllag 17" at the 

Skouias, president of 20th-Fox on his vision 

Met. 

Although the weather was still nice, the I 

managements of the Circus and Lockport I 

drive-ins closed for the season several weeks f 

ago, while the biUiuice of the ozoners cashed 

in on tlie late Indian summer . many 

years wiUi MGM, chief booker Hy Brickman 

relinquished his position and will spend four 

| 

months in the souUi resting. 

fieJcnej chaque moil 

EN AVANT CANADA et COUP D'OEIL 

Rialiiation: OFFICE NATIONAL DU FILM 

Diitribution: COLUMBIA PICTURES 

Leave It With Parents 

OTTAWA—The convention of the Federated 

Women's Institutes in the Chateau 

Laurler, ntlendcd by 400 officers and members, 

voted down a resolution calling for compulsory 

removal by theatre managers of questionable 

films from performances attended 

largely by Juveniles. 

A Closing Bargain 

OTl'AWA The KniKslon Dnve-In offered I 

.something in the way of variety for the closing 

stages of the season when « bill, presented 

October 30, consisted of seven short 

subjects and five cartoons, plus news. It was 

culled "Just Something for the Children." 

1'. 

BOXOFTICE :: November 7,

I- \

iiffBiEEiEISlflSiE 

ENTER1HBHMEiiT= 

j: 

! 

11 -lii ki ^M 1 1 1 1 1 -I k 

A double bill is a bargain no theatre fan can resist. 

When you offer your customers the double feature of 

entertainment with high-(iuallty films . . . and refreshment 

with delicious Coca-Cola . . . you're sure to 

have a hit on your hands. Best of all, customer 

satisfaction makes a nice sound in your coin box. A 

wide choice of vending equipment for Coca-Cola is 

available. For the money-making details, write: The 

Coca-Cola Company, P. O. Bo.x 1734, Atlanta, Ga. 

mi

: 

Today's 

theatre-goer expects 

LIVING ROOM 

COMFORT 

He wants a chair 

he can relax in, 

just like the 

one at home 

HEYWOOD- 

WAKEFIELD 

Theatre Seuting l)it 

Menominee, Michigan 

Sales Offices 

Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, A'eu- York 

Heywood-Wakefield's famous 

TC 706 AIRFLO is as comforlabh' 

as the average patron's own 

easy chair at home. 

The reclining AIRFLO chair has the 

"rocking action" of the exclusive 

Heywood-Wakefieltl spring action 

mechanism. By virtue of this me(;hani8ni 

the AIRFLO retains the scientifically 

correct pitch of seat-to-back regardless 

of how the patron shifts his weight or position. For 

further information contact your Ileywood-Wakefieltl 

Comfort is our business . . . in theatre seating 

us in Ileytvood's famous household furniture, 

like the Old Colony platform rocker at top. 

representative or write for the fully illustrated 

Catalogue on Heywood -Wakefield Theatre Chairs. 

BOXOFHCE : 

: November 7, 1953

The World's Foremost Projection Lamp 

The world's largest indoor theatre screen — fOX, Atlanta, Ga , 

equipped with 

Ashcraft Super-Power Larrups . . . installed 

by Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co., Atlanta, Go. 

The Super-Power has o current rongc of from 80 to 

135 amperes. But high currents and expensive, special 

carbons are not necessary to brilliantly illuminate the largest 

screens. 

The Super-Power at only 105 amperes with ordinary 

mm. carbons wi I project more light than other lamps 

10 

using special carbons and currents of 135 to 180 omperes. 

This has been proved! 

The Super-Power is designed for long burning ot high 

brilliancy. 

The Si/per-Power Lamp is equipped with the Ashcraft 

AirCooled Dichroic Heat Deflector tor maximum film protection. 

Only the SUPER-POWER has the Air-Cooled Heat 

Deflector. This exclusive Ashcraft feoture removes 30 'i 

of the heot from the light beam. 

with the Super- 

Light 

Power— 

distribution—98 '"r 

that is the sides of 

is 

the 

possible 

picture are just as bright 

as the center. With only the Super-Power is this passible. 

Distributed U.S.A.: Independent Tlicotro Supply Dcolsrs 

Foreign: WESTREX CORP. 

Conado: DOMINION SOUND EQUIPMENTS, LTD. 

SUPER POWJR 

C. S. ASHCRAFT MANUFACTURING CO., INC. 36-32 Thirty-Eighth Street, Long Island City, 1, N. Y. 

Tho MODEHN THEATRE SECTION

SOME STRAIGHT TALK 

De screen 

PROJECTION "1 

"How much more light do I need for my new movie system?" That's the question 

everyone's asking today. Now is the time for specific, factual data on light 

requirements for 3-D and expanded screen projection. 

With this need in mind, research and development engineers of National 

Carbon Company have collaborated on a treatise on screen light for the new 

motion-picture systems. 

HERE'S WHAT THIS FREE BOOKLET CONTAINS: 

Range of screen sizes suitable to each of 

the new "National" lighting carbons listed 

below for 3-D and wide-screen projection. 

Answers, based on original research, to many of 

the projectionist's problems, presented in a form 

he can easily apply to his own physical set-up. 

Information anyone can use for a better understanding of the lighting 

problems peculiar to exciting new stereoscopic and wide screen systems. 

"NATIONAL" CARBONS FOR NEW PROJECTION SYSTEMS

f^ 

^^ 

The New 

The New 

HEAVY-DUTY 

SELENIUM PLATE 

RECTIFIERS 

CONTIN 

OPEÂ 

CONTINUOUS-DUTY 

75-85 AMPERE, 

3-PHASE, 

220-VOlT 

TUBE-TYPE 

RECTIFIER 

All four feature automatic, fan air 

cooling. 

Transformer taps provide adjustment 

to compensate for supply voltage 

variations through a range of 10% 

above or 10% below the rated A.C. 

input voltage throughout the output 

1; 

rating range. 

\^^ 

Vor jurther lietuih on the subjtcl of arc 

lighting as it applies to the projection 

of three-dimensional pictures by any 

system, at/dress Department 3-1). 

• ••••••••••5^ 

THE STRONG ELECTRIC CORP. *^ 

11 CITY PARK AVE. lOltDO 2, OHIO * 

Pleose send free literature on Strong Art 

Lamps and Rectifiers for 3-D projection. 

^ 

No.. . 

^ 

Thdoli 

"^ 

Th» MODERN THEATRE SECTION

NOVEMBER 7, 1953 

Mum 

n t n 

Patrons Appreciate Restroom "Extras" C. f. Craigie jr. 

Looked at Your Restroom Lately? 

Theatre Reduces Maintenance Expense by Installing Electric 

Hand Dryers 

Shopping Center Solves the Parking Problem for Theatre 

Patrons 

'^"" Adams 

New Lamp Projects Increased Light C. 5. Ashcraft 

Two Ways to Solve Problem Created by Sign Bon 

Theatre Mointenance Questions ond Answers 

Dave Smalley 

Three Concessions Speed Patron Service /. L. Thatcher 

Concession Business Vaults as Patrons Whet Appetites 

at Drive-In Square Dance 

Take Care to Avoid "Heart" Trouble 

Polaroid Launches Service Program to Raise Level of 3-D 

Projection 

Wesley Trout 

"1954 Brightest Year in Drive-In History" Claude Ezell 

Drive-In Screen Requires Special Care Ben Poblocki 

DEPARTMENTS: 

Refreshment Service 23 Advertising Index 36 

Projection and Sound 28 New Equipment 

Drive-ln Theatres 32 and Developments 40 

Readers' Service Bureau 35 Literature 43 

ON THE COVER 

About People and Product 44 

One wall of the handsome ladies' lounge in the Savannah fGaJ 

Theatre is formed of curved structural glass, specially molded for 

this purpose. The corrugated glass wall may be seen reflected in 

the mirrors above the dressing table. Soft illumination from the 

ceili7ig cove is supplemented by spots over the vanity. 

fion of 

HlUCH remodeling cmd redeoora 

theatres has attended the introduction 

of new types of film fare, and 

wise exhibitors have included resfrooms 

in this general dressing up. No matter 

how intrigued patrons may be by flashing 

exteriors, handsome lobbies, beautiful 

auditoriums and the exciting new 

pictures, they will be distressed if they 

visit ill-kept and poorly-equipped restrooms. 

The condition of the theatre restroom 

indicates to patrons what exhibitors 

really think of their comfort— the other 

embellishments of the house are designed 

to get them in. It follows that 

a bad reaction may even affect future 

boxoffice. 

It has been pointed out, but not always 

acted upon, that outworn plumbing 

fixtures com reach the point of no 

return. Their upkeep can exceed, in a 

few years, the cost of a new installation. 

Economy-conscious exhibitors 

should carefully examine present fixtures 

and study repair bills which have 

been incurred with this angle in mind. 

Then there is the problem of maintenance. 

The finest-equipped and most 

attractively planned restroom cmd 

lounge loses its public relations value 

if not kept clean and neat. Maintenance 

is a daily, and in heavy traffic 

situations a more frequent, operation 

The cost of such maintenance can be 

materially reduced by the use of tile 

or similar materials for both floors cmd 

walls, and by installation of wall-hung 

fixtures which simplify cleaning. Patrons 

can be encouraged to cooperate 

in keeping the restroom clean, if adequate 

waste receptacles are provided. 

Articles in this issue point out the 

cmienities of good theatre restrooms 

and point up the niceties of proper 

maintenance. 

I. L. THATCHER, Monoging Editor 

825 Von Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Eastern Representative: A J. Stocker 9 Rockefeller 

Plaza, New York 20, N. Y.; Central Representatives: Ewing Hutchison and E. t. _T.ecK, jp 

Eost Wocker Drive, Chicago 1, III.; Western Representative: Bob 

Lofoyette Pork Piece, Los Anflelss 5, Calif.

ÂRIIAIlUn 

ANU 3ArCIT 

PATRONS APPRECIATE RESTROOM EXTRAS' 

Pius Values Are Powder Bars, Mirrors and Colorful Sanitary Equipment < 

Enhanced by Well-Designed Lighting and Good Ventilation 

An attractive powder bar is always appreciated by women patrons of the theatre. This particularly 

handsome powder room the Randolph Theatre, Philadelphia, Pa. Smart touches are the full-length 

is in 

mirrors, leather-upholstered walls and the well-styled upholstered modern furniture. 

by C. F. CRAIGIE JR.* 

5 MART THEATRE MANAGERS, With a 

sharp eye on the boxoffice, are passing up 

no opportunities these days to build attendance 

in the face of competition from 

television and other conflicting interests, 

both In and outside the home. 

Small wonder, then, that their attention 

is being focussed more and more on the 

condition of theatre washrooms. In many 

theatres built during the boom days of the 

20s, the condition of washrooms leaves 

much to be desired, to say the least. 

factor in stimulating repeat business. 

Certain it is that the average movie patron, 

accustomed to a sparkling-clean bathroom 

in hLs own home, is not going to 

fing Indufttne* Bureau 

relish using below-par washroom faciUties 

of a theatre which has failed to keep up 

to date in its sanitary accommodations. 

Next time he decides to attend a film, 

likely as not he'll patronize a competitor's 

house where the washrooms have been modernized 

to give them new eye-appeal and 

convenience for the user. 

MANY NEED TO MODERNIZE 

Many theatres throughout the country 

have washrooms simply crying out for modernization 

right now. 

After all, the law of diminishing returns 

catches up with old and out-dated plumbing 

AN IMPORTANT FACTOR 

systems, just as it does with any other 

While clean and modern washroom facilities 

mechanical equipment. Maintenance costs 

continue to ri.se over a period until the 

are not the principal drawing card 

of a theatre— it still takes good films to fill point is reached where more money has 

the house—neverthele.ss. it cannot be denied 

been spent to keep an old system function- 

that up-to-date and pleasant-to-use ing than would have been required to re- 

sanitary faculties constitute an important place it in the beginning with new sanitary 

equipment. 

It takes more than an occasional fresh 

coat of paint and replacement of a fixture 

now and then to correct theatre washroom 

inadequacies. Nothing will do, short of removing 

the old to make way for the new. 

Often traffic coneestlon in theatre washrooms, 

characterized by queues of waiting 

patrons extending into the lobby, results 

less from insufficient space than from a 

poor arrangement of fixtures- 

In modernizing, if space does not permit 

enlargement of a washroom to accommodate 

additional new fixtures, frequently 

traffic can be speeded up merely by rearranging 

fixtures to better advantage. 

ARRANGE TO ADVANTAGE 

Furthermore, not infrequently this alone 

will permit extra fixture installations without 

enlarging the existing space by so much 

as a square foot. In any event, whatever 

modernization plans may call for. the space 

available is of less importance that what is 

done with it. 

The first step in modernizing theatre 

washrooms is to call in a master plumber 

for consultation and advice on planning 

and arrangement. From his broad experience 

with similar modernizing projects, he 

will be able to recommsnd the most satisfactory 

installation for the space available. 

What do properly modernized, theatre 

washrooms look like? Let's start with the 

women's washroom and its fixtures. Good 

arrangement calls for segregation of fixtures, 

so that water closets are grouped 

together in one section of the washroom. 

lavatories in another. 

The service sink and cleaning equipment 

should be hidden from view in a stall of its 

own at the end of a row of water closet enclosures, 

or in a separate closet. 

WALL-HUNG FIXTURES 

For ease in cleaning, wall-hung fixture.^— 

water closets and lavatories— are the choice 

for modern theatre washrooms. Even the 

stall enclosures of water closets can be 

wall-hung, which greatly simplifies and 

speeds up the job of floor mopping. 

Water closets for theatre washrooms 

should be of the latest type featuring forceful 

flushing action and a large water area. 

Good water closets are a sound investment 

because they give long years of service with 

a minimum of maintenance. 

Seats for water closets should be indestructible, 

impervious and non-inflammable. 

Lids are not required. Seats of the 

open front type, or of the type open both 

at front and back, minimize personal contact 

and surface soiling. 

Seats made of molded hard rubber or 

molded plastics, flat where they rest on tlucloset 

bowl and minus joints or seams iw 

sanitary, strong, resilient, and will noi 

fracture, crack or chip They come m 

white or black, are easy to clean and la.-.! 

Indefinitely with ordinary housekeeping 

Improvements in plastics have mndi' ii 

\W' 

Jf< 

»i 

suit 

The MODERN THEATRE SECTION

: November 

possible to produce an all-white closet seat 

which will not yellow through age. White 

seats brighten and expand the area and 

provide a feeling of sanitation. 

Well-equipped water closets in the 

women's washroom will include a dispenser 

for sanitary napkins and a closed container 

for disposing of used napkins. Dispensers 

of toilet tissue should be of the wallmounted 

type so that they can be repUcsd 

from time to time as new models 

and styles are introduced. 

A shelf Inside the water closet for holding 

patM and packages will be appreciated by 

women theatre patrons. The best type is 

om which is hinged and lowered over the 

stall door to provide a lock. In this position. 

It also assures that the absent-minded 

patron will not walk out of the stall without 

her purse and belongings. 

NO NEED TO TOUCH 

Proving Increasingly popular for public 

washrooms are the new women's urinals. 

Women like these fixtures because they are 

so sanitary. They do not have to be 

touched when they are being used, and 

have no seat. Furthermore, they are easy 

to keep clean. 

Modern lavatories are attractive In design. 

They are easy to clean and maintain 

and retain their sparkling beauty and good 

looks through long years of heavy use. 

Chromium-plated brass combination faucets 

and pop-up drains with which they 

are fitted further enhance their smart appearance. 

Choice of the type of faucet 

which aerates the water as it flows into 

the lavatory bowl will prevent spattering 

and splashing of water onto the floor- 

Women like color, and colored fixtures. 

more than anything else, provide waahrooms 

with a feeling of luxury. Water 

closets and lavatories for public washrooms 

are available in soft pastel shades of 

green, 

pink, yellow, suntan and Ivory. 

blue, 

Colored fixtures lend themselves to an 

endless variety of Interesting decorative 

treatments, depending upon the choice of 

harmonizing colors for walls and floors. 

Men have a strong preference for plain 

colors in fixtures. They like tan or Ivory, 

as a rule, or even white. 

FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS EMPHASIZED 

With men's washrooms, the functional 

aspects outweigh the decorative aspects In 

importance. Wall-hung urinals, water 

closets and closet partitions are a sound 

choice, from the standpoint of good sanitary 

maintenance. 

Water closet seats with self-rising spring 

hinges have proved a wise Investment because 

they convert the closets Into supplementary 

urinals when demand for facilities 

in the men's washroom Is unusually 

heavy, as at intermission time. 

Women theatre patrons will appreciate 

a well-lighted powder bar with plenty of 

mirrors for primping and applying make-up 

before leaving the washroom. If the powder 

bar is to be in the main washroom area, it 

should be separate and apart from the 

fixtures. Mirrors above lavoratories are 

to be avoided, since this encourages lingering 

and slows up traffic through the room. 

The ideal arrangement for the women's 

washroom, space permitting, is to place the 

fixtures in one room and the powder bar In 

another. Each room would have Its own 

separate entrance from a common lounge. 

Such an arrangement permits maximum 

use of the facilities and effectively prevenu 

consestlon when traffic is heavy between 

the showi. 

A well-equipped powder bar will have a 

long shelf ledge (or placing cosmetics, and 

plenty of comfortable chairs. Fluoreacenl 

tubes are a good choice for llghtlnc the 

mirrors A number of receptacles should be 

provided for disposing of facial tissues. 

If the floor of the old washroom nee

I 

PATRONS APPRECIATE EXTRAS' 

Continued from preceding page 

Overhead lighting in washrooms should 

be bright without glaring. The modem 

way Is to light washrooms with fixtures recessed 

in the ceiling or in a molding. This 

at once makes for better lighting, and better 

appearance. 

Ventilation is of the utmost importance 

m a public washroom. A constantly changing 

supply of fresh air should be provided 

by the ventilating system. A few outside 

windows, if the location of washrooms permits 

them, are a valued aid in obtaining 

adequate ventilation. 

It is a good idea to air condition theatre 

washrooms whenever possible, providing 

The janitor will find no difficulty whatsoever in 

cleaning around these water closet enclosures, having 

plenty of room to get under and back of doors 

with a wet mop. Water closets, hidden from view, 

are wall-hung for further ease in maintaining 

proper sanitary conditions. Note the excellent 

lighting above the lavatories. 

cooling in the summer as well as plenty of 

warmth in the winter. If the theatre is 

boiler-heated with a hot water system, 

recessed radiators, convectors or baseboards 

are equaUy good choices for distributing 

heat to washrooms- Such units save space 

and are good looking, besides, from a decorative 

standpoint. 

Before leaving the subject of structural 

aspects of good wa.shroom design, it should 

be pointed out that sound-absorbing ceilings 

will make the rooms quiet and relaxing, 

a pleasure to use. 

It is the "extras" provided in theatre 

washrooms which tell the patron at a 

glance that his patronage and goodwill are 

valued by the management. Tho.se who use 

theatre washrooms expect to find plenty of 

soap, towels of either the dispensable paper 

variety or cloth on a continuous roller, and 

hot water In abundance. Hot water supplied 

to washroom lavatories .should be 

thermostatically controlled so that there is 

no chance of Its coming from the faucets 

hot enough to burn the hands. 

A hamper with .iwlnging lid should be 

Looked at Your Restrooms Lately? 

-T 

Daily Maintenance and Attention to Small Details 

\[\^\ 

Will Build Patron Cooperation and Goodwill {le 

Theatre restrooms should be kept scrupulously 

clean and neat—not just part 

of the time but all the time. They are 

always open to the patrons, and if dirty 

and ill-kept they will offend and incur 

disfavor for the theatre. 

The example set by utter cleanliness is 

important to the morale and habits of 

patrons. Gaining respect for the house 

upon visiting a clean restroom the patron 

leaves it as neat as he found it. 

Each section of the restroom requiies 

care and attention, from mopping the floor 

to controlling bad odors and supplying 

soap, towels or dryers, tissues and waste 

receptacles. 

Investigate the many good specialized 

building maintenance materials and equipment 

which will make it ea.sy for personnel 

to accomplish every cleaning chore every 

day by the best method. 

Many theatre restrooms have tiled floors 

and walls making it easy to hose them 

down. Where only the floor is tiled or 

covered with other wâterproof material, it 

must be cleaned and mopped at least once 

provided for disposing of used paper towels. 

This is better than an open container, because 

it requires something more than a 

casual toss and the likelihood of a miss, 

which will litter the floor with waste paper. 

Of course, the problem of towels and 

their disposal can be completely eliminated 

simply by installing the forced air type of 

hand dryer. 

Some theatre managers will want to provide 

the powder bar In the women's washroom 

with handmirrors. They can be 

chained to the bar top to prevent their 

being removed. A full-length mirror here 

and there will be appreciated by women, 

who like to give themselves a final Inspection 

before re-entering the theatre lobby. 

Lounges outside theatre washrooms should 

Attention must be given daily to restroom 

walls and toilet partitions, to re-1 

move the smudges, grime, etc. that accumulate 

on them. 

Keep wash basins clean and shining for 

patrons will be disgusted with lavatories 

which have dirt, grease or rust stains or 

"bath tub rings." 

Maintenance of toilets and urinals is an 

absolute must in theatre washrooms. In 

addition to the use of brushes, cloths and 

specific cleansers and deodorizers, the janitor 

will find a small hand mirror an aid| 

in inspecting inaccessible areas. Toilets 

and urinals should be cleaned at least oncej 

or twice daily, and care should be taken toi 

remove stains. Urinal drain pipes should; 

be cleaned once or twice a week with a 

wire brush or toilet brush. 

Remember to make the most of the' 

mirrors installed in theatre restrooms and' 

lounges. Keep them sparkling and clean 

by daily care. 

Where paper towels are M.sed. install the 

cabinets near the lavatories so that patrons 

will not have to walk across the floor with 

each day. If traffic is heavy, the operation 

must be repeated throughout the day. A hands dripping to obtain a towel. Receptacles 

good germicide and deodorant should be 

added to the last water. 

for used towels should be placed 

in a convenient and prominent location. 

be equipped with plenty of easy chairs and 

sofas, lamp tables and unbreakable a.shtrays 

for patrons who smoke. 

These are a few suggestions for RivinK 

theatre washrooms the appeal and usefulness 

they should have as a valued aid In 

bringing patrons back to the boxofflce. 

Modernization does not have to be accomplished 

all at once to be effective. 11 

can be a progressive thing, to avoid any 

undue strain on the operating budget. The' 

point to remember Is that luxury is of 

secondary Importance to cleanliness and 

efficiency. If patrons find a theatrc's| 

washrooms measuring up to these twin 

standards. It is a safe bet that they will not! 

be disappointed and think about transfer-; 

ring their patronage elsewhere. 

k 

Th« MODERN THEATRE SECTION 

,

! 

INDOOR THEATRES: 

Here Is The 

Wide-Arc 

Screen Frame 

You've Been Waiting For! 

Advantages OVER all 

others 

Priced UNDER all others 

•^ For Any Aspect 

Ratio 

•^ Quick, Easy to 

ASSEMBLE 

No skilled labor, 

just 

a wrench. 

Anyone can do it. 

^ Quick, Easy to Set CURVE 

You obtain 

the exact curvature set 

ting at all points across the entire 

ore, fast. Any setting is held pernio 

nently, but con be speedily oltered 

to any future requirement. Also 

easily sets back to flat. 

^ 

Quick, Easy to Set TILT 

Adjust-A-Fromc stands solidly on 

floor regardless of till, but can be 

changed ot will The frame thol 

holds the screen is seporotc from 

the support 

framework 

•^ Rugged, Rigid yet LIGHT 

WEIGHT 

Fabricated entirely of rust-proofed 

sturdy steel—with casters or with 

out. Fly it if you wish, 

gincering ond workmofllh 

-^ Better Protection for 

ANY SCREEN 

Screen material is in fri 

sion, not touching ony i 

the frame 

Lacing hooks 

to ossure even all arour 

with no stress or wrinklini 

Superb 

ip 

ire 

d 

en 

through 

spaced 

tension 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Order from Your Favorite Theatre Supply Dealer 

DRIVE-INS: 

Permanently Smooth, Saves Its Cost 

The Only Practical Seamless, Jointless 

OUTDOOR 

SCREEN SURFACING 

HO MORI/ 

AHMO^mG 

UOlMTlUHtSi 

l\rsi-^.merican 

Sl^MltSSQndJO\HTliSS 

QmSmivcE 

scRiiN mam 

At last, pictures os flawless os on indoor 

screens PLUS big savings on upkeep. Why lUnUI C|AA(\TUl 

bother with old-fashioned joint-caulking and invll SmUUmi 

frequent painting? Why not give your patrons 

the best picture your projection equipment 

con deliver, free from annoying cross-lines 

and streaks which ore even more obvious 

under the stronger light of 3-D films? 

OTHER 

SPEAKERS— In-Car and Stationary 

UNDERGROUND WIRE 

REPLACEMENT CORDS tor Spcokers 

1 For EXISTING Screen Towers— End forever the rust stoins, patching, joint 

taping and frequent repointing necessary with sectional materials The 

size of your screen is all your dealer has to know for quotation. 

2. For t-IEW Drivc-lns—Get the price on First-American's better-engineered 

Steel Screen Towers complete with the exclusive feature of seamless surfac 

ing. Full range of sizes, any aspect ratio 

FIRST-AMERICAN PRODUCTS INCLUDE: 

SCREEN TOWERS, Prefabricated Steel SCREEN PAINTS, Indoor and Outdoor 

CHANGEABLE MARQUEE LETTERS PORTHOLE ond LAMPHOUSE BLOWERS 

DIRECTIONAL SIGNS and LIGHTS SAFETY LADDERS DRAG BROOMS 

and a Great Line of Refreshment Counters and Equipment! 

Others in the Making! Designed By Theatremen For Theatremen 

îrsi•American ptMiA,

I 

. 

SANITATION AND SAFETY 

Theatre Reduces Maintenance Expense 

By Installing Electric Hand Dryers 

Automatic Units Prevent Litter of Towels on Floors 

Washroom operations usually are among 

the most vexing problems faced by theatre 

owners. Checking their operating records, 

most exhibitors constantly find that washroom 

expenses are heavy. 

While a handful of operators, faced with 

increasing washroom expenses and apparently 

overwhelming vandalism problems, 

have resorted to closing their washrooms 

completely, dwindling activity at the boxoffice 

has shown that this is not the 

answer. 

A PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOL 

Washroom facilities must be provided. 

Not only are they a necessity, but by proper 

operation they can serve as an important 

Film tan at the Sunset Dnve-ln, Skokie, III., uses 

one of the National electric hand dryers. Theatre 

management hai found they keep washroomi neat 

and afford appreciable savingi in operating costs. 

public relations tool for the theatre owner. 

Clean and adequate washrooms help bring 

patrons back to the theatre. 

Many owners are finding that installation 

of automatic electric hand dryers cuts 

down washroom costs and keep washrooms 

clean. Because they eliminate paper towels, 

electric hand dryers afford special benefits 

to drive-in operators who.sc plumbing operates 

through septic tanks. Many patrons 

discard used towels by throwing them into 

commodes. The resulting clogged drains 

pose especially serious problems when septic 

tanks are the plumbing outlet. 

Jerome Marks, one of the owners of the 

Double Drlve-In Theatre. Chicago, and the 

Sunset Drlve-ln, Skokie, 111., said Installation 

of dryers in hLs theatres four years ago 

has resulted "In appreciable savings and 

our washrooms have been much neuter 

since the dryers have been in use." 

Six National electric hand dryers, manufactured 

by the National Dryer Corp.. were 

installed in one of the theatres and three 

in the other. 

Marks pointed out that the dryers have 

been installed since the theatres have been 

operating "so I have no definite figures on 

what they are saving us. However, I know 

it is appreciable because of my experience 

in purchasing towel supplies for theatres I 

formerly operated." 

He said the outstanding benefit as far 

as he was concerned was the fact that installation 

of the dryers has cut down janitorial 

expenses because the washroom floors 

are never littered with towels. 

MUST CHECK TOWEL SUPPLY 

"When you use towels," Marks added, 

"someone must check the washrooms a 

dozen times a day to make sure the floors 

are clean and that there is an adequate 

supply of towels in the cabinets." 

Marks said his electricians have followed 

the directions of the manufacturer and 

have cleaned the units every six months. 

This takes about ten minutes per dryer. No 

other maintenance work has been necessary, 

he said. 

Richard H. Murray, research engineer for 

National Dryer Corp., points out that any 

device of this type must be designed to be 

as vandal proof as possible. The National 

Dryer is fixed to the wall by hidden mounting 

bolts. It can be removed only after the 

cast iron cover is removed. The cover is 

attached to the wall mounting plate by 

alien-head bolts. A special alien wrench is 

provided with each unit. 

New Long-Burning Carbons 

Designed for More Light 

Two new carbons, designed to provide 

more light and longer burning for use with 

3-D and wide-screen processes, were unveiled 

by Lorraine Carbons, Inc., at the 

TOA-TESMA-TEDA tradeshow in Chicago 

this month. 

The new Lorraine Orlux 10mm, 140 amp. 

special grade carbon and the llmmx20- 

inch, 120 amps.. Grade 552-09 were introduced. 

All Lorraine carbons are known as 

Orlux carbons and are able to give the full 

running of a 5,000-foot reel at near maximum 

recommended amperages. 

Pull-hour burning and adequate light are 

available with the 7mm, 8mm and 9mm 

copper coated carbons from 40 85 amps. In 

the nonrolntlng reflector-type lamps; and 

9mm, 10mm and 11mm high-intensity car- 

bons for 65 '120 amps, in the rotating re- ' 

flector-t>T3e lamps, including the new special 

grade Orlux 10mm 120/140 amp. car- 

' 

bons. 

The 13.6mm high-intensity and Super-Hi 

Lorraine Arlux carbons, 125/180 amps., in 

the condenser-tjTJe lamps, also were shown 

at the show, including the new 175/180 

amp. air-cushion cored, super-high intensity 

carbons. This carbon has a patented, 

serrated iiuier shell upon which a special 

high intensity core rests. With this serrated 

inner shell, it is possible for the air 

to surround the core evenly, thus creating 

a cooler, more even-burning carbon. The 

air cushioning of the core tends to give in- 

creased steadiness and economy and elim- 

| 

inates splitting and unevermess of crater 

because of high intensity thermal shocks, 

when these high amp. carbons are first 

struck for an arc. 

Decorative Holiday Wordplates 

For Theatre Readerboards 

Holiday greetings for the theatre marquee 

are being provided in new wordplates 

offered by Triple S Supply Corp. The wordplate 

carries the greeting, "Merry Christmas," 

in script in a choice of colors, in 

addition to a novelty silhouette Christmas 

tree. Caps of the script words are 15 inches 

high and the words measure 29 and 45 '2 

WiSoH 

Above

^^ THE FIRST MOTION PICTURE IN 

^ 

Cinemascope 

NATIONAL EXCEUTE-135' 

^ pROJitTIW"

Located strategically in the new Poplar- 

Highland Plaza shopping center in suburban 

Memphis, Tenn., the Plaza Theatre 

offers patrons many plus values, not the 

least of which is free parking space for 

1,500 cars for the 1 ,400 -seat house. The 

theatre enjoys a drawing radius from an 

area populated by 130,000, and ties in with 

the other businesses located in the sixsquare 

block area of the center by g;v;ng 

special programs and fashion shows. Arrow 

in air photo below indicates theatre 

location. Note how cars park in front, 

back and between buildings in the center. 

Shopping Center Solves 

The Parking Problem 

For Theatre Patrons 

Entire Parking Area for 1,500 Cars Is Available Free of Charge at Memphis Center 

by 

NULL ADAMS 

I HE Plaza, Memphis' newest, largest 

and most eleKant suburban theatre, has 

the answer to every motorist's dream 

more parking spaces than seats for patrons. 

Movie fans can always park at the Plaza 

for there are 1,500 parking .spaces for the 

l,400-.seat hou.se. However, they get more 

—much more—than a good movie and a 

parking place at this sparkling, new theatre 

which recently was finished at a cost of 

$350,000. 

"BUILT IN" BONUSES 

There are "built-in" bonuses for moviegoers. 

First of all, the entire parking area 

of the new Poplar-Highland Plaza—of 

which the new theatre is a part— is available 

free. 

Second, the Plaza l.s one of the loveliest 

theatres in the country—roomy, beautiful 

and comfortable. 

Third, the Plaza has modern .seats, 

designed for solid comfort and with plenty 

of room for each viewer. 

WIDEST SCREEN IN MEMPHIS 

Fourth, when the wide-screen rage hit 

Memphis in the summer of 1953. Plaza was 

among the first theatres to go for this 

patron-pleasing improvement. The Plaza 

•screen is 40x20' 2 feet. The new screen has 

a ratio of 1.95 to 1. It was the widest 

.screen in u.se in Memphis at tlie time it was 

installed in June 1953. 

It was designed by Owner Augustine 

Clanclolo and Emmet Morrissey, projectionist 

at Plaza. 

Fifth, the Plaza has a cry room for parents 

with small children. This room has 

cribs and Individual sheets for the children. 

Behind soundproof glass windows. 

parents can see the movie with assurance 

that their children are safely with them 

and, no matter how much they cry. aren't 

disturbing the pleasure of others. 

Parents of small children do not need 

baby sitters because they bring the youngsters 

along and sec the movie from this cry 

room. Mothers can put their babies in one 

of the cribs for a nap as they enjoy the 

show. There is no extra charge for usinc 

the cry room 

FEATURES A PARTY ROOM 

Sixth, on the opposite side of the mezzanine 

floor from the cry room is a ultrnmodern 

party room. This room can be engaged 

for children's parties, social club entertainments 

and similar events. 

A clubroom with table and chairs for the 

serving of food ad.tolns this gla-ssed-in prl- 

Tho MODERN THEATRE SECTION

: November 

vate section of Uie balcony fiom which thtpicture 

may be viewed. The viewing room 

Is soundproofed so that ajiy noise made 

by the party members cannot disturb the 

other patrons. This room provides complete 

privacy. 

Patrons may take advantage of the facilities 

of the Plaza party room by reservation 

only. The charge Is $10. The room 

accommodates 27 persons and the $10 includes 

theatre admission. Thus, if 27 patrons 

attend the show, paying the $10 fee. 

It costs less than 40 cents each. 

EXTRA-BRIGHT IMAGE 

Seventh, the Plaza uses giant. Century 

2-CC projectors, of an extra powerful type 

usually found only In drlve-lns. This gives 

the clearest and brightest Image possible 

The projection room. 35x22 feet, also has 

a projector adapted to show full-size images 

of 16mm films of local attraction.s 

I such as the famous Germantown horse 

show 

I in black and white, as well as color. 

Eighth, the men's lounge and ladies' 

elaborate powder room just off the lobby 

are elaborate in design and decoration and 

contain a number of unusual refinements. 

Ninth, the Plaza is completely air conditioned 

with a 120-ton refrigeration system 

cooling the house. 

Tenth, refreshments service, located in 

the entrance of the lobby, features a display 

with a carousel-effect. A wide selection 

of candies, peanuts, popcorn, beverages and 

other goodies aje featured. 

HELD TWO OPENINGS 

The Plaza opened ahead of the entire 

shopping center, which is located at Poplar 

and Highland, in the heart of an A-1 residential 

area. Then it enjoyed a second 

formal opening when the entire Poplar- 

Highland Plaza section was opened. One 

of the style stores staged a fashion show 

at the Plaza in connection with the ceremony, 

attended by 1,352 women. 

This beautHul lobby gives potrom a warm welcome as they enter the Ploio Theatre The reillul greert 

tones of the thick carpeting are repeated in (he decoration ol the gracelully curving walli Note the 

ioltly diffused overhead illumination Manager Robert W Lenity ii shown talking with Mist Motgaitt 

Cionciolo at the left Two young patrons are at the right. 

Poplar-Highland Plaza Corp. built and 

owns the Plaza Theatre. It is operated 

under lease by Mr. and Mrs. Augustine 

Cianciolo, who also own and operate the 

Luciann and Rosemary theatres in Memphis, 

and it is managed by Robert W. 

Lessley, who formerly was manager of the 

Strand in Memphis. 

GROUND AREA IS LARGE 

the curving walls. Tall mirrors are set in 

the walls to blend with the other graceful 

Size of the ground area is six square 

blocks, which contain the theatre and the 

group of stores that make up the plaza. 

The Plazas drawing radius has a popula- 

surroundings. 

The entrance, lobby and boxofflce are 

terrazzo and marble buff tUe. 

tion of 130,000. It's picture policy is 

suburban run with some first runs, and 

other programs include fashion shows during 

the day when the theatre is not In 

operation. 

The beautiful front and exterior of the 

theatre is of Roman travertine marble and 

buff tile. The main sign and marquee 

features neon lighting with the same tile 

and marble used In its construction. 

The floors of the spacious and modernistic 

lobby and foyer are covered with thick 

carpets In three shades of green. These 

restful green tones are artfully adapted to 

BLUE NEON IN COVES 

Interior of the auditorium follows the 

lobby in decorations, walls and carpets. 

Blue neon lighU are set In coves. Flooring 

is 

terrazzo. 

Cianciolo grew up In the theatre business 

His father, Mike Cianciolo, a veteran theatre 

man, let him start working around the 

theatre when he was 12. After he graduated 

from Christian Brothers college, Cianciolo 

took over full management of the Rosemary 

in 1939. He acquired the Luciann in 

1 :i4 1 and now the Plaza. 

CREDITS: Air conditioning: Chrysler • Archifett 

ond dccorotor: Everett D Woods • Arc lamps: 

Strong • Corpcting: Mohowk • Chongeable letters: 

Adier • Curtain control ond stage equipment: 

Automatic Devices • Draperies: Hubert Mitchell • 

Generators: Motiogroph • Plumbing: Stondord 

Sanitary • Projection and sound: Century • Rewinds: 

Goldberg • Seating: Southern Desk 

The soundproofed cryroom at the Plaza has comfortable seats for mother and older children, j ...i . 

where the babies may take a nap. An unusual and appreciated service is the provision of papet to»c 

to pioyide a change of bedding. Note towel roll beneath the sign near the window 

; 

Toledo Ticket Company Expends 

Toledo Ticket Co. has purchased the 

ticket manufacturing equipment of the 

Robert Elliott Press, according to Lowell 

G. Northrup. general manager of the 

Toledo firm. The equipment, consisting of 

11 rotary press and a tag and reserved seat 

pirs.s. has been Installed in the Toledo 

1.1 lit and will more than double the former 

ipaclty of the firm on special types of 

tickets and tag work. 

BOXOFnCE : 

7, 1953 

15

New Lamp Projects Increased Light 

The 'Super-Power' 

Developed by Ashcraft to Meet Need 

Emphasized by Introduction of New Film Processes 

by C. S. ASHCRAFT 

^? PINIONS MAY DIFFER regarding the 

relative merits of various aspect ratios and 

the various methods of wide-screen picture 

presentation and third-dimension, but it 

is the unanimous opinion that all of these 

require the maximum amount of light 

which can be projected. 

Anticipating the necessity for higher 

power projection lamps, the C. S. Ashcraft 

Manufacturing Co. several months ago 

placed on the market and has installed in 

many of the world's largest and finest theatres 

the new Ashcraft 'Super-Power" projection 

lamp, which projects more light per 

ampere than any other type of arc. 

WIDE ARC CURRENT RANGE 

AMPS. 

The "Super-Power" has an arc current 

range of from 80 to 135 amperes. This wide 

range is accomplished without any gear or 

motor change whatever. The complete current 

range of carbon capacities of both the 

regular 10mm '"National H. I." and the 

like) projector carbons, and the new lOmm 

special carbon, such as the "National Hi- 

Tex," can be used. 

Particular attention has been given to the 

problem of heat— both that created by the 

arc at high currents, and that of the projected 

beam centered on the aperture. 

Heat and carbon ash created in the lamphouse 

is completely controlled by a new 

system of forced lamphouse ventilation 

consisting of large screened vents in the 

lower section of the lamphouse and a 

unique draft tube located directly over the 

arc, which draws off all heat and smoke 

as rapidly as it is generated. This not only 

keeps the interior of the lamphouse cool 

and clean, but prevents overheating and 

clouding of the reflector, maintaining maximum 

reflective power. 

The large high-speed reflector, designed 

to closely coordinate with the most modern 

high-speed projection lenses, is manufactured 

for the "Super-Power by the Bausch 

" 

& Lomb Optical Co. under a new and exclusive 

process which not only insures the 

maximum of optical efficiency, but eliminates 

"hot spot," the main cause of poor 

light distribution in inferior reflectors. 

A new method of carbon rotation by 

means of a chain drive rotates the carbon 

at an ideal speed of 15 r.p.m., providing 

maximum arc stability without gearing. 

Carbons used in the "Super-Power" at 

various currents are as follows: 

The large hlgh-ipccd rcllcclor, extending Irom the 

lamphottic floor upward, may be seen in thii interior 

view ol the new "Super Power" pro/cc(/on lamphouie 

Mounting the lamp mcchaniim at on angle permits 

maximum air llow throughout the lamphouie The 

interior ol the lamphouse is kept cool

I 

: November 

.^TRACTION PANEl 

'S»'ritffECTIVE AND 

[temp 

preltB? 

I 

BOXOFFICE : 

7, 1953

Formerly the diyided name sign projected over 

the Downtown marquee. Now it is inset at corner 

of the building, still seen from a distance. 

The banning of projecting advertising 

signs on Yonge Street by the city of 

Toronto created a problem for 20th Century 

Theatres which operates the Downtown, 

but the corner location permitted a 

split arrangement. Under the provisions of 

the bylaw, 18 inches was allowed over the 

street line for signs, while marquees could 

Two Ways to 

Problem 

Created 

By a Sign Ban 

Solve 

be retained providing they carried no advertising. 

At the Downtown, the big name sign 

was divided for an inset position at the 

corner of the building where it could still be 

seen up and down the street. The two 

sections of the letter sign, which previously 

formed a projecting triangle over the marquee, 

were divided so that they do not 

extend beyond the 18-inch limit on Yonge 

Street. They can still be seen from a distance. 

The Famous Players' Imperial has 3,343 

seats but the entrance on Yonge Street. 

Toronto, is comparatively small, therefore 

there was some difficulty in reconstructing 

the front to meet the new prohibition by 

the city against projecting signs on the 

thoroughfare, with the exception of marquees 

which bore no advertising. 

The final result is seen in the accompanying 

picture. The canopy remains in 

place for the protection of patrons in 

buying tickets, but the huge name sign 

had to be removed from the front to a roof 

position. The other sign is flat against the 

theatre front, one half of the previous 

rfie huge name sign at the Imperial was remortd 

from the front to a roof position, and one-hoif 

of the previous display above the marquee is M» 

flat against the front of the theatre building. 

double-sided projecting display above 

marquee being used in the new arrangement. 

The name sign atop the roof ( 

still be viewed from a considerable distance. 1 

\\\ THE /// 

RAYTONE 

SCREEN 

will change your 

mind about 

the screen 

you're going 

to buy! 

Sc 

30 ueard 

creenmandni 

of 

RAYTONE SCREENS hove been successfully designed for 

every type of projection since the "Silent Days" of 1923. 

Our own scientific tests as well as those of reliable indepen 

dent laboratories confirm a 3.5 to 1 brightness gain for our new 

screen when compared to a flat white screen. This we consider 

minimum requirement for really good wide-screen performance. 

The NEW RAYTONE All-Purpose Stereo Screen was de 

veloped for every wide-screen system ovailable today-Anomorphic, 

3-D standard 2-D or plain wide-angle projection systems. 

New type invisible seams and a practically tear-proof sur 

face make it the RIGHT screen for the CAREFUL BUYER 

, MOOKIYN J, N. T. 

I 

Th« MODERN THEATRE SECTION

iOJECTORS 

EfllOTIOGRRPH 

SOUND STSTEI

[ 

' 

' 

THEATRE MAINTENANCE 

Questions and Answers 

This regular Modern Theatre feature is conducted 

by Dove E. Smalley, contributor to manjr 

important mogozines on maintenance ond editor 

of Floorcraft. Questions from exhibitors ore welcomed. 

Address them to Theatre Maintenonce, 

The Modern Theatre, 825 Von Brunt Bird., 

Kanut City 24, Mo. 

O TO WASH THEATRE SEATS 

Should theatre seats be washed occasionally. 

If so, how do you think the job 

should be don£ and how often? 

While your customers will not be conscious 

of the fact, unless you tell 

J^ 

them, 

it is a good policy to wash theatre seats ai 

least two or three times a year, for sanitary 

reasons if no other. In the case of fabricupholstered 

seats an occasional shampooing 

is a preservative measure. Wash the 

hard seats with any good soap to which 

some odorless disinfectant is added. Shampoo 

the fabric-upholstered seats with a 

good rug shampoo, using a stiff brush and 

wiping well with damp rags, changing or 

rinsing the latter frequently. Leather covered 

seats may be cleaned like the hard 

seats but be careful how you wash plastic. 

Test it first to be sure the cleaning solution 

does not soften the surface. 

O 

FIRST AID FOR A MIRROR 

We have a large mirror in our lobby, 

the silver coating on the back oj which has 

deteriorated. As it is now the mirror's 

utility value is reduced and its ornamental 

value is almost gone. What do you suggest 

doing with it? 

a series of pipes with the air drawn in between 

the pipes you would avoid the high 

humidity. One theatre obtained a group 

of old automobile radiators, connected 

them in a series, ran cold water through 

them and sucked the air in through the 

grills. 

Refrigerated cooling systems solve the 

cooling problem best and they are somewhat 

cheaper now than formerly. It might 

pay to investigate them. 

J^ We suggest that you have the mirror 

resilvered. Aside from the job of handling 

it, and the hazard of breaking it 

thereby, it is probably less a problem than r> BROKEN ASPHALT TILE 

It seems. Any of the big glass manufacturers 

can do the job in a relatively short time 

lobby 

Some of the asphalt tile in our 

is cracking. In fact, some of the tiles 

and at a much lower cost than the price of 

broken and parts are co7ning off. 

a new mirror. 

are 

Could 

this be caused by the cleaners we are 

using? 

O AIR CONDITIONER PROBLEM H Your trouble could, of course, be due 

Our air conditioner iti our theatre cools to your cleaning methods. Too much 

the auditorium very good. Customers are water and strong cleaners may be seeping 

pleased when they first arrive, but soon between and under the tile, causing the 

complain about being too warm, although 

there has been no change in the conditioner. 

We won't need air cooling much 

cement to give way. The more likely cause, 

however, is an uneven or flexible subfloor. 

When asphalt tile is laid over a wood floor 

longer this season, but would like to remedy the latter must be very solid so as not to 

the trouble before next summer. Have you flex under weight. If laid over a concrete 

any suggestions? 

subfloor, the latter must be smooth and 

p 

VINYL PLASTIC TILE 

We are going to install new flooring in 

the lobby of our theatre and are trying to 

decide between asphalt tile and the new 

vinyl plastic tile. Could you give us some 

comparative facts that might help us in 

deciding? 

H Asphalt tile is much less expensive and 

it can be installed on any kind of 

smooth, solid floor, including concrete in 

direct contact with the ground. It is fairly 

immune to alkalies, unaffected by moisture, 

and is not subject to decay. Its only 

enemies are oils, greases and such solvents 

as gasoline, naphtha, turpentine, etc., which 

dissolve it. It is brittle, especially when 

cold, and may break under a strain. 

There are two popular types of vinyl 

tile, the semi-rigid which closely resembles 

asphalt tile, but is less brittle, and the 100 

per cent vinyl which is flexible and more 

lesilient (and more expensive). It closely 

resembles rubber tile. 

The vinyls are practically immune to all 

ordinary chemicals and elements. Oils and 

greases do not affect them. Because the 

adaptable adhesive is affected by alkali, few 

vinlys can be laid on concrete in contact 

with the ground. Because of their verj' 

smooth surface the vinyls are easier to 

maintain than asphalt tile. The colors of 

the vinyls also are somewhat more distinctive. 

level. Any slightly uneven places in the 

Prom your explanation of the condition 

Jj^ subfloor will put the brittle tile on a strain, 

we assume you are drawing the 

through 

causing It to break under pressure. There 

air a water spray. This saturates Is no remedy except to replace the tile, but 

the air with moisture and increases the should you ever install asphalt tile again, 

humidity. Cool at first contact, the already consider the subfloor more carefully. If 

water-laden air is unable to absorb the wood it can bo made solid with a layer of 

body prosplratlon which soon becomes oppressive. 

plywood. If concrete 11 can be made safely 

level with an asphalt-coated felt under- 

If you could run your cold water through layment. 

New Booth Equipment Models 

Are Announced By Robin, Inc 

Several new models of booth equipment 

are being offered by J. E. Robin, Inc., in-; 

eluding a new line of Robin-Arc selem»ut| 

rectifiers for three-phase 185-250 volt 

50/60 cycle power lines, featuring a special 

transformer with a "built-in ballast" tor 

operation of carbon arc projection lamps 

The rectifiers are designed with a larg« 

safety margin for heavy-duty requirements. 

All taps are integral with the transformer| 

Terminals are nickel-plated. Panels are oi 

triple Bakelite and leads are glassinsulated. 

Four sizes are offered. 

| 

NEW SERIES OF GENERATORS 

In addition, the company is offering ( 

new series of Robin-Esco Super-powei' 

P.A.M. generators, built to provide depend-, 

able DC power to feed constant voltage Ul 

the arc, even during changeovers wher 

both arcs are operating. 

A new lenticular screen of nontearlng: 

seamless vinyl now can be supplied in anj' 

size desired. The screen has a novel no-saa 

suspension system, and a special plastlt: 

welding process, developed by Germai' 

screen specialist Max Schumann, is sale 

to make seams invisible even under bright 

lights. 

The firm also has started production ol 

P-1.9 Extrlite projection lenses in slaet 

ranging from two to four inches in "4-inct 

increments. Moiuitings are dustproof anc 

fit 

all standard projectors. 

Film Stars' Names in Script 

Novelty for Readerboards 

Autographs of film star's names to b«. 

shown on the theatre readerboard now art 

available through the Script Starplatej c 

offered by Tiiple S Supply Corp. Made U 

order of sturdy masonite, the standard siE«, t 

is approximately 12 inches high for caps' 

iff 

m 

THE NAKED SM^ ii 

Autographs in script add marquee interest. 

and seven inches for lower case letters. Thej 

Starplates will fit any type track specified** v 

' 

A star's name In script offers a dlstlnctlWT 

contrast when used with regular letters foi 

picture titles. The scrtplpliites may be 

ordered In color without loss of sllhouetU 

value In the sign. 

20 

The MODERN THEATRE SECTIOW

NO DARK CORNERS... 

NO EMPTY SEATS... 

»ith 

ASTROLITE SCREENS 

ligllfcS 

SCREEN I 

Gradual dimming 

i« *»* 

A»» image 

I 

¥5" 75", 

i 

OV^KCCI^ CrP F E N 

"B" I 

ASTROLITE 

SCREEN I 

^° perceptible drop 

_and,hensharpdrop 

j 

at great angle 

clear, even picture- 

I 

no perceptible drop 

in brilliance 

The only Screen that gives you more 

uniform brilliance a// over your theatre 

... for Cinemascope, Wide Screen 3D & 2D 

Astrolite installations are now going into theatres all over the country. 

Everyday exhibitors who have seen an actual theatre demonstration 

of Astrolite are switching their orders to Astrolite. The 

reason is simple: Astrolite is the only fully optically engineered 

screen. Only Astrolite offers you greater brilliance plus more uniform 

distribution of light reflection so that every seat in the house 

is a good seat. This is not a mere sales claim—but is something you 

can actually see for yourself at an Astrolite demonstration. (The 

charts on this page are based on actual laboratory tests!) 

Astrolite offers you these additional advantages: Greater light 

reflection without need for boosting amperage; does not fade, is 

washable and easy to keep clean; optically engineered to retain 3 

dimension effect for all seats. 

For all these reasons—Astrolite is your screen for today, tomorrow, 

for all time and all purposes. Avoid costly replacements. Don'f buy 

a new screen until you hove seen a demonsfraiion of the Astrolite 

All-Purpose Screen'. 

OFFICIALLY APPROVED 

BY 20th CENTURY FOX 

Demonstrations of Astrolite wide 

screens have won the enthusiastic 

approval and public endorsement 

of the executives and engineers 

of 20th Century Fox. They 

have announced without reservation 

that Astrolite meets the high 

standards required for perfect enjoyment 

of Cinemascope. Astrolite 

screens are officially approved 

standard equipment for Cinema- 

Scope installations. 

lacksP** 

New Lower Prices 

strolite Screens are now available at greatly reduced 

:ices. 

Up to 50 ft.-$2.10 per sq. ft. 

Over 50 ft.-$3.00 per sq. ft. 

our dealer or Radiant engineers will be glad to furnish 

:curate charts showing the ex-act size that best fits your 

leatre. We urge you by all means to see a demonstraon 

of Astrolite before you purchase a new screen, 

'rite, wire or phone us today—or contact your dealer. 

*Trad« Morh, U. S. & fv-gn Pottnli Applitd fm 

ASTROLITE 

Extlusiv. World-Wide licen... und.r Glowm.ltr Mogniglow D«»«lopm.nlt 

RADIANT MANUFACTURING CORP. 

World's Largest Projection Screen Manufacturer 

2627 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago 8, Illinois • CRowford 7-6300

\>orO\ \e\ ' erc\ ê\ avio>f 

PLENTY OF HOT POPCORN i 

H«>N Votâ f POVCO^H VJk^W^^^ 

• Elevotor bottom rises to keep popcorn always at serving level. 

• '^*— ' 

Heated bin, also elevator operated, provides place to keep filled boxes "' 

ready for sole. 

• Finished in hammered grey enamel, lighted red plastic panels and top, 

polished chrome trim, stainless steel serving shelf. 

PLENTY OF HOT DOGS 

sleoms up

: November 

AOOCO INCOME OrraiTUNITIES FOR PROGIESSIVE EXHIIITORS 

/ 

lill 

MeM^ 

THREE 

CONCESSIONS SPEED PATRON SERVICE 

By Locating Stands at Front, Center and Rear of Drive-In Field 

Every Car Is Close to One of the Refreshment Units 

by I. L. THATCHER 

Three concessions buildings in use 

at the Shawnee Drive-In. Shawnee, Kas., 

decentralize the business and speed refreshment 

service. Widely spaced in the theatre 

area, the three units also find favor with 

patrons because, wherever parked, cars are 

close to one of the buildings. 

Centrally located, the main concession 

building draws the greatest patronage because 

of the restrooms. However, children 

and their parents who are parked nearby 

appreciate the convenience of the Hut, a 

small building located on the playground 

In front of the screen tower. Likewise, patrons 

who are parked near the rear of the 

theatre find it convenient to purchase their 

refreshments from the Snak-Shak, a small 

frame building adjacent to the enclosing 

fence. Both of the smaller units are identified 

by red neon signs. 

CENTER WALKWAY LIGHTED 

Mushroom lights down the center walkway 

from the back fence to the playground 

in front of the screen encourage traffic to 

all 

three concessions. 

The same food items are served in all 

The main concession building at the Shawnee Drive-In Theatre, Shawnee. Kas 

three buildings, except that smaller quantities 

are stocked in the Hut and the Snak- 

Shak, and only one employe is required for 

each of them. Ten employes staff the large 

concession, including two cashiers, one for 

each cafeteria line. 

The main concession is laid out and 

equipped for fast service so that it can 

handle a full house a, 150 cars* in ten 

minutes. There are separate entrances and 

exits for each side of the concessions building, 

aisles are wide, and there is a .spocinl 

The Hut, located on the playground in front of the 

screen, does a big business with the children Only 

one employe is required for over-the-counter seryice. 

theatre area. Cafeteria-style service is featured here, and the staff of ten employes g-vcs fast 

BOXOFTICE : 

7, 1953 

the center o* the 

Patrons who are parked at (he rear of the field at 

the Shawnee may obtain their refreshment items 

from the SnoliShak, set against the rear fence 

room beyond the exit doors from the concession 

for condiments, sugar, cream, etc.— 

all conducive to a smooth, fast-flowinc 

traffic operation. 

The concession was remodeled into this 

cafeteria style in 1952. and the first years 

concession business easily Increased by 10 

per cent, plus a boxoffice increase of 5 per 

cent, over the preceding year. 

VISIBLE DISPLAY CREATES SALES 

As Ronald Hurst, manager of the drivein 

for the Dickinson Theatres Circuit, put 

it: "When you expose people to what you 

have to sell business is bound to increase. 

We find the cafeteria service definitely the 

best because patrons can see every concession 

item we carry." 

Popcorn is the most popular and profitable 

item at the Shawnee, and the price is 

held to ten cents. 

•Too many children have just a dime," 

Hurst said, "and we think it is bett«r to 

keep our price down for the volume Ukes 

caie of the profit on corn." 

Hot dogs are sold for 20 cents and bever- 

,i;(>s for 10 cents. 

Chili cones at 25 cents were added to the 

Items sold about a month ago and are exuemely 

popular. This is a serving of chili 

111 a cone made of a cracker mix. 

The main concession has two cigaret 

Continued on following page 

23

THREE CONCESSIONS SPEED SERVICE 

Continued from preceding 

page 

machines, and at the Shawnee it has been 

found that far more cigarets are sold by 

machine than when they were handled 

over the counter. 

PATIO SEATS 350 PERSONS 

An attractive patio in front of the concession 

has movable tables and chairs and 

will seat 350 persons. Three large trash 

containers help patrons to keep it neat. A 

long brick planter runs down one side of 

the patio and the concession building and 

is kept colorful with blooming plants 

throughout the season. 

Patron comfort is assured in the main 

concession building by a hot air furnace 

which heats the concession, lobby, booth 

and restrooms. The restrooms, incidentally, 

are exceptionally attractive with green 

walls and tile floors and are illuminated by 

fluorescent tubing. They are kept immaculately 

clean. 

SPECIAL PATRON COURTESIES 

The concession is the center of activity 

and Hurst believes that it is good policy to 

provide special patron courtesies such as 

free milk for babies and free phone service. 

The Shawnee management also provides 

free service to fix flat tires, and if a car 

CREDITS: Beverage dispensers: Drincolafors and 

S:iex • Ice cream units: Youngsfown self-service 

cabinets • Popcorn machine: Man'ey • Popcorn 

warmers: Hollywood Servemaster. 

This is the attractite interior of the large, cafeteria-style concession at the Shawnee. There are two cafeteria 

lanes, the photograph showing only one side of the concession. At the upper right, the separate 

room for condiments may be seen through the glass windows and doors of the central concession area. 

Providing this special room has resulted in a swifter flow of traffic down the cafeteria lines and patrons 

many take their time about adding the finishing touches to their purchases. 

breaks down they will take a patron home. 

They did this for one astonished patron 

who lives in Excelsior Springs, Mo., a distance 

of some 40 miles or more. 

Kelly Heads Chase Candy First Official Meeting of New IPA Officers 

Expanded Sales Program 

The Chase Candy 

Co. has appointed 

WiUiam H. Kelly as 

vice-president and director 

of sales as 

part of the company's 

greatly intensified 

sales program designed 

to emphasize 

concentrated distribution 

and improved 

service to Chase customers. 

William H. Kelly 

W. A. Yantis, president of the firm, said 

that Kelly would travel to all sections of 

the country from his office in the St. Louis 

plant and will work with Chase representative! 

and study local market conditions. 

Kelly Joined the Chase firm in 1947 and 

since 1948 has been sales manager of the 

central district with headquarters in St. 

Jo.seph, Mo. 

Cole Products Names Stonebrook 

Rollln K. Stonebrook has been named 

munaxcr of Hh- theatre sales division of 

Cole Products Corp. Stonebrook has been 

in the Industry for nearly 30 years, not only 

as manaKer of theatres but also in the concessions 

business. 

The newly elected officers and directors 

of International Popcorn Ass'n held their 

first meeting during the Popcorn and Concession 

Industries convention-exhibition, 

October 11-14 at the Conrad Hilton hotel 

in Chicago. They met with the retiring officers 

of the NAPM which has been supplanted 

by IPA. 

Seated deft to right) Clarence Miller, 

Lansing Popcorn Co.. Lansing, Mich.; A. J. 

Schmltt, Houston Popcorn & Supply Co.. 

Houston, Tex., second vice-president; John 

Katsalis, Mellos Peanut Co., Chicago, 111.; 

Lee Koken, RKO Theatres. New York City, 

N.Y.; J. J. PitzBlbbons Jr., Theatre Confections, 

Ltd.. Toronto, Ont., president; Bert 

Nathan, Theatre Popcorn Vending Corp., 

Brooklyn, N.Y., first vice-president; Don W. 

Mayborn, Cornco. Inc., Baltimore, Md. 

Standing deft to rlght> H. E. Chrlsman, 

the Cretors Corp., Chicago. 111., and Nashville. 

Tenn.; Thomas J. Sullivan. Chicago, 

executive vice-president, secretary and 

general legal counsel; Hersch I. Yesley, 

Yesley Bros. Sales Co., NewtonviUe, Mass.; 

S. T. Jacobson, Krlspy Kist Korn Machine 

Co., Chicago, 111.; Harold M. Alver, Premu-i 

Popcorn Co., Watseka, 111., treasuici 

George K. Brown, Wyandot Popcorn Co . 

Marlon. Ohio; Syd Spiegel, Super Puff i 

Popcorn, Ltd., Toronto, Ont.; Martin B 

Coopersmlth, the Mar.lack Co., Inc., Wivshington, 

D.C.; Harry T. McNamarn, BUir 

Star Poods, Inc., Rockford, 111., and Olivti 

Koeneman, Old Vienna Products Co.. si 

Louis, Mo. 

24 Th» MODERN THEATRE SECTION

: November 

— 

; 

[sell mor 

Ipopcorn 

By 

USING 

nI 

This Scnsationol New 

BUTTER SERVER 

MAKE UP TO $3 

PROFIT 

PER POUND OF BUTTER SERVED 

Popcorn buttered "just right" tastes better 

wins greotcr soles. The Butter Server melts 

the butter, keeps it ot proper temperoture, 

and serves it over the popcorn accurately and 

quickly. There's no drip or mess—no waste! 

You get many more servings per pound of 

butter— increased profits! 

ACCURATE 

EASY TO USE 

i, EYE-APPEALING. Light shining through bowl 

lets customers see the appetizing, golden 

melted butter. 

* UNIFORM. Butter is forced through the 

popcorn to cover all kernels uniformly for 

"just right" flavor. 

i, ECONOMICAL. Low in cost; 

built for long service. Requires 

minimum 

$79 50 

of electric- 

Dairy Service Co. 

100 E. Main St., Menomonee Foils, Wis. 

Main Office and Factory 

The NEW Patented SPEED-SCOOP 

Throe times more efficient. Scoop and pour a 

bogful of popcorn in one single eosy motion. 

Mode of light, stainless aluminum. Cool hordwood 

hondle. Perfectly bolonced for maximum 

efficiency and speed. Only $2.50 at your Theotre 

Supply or Popcorn Supply Dealer. 

SPEED-SCOOP 

109 Thornton Ave., Son Francisco 24, Collf. 

Must State Net Contents 

Of Packaged Items 

ThiiiMr ownor.s and mnnaBern are 

w;im,(| by ITOO .socrctary Bob Wile to 

strictly ob.servc the Ohio state law requiring 

that "net content-s of any package 

whether sold by welKht, measure or numerical 

count, shall be plainly and cnr 

rectly stated In conspicuous position 

• 

the label thereof." 

Of special Interest to exhibitors Is the 

ruling of the State Department of Agriculture 

that "If It Is packaged only In 

front of the customer as purchased, the 

regulations do not apply." 

However, If the concession stand attendant 

customarily fills a few boxes In advance, 

these boxes must have their net contents 

stated on the label. Because popcorn 

weighs so little, exhibitors are advised to 

state the net contents In terms of gills or 

pints rather than avoirdupois weight. 

Exhibitors in other st.atcs would do well 

to look into the laws governing package 

sales of concession items. 

An Intermission Clock Curbs 

Horn Blowing at Drive-Ins 

A clock announcing at frequent Intervals 

the number of minutes yet remaining for 

intermission, and animated advertising on 

the screen have been found by Lamont 

drive-in managers to be effective methods 

of keeping patrons contented. So stated 

Bob Lamont of Albany, N.Y. 

Younger brother of Harry, head of the 

upstate drive-in chain, he said that installation 

of the two markedly reduced horn 

honking and other evidences of restlessness 

among customers during the timeout 

period for the vital concession trade. 

The clock device operates clearly and 

audibly, Lamont explained. He added that 

the animated advertising also attracts attention 

and inhibits boredom. Reporting 

that the organization's policy is a 20-minute 

intermission between the second and the 

top picture, and a very short one at the 

later break, Lamont said that it is unwise 

to prolong them. When attendees begin 

blowing horns, it is the signal that intermission 

is running too long. The Lamont 

drive-ins do not feature service at point 

of car. Their operation is confined to the 

concession stands. 

Free Coffee Boosts Other Soles 

In Minneapolis the Terrace, a suburban 

theatre owned by the Volk brothers, serves 

free coffee to patrons at one of Its two 

large and elaborate refreshment bars. It's 

found that this stimulates the sales of other 

items, the profits from which more than 

offset the beverage's cost. The theatre, incidentally, 

is one of the nation's most beautiful 

and modern. 

MODERN THEATRE Buyer's Directory and 

Reference Issue 

. 

. . Rcody November 21 

It't 

puro peanut o/M 

gives corn 

true ! 

butterlike / 

flavor! 

• 

-^. C>^ 

THAT MEANS ' ''"* 

INTRODUCING THE NEW 

HEAVY DUTY 

"SODAMAKER- 

With Two or T/iree florors 

^ 

For peok crowds In drive ins The fastest manuo 

ly operated dispenser on the morket Eiclusive 

od|Ustablc faucets serves continuous ice cold 

pin point corbonoted or ploin water drinks Now 

in use in many of the leading top theatre circuits 

in US and Conada 

Write Today Dealer Irtquiriei Inyited 

SUPERIOR REFRIGERATOR MFG. CO., Inc. 

822-24 Hodiomont Ave. St. Loul> 12, Mo. 

For the Reader's Convenience 

FREE Postcards Are Provided 

on Page 35 

to facilitate inquiry about 

anything advertised or mentioned 

in this issue of 

The MODERN THEATRE 

BOXOFTICE : 

7, 1953 25

. . 

. . 

REFRESHMENT 

SERVICE 

'' 

It 

Sells 

POPCORN 

. . . âde^ 

HOT— 

Keeps Popcorn 

Not Just Warm! 

ONLY HOLLYWOOD SERVEMASTER 

HAS aN|MaT|On 

•k Animotcd disploy, strong lighting 

* Elevator wells 

ir Stores up to 350 boxes or bags of popcorn 

ir Eliminates one ottendont during rush hours 

•k Tops for speed . . . over the counter selling 

it Eye-oppcoling, streamlined design 

A^ Economical operotion. Plugs into any 110 

to 125-volt AC electrico) outlet. 

ô/mo 

»495?^l 

Ideal for SELF-SERVICE . 

Hollywood Servemaster's £eû/e^ 

Stores up to 240 boxes of 

dtQ*7C 

Piping Hot Popcorn in elevo- ^PO / O 

for wells. FOB Kansas City 

FooDRiNK nm 

Increases Carrying Convenience . . 

Increases food SalesI

Concession Business Vaults 

As Patrons Whet Appetites 

At Drive-In Square Dance 

A. B. iJrIli and Maude Jcffcns. who 

liave been piovidinn the folks of Piedmont. 

Mo. area with the kind of amusemcnt.s and 

entertainment that they like for some 2t> 

years, have just come up with another innovation 

that is growing in popularity by 

leaps and bounds. 

It is the regular Friday nipht square 

dance that is held on the patio in front of 

the snack bar of their Pine Hill Drivo-In 

Theatre on Highway 34 about two mile.s 

east of Piedmont. 

Jeff reports that the boxoffice reccipt.s 

have not increased much but he added 

"the concession business is outta this 

world." He added that the square dance 

feature brings some folks to the Pine Hill 

Drive-In who would not otherwise attend. 

Many of them, of course, have liked the 

motion picture entertainment and undoubtedly 

will attend the theatre rather 

regularly in the future. 

The music used for the dancing is tape 

recorded. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferis hire a good 

square dance caller, who is an instructor. 

If you have never been fortunate enough 

to attend a good old Ozarks country square 

dance you have no idea what a wonderful 

night can be enjoyed at the Pine Hill Diive- 

In each Friday night. Many members of 

the film business discovered that several 

Patrons of the Pine Hill Drive In Theatre near Piedmont, Mo, look lorward to the \quare dance »h.ch 

Is held on the patio in front of the snack bar every Friday night after the final show Many patrons hart 

attended the picture for the express purpose of participating in the dance, and concession sales hart 

profited greatly from appetites produced by the energetic dancing 

weeks ago when the folks at the Klrkwood 

Lodge. Osage Beach of the Lake of the 

Ozarks. put on such a dance for their enjoyment, 

with the delegates and their wives 

participating. Later the nation as a whole 

had this type of show furnished to them 

through a national TV hookup. 

So it appears that the Jefferis family 

has again come up with a honey. All 

persons attending the Friday night show 

are invited to stay and take part In the 

square dance without additional charge, 

Jeff Jefferis reports also that the square 

dance crowd is growing week by week. 

They have had no trouble at all with 

rowdyism. 

November 7, 1953

PROJEQION AND SOUND 

Take Care to Avoid Heart' Trouble 

Keep a Spare Intermittent Movement on Hand 

To Use When Heart of Projector Needs Repair 

by WESLEY TROUT 

It is an easy job to change Intermittent 

spockets on modern projectors, but instaUing 

new intermittent parts ream, starwheel 

and gears I is a delicate job and should be 

done by a trained mechanic For this reason, 

we strongly recommend that you keep 

a spare intermittent movement on hand 

so you can send yours in when it needs 

major repairs. The intermittent movement 

is the "heart" of any projector and requires 

expert knowledge and special tools when 

rebuilt. With proper care and some simple 

adjustments, the modern projector intermittent 

will not need repairing for many, 

many months of continuous service. In 

theatre.s operating only nights and a matinee, 

the movement will run a couple of 

years without rebuilding, except a new intermittent 

sprocket. 

ADJUST THE SPROCKET 

The Intermittent sprocket should not 

have too much lost motion. This adjustment 

should be made after a reel has been 

run and the parts of the intermittent 

"warmed up" as parts expand slightly and 

the test for lost motion should be made 

only when parts are warm. The projector 

should be turned by hand until the movement 

is "on the lock" in order to make 

this adjustment or test. You now adjust 

the cam and starwheel, if there is too much 

lost motion, until this is removed, but do 

not adjust the cam and starwheel so "close" 

that you cannot easily turn the mechanism 

by hand. If it refuses to turn freely, do 

not fit the starwheel and cam so close or 

you will run into trouble and may cause 

the movement to lock up! The correct adjustment 

is when the lost motion has been 

removed but the mechanism will turn 

freely by hand. It would make too lengthy 

an article to tell you how to adjust, where 

to adjust, each type of projector as you 

probably have an instruction book, but if 

you don't have, we will gladly send you 

complete details just how this is accomplished 

on your mechanism. Too much lost 

motion causes your movement to be noisy 

and causes picture jump in some cases. 

The cam pin should fit starwheel slot 

snugly, if you want a quiet-running intermittent 

movement. 

REMOVE END PLAY 

Let me point out one more important 

adjustment of your Intermittent: too much 

end play in intermittent sprocket. A very 

.small amount of end play will do no particular 

harm, but too much will cau.se side 

motion of the projected picture. This is 

very objectionable with 3-D projection- 

There .should be no end play in the feed or 

takeup .sprockets either. Each modern 

projector mechanism can be adjusted to 

remove any end play. For old-type tnter- 

mittents. using taper pins, it may be necessary 

to replace these pins with new ones, 

reaming out the holes in the sprocket so 

they will be round and not slightly eggshaped. 

Be careful to not adjust the end 

play so as to cause a bind which will cause 

trouble when the parts warm up and may 

cause the intermittent to lock. When replacing 

taper pins in sprocket, be sure to 

use a "V" block to drive them in and avoid 

a sprung starwheel shaft. Too, be careful 

removing intermittent sprocket on any 

mechanism, even though the starwheel is 

extra large, as it will be easily sprung if 

sprocket is "forced" on. 

HAVE IT CORRECTLY REBUILT 

Please let me emphasize here the importance 

of having your intermittent movement 

rebuilt right. When an intermittent 

reaches the point where new parts must be 

installed, be sure the mechanic replaces 

new bushings, cam. gears and starwheel. 

Never, under any circumstances, attempt 

to run an old starwheel with a new cam, 

or vice versa. It will not work properly and 

in a short time you again will have two 

worn parts, one a little worse than the 

other. No first class repair shop will do 

this. When you stop to think that a rebuilt 

mechanism or intermittent, with proper 

care, will give long trouble-free operation, 

if sufficient parts are installed, why take 

chances with a patched-up job? 

RCA Expands Training Program 

To Acquaint Field Engineers 

With New Sound Equipment 

The training program of the RCA Service 

Co.. designed to acquaint field engineers 

with the newly perfected RCA stereophonic 

sound systems for Cinemascope, is 

being supplemented by a series of nationwide 

technical conferences. 

W. L. Jones, vice-president In charge of 

the firm's technical products service division, 

explained that the purpose of the 

meetings is to expedite the job of familiarizing 

field personnel with the latest information 

and Installation procedures for 

the new high fidelity sound equipment. 

Subjects to be covered at the meetings, 

the first of which was held in Chicago, include 

elements of magnetic recording; details 

of the four-track RCA stereophonic 

soundhead; conversion of three-track to 

four-track systems; new data on speakers, 

and principles of CinemaScopc projection. 

Field engineers also will view special 

four-track magnetic test films, designed 

for u.se in checking and aligning Cinema- 

Scopc .sound installations. 

Motiograph Brings Out 

Penthouse Reproducer 

For Stereo Sound 

The AAA Penthouse reproducer, designed 

to reproduce three or four -track stereophonic 

sound magnetically recorded on 

either the picture film or a separate sound 

film, has been introduced by Motiograph. 

The penthouse fits between the mechanism 

and the upper magazine and may be 

used with any modern make or model of 

projector mechanism. It also can be used 

without replacing or making any modem 

projector or sound reproducer obsolete. 

ADJUSTABLE TO VARIOUS PROJECTORS 

The position of the idler rollers on the 

AAA penthouse may be changed to accommodate 

the variation existing between the 

point-of-sound pickup and the projector 

aperture in the various makes of projector 

mechanism. When the photographic soimd 

reproducing facilities in the conventional 

theatre sound system are to be used, the 

film bypasses the magnetic pickup on the 

AAA. 

The AAA Penthouse reproducer mode by Motiograph 

(J ihown above irt closed position, below with 

one side open revealing film threading mechanism. 

nv\ pickups and one reproducer with a 

three-channel pickup. By properly interlocking 

the projectors, the thcatremivn can 

present stereophonic sound pictures recorded 

on a separate sound film and can 

also present 3-D pictures with stereophonic 

sound. 

The reproducer is delivered with a fourchannel 

magnetic pickup to reproduce 

stereophonic sound recorded on the composite 

print as used in Cinemascope. Motiograph 

also makes available a threechannel 

magnetic pickup to reproduce 

stereophonic sound recorded on a separate 

sound film. 

Theatres with three projectors can install 

two AAA reproducers with four-Chanwf 

28 

Tho MODERN THEATRE SECTION

P COMPLETE MODERN • UP-TO-THE-MINUTE! 

SOLD ONLY THROUGH ESTABLISHED THEATRE EQUIPMENT DEALERS. WRITE FOR THE 

NAME OF OUR NEAREST REPRESENTATIVE OR INVITE YOUR DEALER TO CONTACT US 

AT ONCE! DELIVERIES ARE BEING MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH A STRICT PRIORITY 

PROGRAM DETERMINED BY THE DATE YOU PLACE YOUR ORDER. 

EL PASO 

..^ [ OKLAHOMA 

, w." 

:,^ 

IHEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

1625 WEST GRAND AVE. 

"'"""« OKLAHOMA 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

7522 MONTEREY DRIVE 

PASO, TEXAS 

' CITY, EL 

SOUTHEASTERN 

THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. 

203 LUCKIE ST., N.W, 

P.O. BOX 906, ATLANTA 1, GA. 

STERLING 

MISSOURI 

SALES & SERVICE. INC. THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

2019 JACKSON STREET 115 WEST 18th STREET 

DALLAS. TEXAS KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 

CAMERA EQUIPMENT CO. 

1600 BROADWAY 

NEW YORK 19. NEW YORK 

f peciil factory representitivt 

for Greater New York

The MODERN THEATRE SECTION 

J 

ROBIN-ARC 

3-Phase Selenium 

REQIFIER 

2^ 

Engineered 

WIDE SCREEN 

^?W 3-D 

PROJECTION 

SYSTEMS 

PROJECTION AND SOUND 

Polaroid Launches Service Program 

To Raise Level of 3-D Projection 

Synchronization and Control Equipment Availabl< 

Polaroid Corp. has launched a nationwide 

3-D Technical Service Program designed to 

perfect the projection quality of stereoscopic 

films in theatres equipped to show 

three-dimensional pictures. The program 

includes a comprehensive informational 

service for projectionists and paves the wây 

for fjeneral distribution of special synchronization 

and control equipment designed to 

take the guesswork out of 3-D projection 

and to facilitate flawless exhibition of 

three-dimension films. 

FURNISH SEVERAL UNITS 

Along with the program, the Polaroid 

Corp. offers a 3-D Sync Unit, to keep the 

picture in perfect synchronization, and a 

three-dimensional filter kit, designed to 

tors as overlapping images of red and' 

green respectively, permits the projectionist 

to determine which projector is running 

visibly ahead of the other, and to make 

appropriate correction with the sync control 

unit. 

The Polaroid 3-D filter kit includes a pair 

of projection filters, which are free from 

haze and conform to exacting optical standards. 

Polaroid also is making available a 

new 3-D Brightness-Match Filter, which, 

when held at arm's length by the projectionist, 

divides the image on the screen into 

two halves, making apparent any difference 

in picture brightness. 

A pair of special focusing filters, to be 

mounted on the booth observation window. 

K 

A dependable, efficient, uniform 

D. C. power source. Engineered 

by pioneers in the motion picture 

field. Designed specifically for 

3-D and wide-screen projection. 

Write, Wire or Phone 

for Details. 

New equipment altered by Polaroid to help projectionists give flawless 3D exhibition includes the 3-D 

Sync Monitor, left, which detects small missynchronizotions by the variation in strobe stripes visibh 

through the view window, larger sync errors by means of a unique "tell-tale filter" mounted at top of the 

unit. The Polaroid filter kit, center, includes a pair of quality projection filters, a pair of special focusing 

filters, and a "3-D brightness-match filter " At right, the 3-D Sync Control, used in conjunction with the 

monitor, permits the projectionist to make relative adjustments in the two projectors in one-sixth frame 

steps by turning the switch in either direction, depending on which projector- is leading the other. 

J. E. ROBIN, INC 

of/on Picture E 

267 Rhod* . 

EAST ORANGE, N. J. 

Manulacluren of 

RECTIFIERS • MOTOR GENERATORS 

SCREENS • PROJECTION LENSES 

eliminate fuzziness in 3-D showings, as well 

as an illustrated manual for projectionists. 

The complete package is provided free of 

charge to theatres using Polaroid glasses, 

and it is available to other theatres at a 

minimum cost. 

PLUGS INTO AC OUTLET 

The Polaroid 3-D Sync Monitor plugs 

into any conventional AC outlet and registers 

partial frame missynchronizatlons by 

variations in the pattern of stroboscopic 

stripes visible through a small view window. 

The companion unit, the 3-D Sync Control. 

is wired between the Selsyns of the two 

projectors, with a knob which permits relative 

adjustment in 16 frame steps. Used 

together, the units enable the projectionist 

to discern and correct variations down to 

1 12 frame. 

To detect mlssynchronlzalions greater 

than one frame, a window with a "telltale" 

filter is mounted to the top of the 

monitor unit. The filttn-. which presents 

the two images of the right and left projechelp 

the projectionist adjust the focus of 

each projector independently by looking at 

the screen with fieldglasses through each 

filter in turn. 

A revised 3-D Projectionists Manual incorporates 

an illustrated checklist for consistently 

good 3-D projection. 

RCA Develops a Miniature 

Television Camera Tube 

The tube department of RCA Victor Division 

has developed the .smallest TV camera 

lube ever used for broadcasting. Of the 

Vidicon-type. the tube weighs only two 

ounces and is only a fraction of the siae 

of an Icono.scope tube, normally used for 

film pickup. Yet. it is up to three times 

more sensitive and has a spectral-response 

chaiacterlstic approaching that of the 

human eye. The tube measures only one 

inch in diameter and six and one-quarter 

Inches 111 length.

; November 

. 

— 

UphoMery fabrics and general seating : 

. 

c 

Projection Lenses Designed 

For Improved Presentation 

On All Types of Screens 

A new series of f 1.8 Supcr-Cincphor 

projection lenses desimied to produce maximum 

brlKhlness, contrast and sharpness, 

edse-to-edge. on all types of theatre 

screens has been developed by the Bausch 

Si Liomb Optical Co. 

The lenses were developed to solve the 

problem of resolution at the outer margins 

of the screen and to increase the illumination, 

distributing it evenly. The company 

1t(aai|J6?«t«ia- rfwq (oiOimctw* 

We're not a "(jenerol store ' operntion. 

There's only one item we handle and 

that's theatre seats. 

All we know and 

do centers around rehabilitotion . . . 

parts replacement ond replacement of 

worn seats or backs. Modestly, we're 

sort of proud of each job we do and 

we don't mind referring you to our 

many pleased customers. Better still, 

we'd love to do an actual job for you. 

Why not let us quote you cost? 

MANUFACTURERS— 

Fo.im rubber and voniig cushions, back 

DISTRIBUTORS 

The lens shown here has a three-inch local length 

and is one of a series of new f/1.8 Super-Cinephor 

units designed for use on all 

types of theatre screens. 

claims that the lenses, without sacrificing 

resolution and illumination on the center 

of the screen, will greatly enhance these 

qualities on regular 2-D screens as well as 

for wide-screen and 3-D processes. 

The lenses employ five different kinds 

of glass. TW'O are varieties of extra dense 

barium crown glass. These new glasses 

combine the optical advantages of both 

flint and older types of crown glass, without 

the disadvantages of either. The unusually 

white glass of the lenses, combined 

with a new design formula, eliminates color 

absorption and transmits the full oolor and 

brightness of the image. 

r^ theatre sent seruice co. 

I60 Hermitage Avenue 

Nashville, Tenn. 

Small Staff, Small Cost With 

Super Cleaning 

Get the most out of every cleaning dollar. 

• The Super and its especially designed tools 

are simple. Anyone can use them. 

• The Super is readily portable. Any woman 

can handle it. 

• The Super is fast. Get u/l the dirt the first 

time over. 

Keep floors, carpeting, upholstery, curtains, 

ornamentation, sound equipment, screen, air 

filters, box fronts—everything in your theatre 

from box office to the back door-clean and 

inviting all the time without hard labor and 

high cost. 

Ask your supplies dealer for a demi: 

right in your theatre. 

"Once Over Does It" 

Three models to chooia from - 

Model JS Small, quiel, light, lowpriced, 

but with same power, pickupas 

big Supers. 

Other Super Models 

Model M For oil general cleaning 

and blov, ing. Powerful, readily 

portable. 

Model BP-1 — A quiet, doubleduty 

cleaner for both wet and dry 

pick-up. 

NATIONAL SUPER SERVICE COMPANY 

1941 N. 12th St. Tol«do 

Salts and S»rvic» in 

Principal CHi»t 

In Canada: Plant Maintenance Equip. C*. 

Toronto, Montreol, Vaa(OliV«r 

SUPER SUCTION 

SINCE 1911 CB^ 

THE DRAFT HORSE OF POWER SUCTHON CLEANERS" 

INC. 

Sup

DRIVE-IN THEATRES 

1954 BRIGHTEST YEAR IN DRIVE-IN HISTORY' 

Ezell Forecast Is Based on Three-Point Program for Drive-In Exhibition 

Which Stresses Importance of Keeping Pace With New Techniques 

I 

by CLAUDE EZELL* 

I HE DRIVE-IN THEATRE has established 

itself as a sound and fundamentally necessary 

part of today's community living, 

•'Dedicated to the Entertainment of the 

Family." 

To continue to earn the respect of our 

fellow citizens in our respective commu- 

ARBITRATION 

The drive-in theatre, which is so essential 

to the shut-in, crippled, and families 

with children, can choose its own business 

path and achieve any reasonable business 

goals it may decide upon, provided, of 

course, cooperation is received from the 

distributors. Here is where arbitration will 

fit into the picture, and will separate, as 

far as availability of pictures, at least, is 

concerned, the well-operated drive-in theatre 

for the benefit of the family as against 

those owners who selfishly, and to their 

own future detriment, cut prices, and in 

other ways tend to cheapen the value of 

a good product. 

Damaging and short sighted business 

practices such as taking a carload of patrons 

for 50 cents, three or more pictures 

on a program, and the exhibition of lewd 

and sex pictures should be taken into consideration 

in determining availabilities to 

drive-in operators; as the first class drivein 

theatre operations truly "Dedicated to 

the Entertainment of the Family" should 

be protected by the distributors with better 

availabilities, using full scale arbitration, 

if necessary. Such practices as seven or 

eight drive-in theatres in an area playing 

the same picture, day and date, should be 

eliminated. 

The International Drlve-In Theatre 

Owners Ass'n is readying a proposal to present 

to distribution and the proper authorities 

in WashlnKton an arbitration system 

which should be the .solution to many of 

our problems. This project will cover competitive 

bidding, print shorta«os, clearances, 

the "movlethon ' evil, etc. The matter of 

film prices will not be dealt with In this 

arbitration system, as it is felt that this Automobile manufacturers will express 

matter of buying and selling is entirely up 

to the two parties concerned. 

their interest in working closely with the 

drive-in theatre associations in stimulating 

One of the far reaching developments drive-in attendance as a result of the large 

that may achieve some realization in 1954 number of automobiles actually on the 

highways, about 50 million, and the sales 

will be the trend toward the elimination 

problems that car manufacturers will begin 

of the double-feature program. This will 

in part become necessary due to the empha- 

to have as a result of the large numbers 

now in use. 

sis of Hollywood studios in making possibly 

fewer but certainly finer and more entertaining 

productions. A good fare of nov- 

nities, and to keep abreast of progressive 

developments with regard to both projection 

and service to oui- patrons requires atelty 

and documentary shorts, news and cartoons 

will 

tention to many varied details which 

supplement the one good featui-e 

at 

picture. 

times may seem insurmountable. 

This means, among other things, that we 

PUBLIC RELATIONS 

must concentrate our efforts on merchandising 

the top flight product coming from We have discovered through working on 

Hollywood, and leave the details of production 

and finance to the Hollywood studios. value and importance of working closely 

the tax repeal campaign this last year the 

and cooperatively with the press and radio 

in maintaining a good public relations 

atmosphere in our community. 

I believe that TV can be added to these 

media as another powerful medium for 

selling our product. The use of these merchandising 

aids must, however, be more intelligently 

planned, and a larger segment 

of our industry will take advantage of publicity 

opportunities in 1954 when they occur. 

In this coming year of crisis, I believe it 

will become an obvious necessity for the 

drive-in theatres to work closely with the 

conventional theatre people on important 

public relations and community projects. 

It is my feeling that COMPO will bring 

about the repeal of the 20 per cent federal 

admission tax and be more firmly 

established than ever as the guiding focal 

point of the industry. 

The drive-in associations, the International 

Drive-In Theatre Owners Ass'n and 

the local state organizations, wiU grow in 

strength and activity, unless an alternate 

arrangement is worked out for one great 

new exhibitor organization. 

NEW TECHNIQUES 

The technical changes which began in 

1953 will continue through 1954, at least 

for drive-ins. 

Ezell and Associates will install new wide 

screens, measuring 40x80 feet, as standard 

equipment in their drive-ins all over the 

state, and I beUeve that other drive-in 

owners and managers are planning similar 

changes. 

Since drive-ins have experienced considerable 

difficulty in finding suitable allpurpose 

screens, I feel sure that only a 

relatively small number of the more than 

4,000 drive-ins over the country will have 

been converted to wide screens by the end 

of 1954, although the majority will have 

had them on order for some time. 

Other technical developments commensurate 

with the new projection techniques 

will be well on the way to solution. These 

include such factors as lenses, increased 

and improved power and hght thrown on 

the screen, new and improved audio car 

speaker equipment. 

It wiU be important to keep in close 

touch with new technical developments this 

coming year through a careful reading of 

tradepapers, attendance at conventions, 

frank discussions with your equipment 

dealer, and talking with your fellow exhibitors. 

The year 1954 can very well be the 

brightest year in drive-in theatre history if 

ive heed tJie straws in the wind! 

The drivein theatre playground emphasizes the outdoor theatre's importance as a place of family 

entertainment, a respected position which exhibitors should strive to maintain. Mayor Lewis D Yaeger 

of Litchfield, III., is shown throwing the switch for the first operation of the merry-go-round type ol 

pony ride installed ot the Sky View Drive- In in that city. Similar equipment is featured at the other 

drive ins operated by Frisina Amusement Co in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa 

• Mr tzoll 1% hood o) the t/cll and A.%oi 

crrcull and pr««idonl ot the Intornotionol Dri 

Thoaffo Owneri Ann

Drive-ln Screen Requires Special Care 

To Obtain Depth and Polarization for 3-D Pictures 

Screen Surface Must Be Kept Clean 

by BEN POBLOCKI* 

I HE CARE OF YOUR piojectlon scrceii 

Is of paramount importance for several 

reasons. The picture projected thereon 

should be bright, clear and brilliant at all 

times. There should be no fadeaway at 

extreme side angles and most important it 

must not interfere with general distribution. 

Screens must be kept clean or they 

will soon lose their reflecting power and 

the projected picture will not have the 

depth and beauty It should have for the 

showing of 2-D pictures and will not polarize 

for showing of 3-D pictures. To get the 

maximum definition for 2-D pictures, the 

screen should be painted at least twice per 

year; in order to polarize and obtain depth 

for 3-D pictures and CinemaScope. the 

screen should be painted once per month. 

This, of course, depends upon the climate. 

In high climates, the deterioration wUl be 

slower while in sand storm areas, etc., 

painting must be done oftener. 

WILL NOT REFLECT ALL LIGHT 

In my years of experience, through research 

and textbooks. I have never found 

any paint for coating of outdoor screens 

that will reflect all the light (even when 

newly painted » that strikes its surface. The 

elements will deteriorate painted surfaces 

and consequently, decrease reflectivity in 

accordance with its age. Frankly, I don't 

think anyone has ever come up with an 

exact figure of the percentage of light loss 

over a period of time. This, again, will 

depend on the location and climate in 

which the drive-in is located. Good projection 

depends on a good screen, lenses, 

arc lamps and projector. 

MUST HAVE CLEAN SURFACE 

Since the advent of 3-D pictures, a few 

existing outdoor theatres that were more 

fortunate to have a flat metal screen facing 

with welded joints, ground to a smooth flat 

finish, were able to apply one or two layers 

of aluminum paint and play 3-D pictures as 

well as 2-D pictures. These exhibitors have 

concluded that aluminum-painted screen 

surface reflected at least 75 per cent more 

light than did the old flat white diffusing 

screen surfaces but the light projected on 

this aluminum-painted surface, reflected 

back at same angle that it was projected. 

Many extreme angle ramps became obsolete 

because of drop off of light. This type of 

screen has a hard and permanent surface 

and at the most has to be washed once per 

year. A clean screen surface will save on 

electric light bill and will give full depth 

and beauty to the projected image, good 

highlights, middle tones and shadow areas 

Poblocki president Poblocki & Sons 

will be clearly defined over the entire 

screen area. 

However, one must have good projection 

lenses and correct amount of light from 

LENS 

ZEISS ^^**^ 

Exclusive American Distributors 

Zeiss solves your wide screen 

problems with their world famous 

short focal length lens. Made to 

fit American equipment. 

PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW! 

SPEAKERS 

See Our UNIVERSAL Speaker 

AMERICA'S FINEST 

For use on any type junction box. 

Beautiful streamlined speakers 

and junction boxes, high in 

quality— low in cost! 

COMPLETELY WEATHER PROOFED 

LIGHTING 

See our complete line of lighting. 

Roadway Lights; Entrance & Exit; 

Ramplights; Concession; Ramp 

End Exits; Lights Off & On; Aisle 

Lights. We light your field completely 

and efficiently. 

DRIVE-IN 

Consult Us Today 

(DIV. OF DIT-MCO INCORPORATED) 

projection arc in order to secure a perfect 

image on the screen as good screen surfaces 

alone will not do the job. 

The aluminum-anodlzed screen will reflect 

from 15 per cent to 25 per cent more 

llKht than the alumlnum-paintcd screen. 

maklnK the total over-all 100 per cent more 

light than has the present flat white 

painted dlffu-sInK .screen. Since It U nece«- 

.sary to have a metallic screen for Clneina- 

Scope and other wide-range systems that 

are now bcln« Installed in indoor ihealrcs, 

it will be nece.s»ary that outdoor theatres 

follow the .same procedure a.s Indoor theatres 

which can be accompli.sh

SPECIAL CARE FOR DRIVE-IN SCREENS 

Whot's Your Speaker Problem? 

See 

DAWO 

COLOR? SIZE? 

EXPERIMENTAL? 

SPECIAL? 

ASK 

US! 

A,(ua . 

REDUCE 

SPEAKER 

THEFT 

w/7/j yOL//? A/4MC 

co%i on each speaker 

... and DAWO 

speakers a r e 

highest 

rther Informotii 

DAWO Corporation^ Toledo, Ohio 

of 

quality! 

NEW REVOLUTIONARY COUNT-0-MAT 

DRIVE-IN 

CAR COUNTER 

AGAIN AVAILABLE! 

DeVryNo.2810(XD) Projectors 

for THEATRE and DRIVE-IN 

Complete Rebuilt Dual Outfits with lOOOW 

lamps, lenses, amplifier, speaker $ 895 

With Low Intensity Arcs and Rectifiers 1195 

With IKW Arcs and Rectifiers 1595 

DEVRY DRIVE IN HI Equipments from 1595 

\y^ 

ALL AVAILABLE ON TIME 

s.o.s. '''cinema 

SUPPLY CORP. 

Dcpt C, 602 W 52 St., N. Y. 19 

Cable: SOSOUND 

Drive-ln 

The sensotionol fool proof, tamper proof 

mechonical counting system that is occurote 

and completely automatic. 

Eliminates 

the human element. COUNT-OMAT 

allows complete control! Write today for 

the 

COUNT-OMAT story. 

BEREZNY ENGINEERING & 

MANUFACTURING CO. 

4208 AVALON BLVD. 

LOS ANGELES 11, CALIF. 

DESIGN^^ 

ORIGINALS. 

• Thcotrc Advertising ln< 

Ecd. Designs 

hand drawn 16 inches wic 

bic to 1 col. 

Right reserve 

it copy detracting from 

design. Cuts avoilable. Moil check 

REX K. MARTIN ovid, 

GIVE-AWAYS! 

for Openings, Anniversaries, Etc. Gifts and Novelties 

H W 

Witconiln 

"Rcmcmhvi your cuitomcri and they'll remember you " 

Foto-Pay-Day, Inc. 

mich. 

Contirtued 

from preceding pogt 

ing screen, no vertical black masking will 

be necessary on ends of the screen as the 

light that spills off of the ends will fade 

off into darkness and create a wider than 

actual illusion. If your light is adequate at 

this time, the same equipment can be 

utilized for the wider screen systems up to 

2.55 to 1 aspect ratio. 

Here are some tips on maintenance of 

amplifiers that should be kept handy for 

future reference. Remember that after 

long use, electrolytic and by-pass condensers 

may require replacement before 

they break down and start giving you 

trouble. After a year or two, they should 

be checked for capacity, power-factor and 

leakage with a suitable tester, such as a 

condenser tester or ohmeter. If you have 

a dual channel setup, use one amplifier one 

month and the other the next month. 

Electrolytic condensers will give better 

service if this is done. If you don't have 

suitable testing equipment, you can substitute 

a unit of the same rating known to 

be in satisfactory condition, if you find a 

condenser with leakage or short in your 

amplifier. 

Exhibitor Develops Permanent 

Screen Surface Material 

For Drive-ln Theatres 

The search for an inexpensive wideangle 

reflective screen for three-dimension 

and wide-screen processes in drive-in theatres 

apparently has ended for exhibitor 

Virgil Odell, owner and operator of the 

Emmett Drive-ln, Emmelt, Ida., and the 

Terrace Drive-ln, Caldwell, Ida. Odell. 

after experimenting with screen surfaces 

since last March, has applied for a U.S. 

patent on a new screen surfacing material 

for 3-D, wide-screen and 2-D in drive-in 

theatres. 

CONTROLS LIGHT REFLECTION 

Odell claims that the surfacing material 

has been engineered in such a way that 

it will control and equalize the reflection of 

specular light and that it guarantees equal 

distribution of reflected light at wide 

angles. He claims the surface will exceed 

the light reflection from a new factorybuilt 

curved screen for indoor theatres, with 

no glare, producing light reflection that is 

more than double the return from present 

white drive-in screen surfaces. Thus, the 

drive-in can double its screen size and still 

have the same amount of reflected light 

that it now has ivithout increasing the light 

from the source. 

The surface material Is permanent, of 

pure metal. Impervious to weather and requires 

no painting or reflnlslilng. It is 

mounted in large panels, making it easy to 

Install on present screen towers as well as 

on new and remodeled curved structureo. 

There are no visible seams, since seams are 

hidden and the surface appears to be one 

.solid 

piece. 

Th» MODERN THEATRE SECTION

iffltli 

I Fill 

I 

I 

' 

postcard 

HAORE INFORMATION on «ny Product Advertised 

this issue or mentioned in the New Equipment and 

news pages or for copies" of Manufacturers' Literature 

listed Kereio-Uie Postcards Below. 

NEW EQUIPMENT and DEVELOPMENTS 

Btided from the full dcjcrlption starting on page 40 

LITERATURE 

Briefed from the dcKriplion on page 4} 

Kt, 

WTRAHCEEXIT LIGHTING FIXTURE P-U28 

A rod marker fliturt limp, ihltlded by a dr»D Uk\ 

nllKlor nnbbcd outsldf In I'liranimd and Inside »iib a hltb- 

^m rtfleolve •bile, provldn eliber enirance or eill ll»blUi». 

Ai rtnurc can be mounted on four-Inch wooden post3 or on 

tm-lBcli pipes. It » orrered b; Slebu UTf. Co. 

COLORFUL CANDY PACKAGES 

P-U29 

Kt* packages. a»\n endnrercd to self-sell Hclde candy lines, 

Ian been aJupttd fur the (irctnfleld Ctaucolale Sponge and 

Ckonlale Flavor Babies. Chocolate Flavor BabU-s packages are 

h dark blue ultb full-color iltnclte of tbe candles. The llelde 

Hunnd Is In red. The other packaee Is In brown, yellow and 

nd (lib 1 full-color reproduction of tbe Chocolate Sponse 

PLASTIC SPEAKER COVER P-1130 

Plastic speaker covers, to eliminate tbe necessity of removing 

iptakers and junction boxes during the winter are offered by 

Cntial States I'aper & Bag Co. Tbe polyethylene plastic covers 

It said to resist cold temperatures to 60 degrees below lero. 

net can be u.sed for several seasons. They are allpped over 

tbt (peakcrs and tied solidly In place. 

NOVELTY POPCORN FIGURES P-1131 

Novelty Items, made of popcorn, are formed In special aluml- 

DUB novelty molds offered by J. A. Joffe k Co. Tbe molds 

art used by popcorn suiipUers to make the figures. Joffe ft Co. 

also furnishes decorations and decorating malerlali for use 

wttb tbe figures. 

KNIFE-EDGE PUSTIC TILE 

P-U32 

A knife edge, which enters the cement without re-sLitance and 

Mrecs It under tbe Improved water-seal flange assures a posl- 

Uve aaterpruof Instalhitlon of the new Coronet pla.sttc wall tlle» 

toboduced by Hachmelster. Inc. Tbe design eliminates nearly 

all cleanup after Installation, since tbe knife edge preveoti 

cncDl from cumlug out between tbe Joints of the tile. 

PELLETS TO REMOVE ICE AND SNOW P-IUS 

An anhydrous heat-generallng chemical, called Ice-Off. 1> 

said to be 97 per cent active for snow and Ice removal. &lad« 

In dry pellet form. Ice-Off Is (aid to thaw snow and lc» 

with ten limes the power of flake calcium chloride at 10 

degrees P. without corrosive or bleaching action. Introduced 

by Surface Protection Co , It Is free of Insoluble rnlduea and 

Is harmless to vegetation, rubber, cooaete and clothing. 

SMALL SANDWICH BAR P-1134 

Two toaster heads instead of four are features of the 

umallcr Mliuit-Bun Bar, Introduced by Ilelmco, Inc. Recommended 

for use during off-peak periods In theatres, the amaller 

unit has a single or double bowl, as desired, and has a toaster 

head which cuts and toasU a pocket Into a bun while the 

warming bowl keeps fillers at constant serrlng temperatures. 

SNOW BOY DESIGN ON SNO-CONE CUPS P-1135 

A Snow-Boy design Dlile cup for serving Sno-Balls and Sno- 

Cones has a decorative design carrying out the snow boy theme. 

Cups are cone-shaped, have a smoothly rolled brim and require 

a minimum of storage space. Offered by the DUIe Cup Co. In 

sli-ounce sizes, cup dispensers also are 

GASOLINE-DRIVEN POWER PLANTS P-1136 

Two gasollne-drlven power plants, rated at 10,000 and 

15.000 watts AC, are offered by D. W. Onan k Sons for both 

primary and standby applications. Features Include an Impulsecoupled 

magneto with special radio shielding for faster, easier 

starting; a sliding buttery rack, a cooling system of ten and 

one-half quarts and a fuel consumption capacity of under ooequurlcr 

per KW hour at full-rated load. 

DISPENSER FOR UNWRAPPED STRAWS 

P-U37 

One straw at a time Is dispensed by pulling a knob on the 

new Strawmaster straw dispenser, designed for sanitary dispensing 

of unwrapped drinking straws. The container cylinder 

is stainless steel and the unit has a cast Iron base, with a 

baked enamel finish, which can be attached to the top of 

counters for self-service. The cylinder removes from brackets 

for loading of straws and plastic end Inserts remove to make 

loading easy and sanitary. 

ICE CREAM MERCHANDISING 

Tbe Dairy Tbrilri Cu-Up Plan U outUoed lo 

flupurdlsplay, to promote tbe puretiasa «f tbt firs 

PORTABLE WALL CLEANING MACHINES 

LU07 

lloss k Story ProducU Corv , In an Ulustnled bcoetiun, 

shows tbe adianlages of clranlng walll and eelllli0 wltb 

portable, nonelectric maehlns over tbe bucket and nmaff 

method. Ihe report cuat,ilm raults of teala eom^fttd at 

Michigan State cullege on cuBpuaUve cots beiwno ttw t«« 

MALT-MIXER MACHINE 

A three-color folder. Issued by Omral 

Inc.. outluiea the operation and advantages 

Malt MUer machine, which, lu aaakcrs clala 

of any flavor b) ten icoada. 

SOAP DISPENSERS PICTURED 

Illustrations of tbe Botirick Mfg. Corp. loap 

describes low-cost ma: 

an underlay for leveling before 

etc. Specifications and UlustraUona 

brochure. 

STEREOPHONIC SOUND OUTLINED 

Labaratortes. 

L-] 

L-UOl 

Int., 

L-16U 

A 16-page booklet from the Altec Service Corp. explains tbe 

developmeiit and technicalities of ftereopbonic wuod (of 

tbeatremen. Starting with drfloltlon at Hie •ord sirres. tbe 

booklet then eiplalns tbe sound processo and eutUaa* tbdr 

w to Use These 

lADERS' BUREAU COUPONS 

out completely o leparat* coopM 

for each New Equipment iteni, 

or Literature reference (above) irhich 

inieresti you. Likewise for eoch Ad- 

•crtising Product (reverse side of this 

tktclj obout which you wont more 

i«formalion. Put only one key number 

» tack square. 

ite -..f. the ke, numbt. A\ I 

J^ 

jJOHN Q.DO£ 

QUEEN '11 

J^TH and MAIN 

NEWBERN s,o.. ALA. 

Um tkt outer card to request on* 

I 

to (our items, both cords if requestg 

five to eight. 

Wken you hove filled out the coupons 

for eoch request, detach tha 

ond mail. No postage 

needed the U.S. (Affix stamp ia 

in 

Canodo.)

READERS' BUREAU 

PRODUCTS ADVERTISED IN THIS ISSUE 

ADMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM, 

DRIVE-IN 

Bereiny Engineering & Mlg. Co 34-B 

ADMISSION SIGNS 

Edgar S. 

ATTRACTION 

Bowman. 

BOARDS AND LETTERS 

34-E 

Adiir Silhouette Letter Co 31-A 

Poblocki & Sons Co 39-A 

Triple S Supply Corp 42-B 

Wagner Sign Ser.ice Co 17-A 

BUTTER SERVERS 

Dairy Se/rice Co 25-A 

CARBON SAVERS 

Call 

Phillips 

Hcide, Inc. 27-A 

Products Co. 

Electi 

CARRYING TRAYS. FOOD & DRINK 

Loroco Industries, Inc 26-B 

CONCESSION EQUIPMENT, DRIVE-IN 

Concession 

Supi 

Star Mtg. Co.. 

DISPLAY FRAMES AND EASELS 

26-E 

22-A 

26-D 

Peoples Display Frame Co 44-A 


FOUNTAINETTES 

Superior Refrigerator Mfg. Co., Inc 25-0 

FRONTS 

AND BOXOFFICES 


HOT DOG WARMERS 

Star Mtg. Co 22-A 

KIDDY RIDES FOR DRIVE-INS 

Concession Supply Co 26-E 

.33-/ 

.37-B 

LAMP HOUSE BLOWERS 

Dri

— 

I 

. . dnve-ms 

. 

An Accountant Can Save Drive-ln Owner 

Money and Headaches. Says Urbach 

His Knowledge Will Prevent Slipshod Operation 

by J. S. CONNORS 

T HE SERVICES of an accountant are 

highly desirable in establishing and maintaining 

a drive-in operation, said Sidney 

Urbach, CPA. of Albany, N.Y.. and associate 

of Harry Lamont in several outdoor T 

theatres. Hiring an accountant will save 

money and headaches from the very beginning. 

Urbach declared. 

Among the things on which an accountant 

can advise and help are : the surveying 

of the business potential in areas under 

consideration: the fixing of a "normal ! 

business year"—which does not necessarily 

correspond to the calendar year—the in- 

' 

stallation of a booklceeping setup, the 

preparation of the first and subsequent income 

tax returns: the keeping of records 

on equipment costs and depreciation figures: 

the auditing of books, preferably 

twice during the business season and once 

at its end: and checking of financing. 

SELECT A QUALIFIED MAN 

Urbach, who conducts a certified public 

accounting business and who has several 

outside drive-in clients, said that the selection 

of a qualified accountant is important. 

He suggested consultation with a local bank 

on this phase. In cities, a bank will usually 

recommend two or three accountants, leaving 

the final choice to the businessman. 

In small communities, a bank may name 

the accountant it judges best. 

Urbach assumed that because most 

drive-in owners have previously been engaged 

in some other business, they hire 

an accountant, but that some may not 

at the start, perhaps. To neglect engaging 

one is unwise. It may be the beginning of 

a slipshod operation, where hidden losses 

run into a substantial figure. 

CAN SAVE ON INCOME TAX 

An accountant can sometimes save a 

drive-in owner money on income tax payments, 

Urbach pointed out. This is because 

"there may be more than one legitimate 

way to effect a setup." The federal income 

tax law, Urbach commented, has not been 

completely redrafted since its enactment in 

1913. Changes, modifications and deletions 

have been made, but no general overhauling 

has been done. The statute and 

blue-printing regulations are very complex—too 

much so for a drive-in owner to 

interpret and handle by himself. 

One of the knottiest problems, in preparing 

income tax returns, is the percentage 

of depreciation allowed drive-ins. In two 

cases Urbach reported that he achieved 

measurable success after protracted meetings 

with Internal Revenue department 

representatives. 

Patience and persistence are essential 

here, the informant said. The reason: no 

pattern for drive-in depreciation has been 

fixed by the Internal Revenue department. 

The one on which it has based calculations 

Is that (or Indoor thratres—and drive- 

In operatoDi claim iiuch Is nellhi-r fair nor 

practical. The dt-preclatlon rale for upeakerH. 

ramplnK, Krudlna and the like Is 

rapid. 

accordlnK to Urbuch. Tlui Is due to the 

element of expoHure to weather and wearmuch 

Kreator than In a conventional house. 

Urbach believes that It Is .tound practice to 

fix the normal business year for an outdoor 

theatre on the basi.\ of the opening 

and closlnK months. II the drive- in opens 

in March, for instance, the business year 

should beKln In February and end the following 

January. Two thorouxh audits 

should be conducted durinK the .sea.son, and 

EPRAD "UNIVERSAL" Die-Casf Aluminum 

\ Sp eakers Have ALL These Advantages: 

• GIO'Top Junction Boxes in 4 Br 

liant Colors 

• Quick Dijconnict Terminals I 

Rapid Installation 

• A Cord Which Can Be Chanjed 

60 Seconds 

• No Check. Outs" fleouired 

• Simplest and Lowtst-Krown Main, 

tenance 

• The Finest. CItarett. Most- Natural 

• A Trouble-Fret Volume Ccntrt 

sn-Shorling Junction Boi 

Reasonable Price 

DE LUXE STAMPED-STEEL SPEAKERS 

S(r Your Fa.orite Independent Dealer 

Sec Us at TESMA 

EPRAD 

Booth 108 

1206 Cherry Toledo 4, Oh 

"Voic* of the DRIVE-IN" 

UNI-MAX 

FOR BEST RESULTS USE 

Continutd on following pogt 

3-D WIDE-SCREEN 2-D SCREEN PAINT 

When screens arc pointed with "L/ni-Max," picture brillionce 

does not noticeobly foil off at extreme udei . 

briliiarKc of 2-D pictures is increased . . . picture controst 

IS greater . con stort 15 to 30 minutes earlier 

See Your Indepemlent Equipment Dealer 

BOXOFFICE ;; November 7, 1953

I 

I 

reluctance 

AN ACCOUNTANT CAN SAVE MONEY 

Continued front 

preceding page 

a final one at the close. Nothing should be 

overlooked. 

The separation of tax money from regular 

receipts is, of course, imperative: "the 

former is held in trust." Carelessness or 

commingling is disastrous. The prudent 

drive-in owner wiU be on guard against 

both of these. 

The use of "common sense" in projecting 

a drive-in cannot be over emphasized. 

Urbach observed. There is no substitute 

for it. In choosing a site— "the wrong location 

can be fatal, even though everything 

else be perfect"—a close study of areas 

.should be made. First, outUne the drawing 

radius — Lamont drive-ins calculate 15 

miles from the site. 

PERFECT DEFINITION to the 

Outer Edges of the Screen 

Here's the new Ballantyne short focal length f 1.9 

wide angle lens. Ready for IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 

COMPARISON of the new Bollonlyne wid 

angle lent (porl of Ihe Bollonlyne ollsyslei 

package), with any other will prove to yo 

that here it the loit word in opiicol engineer 

ing ikill. Thii lent wot originally detigned fo 

ute by the military for photo reconnaitonc< 

when definition o»er the entire picture lurfoc 

picture technique by The Ballantyne Co. With 

out qu 

COLOR CORRECTION 

if 

oberoli 

ligherco, 

it givci, in the opinion of engi 

image over the wh 

THE AIR SURFACES ore < 

hordeit ond moit duroble m 

coating known to icience. 

createi the amount of light 

the lent ond increoiei the 

A UNIQUE NEW CEMENT 

withttond Ihe high lemperol 

frome. 

3ted with Ihe 

inetlum 

floride 

hit greatly inoiting 

through 

Jted which will 

It 

which projec- 

ALL INTERNAL SURFACES are tealed ogoii 

edget ore treoled to 

THE LENSES come in f< 

in incremenit of y^ " . 1 

SPECIAL 

many odoptort 

ATTENTION 

which 

uay oi oil proicclori. Then ski 

ig of eoch odaplor eliminate v!g 

:h cote. Scoring ond treating ass 

no stray light will be projected 

THESE LENSES ore ov, 

delivery from Bollontyn< 

When ordering ipccify 

Orlglnotori of the all-iyitem package wide scioon, 

Interchangeable 3 and 4 Irocli mognelic toundhoads and 

stereophonic sound systems, 3-D interlock equipment. 

THE 

BALLANTYNE 

COMPANY 

1712 Jockion StrMt 

LEARN THE ESSENTIALS 

Fix the irreducible amount of population 

necessary within the radius. Obtain car 

registration totals within the radius, or as 

near to it as possible. Collect figures on 

bank deposits, business volume and other 

pertinent information within the "drawing" 

circle, suggested Urbach. A Fairchilds publication 

on retail business will prove very 

helpful to a potential drive-in owner. 

"Visit a bank and talk with one or more 

of its officers," he recommended. "They 

will be glad to discuss a drive-in project 

with you. I think banks show no greater 

to make loans for drive-ins 

than they do for any other single-purpose 

business. After all, a drive-in starts as an 

open lot or meadow. If it has neighboring 

businesses—a driving range, a patio, a 

miniature golf course, an eating stand 

the risk, to a bank, is less. I would not 

claim that the obtaining by a drive-in of 

a bank loan is easy, but I do say it is not 

impossible. I speak from personal experience 

on this." 

TAKE NECESSARY TIME 

How long should the preparation period 

run before construction of an automobile 

theatre starts. Urbach replies: "That depends 

on circumstances. We pin-pointed 

one drive-in within two months. We took 

two years to decide on another. 

"Listen to advice from people in the motion 

picture industry, and from quaUfied 

people outside it," cautioned Urbach. 

"Wliile you are listening, you are not talking, 

and you may learn something to youiadvantage," 

he added. Duo to the relative 

newness of drive-ins, no one has all the 

answers. Therefore, taking advice, before 

and after starting, Is just being smart. 

Urbach also thinks that a lawyer should 

al.so be consulted before any drive-in operation 

is launched. "Here again the money 

.spent at the start is pretty certain to save 

you plenty in the long run—and to avoid 

luimerous heaitaches." concluded the alert, 

(lulet 

m 

spoken, highly articulate CPA-drlvc- 

partner. Incidentally, he "learned 

things" by attending the National TOA 

ronventlon in Washington, D.C., last year, 

and this year's meeting In Chicago. 


DRIVE 

3-D, 2-D, and WIDE RANGE 

PICTURES, WITH PERMANENT ALL METAL 

PERMALU 

SCREEN 

American and Canadian Patents Applied For 

We recommend widening your present screen towerJo fit all wide range 

systems, including Cinemascope. See your nearest National Theatre 

Supply Dealer for samples, engineering details, prices, etc. YOU 

MUST BUY NOW to be ready with this new screen for your spring 

opening. Deliveries being made on a first come, first serve basis. 

CHECK THESE FEATURES I 

WILL PAY 

YOU TO BE 

Distributed By 

NATIONAL 

sion of National, simplex, Bludworth.lnc^ 

OR WRITE DIRECT TO 

# 125% more reflected light than your present painted screer 

# Made of extruded aluminum, it will last a lifetime. 

# No maintenance cost because of its permanent alumllited finish. 

# Pictures are equal with best Indoor theatre quality. 

# Special face design to give best viewing from end as well as 

center ramps. 

# Adaptable to curved towers as well as flat towers. 

# No seams or screws in the face of the screen. 

# Start shows 15 minutes to 'j hour earlier. 

# Reflective values enable you to increase your screen to widest 

aspect ratio and yet use your present projection equipment. 

Can be purchased on time payment plan. 

A}f9 SO?fS 

2159 S. KiNNICKINNIC AVE, 

MILWAUKEE 7, 

WISCONSIN 

November 7, 1953

handising 

m 

EQUIPMENT & DEVELOPMENTS 

J 

Entrance and Exit Lighting P-1128 

Provided by New Fixture 

Entrance and exit 

lighting for drive-ins 

is provided by a new 

fixture, which can be 

mounted either to 

four-inch wooden 

posts or to two-inch 

pipes. The road 

(^ marker fixture lamp, 

al 

% C introduced by Steber 

Mfg. Co., is shielded 

by a drawn steel renector 

finished outside in Ultranamel and 

Inside with a high-gloss reflective white. 

Heide Candies Appear 

In New Packages 

1129 

FOR MORE 

INFORMATION 

USE Readers' 

Bureau Coupons, Page 35 

Plastic Speaker Covers Protect P-1130 

Drive-Ins in Wintertime 

Plastic dnve-in speaker covers for the 

protection of speakers during the winter 

are being offered by the Central States 

Paper & Bag Co. The manufacturer claims 

that use of the plastic covers eliminates the 

nece.ssity of removing speakers and junction 

boxes during the winter, thereby saving the 

drive-in operator considerable time and 

expense in dismantling. The polyethylene 

plastic covers are said to resist cold temperatures 

to 60 degrees below zero. They 

can be used several seasons. The bags 

are slipped over the speakers and tied 

solidly in place. The covers also can be 

used to protect stored speakers against 

dampness and cold. Two sizes are available, 

22x22 inches and 27x28 inches. 

Novelty Figures of Popcorn 

Made in Aluminum Molds 

P-1131 

Novelty items, made 

of popcorn and 

formed in special 

molds, are available 

to theatres throughout 

the nation with 

the introduction of 

aluminum novelty 

! 

Dyn;ai r paclcages, designed 

to mil requirements, 

li,... 4Jt.t;d by the Heide line 

of candies for the Greenfield Chocolate 

Sponge and Chocolate Flavor Babies. 

The paclcages were sales engineered and 

designed by Egmont Arens and apply the 

principle that a successful candy package 

molds by J. A. Joffe 

must call attention to itself, create desire 

& Co. The molds are 

and promise consumer satisfaction. A soft 

used by popcorn supwax 

finish on the packages also appeals to 

|)liers for the making 

the customer through the sense of touch. 

of the very appealing novelities, which 

Chocolate Flavor Babies, chocolaty-flavored 

then are sold to theatres. In ad- 

dairy cream candles, are presented dition to the aluminum designs, in the form 

In a dark blue package with full-color 

of animals and other figures, the Joffe 

vignette of the candles. The Heide diamond company also manufactuies the decorations 

trademark is 

and decorating materials used with 

red. 

The Chocolate Sponge package Is done the designs, such lus shown above. 

in the traditional Greenfield colors, brown, 

yellow and red. A full-color reproduction 

of the Chocolate Sponge Is superimposed 

Claimi made for producti described editorially 

on the cellophane window. The Sponge 

n this and other poges ore token from the 

package has sloping sides and ends to provide 

nonufocturc 

maximum display 

surface. 

Plastic Tile Has Knife-Edge 

To insure Positive Seal 

P-1132 

An improved water-seal flange and a new 

knife edge, which enters the cement without 

resistance and forces it under the 

flange assuring a positive waterproof installation 

are features of the new Coronet 

plastic wall tile, which has been introduced 

by Hachmeister. Inc. The manufacturer 

claims that the tile design, economy of installation 

and the shallow cavity back saves 

up to 7^4 cents per square foot on mastic 

cost. The new design also eliminates practically 

all cleanup after installation as the 

knife edge prevents cement from cominp 

out between the joints of the tile. A complete 

line of accessories is made to accompany 

the new tile, including corners, feature 

strip and half tile. 

Heat-Generating Dry Pellets P-1133 

Remove Ice and Snow 

Ice and s n o w- 

covered walks and 

drives need be no 

wintertime 

problem 

to theatremen, according 

to the Surface 

Protection Co 

which has introductnl 

a new anhydrous 

heat-g enerating 

chemical called Ice- 

Off, which it claims Is 

97 per cent active for snow and Ice removal. 

Made in dry pellet form, Ice-Olf 

Is said to thaw snow and ice with ten 

times the power of 

flake calcium chloride 

at 10 degrees F. without corrosive or 

bleaching action. It Is free of insolunble 

residues and Is harmless to vegetation, 

rubber, concrete and clothing. It will keep 

surfaces Ice-free for hours. 

40 


Smoll Sandwich Bor for Use 

In OH-Peak Periods 

P-1134 

B.A. 

A smaller Minut-Bun Bar, with two 

toaster heads instead of four and a single 

or double bowl, as desired, has been introduced 

by Helmco, Inc. The smaller unit is 

recommended for use during the off-peak 

periods in theatres. The Minut-Bun Bar 

has a toaster head which cuts and toasts 

a pocket into the bun, while the warming 

bowl keeps one or two fillers at constant 

serving temperatures. 

Snow Boy Design on Cups 

For Serving Sno-Cones 

P-1135 

• GREATER LIGHT • GREATER CONTRAST • GREATER SHARPNESS 

Wofch your "B. A." climb when you injloll Super Snoplito 

Lenses. Give your patrons the benefit of pictures at their best. 

You con't beat the Super Snoplite f/1.9 when it comes to 

putting a clear, sharp picture on your screen. 

Super Snaplites give you a true speed of f/1 .9 in every focol 

length up to 7 inches. Ask for Bulletin 212. 

'Too Gef More light with Super Snop/if*" 

Plant: 

Northampton, Mass. 

i^/p^Cai CORIMtKATIOK 

/ New York Office: JO Church St. 

New York 7, N.Y. 

{i3m 

^,. Regardless of the new medum yoo *«l«cf for your theatre, 

all "depth" pictures require near perfection from lh« projectors. Before 

converting see your deoler about using LaVezzi proiwetOf portt in on 

A Snow-Boy design Dixie cup for serving 

Sno-Balls and Sno-Cones has been made 

overhaul. The unusual precision ond long life bring obout 

available by the Dixie Cup Co. The Snoweconomy, 

and peoce of mind. 

Boy cups are cone-shaped, have a smoothly 

rolled brim and require a minimum of 

LaVezzi 

storage space. The cups are offered in sixounce 

sizes, with cup dispensers also available. 

Decorative design on the cups carries 

Machine Works 

4635 

out the Snow-Boy h. 

W. LAKE ST., CHICAGO 44, ILL. 

Idea. 

BOXOrnCE ; 

; November 7. 1953

CONVERT TO 

Gasoline-Driven Power Plants 

For Primary or Standby Use 

P-1136 

\ 

TR\PLE S 

TRACK 

TRIPLE 5 r. 

CHANGEABLE ^^. 

MARQUEE 

-^ 

LETTERS 

Quickly, Easily, 

economically with 

ANGLgear 

WHAT IT IS— 

ANGLgear is a standurdized right angle gear 

unif with a universal mounting. 

Two gasoline-driven electric plants, rated 

at 10.000 and 15,000 watts AC have been 

added to the water-cooled line of engine 

generators manufactured by D. W. Onan 

& Sons. The new liQ models are powered 

by Continental four-cylinder, water-cooled 

engines and are designed for both primary 

and standby applications. Features include 

an impulse-coupled magneto with special 

radio shielding for faster and easier starting; 

a sliding battery rack for easy battery 

servicing: a cooling .system of ten and onehalf 

quarts for less antifreeze consumption, 

and a fuel consumption capacity of under 

one-quarter per KW hour at full-rated load. 

A new generator designed for the HQ 

models starts motors on the basis of 2.000 

watts per horsepower and maintains 80 per 

cent of rated voltage with a load on the 

motor. All generators are direct-connected 

to the engine by a semiflexible drive disk. 

IfilPL£-S SUPPLy 

206 FIRST STREET 

SAN FRANCISCO 5, CALIF. /T 

WHAT IT DOES— 

ANGLgear synchronizes projectors in stereoscopic 

systems 

New Sanitary Dispenser 

For Unwrapped Straws 

P-n37 

HOW IT SAVES— 

ANGLgear is simp'c, compact, and inexpensive. 

You save on usual separate costs ot 

shafting, pillow 

^^ 

0^^^^^^ blocks, and 

^^^B|^^H^HB gears 

^^M^^^^n^^^^^ simple 

^^HÎ^HÎ^^H all 

^P^V^^H are 

over 

Instclla- 

Operators 

^gfC^ H^flB ANGLgear. 

^^^^J^P^*^^ write, 

or 

^^ 

Manufactured by Airbo 

Acceaories Corp 

Sold through indepcr 

supply 

deolcrs 

phone for detoils 

J. E. ROBIN, INC. 

"" "" » fqo/pmtnf " 

267 Rhode Island Av.nu. 

EAST ORANGE, N. J. 

The cost of paper drinking straws can 

be pared considerably with the new Strawmaster 

straw dispenser, designed for sanitary 

dispensing of unwrapped drinkinj^ 

straws. The straw container cylinder is 

made of high-polished stainless steel and 

the unit has a cast iron base, with a bakcdcnamel 

finish, which can be attached to the 

top of counters or tables for self-service. 

The cylinder removes from the bracket for 

loading of straws and the plastic end inserts 

remove to make loading easy and sanitary. 

The unit Is supplied for use with unwrapped 

.straws for 8' --Inch .soda or malt and for 

I 

j 

The 

I lists 

— 

LITERATURE 

jhr juUowiitc/ vnnccin.s have recently 

tiled copies of interesting descriptive literature 

with the Modern Theatre Information 

Bureau. Readers who wish copies may 

obtain them promptly by using the Readers' 

Bureau postcard in this issue of The Mod- 

.rn. Theatre. 

USE 

RCA SERVICE 

FOR 

L-ieoe—A DESCRIPTIVE folder outlining 

ts Dairy Theatre Co-Op Plan for the pur- 

Imse of the company's Coldisplay for merchandising 

of ice cream products on a 

rental, loan or time service plan, has been 

Issued by Supurdisplay. 

L-1607 

An illustrated brochure showing 

advantages, in economy and efficiency, 

of cleaning walls and ceilings with portable, 

non-electric machines over the bucket-andsponge 

method now is being issued by Ross 

(i Story Pi-oducts Corp. It contains reports 

on tests at Michigan State college on comparative 

cost figures on labor and material 

between machine and hand-washing operations 

and it shows advantages of machine 

washing and points out professional results 

obtained by unskilled operators. 

AND 

^%ONIC 

SOUND 

. . .The same prompt, efficient, 

courteous service that exhibitors 

Prodci iliL III \K I 

of your ihc-atrc and \ou 

protect your box ofBcf. 

have been depending on for 2 5 years. 

L-1608—The Sani-Shake Malt Mixer 

machine, its operation and its advantages 

are outlined in a three-color folder issued 

by General Equipment Sales. Inc. The machine, 

its makers claim, can serve a malt 

of any flavor every ten seconds. The folder 

terms the shaker operation as "three simple 

twists of the wrist": put in the flavor, turn 

spigot to fill container, give it a threesecond 

twirl. A seven-gallon concealed refrigerated 

mix container is incorporated in 

the machine. 

RCA Service 

Company, Inc. 

A Radio Corporation of America Subsidiary 

Camden, N. J. 

For 

YOUR 

L-1609 Illustrations of the Bobrick 

Mfg. Corp. line of soap dispensers, valves 

and tanks are features of an 8l2Xll-inch 

two-page catalog sheet which has been 

published by the manufacturer. A limited 

upply of sheets is available to theatremen. 

L-1610 Floor resurfacing problems 

may be solved by examination of a new twocolor 

brochure published by United Laboratories. 

Inc. The literature describes lowcost 

mastic resurfacing as a top material 

ir an underlay for leveling before applicaion 

of tile, linoleum, etc. Specifications 

lor application, laboratory test results and 

Uustrations of the mastic in use also are 

featured in the brochure. 

L-1611—A 16-PAGE BOOKLET from the 

Altec Service Corp. is being offered to motion 

picture exhibitors, explaining in an 

easy and understandable manner the development 

and technicalities of stereo- 

Phonic sound. Starting with the definition 

of the word stereo, the booklet proceeds to 

explain the stereophonic processes and outline 

the development of the sound system. 

booklet, called "Stereophonic Sound 

and Altec." also lists "firsts" for Altec and 

the first 100 theatres to install Altec 

stereophonic sound systems.

^ 

Lifetime Extruded Aluminum 

DISPLAY FRAMES 

8"«10" Slid* From. »1 00 

Slide 11"»14" From* ISO 

14". 2J" Slide From* 2-15 

Slide 14". 36" From* 300 

22". 28" Slide From* 3.00 

POSTER CASES—We manufocture o complete 

line of llluminoted and non-illuminafed wall 

frames and poster cases. 

40" X 60" POSTER CASE 

40"«60' Nonilluminoted poster case, 

recessed or surface mounted 

shodowboi door, 

(p'ease specify) hea»y extruded oluminum 

lifetime finish, full alumilite length door 

hinges, 3 8" plywood back. Only $64.50 

F.O.B. Montebello, Calif. 

SAVE! ORDER 

DIRECT BY MAIL! 

Frames and case listed may be ordered by 

moil. Money-back Guarantee. Shipped F.O.B. 

Montebello, Calif. Write todoy for free 

catolog. 

Deolen Inquire: 

Peoples Display Frame Co. 

15131515 Olympic Blvd. Monlcbtllo 8, Calif. 

American 

Bodiform 

1 

about PEOPLE and PRODUCT 

Julius Silverman has been appointed 

plant manager for the Radiant Mfg. Corps, 

new branch on 

Chicago's near south 

side. He will be in 

charge of the manufacture 

of theatre 

screens. Before joining 

Radiant, Silverman 

was business 

manager for a 

Chicago welfare a- 

gency. He also had 

worked for Bell & 

Ju/i'os Sihermon Howell in the various 

departments of time study, wage coordination 

and inspection problems. He later 

was named production manager for Case.-;. 

Inc., subsidiary of Bell & Howell. 

Dr. Arthur M. Brunson and Prof. Glenn 

M. Smith were honored recently for their 

outstanding scientific contributions to the 

development of hybrid popcorn seed. At 

a testimonial dinner in Lafayette, Ind., the 

men were given handsome thermometer 

barometers with inscribed brass plaques by 

the Popcorn Proces-sors Ass'n. 

He was in his 40th year with thi 

tivities. 

company and he will continue as a con 

sultant on advertising matters. Bartlet 

joined Kodak in 1914 and soon becami 

assistant advertising manager. He heU 

this post almost 20 years, until 1943 whei 

he became director of advertising. 

iiK for Eastman Kodak Co., has retired 

m active participation in company ace/ 

Share 

Samuel Shure, theatre circuit owner and; 

operator, has taken over complete control, 

in the reorganization of National Iniaii 

Heaters Co. Shure, with a background oli 

more than 25 years as an exhibitor, has; 

relinquished his theatrical holdings to Tive; 

his entire time to top level planning and. 

reorganization of the heater. The firm 

makes a portable air conditioner and! 

heater unit for drive-ins which controls can 

humidity. It is housed in a metal case^ 

weighing only 2'2 pounds with dimensions; 

as small as 5V2x4'ix4 inches. 

'''?AFFIC! 

ocli«l. oibailoi co'< 

Jl^^\ 

Maurice Sy/von Theodore Roupos 

Angelica Uniform Co. has promoted 

Maurice Sylvan to sales manager, and 

Theodore Roupas to assistant sales manager 

of the north central division, headquartering 

in Chicago. Walter Kuhs, who 

had served as Chicago sales manager since 

1949, resigned to enter business for himself. 

Sylvan has been with Angelica since 

1940 in both selling and managerial capacities. 

Roupas joined the firm in 1950. 

The search for television studio equipment 

designed to make possible the airing 

of filmed programs with quality equal to 

"live" pickups has resulted in the development 

of a new typo TV film camera by the 

RCA Victor division of Radio Corp. of 

America. The new camera uses a newly 

developed vidicon-type tube and has sensitivity 

for film operation about three times 

greater than present Iconoscope film 

cameras, the company said. Production on 

I lie camera is to start early next year. 

Hayward Bahtlbtt, director of adver- 

A SOUND CONTROL PRODUCTS SalCS dlViSiOD 

has been organized by the Owens-CominK 

Fiberglas Corp. and is headed by Ben F 

Leaman jr., according to Edward J. Detgen. 

general sales manager of the firm's general 

products division. To help meet the de-' 

mand for solutions to noise problems, the 

production facilities for the manufacture of' 

Fiberglas sound control products are being 

| 

increased and are expected to be doubled, 

in size by January. Leaman is an acoustical 

specialist who joined Owens-Corning in 

1950. He became manager of the acoustical' 

sales department In May 1951. 

Manos Theatre circuit has signed a| 

service and paits plan contract for 15 of| 

its theatres in Pennsylvania and West Vlr- ( 

glnla with the RCA Service Co. T. M.I 

Manos negotiated the contract for the clr- t . 

cult and P. W. Hamre. RCA Service Co. J 

district manager in Pittsburgh, represented 

the company. 

A RECENT three-day sules meeting of Ui> 

Radiant Mfg. Corp. in Chicago was devoted 

to a complete technical and sales analysis 

of the Magnlglow Astrolite, optically englneered 

all-purpose theatre screen. 

Th. MODERN THEATRE SECnOM I

sales 

, 

business. 

j 

' 

advantage. 

: Nov. 

k 

OXOFFICECBDDilJJJi^^lJJDS 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY ABOUT PICTURES 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

average, Monday went below, and I tried to 

make a deal with my operator to take the 

Roar of the Crowd lAA)—Howard Duff. boxoffice for hLs Tuesday stint but he counted 

Helenc Stanley. Dave Willock. A very nice heads so it was no dice. Played Sun., Mon., 

picture in color with a few old .shots of Tues. Weather: Nice.—Bob Walker, Uintah 

little 

lacInK which were not too readily recognized. 

nUs wa.s a very nice crowd pleaser here. The 

swell. Played Wed., 

Theatre, Fruita, Colo. 

patronage. 

Small-town and rural 

voungstcr in the film is 

rhurs,. Pri.. Sat. Weather: Cool and rain.— 

!I;irold Bell, Opera Hou.se Theatre, Coaticook, 

.,ûe. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Star of Texas (AA)—Wayne Morris, Rick 

Vallin, Robert Lee Bice. For a little western, 

this was tops. If they had a big star and 

Technicolor with this it could have been sold 

for "A" product. Allied Artists has improved 

continually in their product. Played Pri., Sat. 

Weather: Fair.—George Kelloff, Ute Theatre. 

Aguilar, Colo. Small-town and rural patronage. 

COLUMBIA 

Happy Time, The (Col)—Charles Boyer, 

Louis Jourdan. Marsha Hunt. This good little 

is picture giving us an unhappy time. Here 

IS fine a film that was killed for us by the 

ible trailer. The French accent is guarnot 

to sell tickets to our farmers. Pass 

buy it in the lowest allocation. Played 

or 

Tues., Wed.. Tliurs. Weather: O.K.—Joe Mcpherson, 

Key Theatre. Kewanna, Ind. Small- 

'own and rural patronage. 

UPPERT PRODUCTIONS 

Day in the Country, A iLP)—A 3-D Featiirette. 

Three-dimension on two-dimension 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Apache War Smoke (MGM)—Gilbert Roland, 

Glenda Farrell, Robert Horton. Missed 

eeing this but the boxoffice take was adequate. 

Have an idea it was a good action 

picture. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: O.K.— 

Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont, 

dmall-town and rural patronage. 

Confidentially Connie (MGM)—Van Johnson, 

Janet Leigh, Louis Calhern. Where MGM 

once had nothing but Sunday pictures, now 

they're the midweek kinds—and me with only 

!ii'_| 

y dates! I've gone crazy trying to 

„Ji Amble some of these little Band "C's" into 

)vas 

'"TT Sunday Sunda; programs. This is cute enough and 

pleased most of those who would risk a 

ticket-purchase. Sunday started out above 

Harold Bell Shoots 

Tip to Small Towns 

CO THIS IS LOVE (WB)—Kathryn 

Grayson, Merv Griffin, Joan Weldon. 

And how they loved it. We were told this 

was not a small-town picture on account 

of the opera in it. I have not had time to 

check yet but I think this one broke all 

records here. This is a tip, small-towners. 

Played Wed., Thurs,, Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Cool.—Harold Bell. Opera House Theatre, 

Coaticook, Que. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Dream Wife ( MGM i—Gary Grant. Deborah 

Kerr. Walter Pidgeon. A very good comedy. 

Just right for the midweek double bill. Business 

fair. Price fair. Played Tues., Wed.. 

Thurs. Weather: Fair.—Dan Guest, Tower 

Theatre, Wichita Palls. Tex, Subsequent run 

city patronage. 

Fast Company (MGM)—Howard Keel, Marjorie 

Main, Nina Foch. A .smaU action picture 

about race horses which did some business 

and caused me to break even. I think it was 

made before under the title of "Broadway 

Bill." Played Fri., Sat. Weather; Good.— 

I Love Melvin (MGM)—Donald O'Connor, 

Debbie Reynolds, Una Merkel. Played one week 

after "Francis Covers the Big Town"— took 

I Love Melvin (MGM)—Donald O'Connor, 

Debbie Reynolds, Una Merkel. Cute! The 

very word "musical" in the billing generaUy 

kills a picture for us. Still, being stupid 

morons, we play them. But if you can get 

them in on this one, they'll Uke it. The little 

sister made the comedy and had all the kids 

singing "Life Has It's Funny Little Ups and 

Downs." MGM needs two types of trailers on 

their musicals—one for big cities and one for 

little towns. Biz was average. Slightly raised 

adult admissions and doubled for children 

without parents, beginning on this one. No 

complaints from the former but some from the 

kids whose parents go elsewhere. Played Sat., 

Sun. Weather: Rainy (at last).—Barbara and 

Klifton Altis, Bunceton Theatre, Bunceton, 

Mo. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Ivanhoe (MGM)—Robert Taylor, EUzabeth 

Taylor, Joan Fontaine. The closer it came to 

this playdate the more disgusted I became 

with myself for booklnK It. To my ureat »urprlse 

did above averaKe ^seemed and to 

it 

plea.sc everyone. Played Sun., Mon—J. C 

Balkcom, Gray Theatre. Gray, O*. SmaJltown 

and rural patronage. 

Small Town Girl —Relssu. 

Lucille Ball. Edgar Bergen. Charlie McCarthy. 

Lucille Ball packed 'em in. We had »'.'. 

the TV owners from miles around This reissue 

will pack them in any day in the wctk 

in a little town. Play it. Played Fri., Sa- 

Weather: OK.—Joe McPherson. Key Theatn 

(Continued on next page) 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : 

7. 1953

: Nov. 

' 

W$ 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

Kewanna, Ind. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Monuna Belle fRKO) — Jane RusseU, 

George Brent. Scott Brady. One of Jane 

Russell's worst! That Trucolor made her look 

it terrible Just as does every one of the stars. 

Like all Belle Starr pictures. It is Just another 

cheap western. We did good business on this 

as we usually do on all of Jane Russell's pictures. 

I would like to see her cast as a 

simple little housewife and not as a sexy old 

woman all the time. It would be nice Just 

to see her in a different role. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Fair.—Jerry B. Walden. Crest 

Theatre. Seagoville, Tex. Small-town and 

rural patronage. 

Second Chance (RKO)—Robert Mitchum, 

Linda Darnell. Jack Palance. This was our 

second 3-D offermg. It did slightly above 

average business. No where near what our 

lirst one, "Fort Ti," did. The 3-D novelty 

seems to be wearing off. This is a swell picture. 

The Technicolor is beautiful and so Is 

Lmda. Even without the 3-D this is above 

average. Played Thurs.. Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Good.— Mike Olienyk, Belfield Theatre, Belfield, 

N.D. Small-town and rural patronage. 

REPUBLIC 

Pride of Maryland (Rep)—Stanley Clements. 

Peggy Stewart, Frankie Darro. I ran all 

the better stuff I bought in this Republic deal 

first and took such a beating that I shunted 

off the rest of the little stuff (five or six 

little "C's") until last. They turn out to be 

the ones that do some business. This is weak 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Destination Gobi (20th-Fox)—Richard Widmark. 

Don Taylor, Casey Adams. Technicolor, 

big star, big story—big FLOP. A good show 

that we enjoyed but—no business! It barely 

squeaked by on Bank Nite. Played Tues., 

Wed.. Tliurs. Weather: O.K.—Joe McPherson, 

Key Theatre, Kewanna, Ind. Small-town and 

rural patronage. 

Farmer Takes a Wife, The (20th-Fox)— 

Betty Grablc. Dale Robertson, Thelma Ritter. 

A good picture in color which pleased average 

bu.slne8s. Betty has made better pictures than 

thLs one but it should make you a little money 

as It did for me. It concerns boats on the 

Erie Canal years agu and ha.s a couple of good 

flghUs with Dale Robertson and John Carroll. 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Good.— 

E. M. Frelburgcr, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, 

Okla. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Girl Next Door, The (2nth-Fox) — June 

Haver, Dan Dalluy, Billy Gray. Played this 

late to nice buslne.s,s. Advertised it as June 

Haver's last picture. Nice color and a little 

cartoon thrown in for good measure. Played 

Wed., Thurs., Frl., Sat. Weather: Cool — 

Harold Bell, Opera Hou.se Tlicatre, Coatlcook, 

Que. Sniiill-town and rural patronage. 

lure of the WlldemcKK (20th-Fox)- Jeffrey 

Hunt

' Aijassin, 

i 

Adrm, 

RKO 

lyslt of loy ond trodfiprots rcviewi. fh 

closslficotion U not rated. Ltttlngi cover 

rvcs alto as on ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

r 

icw page riumbcr. For liitinqt by compai 

•leota, tea Feature Chort ^j?iy m^î 

f! Very Good; 

' 

Good; 

' Foir; - Poor; Very Poor 

Ihc 

u,} AltotI mil Cntclla Go to Man 

(77) ComeOy U-l *-*-5i+± + + + H± »+2- 

r> Abbott ami Cosltllo M«rt Dr. JtkyM 

8-1-53+ + + + and Mr. Hydf (77) Comedy U-l + + ^ 

Th« (90) Drama MGM 8- 8-53 H 4+ + + tt iO-(. 

+4 

«mir In Monle Carlo (74) Drama AA 9-19-53 * + 2-(-l- 

.-3 Atfaln of Oobie Gillij. The 

(73) Comedy MGM 6-U-53 ± ± + + - ± 5+4_ 

i«*ll»ln of Mesialina. The (108) Drama... Col 6-27-53+ — + - 2+2- 

1 uSAIhlr WHh a Slranoer (86) Come(Jy....RKO 6-13-53- ± ± + + ± S+4- 

'i97 AH American. The (83) Drama U-l 7-25-53+ H + + H i: 8+1- 

,1 All Ashore (80) Musical Col 2-14-53+ ± ± ± + ± ± 7+5- 

All I Desire (79 8- 1-53 ± ± ± + 

1476 Dangerous When Wet (95) Musical. ... MGM 5-16-53+ + + + 

1523 Decameron Nights (87) Comedy-Drama. . 

10-17-53 ± 

* * ± + * * 

1458 Desert Legion (86) Drama U-l 3-14-53+ + ± + 

1480 Desert Rats. The (88) Drama 20lh-Foi 5-30-53^ + + H 

1470 Desert Song. The (110) Musical WB 4-25-53+ ± -^ ± 

1514 Descerate Moment (88) Drama U-l 912-53+ + + 

1452 Destination Gobi (89) Drama 20th.Foj 2-2I-S3 + + + + 

1508 Devil's Canywi (92) Westn 

(Threedlmeniion, Natural Vision).... RKO 8 22-53- ± ± 

1505 Diamond Queen, The (80) Drama WB 8-15-53 + ± ± 

1522 Donovan's Brain (81) Drama UA 10-10-53 ± ± + 

1481 Double Confession (80) Drama StntfonI 6-6-53 + 

1464 Down Among tht Sheltering Palms 

(87) Musical 20th-r« 4- 4-53 ± - ± + 

XSOSOown Laredo Way (53) Western Rep B-1S-S3 + + ^ 

Dragon's Gold (..) Drama UA 

Dragonfly Squadron ( . ) Drama AA 

. 

1458 Dream Wife (99) Comedy MGM 3-14-53+ * * + 

E 

F 

1473 Fair Wind to Java (92) Drama Rc» S- 9-53 + ± + + 

1527 Fake. The (80) UA 10-31-53 ± + + 

1374 Fame and the Devil (80) Comedy. .. .Rtalart 5-17-52 + + 

1469 Farmer Takes a Wife, The 

(81) Musical 20tli-F(n 4- 25-53 - + + 

1456 Fast Company (68) Drama MGM 4-U-53 + + ± + 

Fighter Attack (..) Drama AA 

Fighting Lawman (71) Western AA 

1347 Five Angles on Murder (Reviewed as 

Wom.in in Question. The) (88) Drama.. Col 2-28-52 + + + 

1485 5.000 Fingers of Dr. T., The (83) Fantasy. Col 6-20-53 H :t ± + 

1493 Flame of Calcutta (70) Drama Col 7-U-53 + + + * 

Flight Nurse ( 

1524 Flight to Tangier (90) Drama 

. 

. ) Drama Rep 

(Three-dimension ) Para 10-17-S3 + A + 

2481 Forever Female (93) Romantic-Comedy. .Para 6-6-53++ + + 1498 Fort Algiers (78) Drama UA 7-25-53+ + + + 

1476 Fort Ti (73) Superwestern (Three-dimension. 

Natural Vision) Col 5-16-53+ - i: + 

Fortune in Diamonds (..) Drama LP 

1466 Fort Vengeance (76) Drama AA 4-11-53+ + + 

1480 49th Man. The (73) Drama Col 5-30-53+ + + + 

1491 Four-Sided Triangle (81) Drama Astor 7-11-53 + 

1483 Francis Covers the Big Town (86) Com. U-l 6-13-53+ + + + 

French Line, The (..) Musical RKO 

1504 From Here to Eternity (118) Drama Col 8- 8-53 « H H +4 

G 

1520 Gay Adventure, The (82) Drama UA 10- 3-53 + :r 

Gentle Gunman, The (85) Drama U-l - 

1490 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 

1494 Genghis Khan (78) Drama 

.20th-Fo> 

UA 

7- 4-53 H 

7-11-53+ 

tt 

- 

+ 

I = 

1497 Ghost Ship (69) Drama LP 7-25-53+ * ± + 

1475 Girl Nevt Door, The (92) Musical. .20th-Fo» 5-16-53 H ^ ± ± 

1456 Girl Who Had Everything, The 

(69) Drama MGM 3-7-53++ ± + I 

1451 Girls of Pleasure Island. The 

(95) Comedy Para 2-21-53+ + + 

1444 Girls in the Night (83) Drama Ul 1-24-53+ + - + 

1523 Glass Web. The (81) Drama U-l 10-17-53 ++ ± + 

1477 Glory Brigade. The (81) Drama 20th-Foi 5-23-53 -t 4. * + 

15C7 Golden Blade. The (81) Drama U-l 8-22':- 

'i 

:i 

i 

7+J- 

T+»- 

8f>- 

+ H-J- 

+ »f 

5+1- 

* 7+1- 

+ UM- 

+ 7+>- 

4- W- 

8+ 

+ * ± 5+»- 

- + +»- 

+ »+I- 

1+1- 

+ 

± 2t ± *+«- 

S+9- 

2+3- 

± 1+1-

1462 Ud, Wanis Mink, The (92) Comedy .... Rip 3-28-53 ± 

• 

REVIEW DIGEST 

very Good. - Good; - Foir; Poor; = Very p"^ — is rated 2 pluses, - as 2 

''^ 

11,11; 

i I ^ II liiiîitii 

1482 Goimown Choil Ridwi (57) WHttrn Col 6- 6-53 i; ± - ^ 

IS06CrMt Je«e Jimti Raid (73) 2: Drama LP 8-15-53+ — 

1489 Great Siou« Uptiiing. The (80) Drama .. U-l 7- 4-53 H- + + + + + 

X334 Greatest Show on Ei/lh, The 

(153) Drama f*r* 1-12-52 +t « H t+ ++ H 

Guerrilla Girl 1472 (81) Drama UA 5- 2-53 — — — - 

Bell (77) n -f -I- --r 1496 Gun Welter UA 7-18-53 -I- + 

1525 Gun Fury (82) Supcmrestern 

(Three-dimension) Col 10-24-53 H H 

1450 Gummoke (79) Weilern Ul 2-14-53 -f ± * + + ¥r 

H 

Lee 

1500 Halt a Hero (75) Comedy -t- 

1490 Hannah (78) Western Jack Broder Prod. 7- 4-53 -f + 

+ 

± 

+ 

+ ± 

1430 Hans Chriilian Andersen (112) Fantasy. RKO 11-29-52 H H + H ff H 

Hell li 1467 Sold Out (75) Drama Realirt 4-18-53 + 

1526 Here Come the Girls (78) Musical Para 10-24-53 i+ 

1266 Hills of Ireland (65) Traiel 

-f -f + -f 

Musical World Tra.el 2- 2-51 + 

Hindu. The (83) Ferrin 7-11-53 + ±. + + 

1493 

1442 Hilch-Hiker. The (71) Drama RKO 1-17-53 -(- * H ++ H + 

Hollywood Thrill-Makers ( ) Drama LP 

1461 Homesteaders. The (62) Western AA 3-28-53 S: — ± 

Hondo ( ) Drama (Three-dimension) WB 

Hot News (eO"/!) Drama AA 

1477 Houdini (106) Drama Para 5-23-53 -f + -f H ff + 

1470 House of Wax (88) Drama 

(Three-dimension. Natural Vision) WB 4-25-53 H + H H H -1- 

How to Marry a Millionaire ( .) Drama 

(Cinemascope) 

20th-Fox 

1494 Hundred Hour Hunt (84) Drama. ... Greshlef 7-11-53 ± + -t- -(- 

2+2- 

t 7+1- 

7+1- 

5+2- 

+f 13+ 

1+ 

6+ 

1+ 

4+1- 

y* 11+1- 

I 

1374 II Moscow Strikes (69) 

Documentary March o( Time 5-17-52 + + + 

1498 Inferno (83) Sup-West (Threedimension) 

20th.Fox 7-25-53 

1468 In.aders From Mars (78) Drama.... 20th-Fox 

tt 

4-18-53+ 

++ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

++ + 

— 

1479 Iron Mountain Trail (54) Western Rep 5-30-53 + ± + + 

1504 Island in the Sky (109) Drama WB 8-8-53* + + tt ++ 

1478 It Came From Outer Space (80) Drama 

(Three-dimension) U-l 5-23-53 -ff + + + -H + 

1468 11 Happens E

' 

'- 

Stared 

: Robe. 

' 

Roman 

. Pitlup 

ifr 

Very Good; Good; Poor; ' Very Poor. In the rated 2 plutei, ' a% 2 -REVIEW DIGEST 

o( th« JuiiQlt (63) Orama LP 

Pit« Pan (76) .. Cartoon RKO 1-17-S3 H 

on South Street (80) Drama. 20th- Fox 5-16-53 + 

Phantom From Space (72) Science-Drama. UA S-ZO-SJ ± 

Plimmr of the Sun (82) Orama WB 8- 8-53 + 

(101 ) 

S5 Pony UfitH 

;,J 

Western Para 3- 7-53 + 

52 HH Slniiler (65) Drama RKO 221-53 = 

77Portlf Ri'tr (77) Drama 20thFox 5-23-53 H 

:.; Pruidenfi Lady. The (96) Drama. .20th- Fox 3- 7-53 H 

;. Prince of Pirates (80) Drama Col l-3i-53 -f- 

- Prlwnen ol the Casb.ih (78) Drama Col 10-31-53 - 

Prirate Eyes (.) Comedy AA 

_ Problem Girls (70) Drama Col 3-28-53 - 

Prolecl Moon Base (63) Drama LP 9- 5-53 - 

1 Promoter, The (88) Comedy U-l 11- 1-52 + 

lliililllil 

.Qunn Is Crowned. A (82. 66) Doc U-l 6-20-53 H H 

Quiet Man. The (129) Com-Dr Rep 5-17-52 -|- 

H H 

Quo Vadis (172) Drama MGM 11-17-51 H H H 

U 

-f 

UA 5- 2-53 -|- ± 

Relet City (63) Drama AA 5-30-53* 

-I- -Redhead From Wyoming. The (80) Drama. U-l 12-27-52 -f ^ 

I Remains to Be Seen (88) 

Comedy-Drama MGM 4-25-53 H r^ + 

I Return to Paradise (89) Drama UA 8- 1-53 -(--»- -t- 

Return of the Plainsman (..) Western. .Astor 

Ride. V-iQuero! (90) Western MGM 5-20-53 ± 2: * 

Ho.ir o( the Cros.d (71) Orama AA 5-23-53 H :t -f 

The (135) Orama (CS) 20th-Fox 9-26-53 H -H H 

Robot Monster (62) Drama 

iTIiree-dimension) 

Astor 

Rooues March (84) Drama MGM 1- 3-53 H ± ± 

Holiday (119) Comedy Para 7- 4-53 

Royal African Rifles (75) Drama AA 10- 3-53 

Ruby Gentry (82) Drama 20th-Fox 12-27-52 

Run lor the Hills (76) Comedy Realart 

'Sabre Jet (96) Drama 

Safari Drums (71) Drama 

Sajinaw Trail (56) Western 

: Sailor ol the King (S3) Drama 20 

? Salome (103) Drama 

. 5 San Anione (90) Western 

9-12-53 

•ISOSangaree (95) Drama (Three-dimension, 

Paravi 

Par; 

flK Savage Frontier (54) Western Rep 

!!5 Swage Mutiny (73) Orama Col 

: Scandal at Scourie (90) Orama MGM 

Stiff (108) Comedy Para 

. :2 Sea Around Us. The (61) Documentary. . RKO 

!l83 Sea Devils (91) Drama RKO 

^25 Sea of Lost Ships (85) Drama Rep 

|l95 Second Chance (82) Drama 

(Three-dimension) 

^09 Secret Conclave (85) (American Dialog) 

Drama 

RKO 

IFE 

:51 Seminole (86) Drama U-l 

"1 Serpent of the Nile (81) Drama Col 

Shadow Man { 

. 

. ) Drama LP 

: Shadows of Tombstone (54) Western Rep 

' Shane (117) Western Para 

Shark River (SO) Drama UA 

She Had to Say Yes (89) Comedy RKO 

:. She's Back on Broadivay (95) Musical WB 

.09 Shoot First (88) Orama UA 

I. The (73) Drama 20th-Fox 

of Jezebel ( . . ) Drama AA 

WTBStren of Bagdad (72) Orama Col 

l507Sky Commando (69) Drama Col 

387 Sky Is Red. The (99) Drama Realart 

,502 Slasher. The (75) Drama LP 

ISlSSIaves of Babylon. The (82) Drama Col 

'4 Slight Case of L.irceny (71) Drama.... MGM 

Small Town Girl (93) Musical MGM 

'Snows of Kilimaniaro (114) Drama. .20th- Fox 

; So Bill (101) Dr.ima WB 

ISO Little Time (88) Drama MacDonald 

'So This Is Lo c (101) Musical WB 

5 Sombrero (103) Musical MGM 

323 Something Money C.in't Buy (82) Comedy.. U-l 

489 Son of Belle Starr (70) Weftern AA 

Son of Sinbad ( , , ) Adv-Drama RKO 

460 Son of the Renegade (57) Western UA 

Soiio of the Land (..) Documentary UA

' 

I 

' li.iincs. 

I 

Fortune 

r^sUME i;}]x)ii"r 

Feoture productions by ce 

time ii in potcnthcses. L 

Drama; ADj Advcn»urc-C 

western. Release numbe 

Color; ^ 3-C; = Wide ! 

order of releose. Number in sq 

J combinotions thereof indicate 

D) Comedy-Drama; (F; Fontosy; 

denotes BOXOFFICE Blue 

>r review dotes ond Picture Guide 

release dote Ruimim 

Mows: (C) Comedy; (0 

) Western; SW) Suptr- 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

QD While Lightning (61) AD. .5326 

Ormriii-. Birbvi Brodir 

Botv, Biuilt) 

n Homosteoders, The (62) 

B. 

W. .5323 

Elilu-.t. I- Wild BUI Uobeit LowoT. Boy 

) W..5333 

Vtrduto. BUnlord M\n 

W..5329 

lyier. Jim riottn 

W..5310 

n WateoU 

H R«bol City (63) D. .5324 

Wild BU; Kllloit. Boberl Koit 

Mu.iofle Lord, 

Si Loot* in London (62) C. .5319 

Uo Uorcty. Iluwi Hall, Bemird Oann 

SI Murder Without Tears (64) D. .5328 

Crils tS'.ctrii!, JoKe Iloldoi. Eddie NorrU 

B Safari Drums (71) D. .53)4 

luUmy Klirfllilil. B»rb«r» Be«t»r, I> Kennedy 

HOSon of Belle Slorr (70) W..5309 

KclUi Ursen. I'cgfie Ctllle. Dom Dritr 

SI Northorn Pofrol (63) D. .5330 

KJrt» Otinl, GlorU Talbot, CblDeok 

a yMoxo, The (81) 0. .3101 

lUdurd CarUoa, Vttonlct Burtt, E. finery 

COLUMBIA 3 1£ 

Member of the Wedding, The 

(91) D. .521 

E'brI Waters. JiilU HafrU, B. DcWllde 

OPrince of Pirates (80) D. .524 

Jolin Utrrk. Ktrtiua Hush, Carlt Balcuda 

Five Angles on Murder (88) D. .543 

Jraii Kcni. nirk Boârde. Biuan Bbae 

©All Ashore (80) M..S34 

Savage Mutiny (73) D. .539 

O n Top of Old Smoky (59) W. .572 

©Solome (103) D. .545 

lUia llay^torlh. Sicaarl Oranfcr, C. LaughtoD 

(SprtUl (irrreltastf) 

^ Mon in the Dark (70) D. .547 

yAnuiu,\ OBrlrn. ,\(idrtj Tutler. T. DrCorila 

Class Woll, The !S0) D. .541 

OJack McColl. Desperado (76).. W.. 537 

One Girl's Confession (74) W. .528 

Problem Girls (70) D. .526 

OCFort Ti (73) AD.. 546 

Gr r.;e .Montgumpry, Joan Votu, Irrlng BacoQ 

OAmbush at Tomahawk Gap 

(73) W..522 

John Iierik, John llodUk, Darld BrLui 

OSerpent of the Nile (81) D. .538 

Illioridi KKmlnj. William Lundljan, tt. BuiT 

Goldtown Ghost Riders (57) W. .574 

Gtni' Autry. Snillcy BuraetU. Gall Dafto 

Juggler, Tho~86) 0. .520 

KIrl. \ioui\ts. Milly Vlule. Paul Stewart 

OSiren of Bagdod (72) 0..549 

I'aiil llcnrcid, I'airlria Medina, Ham Conrled 

49th Man, The (73) D. .529 

Jolin Ircljnd. lUchard Dcnnlne. 8. Dalbert 

QLefs Do It Again (95) MC. .601 

J.inc W)oian. Kay .Mlliand, Aldo Bay 

OFIame of Colcutia (70) D. .603 

liHiKe Uaroel, I'atrlc Koo»lea 

Lost Posse, The (73) D..602 

Brodcrlck Crawford, John Derek, Wanda Hendrli 

Pack Troin (57) W. .575 

Gene Autry, Gall Davb. Bmlley Burnette 

LIPPERT 

@ Perils of the Jungle (63) D. .5214 

Cl)de Btatiy. Pbyllls Coatee, B. Farrar 

S White Goddess (73) D. .5224 

Jon Hall. B. Montgomery. M. McClure 

HBad Blonde (80) O. .5211 

Barbara Payton. Tony Wright. Frederick Valk 

m Boehelor in Parb (83) D. .5213 

Dennis Price. Anne VenKW. Uischa Auer 

55 Twilight Women (89) D..521< 

Freda Jackson, llene Bay, L. Maxxell 

a Slasher, The (75) D. .521( 

James Kenney, Joan Collins, Bobert Ayres 

31 Topeko (69) W. .5325 

WUd BUI Hllott. Phjllli Cottee, D. Crockett 

SI OAffoIr In Monte Cario (74). . .0. .5307 

Mifir ijiii-ron, llkhard Todd, Leo Geon 

B Clipped Wings (65) C. .3320 

Uo i;.irrr>. Iliinu Hull, June Vincent 

'tlMexkon Manhunt (71) D. .5317 

(JForiie Bririi. Hillary Brooke, 

a Fighting Lowman (71) 

Karen Bhariie 

W. .5334 

Wa)nF .M'jrrU. Vlriclnla Grey, ilealey 

Myroa 

HORoyol African Rifles (75). . . .D. .5403 

.1 i 1> il-. « V n ira Uurst, Boy Oltnn 

TiTYtllo- l-.all-,.n -0) D..5430 

ri Hjan, Kcnntth Mcitc 

A 

m Ho! iJ.--. D..5327 

J 

h;-i..., i.. :...:.u, Gloria Utnry. Ted DcCoriU 

a Jennifer (73) D. .5407 

Ida Luplno. llovard Dufr, Bobert NIclioU 

Mission Over Koreo (86) D. .607 

John llodlak, John lim-k. Audrey Totter 

Volloy of Head Hunters (67) D..608 

Jolimiy W.lsvrnulkr, fhrlsilne Larson, 8. Rltch 

(SS.OOO Fingers of Dr. T. (88).. F.. 604 

IMir LInd Hayes. Mary Htaly, Hans Conrled 

OCruisin' Down the River (81). .M. .606 

Dick IhMni's, Aiidrty Totter, Billy Daniels 

OC Stronger Wore o Gun (83). .SW. .605 

ll.iii.l..l|ih Soptl. Claire Treior, J . Weldon 

From Here to Eternity (118) D. .616 

Burl LiincLslir, Moiiltiimcry Cllft, D. Kerr 

OConqucst of Cochise (70) W. .610 

J..hTi llodlak. Hohert 8Uck, Joy Vigt 

China Venture (83) 

D..609 

F>]oio:)d O'BrK'n, Barry SulUvan. Jocelyn Brando 

Sky Commando (69) D. .61 I 

Ii.in Iiuryea. Krancls GUrord, Touch Conners 

Saginaw Troil (56) W. .576 

Gene Autry. Smiley Burnette. Connie Marsliall 

Big Heat, The (90) D. .615 

Glenn Ford, Gloria Grabame. Itobert Burton 

OSIoves of Babylon, The (82). . .D. .612 

lllrharil rnnie, Linda Qirlatlaa, Terry Kllburn 

Combot Squad (72) 0. .613 

John Ireland, Lull SlcCaillster 

@ Project Moon Base (63). 

Donna Martell, liois Ford, I 

In] Norman Conquest (79). . 

Tom Conway, Eva Bartok 

n (..) D..5316 

Cesar Romero 

g§Man From Coiro, The (..)... .0. .5302 

r.emet liafi. Gianna MarU Canale 

a OSins of Jciebol (. .) D. .5225 

I'aiileite Ooddard, George Nader 

(CJoek Slade (89) D..5406 

Mark Hliii-ni. l)i

j-ffli 

: Kaye, 

, D«tn 

. 

. 

. 

. 

1 

332 

. 

I 

I 

i 

Ar« SIngIno, Th« (99). M. .5214 

Cloooo, Uurlu .Melchlw 

ock, tittle Sh«bo (99). .D. .5213 

lUiirlr; IluoUi. Ttrrji Moore 

blth ot Pltotur* lilond, Th« 

95) C..52I5 

Onn, Hun Tijlor, Du Uncbatw 

I UiT.lt. (89) C..5216 

> OoM. MIcker Booner. Uulljm Huwell 

RKO RADIO 

g] Count the Houn (74) 0..3I6 

Marduriald Carry, Teroa Wrifhl, D. Mono 

BE Port Sinister (65) D. ,317 

Jamee Warren, Unne Roberta, P. Cartowih 

REPUBLIC 

a Woman They Almost Lynctied 

(90) D..5204 

John Umd. Audrey Toller. Brian D«ol«y 

HiOLady Wonta Mink, Tke (92). C. .9205 

B»t A/den, lunnli O'Karft, Balb Uueaey 

FEATURE CHART 

20TH CENTURY-FOX 

OOearinniion '. 

CDewn Among 

m 

OCeB Me Madam 'Il4) 

PresMenfa Udy, The 96) .'. . . : 

Nuâo lUrva/d. Ouilton HêUo. T. Uutf^. 

OTenlakt We Sln« (109) MO. .i47| 

liattd Wan*, ftle flaie. Kat>«rU ftun 

•. 

Pom l»pttM (101) SW..5217 

tUrlln llnlun, WiMidi (IniliK, J. 8tcrllnt 

1(95) D..5230 

ArleiM Dilil, r. L. BuUltu 

I) 

r on Eorth, The 

D..5129 

a, Imn Blewtrt, Gomel Wilde 

Avird releue) 

I Split Second (85) D..318 

Slefhen McNally, Jao Bterllnf. k. Baltk 

a ©Sea Devils (91) D..320 

Yvunne IxCarlo. Rock Iludaoa, Uan>ll Baed 

a Below the Sahara (65) Doc. .321 

Armand and Ulchaela Denis, natlie caiit 

iXSun Shlnei Bright, The (90). . .0. .5208 

Oiarla H'lnnlncn. A Htielao. John kuaeell 

(K Iron Mountoln Troll (54) W. .5231 

Rri AllFO. Slim Pleken, Uraot Withers 

n Savage Frontlw (54) W. .5242 

Alias "Rocky" Lane. Mdj WiQar, B. BUel* 

.5220 

Arlene Dahl. Wendell Corey 

Th» (84) D..5221 

iio Sterling 

(108) C..5222 

UirtlD, Uubetta Scott 

Tarion and the She-Oevll (76). D. 324 

Leillarkcr, Jiiycc MarKcmle, Raymond Burr 

iAftoir With a Stronger (86) O. .323 

Jean 6lmmiu». Victor Mature. Uunle* Lewis 

i Merry Mirthquokes (68) M. .325 

Uberace 

Pkkiiv oa South Stteat (80) .... O 322< 

Richard Wkbu/k. Jean I'etan. IMBa Enter 

©Powder River i77i D '.'I 

C. Rory C->Ib..iin. lorlr.f,. Caj..'-. 

OGIri Neat Door, The !92) 

Mltcf- 

M 

iwa Utlley. Juoe lUier. BUly (kw 

udifil (106) D..5223 

Curlli. Jinet Leigh, Torln Tkitcber 

17 (120) 0.5224 

Bolden, 

Don Taylor, OtU FrcBlncer 

1 ©

FEATURE 

CHART 

UNITED ARTISTi 

!£ OMouii ig» '119) 0..I195 

7. i „ a t;jtx». C. Uiichwd 

ono Devil 65) D..5300 

.suck U»/t.*rj Brltlon. N. Brut* 

1

Short 

. 

4-25-53 

I 5311 

. 

iub|«ct., lli»d. * Folr. 

I 

' Poor. = Vary Poor. O Indicotoi color photogrophy. liiJOfiTi} liiiiiiri 

Coliunbia 

t,tt. Ho Title "el "»•• "•»'"« ""'^ 

S653 

ANIMAL CAVALCADE 

Ct«»liound Cjprri (81 2) 7-30-53 - 9-19 

5654 Th. Ihtre Big Bwrs (8) 8-27-53 + 9-26 

AU-STAR COMEDIES 

a4Scit> and Cuyi (l&i) 4- 4-53 ± 6-16 

415 He Popped H,> Pi>tal 

5-14-53 „ ±. ^ , 

6-20 

,- 

(16) 

, , . 

5416Li)te< A Popum' (16) 611-53 S 8-15 

1953-54 SEASON 

1,411 Oh. Sjy. Cjn You Sue 

116) 910-53 -I- 10-10 

6J12A iting They Old Go 

10-29-53 

ASSORTED FAVORITES 

.426 C All FI1 

(16'/2) 

»-l«-53 


421 Wile Decoy (i7) 917-53 

•422 Silly Billy (18) 10-22-53 

CANDID MICROPHONE 

(One-Reel Specials) 

5554 Subject No. 4 (lO'/j).. 4-16-53 -t 6- 6 

5555 Subject No. 5 (10) 6-11-53 -J- 8-22 


6551 Subject No. 1 (9' 2). . 910-53 ±. 10-24 

COLOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

5610 King Midas Junior (7) 4-9-53 

5611 A Helping Paw (7) . . 5- 7-53 

5612 The Mad Hatter (7) . . . 5-28-53 

5613 Mother Hen's Holiday (7) 6-18-53 

5614 Tht Dream Kids (71/2) . . 7- 9-53 

5615 Tlie Rocky Road to Ruin 

(81/2) 8- 6-53 


6601 Ca ival Courage (7) 

6602 Fiesta Time U\ 2) 

6603 Room and Bored (7) 

6604 A Boy, a Gun and Birds 

3-53 

.10- 8-53 

.11- 5-53 

(71 2) 11-26-53 

COMEDY FAVORITES 

(Reissues) 

5436 Hoi Water (IS'/z) 7-16-53 


6431 Half Shot at Sunrise 

(16) 10-15-53 

6432 Meet Mr. Mischief 

(171,2) 11-12-53 

JOLLY FROUCS 

(Technicolor Cartoons) 

5504 The Emperor's New 

Clothes (7) 4-30-53 -f 6- 6 

5505 Christopher Crumpet (7) 6-25-53 + 8-22 

MR. MAGOO 

(Technicolor) 

5703 Safely Spin (7) 5-21-53 H 

5704 Magoo's Masterpiece (7) 7-30-53 + 


6701 M.100O Slept Here ( ) . 

10-15-53 

SCREEN SNAPSHOTS 

6-20 

5857 Ha' Ha! From Hollywood 

(9) 4-23-53 ± 5-16 

5858 Hollywood's Great 

Comedians O'/j) .... 5-14-53 + 6-27 

Hollywood's Pair of Jacks 

5859 

(101 2) 6-18-53 ± 8-15 

5860 Out West in Hollywood 

(10) 7-23-53 a: 9-19 


6851 Hollywood Stuntmen 

(101 i) 9-17-53 + 10-31 

6852 Hollywood Laugh Parade 

(10) 10-22-53 

6853 Men of the West (10) . .11-19-53 

SERIALS 

5160 The Lost Planet 6- 4-53 -(-7-4 

15 Chapters 


6120 The Great Adventures of 

Captain Kidd 9-17-53 -|- 10-10 

15 Chapters 

STOOGE COMEDIES 

5406 Loose Loot (16) 4- 2-53 ± 5-16 

5407 Tricky Dicks (16) 5- 7-53 ± 6-20 


•^01 Rip. Sew and Stitch (17) 9- 3-53 -r 10-24 

402 Bubble Trouble (16' 2). 10- 8-53 -- 10-31 

THREE-DIMENSION STOOGE 

COMEDIES 

5440 Spooks! (16) 6-15-53 -I- 6-20 

6440 Pardon My Backfire (16) 8-15-53 + 9-26 

THRILLS OF MUSIC 

(Reissues) 

5955 Les Elgart & Orch. (10) 4-30-53 

5956 Shorty Sherlock & Orch. 

(81/2) 6- 4-53 


6951 George Townc & Orch. 

,^ . (10) 9-24-53 

6952 Boyd Raeburn & Orch 

(11) 11-26-53 

TOPNOTCHERS 

5901 Beyond the Frontier (10) 5-28-53 + 8-15 

5902 This Is Versailles (IO1/2) 6-25-53 ± 8-22 

UPA CARTOON SPECIAL 

5999 Gerald McBoing Boing's 

Symphony (8) 7-15-53 H 1-31 

1953 54 SEASON 

6510 Tht Ttll Tail Heart (8) Au|.-S3 -f 10-24 

6S09A Unicom in tht Gardtn 

(7) 924.53 H 10-31 

WORLD OF SPORTS 

5807 Worlds Champion.hip Rodeo 

(10) 5-21-53 -f 6-20 

5808 Billiard and Bowling 

Champs (9«/2) 6-18-53 ±. 9-26 

5809 Dudt Ranch Sports (9>/«) 7-23-53 + 9-19 


6801 Assault and Mat-T

' Country Mouse (7) . . . . 

; Y 

. 

321. 

. A 

H 

' 

SHORTS CHART 

8384 Thrre Yori to Victory _ ,„ „ 

( 

EARTH 10-19-53 

) . . AND ITS PEOPLES 

8366 ShMO R»nch Country (20) 3-23-53 H 4-U 

8367 Ctosi SKlioni ot Central 

Ameriu (20) 4-20-53 H 

. . 

5- 2 

. 

j^S-Si 

Cat-Tails 

. 

9716 Much Ado About Nutting 

8368 Faclonti. Min« and 

7- 4 

97a7Th..AutoB..U. 

5-23-53 -t- 

^^^3^ 6-27 

Wal».a,. (20) .... 5-18-53 H 5-23 

British Trade and Industry 

+ 

8369 

,21) 6-15-53 8-22 

9718Tom.Tom Tomcat (7)..- 6-27-53 + 7-25 

7-11-53 H 8-22 

7-13-53 H 9-5 

8370 Fanrer-Fithermm (21).. 

+ 

. . . 

Duck Dodgefs the 

9719 Wild O.er You (7) 

Lumber States (21) 8-10-53 9-26 

8371 The 

8372 M-,u-.ta,n Farmers (20). 9- 3-53 H 10-31 9720 in ^*'^' 

++8-8 

9721 pHTgoIi the Weasel (7) 8-22-53 + ]0- 3 

8373 Adobe Villate (19) 10- 5-53 

MUSICAL FEATURETTE 

9722 for Two (7) .. 8-29-53 -1- 10- 3 


8304 Andy Rus; to Be an 

12.19.53 

MASTER BANDS 

(Rtlsiue) 

' //It Ntllon i Hit Orch. 

ilOl 4-18-53 

vi'ictnl Lopn & Orch. 

(10) 6-6-SS 

9t!0i!.Snadl Cooley Band (10) 82253 


1801 DnI Arnu and Band 

(toy 10. 3 51 

SHORTS REVIEWS 

MERRIE MELODIES 

wi:h consequent casualties. Aj 

Rowdy Raccoons 

(Technrcolor) 

shown are the Texas City oil ^ 

9712 A Peck o' Trouble (7).. 3-ffl-53 

Paramount (Topper) 10 Mins. 

(disaster of 1947 and jet airsh/ 

9713 Fo«l W.ath» (7) 4-4-53 6-6 

9714 Muscle Tussle (7) 

t^H + Good. Another engaging animal 

crashes in 1952. The conunentif 

tz7 

9715 Ant Pasted (7) 5- 9-53 -t- 6-Z7 short with clever accompanying 

deals pretty roughly with the )(i 

dialog, which wUl delight the adults 

lor the Panoy ailairas 

well as the youngsters. A group 

ol frisky raccoons starts olf on ot 

exploring expedition and climbi How to Keep Cool 

trees, crosses brooks and confronts a 

20lh-Fox (Terrytoon) 7 Mi 

suspicious owl and an unfriendly 

Good. Dimwit, '.he dor-"-' "' i 

porcupine before deciding to retreat. 

The fun is best when they get m.xed to cool off at the beach 

^^^^^ .^ ^^^.^ 

up with kitchen paraphernalia and a 

the 

thermometer blows 

lemon meringue pie. 

wit hops in his car and tries 10 c 

to the beach but the tralJlc beco:: 

Best in Show 

exceedingly bothersome. He fin 

RKO (Sportscope) 3 Mins. gets to the seashore and dives 

Good. This should prove 

a receding wave and 

interest- 

-g. 

9506 Cheyenne Days (9) 4- 4-53 ±6-6 

first in the sand. Hu-,- 

^^^^^^ flies 

9507 Yo Ho Wonds Valley . „ ,, - . 

(10) 5- 9-53 7-4 scene is the last annual Westminster 

, 

9508 Desert Killer dO)....- 6-2TS3 6-27 Kennel club event at Madison Square back home—and cool ofi insici* < 

9509 Ride a While Horse (10) 7-25-53 + 9-19 Garden with its large entry of dogs 

icebox munching the ice cubes- 

9510 A Danish Sport Delight „ ,^ _, ^ „ ,, of many sizes, shapes and breeds, 

(10) 8-15-53 + 9-Z6 


lay Bonafield gives it his usual good 

Impact of Tragedy 

; 

1501 Royal Mounties (10) ... 9-19-53 

production. Andre Baruch is narrator. 

20th-Fox (See It Happen) 9 Mi'. 

1502 Sea Sports of Tahiti 

,„ ,, ^, 

(10) 10-24-53 

GoocL l.-i this scries Movietone - 

1503 Born to Ski (.) 12-12-53 ... 

TECHNICOLOR SPECIALS 

Football (Now cmd Then) creates spectacular events filr 

9005 Thar She Blows (20) . . 3- 7-53 H 5- 2 RKO (Disney Cartoon) 7 Mins. 

during the last 50 years. This i: 

features automobile racing at 

9006 Under the Little Big Top , ^^ ^, 

. 

, , 

(20) 4-25-53 -1-7-4 Good. An amusing fantasy which Indianapolis Speedway, with its ^ 

9007 America (or Me (20) . . . 

5-30-53 -1-7-4 pits an old fashioned football team 

sultant crashes and deaths; \> 

9008 Where the Trade Winds , . ^, _ 

, ,, 

Play (20) 7- 4-53 + 7-25 against a modern one, with interruptions 

for satirical television com- 

crack-up of the new Tacoma. Wcs, 

1953-54 SEASON bridge; great grain elevator fires c I 

_ , 

1001 Gone Fishin' (20) 9-12-53 -|- 10- 3 mercials. First Bygone U. is ahead, 

a spectacular fire along the K 

1002 Romance of Louisiana 

then Present State, with both resorting 

to trick plays, including a 

York waterfront. The scenes 

(20) 10-10-53 

1003 North of the Sahara (7) .11- 7-53 

absorbing and sometimes disturt: 

1004 Don't Forget to Write 

"mustache tackle." Only the TV The film will appeal particularly 

(. .) 12- 5-53 

sponsor is the winner because the 

VITAPHONE NOVELTIES game ends 

9602 No Adults Allowed (10) 411-53 + 7-25 

in a tie. 

9606 Head Over Heels (10).. 6.20-53 ++ 6-27 

Laurentian Sports Holiday 

9607 The Spirit of West Point . _ ^, , „ , 

(10) 8- 8-53 -t- 9- 5 

Herring Hunt 

20th-Fox (Sport Show) 9 ICii 


1601 Hit 'Im Again (10) ... 9-5-53 RKO (Screenliner) 10 Mins. 

Good. Interesti.-.g scenes of win. 

1602 Say It With Spills (10) .10-24-53 

Good. To any one at all interested sports in the Laurentian mountar 

1603 Stars of Yesterday 12-26-53 ( . ) in the sea, ships and fish, this will of Canada. Picturesque horse-drtrs, 

. 

register as top quality entertainment. sleighs take skiiers to Mount Tre 

blant where they perform with 7at 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Prod. Ho. Title Rel Date Rating R»f'd 

Lippert 

5220 A Day in the Country 

(15) 3-13-53 

(Three-dimension Featurette) 

5227 College Capers (15) 5- 1-53 

(Three-dimension Featurette) 

5307 Bandit Island (27) 9- 4-53 

Republic 

COMMANDO CODY ADVENTURES 

5268 Enemies ot the Uni.erse 

(30) 3-28-53 

5269 Atomic Peril (30) 3-28-53 

5270 Cosmic Vengeance (30) . . 

4-28.53 

5271 Nightmare Typhoon (30) 5-28-53 

5273 Destroyers of the Sun 

(30) 6-26-53 

5272 War of the Space Giants 

(30) 6-28-55 

5274 Robot Monster of Marl 

(30) 7-3-53 

5275 Hydrogen Hurricane (30) 7-10-53 

5276 Solar Sky Riders (30).. 7-17-53 

5277 SOS Ice Age (30) 7-24-53 

5278 Lost in Outer Space (30) 7-31-53 

SERIALS 

5284 Return of Captain Marrd 

(reissue) 4-15-53 

12 Chapters 


5381 Canadian Mounties n. Atomic 

Invaders 7- 8-53 

12 Chapters 

THIS WORLD OF OURS 

(Trucolor) 

SIRR Ceylon (9) 3- 1-5J 

9221 City of Destiny (9) 4- 1-53 

t)222 Singapore (9) 6- 8-53 

9223 Germany (9) 8- 1-53 

Independents 

A It for Atom (10) Gnieral tifctrle. . 

H »• 7 

My Son's Did (27) M.srth ol Time . S- 7 

Mtphlsto Waltz ()»> (imel Film Corp. -f- 5- 7 

Tra.rl Royal (20) (IrllUli Inf S.c . 314 

Mastery of the Air (20) ilrlllth Inf in. + 3. 28 

Royal Driliny (201 Hrltiih Inf Sue. -| 328 

A Vhit In Pirvin (?n> Juirpb Ourstyi H 528 

ai.i,. Nm' iin> iiu.ii., ( 9-19 

!t was produced by the National Film 

Board of Canada and directed by 

Julian Biggs, and is a smoothly- 

ing degrees of skill on the •!«• 

slopes, including some highly «qx| 

running picturization of a herring exhibitions. There are aUo nc^ 

catch along the Pacific coast of Canada. 

skating scenes. Mel Allen, wj 

A thread of a story adds to its mentator, contributes 

when 

an fu^*^ 

describi| 

pictorial values. The final scenes of gUp of the tongue he 

millions of herring being netted are the outdoor exercise as enerva 

striking. 

The Royal Mounties 

Running the Red Blockade 

(Sports Parade) 

RKO (Screenliner) 8 Mins. Warner Bros. 

l" ' 

Good. In these days of intermittent 

Very good. A colorful and < 

war and uneasy peace, with the 

Technicolor d* 

taining short in 

eyes of the world on the Orient, this with the training of a Royal Mo 

pictorial recital of a dangerous train in Canada. Perfect physical C 

trip through communist-infested Indo- tion is a primary requisite, 

China has particular appeal. Red three months of training, indu 

the handling of their hcrsos, ceiteshown 

nfiltration and guerrilla warfare are 

graphically as the train fights men are selected to par 

famous Musical Ride, wi-.i.n 

off one attack after another and 

pauses to repair blown-up tracks and 

ncr 

exhibition of ultimate proiicK 

expert horsemanship. This ii 

bridges. was produced in cooperation 

It 

routine has been superbly 

with the French Information 

Service and the French Army Photographic 

graphed 

Service, and the sccnpf 

citp 

authentic. 

Calamity Strikes 

It 20th-Fox (Sno Happen) 9 Mins 

Good. Moro K'ovii Imie scenes in a 

sfrion pro.-.ontir.g Bpoctaciilar events. 

Tho lir:it war. .shot in 1937 and shows 

Chlt.OSO ivacuoos as the lapanose 

army m chria on Nnnkina, Chim 

• 

Tl-..n A, iiL-.m nati. 

Zipping Along 

(Mony Molody) 

Warner Bros. 

' 

Good. A fast-moving and 

provoking cartoon in Tec 

dealing with a greedy coyote 

little desert Roadrunnor. The ' 

'I 

tries every moans within his 

to catch up with the tiny anli^ 

order to make a deliciou.i 

ol him. This particular Ro 

makes a monkey out of the 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuid* 

':!

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips 

i 

thsi liiu'' JJ '^ J 

li' 

'* 

(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON tACH PICTURl. $U RIVUJt SlOly 

i 

Kiss Me Kate 

F,,:::^:!;::^^,, 

1 MGM (408) 109 MinulM Ral. Nov. 26. 'S3 

{ Here is a brilliant, colorful, exciting parcel ol aupeib coUu- 

1 loid entertainment, a screen version ol the stage hil which 

j ir. ilsell was based on the immorlal comedy, "The Taming 

1 of the Shrew." There is, consequently, everything from slap- 

• slick to Shakespeare to appeal to the fans—including slzabl* _ 

helpings of romance and farce, spectacle and oporotia, or ''»> 

1 

1 what is your taste? You name it—"Kale" has it. Probobly 11 Is '"'• ' 

Kuperlluous to predict that the film will inevitably tally 

I 

1 among the season's top grossers, an inescapable conclusion 

• when one considers its over-all excellence and merchandising 

} potentials. Among the latter are the score by Colo Porter, 

e.xcellent performances by the marquee-worthy cast, and the 

tint photography in Ansco Color, with prints by Technicolor. 

J 

The film is being made available in both 2-D and 3D. lack 

; 

• Cummings produced and George Sidney was the director. 

1 Kathryn Grayson, Howard Eool, Ann Miller, Koenan Wynn, 

1 Bobby Van, Tommy Roll, James Whilmore, Kurt Kasznar.

. . Love 

. . Yearning 

. . How 

. . Too 

. . Burning 

: 

: 

.ind 

. . Guinness 

. . On 

. . And 

, . The 

in 

. . Packed 

. . Married 

. . Wilh 

. . 

. . 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STORY: 

"The Nebroskon" (Colj 

Wade Harper, an army scout back in 1867 in Nebraska, 

arrests Winglool, his for Indian aide, the murder of Chief 

Thundercloud and jails him along with Reno, a renegade 

soldier, also accused of a murder. Both men escape from 

Fort Kearney. They encounter Ace Eliot, a gambler, and 

Paris, a beautiful dance hall girl, who have just been saved 

by the army from the Indians. Reno is robbing then when 

Harper appears. McBride, an ex-army man, puts them up at 

his ranch which is almost immediately attacked by Indians 

seeking Wingfoot for the murder of their chief. The little 

fights off is garrison attacks until Paris captured and held 

hostage As the white men surrender, an Indian clears 

Wingiool of murder of the chief and hostilities end. 

CATCHLINES: 

Sensational Scenes of Indian Attacks and Flaming Homes 

in 3-D and Technicolor . . . How Bloodshed Led to Peace 

the in with Indians the Early Days of Nebraska ... A 

Wildly Exciting Story in Color and Striking 3-D of Nebraskan 

Scouts and Indians ... A Sensational Page Right Out oi 

Nebraskan History. 

THE STORY: 

"Paris Model" (Col) 

In an exclusive gown shop in Paris the design of a daring 

evening gown is stolen by a representative of a Ne\r York 

manufacturer. The original is bought by a demi-mondaine, 

Eva Gabor, who seeks to ensnare an Oriental potentote, Tom 

Conway She is unsuccessful and turns to another admirer. 

In New York the gown is copied and bought by a scheming 

secretary, Paulette Goddard, who wears it in an effort 

to charm her boss whose wife wins him back by appearing 

in a replica of the gown. Marilyn Maxwell, a brash wife, 

ambitious for her husband's advancement, buys a copy of 

the gown and tries to vamp the president of his firm but his 

et 

elderly wife chooses another man for the job whose wife is 

less attractive. Barbara Lawrence, a working girl, wears a 

last cheap copy of the original and is successful in tricking 

her reluctant boy friend into marriage. 

CATCHLINES: 

Four Gorgeous Women Wear a Paris Model to Bewitch 

Their Men . and Laughter Follow in the Wake of 

This Beautiful Dress . 

to Win Your Man, and Keep 

Him, in a Poris Gown 

/sl 

THE STORY: "lennifer" (AA) 

Ida Lupino gets a job as caretaker ot a vacant estate owned 

by Mary Shipp and last occupied by Mary's cousin, v/ho has 

mysteriously disappeared. Ida soon comes upon evidence, 

including a diary and bankbook, showing deposits o! $70,000 

—but no withdrawals—leading her to believe the woman had 

been murdered. This suspicion becomes stronger after she 

talks with Robert Nichols, a grocery clerk employed by Howard 

Dull. Ida becomes convinced that Duff murdered the 

missing woman, and accuses him of the crime. He eventually 

reveals that actually the woman had gone insane, that tho 

bankbook and diary were products of a distorted mind, and 

that her family—believing insanity to be a disgrace—had 

spirited her away to a sanitarium. Her faith in Duff restored, 

Ida rushes into his arms. 

. . 

. 

CATCHLINES: 

What Wa.-, It That Made Jennifer Afraid of Men? . . . Every 

Man Kuovir. a Girl Like Her . Polite to Scream . 

Scared to Run 

. . Too 

, . . But Afraid 

Alra.d Afraid 

THE STORY: 

•Kiss Me Kate" (MGM) 

Howard Keel, a musical comedy star, persuades his ex-wife, 

Kathryn Grayson, to enact the femme lead in a new production, 

but Kathryn rapidly becomes irked at Ann Miller, tho 

plays second lead, who is making a blatant romantic pass 

at Keel. Kathryn is engaged to marry Willard Parker, a 

wealthy Texas cattle baron, but finds herself still in love 

v/ith her former husband. As the play progresses toward 

opening night. Keel finds himself inadvertently involved with 

two gangsters trying to collect a gambling debt for which 

Keel is not responsible; during the first night Kathryn becomes 

enraged with Keel and plans to leave the show. Keel squares 

the mobsters, Ann solidifies a romance with another man, and 

Kathryn, changing her mind, rejoins the play lor the last 

act—reunited with Keel. 

. . Packs 

CATCHLINES: 

Nothing You've Ever Seen . Any Screen . 

the Entertainment Wallop of "Kiss Me Kate" Cole 

. Porter's Unforgettable Music 

. 

Romantic, Riotous 

Comedy Capers, 

THE STORY: •Thunder Over the Plains" (WB) 

Alter the Civil War, carpetbaggers prey upon the impoverished 

people of Texas, and some dely the northern rule. 

One such is Charles McGraw, leader of an outlaw band. He 

is opposed by Randolph Scott, sympathetic to the Texans' 

cause, who nevertheless keeps angry Texans at bay with 

his northern soldiers. Henry Hull, Scott's superior officer, 

blames Scott for not capturing McGraw. The latter escapes 

a trap laid by Scott and his cocky lieutenant. Lex Barker, 

but Scott forces McGraw to surrender. McGraw is sentenced 

to be hanged, but Scott, after an all-out gunlight in which 

he is seriously wounded, manages to prevent McGraw from 

being hanged. A year later, as Texas is readmitted to the 

union, McGraw and his men are pardoned. 

CATCHLINES: 

An Exciting Chapter in the Colorlul History ol Texas . 

When Lawless Men Delied Law and Order . . . Tensely 

Dramatic . . . Laden With Exciting Action . With 

the Flavor oi Frontier Fury. 

THE STORY: "The Captain's Paradise ' (UA) 

Alec Guinness, who is captain of the ferry which ploughs 

between Gibraltar and Kalik, North Africa, believes he has 

lound the perlect way ol lile. In Gibraltar, he has a placid 

home-loving wile, Celia Johnson, who caters to the domestic 

tiaits in his character, while in Kalik, his mistress is Yvonne 

DeCarlo, an exotic "child ol nature," interested only in fun 

and linery. All is smooth sailing, with neither woman aware 

o! the other until he mixes up their gilts and brings Yvonne 

an apron while giving Celia a Bikini bathing suit. Yvonne 

decides to try cooking while Celia exhibits a desire to go 

out dancing. When Alec reluses to comply with either 

woman's wishes, they both walk out on him with new lovers. 

The surprise ending has Guinness lacing a liring squad. 

CATCHLINES: 

He Found His Paradise on Earth—With a Woman in Each 

Port . . . Alec Guinness, Britain's Ace Comedy Star, with 

Luscious Yvonne DeCarlo and Demure Celia Johnson . 

How Happy He Was With Each Woman—While tho Other 

Was Acro.

. Premium 

. Tlioroiitliiy 

; November 

1 Simplex 

rG 

Box Numbers lo BOXOFFICE. 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kama*iî^rlCLtflRine HOUSt 

lES: ISc pof word, minimum SI. 50, cash with copy. Four inaortiona d 

DATE: Monday noon preceding publication dale. S 

THEATRE SEATING 

r«Mln 

unvT. EnerEetlc, 

I'xiifrlfticrtl al] phuses 

I'fMently cmploytil. sttU change 

Boiofflce. S29S. 

Wide-tcrctncd. e90-wal dr hue refrigerated Indoor, 

modem drhc-in controls rich souttiweit city, 

lieaty oil play, includinc valuable 

$42,500 down. Illiutraled 

nation same area. Arthur Leak, 3305 Carulb. 

iy theatre brokef. 

liMiit-manager. Electrical mechînlcal reall 

bouih repairs. 23 years »lde cxperlidoor. 

ouldoor. Have mobile home for 

Intenlen. Wife cashier, mjinaecrcss. 

No »lre». Herbert James. 6407 Wells. 

i:li Ideas, eiperlenced In all phases of 

iperallon. particularly advertising and exri 

Eicellenl references. Desire situation 

':i)iBa, Texas or .\rkaiisxs. Only progressive 

wmu. 5310. 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

Become a producer! Shooi lural newî 

commercials, document.iries. Make advert 

ups with local merchants. Film prodiict!( 

mcnl catalog free. Dept. C, SOS Clnem 

Corp, 602 W. 52nd St., Near York 19. 

DRIVE-IN THEATRE 

CONSTRUCTION 

Plans for modern drive-in theatre. 15 years «- 

perience Information FREE Drive-In Theatre 

Plan Service, Bos 555, Edgeuater Branch, Cleveland, 

Ohio. 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

to >llb more action, S3.60 thousand cards 

other laiaes. Novelty Games Co., 1434 

rd An., Brooklyn 16, N. Y. 

s available as premiums, giveaways 

•hows. Large variety, latest newsit| 

editions. Comics Premium Co., 412B, Green- 

C. Publications 

:e 1939. 

•a die-cut cards. 75 or 100 numbers. $3 5» 

Products, 339 W. 44th St., Ne» 

18. N. T. 

M attendance with real Hawaiian orchids 

etch. Write Flowers of Hawaii, 670 

i>lu«lte Park Place, Los Angeles 5, Calif 

are your cheapest ad for theatre or 

4J-to anniiersarles, giveaways. Use for Greatest 

Sarlh. Samples free. Balloons, 146 

. Atlanta. Ga 

r sale: Fire engine for drive-in Iheatres. Take 

for a ride before the show. Seats 20 

37 LaSalle motor and cha.

*y5 MANUFACTURED BY INTERNATIONAL PROJECTOR CORPORATION • DISTRIBUTED BY NATIONAL THEATRE

Boxoffice-November.07.1953

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?