Boxoffice-May.22.1954

w 

lATIONAL EXECUTIVE EDITION 

MAY 22, 1954 

^'Eh^-/^ /l^^î^ 

Foreign sales heads of U.S. film companies were among industry executives to greet Norman B. Rydge, 

head of Australia's largest theatre circuit at a N.Y. luncheon last week. L to R: Richard Altschuler, 

Republic; Murray Silversfone, 20th Century-Fox; Joseph McConville, Columbia; George Weltner, 

Paramount; Mr. Rydge; Eric Johnston, president, Motion Picture Ass'n, who was host; Americo Aboaf, 

Universal; Wolfe Cohen, Warner Bros.; Norton Ritchey, Monogram; Walter Branson, RKO. The Australian, 

who is also a leading industrialist in his country, reported business was excellent. 

second clQii matter at ttie Post Office at Kansas 

Merchandising Campaigns 

On Current Pictures in 

PROMOTION 

section

! 

The New Sensation of the Nation! 

"EXECUTIVE SUITE' 

M-G-M presents "EXECUTIVE SUITE" starring William Holden . 

June 

AUyson • Barbara Stanwyck • PVedric March • Walter Pidgeon • Shelley 

Winters • Paul Douglas • Louis Calhern • with Dean Jagger • Nina Foch 

Tim Considine • Screen Play by Ernest Lehman . Based on the novel by 

Cameron Hawley • Directed by Robert Wise . Produced by John Houseman. 

THEY 

HAVEN'T 

INVENTED 

ANYTHING 

BETTER 

YET! 

A Big Popular Attraction 

A solid hit! 

"RHAPSODY" 

(Technicolor) 

M-G-M presents in Color by Technicolor . "RHAPSODY" starring 

Elizabeth Taylor • Vittorio Gassman.John Ericson . Louis Calhern .Screen 

Play by Fay and Michael Kanin. Adaptation by Ruth and Augustus Goetz 

Based on the novel "Maurice Guest" by Henry Handel Richardson « Music 

Conducted by Johnny Green . Piano Solos played by Claudio Arrau • Violin 

Solos played by Michael Rabin • Directed by Charles Vidor. Produced by 

Lawrence Weingarten. 

On this page and the next 

we show the wide range of 

M-G-M showmanship. Just a 

few of many attractions 

current and coming from the 

Busiest Studio on the 

Coast! 

Flash ! First test engagement 

playing "A" time, 

prov' 

that showmanship pays off 

M-GM presents "PRISONER OF WAR" starrin 

Ronald Iteagan . Steve Forrest • Dewey Martin • wit 

Oscar Homolka • Written by Allen Rivkin . Directed b 

Andrew Marton . Produced by Henry Herman.

! 

! 

... 

^ 

- 

Just what the title says! 

FLAME AND THE FLESH" 

(rechn/co/orj 

-G-M presents in Color by Technicolor- Lana Turner 

"FLAME AND THE FLESH" . co-starring Pier 

ngeli- Carlos Thompson . with Bonar CoUeano • Screen 

lay by Helen Deutsch • Based on a novel by Auguste 

ailly • Directed by Richard Brooks . Produced by 

)e Pasternak. 

Thrills of the 

Navy Jet Pilots 

"MEN OF THE 

FIGHTING 

LADY" (Color) 

M-G-M presents "MEN OF 

THE FIGHTING LADY" starringVanJohnson 

• Walter Pidgeon 

Louis Calhern • Dewey Martin 

Keenan Wynn • Frank Lovejoy 

Screen Play by Art Cohn • Based 

on James A. Michener's "Forgotten 

Heroes of Korea" and 

Comdr. Harry A. Burns' "Case 

of the Bhnd Pilot" • Photographed 

in Ansco Color • Print by Technicolor 

• Directed by Andrew 

Marton • Produced by Henry 

Berman. 

Still the Hit 

ofN.Y.! 

(Technicolor) 

Repeat bookings 

terrific everywhere! 

M-G-M presents in Color 

by Technicolor • "LILI" starring 

Leslie Caron • Mel 

Ferrer • Jean Pierre Aumont 

with Zsa Zsa Gabor • Kurt 

Kasznar • Screen Play 

by Helen Deutsch • Based 

on a story by Paul Galileo 

Directed by Charles Walters 

Produced by Edwin H. Knopf 

The Cash Register Sings! 

"VALLEY OF THE KINGS" 

(Color) 

I-G-M presents "VALLEY OF THE KINGS" starring 

obert Taylor • Eleanor Parker • Carlos Thompson • with 

urt Kasznar . Victor Jory • and Samia Gamal • Written 

/ Robert Pirosh and Karl Tunberg • Suggested by 

istorical Data in "Gods, Graves and Scholars" by 

. W. Ceram • Photographed in Eastman Color • Print 

y Technicolor. Directed by Robert Pirosh. 

trrnffr 

The Next Big M-G-M Musical 

"THE STUDENT PRINCE" 

(CinemaScope — Color) 

M-G-M presents in CinemaScope • "THE STUDENT PRINCE" 

starring Ann Blyth • Edmund Purdom • John Ericson • Louis Calhern 

with Edmund Gwenn • S. Z. "Cuddles" Sakall • Betta St. John • John 

Williams • Evelyn Varden • and The Singing Voice of Mario Lanza 

Written for the Screen by WUliam Ludwig and Sonya Levien • Music 

from "The Student Prince" by Sigmund Romberg • Color by Ansco 

Directed by Richard Thorpe • Produced by Joe Pasternak. 

BIG, NEW, M-G-M PROPERTIES! 

Just added to Leo's Treasure Chest 

for future production: 

"TEAHOUSE OF THE AUGUST MOON" 

Current famed stage hit by John Patrick 

"THE FEMALE" Top best seUer by Paul WeUman 

"MARY ANNE" by Daphne du Maurier, top popular novelist 

— And many more!

mV 

!/lrt.WtLUVIMINC> 

JOHN Li^ CLAIRE ^ LARAINE Mfe ROBERT DiGI JAN 

WAYNE IS TREVOR f DAY I5:STACKPsTERLING 

WllN 

AHO IHTROD'JC>MO 

DAiii I/CM V cinurv Di Ari/iiCD nnr AifrrkAM i/AorM ruAnnr muAi cuitu fid. L rnurcT 1/ pamm

! 

mil I lAiJ k ujn I iiiLi OlSTfflBunO Wt 

i^! 

-k^ 

ON 

CHILDS 

a wealthy 

CoUectorof 

other 

men's 

wives I 

LYDIA 

who was 

as low as 

high society 

could get 

THURSDAY 

''^^s^.. 

that spans the 2400 miles 

.rom Honolulu to San Francisco 

Bay. Out of this meeting of 

strangers comes entertainment 

history, the story of every kind 

of love there is! 

MAY 27 th K 

WARNER 

BROS. 

BRING EVERY 

POUNDING 

PAGE OF THE 

2 -YEAR ft^^^W 

BEST- SELLER 

SENSATION 

TO THE 

SCREEN 

^ 

Dual Pre-Release ^^ 

Premiere 

AT THE 

Egyptian Theatre. 

Los Angeles 

AND THE 

^^ 

Paramount Theatre. ^ 

San Francisco ^%

20ttt 

* 

The Robe 

• color by Techmcolor 

1 1 * 

How To Marry A Millionaire color by Technicolor 

Beneath The 12-Mile Reef 

King Of The Khyber Rifles 

• color by Technicolor 

• color by Techmcoior oeui 

Hell And High Water- color by Technicolor 

New Faces 

• m Clorlous Color 

Night People 


Prince Valiant • color by Technicolor 

River Of No Return 

• color by Techmcoior 

3 Coins In The Fountain 

• color by Deluxe 

Demetrius and The GladiatOrS 


The Raid 

The Rocket Man 

Gorilla At Large 

• print by Technicolor 


The Siege At Red River 


Man In 

The Attic 

Racing Blood • Supercmecolor 

Man Crazy 

Miss Robin Crusoe • pathecoior 

Thy Neighbor's Wife 

Inferno 


Enough fo keep every theatre 

in America well supplied! 

im^^m^MM^m 

See your 20th Branch Manager Today! 

Vicki 

A Blueprint For Murder 

Sailor Of The King 

Inferno color by Technicolor 

Gorilla At Large • color by Techmcoior i

) 

THE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

Published in Nine Sectional Editions 

BEN 

SHLYEN 

Editor-in-Chiet and Publisher 

DONALD M. MER5EREAU. .Associate 

Publisher & General Manager 

JAMES M. JERAULD Editor 

NATHAN COHEN. .Executive Editor 

JESSE SHLYEN. .. .Managing Editor 

IVAN SPEAR Western Editor 

I. L. THATCHER. .Equipment Editor 

MORRIS SCHLOZMAN. Business Mgr. 

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MAY 

Vol. 65 

2 2, 1954 

No. 4 

NEARING STANDARDIZATION 

XATE this year four kinds of prints 

will be in circulation—four-channel and onechannel 

magnetic sound, Perspecta sound and 

the standard optical sound. At first glance this 

might seem to be further diversification, but in 

reality it is the first step toward standardization, 

because it makes all types of pictures except 

3-D available to all theatres. 

Even the exhibitor who sticks to his oldfashioned 

standard screen and one-horn sound 

will eventually be able to book all 

pictures. 

But something new has been, or will be, added 

—a form of clearance based on equipment. Theatres 

equipped with wide screens, anamorphic 

lenses and stereophonic sound will get first runs, 

whether they are CinemaScope or Perspecta or 

VistaVision. This doesn't introduce any basic 

change in the exhibition pattern. The new element 

is how long a theatre equipped with singlechannel 

sound will have to wait. These waits will 

depend on the length of first-run bookings. 

In the case of Perspecta with its single-channel 

optical sound, the same prints will be used all 

the way from first run to last, but with Cinema- 

Scope all four types of prints will be needed. 

Competition probably will reduce the price of 

high-reflective screens and lenses. Twentieth Century-Fox 

will demonstrate seven new lenses made 

by Bausch & Lomb next month. The Tushinsky 

wide-angle lens which uses prisms and some 

other types which are planning to use them will 

be available before long. The Tushinsky lens 

probably will be the first. This will give exhibitors 

a wide choice of lenses, but, whichever 

one he chooses, probably will be usable on varied 

shapes of screens. 

Those theatres already equipped with stereophonic 

sound can take on the directional onetrack 

optical sound by adding an integrator. 

Those planning stereophonic sound will have to 

have both the button-on magnetic equipment and 

an integrator for optical sound. 

That's the situation as it shapes up for the next 

few months. If, as expected, big screens and 

directional sound grow in popularity, installations 

will increase rapidly. No theatre with the 

old-fashioned equipment will be able to stand 

the competition of its modernized neighbors. 

Where there is no competition the conversions 

will be slower, but the day is coming when the 

"postage stamp" screen will be at a sharp disadvantage. 

• * 

Confusion 

Cleared 

Some confusion developed after the 20th Century-Fox 

exhibitor forum as to whether the company 

intended to reduce its CinemaScope pictures 

to standard (1:33 to 1) ratio for release 

with single-channel optical sound. 

AU the tradepapermen and most of those 

present left the meeting with the impression that 

this had not been promised, but at the North 

Central Allied convention, Ben Marcus, Nathan 

Yamins and Abram F. Myers said it was their 

definite understanding that standard prints 

would be made available. 

Al Lichtman issued a statement Thursday ( 13 

saying this was true, but that these prints would 

not be available for some time, because it is 

necessary to order laboratory equipment so that 

such prints can be made. 

In his opening statement at the forum, Lichtman 

said there were four ways in which prints 

could be made. He called the fourth "2-D," 

and added: "In my opinion, it would be retrogression 

and the biggest mistake in the world 

not to show CinemaScope pictures in the anamorphic 

system." 

Those exhibitor leaders, who had not conferred 

with Lichtman before the meeting, left it 

at the finish with the impression that "2-D," 

which is standard, would not be available. 

What About RKO? 

Industry curiosity about the future of RKO 

Pictures received a fresh boost last week, when 

it became known that Floyd B. Odium, president 

of Atlas Corp., had bought 581,000 shares 

during the first quarter and had acquired 

further large blocks since March 31. At the end 

of March Atlas held 657,600 shares or 16.7 per 

cent 

of the total. 

This explained why the stock has held to 

$6,121/2 since Howard Hughes offered $6 

per share for all stock not already held by him. 

It would be easy to jump to the conclusion that 

there is a contest for control. Many have apparently 

done this, because the tenders of stock 

to Mr. Hughes have been slow and the time limit 

has been extended to June 30. 

There may be other motivating factors. 

Messrs. Hughes and Odium have worked together 

on a number of large financing deals, the 

latter having sold control of RKO to the former. 

They also have had close working alliances in 

aviation enterprises. 

If as has been suggested, Mr. Hughes wanted 

complete ownership of RKO so that he could 

merge it with one of his other enterprises and 

subtract the RKO losses from one of these for 

income tax purposes, his plans may have been 

affected by the uncertainty as to what Congress 

will do to the present tax law. Such a change 

has already been approved by the House and is 

now under discussion in the Senate Finance 

Committee. 

This raises the possibility that Atlas might 

reacquire RKO. In such case, a late report 

states, Atlas would prefer that RKO Pictures Corp. 

be maintained as a going concern to operate for 

a profit. 

—/. M. JERAULD

ARBITRATION TALKS TO RESUME 

MONDAY WITH ALLIED ABSENT 

Industry Starting Anew 

In Search for a Plan 

To Solve Differences 

NEW YORK— A fresh attempt to set up 

an industry arbitration system will be inaugurated 

Monday (24) when representatives 

of exhibitor organizations will meet 

at the Hotel Astor with distributor representatives 

under the sponsorship of the 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America. Eric 

Johnston, MPAA president, will preside. 

National Allied will not be represented. 

Attendance has not been authorized by its 

board, which has been adamant in insisting 

that any arbitration plan should include film 

rentals. Johnston's invitation to exhibitor organizations 

ruled that out. 

Theatre Owners of America will attend. 

Both sides have said they will enter the 

conference with open minds and no set 

agenda, but it seemed likely that a basis for 

discussions will be previous drafts of arbitration 

proposals which fell by the wayside. 

Senator Andrew Schoeppel of Kansas, 

chairman of the Senate subcommittee of the 

Small Business Committee, in the report he 

signed on the fUm industry investigation 

urged distributors and exhibitors to get together 

on an arbitration system. 

Besides Levy, TOA will be represented by 

Walter Reade jr., president; S. H. Fabian and 

Mitchell Wolfson. Representatives of the Independent 

Theatre Owners Ass'n will be Harry 

Brandt, president; Abe Leff, Ray Rhone and 

Julius Sanders. Metropolitan Motion Picture 

Theatres Ass'n representatives will attend 

only as observers since the organization does 

not take part in trade disputes. They will be 

Emanuel Frisch, president; Leo Brecher and 

Sol A. Schwartz. Harry Arthur jr. and Albert 

Hanson will represent the Southern California 

Theatre Owners Ass'n. International Drivein 

Theatres Ass'n representatives will be 

Claude Ezell and Robert J. O'Donnell or an 

alternate for O'Donnell. Charles Boasberg, 

RKO general sales manager, is chairman of 

the MPAA distributors committee. 

Arthur Mayer Retires 

From Mayer-Kingsley 

NEW YORK—Arthur L. Mayer has disposed 

of his holdings in Arthur Mayer-Edward 

Kingsley, Inc., distributors of foreign films, 

to Kingsley and has retired from distribution 

activities. The company will continue as 

Kingsley International Pictures. Current releases 

include: "The Pickwick Papers." British 

film, and "Le Plaisir," French film, both 

current in Broadway art houses. 

Mayer said he would continue to be active 

in matters allied to foreign film production. 

Dietz on Loew's Board 

NEW YORK—Howard Dietz, vice-president 

in charge of advertising, publicity and exploitation 

of Loew's, Inc., was elected a director 

of the company at a meeting of the board 

held May 19. Dietz succeeds William F. 

Rodgers, who recently resigned. 

Arbitration Concessions 

Asked From Distributors 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO.—"Distribution 

must appreciate that the greatest concessions 

must come from it since agreement 

to the widest possible scope of arbitrability is 

its obligation," Herman 

M. Levy, general 

counsel of Theatre 

Owners of America, 

told the Wednesday 

(19) joint meeting of 

Missouri-Illinois Theatre 

Owners and the 

Kansas-Missouri Theatre 

Ass'n here. 

Levy was discussing 

the Monday (24) conference 

of exhibitor 

and distributor representatives 

in New York 

Herman M. levy 

which will try to set up an arbitration system. 

"That system will be most useful," Levy 

said, "which has the largest number of arbitration 

matters in it because the larger the 

number of matters which can be arbitrated, 

the more use will be made of the system. 

"A fair criterion, it seems to me, and the 

irreducible minimum, should be that whatever 

matters can be litigated should be arbitrable. 

And if there be matters which cannot 

be litigated, but shall lend themselves effectively 

to arbitration, they should be included, 

too. Anything short of that approach means 

less than the best and less than the fullest. 

And to the degree that it is less good and less 

British Exhibitors Propose 

International Alliance 

NEW YORK—The possibility of a close 

affiliation of British and French exhibitors 

with American exhibitors on trade problems 

loomed during the week when the Cinematograph 

Exhibitors Ass'n of England 

proposed an international alliance and the 

corresponding French group showed interest 

in the suggestion. 

Exhibitor organization heads in the U.S. 

shied away from the idea of any international 

organization, interpreting the proposal 

rather as one for an exchange of information. 

Abram F. Myers, board chairman and general 

counsel of National Allied, favored cooperation 

that did not infringe on Allied 

independence. He said he had suggested exchanges 

of information to the CEA, and 

praised it as a well-organized group. 

Walter Reade jr., president of the Theatre 

Owners of America, saw the move as an indication 

that exhibitors everywhere are realizing 

they have mutual interests and are showing 

a desire to cooperate. 

full, exhibitors will use the system less frequently. 

"At the coming conference it may appear 

to be expedient to adopt the principle of 

starting with less than the fullest and then 

adding to the system as it functions. In my 

opinion, this approach has a fallacious premise. 

It would be better to commence with 

the most and then lessen the scope of arbitrability 

if it becomes necessary to do so by 

virtue of the process of trial and error." 

Levy said that as a system is evolved, it is 

then the obligation of all concerned to recommend 

its use, that through its greatest possible 

use it will flourish, that precedents will 

be established and that soon the industry 

will have a set of "rules of the game" under 

which to live rather than current "haphazard" 

rules. 

He foresaw effective policing of the rules 

because persons "who know they may be summoned 

quickly to arbitration for the determination 

of rights will be less inclined to 

commit offenses which are arbitrable." 

Arbitration has worked well in many industries 

and there is no logical reason why it 

should not work well in the motion picture 

industry, Levy said. It offers relief quickly 

and inexpensively, and without it exhibitors 

have no alternative but litigation. While the 

cost is paid by distribution in the first instance, 

it is passed on to exhibitors in the 

form of increased rentals, he said. He called 

for an approach at the conference based on 

a spirit of sacrifice and compromise. 

Children's Film Library 

Resuming Activities 

NEW YORK—The Children's Film Library 

has approached the distributors again 

for prints of films selected after tests of 

their appeal for children. The project, 

backed by the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, 

has been practically dormant for a year, 

waiting to see if children would demand 

wide-screen presentations and 3-D. It has 

discovered they are interested chiefly in 

a good story, preferably filmed in color, according 

to Marjorie Dawson, director. 

The library now has only 47 titles. The 

hope is to increase the number to 70 in the 

near future and eventually to at least 100. 

Exhibitors get the prints at nominal rentals 

from major company exchanges and present 

them at special showings to children between 

eight and 12 years of age. 

SuperScope Showing for West Coast 

HOLLYWOOD—Tlic first official demonstration 

of SuperScope on the west coast will 

be held Tuesday (25) at the Wiltern Theatre. 

8 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22, 1954

BIG CINEMASCOPE PROFITS PUT 

FOX HOLDERS IN A GOOD MOOD 

Spyros P. Skouras Reviews 

Outlook; Calm Contrasts 

With the 1953 Battle 

NEW YORK—High profits from Cinemascope 

during the past 15 months put 

most of the 20th Century-Fox stockholders 

into a pleasant frame of mind at the 

annual meeting held Tuesday (18). This 

was in direct contrast to the nervous tension 

which prevailed a year a'go when 

Charles Green was leading a contest for 

control. 

RENTALS AT A NEW HIGH 

Some criticism of the fact that several 

directors are not large stockholders and of 

Al Lichtman's contract as director of sales 

developed during a session which lasted 

nearly three hours. 

After informing those present that 2,111,- 

665 shares, over 76.9 per cent of the total, 

were represented at the meeting Spyros P. 

Skouras, president gave a quick review of 

the financial condition of the company in 

which he said that world-wide film rentals 

reached a new high of $105,662,000 during 

1953, compared with $93,167,000 in 1952—an 

increase of 13.4 per cent. The largest portion 

of these gains took place in the fourth 

quarter with the release of "The Robe" and 

"How to Marry a Millionaire." 

Reduction of a $42,000,000 inventory by 

$16,800,000 has left the company in "the 

safest and most flexible position we have 

been m m several years," Skouras said. 

Durmg the year investments, prmcipally in 

foreign theatre holdings and plant and property 

account, mcreased from $24,000,000 to 

$26,400,000. Half of this increase was m the 

expansion of the theatre circuit in South 

Africa with frozen funds. 

Long term debt was reduced from $6,648,- 

000 to $5,444,000. 

Since AprU 20, 1953, the company has 

purchased 48,900 of its shares at an average 

cost of $19.69 a share. 

Almost immediately after Skouras had 

finished, G. Rudsy, a stockholder, mquired 

about the progress of oU drilling on the 

studio lot. 

REPORT ON OIL DRILLING 

Donald A. Henderson, treasurer, pointed 

out on an enlarged photo of the studio 

property where one well had been brought m. 

Another was started under the administration 

building, but had to be started over 

again because of a cavein. 

Judge Louis Goldstein, representing the 

Leon Loewenstein Foundation, holder of 

5,000 shares, proved to be the sharpest critic 

of the management. He said the statement 

by Skouras was "very ambiguous." Then he 

indulged in sharp criticism of the employment 

contract held by Al Lichtman, director 

of sales, and asserted that it should be reviewed. 

Expenses of executives should be 

(Continued on page 10) 

New Entertainment Form 

Yearly, Skouras Aim 

NEW YORK—"We want to offer new 

models of entertairmient every year," 

Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th 

C e n t u r y-F o x, told 

stockholders Tuesday 

(18). 

He said the company 

intended to continue 

a constant 

search for techmcal 

improvements as well 

as screen material. 

Spyros Skouras 

New lenses which 

^jjj ^^ demonstrated 

next month to the industry and the press 

in all United States exchange centers wiU 

include three of seven new designs of anamorphic 

camera lenses—35mm, 40mm 

and 50mm. These have been developed 

by Bausch & Lomb. Other new designs 

range from 13mm to 152mm. Skouras predicted 

that these will give tremendous 

improvement m clarity, depth of field 

and freedom from distortion. 

The demonstration reel wUl include sequences 

from "Garden of Evil," "Broken 

Lance," "The Egyptian," "A Woman's 

World," "Untamed" and "There's No 

Business Like Show Busmess." 

"Our new lenses," he said, "will be of 

tremendous importance in the filming of 

fmer pictures with greater audience participation 

and illusion of third dimension. 

We are confident exhibitors want Cinemascope 

with stereophonic sound." 

Skouras said the filming of "The Greatest 

Story Ever Told," the life of Christ, 

would be the "greatest picture ever filmed 

m all history and as revolutionary as the 

technical advancements of Cinema- 

Scope." 

While talking on technical advances he 

turned to Eidophor. He said the 20th-Fox 

engineers, with others from General 

Electric and the scientists of the Swiss 

Institute of Technology are now working 

together in the company's laboratories 

on the completion of a commercial model 

of Eidophor which they hope to test some 

time this year. 

lOth'Fox Net Doubled in First Quarter of '54 

NEW YORK—Net earnings of 20th Century-Fox 

after income taxes for the first 

quarter ending March 27 were $2,048,030, 

Charles Green Satisfied 

With the 20th-Fox Setup 

NEW YORK—Charles Green, the man 

who started a battle for control of 20th 

Century-Fox last year, appeared at the 

stockholders' meeting Tuesday (18), and 

surprised the critics by endorsing the 

present management. 

The meeting was driftmg into a discussion 

of how much stock directors 

owned, or should own, and salaries paid 

to Al Lichtman and others. One stockholder 

had just asked why the larger 

stockholders were not represented on the 

board. 

Green arose and remarked: "We went 

through all that last year. The stockholders 

resented any attempt of large 

stockholders to get on the board. I am 

still the largest individual stockholder, 

with the exception of Darryl P. Zanuck, 

and my stock with my associates exceeds 

his. Stockholders didn't want a change 

last year. If the present management 

continues to raise the value of the securities, 

I will be satisfied." 

about 100 per cent over the same quarter for 

the previous year when the net was $1,023,965. 

The total was at the rate of 74 cents per 

share on the 2,769,486 shares outstanding. 

"Although there was a considerable shortage 

of Cinemascope exhibition prmts occasioned 

by the new process of Cinemascope 

printing, and although the rate at which 

theatre installations of equipment were made 

was far beyond expectations, yet it was not 

equal to the number that would have been 

available under normal conditions before 

Cinemascope was launched," the report 

states. 

No change was made m the rate of amortizmg 

the negative costs. 

"At the present time, approximately 4,600 

theatres m the United States and Canada 

are equipped to show Cinemascope pictures," 

the report contmued. "Installations are proceeding 

at a rapid rate. It is estimated that 

by September 1954 7,500 theatres will be 

equipped and by the end of the year more 

than 10,000 theatres will be able to show 

Cinemascope pictures. 

Film rentals for the first quarter were 

$25,480,282, compared with $25,158,343 for the 

same quarter of 1953. 

Ten directors were re-elected at the meeting, 

namely: L. Sherman Adams, Colby M. 

Chester, Robert L. Clarkson, Daniel O. Hastings, 

Robert Lehman, Kevm C. McCann, William 

C. Michel, B. Earl Puckett, Spyros P. 

Skouras and Gen. James A. Van Fleet. 

BOXOFTICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 

9

I their 

TOA Warns Members of New 

State Municipal Taxes 

Governmental units are eyeing theatres 

as new sources of revenue as result of the 

removal of the federal ticket tax; members 

are told to keep in touch with situation in 

territories. 

• 

Makelim Aiming at 3,500 

Allied Advance Bookings 

Sets new target: 1,000 ahead of original 

goal as result of tour of Allied regional meetings; 

after Pittsburgh stop he arrives in New 

York for luncheon conference with New 

Jersey Allied leaders. 

* 

COMPO Speeds Campaign 

For Dues-Paying Members 

With drive-ins now in active operation, 

COMPO hopes to equal its previous membership 

of 14,000 conventional and outdoor theatres; 

total now stands at 11,000. 

• 

National Theatres to Ask 

More Divestiture Time 

Understood seeking extension of June 7 

deadline; under original 20th-Fox consent 

decree was to have disposed of 110 theatres 

in two years; stUl had 27 to sell last December. 

* 

AB-PT Directors Re-elect 

Entire List of Officers 

Rename Leonard H. Goldenson, 

president; 

Walter W. Gross, Robert H. Hinckley, Edward 

L. Hyman, Robert E. Kintner, Sidney 

M. Markley and Robert M. Weitman, vicepresidents; 

remaining slate same. 

* 

20th-Fox Declares Dividends 

Of 35 Cents for Quarter 

To pay 25 cents per share and a special 

dividend of ten cents per share, payable June 

26 to holders of record at the close of business 

on June 11. 

• 

Disney Executives Converge 

On N.Y. for Conferences 

Group headed by Roy Disney, president, 

starts two weeks of discussion on distribution 

of first Cinemascope feature, "20,000 Leagues 

Under the Sea," and "The Vanishing Prairie." 

* 

Thomas F. Duane Is Named 

Para. Manager in Detroit 

Was with Paramount in 

booking and sales 

posts from 1924 to 1946 in Boston, manager 

of the Pittsburgh Republic branch and a 

division manager for the Selznick Releasing 

Organization. 

* 

Guatemala Film Shipments 

May Be Resumed Shortly 

stoppage followed imposition of 20 per 

cent tax on distributors income; this was 

reduced later to 10 per cent; now exhibitors 

are willing to pay half of latter because of 

film shortage. 

Fred Waller Dies; 

Cinerama Creator 

NEW YORK—Fred Waller, 68, 

inventor of 

Cinerama and a chairman of the board of 

Cinerama, Inc., died at his home in Huntington, 

L.I., May 18. He had been ill for 

several months and was unable to go to the 

coast in March to accept an Academy Award 

for this technical process. The body was cremated 

Wednesday (19). 

Born in Brooklyn, Waller had pioneered in 

photographic research since the early days 

of the film industry. At first, he was a lobby 

display creator and, after World War I, he 

opened one of the first photo illustrating studios, 

branching into photographic title illustrations 

for silent movies. In 1925, he joined 

the photographic staff of Paramount Studios, 

where he was in charge of the special effects 

department. In 1929, he rejoined Paramount, 

where he remained until 1936 producing and 

directing 235 short subjects. In 1937, he produced 

the "Hall of Color" show, which was 

the forerunner of Cinerama, but was considered 

too radical for practical purposes. 

In 1946, at a small studio in Oyster Bay, 

L.I., he started to build the present demonstration 

apparatus of Cinerama and he completed 

it and showed the first Cinerama film 

in 1948. "This Is Cinerama," the first featurelength 

Cinerama film, opened at the Broadway 

Theatre, New York, Sept. 30, 1952. It 

is still playing in New York City, at the Warner 

Theatre, and has opened in ten other 

U.S. cities to date. 

Waller was a fellow of the Society of Motion 

Picture and Television Engineers and held 

the rank of Class A cameraman in the International 

Photographers of the Motion Picture 

Industry. He is survived by his wife, the former 

Mrs. Doris Barber Caron, his third wife, 

and a son and daughter, Stuart and Muriel, 

by his first marriage. 

Hyman, Markley Named 

UCP Drive Co-Chairmen 

NEW YORK—Edward L. Hyman and Sidney 

M. Markley, vice-presidents of American 

Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, have been 

named co-chairmen of the theatre collections 

committee of the United Cerebral Palsy 

campaign, according to Leonard H. Goldenson, 

president of UCP. The goal of the May 

drive is $8,500,000. 

The fifth annual campaign opened officially 

May 1 when Bob Hope, life chairman, 

lighted a "Beacon of Hope" in the winner's 

circle at the Kentucky Derby. He stars in a 

theatre trailer now being distributed. 

Allow Paramount Pictures 

To Keep N.Y. Building 

WASHINGTON—Paramount Pictures will 

be allowed to keep the New York Paramount 

building under terms of a New York district 

court order to which the Justice Department 

did not object. Under the consent decree, 

Paramount had been required to vacate, but 

the company received many extensions, the 

last of which was scheduled to lapse on 

Monday (17). A few minor conditions attached 

to the order sought to insure that 

continued occupancy by Paramount would 

not transgress the spirit of the consent decree. 

Ben Shiyen to 

Europe 

For Survey of Market 

NEW YORK—Ben Shiyen, publisher 

and editor-in-chief of BOXOFFICE, is 

en route to England, Fi-ance and Italy to 

survey production and exhibition activities 

in those countries as they relate to 

the American industry. His findings and 

observations will be reported in forthcoming 

issues. 

New York Antitrust Suit 

Ordered Back to Trial 

NEW YORK—The U.S. Circuit Court of 

Appeals has ordered back to trial the 

$3,000,000 antitrust suit filed by J.J. Theatres 

and the Luxor Group against Skouras Theatres 

and George P. Skouras, president, and 

20th Century-Fox and Spyros P. Skouras, 

president, which had been dismissed by the 

New York federal court. Other companies 

also are involved. 

Monroe Stein, counsel for the plaintiffs, wiU 

ask formally for a new trial and said he expected 

one in the fall. The first trial was 

held in February 1953. 

Dominick Capano Elected 

S.O.S. Vice-President 

NEW YORK—Dominick J. Capano, who has 

been with S.O.S. Cinema Supply Co. since 

1936, has been elected vice-president in charge 

of television studio and film production sales. 

William H. Allen, who has been in the 

electrical, electronic and mechanical divisions 

of the company for 19 years, has been 

promoted to the post of production manager. 

2.0^h 

Century-Fox 

(Continued from page 9) 

made a matter of record, he declared. 

He then insisted that it should be made 

known what officers and directors are interested 

in other companies. 

In reply to questions from Judge Goldstein, 

Skouras said that directors receive 

$20 for each meeting they attend; that he 

could "not force" directors to buy stock, 

although he hoped they would. Skouras defended 

the $4,000 per week salai-y of Lichtman 

and said he had done a "tremendous" 

job. His own salary, he said, was less than 

what he was getting when he was asked to 

take the job and Darryl F. Zanuck had not 

received a raise in 20 years. 

Rosalind Mia Topping, a familiar figure 

at the stockholders meetings of most film 

companies, insisted that the company should 

have "good" films. "We are handicapped," 

she said, "by a man who thinks he can do It 

alone." 

In reply to a question about VistaVision, 

Skouras said he had seen the demonstration 

at the Radio City Music Hall. He said he 

had stated repeatedly that 20th Century- 

Pox would welcome all new processes that 

would improve picture presentation and 

help the industry. 

Several questions about color were asked. 

In reply to a specific query, Skouras said 

he considered Eastman color equally as 

good as Technicolor. 

10 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954

t't> 

SeCRE'T of the INCas 

NICOLE MAl/REY 

• 

""J^TECHA/7COLOR, 

starring 

CHARLTON HESTON ROBERT YOUNG 

THOMAS MITCHELL 

and present.gYMA S 

LfMAC

PROSPECTS FOR NEXT QUARTER GOOD, SAYS GOLDENSON 

TURNING TO FOREIGN 

ABPT IS 

FILMS IN PRODUCTION CRISIS 

British. Italian Producers 

Approached on Making 

More Films for U. S. 

By StJMNER SMITH 

NEW YORK—American Broadcasting 

Paramount Theatres is encouraging foreign 

film production in a 

move to prevent or 

curtail product shortages, 

Leonard H. 

Goldenson, president, 

told the stockholders 

at the annual meeting 

Tuesday (18). He 

said the company had 

no present intention 

of entering production. 

Goldenson said that 

Leonard Goldenson after taking up the 

matter of product 

with Hollywood, he had studied the Italian 

market and that as a result theatres will 

get between six and nine top Italian films 

during the year. He has also approached 

J. Arthur Rank in England with the suggestion 

that Rank produce films keyed to 

the U.S. market, and he will shortly visit 

Germany to stimulate production there by 

American directors and other American 

technicians who know the U.S. market. 

The AB-PT board has looked into the matter 

of entering production, Goldenson said, 

but decided to wait awhile and see what the 

future develops. He remarked that entering 

production isn't a simple matter because it 

"takes about a year or a year and a half to 

get the production wheels going." He added 

that if the situation did not improve, "we 

are prepared to meet the problem head-on." 

LOOKS FOR IMPROVEMENT 

Golden.son reported that current AB-PT 

theatre business is running behind that of 

1953, but that the prospects for the third 

quarter are promising. He recalled an earlier 

statement that, while grosses for the first 

quarter held close to 1953 levels, earnings 

were off primarily because of higher film 

rentals resulting chiefly from a feature picture 

shortage, increased depreciation charges 

due to new sound and screen installations, 

and the effects of television for the first time 

in many of the smaller cities and towns, especially 

in the .south and midwest. 

"These conditions," he said, "have continued 

into the second quarter, which normally 

reflects a seasonal downturn from the 

first three months of the year. In addition, 

the number and quality of boxofflce pictures 

released so far in this quarter have not been 

comparable to last year's product at this time, 

and, as a result, our grosses are being adversely 

affected." 

Goldenson said the effect of the conditions 

has been sharpened by the fact that many 

major distributors seem to be holding back 

AB-PT 

Good News Is 

NEW YORK—The charge that the American 

Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres management 

has "suppressed some good news" 

about the company "for some strange reason" 

was made by Samuel Honore Olsen of Detroit, 

representing 10,000 shares of common 

stock. He prefaced it with praise of the 

management. 

Olsen said that for six months several investment 

trusts have been buying AB-PT 

stock and that that showed confidence in 

the company. He said federal tax payments 

in 1953 amounted to $21,450,000, and he wanted 

to know why the tax reduction should not be 

reflected in current earnings to the extent 

of $1.25 a share. 

He called the working agreement with Walt 

Disney a "big accomplishment in television 

history," but asked why it had received "so 

little publicity." He also wanted to know 

why there had been little pubhcity about 

"physical properties second to none," a "sound 

the release of their pictures until the third 

quarter. 

"Withholding the release of pictures for 

specific times of the year is serious," he said, 

"because it creates peaks and valleys in the 

theatre business—a business which, by its 

very nature, requires a flow of product 

throughout the year. The existence of periods 

of short supply, in effect, lessens the rnomen- 

Third Tesf Suit Tossed 

At Kansas Censorship 

KANSAS CITY, KAS.—A third suit has 

been filed against the Kansas State Board 

of Review in the Wyandotte county district 

court. RKO Radio Pictures sued the 

board May 13 for refusing a permit to 

"The Son of Sinbad." The members 

wanted to make four cuts which would 

eliminate what they felt were suggestive 

dances. 

A suit was filed last August by Holmby 

Productions, producer and owner, protesting 

the board's decision on "The Moon 

I.s Blue." Early in April a suit by RKO 

a.sked approval of "The French Line." 

Mrs. Frances Vaughn of Bonner Springs 

Ls chairman of the board. The assignment 

clerk at the court doubted if the 

first suit (on "The Moon Is Blue") would 

come up before the September term. 

Suppressing' 

Charge 

structure" and the "best management in the 

entertainment field," and disclosure of the 

"true earning capacity" which he put at $3 

a share. 

Olsen spoke temperately. In fact, the meeting 

was quiet and there was little criticism of 

management. A few stockholders were critical 

because not all of the directors own AB-PT 

stock. An ABC newscast was criticised as 

not objective but reflecting "McCarthyism." 

At the close of the meeting, Goldenson was 

thanked for his conduct of it. 

All but three of the 18 directors on the 

board were present. All 18 were re-elected. 

They are; Earl E. Anderson, John Balaban, 

A. H. Blank, John A. Coleman, Charles T. 

Fisher jr., E. Chester Gersten, Goldenson, 

Walter W. Gross, Robert H. Hinckley, Robert 

L. Huffines jr., William T. Kilborn, 

Robert E. Kintner, Walter P. Marshall, Edward 

J. Noble, Robert H. O'Brien, Herbert 

J. Schwartz, Robert W. Wilby and Owen D. 

Young. 

tum of a sustained high level of public interest 

in movies which is as harmful to distribution 

as it is to exhibition. I am hopeful that 

distributors themselves will recognize that it 

is to their own best interests to schedule the 

release of their pictures throughout the year, 

which would serve to maintain the continuity 

of the movie-going habit." 

Goldenson continued that the shortage has 

done more than result in lower grosses. He 

.said it also has required the theatres to pay 

excessive film rentals and to play pictures 

for over-extended periods of time. 

"For example," he said, "a picture that 

would normally play one week must be shown 

for two weeks. The result is an unprofitable 

second week, frequently eliminating any 

profit made in the first week. Every effort 

i; being made to correct excessive rentals and 

to avoid the necessity of over-extended playing 

time, but these problems will not be adequately 

solved until the supply and demand 

for product becomes more stabilized." 

Goldenson said benefits from the reduced 

federal tax, though difficult to assess now 

because of a decline in grosses, should be reflected 

in higher earnings starting with the 

thii-d quarter. 

"Our theatres," he said, "have generally 

maintained their existing prices and retained 

the tax saving. While part of such saving will 

be paid out in film rentals which are related 

to grosses, a substantial portion of the tax 

saving will revert to earnings. 

"While the prospects for the near future look 

12 BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22. 1954

promising with the fine pictures coming into 

release soon, I am hopeful that the momentum, 

the public interest and patronage that 

these pictures will generate, will convince 

the producers of the need to sustain a continuous 

high level of production. 

"With the large stake that we have in 

this industry, it is essential that we do everything 

to help establish and sustain such conditions. 

All of the producers can expect our 

full cooperation to this end. including the 

exploration of ways and means of encouraging 

increased production by independents." 

Goldenson termed the impact of 

television 

temporary. Its novelty soon wears off. He 

said 15 new TV stations now are operating 

in towns where AB-PT has theatres in Texas, 

20 new TV stations in Alabama, Georgia and 

the Carolinas, eight in Florida, nine in Illinois, 

six in Iowa and ten in Minnesota and 

the Dakotas. 

NO EARLY COLOR TV 

He foresaw no early competition from color 

TV, saying that the maximum number of 

such sets in the U.S. next year has been estimated 

at only 50,000 and that sponsors 

"aren't too interested." He saw good income 

prospects for theatre TV. 

Questioned as to the "threat" of subscription 

TV in the home by a stockholder known 

to have invested in the Skiatron system, 

Goldenson said the "superstructure" and 

servicing of all thi'ee such systems were "fantastic." 

He discussed what he termed difficultes 

in getting the public to pay a fee and 

in making the collections, the influence on 

the family of women who don't want to spend 

24 hours a day at home and family interruptions 

of programs. However, he said he had 

seen the Palm Springs test of Telemeter and 

that he and the board were watching the development 

of subscriber TV closely. 

The ABC division of AB-PT is continuing 

to make satisfactory progress, he said. It is 

now striving to build continuous high-quality 

TV programming in the network time segments, 

and "this is not an easy task and will 

take time and great effort. In addition, it 

involves considerable expense since a program 

often must be carried on a sustaining basis 

before it is sold to a sponsor." He related 

other heavy costs. 

DISCUSSES DISISfEY 

AGREEMENT 

Goldenson stressed the agreement with 

Walt Disney Productions which will result in 

TV programs over ABC and that with the 

National Collegiate Athletic Ass'n for Saturday 

football games. He said radio remained 

an effective and economical advertising medium. 

The company is taking out insurance 

on Disney's Ufe. 

A brief description of the Disneyland development 

near Los Angeles followed. The 

company has a stock interest of 35 per cent 

in it for which the company will pay $500,000 

in cash. It also has contingent obligations 

to lend additional funds or arrange for loans. 

Sidney M. Markley, an AB-PT vice-president, 

described the playground and community 

center project in detail, using lantern slides 

of artists' drawings. 

Goldenson said that despite heavy cash 

outlays, due to loan arrangements described 

in the annual report the company is in a 

"very fluid and excellent cash position." 

Decreased earnings in the first quarter of 

1954, he said, had little effect on the cash 

position. 

HONOR MGM 30TH ANNIVERSARY—Mrs. Arthur Goldsmith, president of the 

Motion Picture Preview Group in Philadelphia (left), and Mrs. Robert Lynch, wife of 

the MGM Quaker City district, cut the birthday cake. On the left is Howard Dietz, 

MGM vice-president in charge of advertising, publicity and exploitation, who spoke at 

the birthday luncheon. Lynch is behind his wife. 

Loew's Will Expand 

In South Africa 

NEW YORK—Loew's International Corp. 

will erect three new theatres in the Capetown 

area of South Africa and others throughout 

South Africa and Rhodesia, according to 

Arthur M. Loew, president. The company 

will also make franchise arrangements with 

local exhibitors. Loew said these would be 

"progressive, independent showmen who can 

be relied on to keep abreast of developments 

in the industry." 

The company is now operating the 3,000-seat 

Metro in Johannesburg and the 2,000-seat 

Metro in Durban, both of which are known 

for their high showmanship standards. The 

number of new theatres to be built has not 

been definitely determined. Among the possible 

sites are Bloemfontein, Durban and 

Pretoria. Loew visited South Africa about a 

year ago to survey the situation. 

Montana Group Elects New 

President at Convention 

GREAT FALLS, MONT.—Carl Anderson, 

Kalispell, was elected president of the Montana 

Independent Theatre Owners at a twoday 

semiannual meeting held here May 11 

and 12. J. M. Suckstorff, Sidney, was reelected 

secretarytreasurer. 

The convention's opening day activities 

included a meeting of the board of directors 

in the morning, a luncheon followed by a 

roundtable discussion of current picture business 

trends, an evening cocktail party and a 

screening of "River of No Return" at the 

Liberty Theatre. Included in the afternoon 

discussions were talks on insurance and film 

shipments, as well as a talk by Joe B. Stone 

of National Supply, Denver, who spoke on 

Cinemascope and VistaVision. 

The Wednesday sessions opened with a report 

by the retiring president, A. N. Jensen, 

Superior, after which the new officers were 

elected. Also on this program was a report 

by J. M. Suckstorff and a talk by Spokane 

theatreman, Joe Rosenfield. 

Drive-Ins' Hospital 

Salute Due in July 

NEW YORK—Drive-ins are to take part 

in a July Will Rogers Hospital Drive-In 

Salute. A. Montague, president of the hospital, 

has already chosen district leaders. 

Eastern exchange areas will be grouped 

under the leadership of Philip Smith, Smith 

Management Co., Boston; east-central areas 

will be headed by Rube Shor, Cincinnati; 

west-central, by J. Robert Hoff, Ballantyne 

Co., Omaha, and the western areas by George 

Mann, Theatre Service Agency, San Francisco. 

Drive-in operators decided to approve the 

venture at the National Allied Drive-In Theatres 

convention at Cincinnati in January. 

Montague said the drive-in operators are 

being asked to participate in one, or both, of 

two ways: 1—To conduct a special Will Rogers 

hospital midnight benefit show sometime 

during July; 2—^To conduct an Employe 

Salute among the staffs. This salute will be 

similar to the annual Christmas salute in 

which employes sign salute scrolls, make 

their contributions, and receive membership 

cards in the Will Rogers Hospital Fund. No 

specific amount is solicited, but it has been 

suggested that one hour's pay would be an 

equitable figure. Scrolls for the midsummer 

salute will be distributed during June. Driveins 

will be contacted in advance by district 

or exchange area chairmen. 

To Set Dote for Trial 

Of Schine Theatres 

BUFFALO—A trial date for civil and criminal 

contempt charges against Schine Chain 

Theatres, its offcers and other individuals 

and corporations, will be set by Federal 

Judge John Knight here Monday (24). He 

ordered the individuals involved to be prepared 

to post bonds if dismissal motions are 

not upheld. The individuals are J. Meyer 

Schine, Louis W. Schine and John A. May, 

officers of the Schine chain; Howard M. 

Antevil, attorney for the corporation, and 

Donald G. Schine and Elmer F. Lux. 

BOXOFTIGE : 

: May 

22, 1954 13

Seven Goldwyn Pictures 

Going States Rights 

NEW YORK—Seven Samuel Goldwyn pictures 

will be released through state rights 

distributors in 32 exchange cities. The first 

two, "The Westerner," starring Gary Cooper, 

and "Dead End," starring Sylvia Sidney, Joel 

McCrea and Humphrey Bogart, will be released 

this month, according to James A. 

Mulvey, president of Samuel Goldwyn Productions. 

The others, to be released at 30-day intervals, 

are "Barbary Coast." "Come and Get 

It," "Adventures of Marco Polo," "Nana" and 

"The Cow-boy and the Lady." 

Robert Mochrie, vice-president, is handling 

negotiations with state rights distributors. 

Those already named are: Wheeler Film Co.. 

Favorite Films of California, George Waldman, 

Kranz-Levin Pictures, Phoenix Films, 

Dimension Pictures, Ltd., Allied Film Exchange, 

Kay Film Exchange, Screen Guild 

Productions of Oklahoma, Lippert Pictures of 

Louisiana, Realart Pictures of Iowa and Nebraska, 

Screen Guild Productions of the Carolinas, 

Herman Heiersdorf Distributing Co. 

and the Federal Film Co. 

New promotion campaigns have been prepared 

for each picture. 

TV Viewers Would Pay 

$1 for First Run Film 

HOLLYWOOD—First-quality movies would 

be more readily patronized on home television 

receivers than at motion picture theatres, 

even if the price were the same, by an 

impressive 60.7 per cent of some 2,500 teleset 

owners in 16 areas throughout the greater 

Los Angeles community. Of them, 59.3 per 

cent would willingly pay $1.00 per program 

for such features. 

Such were among significant statistics 

garnered by TeleCensus in the 11th of its 

series of surveys dealing with video's impact 

on living habits and which, since 1949, have 

been presented semi-annually by college students 

and their instructors. 

Queried on the $1.00-per-program fee, 33.1 

per cent declared they wouldn't pay it; 11 

per cent said they'd prefer junketing to the 

theatre to see the movie rather than stay 

home and watch it on their own sets. 

Other findings: 

Of those polled, 55.9 per cent patronize 

the movies as much this year as they did 

last; 

13.2 per cent go to theatres more often; 

30.9 per cent have cut down on their moviegoing. 

The TV page of their daily newspaper is 

being read more often by 61.7 per cent; the 

movie page more often by 38.3 per cent. 

And a hefty 86.3 per cent would immediately 

replace their TV set if it were to be 

destroyed beyond repair. Only 7.8 per cent 

said they wouldn't. 

Buys More NT Common 

NEW YORK—John B. Bertero, vice-president 

and a director, in April bought 1,000 

shares of National Theatres common stock, 

increasing his holdings to 2,700 shares. 

ARE THE INDIANS ATTACKING? 

This is not a promotion for a western 

feature. It's the entrance sign at the Fort 

Drive-In Theatre, Leavenworth, Kas., engulfed 

in flames. Beverly Miller, president 

of the Kansas-Missouri Allied unit, who 

owns the Fort, said the fire was caused by 

a short circuit in the wiring. A strong wind 

whipped up the flames, which completely 

consumed the rustic-type sign. Damage 

was set at $3,000. A patron, with a camera, 

took the picture at the height of the fire. 

Will Rogers Hospital 3-D 

Equipment Ready for Use 

NEW YORK—Three-D equipment has been 

installed at the Will Rogers hospital. It was 

the gift of eight concerns and was delivered 

in sections. 

The Ballantyne Co., Omaha, contributed 

two Ballantyne-Gardner projectors, the sound 

heads, rectifiers, transformers and amplifiers; 

Williams Screen Co., Akron, supplied 

the screen; Wenzel Projectors Co., Chicago, 

the magazines and take-ups; Goldberg 

Brothers, Denver, the 5,000-foot reels; Raytone 

Screen Co., Brooklyn, the screen frame; 

Projection Optics Co., Rochester, the Superlite 

lenses; Altec Service Corp., Lansing, contributed 

the speaker system, and Altec Service 

Corp., New York, did the installation. 

The new equipment will be dedicated at the 

June meeting of the board of directors at the 

hospital. Representatives of various donor 

companies have been invited to attend. 

German Attendance Grows 

BONN—Theatre attendance in western 

Germany is steadily increasing along with an 

increase in the number of theatres, which 

since 1951 has risen by 575 to 5,200. U.S. 

films dubbed in German are the most popular, 

with British and French films runnersup. 

Filmmakers to Issue 

Second Film Sept. 1 

NEW YORK—Filmakers Releasing Organization, 

which is currently distributing "The 

Bigamist," is offering exhibitors its second 

production, "Private Hell-36," even before 

actual filming begins. 

The picture will go into 

work June 1, with Ida Lupino, Steve Cochran, 

Dean Jagger and Howard Duff starred, and 

will be ready for release September 1, according 

to Irving H. Levin, president of Filmakers. 

Leonard P. Goldenson, president of American 

Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, wired 

Filmakers that "we will enthusiastically support 

you in this instance and in any future 

productions you may be contemplating." 

Other exhibitor heads who have wired 

Filmakers about "Private Hell-36" include: 

Walter Reade jr., president of Walter Reade 

Theatres; Sol Schwartz, president of RKO 

Theatres; Samuel Rosen of Stanley Warner 

Theatres; Harold Rinzler of the Randforce 

Circuit and Spyros S. Skouras, president of 

Skouras Theatres, according to Filmakers. 

Following "Private Hell-36," Filmakers will 

make two more properties, "Mad at the 

World" and "Crash-Out," both of which will 

be ready for distribution 90 days after completion. 

After that, they expect to deliver a 

picture a month. Levin said. Filmakers has 

28 branches in the U.S. which handle sales 

and physical distribution. "The Bigamist" 

played over 4,500 dates within 12 weeks after 

the national release date. 

Chromatic Has Improved 

Lawrence Color TV Tube 

NEW YORK—Chromatic Television Laboratories 

is now producing an improved pilot 

version of the Lawrence color TV tube at 

coast laboratory. Richard Hodgson, presi- 

its 

dent, reported. He said the Chromatic PDF 

21-3 incorporates the latest design developments, 

including a radiation-suppressed 

Chromapac, the color grid structure at the 

front of the tube. 

"An outstanding feature of the tube," Hodgson 

said, "is that it gives a true rectangular 

picture 14^2 by 11 inches. The same 'envelope' 

will accommodate a picture size of 210 square 

inches." 

The tube's rectangular shape will permit 

a cabinet size 20 per cent smaller than previous 

round metal tubes, he said. Contained 

in a glass envelope, the tube is only 25 inches 

long. Like its predecessors, it remains a singlegun, 

post-deflection focusing tube. 

Set and tube manufacturers are being furnished 

samples of the tube, with delivery set 

at 60 days after order. Hodgson called still 

accurate the previous forecast that the tube 

can be mass-produced at less than $100. The 

company is an affiliate of Paramount Pictures. 

Matty Fox Engaged to Wed 

Miss America of 1951 

NEW YORK—Matthew Fox, who holds 

many motion picture executive positions, has 

become engaged to marry Yolande Betbeze, 

Miss America of 1951, in July at the Los 

Angeles home of Nate J. Blumberg. She is a 

graduate of the University of Alabama and 

Is studying here under a musical scholarship. 


: May 

22, 1954

The first pre-release 

opening of 

Colunnbia's 

THE CAINE MUTIPiY 

will 

be held at the 

Capitol Theatre, 

ew York City 

June 24th, 1954 

STARRING 

Jose Ferrer 

Humphrey Bogart 

Van Johnson Fred MaoMurray 

- 

and 

Introducing ROBERT FRANCIS- MAY WYNN ...JECHNICOLOR 

Screen Play by STANLEY ROBERTS 

• 

Based upon ihe Pulilzer pr./e •inmng novel by HERMAN WOUK 

Directed 0, EDWARD OMYTRYK A COLUMBIA PICTURE • A STANLEY KRAMER PROD. 

•

Says Distributors 

Most of Tax Savings 

DALLAS—Col. H. A. Cole, co-chairman of 

the Industry's tax campaign committee, 

warned distributors this week that exhibitors 

may be forced to ask for an official investigation 

by the House Ways and Means Committee 

to determine whether the film companies 

are increasing film rentals as a 

method of obtaining an inequitable share of 

the tax savings. 

In a statement issued here. Cole said this 

is a drastic step and one which "is approached 

with reluctance but seems inevitable in view 

of the present attitude of distribution, which 

is exercising its power, seemingly without 

mercy." 

TALKED WITH MANY EXHIBITORS 

The decision to bring the matter before 

the Ways and Means Committee, he said, 

came after conferences with many exhibitors 

"and after viewing the fact that numerous 

unsuccessful attempts had been made by 

exhibitor organizations to persuade those in 

control, toward a more sane and businesslike 

attitude." 

"The conclusion seems inevitable that these 

same 18.000 theatres, which carried through 

the campaign on tax relief, will be forced 

to go back to Congress with the request that 

an official investigation be made by the House 

Ways and Means Committee to decide whether 

or not the refund by the government to the 

motion picture industry has been confiscated 

inequitably, if not illegally, by the one branch 

of our industry which needed it the least, 

contrary to the express intent of Congress." 

Cole pointed out that the tax campaign 

was financed by the entire film industry and 

was carried through to success by the great 

work done by hundreds of exhibitors all over 

the United States. He also said that during 

the course of the hearings that a number 

of congressmen had warned that relief, suppo.sedly 

given to theatres "would be siphoned 

off, and the producer-distribut.or would receive 

practically all the benefit." 

TRIED TO SOFTEN VIEWPOINT 

"We tried to soften this viewpoint by 

calling attention to the obvious fact that it 

was the industry that was suffering and that 

both exhibition and distribution would benefit 

in usual proportions from any relief," 

Cole continued. 

He is now greatly disturbed, he said, about 

"authenticated reports" from all sections of 

the country regarding economic difficulties 

exhibitors are finding them.selves in. "With 

th»- shortage of pictures of boxofflce value, 

sefling terms have become more and more 

onerous; and it appears that the relief accorded 

theatres is due to shrink more and 

more and shortly disappear." 

"ThLs is unthinkable and quite shortsighted 

on the part of the distributor-producer. It 

can only result in further closings and In 

draining off of necessary theatre reserves 

that should be devoted to new equipment, 

better theatres and new energy in the retail 

end of our industry. This will eventually 

and Inevitably be reflected in reduced earnings 

to our Industry. To call this a shortsighted 

policy is an understatement," he 

declared. 

Get 

Maryland Gov. Declares 

Against Censorship 

Baltimore—Maryland censors "can be 

eliminated" with "a little cooperation 

from the motion picture people," declared 

Governor Theodore R. McKeldin in taking: 

a firm stand against movie censorship. 

Members of the League of Women 

Voters put the question to Governor Mc- 

Keldin at their "Know Your Candidates" 

luncheon. The governor, who is up for 

re-election, replied categorically, "I am 

opposed to censorship." 

Then the governor added: "I believe 

that the people should be able to make 

their own decisions and I think that 

with a little cooperation from the motion 

picture people themselves, the Maryland 

Board of Motion Picture Censors can be 

eliminated." 

Two of the governor's opponents in 

this year's gubernatorial campaign approved 

censorship and the same attitude 

was taken by the representative of a 

third. 

Strengthening of the censorship board 

was advocated by Dr. H. C. Byrd, candidate 

in the Democratic primary; James 

Gum, who is running against the governor 

for the Republican nomination, and 

George Sellmayer, who appeared as a 

representative of George P. Mahoney, another 

Democratic candidate. 

Exhibitors to Get Free 

Copies of COMPO Ads 

NEW YORK—Herman Robbins, president 

of National Screen Service, has begun the 

free distribution to exhibitors of the advertisements 

placed in Editor & Publisher by 

the Council of Motion Picture Organizations. 

He is 

treasurer of COMPO. 

The first eight ads have been made up 

into a brochure which will be included in 

shipments of National Screen material. Subsequent 

ads in the series of 26 pre.sently 

scheduled will be distributed in a similar 

manner. Robbins al.so has had extra copies 

made for distribution to the personnel of 

home offices and major company exchanges. 

He called the ads "one of the finest things 

the industry has done for its public relations," 

and asked that exhibitors show them to their 

local editors and community leaders. 

Three Republic Features 

Scheduled for Cameras 

HOLLYWOOD— Republic's recently announced 

production upsurge will get under 

way next month with the launching of "The 

Atomic Kid," a Mickey Rooney starrer to 

be produced by Maurice Duke, and will continue 

in July, when "Silver Rock," which 

Joseph Kane will produce and direct, and 

"Carolina Cannonball," toplining Judy Canova, 

will go before the cameras. 

Gold Quits Nat'l Screen 

To Form His Own Firm 

NEW YORK—Melvin L. Gold, director of 

advertising, publicity and television for National 

Screen Service for the past seven years, 

will resign May 28 to 

e;;ter his own business, 

SBCording to Herman 

Robbins, NSS president. 

Gold's successor 

will be announced 

shortly. 

Gold, who has been 

associated with Nation 

Screen Service for 

a total of 11 years, 

entered the industry 

in 1920 as a poster 

clerk for MGM and. at 

the age of 21, he was Melvin L. Gold 

assistant office manager at MGM's Chicago 

office. Prior to joining NSS in Hollywood in 

1943, Gold owned an advertising agency for 

a short period and also was with Filmack 

Trailer Co. as advertising manager. 

Gold's new firm, Mel Gold Productions, Inc., 

will go into operation June 1 to produce TV 

program films, industrial films, theatrical 

films and TV film commercials. 

Three New Films to Head 

Para. July-August List 

NEW YORK—Paramount will release three 

new features, plus the reissue of Cecil B. De- 

Mille's "The Greatest Show on Earth," during 

July and August, according to A. W. 

Schwalberg. president of Paramount Pictures 

Corp. 

The new pictures are: "Knock on Wood," 

starring Danny Kaye and Mai Zetterling, and 

"Living It Up," starring Dean Martin and 

Jerry Lewis and Janet Leigh, both of them 

in Technicolor, and "About Mrs. Leslie," Hal 

Wallis production starring Shirley Booth and 

Robert Ryan. 

"The showmen of the nation know their 

business and when they say they need big 

pictures with big stars and top-grade production 

values to keep their theatres thriving 

and prosperous during the summer months, 

Paramount is ready to cooperate," Schwalberg 

said. 

Among the big pictures to follow, Schwalberg 

mentioned Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear 

Window, starring James Stewart and Grace 

Kelly: "Uly.sses," made in Italy starring Kirk 

Douglas and Silvana Mangano: "Sabrina," 

with two Academy Award stars, Audrey Hepburn 

and William Holden with Humphrey 

Bogart also starred: "White Christmas," in 

VistaVision, starring Bing Crosby, Danny 

Kaye and Rosemary Clooney: George Pal's 

"Conquest of Space," science-fiction film: 

"The Country Girl," starring Bing Crosby, 

William Holden and Grace Kelly: "The 

Bridges of Toko-Ri," starring William Holden, 

Fredric March and Mickey Rooney, and 

"Strategic Air Command," in VistaVision, 

starring James Stewart and June Allyson. 

All except "Sabrina" and "The Country Girl" 

are in Technicolor. 

MGM Extends Strickling Pact 

HOLLYWOOD—With the company since 

its inception in 1924, Howard Strickling, 

MGM studio publicity director, has inked a 

new long-term contract. 


: May 

22, 1954

""^''S 

Big One NOW has 

added audience potential 

with the ESTABLISHED 

POPULARITY of the 

FAMOUS 

KETTLE 

r ^(N FAMILY! 

Produced and Written for the screen by CHESTER ERSKINE and FRED F. FINKLEHOFFE 

• Directed by Chester erskine 

• a universal international Re release 

"Pictures with that Universal Appeal"

Miami Organizes in 

On Child Molestation 

Fight 

Theatre Managers Are Deputized, and Children Are 

Segregated at Kiddy Matinees Under New City Law 

By KITTY HARWOOD 

MIAMI—A new approach to protecting 

children against molestation has been introduced 

in Miami theatres. Alarmed by an upsurge 

in this problem in the greater Miami 

area, councilmen here have passed an ordinance 

which requires deputized theatre attendants 

at all children's performances and 

segregation of children at these shows. 

It is an entirely new approach to a problem 

which has faced exhibitors in a number 

of metropolitan cities and occasionally crops 

up in smaller situations. While Miami proper 

is the only city to adopt the regulatory measure, 

it is expected that other local bodies 

in this area will follow with similar legislation. 

The Florida Federation of Women's 

Clubs recently demanded revision of state 

laws relating to child molestation. 

MUST PATROL THEATRES 

Main provisions of the ordinance require 

that where exhibitors hold child matinees, 

one or more adult persons must patrol each 

aisle. These attendants must be at least 21 

years of age, must register with the police 

department, be fingerprinted and demonstrate 

"either by experience or satisfactory completion 

of a special course of instruction" that 

he or she is qualified to perform this type 

of duty. 

In order to eliminate undue expense for 

theatremen staging children's matinees, it 

has been agreed that a properly qualified 

employe may be deputized so that a police 

officer need not be hired. 

Each theatre is required, under the law, to 

set apart an appropriately marked section 

"reasonably adequate to accommodate the 

number of adults who normally attend" child 

matinees. This section is the only place in 

the theatre adults may occupy during the 

matinee. The position of the exhibitor Is 

further strengthened by a provision which 

gives them the right to refuse, during child 

matinees, to admit any adult who is not 

accompanied by a child under 14 years of age. 

ADULTS SIT SEPARATELY 

Attendants must require adults to sit In 

the separate sections and see to it that persons 

under 21 years of age do not sit in the 

adult area during the matinees. Persons, 

minor adult, who refuse to obey these regulations 

can be legally ejected from the theatre. 

However, when the individual Involved in 

such action is under 14 years of age. It Is the 

duty of the deputized attendant to call parents 

or other adult members of the family 

and ask that the child be picked up. If the 

parents can't be reached, the child Is placed 

under the protective custody of the police 

department. 

Exhibitors are held respyonslble for the enforcement 

of these regulations at their theatres. 

While representatives of the city's three 

major circuits and some independents sat In 

^^

Great 

pictures 

built 

LIFE'S 

great 

audience 

LIFE'S 

great 

audience 

can 

build 

your 

pictures 

I^H 

Y

Variety Raises $65,000 

To Aid Atlanta Project 

Ladies of Variety entered tliis attractive float in the club's big public relations and 

humanitarian project, Old Newspaper Boys day. On the float, L to R, are: Mrs. John 

Harrell, Mrs. Leonard AUen, Mrs. Mary Jones, Mrs. Jack Dumestri jr., Mrs. Hap Barnes. 

By DON HASSLER 

ATLANTA—In one of Variety's big public 

relations projects, showmen of this area 

joined in their annual Old Newspaper Boys 

day celebrations May 14 with the Atlanta 

Constitution-Journal newspapers to raise 

funds for the Atlanta Cerebral Palsy School- 

Clinic. 

It turned out to be one of the town's most 

colorful parades, with thousands viewing it 

along the route. When the parade was over, 

several thousand workers in the Greater Atlanta 

area, including business and professional 

men. civic club leaders, and Emery and 

Georgia Tech students joined with Variety 

members in hawking a special paper published 

for the occasion. 

College students were selling papers at 

2 a.m. in their bid for contributions to the 

fund. More than $65,000 was raised during 

the day, and when final reports are in from 

points in Florida, Tennessee and Alabama the 

total is expected to exceed $70,000. 

A crew of the Variety Club members were 

kept bu.sy in the clubrooms until early Saturday 

morning tabulating the amounts of money 

being turned in by the Variety liaison members. 

These workers collected money from the 

various districts, carried it to Brinks for 

safekeeping and then brought their summary 

sheets to the Variety Club. 

Many beautiful floats representing various 

civic clubs, the Variety Club, the navy recruiting 

service, schools and others, plus the 

Shriners with their clowns, mounted patrol, 

40 and 8 Jeep, beautiful girls from the modeling 

agencies, high school bands and highhatted 

and yellow-aproned members of the 

Variety Club, were in the parade lineup. The 

mayor, William B. Hartsfield, and Gov. Herman 

Talmadge led the procession down 

famous Peachtree street. 

Thousands of people lined both sides of the 

street and bought the papers from the "Old 

Newsboys," paying from 25 cents to $10 a 

copy, of which they knew that every penny 

went to help these unfortunate children. 

A. B. Padgett, chief barker of the Atlanta 

Variety Club, expressed through the newspapers 

his appreciation to the public for its 

support in the buying of the papers and to 

the workers for their untiring efforts. Next 

year will find the Atlanta Variety Club better 

organized than ever, he said, and hoped 

thousands of Atlantans would again open 

their hearts and pocketbooks for "such a 

worthy cause as the Cerebral Palsy School- 

Clinic on Ponce de Leon avenue." 

Holds 1940 Decree Suspended' Statute of Limitations 

LOS ANGELES—In a precedential decision 

that may have a profound effect on 

similar cases. Federal District Judge Harry 

C. Westover on Monday (17) held that the 

U.S. vs. Paramount antitrust case was still 

pending during the government's consent decree 

period, ranging from 1940 to 1945, and 

that therefore the statute of limitations does 

not apply to antitrust actions filed during 

that time and for a period thereafter. 

The ruling was handed down in answer 

to a motion In which major distributor de- 

fendants to an antitrust suit filed against 

them by Lorraine Valuskis, former operator 

of the Bell Theatre in Bell, Calif., sought 

a summary judgment for the defense, contending 

that the complaint, filed in 1953, was 

outlawed by the statute of limitations. Mrs. 

Valu.skis, seeking $702,000 in damages from 

the distributors and the Fox West Coast circuit, 

alleges she was forced to sell the theatre 

in 1940 because she was denied adequate 

product. Subsequently the showcase was acquired 

by FWC. 

Alias Has Increased 

RKO Slock Holdings 

NEW YORK—Atlas Corp., which has been 

a "substantial stockholder" of RKO Pictures 

Corp. since its formation, has substantially 

increased its holdings 

in recent weeks and is 

ready to purchase 

Howard Hughes' 1,262,- 

120 shares, according 

to Floyd B. Odium, 

president of Atlas. 

According to a 

statement issued by 

Odium, he has made 

such a suggestion to 

Hughes, who has indicated 

that "he has no 

objection whatever to 

the continuance of 

RKO Pictures Corp. in 

Floyd B. Odium 

business, provided he 

is not burdened with the responsibility for it.s 

management and is given the same right as 

he has arranged for others to receive $6 per 

share for all of his stocklioldings or such, if 

any, as he does not wish to hold." In March. 

Hughes paid $23,489,478 for all 

assets of RKO 

Pictures, Inc., leaving the parent firm with 

only the cash. 

The statement was made "so that any 

stockholder of RKO Pictures Corp. who 

wishes to do so may refrain from turning in 

his stock for cash until he has further information 

as to w-hether RKO Pictures Corp.. 

following its complete divorce from the motion 

picture business, is going to be maintained 

for other types of business or is going 

to be dissolved." 

Atlas would prefer that RKO Pictures Corp. 

not be dissolved but rather that it be maintained 

as a going concern, using its cash 

to operate for a profit, the Atlas statement 

said. 

The deadline for stockholders of RKO Pictures 

stock to surrender their shares for the 

$6 price was recently extended from May 17 

to June 30. 

Atlas held 884,900 shares of RKO Pictures 

stock on April 20, representing 22.6 per cent 

of the 3,914,913 outstanding shares. This is an 

increase of 227,300 shares bought since March 

31, when the figure was 657,000 shares, or 16.7 

per cent held by Atlas. Only 76,000 shares 

were held by Atlas early in 1954. The stock 

reached a new high of six and one-quarter 

on the New York Stock Exchange May 19. 

Louisiana Exhibitor Has 

A New Screen Process 

NEW ORLEANS—J. 

V. O'Quinn, secretarytreasurer 

of Joy-Oke Theatres, Kaplan, La., 

has introduced a new screen process called 

Cyclorama which he reports requires only 

the regular screen and lenses, plus an inexpensive 

conversion kit for the projector, allowing 

quick changes to standard projectors. 

He said the cost to a booth using Simplex 

supers and Simplex sound would be $200. 

O'Quinn said that with the process a reduced 

film frame is employed and thereby 

a change in the lamphouse can be readily 

effected, giving from 50 to 100 per cent more 

light without increasing the amperage or 

changing carbons. He claimed for it a range 

of aspect ratio up to 2.25 to 1. The process 

was described at the Allied convention in 

Cincinnati February 4. 

20 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954

BOXOFFICE : : May 22, 1954 21

MeanUme 

. . George 

ôU

Just off the press 

rHE INDUSTRY'S MOST COMPLETE AND 

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Stote:

Technicolor Profits Up; 

Will Expand Abroad 

NEW YORK—Technicolor is planning a 

plant in Paris with the cooperation of a 

number of French motion picture and financial 

interests to be operated by a new company, 

Societe Technicolor, with a capital of 

one billion francs. 

Stockholders were told of the new project 

at their annual meeting Monday (17) at 15 

Broad street by Dr. Herbert T. Kalmus, president 

and general manager of Technicolor, 

Inc. 

The consolidated net profit after taxes on 

income for the three months ended March 31 

is estimated at $363,493.52, equal to 19 cents 

per share on the new stock outstanding. This 

compares with 14 cents per share for the last 

quarter of 1953. 

Dr. Kalmus commented on a price increase 

of a quarter a cent per foot on all 

35mm imbibition prints shipped from Hollywood, 

which went into effect May 1. He said 

he expected 112 features would be produced 

in Technicolor during 1954. Last year there 

were 106. 

In spite of a two week strike in the laboratory 

of Technicolor, Ltd., British affiliate, 

a net profit after taxes of $299,149 was reported 

for the first quarter of 1954. The net 

for the last quarter of 1953 was $231,837. 

W. G. Rabe and James Bruce 

Join Technicolor Board 

NEW YORK—Two new directors have been 

elected by Technicolor, Inc., to fill vacancies 

on the board caused by the deaths of Eversley 

Childs and George P. Lewis. 

The new members are William G. Rabe 

and James Bruce. Rabe is a director of the 

Manufacturers Trust Co. and chairman of its 

trust committee. Bruce is a former minister to 

Argentine. He is also a director of National 

Dairy Products, Chemical Bank and Trust, 

Republic Steel and American Airlines. 

Film Industry Dividends 

For March Show Gain 

WASHINGTON—Film industry corporation 

publicly declared dividends totaled $3,482,000 

in March 1954, compared to $3,040,000 in 

March 1953, according to the Department 

of Commerce on Friday (14). 

Twentieth Century-Fox paid $969,000 in 

March 1954, compared to $692,000 in the same 

month last year, and al.so paid a special 

S277.000 extra dividend in March this year. 

Universal paid $299,000 this March, compared 

to $59,000 last March. 

Other film industry corporation publicly 

declared dividends in March of this year 

were the same as in March 1953. Loew's paid 

$1,029,000 in both months, Paramount Pictures 

paid $1,170,000, Roxy Theatre paid $6,- 

000 and United Artists Theatre Circuit declared 

$9,000. 

UA Gets English Film 

NEW YORK—United Artists will release 

"Hobson's Choice," London Films comedy 

starring Charles Laughton and John Mills 

and produced and directed by David Lean. 

The release date will be set later. 

UA FILM HONORED—Robert S. 

Benjamin 

(left), United Artists board chairman, 

receives Parents' Magazine medal of 

merit awarded to "Adventures of Robinson 

Crusoe" from Phil Wileox, film relations 

director. 

Report CinemaScope 

Small-Town 'Natural' 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO.—Two smalltown 

exhibitors reported that CinemaScope 

pictures were great for theatres in smaller 

towns at the joint meeting of Kansas-Missouri 

Theatre Ass'n and the Missouri-Illinois 

Theatre Owners Ass'n here this week. 

Pete Gloriod, resident manager for Rogers 

Theatres in Poplar Bluff, and Ed Harris of 

Neosho both told exhibitors of their success 

with CinemaScope and called the process "a. 

natural" for small towns. 

Gloriod reported mixed reaction in his town 

to stereophonic sound. Harris said he had no 

regrets for his installation of CinemaScope 

in a town of 6,000, adding his people were 

sold on it. CinemaScope is bringing back 

many TV set owners as regular movie patrons, 

and the wide-screen process films are 

grossing 60 per cent to 120 per cent higher 

than average business. 

Among the speakers at the two-day conference 

were Herman Levy, TOA general counsel; 

C. E. Cook of Maryville, Mo.; Stanley 

Durwood. Kansas City; Ed Clark, Metropolis, 

111.; Mike Simon, MGM public relations director, 

and State Senator Edward Long. 

Senator Long urged theatremen to become 

acquainted with their state representatives 

and to play an active role in the affairs of 

their communities. Simon's theme was that 

of cooperation on trade problems and public 

relations by exhibitors whether they are 

members of an association or not. 

American Weekly to Carry 

Mrs. Danny Kaye Article 

HOLLYWOOD—The American Weekly 

will carry an article by Sylvia Fine (Mrs. 

Danny Kaye) on the making of Dena Productions' 

"Knock on Wood" in its June 13 

issue. The comedy, starring Danny Kaye 

and being distributed by Paramount, will 

go into national release the first week in July. 

LETTERS 

Report on SuperScope Test 

To BOXOFFICE: 

For the past four weeks the Town Theatre, 

San Fernando, Calif., has been used as a 

test theatre for the Tushinsky SuperScope 

Variable anamorphic projection lens, during 

which time we have played two Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

and two Fox CinemaScope pictures, 

and the thought occurred to the writer 

that you might be interested in knowing our 

feelings regarding this lens. 

First, the theatre is of average size, being 

50 feet wide with a throw of 110 feet; size 

of our curved screen is 16 by 32 feet. In 

using the SuperScope lens we were able, and 

without hurting the picture in any way, to 

play CinemaScope at a proportion of two to 

one, namely 16 by 32. 

We used an aperture 715x715 and would 

open the picture at a proportion of one-to-one 

and as the credits were shown we would 

gradually spread the picture until it was 32 

feet wide. This was accomplished without any 

distortion and, needless to say, the reaction 

from the public was very good. As far as 

quality is concerned; definition, light, transmission, 

etc., it is far greater than with other 

anamorphic lenses previously used. 

I pass this information on to you as we 

were the experimental theatre to use this 

particular device and thought you would be 

interested in knowing its outcome. 

GEORGE INGHAM 

Los Angeles, Calif. 

Castlemans' RKO Suit 

Postponed to June 28 

HOLLYWOOD—Howard Hughes' 

purchase 

of the assets of RKO Pictures has not as yet 

put the quietus on minority stockholders' litigation 

against him and the company, it was 

indicated here this week when Federal Judge 

Ben Harrison on Monday (17) postponed until 

June 28 arguments on various motions lodged 

by Bernard Reich, west coast attorney of 

record for Eli and Marion Castleman, plaintiffs 

in a stockholders' derivative suit. 

Reich seeks the appointment of a special 

master to probe the entire complicated legal 

situation and asks the right to secure depositions 

from Hughes. He has consistently contended 

there is "collusion and conspiracy" 

between the defendants and the New York 

counsel for the plaintiffs. 

O'Neill to 

Hecht-Lancaster 

NEW YORK—James O'Neill has been 

named eastern publicity representative for 

Hecht-Lancaster Productions, according to 

Francis M. Winikus, national director of advertising, 

publicity and exploitation for 

United Artists. He will w'ork under the supervision 

of Walter Seltzer, vice-president In 

charge of advertising and publicity for Hecht- 

Lancaster. His first assignment will be to 

launch the campaign on "Apache," starring 

Burt Lancaster and Jean Peters. 

Skouras Planes to London 

NEW YORK— Spyros P. 

Skouras, president 

of 20th Century-Fox, planed to England 

Thursday (20), following the United Jewish 

Appeal luncheon at the Hotel Pierre. Skouras 

is expected to return about June 1. 

24 

BOXOFHCE : 

: May 

22, 1954 

i

AIMS AND PURPOSES OF SCTOA 

AND AN 

INVITATION TO ALL EXHIBITORS 

AIMS 

AND 

PURPOSES 

OF 

SCTOA 

ALL 

EXHIBITORS 

ASKED 

TO JOIN 

FOR 

UNITED 

ACTION 

SCTOA 

OPPOSES 

ADVANCED 

PRICE 

FEATURES 

PRESENT 

FILM 

TERMS 

ARE TOO 

HIGH 

PRODUCT 

SHORTAGE 

HURTS 

THE 

ENTIRE 

INDUSTRY 

The Board of Directors of the Southern California 

Theatre Owners Association has adopted 

a PLAN OF AIMS AND PURPOSES toward which 

we shall exert our every effort during this current 

year. Each principle is dedicated to the welfare 

of the independent exhibitor and to the better entertainment 

of his audiences. Many among us in 

the Association are chain-operated theatre owners 

and exhibitpfs, but it is our considered opinion 

that the small-theatre exhibitor is the backbone 

of our entire motion picture industry and as such, 

that it is he whose needs and desires must be 

heard and acted upon. 

If, in your opinion, you believe these AIMS 

AND PURPOSES to be right and worthwhile, we 

cordially invite you to join with us in an Action 

Campaign during 1954 to achieve these ends for 

the betterment of our entire motion picture 

industry. 

1. We are unalterably opposed to advanced 

admission-prices, and to special-priced motion 

picture productions. In our opinion, advancepriced 

films serve but one major purpose, i. e., to 

increase film rental to theatres. We further believe 

that a revision to "popular prices" by all 

theatres will tend to bring back to our theatres 

many millions of those regular movie patrons who 

now cannot afford the luxury of advanced-prices, 

regardless of the excellence of a film production. 

2. We are committed to the proposition that 

film rentals are excessive and exhorbitant, and we 

are making every effort to achieve their reduction 

to a more fair and equitable figure. 

3. We believe that more film productions should 

be made and released annually by the major film 

companies than they are presently scheduling. 

The gradual lessening of films produced yearly 

by the major studios has had a devastating effect 

upon both large and small exhibitors, who must 

have a steady and unstinted supply of product 

for their screens, and who, without this supply, 

are forced to fall back upon re-issues and unworthy 

product made available through other 

sources, a practice which has contributed greatly 

to a downward trend in boxoffice figures nationally. 

EQUIPMENT 

CHOICE 

RIGHT 

OF EVERY 

EXHIBITOR 

FILM 

INDUSTRY 

MUST HEED 

NEED OF 

"INDIE" 

EXHIBS 

PRESENT 

CODE 

O.K. 

BUT 

NEEDS 

BETTER 

ADMIN- 

ISTRATION 

NEW 

CODE 

GROUP 

NEEDED 

4. We are committed to the principle 

that exhibitors shall have freedom of 

choice in the selection of CINEMASCOPE 

and stereophonic sound equipment, or 

any other new equipment which may be 

developed, installing that equipment, or 

not, as he sees fit. We believe it should 

not be obligatory for him to install such 

equipment in order to feature a specific 

film 

production. 

5. We believe the independent exhibitor is the 

backbone of the motion picture industry and that 

every effort must be exerted to assure that his 

needs are given serious consideration and acted 

upon favorably wherever possible. 

6. We believe the Code for the motion picture 

industry is entirely adequate in its present form 

—but we submit that its administration is being 

handled badly. We believe that, properly interpreted 

and administered by a Committee composed 

of producers, exhibitors and representatives 

of several selected Lay groups, the Code can reflect 

considerable credit to the motion picture industry, 

and can contribute as well to increased 

grosses. We further believe that, with proper administration, 

and a possible designation of categories 

of motion picture productions, American 

producers can avail themselves of every filmproduction 

possibility without sacrifice of quality 

or reality, and without need for resorting to 

cheapness, and that these same producers can 

better compete with the growing influx of foreign 

film productions aimed at an "adult" market. 

ARBITRARY 7. Finally, we favor an immediate change in 

RULE MUST 

the arbitrary method of operation of both producers 

and distributors. We resolve that should 

END 

* 

GOV'T. their method of operation fail to change materially 

we shall advocate and strive for some form 

AID TO 

BE CALLED 

ON TO of governmental regulation for the motion picture 

END 

PRESENT industry. We realize full well that this is not ideal 

CHAOS for our industry and for our freedom of operation 

• 

in all its phases, but we believe it will be more 

CURRENT 

EVILS beneficial than the evils of the present system, i. e., 

WILL regulation by producers and distributors to the 

WRECK 

INDUSTRY detriment of all exhibitors in the United States. 

o 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THEATRE OWNERS ASSOCIATION 

1914 So. Vermont Ave. REpublic 3-0653 Los Angeles 1, Calif.

C'Scope Test Films 

Offered by SMPTE 

NEW YORK—The Society of Motion Picture 

and Television Engineers will continue 

to supply Cinemascope picture and sound 

test films to theatre service engineers and 

theatre owners who are equipped to show 

Cinemascope features complete with fourtrack 

magnetic sound. 

SMPTE has been appointed supplier of 

these technical test reels, which will be made 

under SMPTE contract by Ace Laboratories, 

a subsidiary of Warner Bros.; De Luxe Laboratories, 

a subsidiary of 20th Century-Fox: 

Radio Corp. of America, J. A. Maurer, Precision 

Film Laboratories, a subsidiary of 

Maurer: Bell & Howell and Westrex. 

The test films available include: 

A level balance film used in adjusting all 

channels for equal volume; a multifrequency 

test film for checking the frequency response 

of all four channels; a flutter test 

film to measure variations of the rate at 

which the film passes through the magnetic 

reproducer; a loudspeaker phasing test film 

which carries a warble frequency signal to 

check the phasing between the high frequency 

and low frequency speakers on channels 

one, two and three. 

Also, a constant level test film with an 

accurately placed 8,000 cycles per second recording 

to check nazimuth of the magnetic 

reproducer heads, a channel four test film 

consisting of a recording to 12,000 cycle and 

1.000 cycle signals to adjust the automatic 

switching circuits on the channel four surround 

speakers, and a projector alignment 

test film containing picture only, used in 

adjusting the projector aperature plate, positioning 

of the anamorphic projection lens 

attachment, the alignment of one projection 

machine with the other and for positioning 

the black masking around the screen. 

SMPTE has also arranged to furnish a 

loudspeaker balance reel which has recorded 

identical .speech and music on all four tracks, 

and a stereophonic reel with picture, sound 

and channel four control signal. 

Lease 

Inkar 

• NO CAPITAL 

INVESTMENT 

• COMPLETELY 

TAX DEDUCT- 

IBLE 

• LESS COSTLY 

THAN BUYING 

Your 

Heaters 

* HEATERS PAY THEIR OWN WAV 

* FREES UP—WORKING CAPITAL 

i ^ 

1*1 

k \, 2 OR 3 YEAR LEASES 

* AUTOMATIC OPTIONS TO RENEW 

Thermolator 

Write. Wire or Coll 

Corporation 

1628 Victory Blvd. Glendale, Calif. 

MGM Releasing Schedule 

Calls for 45 1-Reelers 

NEW YORK—During the 12 

months starting 

September 1, MGM will release 45 singlereel 

short subjects in addition to 104 issues 

of News of the Day, according to William 

B. Zoellner, in charge of sales of shorts and 

newsreels. There will be 16 Technicolor cartoons 

produced by Fred C. Quimby, four of 

which will be available for theatres equipped 

with Cinemascope. They are yet to be titled. 

There will be five Technicolor Musical 

Gems in Cinemascope. Tlie titles of four 

are: "Merry Wives of Windsor," "Poet and 

Peasant," "The Jubilee Overture" and "The 

Thieving Magpie." The fifth is in production. 

The Thieving Magpie" will be available to 

go with "Seven Brides," to be released in 

August. 

There also will be eight Gold Medal Reprint 

Cartoons and six PitzPatrick Travel- 

Talks in Technicolor, and ten Pete Smith 

Specialties. The PitzPatrick reissue titles are: 

"Yosemite the Magnificent," "Grand Canyon. 

Pi'ince of Creation," "Picturesque Patzcuaro," 

"Glacier Park and Waterton Lakes," "Mexican 

Police on Parade" and "Mighty Niagara," 

all especially suited to wide screen presentation. 

Herbert Leeds Services; 

20th-Fox. WB Director 

NEW YORK—A private funeral service was 

conducted May 17 for Herbert I. Leeds, 42, 

director for 20th Century-Fox and Warner 

Bros., who was found dead of a shotgun wound 

in his room at the Hotel Wyndham May 16. 

The body was found by Gen. Lyman Munson 

jr., who went to Leeds' room in response 

to a request from the director's father, Abraham 

T. Levy, president of L'Orle Perfumes, 

who had been unable to reach his son by telephone. 

Police called the death a suicide. 

Leeds, who was a native New Yorker, directed 

"The Life of Jimmy Dolan" and 

"The Narrow Comer" for Warner Bros., and 

"I Loved a Woman," "Manila Calling" and 

"Just Off Broadway" for 20th Century-Fox 

before World War II. Since the war, he 

directed "It Should Happen to a Dog" for 

20th-Fox, "Let's Live a Little" for Eagle 

Lion and, most recently, "Bunco Squad" for 

RKO, "Broken Arrow" for 20th-Fox and 

"Diplomatic Courier," released by 20th-Fox 

in 1952. 

In addition to his father, Leeds is survived 

by his wife, Evie, and a daughter, 

Lydia, 4, both living in California. 

Israel-America Sets Date 

For 5-Part Film Release 

NEW YORK—Israel-America Motion Piclures 

has set June 1 as the release date for its 

feature, "Khamishia—Five Tales From Israel," 

following showings here. The feature, 

made in Israel with an English-speaking cast, 

is composed of five stories, "Deadline for 

Danny," "We Chose Life," "Son of Sulam," 

"Song of Israel" and "Jonathan and Tali." 

SCREEN TOWERS and ADDITIONS 

Pr«-fab ititl. Enginttred for 90 M.P.H. 

wind load plui 50% loftty foctor. With 

or without horizontol wood nailars. Also 

additions (or Klstlng towers. Call us! 

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1717 WyandotI* St., Kontai City 8, Mo. 

In the Newsreels 

Movietone News, No. 41: President signs St. Lawrence 

Seaway bill; army tests T-43 land fortresses; 

Israel celebrates sixth anniversary; Hellene royalty 

marks museum site; blossom festival at Niagara Foils; 

Gilbraltor hails royal family; workers rally to honor 

Peron; German leader's daughter weds; fastest mile 

due, says Bannister; Morciano and Charles troin for 

title go; rodeo femmes find it rough. 

News of the Day, No. 275: Queen Elizobeth ends 

world tour; President hails vast seaway project; mass 

pcradrop ends big maneuvers; General Van Fleet 

visits Korea; spectacular tire blaze; Labor day in 

Argentina; Red ceremony in Berlin; Bannister—fourminute 

miler. 

Paramount News, No. 78: Army unveils newest 

tank; camera on the stars; three former First Ladies 

meet; President signs Seaway bill; Morciano, Charles, 

troin. 

Universal News, No. 569: St. Lowrence Seaway bill; 

Maryland-T-43 tank; Hollywood-Companion awards; 

Korea Van Fleet visit; Californio-—General Dean; 

New York—styles for surf and sand; Charles and 

Morciano in troining; France—ski rescue. 

Warner Pothe News, No. 80: Three former First 

Ladies at a party; first lady of Germany is wed; Von 

Fleet goes back to Korea; marines storm Korean 

beaches in war gomes; Hollywood—Alan Ladd steps 

in with both feet; Hollywood—fans honor John Wayne, 

June Allyson; Gibraltar—cheers rock "the Rock" for 

queen; New York—fashions with a flair for evening 

wear; sports—four-minute-mile Bannister here on 

sprint visit; Morciano and Chorles train for big bout. 

Movietone News, No. 42: English welcome Queen 

Elizabeth home from tour, 40th Division set to return 

home; CARE packages for disaster victims; 

Italian village in tower fete; chimps cut up at kids 

command performance; Belgium peddlers push for 

prizes; there's life in the old boy yet; Defense Bond 

trailer. 

News of the Day, No. 276: Triumphal homecoming 

of Britain's queen; corner joins Indo-Chino war; 40th 

Division in Korea farewell; first American jet transport; 

Ceylon honors Asian leaders; Snead takes 

round robin golf; armed forces boxing finals. 

Paromount News, No. 79: Armed forces day; 

British welcome home queen; sports— golf, turf 

thriller. 

Universal News, No. 570: Royal tour ends; tank 

demonstration; General Dean greets GIs; jets; kid 

parade, planes and airmen of tomorrow. 

Warner Pothe News, No. 81: Armed forces on parade; 

the queen is home; first U.S. jet tronsport; o 

visit to strange exotic chimpviMe junction; sports 

navy takes third straight title, Native Dancer whirls 

lo 20th win. 

Telenews Weekly, No. 20: Fort's fall rocks France; 

President Eisenhower; Queen Elizabeth; Roger Bannister, 

the Notion—North Corolina, New York, South 

Carolina; New York; Truman urges stronger policy; 

armed forces—army, marines; Bermuda—sportsmen 

hook white marlin. 

20th-Fox Increases List 

Of Shorts to 62 for '54 

NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Pox has 

increased its short subjects releases for 1954 

from 45 to 62, with 20 of the number to be 

in Cinemascope, according to Lem Jones, 

short subjects sales manager. In addition to 

the 62 shorts, there will be the usual 104 

Movietone newsreels. 

The Cinemascope shorts, all in Technicolor, 

will be made at the Hollywood studios 

by Otto Lang and by Movietone in New 

York. Thirty Terrytoons will also be in 

Technicolor. 

Six Movietone sport shorts featuring Mel 

Allen and six Movietone See It Happen films 

recreating spectacular events of the past 

half-century will round out the program. 

UA to Distribute Western 

NEW YORK—United Artists will distribute 

"The Lawless Rider," a western produced by 

Johnny Carpenter from his own original 

story and screenplay. Carpenter al.so stars 

in the picture, which features Frankie Darro 

and Douglas Dumbrille and is directed by 

Yakima Canutt. 

26 BOXOFTICE : 

: May 

22, 1954

Makelim Plan Subject 

At Pittsburgh Meet 

PITTSBURGH—Hal R. Makelim discussed 

his production plan Tuesday afternoon (18) 

in the WUliam Penn hotel, and as in other 

cities in which he has offered his plan for 

a series of 12 feature productions a year, 

a near-unanimous agreement was reached. 

Approximately 65 exhibitors attended and 

it was believed that the Makelim plan was 

oversubscribed. A veteran in the production 

end of the industry for many years who 

started as an actor in 1916 with the Essannay 

Co. at Chicago, Makelinr outlined properties 

available, his longtime tentative plans 

and the Allied backup, etc. More than 700 

contracts were on file prior to the Pittsburgh 

meeting, he said. The goal is 2,500 theatres. 

Sam Nathanson, another veteran in the 

industry who will direct distribution of the 

pictures, discussed the agreement in full. 

Many exhibitors present accepted the plan 

and there were promises that many more 

signed deals would be mailed to the local 

Allied office or to Nathanson. 

Present were the following exhibitors; Mae 

E. Shively, William Way, Mi-, and Mrs. Bradford 

Crunk, Midstate chcuit, Clearfield; Ross 

Atchison, Rimersburg; John Ti'oy, Parker; 

Andy Biordi, Ellwood City; Bart Dattola, 

New Kensington; Prank Biamonte, Springdale; 

Frank Panoplos, Charles Clipper, Clairton; 

Austin Interrante, Philipsburg; William 

Weiss, McKeesport; James H. Rankin, Bridgeville; 

Don Mungello, Burgettstown; Bob Keiser, 

Charleroi; Anthony and Milton Antonoplos, 

East Pittsburgh; Sam Gould, New Castle; 

Joe Brrocco, Clarion; James H. Nash, West 

View; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Shadley, Lee Conrad, 

Meadville; Charles R. Blatt, Somerset; 

William R. Wheat. Sewickley; Theodore 

Grance, Everett; Ray Woodwai^d, Franklin; 

William Serrao, New Kensington; Guy V. 

Ida, McDonald; George Tice, Homestead 

Park; H. M. "Bud" Carruthers, James Bell, 

Grove City; Ed Shaffer, Slippery Rock; Speer 

Marousis, New Castle; Robert Leiber, Braddock; 

and city area exhibitors Harry Fleishman 

with his sons Norman and Sam ; Leonard 

and Nathan Perer; Ernest, George and Al 

Stern; Charles, Norman and Jack Mervis; 

Ben Amdur, Abe Joseph. Morris and Bill 

Finkel, Harry Hendel, Mrs. M. A. Rosenberg, 

Dora Poster, Norman Cliussitt, Nat Cherkosly 

and son Earl. 

Also: Lou Hanna, Hanna Theatre Service; 

Bert M. Stearn, Bill Brooks, Co-operative 

Theatre Service; P. D. "Dinty" Moore, Moore 

Theatre Service; Ted Manos, Manos cu'cuit, 

and Nick Giovan, Manos manager at Grafton, 

W. Va.; Ben Steerman, Sol Bragin, Marv 

Samuelson, Stanley Warner cii-cuit; Andy 

Battiston, theatre broker film distributor; 

Milt Brauman, Screen Guild Pictures; Bob 

Ruskin, film sales representative. 

Jersey Allied Sets Tests 

Of New Theatre Equipment 

NEW YORK—New lenses and equipment 

will be subjected to comparative tests Tuesday 

(25) at the Mayfair Theatre, Hillside, 

N.J., for members of Allied Theatre Owners 

of New Jersey. Supply dealers will cooperate 

in the demonstration, according to Wilbur 

Snaper. New Jersey Allied president. A genera! 

discussion will follow. Only members will 

be admitted. 

NY Luncheon Backs UJA; 

Skouras Is Honor Guest 

DRIVE -INS COLLECT FUNDS—Mrs. 

Francis A. Smith, treasurer of the Buffalo 

Children's hospital, receiving $3,048.03 

collected by nine Buffalo area drive-ins 

in the annual collection for the hospital's 

building fund. The entire proceeds from 

one evening's performances went to the 

fund. At right is Myron Gross, manager 

of the Buffalo office of Co-Operative 

Theatres, who was active in the tieup, 

which was originated by Marvin Jacobs, 

chairman of the Buffalo Variety Club's 

heart committee. The tieup runs over a 

five-year period, one evening each season 

being devoted to the collection. 

Eastern Pa. Exhibitors 

Plan Business Meeting 

PHILADELPHIA—Allied Independent Exhibitors 

of Eastern Pennsylvania has planned 

a business meeting for Thursday (27) at the 

Community Theatre in Hershey. The agenda 

Vv'ill include information on the latest in 

sound, production and equipment including a 

report on the recent demonstrations and 

meetings held in New York on VistaVision, 

SuperScope and Cinemascope. Current and 

future product situation also will be discussed, 

as will film prices in this and other territories. 

The print and product scarcity, including 

National Allied's plan to combat 

this problem, also is on the agenda. 

The meeting will combine business with 

pleasure and the Hershey Estates have 

thrown open the facilities of Hershey for those 

who plan to attend the meeting. 

New York City Discussing 

5% Tax on Admissions 

NEW YORK—A 5 per cent admission tax 

levy is under discussion here. The proposal 

developed suddenly in the Board of Estimate 

as businessmen forced dropping of a proposed 

3 per cent sales tax on commercial 

services. Exhibitors are planning unified 

action against the tax. 

NEW YORK—Enthusiastic support of the 

1954 campaign of the United Jewish Appeal 

of Greater New York was pledged by 225 

prominent leaders of the rrotion picture 

and amusement industry at a luncheon 

Thursday (20) at the Hotel Pierre, with 

Adolph O. Schimel, drive chairman and secretary 

and general counsel of Universal Pictures, 

presiding. 

The affair reached its peak with the presentation 

of a silver-covered, bejeweled Hebrew 

Bible, produced and printed in Israel, to 

Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th Century- 

Fox and honor guest. The inscription noted 

that Skouras "through his exemplary life has 

demonstrated and put into practice the tenets 

contained in this Good Book." 

FABIAN MAKES PRESENTATION 

S. H. Fabian, a member of the steering 

committee and president of Stanley Warner 

Corp., made the presentation. He praised 

Skouras as "a man who has played a key 

role in making motion pictures an integral 

part of American culture, and a humanitarian 

who is always concerned with the welfare of 

his fellow men regardless of their religion, 

race, creed or place of national origin." 

Skouras was given a standing ovation. In 

accepting the Bible he said that "no man 

deserves special recognition for helping others 

less fortunate than himself," because "humanitarian 

efforts do not require a reward 

any more than feeding one's family or education 

for one's children merit special praise." 

He expressed pride in the industry and of 

its record of supporting philanthropic causes. 

The main speaker was Reuven Dafni, Israel 

consul in New York and director of the Israel 

Office of Information. He summarized the 

problems confronting the young democracy 

of Israel. He described the activities of the 

countries surrounding Israel, saying that the 

Arab states, with the active support of the 

Soviet Union, are using economic pressure to 

try to end its existence. He told of acute 

shortages of basic necessities, from bread 

loaves to safety pins, and said the survival of 

Israel was in the hands of those at the 

luncheon. 

Dafni stressed that theu- responsibility does 

not rest with Israel alone, but that work of 

the seven major voluntary agencies of the 

United Jewish Appeal must be extended to 

people in need in 22 countries throughout the 

world. 

SCHIMEL THANKS CONTRIBUTORS 

Schimel thanked those in attendance for 

their "generous response to the urgent needs 

of UJA agencies." He said the drive did not 

end with the luncheon because the executive 

committee and active volunteers would continue 

to work for UJA until everyone in the 

industry had had the opportunity to contribute. 

The major financial objective of the local 

drive is to raise its share of the goal of 

$119,921,150 set by the nationwide UJA to 

meet the needs of its constituent agencies. In 

addition, the New York UJA aims to provide 

the local proportion of $2,232,155 required in 

1954 by the National Jewish Welfare and 

$1,530,141 by the American Jewish Congress. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 27

; a 

French Line in 3-D Breaks Record 

At Criterion; Irish Film Also Big 

NEW YORK—Jane Russell's 3-D sensation 

"The French Line," set a new weekly 

gross record at the Criterion, according 

to Charles B. Moss, executive director. The 

theatre also set a new all-time opening day 

gross, after opening an hour earlier and staying 

open until 3 a.m. "The Spell of Ireland," 

new Irish travel film at the Baronet, topped 

such previous Baronet wimiers as "The Importance 

of Being Earnest" and waiting 

lines were in evidence outside the theatre 

nightly. 

The highest gross, in point of total figure, 

was at the Radio City Music Hall, where 

"Executive Suite" had a strong second week. 

Others which held up well were "Knock on 

Wood," in its fifth big week at the Capitol, 

and "Elephant Walk," in its fourth good week 

at the Astor. Both are Paramount films. 

Three MGM pictures, "Flame and the Flesh," 

in its third good week at Loew's State: "Men 

of the Fighting Lady," in its second week 

at the Globe, and "Pi-isoner of War," in its 

second at the Victoria, also did well. 

"The Miami Story" at the Paramount and 

"Playgirl" at the Mayfair also did good 

enough to hold but "Rails Into Laramie" 

stayed only one week at the Holiday, where 

it was succeeded by "The Mad Magician" 

May 19. 

In the art houses, "Dirty Hands" is the 

only other newcomer at the Fifth Avenue 

Playhouse but the leaders after "The Spell 

of Ireland" are such long-run holdovers as 

"Beauties of the Night," in its eighth big 

week at the Fine Arts; "La Ronde," in its 

ninth good week at the Little Carnegie; 

"Genevieve," in its 13th week at the Sutton, 

and "The Pickwick Papers," in its seventh 

week at the Ti-ans-Lux 60th St. Theatre. 

"Lili" continues to hold up in its 62nd week 

at the Trans-Lux 52nd St. 

In addition to "The Mad Magician." other 

openings of the week included "Three Coins 

in the Fountain," Cinemascope picture which 

followed "River of No Return" at the Roxy, 

and three importations, "Blackout" (British!, 

"Le Plaisir" (French) and "Ana-Ta-Han" 

(Japanese). 

(Average Is 100) 

Astor— Elephant Wolk (Para), 4th wk 120 

screen game, 

HOLLYWOOD lakes 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 car capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD AMUSIMENT CO. 

Ill South Woboih Av*nu* • Chicago i, llllnolt 

Baronet The Spell of Ireland (Celtic) 185 

Capitol Knock on Wood (Para), 5th wk 125 

Cinema Verdi Torontelio Napoletano (IFE), 5th 

wk. 

Criterion The French Line (RKO) 225 

l-ifth Ave. Dirty Honds (MacDonald) 115 

551h St,— Flamenco (Lewis), opened Saturday (22) 

^lne Arts— Beauties of the Night (UA), 8th wk. . . 1 30 

ijlobe Men of the Fighting Lady (MGM), 2nd 

wk. 115 

GuildÔut of This World (Kupferman), 5th wk...llO 

Holiday Roils Into Loramie (U-l) 105 

Little Cornegic Lo Ronde (Hakim), 9th wk 115 

Moyfoir Playgirl (U-l) 115 

Normandie Pit of Loneliness (Davis), 6th wk. ..100 

Palace The Sorocen Blade (Col), plus voudeville 105 

Paramount The Miami Story (Col) 125 

Pans The Moment of Truth (Arlan), 3rd wk. ..100 

Plaza Julius Coesor (MGM), moveover, 29th wk 90 

Radio City Music Hall Executive Suite (MGM), 

plus stage show, 2nd wk 160 

Roxy River of No Return (20th-Fox), 3rd wk...l05 

Sutton Genevieve (U-l), 13th wk 120 

Trans-Lux 52nd Lili (MGM), 62nd wk 110 

Trans-Lux 60th The Pickwick Papers (Mayer- 

Kingsley), 7th wk 110 

Victoria Prisoner of War (MGM), 2nd wk 120 

Warner This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), moveover, 

48th wk 

1 35 

World Sensuolifa (IFE), 3rd wk 120 

Philadelphia Grosses Vary 

With "La Ron(de' Scoring Best 

PHILADELPHIA—First run busine.'is had 

its ups and downs, without any discernable 

pattern. "Knock on Wood" was the best 

holdover doing a good 160 in its fourth week 

at the Midtown. However, biggest average 

was scored by the foreign picture, "La Ronde," 

which did a strong 285 in its first week at 

the Trans-Lux World. 

Arcadia Julius Caesar (MGM), 15th wk 60 

Boyd This Is Cineromo (Cinerama), 32nd wk,,,,100 

Fox River of No Return (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 90 

Goldman Mad Magician (Col) 90 

Mastbaum Rose Marie (MGM), 2nd wk 110 

Midtown Knock on Wood (Para), 4th wk 160 

Randolph Indiscretion of on American Wife 

(Col), 2nd wk 110 

Stanley Elephant Walk (Para), 3rd wk 60 

Stanton Jesse James vs. the Daltons (Col); 

Charge of the Loncers (Col) 105 

Studio Times Gone By (Independent) 75 

Trans-Lux Rhapsody (MGM), 3rd wk 1 50 

Trans-Lux World— La Ronde (Hakim) 285 

"Suite,' 

'Carnivar and 'River' 

Hold Strong in Buffalo 

BUFFALO—"River of No Return" at the 

Center for a second stanza, "Carnival Story" 

at the Century for another week and "Executive 

Suite" at Shea's Buffalo all did well. 

"Carnival" has had an unusually successful 

run at the Century and it is reported to have 

done better in its second week here than it 

did in its first week in Rochester. "Top 

Banana" was off at the Paramount and so 

was "Ma and Pa Kettle at Home" at the 

Lafayette. 

Buffalo Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk 105 

Center River of No Return {20th-Fox), 2nd wk. . . 1 10 

Century Cornivol Story (RKO), 2nd wk 125 

Cinema Little Fugitive (Burnstyn), 2nd wk 95 

Lofoyette Mo ond Po Kettle at Home (U-l),,. 90 

Paramount Top Bonono (UA) 95 

Tcck- Orchestra Wives (20th-Fox); Sun Volley 

Serenade (20th-Fox), reissues 85 

Pittsburgh Trolley Strike 

Hurts Even 'Cinerama' 

PITTSBURGH— All types of business suffered 

in the trolley-struck city area. The 

Golden Triangle and neighborhood theatres 

were depressed as a result of the transit 

breakdown. Street car and bus operators of 

the Pittsburgh Railways Co. went on strike 

for increased wages after a week's postponement. 

The city lived by "rule of thumb" as 

obliging motorists took up the "share-theride" 

policy. Cooler weather at the same 

time was unfavorable for outdoor theatres 

in the tri-state district. 

"River of No Return" was held over at 

the 

J. P. Harris Theatre, although its initial 

week's take was not good because of the 

circumstances, and "Cinerama" slowed down 

at the Warner. 

Fulton The Best Yeors Of Our Lives (RKO) .... 45 

Harris River of No Return (20th-Fox) 85 

Penn Executive Suite [MGM), 2nd wk 65 

Stanley The Miami Story (Col) 55 

Warner This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), 22nd wk., ,120 

Circus, Baseball and the Weather 

Hurt Baltimore Boxoffices 

BALTIMORE—Competition from the first 

spring weather weekend, big league baseball 

and the annual visit of the circus showed its 

effect on first run boxoffices. Only "Executive 

Suite" and "Julius Caesar" went over 

average. 

Century Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk 135 

Hippodrome Racing Blood (20th-Fox); Miss Robin 

Crusoe (20th-Fox) 80 

Keiths Playgirl (U-l) 90 

Little Julius Coesor (MGM), 2nd wk 125 

Moyfair Wicked Woman (UA) 90 

New— River of No Return (20th-Fox), 2nd wk.,I00 

Playhouse Genevieve (U-l), 3rd wk 95 

Stanley Elephant Walk (Para), 2nd wk 90 

Town— Rose Marie (MGM) 100 

New True Life Adventure 

Film to Open in N.Y. 

NEW YORK—The first showing of "The 

Vanishing Prairie," second Walt Disney Ti-ue 

Life Adventure feature, will be in mid-July 

at the Fine Arts Theatre here, according to 

Leo F. Samuels, general sales manager of 

Buena Vista, Disney releasing subsidiary. 

It has been booked by Richard Davis, theatre 

owner and operator, although it is still in 

production. Irving H. Ludwig, Buena Vista 

domestic sales manager, took part in the deal. 

"The Living Desert," first in the series, ran 

16 weeks at the Sutton Theatre. 

Broadway Film Dates Set 

NEW YORK—New pictures from Paramount 

and Republic, "Secret of the Incas" 

and "Johimy Guitar," will open on Broadway 

May 27 and 28 respectively. "Secret of the 

Incas," starring Charlton Heston, Robert 

Young, Nicole Maurey and Yma Sumac, will 

open at the Victoria Theatre and "Johnny 

Guitar," starring Joan Crawford, will open 

at the Mayfair. Both are in color. "Always 

a Bride," J. Arthur Rank comedy starring 

Peggy Cummins, Terence Morgan and Ronald 

Squire, will open at the Art, Beekman and 

Gramercy theatres May 27, according to Universal, 

which is distributing in the U.S. 

James Hayter is featured. 

C'Scope for Astor, Victoria 

NEW YORK—Cinemascope screens and 

stereophonic .sound are to be installed in the 

Astor and Victoria theatres, according to Max 

Fellerman, vice-president of Lopert Films. 

The installations are scheduled for completion 

by July 1. 

Harry Bjorkstrom Dead 

NEW YORK— Harry Bjorkstrom, 52, 

of the 

Cinerama installation staff of Stanley Warner 

Corp., died Tuesday (18i in Cincinnati. 

He leaves his wife and two children. 

Warwick Pi-oductions has signed Richard 

Maibaum to write the screenplay for "Zark 

Khan." 

28 

BOXOFFICE 

; 

: May 

22, 1954 

JI

. . Thomas 

. . Viveca 

. . Dan 

. . 

. . William 

BROADWAY 

/^harles Schlaifer, president of the ad agency 

bearing his name and a member of the 

board of the Menninger Foundation, spoke 

before the U.S. senate committee on health 

this week (19) in his capacity as co-chairman 

of the National Mental Health Committee . . . 

Abe Goodman. 20th-Fox advertising manager, 

went to Hollywood to confer with studio 

executives on the production of trailers based 

on the company's new policy for stereophonic 

sound for Cinemascope features. Meyer 

Hutner, associate publicity manager, returned 

May 17 following a six-city southern tour on 

"Three Coins in the Fountain" and "Demetrius 

and the Gladiators," both in Cinema- 

Scope. 

Charles Boasberg, general sales manager of 

BKO, planed to Hollywood for conferences 

with J. R. Grainger, president, who delayed 

his return east to discuss forthcoming product 

. . . Oscar A. Morgan. Paramount short 

subjects and newsreel sales manager, returned 

from a southern business trip, and 

Herb Steinberg, national exploitation manager, 

got back from Chicago and Milwaukee 

. . . Al Fisher, United Artists exploiteer, went 

to Pittsburgh to set up the personal appearance 

tour of Peggie Castle and Shawn Smith, 

featured in "The Dong Wait." 

John F. Byrne, MGM eastern sales manager, 

returned to Philadelphia after spending a 

week in New York conferring with Robert 

Lynch and Lou Formato, district and branch 

managers . F. Duane. newly appointed 

manager of Paramount's Detroit 

branch, left for his new headquarters to 

confer with Howard Minsky. mideast division 

manager . Lindfors returned from 

Sweden and left for Hollywood to begin work 

on "Run for Cover," Paramount film starring 

Laraine Day and 

James Cagney . . . Julie Bishop, two of the stars of Warner 

Bros.' "The High and Mighty," were here 

for newspaper and TV interviews. 

Allyn McLerie returned to New York after 

completing Warner Bros.' "Battle Cry" to rejoin 

her husband George Gaynes, leading 

man of "Wonderful Town" on Broadway . 

Oscar Homolka and his wife Joan Tetzel, 

who is featured in "Hell Below Zero," and 

Carmen Matthews, TV actress, sailed for 

Europe . O'Herlihy, who plays the 

title role in United Artists release, "Robinson 

Crusoe," was in for radio-TV interviews. 

Max E. Voungstein, United Artists vicepresident, 

accompanied by his wife and two 

children, sailed on the Andrea Doria May 

15 to survey the company's production and 

promotion activity abroad. He will headquarter 

in Rome during his eight-week stay 

. . . Joseph 

Simon H. Fabian, president 

in Europe . . . 

of Stanley Warner Corp., and Mrs. Fabian, 

returned from a trip to Europe 

L. Mankiewicz returned from Europe after 

completing the scoring of "The Barefoot 

Contessa," which he directed in Italy for 

UA release. 

. . 

Gilbert Roland left for London to play opposite 

Olivia DeHavilland in "That Lady," 

a Cinemascope picture to be made abroad. 

Richard Heermance, production supervisor 

for Allied Artists, was on the same plane . 

Stanley Adams, president of the American 

Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, 

sailed on a tour to London, Paris and 

Rome . . . James Stewart, who just com- 

DINE NORMAN RYDOE—Norman Rydge (on far side of table, fifth from left) 

chairman of the board of directors of Greater Union Theatres, Australian circuit and 

major distributor in that country of U-I Pictures, was guest of honor at a luncheon in 

New York attended by Universal's home office executives. Among those present were, 

left to right on far side: Jack Dobbin, Ray Miles, Ray Moon, Americo Aboaf, Bydge, 

Vice-President Charles J. Feldman, Ben Cohn, James Franey, Joseph Mazer and Norman 

Gluck. Seated on near side: Irving Weiss, Fortunat Baronat. Ben Lorber, Captain 

Harold Auten, Adolph Schimel, Eugene Walsh, AI Lowe and Richard Davies. 

pleted "Strategic Air Command" in Vista- 

Vision for Paramount, and wife also left 

. . Jessie Royce 

on a European vacation . 

Landis. stage star who has been signed for 

"Catch a Thief," which will be filmed by 

Alfred Hitchcock in Cannes, has left for 

Europe. 

Cary Grant, the star of "Catch a Thief," 

sailed for Europe. Victor Jones, electrician. 

Bob Pender, unit publicity man, and John 

Du Moulin, auditor on "Catch a Thief," 

planed to Cannes . . . Leon Roth, west coast 

publicity director for United Artists, returned 

to Hollywood after ten days of home office 

conferences . Moclair, senior floor 

manager of the Roxy Theatre, is temporarily 

in charge of managerial duties following the 

withdrawal of Dick Dickson, who returned 

to the Fox West Coast headquarters in Los 

Angeles . . . E. O. Wilschke, Altec Service 

Corp. operating manager, returned to the 

New York headquarters following a western 

trip to branch and division offices. 

Mike Simons, MGM exhibitor relations 

head, left for Arrowhead lodge. Lake of the 

Ozarks, Mo., to attend the combined conventions 

of the Kansas-Mi.ssouri Theatre 

Owners and the Missouri-Illinois Theatre 

Owners, which continued until May 20 . . . 

Emery Austin. MGM exploitation manager, 

went to Atlanta May 17 to supervise the 

15th anniversary opening of "Gone With 

the Wind" at the Grand Theatre May 20. 

More 20th-Fox Shares for Lehman 

WASHINGTON—According to a report to 

the Securities and Exchange Commission, 

Robert Lehman has added 10.000 shares to 

his holdings of 20th Century-Fox common 

stock, and now owns 30,000 shares. 

Cinema Lodge Sets Date 

For Golf Tournament 

NEW YORK—June 10 has been selected 

as the date for the thii-d annual industry 

golf tournament sponsored by the Cinema 

lodge of B'nai B'rith and the place will be 

the Vernon Hills Country club at Tuckahoe, 

according to Burton E. Robbins, president. 

It will be followed by dinner at the club 

and there will be swimming in the club 

pool. Prizes will be awarded for the lowest 

net score, lowest gross score, low net runner-up, 

low gross runner-up, putting, longest 

drive, hole in one. birdies, best dressed golfer 

and other competitions being planned. 

Martin Levine, past president, is committee 

chairman. Entry blanks are available at 

the Cinema Lodge office, 229 West 42nd 

St., and through Abe Dickstein at the 20th- 

Fox exchange. Last year 200 participated. 

Harold Rinzler and Marvin Kirsch have 

been named co-chairmen and Milton Livingston, 

Don Mersereau and J. Milton Saltzberg 

as members of the general committee. 

Fox Club Honors Dickson 

NEW YORK—The 20th Century-Fcx Family 

Club presented an engraved plaque to 

Dick Dickson, retiring managing director of 

the Roxy Theatre, Wednesday (19) "in grateful 

appreciation for cooperation and courtesies 

extended club members during his tenure at 

the theatre. Dickson will return soon to 

California as an executive of National Theatres. 

The presentation was made by Ulric 

Bell, former president of the club; Jack 

Miller, now president, and Leo H. Israel, vicepresident. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 29

. . Columbia 

: 

May 

ALBANY 

Tiiseph Gins, new U-I district manager, was 

* here two days conferring with Manager 

Leo Greenfield. Gins, now stationed in Boston, 

The cost of 

succeeded John Scully . . . installing Cinemascope in the second run 

Madison was reported to be about $8 000. Cy 

O'Toole, Stanley Warner chief sound engineer 

for New England and New York, and 

Lou Greene, assistant, handled the work. 

The Madison opened May 19 with "The Robe" 

for a run of four or five days. Installation 

of Cinemascope will give the residential 

house a freer flow of product. It can tap 

eight or nine Cinemascope pictures which 

had been shown at the downtown Palace or 

Strand. 

. . . 

Johnny Capano reported than Frank Bruno 

drew some business on the second Saturday 

mat'nee of a yo-yo contest at the State in 

Troy. Bruno is with the Cheerio concern, 

whose yo-yos were used by the youngsters 

competing. He awarded company prizes. Including 

roller skates. Capano said that weekend 

patronage at his theatre is fairly good, 

but it is off the rest of the time. He was 

disappointed with the draw of "The Long, 

Long Ti-ailer." It apparently already had been 

seen "by most people," Capano guessed . . . 

Fabian's Palace charged regular scale, 60 

cents weekday matinees, 80 evenings and 25 

for children, on "River of No Return" 

The Bardavon, Poughkeepsie, took space in 

the Kingston paper to spotlight the engagement 

of "Prince Valiant" at 35 cents matinees, 

70 evenings and children 20 cents. 

. . . Lou 

Joe Saperstein, Fabian division booker, was 

ho.'^pitalized after a heart attack 

Goldstein, who recently reopened the Schuyler 

Drive-In, is including in his ads directions 

to Utica area patrons on the route to reach 

the theatre. Goldstein, also operator of West 

Rome Drive-In, delayed the relighting of the 

Schuyler because of major road work nearby. 

Attendees at the King for a Day Variety 

Club dinner honoring Times-Union publisher 

Gene Robb, city editor Con Hetfernan and 

circulation manager Mark D. Bohen. as well 

as the Albany County Restaurant & Liquor 

Dealers Ass'n President John E. Prime and 

Camp Thatcher committee co-chaii-man 

Frank Corenti and Bernie Parzych, included 

Chief Barker Jules Perlmutter, heart fund 

chairman Charles A. Smakwitz, Ray Smith, 

Harry LaVine, Jimmy Moore, Gordon Bugie, 

Howard Smidt, Jack Goldberg, Prank Carroll, 

Ralph Ripps, Dick Harper (of New 

York), Jack Mundstuk (Buffalo), Harry Lamont, 

Sylvan Leff, Harry Alexander, Dr. Ben 

Volk, Harold Gabrilove, Dave Marks, Artie 

Green, Lewis A. Sumberg and Max Zuckerman, 

. . . 

Mrs. Josephine Oster Kearney, 97, died at 

the home of her granddaughter. Mrs. George 

Lynch, wife of the Schine circuit's chief 

buyer, 39 E. State St., Gloversville, May 14. 

Mrs. Kearney, mother of Rep. Bernard W. 

Kearney, of the 31st congressional district, 

had been ill for several months . . John 

. 

Alberts Jr., is new night a.ssistant at the Palace 

Jim Blackburn, Palace stage manager, 

. . . and wife returned from the Shrine of 

St. Anne de Beaupre, Quebec, Canada 

Deo West, who served for some time as doorman 

at the Rltz, now is a ticket-taker at 

the Strand. West is a retired Rensselaer 

fireman . Manager Norman 

Jackter, on his return from a district meeting 

in Boston, said that "The Caine Mutiny" 

probably would break in Albany territory resort 

situations about August 15. 

Jules Perlmutter will in.stall Cinemascope 

at the Fort George Drive-In at Lake George 

for an estimated cost of $11,000. He expects 

the work to be completed by June 15. He also 

will put in anamorphic lenses at the Lake, 

in Lake George village, which recently added 

a wide screen, air conditioning and other 

improvements. The conventional house also 

should be ready for Cinemascope presentations 

June 15, too. Perlmutter said that he 

will not pick up back Cinemascope releases, 

because the indoor and outdoor situations 

attract mostly transients from the New York 

City area. Jack McGrath of Albany Theatre 

Supply will install new rectifiers, new lamphouses 

and anamorphic lenses at the Fort 

George. Tlie screen width will be increased 

from 46 to 76 feet, 15 on each side of the 

present screen. 

Gus Lampe, new general manager of 

Schine-owned station WPTR and also director 

of entertainment for Schine Hotels, will 

move into an apartment at Quail and Mercer 

streets in June or early July. 

Lampe and his 

wife, now staying at the Ten Eyck hotel, 

will be neighbors of Jack Goldberg, MGM 

manager. 

Date lor the 12th annual Variety Club golf 

tournament and dinner has been changed 

from June 28 to the 21st at the Shakei Ridge 

Country club. Harry Alexander and Aaron 

Winig are co-chairmen of the arrangements 

committee. One hundred members and guests 

are expected to participate . . . Ideal weather 

prevailed tor the picnic which Loge 24, 

Colosseum of Motion Picture Salesmen of 

America, held May 15 at Thatcher Park in 

HITCHCOCKS TO FRANCE — Alfred 

Hitchcock is seen here aboard the S.S. 

Queen Eli^beth with Mrs. Hitchcock as 

they departed for the south of France, 

where he will make the Cary Grant- 

Grace Kelly starrer, "Catch a Thief," for 

Paramount. The stars and production 

crew will follow him by air. The film 

will be Uitclu'ork's first with the Vista- 

Vision cameras. 

the Helderbergs. Members, their families 

and guests enjoyed the proverbial wonderful 

time. Gordon Bugie and Herb Schwartz 

served as co-chairmen. 

Gene Teper, Variety Club member, and wife 

were among the dinner-clothes couples at the 

Tulip Festival dinner in the Ten Eyck hotel 

whose pictures appeared in Sunday's Times- 

Union. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sliter and Mr. 

and Mrs. John L. Sharpe were listed among 

the attendees. Sliter and Sharpe are on 

the 20th Century-Fox staff . . . Jack Goldberg, 

MGM manager, and Bill With, Palace 

manager, entertained 70 members of the Albany 

chapter of the National Ass'n of Secretaries 

at a Saturday morning preview of 

"Executive Suite." Coffee and sandwiches 

were served. 

Albany women topped the list of prize winners 

in the Who Played That? contest conducted 

over station WPTR by MGM in cooperation 

with Fabian and Schine theatres to 

promote the first-named's 30th anniversary 

drive. The 15-minute program, on which 

scenes from MGM hits of the past were presented 

via recordings, with listeners asked 

to identify the voices of stars, and on which 

sequences from new MGM releases also were 

acted, was given five morning and five evening 

broadcasts via the 50,000 watter. Seventeen 

passes to Fabian and Schine Theatres 

were distributed daily in addition to the 

$15, $10 and $5 gifts. A 25-word letter on 

why the sender would like to see fresh MGM 

pictures was required as a supplement to 

the voice identifications. 

Eastman Kodak Earnings 

Rise for First Quarter 

ROCHESTER. N.Y.—Eastman Kodak Co. 

consolidated net earnings for the first quarter 

of 1954 amounted to $12,297,275, an increase 

of 24 per cent over earnings of $9,916,- 

028 in the first quarter of 1953, it was reported 

by Thomas J. Hargrave, board chairman, 

and Albert K. Chapman, president, 

following a meeting of directors. Rem.oval of 

the excess profits tax was chiefly responsible, 

they said. 

The quarterly earnings equal 70 cents a 

share on 17.401,210 shares of common stock 

outstanding, compared with 59 cents a share 

for the 1953 period when 16,555,254 shares 

were outstanding. The regular quarterly dividend 

of $1.50 on the preferred stock and a 

dividend of 45 cents on the common were declared, 

both payable July 1 to stockholders 

of record June 4. 

Two new directors were elected to fill unexpired 

terms. They are Gwilym A. Price, 

president of Westinghouse Electric Corp., and 

Donald McMaster, Kodak vice-president and 

general manager. 

Officers were re-elected as follows: Hargrave, 

chairman: Chapman, president: Mc- 

Master, vice-president and general manager: 

Dr. C. E. Kenneth Mees, Ivar N. Hultman, 

Edward S. Farrow, James E. McGhee, Edward 

P. Curtis, M. Wren Gabel and I. L. 

Houley, vice-presidents: Archbold H. Robin- 

.son, treasurer: David H. Fulton, J. Donald 

Fewster and Carl L. Steven.son, assistant 

treasurers: Milton K. Robinson, secretary: 

William F. Shepard and Harmar Brereton, 

assistant secretaries: Cornelius J. Van Niel, 

general controller; Thomas J. McCarrick and 

J. Leslie Harper, assistant controllers. 


22, 1954

Home TV Listed as Worst 

Bus Line Trouble, Too 

ALBANY—Home television entertainment 

has reduced "off-peak and therefore more 

profitable evening travel to the detriment 

of bus companies as well as to motion picture 

theatres and other places of amusement." 

This significant statement was made in a 

report submitted by a five-man committee 

which Gov. Thomas E. Dewey appointed last 

August to study the problems of the privately 

owned motor bus industry. 

The group, headed by Glen R. Bedenknapp, 

former member of the New York public service 

commission, recited "five main grounds 

for deterioration in riding habits," one of 

which is loss of traffic due to a growing use 

of television for home entertainment. The 

others were listed as establishment of the 

five-day week, which cut heavily into bus 

riding on Saturday; fare increases to meet 

rising operating costs; discouragement of the 

riding habit by traffic slowdowns, and competition 

of the private automobiles. Incidentally, 

the last named is considered by some 

theatremen second only to, if not surpassing, 

television as a source of competition to film 

houses. 

Pointing to shrinking revenue, sharp decreases 

in passenger totals and steadily rising 

costs of operation, the governor's committee 

foresaw the possibility that many communities 

might be left without bus service, 

except perhaps for municipal ownership, if 

private bus companies were not given tax 

relief and if traffic congestion, which tremendously 

ups their operating costs, was 

not relieved. The report called attention to 

the number of bus companies which have 

gone into banki-uptcy or are in financial 

straits. The Albany-Schenectady-Ti-oy area 

is one where both conditions have developed. 

Increasing fares, the report stated, is not 

a sound solution: a 10 per cent hike produces 

a 3 per cent decrease in riders. 

Mgr. Edward D. Whalen 

Averts Panic in Fire 

BUFFALO—A possible disaster was averted 

Saturday afternoon (15) when Edward D. 

Whalen, manager and co-owner of the recently 

reopened Walden Theatre, 1066 Walden 

Ave., calmly directed more than 150 children 

out of the theatre while its projection booth 

was ablaze. The fire, which caused an estimated 

$3,000 damage, was started when a 

spark from the projection machine ignited a 

reel of film. 

When Whalen noticed the smoke pouring 

from the booth's ports, he had the children 

file out through two side exits and the front 

doors. Firemen credited his quick thinking 

with averting a panic that may have ended 

the matinee in tragedy. 

Reade TV Station to Aid 

Jersey School Project 

NEW YORK—Educational television will 

be tested starting Monday (24) in fifth and 

sixth grade classrooms in the Long Branch 

and Red Bank. N. J., school systems through 

nine half-hour daily programs presented by 

a TV project of the New Jersey State Teachers 

College and telecast by station WRTV, 

the new Walter Reade station at Eatontown. 

The title of the series is "Pioneers in American 

Life." 

BUFFALO 

T iberty Theatre audiences saw Cinemascope 

without stereophonic sound in a test 

engagement of "The Command." By using 

conventional sound, rather than the multispeaker 

system and special sound track used 

with the Cinemascope productions, costs 

were cut to a minimum. Ben Dargush, 

Rochester manager of the Schine theatres, 

says this system can be used after a $1.50 

soldering job which changes the aperture of 

the projection machine. 

When "Beachhead" played at Shea's Bellevue 

in Niagara Falls. Manager Lou Jaffe 

. . . 

put on a big advance promotion campaign, 

including a parade of marines to the theatre 

on opening night The Center, Buffalo, 

will telecast the Rocky Marciano-Ezzard 

Charles bout on June 17, direct from Yankee 

Stadium in New York. 

In addition to the smash window display 

on "Executive Suite" in Flint & Kent's big 

Main street store, Eddie Meade also promoted 

a swell tieup ad on the gowns worn 

by the stars of the MGM production now in 

its second week at Shea's Buffalo. The ad 

gave the theatre plenty of credit . . . Gil 

Golden, WB advertising manager, was in here 

last week for conferences with Arthur Krolick 

and Charles B. Taylor at the UPT executive 

offices, on advertising for "Dial M for 

Murder," "Them" and "Ring of Fear." While 

here, Golden, who was accompanied by his 

wife, visited Niagara Falls. It was Mrs. 

Golden's first view of the falls. 

Buffalo Council Rejects 

'French' Plea to Regents 

BUFFALO—After much debate, the city 

council defeated a resolution calling on the 

state Board of Regents to review its licensing 

of "The French Line," which recently closed 

a two-week run at Basil's Lafayette. The 

voting was a tie, 7 to 7, with council president 

Elmer F. Lux voting "present" because of his 

association with the theatre business. He 

heads Elmart Theatres, Inc. 

Prior to the roll call, the council was advised 

by William B. Lawless jr., corporation 

counsel, that the state board has exclusive 

jurisdiction in the matter and that no city 

ordinance would be effective in barring the 

showing of the film. 

Councilman Joseph J. Cooley, who sponsored 

the resolution, declared it was "a shame 

that anything like this was brought here to 

be shown in Buffalo" and asserted he acted 

on the basis of protests from religious and 

fraternal organizations as well as individuals. 

Councilman Irving Williams jr., said he had 

not seen the picture and thus was unqualified 

to judge it, contending that Cooley, who said 

he hadn't seen it either, was "no better qualified 

to judge it." 

Meanwhile the Upion & Echo, local Catholic 

diocese weekly official newspaper, continues 

to carry a bold type box at the top of 

its theatre page under a "Roll of Dishonor" 

heading calling on practical Catholics to stay 

away from the Lafayette and its affiliates for 

six months. 

Laurette Luez will play the femme lead in 

AA's "Jungle Gents," upcoming Bowery Boys 

comedy. 

Summer Kiddy Shows Set 

For 12 Reade Theatres 

NEW YORK—Walter Reade Theatres' 

Summer Vacation Kiddy Movie series will 

start in June in every New York and New 

Jersey community where Reade houses are 

located, according to Walter Reade jr., president. 

The series, which was initiated last year in 

Red Bank, Freehold, Perth Amboy, Plainfield 

and Morristown in New Jersey and Kingstown 

in New York, will be extended to include 

Asbury Park and Long Branch in New 

Jersey and Saratoga Springs in New York. 

Under the program, which is under official 

school and Parent-Teacher Ass'n sponsorship, 

12 special screen shows are presented, 

one a week between late June and 

early September, and offered to the children 

for $1 for the series. Pictures are selected 

by the local school officials and Parent- 

Teacher organization heads from the Child 

Film Library list. The PTA's are currently 

distributing mimeographed notices, which 

the theatres prepared, and the children take 

these home and get the $1 to bring to school 

to buy the series tickets. Actual sale of the 

tickets will be completed the end of May, 

before examinations begin. 

At the Carlton, Red Bank, the demand for 

tickets is so heavy that the house has scheduled 

a matinee performance each day in the 

1,800-seat house, in addition to the regular 

morning show. Other houses for the series 

will be; St. James, Asbury Park; Strand, 

Freehold; Paramount, Long Branch; Majestic, 

Perth Amboy; Strand, Plainfield; Community, 

Morristown; Broadway, Kingston, and 

Community, Saiatoga Springs. 

Reade Jersey Drive-In 

To Show Video Fight 

NEW- YORK—Walter Reade Theatres will 

present the telecast of the Marciano-Charles 

heavyweight fight June 17 at its Atlantic 

Drive-In, Pleasantville, N. J., using a new 

RCA large screen theatre TV projection unit 

mounted on a truck and presenting a picture 

60 by 40 feet. 

Tickets are already on sale, priced at $3.30 

a person, including federal tax, with a minimum 

of four persons to a car. Bleachers will 

be erected with seats to sell at the same price. 

Other plans call for speakers for an additional 

200 cars above the present 850-car 

capacity. Several thousand dollars will be 

spent on special line pickup equipment. 

The drive-in will open at 7 p.m., the usual 

time, with a film program which will end 

about 10:15 p.m., 15 minutes before fight 

time. Reade will also present the telecast at 

the St. James Theatre, Asbury Park, and is 

trying to arrange for telephone company ser- 

at his Kingston, N. Y.. drive- 

vice to pre.sent it 

in. 

TELL YOUR PATRONS 

-ALWAYS/ ABOUT IT WITH A 

GOOD! 

ALWAYS FILMACK 

•"''" 

TRAILER 

1327 S. Wabaih ChiMgo. III. S30 Ni>lli An. Niw Yirk. N. T. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 31

. . Herbert 

Services Held for Mill, 

Vending Machine Veteran 

NEW YORK—Funeral services were held 

Wednesday (19) for John Stewart Mill, 52, 

vice-president in charge of sales of the Rowe 

Mfg. Co. and a veteran in the vending machine 

field, who died May 16 after a brief illness 

at Mount Sinai hospital. His home was 

at Darien, Conn. 

Mill entered the candy vending machine 

business in 1928 when it was a novelty. Several 

years later he built up the candy vending 

business of Paramount. In 1938 he joined 

the Rowe company, a top manufacturer and 

operator in the field. During the last war he 

handled war contracts for Paramount and 

after it he was instrumental in devising many 

new types of machines. 

He was a member of the National Automatic 

Merchandising Ass'n, National Ass'n 

of Tobacco Distributors and the Advertising 

club of New York. He leaves his wife Mrs. 

Freda Mill; a daughter, Barbara, and two 

sisters, Mrs. Edwina Schaefer and Mrs. 

Louisa Davis. 

U-I Will Have Big European 

Sales Meet at Barcelona 

NEW YORK—Twenty-two countries will be 

represented at a sales conference of Universal-International 

supervisors, district managers, 

branch managers, distributors and publicity 

heads called for June 7 at Barcelona. 

Milton Rackmil, president: Americo Aboaf, 

vice-president and foreign sales manager, and 

David A. Lipton, vice-president, will attend. 

Lipton also will tour U-I offices in Great 

Britain, Prance, Italy and Switzerland. 

Felix Sommer, vice-president, and Fortunat 

Baronet, foreign director of publicity, 

will go from the home office. 

Harry Novak, European general manager; 

John Spires, Novak's executive a.'^sistant; 

Dick Brett, head auditor; John Marshall, 

middle European supervisor; Marion Jordan, 

southern Europe supervisor; Andre Salib, 

Near East district manager, and Bernard 

Goldman, district manager for France, North 

Africa and Switzerland, will be some of those 

present. 

Albert Duryea Adds Two 

To Pathe Staff in East 

NEW YORK—Albert A. Duryea, Pathe Laboratories 

vice-president in charge of east 

coa,st operations, has added William P. Howard 

and Robin R. Lewis to his staff, in keeping 

with the Pathe program of expansion. 

Howard, who will be an east coa,st salesman 

assisting Kurt KanLs, Pathe east coast sales 

manager, in formulating present and future 

sales programs, has served as customers' contact 

man at Pathe. Lewis, who was named 

supervisor of quality control to coordinate 

the activities of the chemical and control departments, 

has been in the film business for 

16 years, most recently as a,ssistant to the 

operating head of the Army Signal Corps in 

Long Island City. 

Film Credit Group Elects 

NEW YORK—The Motion Picture Credit 

Group has elected Walter S. Pru.siewlcz and 

Samuel Shapiro co-chairmen, Joseph A. 

Tanney, vice-chairman; J. Fellers, Kern 

Moyse and Anthony Termini, executive committee 

members. 

BALTIMORE 

. . . 

. . . 

A Night Of Games, inaugurated by the Variety 

Club last year, will be held in the 

fifth regiment armory May 26. Bernard Seaman 

is general chairman . 

Bennin, 

MGM Washington manager, was in town for 

a visit The North Point Drive-In has 

added an outdoor attraction of a high-diver 

plunging into a flaming tank from a 110-foot 

tower . . . Aaron Seidler. New Albert, was in 

Washington on business Fred Schanberger 

jr., co-owner of Keiths, is recuperating 

at Bon Secours hospital following stomach 

surgery. 

. . . 

Bill Myers, owner of the Pocomok» Drivein 

at Pocomoke City, was in Washington 

booking Clark Connellee, owner of the 

New, at Aberdeen, has rented a cabin near 

the Canadian border in Maine, where he'll 

. . . Bernard 

fish and swim with his family during a vacation 

The Leader at Cumberland has 

. . . closed for an indefinite period 

Gonder, the Maryland, Oakland, is guiding 

the political campaign for Dr. H. C. Byrd 

who is seeking the gubernatorial candidacy 

for Maryland. Gonder is a former state 

senator. 

Jack Levine, Irvington owner, was in Washington 

on business. So was Bill Zell, of the 

Star at Annapolis . . . Another visitor to 

the national capital was Harold DeGraw of 

the Super 50 Drive-In, Cambridge . . . The 

Maryland Allied will sponsor a combined 

meeting of independent exhibitors of Maryland 

and Washington on Wednesday, May 

26, at the Variety club. Hal R. Makelim will 

address the gathering. 

The Stanley Theatre, Rodney Collier, manager, 

and also the State. Fred Schmuff, will 

show the closed TV telecast of the Marciano- 

Charles championship fight June 17. The 

Stanley plans a reserved seat policy. 

VAKIKTY TENT 11 

GIFT—Completing 

a dental clinic given to Emergency hospital 

several years ago, Wa-shington's \'ariety 

Tent 11 donated a new sterilizer. 

Dr. Warwick T. Brown, the hospital administrator, 

left, accepted the gift from 

Jack F'ruehtman, the club's chief barker, 

center, and Norman Kal, barker and a 

board member of the hospital. 

Summer Festival Planned 

To Attract NY Visitors 

NEW YORK—Leading business interests 

have agreed on preliminary plans for holding 

a summer festival to run from June 21 

through Labor day for the purpose of attracting 

visitors to the city. Gus S. Eysell, 

president of Rockefeller Center, is a member 

of the committee. The slogan will be: 

"New York—Greatest Vacation Bargain on 

Earth." 

As the program has been tentatively 

planned, something would be happening every 

day. One of the proposals is for a big athletic 

meet at Randall's Island, with the leading 

runners of the world competing to break 

the mile record set recently in England by 

Roger Bannister. A driving contest in Central 

Park with America's leading golfers, a 

fashion show in Bryant Park, a concert 

by massed symphony orchestras of this and 

four other large cities have also been suggested. 

Another project is for automobile dealers 

to donate automobiles for a daily drawing 

in front of the public library on Fifth avenue. 

Tickets would be given free to toll 

payers on the tunnels and bridges. 

Paul Hollister is executive administrator 

of the festival. He has received a fourmonth 

leave of absence as publicity director 

for R. H. Macy & Co. to take charge of the 

arrangements. 

Plan VistaVision Showing 

In Latin America, Abroad 

NEW YORK — Frank LaGrande, Paramount 

home office representative, left May 

19 to survey theatres in Latin America for future 

demonstratons of VistaVision while 

Atlas RKO Holding Almost 

Equal to Those of Hughes 

NEW YORK—Floyd Odium of the Atlas 

Corp. revealed that he and associates now 

own 1,250,000 shares or 31.9 per cent of RKO 

Pictures. Howard Hughes has 1,262,120 or 32 

per cent. The stock goes up to $6.50 on heavy 

buying. This is 50 cents above the purchase 

offer of Hughes which expires June 30. 

Brenner Handling 15 Films 

NEW YORK—Joseph Brenner has taken 

Loren L. Ryder, head of the Paramount studio 

technical research department, planed 

back from Europe May 18 following a Vista- 

Vision theatre survey tour. 

Meanwhile, Louis Mesenkop of the Paramount 

studio teclinical department left Los 

Angeles for Tokyo on a VistaVision theatre 

survey tour of the Far East. 

LaGrande will visit Mexico City, Havana, 

Lima, Rio de Janeiro and Caracas. Ryder selected 

theatres for VistaVision showings in 

London, Paris, Frankfurt and Rome. Mesenkop 

also will visit Manila, Singapore, Bombay, 

Sidney and Melbourne. 

over the national distribution of 15 French 

and Italian features from Distinguished Pictures. 

They are: "Confessions of a Rogue," 

"Carnival of Sinners." "Hoboes in Paradise," 

"Her First Affair," "Lysistrata," "Midnight 

in Paris," "Pa.ssionelle," "Pa.ssionate Spring," 

"Revenge," "Streets of Shadows," "Secrets 

of a Ballerina." "Under the Sun of Rome," 

"Vautrin, the Thief," "Wicked Duchess" and 

"Wrath of God." 


: May 

22, 1954

. . Richard 

. . Pete 

PHILADELPHIA 

. . . 

"The father-in-law of Ed O'Donnell, Warner 

Bros, salesman, died Harry Dembow, 

Media Theatre, was back, on Vine street with 

a cast on his arm after a recent automobile 

accident . . . Lester Ki-ieger, Stanley Warner 

zone manager, returned from a Florida vacation 

Del Jones is pinchhitting for Howard 

. . . Seidman, assistant manager of the Stanton 

who is in Jefferson hospital on a check-up. 

. 

Ray O'Connell, York Strand, will supervise 

the Capitol there temporarily because 

of the resignation of Manager Francis Anthony 

Kay McNamee, secretary to zone 

. . . manager Ted Schlanger of Stanley Warner, 

is planning a Florida vacation . . . Frank C. 

Walker, Comerford Theatres board chairman, 

was reported in good condition at St Mary's 

hospital in Scranton Melvin, 

U-I salesman, was on vacation. 

. . . 

Screen Guild has booked "We Want a 

Child" into first runs in Stanley Warner 

houses at Reading and Atlantic City and in 

Eddie Gabriel 

Fabian's Rio in Harrisburg . . . 

reports that a short which he is distributing, 

"They Planted a Stone," will play on the 

extended run with "La Ronde" at the Trans- 

Lux World Florence Resnick, 20th-Fox 

office manager's secretary, is engaged . . . 

Danny McCarthy, who distributes exploitation 

product, was in town. 

Carmel Myers Gets Stage, 

Film, TV Rights to Book 

NEW YORK^Carmel Myers (Mrs. A. W. 

Schwalberg) has acquired the theatrical, motion 

picture and television rights to "Someone 

Like You," new book of short stories 

by Roald Dahl, and is negotiating for production 

of three of them as a play on the style 

of "Tonight at 8:30" and subsequently as a 

motion picture in the vein of "Ti-io." Some 

or all of the stories may later be presented 

on TV, she said. 

The book was published by Alfred A. Knopf 

and the stories were previously published in 

the New Yorker and Harper's Magazine. Dahl 

and his wife, Patricia Neal, actress, left 

New York for a sojourn in England this week. 

Miss Myers, the former film star, is now 

listed as TV star and theatrical manager. 

Odd Fellows Buy Theatre 

YOUNGWOOD, PA.—The Odd Fellows 

Lodge 667 has purchased the Blatt Bros.' 

theatre here for $10,500. The building will be 

remodeled and will be made available for 

community as well as lodge purposes. 

Earl Young Leases Grand Theatre 

PHILIPPI, W. VA.—Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips 

has leased the Grand Theatre to Earl 

Young, former Stanley Warner circuit manager 

at Punxsutawney, Pa. and Clarksbiu'g. 

W. Va. 

John Blatt in Business 25 Years 

CORRY, PA.—John "Jake" Blatt will 

celebrate 

his 25th anniversary in the theatre business 

June 1. On tnat date in 1929 he acquired 

the Rex Theatre from John B. Rodgers. 

Victor McLaglen ht;s joined the stellar cast, 

headed by Robert Tayior and Eleanor Parker, 

of MGM's "Many Rivers to Cross." 

Variety Tent 1 1 Dinner 

Fetes C. Glenn Norris 

WASHINGTON—Industry folk congratulated 

C. Glenn Norris, recently promoted 

from division manager here by 20th-Fox to 

eastern sales manager, at a dinner Monday 

(171 in the Shoreham hotel sponsored by 

Variety Tent 11. 

At the head table were Spyros Skouras, 

20th-Fox president; Al Lichtman, W. C. 

Gehring and Alex Harrison, 20th-Fox executives; 

George Hoover of Miami, chief barker 

of Variety International; Leonard Gordon, 

president of the Virginia MPTO; Hugh Alexander, 

congressman from North Carolina; 

A, Julian Brylawski, president of the District 

of 

Columbia MPTO; Jack Fruchtman, Tent 

11 chief barker; John Murphy and Orville 

Crouch, Loew's Theatres executives; Ted 

Schlanger and George Crouch, Stanley Warner 

executives; Leon Black, president of the 

Maryland MPTO; Iz Rappaport and Morris 

Mechanic, Baltimore, and Jake Flax. 

Alvin Newmyer was toastmaster, while 

Frank Boucher was chairman of the arrangements. 

W. B. Norris, father of the new 

eastern sales chief, was among those present. 

Present from out of town were Jack Bloom, 

Izzie Schmertz, Al Levy, C. Kellenberg, Tom 

McCleaster, Shep Bloom, Allen Strulson, Sam 

Diamond, Dick Doherty and Herman Hirshorn, 

all of 20th-Fox. 

Norris' wife and mother were guests of 

honor at another dinner given by Mrs. Frank 

Boucher, Mrs. Jack Kohler, Mrs. Morris Mechanic, 

Mrs. Peggy Jacobs, Mrs. John 

O'Leary, Mrs. Robert Levine, Mrs. Jack 

Fruchtman, Mrs. May Campbell and Mrs. 

Sara Young. 

George Schaefer Handling 

NBC-TV Show to Theatres 

NEW YORK—George Schaefer will distribute 

the NBC Film Division feature-length 

production of "Victory at Sea" theatrically, 

according to Carl M. Stanton, NBC vicepresident. 

Albert Margolies & Co. will handle 

the advertising and publicity for the theatrical 

version. 

"Victory at Sea" was produced by NBC in 

cooperation with the U.S. navy and shown on 

TV as a series of 26 half -hour episodes, which 

were sold to over 100 TV markets. Robert 

W. Sarnoff, executive vice-president, served 

as executive producer of the feature-length 

"Victory at Sea," the first theatrical film 

produced by a TV company. It was produced 

by Henry Salomon and written by Salomon 

and Richard Hanser. Original music was 

written by Richai-d Rodgers and arranged by 

Robert Russell Bennett. 

Frank Opens Law Offices 

WASHINGTON—Roy C. Prank, formerly 

assistant solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 

assistant to the attorney general and solicitor 

for the Postoffice Department, has opened 

law offices in the Barr building, 910 17th St., 

northwest. 

Enacts Amusement Tax 

KITTANNING, PA.—The Kittanning township 

school district enacted a 5 per cent 

amusement tax effective July 1. The Armstrong 

county township school district secretary, 

Mrs. Mildred Schall, expects the new 

levy to raise $2,500 for the fiscal year. 

WASHINGTON 

Cam Galanty, Columbia district manager, 

was in Cincinnati . Malleas, 20th- 

Fox foreign department, is spending several 

weeks at the local exchange . . . Recent 

Cinemascope installations include the Rosedale 

Theatre, Ocean View, Va., the Park 

in Norfolk and Warners' Takoma here . . . 

Ben Lust Theatre Supply owner, Mrs. Clara 

Lust, spent the weekend in New York visiting 

her sister. 

Harry Voeglstein, Theatre Advertising Co., 

was back from a Florida vacation . . . Jesse 

Theatre Manager Arthur Cousins is recuperating 

after a leg amputation in Providence 

hospital . . . RKO booker Don Bransfield is 

on vacation . . . Harold Saltz, 

manager, spent the weekend in 

Universal 

New York. 

A. W. Smith Jr. to Represent 

U.S. at Venice Festival 

WASHINGTON—Andrew W. Smith jr., 

chief of the motion picture service of the 

U.S. Information Agency, will be the official 

U.S. representative to the 15th International 

Exhibition of Cinematographic Art in Venice, 

Italy, which begins on July 6. Smith was 

formerly a vice-president of 20th Century- 

Fox. 

A number of government-made documentaries 

have been selected for entry, including 

productions of the U.S. Air Force, the 

U.S. Ai-my, the Bureau of Standards, the 

Department of Commerce and the U.S. Information 

Agency. 

Smith said he hopes to work closely with 

representatives of the entertainment industry, 

nontheatrical producers, and government 

agencies in order to assure the best possible 

representation of American films at the 

Venice Exhibition. 

Pa. Township Levies Tax 

AMBRIDGE, PA.—The school district of 

nearby Economy township, Beaver county, 

this week proposed a 10 per cent amusement 

tax. A meeting has been called for June 

10 in the Consolidated school building at 

which time the amusement tax will be 

adopted and imposed for the fiscal year 

commencing July 1. 

Elco Theatre and Property Sold 

PORTSMOUTH, VA.—The Elco Theatre 

and property was sold to the Cohen Realty 

,Co. for a reported $27,250 May 3. 

Sutton Theatre Installs Wide Screen 

THOMAS. W. VA.—C. S. Sutton jr., has 

installed a widescreen at the Sutton Theatre 

here. 

ATLANTIS 

Wasltlntlon. D.C. 

Chiflotit 

Niw 

Mimplils 

Orleans 

tllanti 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 33

. . Two 

. . The 

. . Handicapped 

. . Johnny 

. . Bernard 

PITTSBURGH 

T\onnn Reva, daughter of MGM salesman 

Eddie Moriarty, and John W. Harvey will 

be married on July 10 . . . 18th Street Theatre, 

Erie, is exploiting its new .screen in 

the Erie newspapers, claiming that "No theatre, 

but no theatre in Erie, has as fine 

wide screen—no seams—no eye strain" . . . 

Nixon here canceled theatrical bookings for 

the weeks of May 31 and June 7 because of 

the street car-bus strike. Diana Barrymore 

and her husband Robert Wilcox, now at the 

Nixon, are regular guests at the Variety 

Club. 

Ed and Margie Wood hosted the May 21 

Family night at the Variety Club. Special 

guests included many local and TV stars . . . 

The school dii-ectors of Sewickley township, 

Allegheny county, has approved its new 

budget, and has relevied its 10 per cent amusement 

Harold Lee 

tax effective July 1 . . . reopened Lee's Woodland Drive-In Theatre 

near Vandergrift on May 21. He had refused 

to accept Parks township school board's 

10 per cent admission tax and his drive-in 

had not opened this season. Last week, after 

months of opposition, he proved that the 

school board's budget showed a good balance 

without anticipated returns from the admission 

levy. Lee, who said "the politicians" 

had ganged up against him, won his point 

and the amusement tax which had affected 

his outdoor theatre and Byers' lake was removed. 

Donald D. Mungello of the Mary Ann Theatre 

at Burgettstown has joined with a number 

of business and labor leaders there in 

organizing a formidable drive for new industry 

to avert a "ghost town." Through the 

newly formed Raccoon Valley Development 

Corp., they are generating a promotional 

campaign and developing Industrial sites with 

plans to build plants . SW girls are 

engaged: Shirley Dedig will be the June 

bride of Casmir Halaski who has returned 

from service in Korea, and Helene Hormak 

will become Mrs. Edward Barth . . With 

. 

no street cars on the tracks due to a strike, 

downtown theatres are advertising "Hurry 

down ... on foot ... by car . . . train . . . 

but hurry down to see ...".., Eli Kaufman, 

who operated an independent theatrical poster 

exchange here for a number of years 

until five months ago and who has been 

selling television trailers for National Screen 

since then, now is area representative for 

Filmack, film trailer company. 

Recent Variety Club applications were received 

from Nicholas J. Nigro, WUliam Heller, 

Leo A. Carlin jr., Ray E. Jenkins. Carlton 

C. Ide, Jack Simon, Paul V. Shannon, Lester 

R. Rawlins, Donald J. Ti'ageser, John Thomas 

Kraai, William Twig, J. Alex Trust, William 

McKelvy Martin, Anthony A. Chakeres, 

James L. Shannon, Joseph J. Donovan, J. 

William Mcllhenny, Harry Milar Morrow 

SWo»ie! 

A[^.Bm^l 

SAM FINEBERG 

TOM McCLEARY 

JIM ALEXANDER - 

84 Von Broom Street ' 

PITTSBURGH 19, PA. 

Phone Express 1 0777 

Than Ever • HoW\ Your Equipmtr>t?„ 

and Edward H. Young . 

Wood is 

relieving John A. Hooley, Harris circuit manager 

for half-a-century, who is on a fishing 

trip in Canada. Jack is in his 80s, and still 

likes his movies and his fishing . . . George 

Tice reported that construction on the drivein 

in West Mifflin borough has been held 

up for a week because a gas line was found 

running directly through the property. The 

gas pipe was dug up, reinforced and returned 

to a greater depth in the ground. 

William Way of the Midstate circuit turned 

up this week as a brother of the brush. At 

the Makelim meeting here Tuesday afternoon 

his heavy black whiskers attracted 

attention. Seems that Clearfield is observing 

its sesquicentennial and young Way is celebrating 

in show business style. He came here 

with the grand veteran of the industry, Mae 

E. Shively, and Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Crunk 

of the Watson Theatre. Mrs. Cruiok is the 

daughter of Howard J. Thompson, who 

heads Midstate Theatres. A welcome visitor 

was Joe Raad of Salem, W. Va., who 

heads the Jur circuit. He stated that 22 out 

of the company's 23 theatres are in operation 

and that the closed house, the Star at Wellsburg, 

W. Va., will be reopened this weekend. 

Accompanying Raad, who flew in from 

Charleston, was his son-in-law Joe Joseph, 

who directs circuit operations. 

School directors of Moon township this 

week imposed a 10 per cent amusement tax 

which will affect the Airport Theatre and 

the Dependable Drive-In, Carnot roller skating 

rink and the observation deck at Greater 

Pittsburgh airport. John Burns, manager of 

the Airport Theatre, attended the meeting 

of the school board and urged that the tax 

ordinance be set aside, but the Moon township 

politicians turned deaf ears. 

. 

Walter Titus and William Mansell, respective 

Republic and Warner executives, were 

Loretta Hart is the new secretary 

visitors . . . 

to Bernard Hickey, Fulton Theatre man- 

ager theft of in-car speakers from 

Ranalli's Drive-In at Richland was solved 

with the arrest of three youths. 

Cinemascope is being installed at Tom 

Hickes' Aldine. Saxton; Guy V. Ida's Grand, 

McDonald; H. M. "Bud" Carruthers' Guthrie, 

Grove City; Blatt Bros.' Rex, Corry, and 

Jordan, Greenville . persons 

in the Tarentum area were guests of Michael 

M. Cardone of the SW Harris for a showing 

of "Prince Valiant." 

Among the locals who attended the testimonial 

dinner in Washington which honored 

. . Exhibitors 

20th-Fox executive Glenn Norris were Al Levy, 

C. C. Kellenberg, John T. McGreevey, Lou 

Hanna, Bert Slearn and Sol Bragin . 

Service Co. this week turned over 

records to the state PUC . Lauth 

jr., electrician at the J. P. Harris Theatre, is 

in training with the air force at Sampson 

N.Y. His father is "Dutch" Lauth, projectionist 

at the Fulton . . . The Harmar township 

school board gave final approval to a 

Bart Dattola, 

10 per cent amusement tax . . . 

New Kensington exhibitor who has been returning 

to good health, was present at the 

Makelim meeting, this being the first time he 

has participated in an industry event in three 

years. 

Tristate Drive-In Ass'n 

To Meet in Pittsburgh 

PITTSBURGH—Tristate Drive-In Theatres 

Ass'n will hold a meeting for all outdoor 

theatre owners-managers at the Carlton 

House here Tuesday (25). A luncheon 

will be served prior to the meeting according 

to Theodore Grance, president. Feature discussion 

will be on insurance, and outdoor 

exhibitors are invited to state their experiences 

on this subject. Grance emphasized 

that all area drive-in operators are vielcome 

to attend and participate in the discussions. 

Tristate lATSE to Meet 

PITTSBURGH—The 30th annual meeting 

of the Tristate Ass'n of the lATSE will be 

held here Sunday (23) with Local 171 as 

host. The association is composed of local 

lATSE unions in western Pennsylvania, 

eastern Ohio and West Virginia. 

Local 703 Elects Flemings 

ST. MARYS, PA.—lATSE Local 703 has 

elected Jack Fleming, secretary, and Charles 

Fleming, business representative. They are 

St. Marys projectionists. Other officers 

named include Joseph Beezer, Punxsutawney, 

president; William Walter, Punxsutawney, 

vice-president; Charles Hamberger, Ridgway, 

treasurer, and Philip DaMore, DuBois, and 

Kenneth Rummings, Clearfield, executive 

board members. 

McGreevey Adds Orpheum 

CONNELLSVILLE. PA.—John T. McGreevey, 

Harris circuit booker who licen."ês pictures 

for theatres not associated with the 

Harris organization, and who has been licensing 

and booking for the Soisson Theatre, will 

take over similar duties June 1 for the 

Orpheum. The Soisson will become a weekend 

operation house, and the Orpheum will 

be in full operation. 

Elects League Officers 

PITTSBURGH — Filmrow bowling league 

re-elected Paul Reith, RKO office manager, 

president for the 1954-55 season, and Jay 

Angel, Warner exchange cashier, was reelected 

treasurer. Helen Tokich and Gloria 

Istvan, both of 

National Screen, were named 

secretaries. The Reith team was the league 

winner. 

Jenner Subpenas Gabe Rubin 

PITTSBURGH—The U.S. marshal's office 

subpenaed Gabe Rubin to appear before the 

Jenner committee in Washington Tuesday 

morning.- The committee is investigating 

Communistic activities. Rubin operates the 

Nixon, local legit theatre on Liberty avenue, 

the Art Cinema nearby on Liberty avenue, 

and the Silver Lake Drive-In Theatre on 

Washington boulevard. A number of years 

ago the Art Cinema featured Communist 

pictures and Russian propaganda films. Matt 

Cvetic. the "Communist for the FBI" on 

whose activities Warner Bros, based a picture 

several years ago, also will appear at the 

hearing. 

Grand Theatre Dismantled 

CORRY, PA.—The Grand Theatre, closed 

and unused for 15 years, has been dismantled 

and will be remodeled into thi'ee store rooms. 


: May 

22, 1954

^ Mi^tibfi 

l^LdtciM MeAxJtcxnclldln^ G-uuL 

A costume ballyhoo or display for a period picture is hardly worth its salt unless the clothing designs 

and other material are authentic. Here Mark Ailing, manager of the Golden Gate Theatre in Son Francisco, 

achieves a true Roman Empire effect in a ballyhoo for "Messalino" by making sure Praetorian 

guard uniforms are historicolly correct. 

HAL SLOANE 

Editor 

HUGH E. 

FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

SECTION OF 

BOXOt-FiCE

STAR POWER TO SELL 

HIGH AND MIGHTY 

National Promotion Launched With Collier's Magazine Conducting Picnic Time 

Promotion During May and June in Tieup With Approximately 3,000 Supermarkets 

W.th eight stellar personalities, topped 

by popular John Wayne, comprising the 

cast of Warner Bros.' "The High and the 

Mighty," star power will rate prime consideration 

in advertising the picture, while 

the nationwide promotion currently being 

conducted by ColLer's magazine will prove 

particularly helpful in providing an unusual 

and important tie-in and exploitation 

in general. 

The octet of stars will be featured prominently 

in advertising and publicity on the 

production, and this theme should be carried 

out in all theatre decorations. Individual 

heads of the players, available on 

stills and the 40x60, may be mounted on 

star-shaped backgrounds for marquee spots. 

Additional interest in the playdate may be 

aroused through the medium of a four-day 

Identify the Stars contest, to be run in a 

local 

prizes. 

paper, with guest tickets awarded as 

EIGHT STAR MATS AVAILABLE 

The eight mats for the stunt, two stars to 

be used each day, are available on Mat No. 

HM-501X on order from National Screen. 

A proofsheet of the photos may be blown 

up for a lobby display calling attention to 

the contest, with the identity of the stars 

revealed at the end of the competition along 

with the list of the winners. 

Approximately 3,000 supermarkets are to 

participate in a nationwide tieup with Collier's 

fine "Picnic Time" promotion. Thousands 

of mailing pieces have been sent to 

stores across the country presenting the 

details of the campaign. The advertisements 

are scheduled to break in important 

trade publications during May and June. 

John Wayne's portrait, along with picture 

credits and the food tie-in plug, featuring 

the star's favorite picnic menus, will be reproduced 

on three-color store window banners 

and poster hangers to be displayed in 

all cooperating markets. Showmen should 

get in touch with neighborhood markets 

and furnish stills for displays, throwaways 

for package staffers and arrange co-op 

contests, all including picture and theatre 

credits, as soon as playdates have been set. 

A FOOD STORE PROMOTION 

The star-identification contest also may 

be promoted with the markets. See that 

food editors of the local paper know about 

the affair and mention it in their columns. 

A page and a half, full color advertisement 

on this promotion will appear in Collier's 

for July 23—out on the newsstands July 9 

and will list all of the stores to cooperate in 

the affair. This important spread should 

be used as the basis for a special lobby 

set piece on the picture. For the complete 

list of cooperating stores, in all areas, write 

George J. Kuebler, Collier's, 640 Fifth Ave., 

New York. 

aeEIigh ^• 

and the 

I 

Cinemascope 

^Jf 

The ad art tor the above action scene (left) in the six-sheet poster on the picture is available in a 

special selection of stills on the advertising art, all on order from National Screen. Most of the same 

scene also appears on Mot No. HM-3A. At right: cutouts of the eight stars may be mode from this 

40x60 for use as a marquee display. 

The book on which the picture is based, 

"The High and the Mighty," by Ernest K. 

Gann, is currently on sale in regular and 

pocket-size editions in book and variety 

stores throughout the country. Contact 

should be made immediately upon booking 

for window and counter displays with these 

merchants. A picture of a book street 

bally suggestion, reproduced on this page, is 

ERNEST K. 

THE 

HIGH ^ 

AND THE V 

A man carrying on enlarged photo of the book 

cover will prove on effective bolly in publicizing 

playdates on the picture. 

— IBB — 

available in still form, order No. HM-Xl 

from National Screen. 

Accessories include a selection of star 

stills for the outstanding cast, for theatre 

display, order "Lobby Star Stills HM," and 

for six additional stills for merchant tieups, 

order "Window Stills HM," both from National 

Screen. A radio recording of various 

spots and a television trailer, in 16mm, for 

local telecasts may be had on request from 

the Campaign Plan Editor, Warner Bros. 

Pictures, 321 West 44th St., New York. 

A slide or Telop is also available from 

the vender. For the first time, new color 

prints, a set of twelve 8x10 photos in full 

color replacing the usual black and white 

exchange set, for brilliant lobby displays 

may be had on order from National Screen. 

Inexpensive Circular Ad 

Promotes Fox Theatre 

One can usually rely 

on Evans Thompson, 

manager of the Fox Theatre in Hackensack, 

N.J., to come up with an idea or 

gimmick for publicizing his shows regularly 

and, what is more important, inexpensively. 

In a tieup with the local Sears, 

Roebuck & Co. store, Thompson arranged 

for a two-column ad of his theatre program 

to be included in the Sears advertising 

circular distributed bimonthly 

throughout the heavily populated area. 

Fifty thousand copies of the sales folder r~. 

are printed approximately every two weeks ^* 

and the store takes care of their distribution. 

The only expense Thompson stands 

is the cut and a quantity of passes presented 

to customers making purchases in 

one of the sf>ecial departments. 

BOXOFTICE Showmandiser ; 

: May 

22, 1954 

J

Theatre Ads Placed 

By Feature Story 

Help 'Eternity' 

A timely booking helped Mike Stranger 

promote the playdate on "From Here to 

Eternity" at the Plymouth in Worcester. 

Mass. The playdate tied in perfectly with 

the large space newspaper breaks on the 

Academy awards and Stranger made sui-e 

the public knew the picture was playing at 

the theatre by placing large newspaper ads 

on the same page with the feature story. 

In addition to the usual fanfare attending 

the first presentation of a Cinema- 

Scope production, "The Robe," which resulted 

in art and story breaks in the papers. 

Stranger arranged for members of the 

Worcester Better Films council to be his 

guests at the premiere of the picture. Council 

members, composed of PTA groups, 

mothers clubs and women's clubs, attended 

the show. Besides providing a lot of wordof-mouth 

publicity, the president and program 

chairman of the organization wrote 

letters to Stranger thanking him for his 

coui'tesy and complimenting him on his 

management. 

Cancan Dance Features 

'Rouge' Dance in Hotel 

A well-planned and comprehensive campaign 

put over by Len Crate and Ron Calf 

helped launch "Moulin Rouge" at the 

Union Cinema in Dunstable, England, with 

very little expense to the theatre. A week 

in advance, a thousand throwaways were 

distributed gratis by local newsstands with 

paper and magazine deliveries, and a thousand 

imprinted grocery bags were used at 

five candy and grocery stores in the neighborhood. 

A "Moulin Rouge" dance was held at a 

local hotel featured by a cancan dance 

performed by two girls from a dance school. 

The girls also performed on the theatre 

stage, and were followed immediately by a 

"Moulin Rouge" trailer and a stage announcement 

of the playdate. Cooperative 

displays in the lobby tieing in with local 

merchants included exhibits of artists' materials 

and painting by patrons. 

A decorated soundtrack toured the district 

and neighboring towns on a busy 

market day and throwaways were distributed 

from it by a man dressed as one of 

the characters from the film. 

Ads From Trailer Firms 

Promotes Wichita Film 

Ralph Durland of the Consolidated 

Agencies' 54 Drive-In at Wichita tied in 

with local dealers to promote "The Long, 

Long Ti-ailer." Coordinating an exhibition 

of trailers at the drive-in, dealers ran over 

a half page of free ads on the film. 

The result of the promotion was a full 

house and a doubling in business at the 

concession stands. Durland said he had 749 

cars in before 8 o'clock. 

BALTIMORE SHOWMAN APPOINTS SIX 

DISK JOCKEYS MANAGERS FOR DAY 

Continuous Radio Plugs Netted by Unusual Stunts 

The wooing of local disk jockeys paid 

handsome dividends at the Hippodrome 

boxoffice in Baltimore for Manager Irving 

Cantor's recent engagement of "The Glenn 

Miller Story," and it netted Cantor almost 

constant advance radio publicity on the 

film. The town's six leading disk jockeys 

were named Managers of the Day at the 

theatre, with a different jockey serving 

in that capacity each day between 7 and 

9 p.m. during the first week's run. 

This public recognition of the disk 

jockey brought tremendous radio publicity, 

with all local stations plugging Glenn 

Miller music constantly. Gil Kriegel and 

Chuck Thompson, two of the jockeys, 

played three solid hours of Glenn Miller 

music the Saturday before opening. 

Throughout the radio campaigns were 

sprinkled liberal picture, playdate and 

theatre credits. 

The attendant publicity brought high 

local interest. In addition. Cantor and his 

assistant Richard Dizon arranged for the 

disk jockeys and fUm critics to attend a 

dinner in Washington the week before the 

Baltimore opening and to meet star James 

Stewart. 

The wooing of the disk jockeys was 

spread out to include the newspapermen at 

this event, and the theatremen carried the 

stunt even further by arranging for the 

Jitterbugs Fill Lobby 

In 'New Faces' Stunt 

There have been cases where patrons 

danced in the theatre aisles but Manager 

Evan Thompson switched the scene of action 

to the lobby as part of the promotion 

for "New Faces" at the Pox Theatre in 

Hackensack, N.J. A jukebox playing the 

tunes from the picture provided the music 

for the town's jitterbugging set and the 

local paper thought the stunt newsworthy 

enough to use a three-column picture and 

story on the affair. AH the money put into 

the machine for the impromptu dancers 

was donated to Radio Free Europe. 

Number 13 on Throwaways 

Is Winner for 'Phantom' 

Manager Mark Ailing and publicist Bill 

Blake made effective use of a locally 

printed herald with a special gimmick that 

helped sell "Phantom of the Rue Morgue" 

at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco. 

All of the 20,000 flash throwaways made 

up had a number imprinted in the large 

hand of the "Phantom" on the cover and 

of these 500 carried the number "13," which 

entitled the bearer to free admission. Out 

of all the heralds distributed 92 people 

showed up at the boxoffice for their passes. 

Martha Washington Candy Co. to provide 

50 two-pound boxes of candy, which were 

distributed by a local model to disk jockeys 

at every radio and TV station in the city 

and to area newspapermen. 

At the Hippodrome, Cantor and Dizon 

opened the "Miller" campaign by running 

a teaser trailer two weeks in advance of 

opening, followed by the regular trailer. 

Miller music was played at intermissions 

two weeks in advance, and during the 

playdate the theatre public address system 

was utilized to play Miller records in front 

of the theatre, while a juke box provided 

lobby music. 

Decca records supplied a sound truck 

during the first week of the run and 

plugged the picture, theatre and playdate 

over a microphone and with banners. Decca 

and local dealers set up 50 window displays 

in the city with cards plugging the picture. 

Displays also were set up at Stewart's 

department store, Hoschild-Cohn and at 

Woolworth's, Grant's and Murphy's stores. 

The News-Post cooperated by conducting 

a favorite tune contest and by running 

stories and art on the picture, and it printed 

stills and star photos, with ample credit. 

Several bylined stories and additional 

photos were printed in the News-Post and 

also in the Evening Sun and Morning Sun 

to provide complete newspaper coverage. 

Sportsmen's Show Helps 

'Desert' in Toronto 

A display featuring stills from the picture, 

the showing of a 55-second trailer and 

the distribution of heralds from the Toronto 

Telegram booth at the Sportsmen's show 

in Toronto helped publicize "The Living 

Desert" at the Towne Cinema there. Over 

200,000 attended the show and a good proportion 

saw the eye-catching display. 

Frank Lindcamp Is Winner 

Harry Mandel, national director of advertising 

and publicity for RKO Theatres, 

announced than Frank Lindcamp, manager 

of the Paris Theatre in Rochester, 

N.Y., was the winner of the $100 prize 

for the best promotion campaign on "The 

Glenn Miller Story" for an RKO theatre 

manager outside New York City. 

New 'Eternity 

Folder 

A supplementary pressbook has been 

issued by Columbia Pictures on "From Here 

to Eternity" with newspaper advertisements, 

posters and special accessories featuring 

the film's recent selection as the 

best picture of the year and winner of 

eight Academy awards. 

May 22, 1954 167 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser ; :

. . 

Enthusiasm and Determination Are 

The Magic Words in 

Showmanship 

C.A.Matthews, Alliance Circuit District Supervisor, Gives 

Nine-Part Analysis of the Art of Promotion 

ShowTnanship. the actual merchandising 

of film product, was outlined and graphically 

defined recently by C. A. Matthews, 

district supervisor for 

Theatre 

Alliance 

Corp. in a speech before 

circuit managers ,' 

at Terre Haute, Ind. 

Stressing that 

showmanship must 

come from within, ^,1 

Matthews told the ' yt^""^ %j 

managers that they 

must be sold on the 

"^'~ 

" 

picture themselves to 

properly sell it to the 

C. A. MATTHEWS 

public. Matthews' speech follows: 

Enthusiasm and Determination to sell 

ARE YOUR Magic Words. A theatre manager 

who makes good revenue producing tieups. 

who plans a campaign that gets extra bucks 

out of a picture, just doesn't have the time 

to wonder what's wrong with his business. 

Needless to say—it's terrific! 

DON'T JUST ANNOUNCE 

Showmanship means thinking and selling 

IN advance—For a long time it has been 

my thought that all of us have dropped 

down to a point where we never say anything 

about the pictures, but only announce 

them and expect people to know 

enough about them to be interested in 

them from the mere announcement of the 

title and players. Believe me, that just 

isn't selling the average picture. Sell 

don't just announce! 

Showmanship is picture analysis—Determine 

your local sales approach; don't 

be stereotyped. Change your pace. Never 

use heavy newspaper space week after 

week; It loses its value. How long has it 

been since you have had a sock herald . 

a house-to-house campaign ... a sniping 

campaign ... a radio saturation ... a 

shock ballyhoo stunt which has created 

comment? 

While I am on the subject of picture 

analysis, it might be well to ask yourself 

a few questions after an engagement, such 

as. What was not effective in my last campaign? 

ANALYZE YOUR WORK 

Trailer: fa) Was it presented properly in 

program spot just before the feature: 

fbJ Alone for the Sunday attraction; 

*c» Edited for negative copy and scenes? 

Lobby—Change of lighting, cutouts and 

catchlines on mirrors : (a) Was my display 

three weeks in advance; 

'b) Was it lighted or animated; 

ic) Was the full program sold out front 

in the frames? 

Newspaper: (a) Are there two angles in 

this picture requiring different type 

ad approaches; 

(b) Would scatter ads be useful; 

(ci Did I tease in advance with underlines 

and copy; 

id> Did I rewrite for local angles; 

lei Was this a newspaper picture; 

congratulation letter, invitation cards, 

exercises in your theatre? 

Chain stores say displays in the same 

place in the store left over 90 days lose 

their sales appeal. How about the position 

of our lobby displays? 

Are we selling co-op ads, extra revenue, 

Christmas trailers, etc., with comprehensive 

layouts? 

As a manager, do you personally visit 

your newspaper and keep in contact with 

the various department heads or do you 

send an usher with a presssheet, etc.? 

Have you done any research on your 

cooling system? It won't be long now, so 

get your system in A-1 condition. Don't 

forget to use copy in ads and have the 

marquee valances cleaned and ready for 

use. 

I suggest you send 25 cents to the U.S. 

Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 

asking for a list of the 400 business promotion 

dates. The list, ranging from Washington's 

birthday to "Be Kind to Cross- 

Eyed Cats week," could come in handy 

for a special promotion. 

Showmanship is planning ahead—Clear 

vision is one of the most important factors 

of showmanship. It is always the manager 

who consistently looks ahead to next week 

and next month, tackling future problems 

before they arrive, who shows the maximum 

profit at the end of the season. Successful 

showmen organize their work in 

such a fashion that current details of activity 

receive attention systematically and 

with a minimum time requirement on their 

part. 

They spend most of their time looking 

into the future, planning how to sell 

that picture booked three or four weeks 

hence. Your successful manager is like 

the captain of a great ocean liner, 

figuratively, 

he is constantly at the helm steering 

his ship toward the port of profits. 

But actually he is spending most of his 

time charting the future course, avoiding 

the racks and shoals of tomorrow. 

In closing, I would like to give you the 

watchword for 1954—Maximum Efficiency 

at Minimum Cost. 

Crime Weapons Exploit 

Hiot' at Buffalo Century 

A fascinating display of weapons which 

were used in local crimes and confiscated 

by the police department was arranged by 

Manager Bob Murphy and publicity director 

Phil Todaro of the Century Theatre 

at Buffalo for "Riot in Cell Block 11." 

The weapons, which included sawed-off 

shotguns, revolvers, tear-gas guns, dynamite 

and knives, were loaned by the department's 

criminal laboratory. 

Both city 

newspapers carried stories on the display, 

which was viewed by hundreds of curious 

citizens during its stay at the theatre lobby 

several weeks in advance. 

A screening was arranged for city offi- 

STORE SALES EXPERT PRESENTS 

TIPS ON USE OF FILM STAR ART 

He Says Make Picture Material Fit 

Theatremen can make their store window 

displays and co-op ads more effective from 

the merchants' viewpoint if their film material 

fits the merchandise. This is the 

essence of a recent address given by Edward 

Carroll, sales promotion manager of Hess 

Bros, department store, Allentown, Pa., to 

the New Jersey Publishers Ass'n annual advertising 

salesmen's conference at Atlantic 

City. Carroll said advertisers are miscasting 

pretty models by having them promote 

merchandise that does not fit their type. 

His words were directed to the ad men, but 

the business-getting tip can be used by 

showmen seeking to place more and better 

displays. 

"Sleepy, seductive models shouldn't be 

shown in advertising art holding pots and 

pans," he remarked. "The Marjorie Main 

prototype of model belongs with the pot 

and pan ads, while a Marilyn Monroe is 

just fine in bathing suits." 

Carroll insisted the premise that "a pretty 

girl will sell anything" is a fallacy and reported 

Hess was one of the first national 

advertisers to become aware of this error 

and has taken a lead from the film industry 

and has insisted on authentic realism 

over romantic and wishful surrealism in 

its advertising art and copy. This, Carroll 

pointed out, has resulted in the store rolling 

up a $20,000,000 annual gross sales volume 

in a city of 106,000 population. 

Carroll asserted "it would be outright 

misrepresentation to show a Marlene Dietrich 

struggling over a kitchen range, or 

an Ava Gardner counterpart wielding a 

vacuum cleaner. The latter role should cast 

the Spring Byington type." 

The same holds forth for the menfolk in 

advertising copy, according to retailer 

Carroll. "It is foolish for advertisers to in- 

Memory Merits Tickets 

Manager Ray McNamara offered 

guest 

tickets to the first 25 readers who submitted 

the longest lists of films with the 

word "walk" in their titles in a newspaper 

contest tieing in with the playdate of 

"Elephant Walk" at the Allyn Theatre in 

Hartford, Conn. In his announcement of 

the contest, McNamara suggested that picture 

titles such as "Walk in the Sun" and 

"Walk Softly, Stranger" were suitable as 

entries. 

Drive-In Fetes First Car 

The occupants of the first car in line 

for the opening show of the new Plainville 

Drive-In in Connecticut were admitted as 

cials, judges, wardens and members of the guests of Manager John Perakos and in 

police force. The local Polish-language addition to seeing the picture enjoyed free 

newspaper voted it the Movie of the Week, refreshments at the concession stands. 

and every major and independent radio Area newspapers played up the clever public 

station in the area plugged the opening. 

relations of the stunt. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser May 22, 1954 : : 1B9 — 

Merchandise 

STAR TIEUP TIPS 

MARILYN MONROE types—Anything of downright 

earthly glamor, such as: one-piece bathing 

suits, strapless gowns, negligee, diamonds, furs, 

etc. 

MARJORIE MAIN — With ironing boards, 

kitchen utensils and mops or brooms. She'll be 

at home with any of these or like items. 

JUNE ALLYSON—Ideal for sportsweor, modern 

clothes of medium price. 

MARLENE DIETRICH—Minks, costly foreign 

apparel, sophisticated hats, hosiery. 

TERRY MOORE—College girl fashions, sweaters, 

skirts, berets, saddle shoes, etc. 

BARBARA STANWYCK or KATHARINE HEP- 

BURN—Tweeds and two-piece suits. 

ADOLPH MENJOU—Hombergs, dress gloves 

and morning and evening wear. 

JOHN WAYNE— Pipes, rugged sports jackets. 

TONY CURTIS— Fashion plate clothes. 

ANDY DEVINE—Work pants, corduroy jackets 

ond overalls. 

sist on the theory that the tall, dark and 

handsome male model will sell it, no matter 

what the item may be. There is no doubt 

that Tyrone Power, if pictured in an ad, 

would sell more fancy dress shirts than our 

TV friend Wally Cox, who in his portrayal 

of Mr. Peepers exudes with more of the 

homespun appeal and would be the ideal 

type to be used in newspaper advertising 

heralding the sale of coat sweaters. When 

it comes to modeling work pants or lumber 

jackets for the hard-working man, there's 

no one like the William Bendix type." 

Carroll presented a list, printed herewith, 

of types and appropriate merchandise 

each could promote, which was worked out 

by Max Hess jr., one of the store's owners. 

Albany Shop Windows 

Are Used to Sell 'Suite' 

An extensive campaign for "Executive 

Suite" at Fabian's Palace in Albany, N.Y., 

included the spotting of an outstanding 

display in the show windows of Flah's 

women's store on North Pearl street, in 

the heart of the downtown shopping district. 

Manager Bill With persuaded the 

management of the very modern, highquality 

establishment to place two posters 

in the background of a fashion array. One, 

in red with gold letters, was 8x20 feet. The 

other, placed upright at the north end, 

was in black and white. 

Two of the clothes dummies had folded 

stills of the MGM picture in their hands. 

A third still was set horizontally, in the 

middle of the window. The smaller poster 

spotlighted "Big Shots and Blondes" and 

"Anything Can Happen," in "Executive 

Suite."

\ HIGH 

Record Session 

Catches Teenagers' Fancy 

John Corbett Gives Youngsters 45 Minutes of Popular Tunes Each Friday Evening 

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Illustrated here is a stage scene during the Teenager Record Session being put on by Manager John G. 

Corbett every Friday evening. First planned as a little entertainment for the teenagers, the show 

mushroomed tar beyond his expectations. 

Music shop pays for these SVixll circulars 

distributed for the Teenager Record 

Session at the Glove Theatre in 

Gloversville, N.Y. 

Probably every showman worthy of the 

name has had what he beheved to be a 

simple promotion stunt for the theatre 

mushroom into a project that was far beyond 

his expectations. There was the recent 

example of a manager in the midwest 

who contacted a trailer manufacturer for 

the use of one of the homes on wheels to 

bally a picture playing his theatre. Almost 

before he realized what was happening, 

several other companies asked to take 

part in the promotion with the result approximately 

60 trailers paraded through 

town exploiting the show and traffic came 

to a standstill. The manager still sees 

trailers jumping around corners in his 

dreams. 

John G. Corbett, city manager for 

Schine's, recently put on a promotion at 

the Glove Theatre in Gloversville, N.Y., 

which he hoped would provide a little entertainment 

for his younger patrons and at 

the same time encourage them to attend 

shows regularly. Now he finds the stunt 

has developed to the point where it's almost 

a civic event. 

Corbett's affair is called the Teenager 

Record Session, staged especially for the 

young fry and scheduled for three-quarters 

of an hour each Friday evening before the 

regular screen show. Pete Dreyer, a popular 

disk jockey on radio station WENT, 

plays the latest recordings over the theatre 

loud speaker system from his portable 

stage "studio," and also spins a number of 

request tunes. 

Not only is the stunt easily promoted 

and simple to manage but by tieing in writh 

local merchants the whole affair can be 

practically cost-free. A neighborhood 

music shop furnishes the records, pays for 

the special throwaways publicizing Corbett's 

show and also presents ten records 

each week to lucky students filling out 

entry blanks and depositing them at the 

store. 

Holiday or special occasions also can figure 

in the promotion. For the recent 

Mother's day celebration, teenagers who 

purchased a Schine Theatre Movie Gift 

book received a mimeographed form, addressed 

to Dreyer at the radio station, on 

which they requested a record to be dedicated 

to their mother on his special Saturday 

morning broadcast. It wasn't long before 

talent shows also became part of the 

deal with youngsters volunteering their 

services for stage performances. 

Not only do the kids appreciate having 

their own show but the parents like the 

idea, and from all appearances the Teenager 

Record Session is destined to become 

an increasingly popular attraction at the 

Glove Theatre. In Corbett's own words, 

"We are in the third week of this type of 

show and the results are terrific!" 

A likely comment on the promotion could 

be, get 'em young, treat 'em right and keep 

'em coming. 

Oldtime Cars in Parade 

For Kaycee 'Genevieve' 

Parades always have been one of the 

showman's best ballyhoo stunts. For "Genevieve," 

Herb Carnes, manager of the Klmo 

Theatre in Kansas City, staged one with 

old model cars that set the town talking. 

He obtained the cooperation of the Horseless 

Carriage club and of the Berl Berry 

Auto Co., resulting in a parade of antique 

models and the very latest Lincolns, Fords 

and Mercurys through ten miles of the 

city's streets the day the show opened. It 

started and ended at the theatre. The 

Horseless Carriage club has about 4,000 

members, and these make a trek each year 

to Beloit, Kas., in much the same spirit as 

the Brighton commemoration trip in 

"Genevieve." 

Two screenings had been held prior to 

the opening, one for the press and radio 

heads and for members of the club, another 

for representatives of women's civic groups. 

The picture was cross-plugged in the 

other Dickinson theatres, the Dickinson at 

Overland Park, the Leawood and Shawnee 

di'ive-ins. Kansas City News Service trucks 

carried signs showing the opening date. 

As a result, "Genevieve" did 200 per 

cent in its first week and was holding up 

well for a continued run. 

Convict-Made Weapons 

On Display for 'Riot' 

An unusual exhibit of weapons made by 

convicts provided an interesting lobby display 

for Manager Fi'ed Putnam's playdate 

on "Riot in Cell Block 11" at the Strand 

Theatre in Port Ai-thur, Tex. A one-sheet 

poster on the picture, mounted on prison 

wall paper for the background and surrounded 

by the makeshift weapons drew 

crowds of lookers. The prison block paper 

also proved effective for the front display, 

which featured a three-dimensional effect 

of a prison cell with a blown-up photo of 

prisoners inside. 

— 170 — BOXOFTICE Showmandiser : 

: May 

22, 1954

NATIONAL PRE-SELLING GUIDE 

A report on new films for which notional pre-selling 

campaigns have been developed. Listed with each picture 

are tie-ins which have been created, plus tips to exhibitors on how to use these pre-selling aids to exploit the picture locally. 

FLAME AND THE FLESH MGM 

Music: Four of the picture's songs taken from 

the song track of the film are available on the 

MG.M EP record X1080. Sheet music has 

also been published on several of the numbers. 

TiE-i.N T.PS : Be sure all local dish jockeys 

have the record and selling copy on the 

picture; play it over the theatre PA 

system; promote window displays in music 

stores with title pages and records 

and featuring stills and piaydate credits 

and see that neighborhood juke boxes 

carry the platter with the picture title 

noted. 

Photo Contest: A special mat is available 

for a co-op picture taking contest with a 

local photography store. Order Mat 3XA 


Tie-in Tips: Conduct the campaign with 

the photo store by running the ad in 

the newspaper and reproducing it in 

windotvs and in the theatre lobby, distribute 

copies of the ad from both points, 

mail them to photo clubs and hare them 

posted on bulletin boards of local schools 

and clubs. 

Screen Kiss Contest: Local movie-goers can 

test their memories of famous screen kisses 

in this five day contest to be planted with 

the local newspapers. Picture and piaydate 

credit appears in each mat for the first four 

days and is to be added the final day when 

winners are announced. Publicize the event 

with a lobby display and via teaser throwaways 

and award prizes of guest tickets or 

newspaper subscriptions. Order Mats 5XA, 

5XB, 5XC, 5XD, and Mat 2XA from National 

Screen. 

Accessories: An attractive lobby standee 

featuring Lana Turner and picture credits 

comes in a variety of sizes up to six feet 

high. Fluorescent satin banners, usher badges 

and valances and an auto bumper strip with 

theatre imprint are available on order. A twocolor 

11x17 herald may also be had on order. 

Regular and teaser trailers, in Technicolor, 

are available at MGM exchanges. TV slides 

or "Telops" for local telecasts and fan fotos 

picturing Lana Turner in her new hairdo 

may also be had on order from venders listed 

in the pressbook. A selection of tie-in stills 

for a number of merchant co-ops— pets. No. 

1635x16; sport cars. No. 1635x27; sport 

clothes. No. 1635x40; cameras. No. 1635x39 

and No. 1635x34. Feature the special stills 

No. Lana Turner 4871 and 4784 in tieups 

with local hair dressers and beauty parlors 

10 plug the star's brunette hairdo. 

THE SARACEN BLADE CoL 

Book: "The Saracen Blade," written by Frank 

Verby. has been read by millions of people 

and is now on sale in a pocketbook edition 

throughout the country. 

Tie-in Tips: Arrange co-op ads and window 

displays with local dealers; blow up 

the cover for a lobby display. Copy the 

jacket covers, available on Still Nos. ART 

7 and 8 for use as a walking book bally; 

prepare book marks for general distribution 

in libraries and stores; for guest admissions 

ask for first edition copies, and 

distribute other copies to newspaper, radio 

and TV critics and commentators. 

Color-in Mat: A three-column line drawing 

with picture title and room for theatre credits 

for use in a local newspaper contest or throwaway 

imprint, may be ordered as Mat 3-A 

I 6x6) from National Screen. 

.\ccessories : A 4-page, 9x12 folder herald and 

several special stills for a variety of tieups 

for women's fashions, jewelry and beauty 

makeup, Nos. 66, 90, 54, 77 and 80. A drawing 

of an Oriental dancer for special display 

purposes is available on Still No. ART-1, on 

order from National Screen. An advance trailer, 

in color by Technicolor, may also be ordered 


PRINCE VALIANT 20tli-Fox 

King Features: The "Prince Valiant" release 

has been plugged in this syndicate's newspapers 

for six months prior to release, with 

features and special pictorial layouts. These 

newspapers will lend full cooperation in promoting 

local playdates via store promotions, 

co-op ads, contests and special publicity material. 

Feature stories, art layouts and promotion 

material has been sent to client newspapers 

which feature the Harold Foster weekly 

comic-page adventure strip. A two-column 

photo showing Robert Wagner, star of the 

picture, meeting Hal Foster the creator and 

author of the "Prince Valiant" strip, is 

available as Mat SP-2X, from National 

Screen. For further information and cooperation, 

ivrite Mr. Chester Weil, King Features 

Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York. 

Licensee Merchandise: A special accessory 

highlight is the "Prince Valiant" singing 

sword, shield and scabbard which is being 

backed in a nationwide campaign by Mattel, 

Inc., the manufacturer, via window and lobby 

display materials, Minute Movies, TV and 

cooperative newspaper ads. Stills picturing 

Robert Wagner with the sword, shield and 

scabbard are available for publicity purposes. 

Use the sets as a mailing piece to critics 

and editors, or as prizes in contests run by 

the local newspaper outlet for the comic strip. 

Unbreakable figurines of five characters and 

ten knights from the picture, as well as additional 

knights and a toy castle, are availab'e 

for lobby and window displays and will 

also make excellent prizes. Other merchandise 

includes "Prince Valiant" playsuits; "Prince 

Valiant" armor suits; masquerade costumes; 

"Prince Valiant" T-shirts and sweat shirts: 

a junior line of archery sets, on which tieups 

with local chapters of the National Archery 

.\ss'n. can be made; toy rubber balloons, 

for giveaways, lobby and marquee decorations, 

and bally stunts; a Crossbow Pistol Game; 

"Prince Valiant" Board Game, on which 

counter and window display material is available 

from the manufacturer; registering 

banks, tied in with the picture; puppets and 

marionettes of the picture's characters; juvenile 

furniture; "Prince Valiant" decorated 

school bags and brief cases; jigsaw puzz'es 

and boxed punch-outs carrying the "Prince 

Valiant" motif; color-by-numbers sets; and 

candy and surprise package, for sale in theatres. 

Books: Four editions of "Prince Valiant" 

books are available for a variety of tie-ins 

and special promotions wherever comic books 

are sold. 

Radio and TV Campaigns: A teaser radio recording 

with one 30-second, two 20-Becond 

and four 10-second spot announcements, and 

another saturation radio record containing 

one 60-aecond, one SOsecond and one 20- 

second spots, both platters are open-end. 

specify picture and type of record desired 

when ordering. A free sound effects record 

for ihe lobby PA system to play continuously, 

specify picture title when ordering. All 

tiiree disks are available gratis from the 

Pressbook Editor, 20th Century-Fox, 444 W. 

56th St., New York. Two complete TV campaigns 

consisting of a set of three TV cards 

for a 20-second spot telecast, and a supplementary 

single TV card for a 10-second spot, 

lurnish theatre and piaydate information for 

both items and call letters of the station for 

tae single TV card. 

Music: A ballad, "1 Do," based on the picture's 

musical score has been published by 

Miller Music Corp., and recording companies 

are scheduled to use big name artists to 

record the song at an early date. Contact 

music shops and disk jockeys for music promotion 

stunts. 

Special Accessories: A giant four page tabloid 

herald measuring 17x22% for distribution 

from ihe theatre, via newsstands, department 

stores, schools and street ballys, is 

available on order. Flag pennants on poles, 

valances, wall banners, auto bumper strips, 

streamers and ushers lapel badges are also 

available. 

NL\gaznes: Parent's announced the Gold 

.Medal award to "Prince Valiant" for May 

1934. Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Town & 

Country selected it as the picture of the 

month and a barrage of fan magazine covers 

featured portraits of Robert Wagner and 

lanet Leigh. Photo-Play in its AprU issue 

included a Special Achievement award to 

Robert Wagner, and national weekly magazine 

supplements, among them American 

Weekly, Parade, This Week, Family Weekly 

and Pictorial Review, all spotliglited "Prince 

\aliant." Seventeen selected the film as its 

I iiture of the Month and is making available 

for all playdales a free one-sheet poster 

For an attractive lobby display, use a special 

43x60, including as many of the magazine 

breaks as possible. 

The Smnt Emblem: The little figure of a 

man with a halo over his head symboUzing 

the Saint stories, is a familiar emblem to all 

readers. Special drawings of nine of these 

figures are on Mat 2-X, available at National 

Screen. If permissible, these figures may be 

c:ialk-drawn on sidewalks around town with 

proper credits. 

Book Tieups: Leslie Charteris, author of the 

Saint books, is a popular detective story 

writer and many of his novela are carried by 

bookstores. Arrange windo-v displays, print 

bookmarks carrying The Saint character on 

one side and theatre ad on the reverse, and 

use a large book as a street bally. 

THE ROCKET MAN 20th-Fox 

Rheem Heaters: This manufacturer of water 

heaters and boilers is distributing nationally 

25.000 display cards and alerting 10,000 dealer- 

throughout the country about the picture. 

The promotion includes a tie-in ad campaign 

in consumer and trade magazines, a nationwide 

direct mail campaign and plugs at state 

and national plumber conventions. Prepared 

also are newspaper ads and envelope stuffers 

for local use. Contact should be made with 

local dealers for mutual exploitation on the 

picture. 

\ccessories: 20-second TV spots using either 

a slide or Telop for local broadcasts are available 

on order from the manufacturer. A production 

trailer on the picture is available on 

order from National Screen. 

BOXOFFICE Showrmandiser : 

: 

May 

22, 1954 — 171 —

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

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

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

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

relation to normal grosses as determined by the theatre managers. With 100 per cent as 

"normal," the figures show the gross rating above or below that mark. 

?5„,„^ 

Act of Love (UA.i 100 145 225 115 65 150 90 

Alaska Seas (Para) 

I~Z 

100 100 80 100 100 100 

Bait (Col) 195 80 100 

Battle of Rogue River (Col) 100 80 90 

Beachhead (UA) 85 100 100 90 75 160 85 

Blackout (LP) 100 

85^ 

Boy From Oklahoma, The (WB) 140 95 170 65 75 95 

Carnival Story, The (RKO) 

90 100 120 130 100 180 105 100 90 118 

70 90 100 100 105 100 100 90 94 

50 85 65 85 120 100 90 97 

85 90 100 80 89 

90 120 120 135 145 100 115 

70 80 100 85 87 

85 165 65 90 95 110 60 90 90 93 

.) 

'ox) 

T^n U 1 T C 1. River of No Return (20th-Fox) 

U r n I I J Chicago 215 

Los Angeles 200 

•r I r 1*1 V c # 2. Executive Suite (MGM) 

^^'"•' "^°'"'' 

THE WEEK 

200 

Baltimore 175 

Individual runs, not an averaoe. 

Picturei with less than ii>c runs 3. Hollv and the Ivv, The (Pocemaker) 

do not appear In the chart above. 

Chicieo 180

NEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CENTER 

(Hollywood Office— Suite 219 at 6404 Hollywood Blvd.: Ivan Spear. Western Manager) 

Ann Sheridan Signs 

For Video Project 

HOLLYWOOD—Glamor in the form of Ann 

Sheridan has been added to TV's talent 

roster with the disclosure that the actress 

has been inked by Chertok Television Enterprises, 

headed by Jack Chertok, for the tentatively 

titled "Las Vegas Woman," a new comedy-drama 

series in which she will portray 

the femme press agent for a hotel in the 

resort city. A pilot film is slated to go before 

the cameras in mid-June. 

Chertok also produces the Private Secretary 

video series, starring Ann Sothern, and 

the Lone Ranger westerns, as well as spot 

amiouncements and commercials for various 

companies. 

Matthew Rapf Productions has been organized 

by the former MGM writer-producer 

to turn out celluloid for TV distribution. 

First on the docket will be "Nobel Prize 

Benefit of Mankind," based on the achievements 

of various winners of this award, 

i * * 

Two new departments have been created 

to supervise the physical and administrative 

operations of the Columbia Broadcasting 

System's radio and television divisions 

here. Functioning under Charles L. Glett, 

vice-president in charge of Hollywood network 

services, James V. Melick has been 

named director of production administration, 

while Lester H. Bowman will be in charge of 

physical operations. The CBS radio segment 

is currently originating 49 network shows 

weekly, while its TV division originates 20 

live and 13 filmed programs a week. 

* * * 

With Gloria Winters as the title-roler, 

"Little Britches" hit the cameras as Studio 

City Television Productions' latest half-hour 

segment in its Stories of the Century series. 

The films are being produced by Edward J. 

White and megged by William Witney for 

Republic's TV subsidiary. 

Steve Broidy Appointed 

To LA Welfare Board 

HOLLYWOOD—Steve Broidy, Allied Artists 

president, was elected to the 27-man 

board of directors of the Welfare Federaton 

of Los Angeles, which manages and directs 

Community Chest operations. Among other 

film industry members on the newly reorganized 

board are Y. Frank Freeman. 

Valentine Da vies, Cecil B. DeMille, Dore 

Schary, Carey Wilson, John Lehners, Regis 

Toomey and Don Chambers. 

Walter Reade Jr. Invited 

To Speak Before MPIC 

HOLLYWOOD—Walter Reade jr., 

president 

of Theatre Owners of America, has been invited 

to addi'ess the membership of the Mo- ' 

tion Picture Industry Council when he arrives 

here from the east next month to attend 

a meeting of TOA's executive committee. 

Arrangements for a June meeting to hear 

Reade were completed by the MPIC at a 

membership session at which a half-hour documentary, 

"American Harvest," was screened. 

ACLU Honor to Schary 

HOLLYWOOD—For his work on behalf of 

civil liberties, Dore Schary, MGM studio head, 

was to be honored Saturday (22) at a banquet 

marking the 30th anniversary of the 

southern California branch of the American 

Civil Liberties Union. Schary is one of 17 

civic leaders named to a newly formed ACLU 

advisory council. 

STATESMAN HONORED—Dr. Dag 

Hammarskjold, secretary-general of the 

United Nations, was generous in his 

praise to the film industry when he was 

guest of honor at a dinner hosted in Hollywood 

by the Ass'n of Motion Picture 

Producers. Without movies, he said, "the 

people of the world would know much 

less about each other and we would be 

much farther from our goal of living together 

peaceably." Dr. Hammarskjold is 

shown in the top photo with B. B. 

Kahane, left, Columbia executive, and Jack 

L. Warner, right, Warner Bros, vice-president. 

In the bottom photo, with Don 

Hartman, left, Paramount executive producer, 

and Dore Schary, right, MGM 

studio head. 

Hollywood 'Mighty' 

Premiere on 27th 

HOLLYWOOD—Film luminaries will be 

well represented among the first-nighters 

Thursday (27) for the Hollywood half of the 

dual-city world premiere of "The High and 

the Mighty," Wayne-Fellows production in 

Cinemascope, being released by Warners. 

Premiere festivities at the Egyptian Theatre 

here will be televised over station KECA-TV. 

The film, which stars John Wayne, Claii-e 

Trevor, Laraine Day, Robert Stack, Jan 

sterling, Robert Newton, Phil Harris and 

David Brian, premieres simultaneously at the 

Paramount Theatre in San Francisco. 

An eight- theatre opening on Wednesday (26) 

has been scheduled here for two Lippert Pictures 

releases. The films, "Monster From the 

Ocean Floor" and "Queen of Sheba," will daydate 

at the State, Uptown and Academy in 

Los Angeles: the United Ai-tists in Long 

Beach; the Cahfornia in Glendale, and the 

Centinela, South Gate and Floral drive-ins. 

* * * 

"The Long Wait," second Victor Saville 

production based on the detective novels of 

Mickey Spillane, will open locally on Wednesday 

(26) at Warners' Downtown and Wiltern, 

Fox West Coast's Hollywood and Inglewood, 

and six drive-ins. The Anthony Quinn topliner 

is being distributed by United Artists. 

* * * 

"Elephant Walk," Paramount's Elizabeth 

Taylor-Dana Andrews starrer, will open 

Wednesday (26) at three conventional and 

four drive-in theatres here. The Irving 

Asher production, directed by William 

Dieterle, will bow at the Orpheum, Vogue 

and Picwood and the Gage, Century, El 

Monte and Van Nuys ozoners. 

* * * 

"Ring of Fear," the Wayne-Fellows production 

in Cinemascope and WarnerColor for 

Warner release, will be world-premiered July 

2 at the Fox Theatre in Phoenix, where the 

circus drama was lensed. 

Schedules 'Salt' Opening 

CHICAGO—"Salt of the Earth," the motion 

picture concerning a mine workers strike in 

New Mexico, which was produced by persons 

allegedly identified with the Communist 

party, will have its midwest premiere at the 

Cinema Annex Theatre May 28. The film 

was originally booked into the Hyde Park 

Theatre, but was canceled. As a result. Independent 

Production Corp. Distributors, 

which is distributing the film, has filed suit 

against the Hyde Park for $25,000 for breach 

of contract. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 

35

a 

Blurbers 

STUDIO PERSONNELITIES 

United Artists 

Hecht-Loncoster Productions set JAMES O'NEILL 

OS its eastern publicity representative, functioning 

under supervision of Walter Seltzer, vice-president in 

charge of advertising and publicity. O'Neill was 

formerly with 20th Century-Fox's Gotham proisery 

department. 

Warner Bros. 

LEE FERRERO, former International News Service 

bureou chief m Los Angeles and a onetime war 

correspondent, joined the studio publicity deportment 

to handle the upcoming Victor Soville production, 

"The Silver Chalice." 

Cleffers 

Paramount 

Bockground music for "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" 

will be composed and directed by LYN MURRAY. 

20th Century-Fox 

Assigned to collaborate on ttie musical score for 

"The Egyptian" were ALFRED NEWMAN and BERN- 

ARD HERRMANN. 

Universal-International 

JOSEPH GERSHENSON will handle the music supervision 

on "The Yellow Mountain." 

Warner Bros. 

MAX STEINER is writing the musical score for 

"Battle Cry." 

Loanouts 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

Borrowed from Wayne-Fellows Productions, JAMES 

ARNESS will have a principal role with Robert Taylor 

ond Eleanor Parker in Producer Jack Cummings' 

'Many Rivers to Cross." 

Meggers 

Allied Artists 

HENRY LEVIN was signed to direct "The Black 

Prince," Cinemascope costumer to be produced in 

England in association with 20th Century-Fox. 

Columbia 

WILLIAM CASTLE will 

direct "Bugle's Wake," Technicolor 

octioner starring George Montgomery, which 

Producer Sam Katzman will send onto the sound 

stages in July. 

Options 


Producer Lindsley Parsons booked MARK STEVbNS 

to star m "Ketchikan," salmon-fishing drama, which 

will roll in July on location in Alaska. 

Columbia 

JEAN BYRON will be Johnny Weissmuller's leading 

lady in "Jungle Jim and the Moon Man," which 

Chorles S. Gould megs for Producer Sam Katzman. 

BILLY CURTIS will portray the ruler of a tribe of 

midgets. Set for the romantic mole lead was BILL 

HENRY. 

Lippert Productions 

DANE CLARK was signed to stor in "Thunder Pass," 

a western being lensed by William F. Broidy Productions, 

with Robert A. Nunes producing and Frank 

McDonald as the director. Inked were ANDY DEVINE, 

RAYMOND BURR, DOROTHY PATRICK, JOHN 

CARRADINE and RAYMOND HATTON. 


The late Florenz Ziegfeld will be portrayed by PAUL 

HENREID in "Deep in My Heart," tunefilm based on 

the coreer of Sigmund Romberg, starring Jose Ferrer, 

Merle Oberon and Helen Traubol. Stanley Donen is 

megging the Roger Edens production, 

ALAN HALE JR. was inked to portray a Kentucky 

bockwoodsmon in "Many Rivers to Cross," outdoor 

droma starring Robert Taylor and Eleanor Parker, 

which Jack Cummings will produce in CmemoScope 

and color. The director is Roy Rowlond. 

DOLORES GRAY, former musical comedy star, will 

share the stellar honors with Gene Kelly in "Fair 

Weother," upcoming mustcol to be produced by 

Arthur Freed, which Kelly and Stanley Donen will 

direct. 

Cost with Edmund Purdom and Toinc Elg in "The 

Prodigal," Biblical dramo which Charles Schnee will 

produce, was LANA TURNER. 

Williom Demarest was signed for the role of a 

general in the army of Hannibal, played by Howard 

Keel, in "Jupiter's Darling," starring Esther Williams. 

It will be directed by George Sidney and produced by 

George Wctls. 

Paramount 

BASIL RATHBONE joins Humphrey Bogarf and John 

Derek in the topline cast of the Pat Duggan production, 

"We're No Angels," which will roll next month 

with Michael Curtiz directing. 

Producer-Director Cecil B. DeMille signed SIR 

CEDRIC HARDWICKE to portray Sethi the Just, the 

Egyption pharaoh in whose court Moses was reared, 

in "The Ten Commandments," for which Yul Brynner 

was previously cast. The Biblical drama will begin 

shooting on location in Egypt this fall in VistaVision 

and Technicolor. 

TREVOR BARDETTE, JACK LAMBERT, EMERSON 

TREACY and JOE HAWORTH hove been added to the 

cost of Pine-Thomas' "Run for Cover," Technicolor 

production in VistaVision, starring James Cagney, 

Viveca Lindfors and John Derek. Nick Ray is directing. 

RKO Radio 

British character actor LESLIE BRADLEY was cast 

in "The Conqueror," Producer-Director Dick Powell's 

historical adventure drama, which will star John 

Wayne and Susan Hayworth. 

20th Century-Fox 

Michael Rennie will star with Jean Simmons and 

Marlon Brando in "Desiree," CmemoScope version of 

the novel by Annemorie Selinko, which Henry Koster 

will direct for Producer Julian Bloustein. 


Dona Andrews' co-star in the Howard Christie 

production, "Smoke Signal." will be ALLISON HAYES, 

recently signed to a long-term contract. The Technicolor 

western will be megged by Jerry Hopper. 

Handed the stellar rote in "Spring Song," Technicolor 

musical to be produced by Ross Hunter, was 

DONALD O'CONNOR. 

Warner Bros. 

AUDREY DALTON will be Alan Ladd's leading iady 

in "Drum Beat," Robert Keith will portray an Indian 

fighter. CHARLES BUCHINSKY, character actor, has 

been cast in the pivotal role of a renegade Indian 

chief in the Alan Ladd starrer to be filmed under 

the bonner of Ladd's Jaguor Productions in Cinema- 

Scope and WornerColor. Del mar Doves will produce 

and direct. MARISA PAVAN, twin sister of Pier 

Angeli, will portray a Modoc Indian princess. 

VIRGINIA CHRISTINE, a "Dragnet" regular on 

TV and radio, has been cost in the feature-length 

WornerColor production based on the police series. 

Jack Webb stars in and directs, with Stanley Meyer 

producing. 

Story Buys 

"Desperate Hours, 

' 

Paramount 

suspense yarn by Joseph 

RIOT' IIONOKKU—Don Siegel. who 

directed Ihe Walter Wanger production. 

"Kiot in Cell Bloek II,'* for Allied Artists, 

represented the studio when the Southern 

Cahfornia Motion Picture Council gave 

the picture a "certificate of award" citing 

it lis one of the year's outstanding releases. 

At left is Mrs. William Burk, 

SCMPC president. The organization is 

an affiliate of the National Screen Council, 

which each month selects the BOX- 

OFFICK Blue Kibbon award- winning 

picture. 

Hoynes, was purchased for filming by Producer- 

Director William Wyler. 

Technically 


REX BAILEY has been set as unit manager on 

"The Police Story." 

Columbia 

The William Goetz production, "The Man From 

Loramie," will be photographed in Technicolor by 

WILLIAM DANIELS. 


REGGIE CALLOW will serve as assistant director on 

"Many Rivers to Cross," 

United Artists 

The W. R. Frank Production, "Sitting Bull," will 

be edited by RICHARD VAN ENGER. 


Swinging over from Hecht-Lancaster Productions, 

NORMAN DEMING has been signed os a unit production 

manager under supervision of Gilbert Kurlond, 

department head. 

Warner Bros. 

Alan Ladd's independent unit, Joguar Productions, 

inked GEORGE BERTHELON to function as a production 

manager, his first assignment to be the Ladd 

starrer, "Drum Beat," Art director will be LEO K. 

KUTER. 

Title 

Changes 

Columbia 

"Bat Mosterson, Bad Man" to MASTERSON OF 

KANSAS. 

Paramount 

"Angels Cooking" to WE'RE NO ANGELS. 


" 

"Nevada Gold to THE YELLOW MOUNTAIN. 

Medical Fraternity Gives 

Its Award to H. M. Warner 

HOLLYWOOD—In recognition of his services 

to medical science, HaiTy M. Warner, 

president of Warner Bros., was honored Saturday 

(15) at the annual dinner meeting 

of the Los Angeles chapter of Phi Lambda 

Kappa, national medical fraternity. Warner 

was given the fraternity's achievement award, 

presented each year to the layman contributing 

most to the furtherance of medical 

research projects and programs. 

* * * 

Dag Hammarskjold, United Nations secretary-general, 

was a Thursday (13> dinner 

guest of the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers, 

with B. B. Kahane. Columbia executive 

and AMPP vice-president, as host. 

Others in attendance included Dore Schary, 

MGM; Jack L. Warner, Warner Bros.; Lew 

Schreiber. 20th Century-Fox; Don Hartman, 

Paramount; Morris Weiner, Universal-International, 

and Howard McDonell, Republic. 

* * . 

Jeff Chandler and a group of veteran 

Hollywood Coordinating Committee overseas 

performers were the entertainment headliners 

Saturday (15) at the annual meeting 

of the Greater Los Angeles USO. With 

Chandler as emcee, a troupe comprising 

Glad.vs and Will Ahern, the Encores, Larry 

Roberts, Barbara Ruick and Penny Singleton 

saluted a capacity turnout of USO volluiteer 

workers and servicemen. Program 

speakers included Gen. Omar Bradley, chairman 

of the United Defense FLUid. while 

Chandler crowned the winners of the Miss, 

Mrs. and Mr. USO popularity contests conducted 

among local USO units. 

Raibourn at Chicago Meet 

CHICAGO—Paul Raibourn, vice-president 

of Paramount Pictures, was principal speaker 

at a luncheon meeting of the Chicago Television 

Council Friday (21) at the Sheridan 

hotel. His subject was "Wither Television?" 


: May 

22, 1954

One Writers Union 

Subject of Guild 

HOLLYWOOD—A proposed 

reorganization 

plan calling for the formation of one writers 

union covering scriveners engaged in film, 

radio and TV activity was the principal topic 

when the Screen Writers Guild staged a 

Wednesday U9) membership session 

During the three-month period ending 

April 30, 375 members of the Screen Actors 

Guild received a total of $26,440 in residual 

payments for reruns of TV films in which 

they have appeared, the SAG disclosed in an 

intelligence report to the membership. This 

brings to more than $30,000 the amount collected 

in residuals since the SAG's new TV 

contract went into effect. 

* * * 

Plans for presentation of its second annual 

Critic's award have been launched by the 

Screen Directors Guild with the dispatching 

by George Sidney, SDG president, of letters 

to 300 newspaper and magazine critics in 

the U.S. and Canada. The kudos will go to 

the appraiser whose film reviews are adjudged 

"the must perceptive and conducive to the 

betterment of motion pictures." 

Sidney pointed out in his communique that 

"constructive and enlightened criticism is 

an important factor in encouraging higher 

standards" in film production as well as "promoting 

wider interest and better understanding 

on the part of audiences." 

The winner will be announced at the end 

of the year. Last year the award went to 

Bosley Crowther, motion picture editor of 

the New York Times. 

'Mighty' Script Is Praised 

HOLLYWOOD—An achievement scroll was 

presented Wednesday (19) by the Books and 

Authors Symposium to "The High and the 

Mighty." the Wayne-Fellows production for 

Warner Bros, release, because of the "unusual 

fidelity" with which the best-selling 

novel by Ernest K. Gann was translated to 

the screen. The presentation was made at a 

luncheon by Mrs. Helen R. Girvin, founderdirector 

of the organization, and accepted by 

Producer Robert Fellows. 

20th-Fox to Film Two More 

f HOLLYWOOD—Two more properties have 

been added to the 20th-Fox docket, for Cinemascope 

treatment. William Hawks and 

William Bacher will co-produce "The Tall 

Men," an original by Clay Fisher about frontier 

trail blazing, and Sy Bartlett will produce 

"That Lady," co-starring Olivia deHavilland 

and Gilbert Roland. The latter, to be 

j 

directed by Terrence Young, will be lensed 

in Spain and England. 

Mathlon to KTTV Studio 

HOLLYWOOD — Mathlon 

Productions, 

which will produce "The Bob Mathias Story" 

for Allied Artists release, has secured shooting 

space at the KTTV studio. Starring 

Mathias, Olympic games decathlon champion, 

and produced by William E. Selwyn, the 

feature will go into production early in June 

on location in Tulare, Calif., Mathias' home 

town. .The director is Francis D. Lyon. 

^ NOTHER fii-m of proven and success- 

/Sja ful film makers that has obviously determined 

to take seriously the timehonored 

observation that good pictures are 

the sure-fire cure for the motion picture industry's 

existing ills is Pine and Thomas. As 

even the most uninformed industryite well 

knows. Bill Pine and Bill Thomas, erstwhile 

press agents both, have been supplying Paramount 

with a goodly slice of its product for 

14 years, a slice that has been noteworthy for 

quality as well as quantity. 

The Dollar Bills, as they are affectionately 

and respectfully known throughout the trade, 

have made money, a financial fact that they 

fully admit. No small portion of their longterm 

profit-making can be attributed to their 

canny ability to keep abreast—perhaps one 

step ahead of—the market for motion pictures. 

When they initially hung out their 

producers' shingle, the budgets of their pictures 

were under the $100,000 figure, and the 

content thereof stressed rugged action, often 

in the fields of assorted adventurous industrial 

pursuits. As competition—within and 

from without the industry—intensified, P.-T. 

permitted budgets, casts and productional 

accoutrements to reach higher levels until 

the most recent of its features flirted with the 

million-dollar mark. Regardless of costs and 

revenues, they made pictures, as many as 

seven during some of their 14 years. One 

need only to refer to more than a decade of 

boxoffice records to be reminded that P.-T. 

product—whether modestly budgeted or comparatively 

opulent, plentiful or relatively 

limited—usually spelled profits for the producers, 

the distributing company and the theatres 

that exhibited it. 

Nonetheless, it has been 11 months since 

the Dollar Bills have put a film before the 

cameras. The reasons are the same as those 

that have motivated the decisions and policies 

of many another top-bracket organization, 

to wit, current conditions call for fewer and 

definitely better motion pictures. 

P.-T. admits the seriousness of the loud 

plaint from certain segments of the exhibition 

field that predicts the shuttering of many 

more movie theatres unless enough features 

are forthcoming from Hollywood to permit 

continuance of the three or four program 

changes each week that have been established 

operations of smaller houses. At the 

same time, they have reluctantly recognized 

that showmen, even those who are most apprehensive 

of an impending product shortage, 

will not or cannot pay large enough film 

rentals for features fabricated on modest 

budgets and a mass production basis, even 

when such films are of comparatively superior 

quality and succeed in extracting the last 

ounce of entertainment and audience appeal 

from the dollars allocated to their manufacture. 

Resultantly, after a year's hiatus, P.-T. is 

swinging back into action, but on the new 

basis reflective of production trends—fewer 

and bigger motion pictures. The Dollar Bills 

have set no definite ceiling on the number of 

features they will produce in any one .year 

it may be one, two or three. The quantity will 

be determined by the availability of 

literary 

properties, stars and directors of the high 

calibre they feel is so necessary to the type 

of celluloid they will henceforth essay. 

Ti-ue, at this writing they have three subjects 

scheduled for starts within as many 

months, but they point out that the trio is the 

result of more than a year's painstaking 

search for the above-listed ingredients—and 

it may well constitute the sum total of their 

output for the next two years. And a passing 

gander at the blueprints for the threesome 

emphasizes that the long quest for top 

talent has been far from fruitless. 

Scheduled for a late-May start is "Run 

for Cover," budgeted at $1,600,000, starring 

James Cagney, John Derek and Viveca Lindfors, 

and to be made in Technicolor and 

Paramount's new wide-screen VistaVision 

process. Described as a rugged western action 

drama, it will be directed by Nicholas Ray 

from a script prepared by Winston Miller. 

This will be followed eai-ly in July by the 

tentatively titled "Blue Horizon," also in 

Technicolor and VistaVision, and with Charlton 

Heston in one of the leading roles, portraying 

Clark of the historic Lewis and Clark 

expedition. P.-T. picked up the screen rights 

to "Sacajawea of the Shoshones," a novel by 

Delia Gould Emmons, to serve as the basis 

for the offering, for which a screenplay was 

written by Lewis R. Foster, Winston Miller 

and Edmund North. Selection of other cast 

members—including that of Sacajawea, the 

Indian maiden—and a director is now under 

way. The budget; A hefty $2,000,000. 

A like amount will be expended on the third 

project, "Lucy Gallant," based on a Good 

Housekeeping magazine story by Margaret 

Cousins and penned for the screen by John 

Lee Mahin. Indications are that this, too, 

will be garnished with Technicolor and Vista- 

Vision. and the search is now on for a megaphonist 

and thespian roster to spin the yarn 

of a New England gal who arrives in an 

Oklahoma oil-boom town and eventually 

builds a successful department store. 

All of which, and with due consideration 

to past performances, furnishes strong promise 

that the Dollar Bills will contribute just 

as effectively and profitably to the new, 

limited market as for so long they did to 

the wider field of yesteryear. 

•'NOTED SCREEN WRITER SPENDS 

TIME WITH L.A. VICE SQUADDERS" 

George Lait-Columbia Headline. 

Shucks, Mitchum never took bows for it. 

Hollywood fable: Once upon a time there 

was a Russell Birdwell client who paid the 

behemoth of blurb his stipend—without being 

sued therefor. 

NAMES IS NAMES DEFT. 

(U-I Division) 

One Ralph Sedan has been cast to portray 

a French chauffeur in "So This Is Paris." 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 37

^'X^cutUte. 

West: Dii-ector Edward Dmytryk planed in 

from a two-week trek to London to prepare 

for the filming in Britain of "End of the 

Affair." David Rose's Coronado production 

for Columbia release. Deborah Kerr will have 

the feminine starring role in the film version 

of the novel by Grahame Greene. 

* * * 

West: Arthur Hornblow jr., who will produce, 

and Fred Zinnemann, set to direct 

"Oklahoma!" for Rodgers & Hammerstein 

in the Todd-AO process, checked in from 

New York to finalize preparations for a July 

start on the feature. 

* * * 

East: G. Ralph Branton, Allied Artists 

executive and president of that company's 

TV subsidiary, Interstate Television Corp., 

and Robert Newgard, western sales manager, 

headed for Chicago for a two-day conference 

of Interstate's national sales force. 

* * * 

West: Clark Ramsay, executive assistant 

to David A. Lipton, Universal-International's 

vice-president in charge of advertising and 

publicity, returned from two weeks of New 

York homeoffice conferences. 

* « « 

East: Richard Heermance, assistant to 

Walter Mirisch, Allied Artists executive producer, 

planed out for London to launch preparations 

for the upcoming filming there of 

"The Black Prince." 

^^

. . While 

SAN FRANCISCO 'River' Runs Ahead in Los Angeles 

fJtr. and Mrs. Verne C. Shattuck have sold 

. . . 

their Donner Theatre in Truckee to Mi-, 

and Mrs. Jack Neugebauer. The Shattucks 

will continue to operate the Tahoe Theatre 

at Kings Beach during the summer seasons 

The design for the new J. C. Penney 

. . . 

store, to be built by Joseph Blumenfeld, has 

been completed. It will occupy the Esquire 

Theatre building. Blumenfeld will take over 

the Fox State Theatre and construct a modern 

new Esquii-e Theatre Paul Spier, 

amusement guide publisher, went to Mexico 

"River of No Return," opening 

on business . . . 

at the Fox Theatre, is the first film Miss 

Monroe has appeared in since her marriage 

to Joe DiMaggio, a native San Franciscan. 

The theatre publicists are playing this up. 

. 

. . 

The Rex Theatre was leased to the International 

Players who took over May 21 and 

renamed the house the Bella Union, its 

original name Boyd Sparrow, 

Warfield manager, is vacationing, Harry Shaw, 

division manager for Loew's Poli-New England 

Theatres took over for three weeks . 

Charles Pincus, Blumenfeld circuit bo.ssman 

in the Stockton area, has been elected to a 

post with the Stockton Advertising club. 

Jim Mooney, RKO salesman, was in from 

his San Joaquin run wth plenty of playdates 

. . . Dick Colbert, sales manager at U-I, expects 

to be a father soon. His wife is the 

former Jean Galvin of the B. P. Shearer Co. 

. . . F. T. Murray, branch operation manager 

for U-I in New York, is expected in town 

with new photostat equipment to be installed 

in the local office. This office is one of five 

installing this equipment as a test case . . . 

M. E. Glascock's Lake Theatre in Woodlake 

will be closed from May 29 through September 

12. 

. . Also, Johnny and Sal 

. . Chili-Cones 

A. H. Castle, Valley Drive-In at Pleasanton, 

Leslie Favekas. the Lyric, San Jose and 

Robert Patton, the Uptown Theatre at Sonora, 

were along the Row . . . Louis Vaughn 

and his wife are leaving for Alaska. Vaughn 

formerly was with Robert L. Lippert Theatres 

William Garren of the Albany Theatre 

. . . was on the Row . 

Enea of Auto Airport Movies . 

are being handled by Arthur Unger Co., and 

are going great at the drive-ins . . . Charles 

Morehead has taken over for vacationing 

Nate Crevitz at Pittsburg. 

. . . Paramount's 

Jack Stevenson, manager at Paramount, 

has moved back to town from across the bay 

to a penthouse apartment 

head booker, George Carome, is the papa of 

a baby son . . . James Henry, also a Paramount 

booker, is the father of a baby girl . . 

Betty Merrit, Paramount cashier, returned to 

work after an illness of a week . The Patio 

Theatre at 

. . 

Half Moon Bay reopened May 14. 

The owner is Loren Powell and the house 

will be booked by Arch Booking and Buying 

Service. 

In Second Sfanza; 'Guitar Next 

LOS ANGELES—Pickin's were mighty slim 

among first run situations, with only two or 

three comparatively bright spots. "River of 

No Return" finished its second week with 150 

per cent and "Johnny Guitar," also in its 

second stanza, hit 140. 


Chinese River of No Return (20th-Fox), 2nd wk. 150 

Egyptian, State Arrow in the Dust (AA); Pride ot 

the Blue Gross (AA) 70 

El Rey—One Summer ot Happiness (Favorite), 

13th wk 60 

Fine Arts—Genevieve (U-I), 6th wk 75 

Four Star Rhopsody (MGM), 7th wk HO 

Fox Wilshire Night People (20th-Fox). 5th wk. 75 

Hawaii, Poloce Prisoner of Wor (MGM) 100 

Hillstreet, Pontages The Best Yeors of Our 

Lives (RKO), reissue 80 

Hollywood, Downtown Poramounts The Siege ot 

Red River (20th-Fox); Racing Blood (20th-Fox) 80 

Orpheum, Uptown, Vogue Witness to Murder 

(UA); Heat Wave (LP) 125 

Vagabond The Immortal City (Cappi), 4th wk. 85 

Globe, Fox Hollywood Orchestra Wives (20th- 

Fox); Sun Valley Serenade (20th-Fox), reissues 65 

Warner Downtown, Wiltern, Fox Iris Johnny 

Guitar (Rep), The Sun Shines Bright (Rep), 

2nd wk 140 

Warners Beverly Knock on Wood (Para), 6th wk. 110 

Warners Hollywood This Is Cineramo (Cinerama), 

55th wk 100 

Average Grosses Reported 

On Holdover Runs 

SAN FRANCISCO—An average 

week was 

reported at local first runs with all showings 

in holdover weeks. "Executive Suite" completed 

its third week in the lead at 110. 

Fox—Night People (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 100 

Golden Gate Carnival Story (RKO), 2nd wk. ..100 

Loew's Worfield Executive Suite (MGM). 3rd wk. 110 

Paramount Elephant Walk (Para); Give a Girl 

a Break (MGM), 2nd wk 1 00 

St. Francis Knock on Wood (Para), 5th wk. ..100 

United Artists The French Line (RKO), 2nd wk. 100 

"Say No' and Tort Apache' Lead 

In Otherwise Fair Week 

DENVER—Business ranged from a little 

better than average down to poor here last 

week. "She Couldn't Say No" and a reissue 

of "Fort Apache" showed the top gross at 120. 

Aladdin Golden Mask (UA); Actors ond Sin 

i\j/\\ 60 

Center River' if No Return (20th-Fox), 3rd wk...l00 

Denhom Naked Jungle (Para), 2nd wk 60 

Denver—She Couldn't Soy No (RKO); Fort Apache 

(RKO), reissue ^.'^" 

Orpheum Dangerous Mission (RKO); White Fire 

(LP) 60 

Porarnount— Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk. ..100 

Tabor Overland Pacific (UA); The Assassin (UA) 50 

'River' Leads Seattle Grosses 

For Second Week at 150 

SEATTLE—Held over a second week, "River 

of No Return" continued to hold down the 

number one boxoffice position at 150. "Executive 

Suite" took the second spot with 135. 

Business, otherwise, was slightly off the previous 

week. 

Blue Mouse Three Forbidden Stories (Ellis) .... 95 

Coliseum Yellow Tomahawk (UA); Miss Robin 

Crusoe (20th-Fox) 110 

Fifth Avenue Massacre Canyon (Col); It Should 

Happen to You (Col), 2nd wk 80 

Liberty Ploygirl (U-I); Both Sides of the Low (U-I) 70 

Music Box Rhapsody (MGM), 3rd wk 90 

Music Hall Executive Suite (MGM) 135 

Orpheum The Carnival Story (RKO); The Saint's 

Girl Friday (RKO) 90 

Paramount River of No Return (20th-Fox), 

1 

2nd wk 50 

Bill Grensky Manager 

OAKLAND, ORE.—Bill Grensky, formerly 

of Riddle, is the new manager of the Jewell 

Theatre here, succeeding Bert Copeland, who 

has been transferred to Myrtle Creek to 

manage the Rio Theatre. Copeland had managed 

the Jewell for about six years and recently 

had managed the Cloverleaf Drivein 

and the Sutherlin Theatre in Sutherlin. 

The cii'cuit is owned by Lloyd Wood. 

The world premiere of "High and Mighty" 

opening at the Paramount May 26 is getting 

a lot of attention from United Paramount 

head Earl Long. Jan Sterling of the cast was 

in town last week to promote the film's opening, 

and Robert Slack, another member of the 

cast, js expected in this week. 

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT CASH—Members of the Las Vegas Variety Club 

committee to aid in the purchase of playground equipment for the Las Vegas Union 

school district are shown above presenting a letter of commitment for $5,000 to Superintendent 

R. Guild Gray. Pictured, left to right, are Jack Pursel, Ed Jansen, Allard 

Roen, Fred Soly, Bob Cannon, Wilbur Clark, Herb MacDonald, Superintendent R. Guild 

Gray, Dick Chappell, Art Force, Sheriff Glen Jones, Roy Flippen and Stan Irwin. 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22, 1954 39

. . Alex 

DENVER 

Mate Eastman has opened his new 300-car 

Panhandle Drive-In at Kimball. Neb., 

with RCA equipment sold and installed by 

. . 

Western Service & Supply . . . Jean Gerbase, 

secretary at Western Service & Supply, is 

The 

spending her vacation in California 

Realart exchange was broken into, but according 

to Laura Haughey, manager, nothing 

was taken . . . Robert Patrick, Preferred exchange 

owner, became father of a second 

daughter. 

Jim Ricketts, Paramount manager, went to 

Salt Lake City to confer with George Smith, 

division manager, and Frank Smith, manager 

Foster Blake, Universal western 

there . . . 

sales manager, called on local theatre accounts 

and conferred with Mayer Monsky. manager 

. . . John Allen, MGM division manager, 

was in from his Dallas headquarters and 

stayed a few days at the local exchange . . . 

Henry Friedel, MGM manager, is recuperating 

after spending a little time in the hospital. 

Mrs. Alma D. Simpson, contract clerk who 

has been with MGM for more than 26 years, 

has retired and moved to California to live 

with a sister . . C. J. Duer, Allied Artists 

. 

manager, and Larry Doyle, salesman, took a 

swing around the northern part of the territory 

together. 

Ed Ballard, assistant to E. J. Baumgarten, 

of Lippert Pictures, was in for a couple of 

days conferring with Tom Bailey, franchise 

owner . Kling is building a 300-car 

drive-in four miles east of Belle Pourche. 

S.D., and expects to open next month. He is 

using Motiograph equipment, sold and to 

be installed by Ted Knox. 

Filmrow visitors included Basil Smith, La 

Junta; Loren McConnell, Imperial, Neb.; 

Frank Aydelotte, Fort Collins; Larry Starsmore, 

Colorado Springs: Richard Klein, 

Rapid City, S.D.; C. G. Diller, Manitou, and 

George Tucker and Frank Belaso. Albuquerque. 

Ralph Roe has been promoted from city 

manager at Nampa, Ida., to a similar job at 

Pocatello by Frank H. Ricketson jr., president 

of Fox Intermountain Theatres. He sue- 

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ceeds Robert Sweeten, who was made manager 

of the Centre, Denver. The Nampa 

city managership went to Robert Vanderpool, 

who was assistant city manager at Pocatello 

. . . J. M. F. Dubois, freelance newsreel 

cameraman, will be with one of the expeditions 

that will photograph the eclipse of the 

.sun. The films will be used by CBS-TV. 

Vallejo Fire Damage 

Placed at $100,000 

VALLEJO, CALIF.—Fox West Coast Theatres 

executives this week estimated damage 

on the charred Hanlon Theatre here at more 

than $100,000. Executives of the circuit were 

in town considering the possibilities of restoring 

the building and checking records 

salvaged from the structure. 

E. J. Sullivan, local manager for FWC, said 

no decision had been made as to whether 

the building would be restored as a theatre 

and added that the decision rests entirely 

with circuit officials in Los Angeles. 

Mi-s. P. J. Hanlon, whose late husband 

built the Hanlon in 1920, indicated that the 

structure would be rehabilitated, although 

she said the final decision will rest on the 

outcome of a meeting of other shareholders 

in the property. 

Mrs. Hanlon explained that the building, 

which had been under lease to FWC since 

1929, is owned by a par'tnership in which she 

and Mrs. Charles McCauley of Napa each 

ow'n one-third. The remaining one-third, she 

said, is divided into four shares, each held 

by James Kempton, Mrs. Sidney Martin and 

Mrs. Gertrude Klotz, all of Vallejo, and Mary 

Moran of Berkeley. 

Mi's. Hanlon said the lease on the building 

held by FWC is not up for renewal until 

next October. She said that if FWC decided 

against rehabilitating the house as a theatre, 

the owners probably will restore the building 

for investment purposes. 

Meantime, local firemen probed the ruins 

of the theatre to determine the cause of the 

fire. It was estimated that the flames broke 

out about 5 a.m., but the fire was not reported 

until about 8:09 when a passerby discovered 

smoke seeping from the structure. 

'Ring of Fear' to Open 

In Phoenix Where Made 

NEW YORK—Warner Bros, will open "Ring 

of Fear" July 2 at the Fox Theatre, Phoenix, 

Ariz., where it was filmed in Cinemascope 

and WarnerColor. The crime-mystery drama 

presents Clyde Beatty and his three-ring 

circus. The players include Mickey Spillane, 

mystery writer, and Pat O'Brien. Robert 

Fellows produced and James Edward Grant 

directed the film. 

Warner Bros, will present "Valley of the 

Sun" on the same program. This is a tworeel 

film in WarnerColor directed by Carl 

Dudley which shows the scenic wonders of 

Arizona. 

CS Installed at Fairbanks 

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA—The Empress Theatre 

completed the installation of Cinema- 

Scope and stereophonic sound under the supervision 

of RCA .sound technician William 

Cooley and J. S. Burns of Modern Theatre 

Supply, both of Seattle. 

CONGRATULATIONS — Gov. 

Goodwin 

Knight, left, of California extends 

felicitations to Freddie DePiano, general 

manager of Carlton Theatres of Los Angeles, 

for the latter's all-out efforts for 

California's child safety crusade. De- 

Piano has staged campaigns with the 

cooperation of Dan Duryea, Captain 

Video, Touch Conners and the Walt Disney 

cartoon characters to reduce accidents 

among children and to do away 

with many conditions responsible for such 

accidents. 

Walla Walla Theatre 

To Be Demolished 

WALLA WALLA, WASH.—The auditorium 

of the old Keylor Grand Theatre building 

here will be torn down within the next 60 

days, but the huge stage will be converted 

into a garage. Gordon Kelty, owner of the 

building, said A. P. Herman has been awarded 

a contract to demolish the building for a 

distance of 85 feet back from Adler street. 

The stage, one of the largest in the area, 

was one of the few big enough to handle the 

complete stage production of "Ben Hur," 

when it toured the west in 1909. Kelty said a 

service station will be built on the property 

along with a parking lot. The Keylor Grand 

was built in 1905 by the late Dr. Howard R. 

Keylor and was used for stage attractions 

until about 1930. Dark for nine years, it 

then operated briefly as a motion picture 

house during World War II and later was 

used only for w'restling and other entertainment. 

Kelty purchased it from Midstate 

Amusement Corp. in 1952. 

To Film 'Corrida' in Mexico 

HOLLYWOOD—Producer-Director 

Reginald 

LeBorg has set "Corrida," a bullfighting 

story, as his second venture for filming in 

Mexico. It follows the recently completed 

"The White Orchid," starring William Lundigan 

and Peggie Castle, which will be distributed 

by United Ai-tists. 

Bremerton Airer Reopens 

BREMERTON. WASH.—The Kitsap Lake 

Drive-In has reopened for the season. 

40 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22, 1954

. . Bob 

. . MGM 

SEATTLE 

TWrargaret Colliton, secretary to Pete Higgins 

who is associated with Spacarb of Northwest, 

died in an early morning fire whicli 

swept through the home of her sister . . . 

Mildred and Harry Wall. Lewiston theatre 

owners, were ill in Lewiston hospital . . . 

a 

Mike Powers. 20th-Fox salesman, conferred 

Barney Ross, 

with Manager Jack Bm-ke . . . 

U-I. was in on a planning campaign for July 

bookings. 

. . . 

. . . 

Paramount tradescreened "Secret of the 

Incas" . . . Glen Brogger. Paramount representative, 

was in to confer with Manager 

Henry Haustein . field representative 

Alan Welder is in Portland to work on 

Harmon 

"The Flame and the Flesh" 

Matin, Royal Clu'ome representative, returned 

from the theatre equipment convention 

in Chicago Walter Hoffman is in 

Oregon working on "Elephant Walk" publicity. 

Cecil Thompson of National Theatre Supply 

completed installations of Cinemascope and 

stereophonic sound at the Roseway and a 

Walker Hi-Intensity screen at the St. John's 

Theatre, both in Portland . . . Bill Stahl. NTS 

salesman, returned from the convention of 

theatre owners in Great Falls, Mont. . . . The 

Charles Nelsons have signed a contract for 

the building of a new theatre in Twisp, Wash., 

to replace the one that burned down last year. 

. . . 

Sterling Theatres' chief accountant. Dallas 

Waldron. became father of his first child, a 

son . Walker, AA salesman, is on a 

trip covering Wenatchee, the Okanogan valley 

Al Larpenteur of 

area and Spokane . . . Northwest Releasing Corp. has returned 

from a tour of western Washington 

ZoUie Volchok, also of NRC. returned from 

Portland . . . "We Want a Child" opened to a 

50 per cent over normal opening attendance 

at the Capitol Theatre in Walla Walla. 

Visitors to the Row were Mis. Forrest 

Grenough. Roslyn Theatre, Roslyn; August 

Aubert, Aubert Theatre, Connell, and from 

Yakima, Mertin Brown, Avenue Theatre, and 

Junior Mercy, Liberty and Capitol theatres. 

Also C. DeLeo, Rose Theatre, Port Tow-nsend; 

Ed Metzgar, Idaho; Ed Pollock, Mount Vernon, 

and Chris Poulson, Denali Theatre, Anchorage, 

Alaska. 

B. C. Johnson is back from the Variety 

Club meeting held in Dallas, Tex., last month. 

Following the convention, he had toured 

Texas, Mexico and the southwest before returning 

home. L. C. Tomlinson of Republic 

is back on the job after a bout with the flu. 

Fox West Coast to Reopen 

Guild After Remodeling 

LOS ANGELES—Fox West Coast will 

reopen 

its Guild Theatre, 950-seater in Hollywood, 

on Wednesday (26) after a $75,000 expenditure 

to renovate and modernize, including 

installation of stereophonic sound and a 

Miracle Mirror screen suitable for 3-D, 

Cinemascope, VistaVision and standard projection. 

The house, to operate as a first run, has 

been renamed the Fox. It had been on lease 

to the Columbia Broadcasting System for two 

years as a radio-TV theatre. 

Product promotion was the main topic of discussion at the recent United Artists 

35tli annual regional conference held at the Clift hotel in San Francisco. Theatre operators 

as well as company personnel attended the meetings as shown in the upper picture 

which includes, left to right: Gerald Hardy, Westland Theatres; Roy Cooper, Cooper 

Theatres; Bud Levin, United California Theatres, and Howard Kock and Aubrey 

Schenck, co-producers of UA's "Shield for Murder." 

UA chiefs and key salesmen are pictured in the bottom photograph. Seated from 

left to right: B. G. Kranze, sales head, Wm. J. Heineman, distribution chief; Max E. 

Youngstein, vice-president, and James E. Velde, western division manager. Standing 

are Ernie Gibson, Bob Hazzard, Frank Har and Jack Finlay of the San Francisco 

staff; Arthur Reiman, western contract manager; C. Frank Harris, San Francisco 

manager; A. J. Sullivan, Seattle manager; Ralph Clark, district manager; Bud Austin, 

Denver manager; Richard Carnegie, Los Angeles manager, and W. W. McKendrick, 

Salt 

Lake City. 

$50,000 Remodeling 

Al Okanogan Avalon 

OKANOGAN, WASH.—A $50,000 renovation 

of the Avalon Theatre here, including 

exterior and interior changes and enlargement 

of the seating capacity, soon will be 

started by owner Peter Barnes. 

Barnes, here from San Angelo, Tex., said 

plans call for closing the theatre during 

July and August for the major part of the 

renovation. No films have been booked past 

July. 

Exterior work, however, such as enlarging 

the booth and new marquee and canopy installation, 

may be started before the closure. 

The new front to the theatre will be on 

the Third avenue-Queen street corner of 

the building. A Second avenue off-and-on 

flash sign pointing to the theatre also is 

planned. 

"Everything will be brand new," Barnes 

said, "including projector machines and 

screen. When the remodeling is over, the 

theatre will boast a larger foyer, completely 

redecorated auditorium and new restrooms." 

The balcony, now seating 55, will offer 150 

loge seats. Total seating capacity will be increased 

from the present 505 to about 600. 

Barnes also is remodeling the Oroville theatre, 

with a new front, glass doors and canopy 

and a wide screen. That theatre will 

not be closed for renovation. The Avalon 

here is managed by Glenn Roberts. 

Ames Anderson Named 

Manager at Bellingham 

BELLINGHAM, WASH.—Arnes Anderson 

has been named permanent manager of the 

American Theatre here by Evergreen Theatres, 

owner of the house. Anderson took over 

management of the American about one 

month ago, but his appointment as permanent 

manager was not confirmed until recently. 

He came here from the Fifth Avenue Theatre 

in Seattle, where he was assistant manager. 

Anderson began his theatrical career in 

Bremerton and was assistant manager of the 

Coliseum in Seattle when he entered World 

War II service. LeRoy Kastner is city manager 

here for Evergreen. 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 41

. . 

LOS ANGELES 

Tames M. Cunningham has been named 

western regional sales manager for General 

Precision Laboratory, according to Blair 

Foulds. vice-president 

^Kk 

Planning 

in charge of sales. 

Cunningham is a native 

Californian with 

a background of experience 

as a design 

^^ 

and systems engineer 

with west coast firms. 

His headquarters will 

be at the GPL offices 

m Glendale. 

to conduct 

branch sales meetings, 

George A. H i c k e y, 

James Cunningham mgMs Pacific coast 

division chief, took off for San Francisco, 

Portland, Seattle and Salt Lake City . . . Jim 

Schiller, Allied Artists exploiteer. cheeked in 

from a junket to Phoenix . . . The FiJmrow 

club has set June 4 as the date and the Hollywood 

Athletic club as the locale for its spring 

"get-acquainted" dance . . . Here from New 

York is Foster Blake, U-I's western division 

manager. 

Glenn Harper and his sons Jimmy and Vic 

are converting their Harper in Fontana into 

a skating rmk. The Harpers also have the 

Arrow and Fontana in Fontana and the 

Corona in Corona . . . Joe. Kogan, former Fox 

West Coast theatre manager, has leased and 

reopened the Century, owned by Simon Lazarus 

. . . Sam Steifel, booking agent for several 

showcases in the territory, fell and injured 

his leg and is now^ in St. Joseph's hospital 

Frank Fouce, Mexican film impresario 

. . . and owner of several Spanish-language 

houses here, returned from a business trip to 

Mexico City and immediately headed out 

again—this time for Chicago, to attend a 

convention of the National Ass'n of Radio 

and Television Broadcasters. 

Booking-buying visitors glimpsed along the 

Row: Claude Ford of the Los Feliz Drive-In; 

Howard Cahoun, who operates the Motor- 

Vue ozoner in Las Vegas: Dick Lemucchi 

and son Roy of the Bakersfield-Taft area . . . 

Eddie Ashkin of the Silver Spur Drive-In 

in Yuma was caught in a sand storm that 

peeled the paint neatly off his new Cadillac 

... In from a New York business trek was 

John Wolfberg, operator of the Imperial and 

Newsreel here. 

Newt Jacobs popped in from San Francisco, 

where he operates the Favorite Films exchange 

. . Back on the job at the Hunley 

. 

Theatre is Ben Mohi, who took a couple of 

weeks off for a vacation in New York . 

Pat O'SuUivan, "Street Corner" representa- 


"always/ about it with A 

GOOD.' 

ALWAYS 

FILMACK 

°'' '-" 

TRAILER 

im ». Witnt . OkkH.. M. no NtaM An. Nm YiiL H. T. 

five, headed for Nevada . . . Nick Estrada, 

Mexican film booker-buyer, has moved to 

new offices in the Film building . . . Milt 

Frankel, Warner booker, celebrated a birthday 

. . . Morris Safier, producers repesentative, 

returned from a Gotham trip. 

A Cinemascope screen and stereophonic 

sound have been installed in the El Cajon 

Theatre in El Cajon, managed by Fi'ank 

Beres. The screen is 37 feet wide . Harry 

. . 

L. Mandell, Filmakers vice-president in 

charge of domestic sales, returned from a 

business trek to New York and Chicago ... A 

southland visitor was Bennie Berger, Minneapolis 

exhibitor and president of North Central 

Allied. 

Lloyd LeRoy Skeels, 64. who had been manager 

of the Tujunga Theatre in Tujunga, a 

unit in the James Edwards circuit, for the 

past four months, died after a heart attack. 

He is survived by his wife and a son. Taking 

over managerial duties at the Tujunga temporarily 

was A. W. Day, who pilots the Sunland 

Drive-In for Edwards . . . H. Neal East, 

Paramount's assistant western division sales 

manager, returned from branch conferences 

in San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. 

Tacoma Will Study 

Tax Halt Request 

TACOMA. WASH.—City Manager Frank 

H. Backstrom has recommended that the city 

council study a request by theatre operators 

to rescind the 5 per cent city admission tax 

on tiieatre tickets. No council action has 

been taken on the recommendation. Backstrom 

cited the revenue derived from the 

tax as a substantial and necessary pai't of 

city income. 

In his report to the council, Backstrom 

pointed out that the tax is not on the theatre, 

but on the patron; that theatre operators 

received federal tax relief recently, and that 

the 5 per cent tax is a meaais of attempting 

to equalize the tax burdens between city 

dwellers and nonresidents using city services. 

Theatremen ai-gued that total downtown 

and suburban admissions taxes revenue declined 

32 per cent in 1953 from the peak 

year 1949, when $121,899 wâs paid to the 

city. The operators contended the figures 

are a clear indication of the drop in business, 

cau.sed principally by the advent of televi-sion. 

In addition, the operators informed Backstrom, 

the tax reduction would not be passed 

on to the patron, but would be absorbed into 

the operator's revenues. 

U-I and WB Buy Rights 

To 2 Western Stories 

VIRGINIA CITY, MONT—Motion picture 

rights to two books by Norman A. Fox, western 

author, have been purchased by two 

studios. Fox announced recently while visiting 

at his summer home here. 

He said that film rights to "Rawhide 

Years," a book published last year, were sold 

to Universal-International. The story is to 

be filmed under the direction of Stanley 

Huben. Rights to "Tall Man Riding" were 

sold to Warner Bros. The show will star 

Randolph Scott. The producer has not yet 

been named. Fox said. 

Emery Austin, MGM exploitation director, 

met with western division field 

men to discuss promotion plans for 

"Gone With the Wind," "The Student 

Prince," and "Seven Brides for Seven 

Brothers." Seated from left to right: 

Austin; Ted Galanter, division head with 

offices in San Francisco, and Howard 

Herty, Los Angeles. Standing: Alan Wieder, 

Seattle; Frank Jenkins, Denver, and 

John Norcop, San Francisco. 

Stanley Reehling Made 

Vice-President of Apco 

NEW YORK—Sam Ki'esberg. president of 

Apco, Inc., manufacturer of the SodaShoppe 

line of soft drink cup dispensers, announces 

the appointment, effective June 1, of Stanley 

Reehling as vice-president in charge of Apco's 

new western division with headquarters in 

Los Angeles. The new branch office now is 

being set up there and will include a customers 

service division. 

Reehling has had years of experience in the 

soft drink business. He resigned as manager 

of the syrup sales and fountain division of 

the parent Nehi Corp. of Columbus, Ga., to 

accept the Apco position. 

Mel Rapp has been made the executive 

vice-president, and Gerald L. "Buddy" Rosenthal, 

division manager covei'ing eight eastern 

states with offices in Washington, also was 

named a vice-president. 

Donner at Truckee, Calif., 

Sold to Jack Neugebauer 

TRUCKEE, CALIF.—Tlie Donner Theatre 

here has been sold to Mr. and Mrs. Jack 

Neugebauer by Mi-, and Mi-s. V. C. Shattuck. 

who have operated the house for more than 

22 years. Neugebauer will retain his position 

as yardmaster for the Southern Pacific 

Co. here. No policy changes or shifts in 

personnel at the theatre are contemplated. 

The Shattucks will continue to operate 

the Tahoe Theatre at Kings Beach during 

the summer. 

New Operators at Condon 

CONDON, ORE.—Mr. and Mas. C. L. Kendall 

of Oregon City have taken over operation 

of the Liberty Tiieatre here, which they 

purchased recently from Mr. and Mrs. D. S. 

Rice. 

New Raymond, Wash., Manager 

RAYMOND. WASH.— Ross Kinsey is the 

new manager of the local theatre. 


: May 

22, 1954

EXHIBITORS AT LAKE SESSION 

SEE RISE OF RACIAL PROBLEM 

No-Segregation Decision 

Top Topic in Informal 

Discussions 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO. — The 

greatest inter-regional gathering of the 

middlewest motion picture industry got under 

way at Arrowhead lodge Tuesday afternoon 

with some 200 theatremen, exchange representatives 

and equipment dealers on hand 

for the western style party and convention. 

The three-day session was sponsored jointly 

by the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n and 

the Missouri-Illinois Theatre Owners Ass'n. 

The gathering far surpassed the first such 

joint meeting held at another Ozarks lake 

lodge in May 1953. 

HERMAN LEVY ILL 

Herman Levy, general counsel of TOA, was 

stricken with an attack of sciatic rheumatism 

during the convention and was taken to 

St. Louis, where he took a plane for his home 

in Hartford, Conn. 

Some of the officials checked in at Ai'rowhead 

lodge on the afternoon of Monday to 

enjoy some fishing in the big lake. 

The Supreme Court's historic decision Monday 

(17). abolishing all racial segregation in 

public educational facilities of the country 

was by far the most discussed matter in the 

lodge lobby, the lounges, rooms and on the 

veranda. Even "Skipper" Frank Plumlee of 

Farmington, Mo., and his "first mate," George 

Gaughan of Memphis, field representative 

of the TOA, heard the probable effect of the 

high court's ruling talked about In the 20- 

passenger cabin cruiser Frank of the Edwards 

& Plumlee Theatres had rented for the day 

to take conventioneers on rides of the Lake 

of the Ozarks. 

EXPECT THEATRE ISSUE 

There seemed to be almost unanimous 

agreement that the school case will result in 

the leaders of various Negro organizations 

forcing the red-hot segregation issue in the 

motion picture theatres of the country. Some 

of the exhibitors, who have had experience 

with nonsegregation in theatres through 

local ordinances, reported their business had 

been ruined. But, it was noted the drive-ins 

have not been affected adversely. 

In St. Louis, where bills to eliminate racial 

segregation in theatres have died in aldermanic 

committees for the past several years, 

the public schools are planning to comply 

100 per cent with the Supreme Court school 

ruling with the opening of the next school year 

in September. So are the baseball parks and 

the Municipal Theatre, and even one of the 

privately operated stage show theatres has 

been admitting Negroes to any and all facilities 

on equal terms with whites. 

From 5 p.m. Tuesday until 6:30, when the 

dinner gong was sounded, a delightful cocktail 

hour was hosted by the United Film 

Service— ("America's finest advertising films 

shown in America's finest theatres,") as their 

big banner in back of the improvised bar. 

William T. Powell 

Stan Durwood 

proudly proclaimed. Everyone entered into 

the spirit of the occasion, making a most delightful 

go-as-you-please party. 

The registration desk was handled by Mary 

Karches and Mildred LaTour of St. Louis, 

and Imagene Bleeks of Mount Vernon, 111. 

The advanced registration for the Kansas- 

Missouri contingent had been handled by 

Zella Faulkner of the KMTA headquarters 

staff. 

Since Ai-rowhead lodge's construction has 

not been completed 100 per cent some of those 

in attendance had quarters in other 

lodges and cabins of the area. Automobiles 

were available for the trips to and from these 

sleeping quarters. All meals were served 

at Arrowhead lodge. 

Finton H. Jones, the Kansas City industry 

insurance man, was an early arrival. John 

Meinardi, St. Louis district manager for Fox 

Midwest, and his wife checked in at the 

dinner hour Tuesday. He reported the appointment 

of Clyde Patton, former manager 

of the Stadium. Mount Vernon, 111., as manager 

of the Globe in Christopher, 111., while 

Onnis Frey, who had been assistant manager 

of the Granada in Mount Vernon, succeeds 

Patton in charge of the Stadium. 

Doc Cook of Maryville, Mo., a past president 

of KMTA, and wife flashed probably the 

fanciest western costumes at the meeting, 

but we hadn't yet seen Tom Edwards in his 

westerner. Tom and Bill Williams of Union 

spent Tuesday fishing near Camdenton, and 

came in that night with a fine catch of 

crappie, white and black bass. 

Lester Kropp of St. Louis, MITO president, 

and his wife Nellie, and Bill Powell, district 

manager for Midwest Drive-In Theatres, and 

his wife did their fishing on Monday. Nellie 

reportedly had the best catch, a 20-pound 

channel cat, but she modestly said she got 

George Gaughan 

L. J. Williams 

Lester Kropp 

Leo Hayob 

only three crappie and a white bass. Les 

said he landed five crappie and three bass. 

Powell, the perfect public relation man always 

—he's a former newspaperman—was strictly 

neutral. 

The scheduled preview Tuesday of "Corn's 

a Poppin' " by Elmer Rhoden jr. of Kansas 

City, its producer, director, scripter and an 

actor, was called off because the print failed 

to arrive from New York. 

Edwards of the Edwards & Plumlee Theatres, 

Farmington, Mo., the only man to serve 

as president of both KMTA and MITO, and 

Doc Cook served as moderators of the business 

sessions. 

Leo Hayob, president of the KMTA; President 

Ki-opp of the MITO; Mike L. Simons, 

MGM sales promotion manager, and State 

Senator Edward Long of Bowling Green, Mo., 

who owns motion pictm-e theatres in Troy 

and Elsberry, Mo., and is a director of MITO, 

were among the speakers. 

Ed Harris of Neosho, Mo., and Pete Gloriod 

of Poplar Bluff, spoke on "SmaU Town Cinemascope 

Operations." Harris said that CS 

"was great in the smaller houses." 

A featm-e of the Wednesday program was 

the forum devoted to the operation of drivein 

theatres. 

It was led by Stanley Durwood of 

the Durwood circuit, and Bill Powell of St. 

Louis. Durwood was filling in for Jack Braunagel, 

head of the drive-in division of the 

Commonwealth Amusement Co., Kansas City, 

Mo., who was absent because of the death of 

his mother. 

Eddie Clark of the El Capitan Drive-In at 

Metropolis, 111., was scheduled to speak on 

the winter operation of drive-ins, but instead 

discussed the possible effects of the Supreme 

Court's decision against segregation in schools. 

Following the informal style that proved so 

popular at the joint regional meeting last 

year, conventioneers were encouraged to 

join in the proceedings and to "get on their 

hind legs to speak their minds" on any and 

all 

subjects. 

The range of subjects that came up for 

treatment at the business sessions on V/ednesday, 

from 10 a.m. to the noon hour, and 

again from 2 p.m. to almost time for the 

chicken dinner at 6:30 p.m.. was very wide 

and deep, including among other matters 

COMPO. legislation at the national, state 

and community levels; wide screens, drive-in 

(Continued on following page) 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 43

ST. 

LOUIS 

The Better Films Council of Greater St. 

Louis, Inc.. installed the 1954-55 officers 

at its annual luncheon in the Congress hotel 

Friday (21). Mrs. Arretus F. Burt, founder 

and honorary president, was in charge. The 

new officers are president, Mrs. Gustav P. 

Goetsch; vice-president-s. Mrs. Norton John 

EversoU, Mrs. Burton Connolly, Mrs. George 

O'SulIivan, Mrs. T. G. Eggers, Mrs. Andrew 

B. Jones and Milton F. Napier; recordng secretary, 

Mrs. Adolph F. Reinecke; corresponding 

secretary, Mrs. Frank A. Menniges; treasurer, 

Mrs. Jules Pierlow, and auditor. Mrs. 

Hubert Foster. 

The dusk-to-dawn shows have caught on 

in this territory early this season. At Herrin, 

111., the Egyptian Drive-In. headed by Wayne 

Smith, came up with a dusk-to-dawn program 

that included six feature pictures, at 

the end of which patrons were given coffee 

and doughnuts. The Marlow Drive-In countered 

with a program that included seven features 

and terminating with coffee and doughnuts 

on the house. Reportedly drive-ins at 

Mount Vernon and Harrisburg also have 

had these dusk-to-dawn shows. 

U'ord comes from Springfield, that the 

. . . 

overall tax collections by the state of Illinois 

from its six major sources of revenue showed 

a decline in April in comparison with the 

same month last year. The sales tax dropped 

$1,033,572 to $16,485,980 that month 

KEYSTONE FILM CO., 

the original producer and distributor of 

KEYSTONE COMEDIES, 

which we launched ot the beginning of Hollywood, 

is being revived to make these fomous 

laugh-making gems availoble to TV and theatre 

oudiences. 

THE BIRTH OF A NATION 

IS ALSO AVAILABLE. 

KEYSTONE FILM CO. 

406 N. Hartwell Ave. Waukesha, Wis. 

COMPLETE 

CONCESSION SERVICE 

IS OUR BUSINESS 

RIO SYRUP CO. 

• STU TOMBER 

• FRED BLASE 

3412 Gravois — St. Louis 

• MITZI WEINSTEIN 

• HARVEY KAHLE 

EVERYTHING FOR THE THEATRE 

St. Louis Theatre Supply Ccmpany 

Ajcb 

Hositr 

3310 OliT* Slieel. Si. LouU 3. Mo. 

Telephones IE 3-7974. IE 3-7975 

George Pliakos, owner of the Regal here, is a 

patient in the Jewish hospital- 

. . . 

A demonstration of Pola-Lite single film 

3-D system was given at the Pox Theatre on 

the 13th by the Realart Exhibitors seen 

on Filmrow included Leon Jarodsky. Paris; 

Fcrrest Pirtle. Jerseyville; Ben Temborius, 

Breese: Mr*. Catherine Beckmeyer. Trenton, 

lil.; Ken Hirth. Pacific. Mo.; Paul Stehman, 

Winchester. III., and Bob Johnson, Fairfield. 

Keith Coleman has had the American and 

Uptown theatres and the Carmel Drive-In 

near Mount Carmel, 111., transferred to the 

Indianapolis booking area from St. Louis. 

The change will not apply to the Realart of 

St. Louis . . . Ray Parker, mayor of suburban 

Brentwood, who is interested in the Skyline 

Drive-In on Natural Bridge road and 

in the new Broadway Drive-In on South 

Broadway. St. Louis, soon to be opened, has 

taken a sublease on the 530-car Quincy Drive- 

In Theatre at West Quincy, Mo. 

A giant all-steel parabolic screen was put 

into operation at the Airway Drive-In at 

10900 St. Charles Rock road. The drive-in 

is operated by the Midwest Drive-In Theatres, 

controlled by Phil Smith of Boston ... St. 

Louis film folks were grieved to learn that the 

closing of the Esquire Theatre in Springfield, 

a joint venture of the Frisina and Kerasotes 

circuit, on May 1. had meant the retirement 

from the business of Avinere Toigo. who had 

managed that theatre since its opening four 

years ago. 

Recent Missouri incorporations included: 

E&S Theatre Enterprises, 1000 Temple building. 

Kansas City, to do a general theatre 

business. The incorporators were listed as 

the Lake Taneycomo sector 

E. S. Sutter, C. B. Ellis and G. Eliopoulos. 

Also the Taneycomo Country Club. St. Louis, 

to own and operate golf courses, etc. The incorporators 

were Mrs. Bess Schulter. owner of 

the Columbia Theatre here; C. Jimmy Tappella. 

who formerly was associated with various 

theatres in St. Louis, and R. C. Tappella. 

Mrs. Schulter and the Tappellas have been 

operating a drive-range and other recreational 

facilities in 

near Forsyth, Mo., for the past years. 

Thie St. Louis area department store sales 

dipped 3 per cent in the week ended on May 

8 as compared with the corresponding week 

in 1953. the Federal Reserve Bank has reported. 

Sales in the Eighth Federal Reserve 

district as a whole were down 2 per cent . . . 

The Fanchon & Marco first run houses have 

a new admission rate for teenagers with the 

charge 42 cents as contrasted with 69 cents 

for adults and 21 cents for children not accompanied 

by their parents or legal guardians. 

Children under 12 years with their parents 

are admitted free. 

Indorse R. M. Brewer 

KANSAS CITY—Roy M. Brewer of 

Hollywood 

was here last week (141 to attend an 

invitational meeting of all Missouri locals. 

The 39 representatives present indorsed 

Brewer's candidacy for president of the 

lATSE. Brewer said he would formally announce 

his candidacy for the position upon 

his arrival on the west coast. 

Racial Problem Rise 

Seen at Convention 

I Continued from preceding pagei 

towers and screens and all types of both drivein 

and conventional theatre equipment, concessions 

for all types of theatres, including 

layouts for fast, efficient services and the 

most popular and profitable kinds of drinks, 

eatables, etc.; industry arbitration, advertising 

and promotion; the new projection processes; 

product and print shortages; insurance, 

including joint hospitalization plans; 

public relations and the exhibitor's place in 

his community, and. of course. Cinemascope 

installations for the small towns and the 

smaller neighborhood and suburban houses. 

The chief recreational feature of the threeday 

program was a moonlight cocktail cruise 

aboard the Larry Don that left the dock about 

8; 15 p.m. for a two-hour cruise on the lake. 

The cocktails were provided by Manley. Inc., 

of Kansas City, while the fine big cruiser 

was made available by Exhibitors Film Delivery 

Service and the A. V. Cauger Film 

Service of Kansas City. 

The only big business on Thursday was the 

eating of a good breakfast that morning prior 

to the checkout hour, which was 12 o'clock 

noon. 

Tom Bloomer of Belleville, 111., immediate 

past president of MITO, talked all the way 

from St. Louis to Jefferson City about a certain 

hotel which serves Missouri country-style 

ham dinners. But when Herman Levy, Miss 

Stroud and A. B. "Buzz" Magarian attempted 

to wrap themselves about the so-much-builtup 

piece de resistance it was found to be 

saltier than the Ancient Mariner in person. 

Jim Hazel, St. Louis representative of Manley, 

was much disappointed that the premiere 

of "Corn's a Poppin' " was canceled. He had 

visualized some real sales plugs for his corn 

and poppers. 

Eldorado Springs Park 

To Forrest Williams 

ELDORADO SPRINGS, MO. — The Park 

Theatre building, which is owned by Mrs. 

Fern Williams, has been leased to Forrest 

Williams of Kansas City and his sister. 

Beulah Smith of Coronado, Calif. The lessees 

will take over the house on October 1. The 

Park has been leased the last 17 years to 

the Wilhoit and Lovan families. The late 

Walter Lovan operated it for a number of 

years in partnership with his brother-in-law 

T. E. Wilhoit and the latter's son Tom, also 

deceased. Ray Brown has managed the theatre 

for the last two years for the Wilhoit 

and Lovan heirs. Much of the equipment in 

the theatre belongs to them. 

Williams, who has a wife and three children, 

is expected to move to Eldorado Springs 

before taking over the management. It is 

not known if Mis. Smith, who is a widow, 

will also make her home here. 

Airer Near Completion 

VANDALIA, MO.—The 320-car Vandalia 

Drive-In, located one-half mile west of the 

city limits on Highway 54. is nearing completion 

and will be ready for operation as soon 

as water is available from the well now being 

drilled. 

44 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22, 1954

WB), 

. . . One 

. . Spero 

. . Academy 

. . "Caine 

Chicago Grosses Match 

Excellent Weather 

CHICAGO—Loop grosses continued at a 

with "Elephant Walk" at the Chi- 

high level, 

cago and "Hell's Half Acre" at the United 

Artists, both new Loop openers, getting a big 

play. All boxoffices claimed excellent receipts, 

with good weather as an unquestionable aid. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

Cornegie Tomorrow Is Too Late (Burstyn) 155 

Chicago Elephont Walk {Paro), plus stage revue 225 

Esquire The Man Between (UA), 2nd wk 175 

EiteTs Palace This Is Ctneromo (Cinerama), 

41sf wk 250 

Grond Royol African Rifles (AA); Tarzon and 

the She Devil (RKO) 145 

Loop Pinocchio (RKO), 6th wk.. reissue 230 

McVickers Dangerous Mission (RKO); Shark 

River (UA) 150 

Monroe Best Years of Our Lives (RKO), reissue, 

3rd wk 190 

Oriental The Jolson Story (Col) 185 

Roosevelt Riding Shotgun (WB); The Boy From 

Oklahoma ( 2nd wk 1 60 

State Lake River of No Return (20th-Fox), 

2nd wk 205 

Surf The Holly and the Ivy (Pacemaker), 2nd wk. 190 

United Artists Wicked Woman (UA); Hell's Holf 

Acre (Rep) 205 

Woods Carnival Story (RKO), 5th wk 225 

World Ployhouse Heidi (UA), 5th wk 180 

Ziegfeld—Beouties of the Night (UA), 2nd wk. . .190 

'HoUy' and "Genevieve' 

Hold Up at Kansas City 

KANSAS CITY—The two art houses here 

seem to be holding up best during the annual 

pre-Decoration day slump. At the Vogue the 

first week of "The Holly and the Ivy" did 

150 per cent, as did "Genevieve" at the Kimo 

in its fifth week. "The French Line" at the 

Roxy still registered 125 per cent. "Prince 

Valiant" did better than average business in 

all four Fox houses, likewise "Riot in Cell 

Block 11" at the Paramount, with the help of 

a Bowery Boys' second feature. Ordinarily 

the house plays singles. Two reissues at the 

Missouri had poor patronage and "P>risoner 

of War" at the Midland was average. 

Esquire The Moon Is Blue (UA), 10th wk. (held) 100 

Kimo Genevieve (U-1), 5th wk. (held) 

Midland Prisoner of War (MGM); Paris Model 

150 

(Col) 100 

Missouri The Big Sleep (WB); Kid Galahad (WB), 

reissues 

/^j 

Paramount Riot in Cell Block 11 (AA); Poris 

Playboys (AA) 105 

Roxy The French Line (RKO), 4th wk. (held)... 125 

Tower, Uptown, Fairway and Granada Prince 

Voliont (20th-Fox); Man of Conflict (Atlos) 

ot Tower and Granada 115 

Vogue The Holly ond the Ivy (Pacemaker) (held) 150 

CHICAGO 

. . . Milton 

T> P. Burns, head of Balaban & Katz sound 

and projection departments, has entered 

the hospital for observation 

Rheingold has been made manager of the 

Devon Theatre . Charuhas, formerly 

manager of the Montclare, is now associated 

with the Abbott Theatre Equipment sales department 

Adolphe Menjou paused here 

. . . briefly between planes while en route from 

Rochester, N.Y., to San Diego. 

Moratorium on the Jackson Park-Bigelow 

case decree has been extended to September 

13 after Federal Judge Igoe listened to the 

arguments Friday (14) and took the case 

under advisement . Film Productions 

is distributing free of charge a film 

editing and timing chart to film executives 

which provides information on the number of 

words and the pace for announcers, and the 

corresponding number of feet of both 16 and 

35mm film for any given number of seconds. 

Sam Isaacson, Clark Theatre projectionist, 

is celebrating 50 years in the film industry 

thousand Girl Scouts will stage a 

three-day benefit at the Starlite Drive-In 

next week. The girls have been selling 

tickets at $1 each for the Abbott and Costello 

film, "It Hain't Hay," the proceeds of which 

will aid their Camp Manistee . . . Charles 

Cottle of B&K is visiting his brother in Milwaukee 

while recuperating from a recent 

illness. 

Pete Panagos and John Doerr of the Alliance 

circuit left for Washington to make a 

routine inspection of the circuit's theatres in 

Max Fellerman, vice-president 

that state . . . 

and general sales manager of Lopert Films, 

spent the week making calls here . . The 

. 

Starlite Drive-In has inaugurated a policy of 

four features on weekends . . . The Rockne 

Theatre ran two Cinemascope features on one 

bill and, finding the venture highly successful, 

has decided to do it often. 

Charles Feldman, U-I vice-president and 

general sales manager, arrived here from New 

York for sales discussions . . . Herb Kaurman, 

Republic manager, said a saturation radio 

and TV campaign will herald in the twoweek 

run of "Johnny Guitar" at the Chicago 

Theatre June 11 . . . The Internal Revenue 

department has spotted several theatres for 

delinquent taxes. While names of the houses 

involved were not revealed, agents said that 

one neighborhood theatre had been closed for 

tax reneging. 

Fred Mindlin has resigned as manager of 

the Ziegfeld Theatre. The Playhouse Operating 

Corp. appointed Tom Dowd of Boston 

to succeed him . . . Irving Mack is spending 

a great part of his time out on location directing 

and producing the LaRabida films 

for the Variety Club. 

MGM publicist Norman Pyle announced 

early June openings for "Men of the Fighting 

Lady" at the Roosevelt and "Student 

Pi-ince" at the State Lake . Mutiny" 

is scheduled to have its midwest premiere at 

the State Lake Theatre June 30, according to 

Bob Weiner, Columbia publicist, who said 

the film has been set up for a 16 to 20 week 

run. 

Leonard Hewitt Manages 

PONTIAC, ILL.—Leonard Hewitt of Manitou 

has been named manager of the Pontiac 

Drive-In here. Thomas E. Lally, owner 

of the airer, suffered a stroke several months 

ago and is unable to actively manage the 

airer this season. 

Emmet Condon Dead 

DEKALB, ILL.—Word was received here 

recently of the death of Emmet Condon, 

who once operated the local Star Theatre. 

Condon died at his home in Montana, Calif. 

He left Dekalb about 30 years ago. 

"Mad at the World," dealing with juvenile 

delinquents, has been purchased by Filmmakers. 

Second Week of Transit Strike 

Hits Indianapolis Grosses 

INDIANAPOLIS—The second week of the 

city transit lines strike brought first run 

theatres the worst business in many moons. 

No local houses managed to 

come near average 

and theatres were reporting losses. 

Circle She Couldn't Say No (RKO); Dangerous 

Mission (RKO) 55 

Indiana Elephant Wolk (Para) 60 

Keith's Top Bonana 'UA) 50 

Loew's Becchheod (UA); Fort Algiers (UA) .... 

Lyric Roils Into Laramie (U-1); The Cruel Sea 

60 

(RKO) 50 

CS Screen at Pendleton Pike 

INDIANAPOLIS—Believed the first drivein 

in Indiana to install equipment for Cinemascope 

films, the suburban Pendleton Pike 

will be ready for such showings by early June. 

The huge screen, costing $20,000 and measuring 

102 feet in width and 48 feet high, was 

shipped from Boston and installed by the 

Ben Hur Construction Co. The special camera 

lens is expected early next month, said 

Truman Lamar, manager. 

EXHIBITORS AND UA CHIEFS MEET—Gathering at Chicago product promotion 

forum included .(left to right) : B. G. Kranze, UA general sales manager; Duncan 

Kennedy, general manager, Publix Great States Theatres; Dick Sachsel, representative 

of the Harlem Globetrotters; Dick Wallerstein, Balaban & Katz vice-president and 

general manager; William J. Heineman, UA vice-president in charge of distribution, 

and Harry Goldman, UA Chicago branch manager. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 45

OZARK GOODWILL BUILT BY STAR VISIT 

Hillbilly 

'Posse' Arranged by Steve Miller as Charlton Heston's Escort 

BRANSON, MO.—Steve Miller, artist, civic 

leader and manager of the Owen Theatre 

here, set up a tremendous goodwill-promotion 

program for the recent visit here of actor 

Charlton Heston. 

The occasion was the crowning of the 

Buccaneer queen of the Branson High school 

by Heston. who was the special guest of 450 

high school students for his two-day stay in 

the Ozarks. Heston came here from Springfield, 

where he had been feted, and the 

motorcade was stopped on the outskirt,s of 

Branson by a "posse" of three high school 

students dressed as oldtime Ozark natives, 

complete with beards. They arrested Heston 

for impersonating a film star and being a 

"revenooer." The "posse" tied ropes to Heston's 

car and led the motorcade into Branson 

to a platform surrounded by students, vacationers 

and local residents. There, Heston 

was "relea.sed to enjoy Ozarkian hospitality 

under the .surveillance of the posse." 

A red carpet ten feet wide and a block 

long, fashioned of crepe paper by the students, 

was a feature of the welcoming ceremony. 

The Branson Metro club and the students 

stretched wires decorated with strips 

of red. white and blue crepe paper along the 

parade route, forming a curtain for the 

motorcade to pass through. 

Mayor Tom Epps gave Heston a "certificate 

of welcome" in lieu of a key to the city, since 

Bran.sonites vow they "don't use keys, anyway." 

After a dinner with local dignitaries, the 

entire party attended the Owen for the 

Buccaneer night stage show, given by high 

school students under the supervision of 

Miller and his wife. Heston introduced the 

four queen candidates for the Buccaneer ball, 

who in gay ginghams and bonnets had first 

met him at the Springfield airport. 

After the stage presentation, Heston joined 

the Buccaneer ball committee and candidates 

for coffee and doughnuts, then wound up 

the evening's activities with a small group of 

Steve Miller, right, nianaser of the 

Owen Theatre, Branson, is shown presenting 

a side of "Jack's Ozark countrycured, 

hickory-sassafras-smoked bacon" 

to Charlton Heston in appreciation for 

the star's appearance in Branson to 

crown the 1954 high school Buccaneer 

ball queen. 

adult sponsors sitting around a roaring campfire 

at the Sammy Lane resort eating barbecue. 

On Friday morning, en route to a- tour of 

the School of the Ozarks at Point Lookout, 

Heston, the Millers, Jim Castle, Paramount 

exploiteer, and others in the party were 

guests at the picturesque Stalwart House 

Cottage Pump house for a breakfast of freshly 

picked Ozark strawberries dipped in powdered 

sugar, Ozark hickory and sassafras 

smoked bacon and pancakes covered with 

sorghum. 

At the School of the Ozarks, Heston was 

taken on a tour of the canning factory, dairy 

barns, stables, basket and rug weaving classes. 

native museum and reclaimed bottom lands 

on which the school had just completed a 

$100,000 irrigation project. 

Upon his return to Branson. Heston was 

confronted with the "posse" waiting for 

him in the school's official jalopy, the Black 

Maria, a 1927 Model T Ford touring car, to 

take him to the high school gymnasium for 

the ball rehearsal. Heston then appeared at 

a special council fire ceremony on the first 

night of the three-day Heart of the Ozark 

district Camporama of 300 Boy Scouts. He 

was given a plaque for outstanding work 

with American youth by the director of the 

Camporama. 

From that event, the star went back to the 

high school for the formal opening of the 

Buccaneer ball and to lead the grand march. 

Heston was taken into custody by the 

"posse" and taken to the Owen to receive 

a Hillbilly Oscar and other gifts of native 

crafts in appreciation of his coming here. 

These were presented by Miller in behalf of 

citizens of the Lake Taneycomo region. Climax 

of the two-day activities came when 

Heston returned to the high school for the 

coronation of the queen. 

Heston received from the "posse" a sealed 

box containing the photograph and name 

of the queen, who was selected by the beauty 

and talent committee of Paramount pictures, 

Hollywood. He and Castle broke the seal 

and announced that Geraldine Bearden. 

junior class candidate, had been selected. 

Heston left Saturday morning with a "writ" 

presented by his "posse." releasing him from 

all charges, and an invitation to return to 

Branson with his wife Lydia Clarke. The 

"posse" escorted him part of the distance to 

Springfield, where he left by plane for 

Chicago. 

In his Ozark tour, Heston was interviewed 

by the press and radio in Springfield and 

Lebanon and was feted by school students 

and officials of both cities upon his arrival 

in 

Springfield. 

He also posed for pictiu'es with George 

Hunter, city manager for Fox Midwest Theatres 

in Springfield, and managers from surrounding 

towns. 

In Springfield, ( li.irlton Heston posed with O/ark countrj cxliihitors attending 

a luncheon jointly sponsored by the Sprinfffield Lions club and Chamber of Coninierce. 

Left to right: Jerry Drake, Bolivar; Glen Caldwell, .Aurora; Jim Castle, Paramount exploiteer; 

Darrell Manes, Sunset Drive-In, Springfield; Jack Kempton, Monett; Heston; 

Ed Kirk. Springfield Drive-In; George Hunter. Fox .Midwest city manager; C. R. McDonald. 

Dickinson Tower Theatre, Springfield; Robert Hicks. Kickapoo. Springfield; Steve 

Miller. Dickinson Owen, Branson; Frances Lohnieyer. assistant to Castle; Phil Holloway, 

Fox, Springfield, and Tyndall Lewis, Gillioz, Springfield. 

Lester Kropp to MDA Board 

ST. LOUIS— Lester R. Kropp, president of 

the Missouri-Illinois Theatre Owners, and cogeneral 

manager of the Wehrenberg circuit, 

hfis been named a director of the St. Louis 

chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Ass'n. 

Kropp, well known for his many civic and 

charitable activities, was on the Easter Seals 

committee, subchairman of the theatrical division 

of the March of Dimes, and represented 

tlic motion picture industry for Armed Forces 

day. He has also been active in the Red 

Cross and the Crusade for Freedom. 

Projectionist Featured 

HOOPESTON, ILL.—Franklin Seemann, 

Lorraine Theatre projectionist for the past 

12 years, was the subject of a two-column 

story in the local paper under the heading, 

"People You Know." 


: May 

22, 1954

Boothmen Picketing 

Danville Ozoners 

DANVILLE, ILL.—Operators of the three 

Danville drive-ins have refused to sign the 

same contract with projectionists Local 156 

that was in effect last year in protest to 

two-men-in-a-booth provisions. 

W. W. Hutton, president of Local 156, declared 

that boothmen had been "locked out" 

at the Skyway Drive-In and that the Dixie 

and Illiana managements had refused to sign 

the contract. Hutton charged that drive-ins 

had always had two operators, and he said 

that in addition to showing the film, the 

boothmen are responsible for keeping auto 

speakers in repair. 

"With 500 to 600 speakers at the Illiana, 

800 at the Dixie and 1,200 at the Skyway, 

operators are frequently called out during the 

course of a show to service speakers. These 

definitely are two-man situations." 

Hutton charged that union operators 

worked through the early spring at the Skyway 

under a temporary verbal agreement 

with Manager Jack Butler. He said that after 

refusing to sign for the 1954 season under 

the same contract as that in force in 1953, 

Butler locked out members of Local 156 

April 11, notifying them not to report for 

work. 

The Dixie and Illiana, managed by the 

Myers family of Veedersburg, Ind., both 

have opened since that time without coming 

to an agreement with the union. Pickets 

are being maintained at all three situations. 

Fox Hutchinson Theatre 

Sold to Jay Wooten Co. 

HUTCHINSON, KAS.—The Midland Theatre 

here has been sold by National Theatres 

to Jay Wooten, with the change of ownership 

taking place May 27. This is in line with 

the government antitrust consent decree judgment 

two years ago. The sale includes a 

long-term lease and all equipment. The Midland 

has been operated the past 25 years by 

Pox Midwest, a subsidiary of National Theatres. 

Richard Wright, who has been managing 

the theatre for Fox Midwest, will continue 

under the new ownership. 

The Midland was built in 1921 by M. B. 

Shanberg and Herbert Woolf and is the second 

theatre in the town. Cinemascope equipment 

will be installed and Wooten expects to 

go to a first run policy. 

Remodel at Du Quoin 

DU QUOIN, ILL.—A $45,000 modernization 

program at the Plaza Theatre here will 

be completed soon, according to Ben Poblocki, 

co-owner. Following installation of a 

soundproof ceiling, the theatre will be redecorated. 

A new curtain is being installed 

and the wide screen is being moved back to a 

better position. An additional ten-ton air 

conditioning unit has been set up to supplement 

old equipment. 

Tuscola Ozoner Opens 

TUSCOLA, ILL.—The 350-car Tuscola 

Drive-In on Highway 36 southwest of here 

was opened here recently by George Barber, 

owner of the Strand here and the Gem 

in Villa Grove. Barber also owns and operates- 

the 400-car Okaw near Camargo. 

CLOONEY SISTER AT OPENING—To 

help promote the opening- of "Red 

Garters" at the Ziegfeld in Cliicago, 

Manager Fred Mindlin invited Betty 

Clooney, center, sister of film star Rosemary 

Clooney, and her mother to greet 

the first customers attending the opening. 

Betty was in Chicago to fill a singing 

engagement at the Black Orchid cafe. 

Larned Area Exhibitors 

To Meet There June 1 

LARNED, KAS.—Another regional exhibitors 

meeting has been planned for June 1 

to be held here. The fii-st meeting was held 

March 11 at the Parrish hotel in Great Bend. 

Plans for organizing under the suggested 

name of Western Kansas Theatre Owners 

will be presented. 

The meeting will start at 9:45 a.m. at Ted 

Irwin's Electric Theatre, with the feature 

of the morning session being a demonstration 

of wide screen and Cinemascope with the 

Gottschalk lens by Bob Smith of National 

Screen Supply. A picture of almost any size, 

from 10x20 feet in width and any aspect 

ratio will be shown in a 25-foot theatre, by 

using the NTS Expansa lens. 

There wiU be a luncheon at 12:15 at the 

Blue Goose cafe, where the afternoon session 

will also be held. In addition to group 

discussions of common problems now current, 

there will be a round-table discussion on 

selling and promotion. This will be led by 

C. V. Crocker of Ulysses and G. L. Johnson 

of Lakin. Ray Musselman of Lincoln and 

Ben Spainhour will give an up-to-date presentation 

of what to expect in the way of 

product, both as to quality and quantity. 

D. J. Pelton of Turon will present the permanent 

organization plans. Announcements are 

being mailed out to all exhibitors in the area. 

M. L. Hershberger Opens 

Tiger at Columbia, Mo. 

COLUMBIA, MO.—The Tiger Theatre here 

reopened Friday (21) as an art house. M. L. 

Hershberger of Bradford, 111., who owns the 

theatre, said the lobby and front of the Tiger 

will be remodeled this summer and a wide 

screen added when enough art films have 

been produced which require wide-screen 

presentation. Robert Hershberger, the new 

manager, formerly operated the Hershberger 

Theatre in Canton, Ohio. The Hershbergers 

operate a chain of five theatres in Ohio and 

Illinois. The Tiger had been closed in March. 

Newman and Bernard Herman will 

Alfred 

collaborate on the musical score for "The 

Egyptian," a 20th-Fox film. 

'Intimidation' Charge 

Leveled by Manager 

CHICAGO—M. A. Terman, manager of the 

Cinema Annex Theatre here, has accused 

the Illinois American Legion of using "confidential 

smears" and "intimidation" concerning 

the controversial film, "Salt of the 

Earth." 

Terman this week said the state Legion's 

antisubversive commission sent him a "letter 

of warning" about the picture, even though 

he has not booked it. 

"I take exception to your letter, even 

though I have no contract for 'Salt of the 

Earth,' " he said in a letter to the commission. 

"It is McCarthyism in the world of art 

—and is the death of art." 

Terman said that if the film is offered to 

him, "I would accept or reject it based upon 

my schedule, not upon your confidential 

smears and the pretty obvious intimidation 

implicit in your letter." 

The Legion has opposed the showing of 

"Salt of the Earth" on the grounds that "it 

was an endeavor on the part of the communistic 

elements to produce the greatest 

Communist propaganda picture ever developed 

in the United States of America." 

The committee's letter to Terman said, 

"The International Union of Mine Mill 

Smelters Workers, writers, producers, actors 

and actresses connected with the production 

of the film are all identified with the communistic 

movement and are attempting to 

sell totalitarianism." 

Paul Henreid will play the role of Florenz 

Ziegfeld in "Deep in My Heart," an MGM 

film. 

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BOXOFFICE :: May 22, 1954 46-A

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KANSAS CITY 

Among those attending the KMTA-MITO 

meeting at the Lake of the Ozarks were 

Missouri exhibitors Mr. and Mrs. Glen Hall 

of Cassville, Ken Winkelmeyer of Boonville. 

Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Cook of Maryville, 

Ed Harris of Neosho, Frank Weary .sr. and 

Frank Weary jr. with their wives of Richmond 

and Henrietta, Arnold Gould of Jefferson 

City, J. Leo Hayob of Marshall, Mrs. 

William Silver of Cameron. Kansas exhibitors 

included Mr. and Mrs. Dale Danielson of 

Russell, Mrs. Louise Block. Sabetha. Kansas 

City industry representatives and others attending 

included: 

Nick Sonday 

Ston Durwood 

Elmer Rhoden jr. 

Finton Jones 

Eorl Jemeson 

Abbot Sher 

Jr. 

Roger Leaton 

Lou Patz 

George Regon 

Jock Hillyer 

Norman Gossling 

V. W. Hattendorf 

L. J. Kimbriel 

Russell Borg 

Sid Morlev jr. 

Dick Biechele 

Don Dovis 

Ted Cauger 

J. W. Shreve. 

. . . 

Mrs. Zella Faulkner took Dorsie Vess with 

her as an assistant to report the KMTA- 

MITO meetings at the Lake of the Ozarks 

Chuck Shepard and Howard Strum of 

Poppers Supply have returned from Chicago 

where they demonstrated the Roto-Grille 

at the National Restaurant Ass'n convention 

last week. Howard said the results from 

their demonstration were outstanding, as 

they established the grill with several hun- 

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dred new dealers. There were four miles of 

exhibits at the convention, which was held 

at the navy pier and it had an attendance 

of 30,000 ... Ed Hartman of the Hartman 

booking agency made a weekend trip to 

Wichita. 

Warner booker Mary Heueisen is on a twoweek 

vacation trip to Seattle, going via Carlsbad 

Caverns, the Grand Canyon and San 

Francisco . northern Kansas salesman. 

Bob Ringler. was in the office Monday 

(17) ... Exhibitor visitors at RKO included 

Craig Culley of Medicine Lodge and 

Mrs. Muriel Ellis from the Holly Theatre at 

Holly, Colo. Mrs. Ellis came in to book "The 

French Line." . . . RKO vacationers included 

shipper Bob Giles, cashier Louise Phullippi, 

Luella Reames, Clara Murlin and Larry 

Modlin. Mrs. Reames just returned from 

spending her vacation in California. 

Division Manager M. A. Levy was in for a 

sales meeting at 20th-Fox with Joe Neger, 

manager . Skorey, 20th-Fox sales 

manager, finds the reaction of exhibitors, 

since the new Cinemascope plan was recently 

announced, typical of human nature 

in general. "There is more interest now than 

before in stereophonic sound," he said. "Now 

that exhibitors have a choice of several, we 

find most of them wanting the best—the four 

magnetic sound tracks" . . . New equipment 

reported includes new lamps and generators 

by Bud Koons of Sharon Springs, Kas., and 

Cinemascope equipment by Basil Pogel.son 

for his Uptown at Marceline, Mo. 

F. J. Lee, United Artists district manager 

from St. Louis, was in with J. R. Velde, 

western sales manager, for a series of meetings 

with Manager Ralph Amacher and his 

staff . . . Carl Bain, UA booker, is vacationing 

at home by painting his neighbor's 

house . . . Ralph Gregory, Dickinson booker, 

is vacationing until the first of June in Colorado 

. Templeton, clerk at Universal, 

married Warren Lee McCray Saturday 

(15) . . . Bill Bradfield of the Roxy 

and 66 Drive-In at Carthage, Mo., visited 

Ed Hartman's agency. 

. . 

. . . Finton 

. 

Clarence Schultz, president of Consolidated 

Theatres, relaxed a few days at his cottage 

at Gull Lake, Minn. On the way back he 

picked up Mrs. Schultz at Mason City, Iowa 

and stopped also at Marshalltown . 

Buell, office manager at National 

Hazel 

Screen 

Service, is on a week's vacation 

Jones and J. W. Shreve are proud of their 

bowling league trophies recently presented. 

Jones won with a team in the women's division 

and Shreve with a team he sponsored 

in the men's division. Shreve says he hopes 

he can have the same team next season 

Mrs. Harold Porta, looking very festive in a 

new spring outfit, was on the Row Monday 

(17) with her husband. They have the Civic 

at Osceola, Mo., and are reported building 

a new home. 

wealth manager at Baxter Springs, Kas., 

complained recently, "I've had too many 

Dudley Doolittle has 

Indian pictures" . . . 

installed 200 new padded seats in his Uptown 

Theatre at Strong City, Kas. 

Maurice Druker, Midland Theatre manager, 

says considerable interest is already being 

displayed about the coming rerelease of 

"Gone With the Wind." According to Bernie 

Evens, MGM exploiteer, Kansas City is one 

of only seven cities that will have early 

prerelease dates. It wUl open at the Midland 

June 3 ... In the MGM 30th Anniversary 

Jubilee drive, the Kansas City office won a 

week's salary for the selling crew and a 

half week's salary for all those in other departments 

. new steno at MGM is 

Jane Snapp. 

CORRECTION: Sometimes the only way 

we know we are being read is to make an 

error—then we are in hot water. It was 

National Screen Service (naturally), not 

National Theatre Supply, that sold the SuperScope 

lenses to the Dickinson circuit, 

"Doc" Cook at Maryville, Mo., Ray Walsh at 

Chanute, Kas., and W. D. Fulton in Kansas 

City, Kas. Lou Patz was super-annoyed about 

it, and we are superapologetic. 

New Wide Screen Debuts 

At Manchester Airer 

ST. LOUIS—The new 103x48-foot screen 

at the Manchester Drive-In was put into 

operation Sunday (9> and the 900-car drivein 

played to capacity business. William 

Powell, district manager for Midwest Drive- 

In Theatres, said the audience reaction was 

excellent. 

The installation of a similar screen was 

started May 10 in the Airway Drive-In on 

St. Charles Rock road, at the Pendleton Pike 

at Indianapolis, Ind., and the Detroit West 

near Detroit, Mich. All were scheduled to 

be ready for use May 14. Similar installations 

previously were made at the Chicago 

66 Drive-In, the Griffith Drive-In, Griffith, 

Ind.. and the Blue Mound Drive-In, Milwaukee, 

Wis. 

Raymond, 111., House Reopens 

RAYMOND, ILL.—The Community Theatre, 

350-seater owned and managed by J. 

R. Thompson, was reopened Tuesday (11) 

after being dark for some weeks. 

Leslie Bradley, the British character actor, 

has been signed for a role in "The Conqueror," 

RKO's historical adventure drama. 

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Harry Hamburg-, Paramount manager, was 

in Dallas where he saw a demonstration of 

VistaVision. Jack Braunagel of Commonwealth 

returned from the Atlanta convention 

where he saw VistaVision. His comment 

was, "VistaVision is the biggest advancement 

in the projection of motion pictures that has 

come out yet" . . . Glenn Deeter, Common- 

r 9- yJ»U« Si. 

KANSAS CITY 8, MO- 

4S-B BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22, 1954

. . Alan 

INDIANAPOLIS 

"The Indianapolis Public Service Co. strike, 

currently in its second week, has played 

havoc with the theatre business. Business in 

the downtown area, including theatres, is 

dead . Moritz has severed all connections 

with the management of the Lyric, 

Grand and Palace theatres in Louisville. Jack 

Powell, resident manager, will add the buying 

and booking to his duties. 

The annual dance was given by the Colosseum 

of Motion Picture Salesmen Saturday 

night in the Marott hotel . . . Floyd Burdette 

will open his new Bell-Air Drive-In at Richmond 

about May 30. It has a capacity of 460 

cars . . . Leo Pillett of 20th-Pox was here on 

"The Rocket Man." Exploitation included a 

truck with a space ship open to the public. 

The picture opened this week at the Indiana. 

Two Moberly Theatres 

Are Closing for Summer 

MOBERLY, MO.—Pox Midwest closed the 

Fourth Street Theatre Wednesday

ik- v\--.î. 

o 

^'^' 

„-;

Complaints of Hikes in Film Rentals 

Temper Optimism at 

ATLANTA—Despite the genuine optimism 

finding expression in speeches and film clinics 

at the joint convention here last week 

of the theatre associations of Alabama and 

Georgia, there were outcroppings of resentment, 

noted where two or more exhibitors 

gathered informally in the Biltmore hotel. 

In their private talks many of the theatremen 

bitterly complained that all the benefits 

they had expected from the industry's victory 

in reducing the federal admission tax have 

been wiped out, and in some cases exceeded, 

by increases in film rentals distributors have 

levied since the signing of the tax relief bill. 

In these off-the-floor conversations, the 

theatre operators freely predicted that the distributor 

pricing policies would force the closing 

of additional theatres. One exhibitor lamented 

his house earned more by rental to 

itinerant evangelists than it did operating as 

a 

theatre. 

RAYS OF HOPE 

Outwardly there were bright rays of hope 

piercing the confusion and uncertainty that 

settled over a large segment of exhibition 

when the new process revolution struck the 

industry months ago. Demonstrations of several 

of the newer processes, including Vista- 

Vision; the policy changes by MGM and 20th- 

Pox, along with talks by technical and equipment 

experts gave proof that clarification 

was approaching and held forth the promise 

that some sort of formula satisfactory to all 

types of theatres is on the way. 

The only formal meeting where film rental 

increases were discussed was a closed forum 

led by Walter Reade jr., president of TOA. 

All phases of drive-in operation came in 

for concentrated attention during the Tuesday 

morning meeting. Jack Braunagel of 

Commonwealth Theatres, Kansas City, advised 

airer managers to consider children 

when planning programs despite the fact that 

children are usually admitted free. 

"Play to the masses and not the classes," 

was a thought he strongly stressed. He also 

emphasized that two factors keep a theatre 

alive and increase receipts—change and excitement. 

Braunagel, whose mother had just died in 

California, received a vote of thanks from 

the Georgia and Alabama groups for his 

showmanship efforts in behalf of drive-in 

operations. 

AL REYNOLDS SPEAKS 

Al Reynolds, general manager of Claude 

Ezell Drive-In Theatres, Dallas, spoke on the 

necessity of drive-ins to stay modern, advising 

owners not to let the downtown theatres 

get ahead. He emphasized business is 

progress. He also spoke in favor of Cinema- 

Scope for drive-ins saying that the Ezell 

circuit beUeved airers equipped to show Cinemascope 

had the advantage over the ones 

• not equipped, and that the circuit was converting 

to Cinemascope and stereophonic 

sound as rapidly as possible. Reynolds said 

the Ezell circuit was using a 40x80 foot curved 

screen in a 2 to 1 ratio. He then explained 

(Continued on next page) 

Atlanta Sessions 

New officers and directors electsJ to the Alabama and Georgia theatre owners 

associations, which held a joint meeting in Atlanta last week, are shown here. The new 

Alabama group seen in the top photo are, left to right, seated: Mack Jackson, TOA 

representative; R. M. Kennedy, president; Rufus Davis, vice-president, and T. Eddie 

Watson, secretary. Standing: Lester Neely, Henry Webb, Norris Hathaway, BiU Wolfson, 

Bill Griffin, Harry Curl, Dan Davis, Jimmie Gaylord and Joe Jackson. The Georgia 

group seen in bottom photo are, seated: O. C. Lam, executive vice-president; John 

Thompson, secretary; J. H. Thompson, president; E. D. Martin, treasurer, and J. S. 

Tankersley, vice-president. Standing: Ferber Mincey, southeastern chairman; Cecil 

Crummey southwestern chairman; Willis Davis, C. L. Patrick, J. E. Jarrell, northern 

chairman; Ray Edmondson, vice-president, and Nat Hancock, central chairman. 

Attending the VistaVision demonstration at Loew's Grand in Atlanta, left to right: 

K. B. Wilby, Wilby Theatres, Atlanta; Al W. Schwalberg, president, Paramount Distributing 

Co.; Mack Jackson, Alexander City, Ala.; J. E. Martin, SchwaH)erg, C. L. 

Patrick and Dr. Charles Dailey. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 22, 1954 SE 47

| 

f^ 

\ 

V.' 

".V 

Several Chattanooga managers snapped at the convention are, left to 

right: Horace Abbott, 58th Street Drive-In; James Duncan. 23rd Street Drive-In 

Ed Spann, Fox Theatre; and Charles Lynch, 41 Drive-In. All are with the Fincher 

Theatres of Chatsworth, Ga. .Abbott is a recent addition to the organization. 

Complain Rental Hikes Cancel Tax Aid 

(Continued from preceding page) 

and showed one of the stereo speakers, actually 

three speakers in one. 

Reynolds, asked about the use of live shows, 

remarked that his experience had shown 

them to be nonprofitable. Braunagel also 

backed Reynolds statements as did most of 

the operators present. 

Claude Ezell followed to complete the morning 

session. He sees conventional theatres in 

small towns as a thing of the past and said. 

"People are lazy and want to be able to 

drive into a theatre instead of parking and 

walking." 

"Better optical systems mean better patron 

attendance," Ezell said. He reviewed drive-in 

history, noting that one of the country's first 

such theatres had been built right here in 

Atlanta in 1938. He compared its construction 

with that of today to show how far the 

drive-in has progressed since that date. 

At the preceding Monday afternoon sessions. 

Bob Hoff, Ballantyne Co., explained the 

different sound systems in which he viewed 

magnetic sound as superior to optical. He 

also recommended that CinemaScope showings 

at drive-ins be made with one speaker 

magnetic sound. 

John Stembler, Georgia Theatres; Emil 

Bernstecker, Wilby-Kincey Service Corp.; E. 

E. Whitaker and W. N. Wolfson conducted 

the clinic on conventional theatre problems 

placing emphasis on showmaoship and advertising 

methods. They saw television advertising 

in some areas as providing the most 

profitable method of getting people back into 

theatres. 

Reade, who conducted the film rental forum 

Tuesday afternoon, also spoke at the noon 

luncheon, emphasizing the importance of 

showmanship. "Showmen cannot make money 

by not spending it," he said and stressed that 

owners must spend profits to improve their 

properties, including seating and air conditioning. 

A showman, according to Reade, 

"Is as important to a town as the village 

doctor or banker and he must continually 

seek new means of exploitation." 

Reade also said the industry is not developing 

enough new manpower for showmanship. 

He expres.sed the opinion that "The contributing 

factor to the lack of applicants 

of the caliber desired is the fact that the pay 

is not as liberal as in other fields." He said 

more time should be spent developing new 

manpower. 

In a product forum, A. B. Padgett, one of 

the moderators, said, "The month a film is 

released makes little difference, for if the 

product is a good one, it will do business." 

Mack Jackson assisted Padgett with the 

forum. 

The convention concluded with a banquet 

at the Biltmore Terrace. Bill Griffin of Cullman, 

Ala., introduced the officers elected to 

the Alabama group. The featured speaker was 

uill McCraw of Dallas, executive director of 

Variety International, whose humorous touch 

drew many laughs. His talk viewed the future 

of the industry with optimism. He also 

called attention to the work of the Variety 

clubs, and of the Atlanta tent in particular. 

Mrs. H. A. Hartman of Wil-Kin Theatre 

Supply was the winner of a cash prize donated 

by Benton Brothers of Atlanta. Entertainment 

was furnished by a singing 

chorus from the Agnes Scott college in Atlanta. 

Tables were then removed to allow 

dancing. 

* * * 

Talked with Norris Hadaway, manager of 

the Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, who is 

well-remembered by theatre people in North 

Carolina. He said he was finding television 

a good medium for selling pictures in his 

area. 

Myrtle Wilson and Joe Jackson of the 

Clanton Drive-In, Clanton, were in for the 

convention. Their drive-in is noted for neatness 

and for the beauty of its landscaping. 

They said they had added plantings at the 

airer and had remodeled the concessions 

stand. They .said roses which they planted 

last year were making the drive-in a virtual 

fairyland of blossoms. 

* * • 

Jay Sadow and his nine-year-old son Chip 

from Chattanooga were in. Chip said his 

dad brought him to the convention for two 

reasons: so he could learn the business and 

to meet other show folk. He said he was 

finding other exhibitors to be mighty nice. 

Lukey Stein, Stein Theatres, Jacksonville, 

Fla., was asked about by everyone, and Lew 

Leffler was kept busy with questions about 

Stein. 

* * • 

K. T. Barfield of St. Petersburg said business 

was just fair in that area. 

Bolivar Hyde and B. B. Garner were missed 

at the convention. They usually attend all 

the area meetings. 

Jon Sims, manager of Dixie Theatre Service 

& Supply Co., in its new offices at 95 

Some of the Georgia personalities who 

attended the joint meeting in Atlanta are 

pictured above. Top photo: John Mangham, 

Realart Pictures, Atlanta, and 

Alpha Fowler, operator of the Alpha Theatre, 

Douglasville. Center photos: J. H. 

Thompson, Hawkinsville, president of the 

Georgia group, whispers a word or so to 

Oscar Lam, Rome, executive vice-president. 

Right center is John Stembler, 

Georgia Theatres. Bottom: Emil Bernstecker, 

Wilby-Kincey, and E. E. Whitaker, 

Georgia Theatres. 

Walton St., Atlanta, was introduced by Jim 

McClung to many exhibitors. Sims formerly 

was with General Precision Co. The new 

Dixie offices are very neat and there was a 

large stock of replacement parts. 

* * • 

Wil-Kin Theatre Supply Co. was robbed 

May 11 and the cash box broken into and 

about $20 taken. George Coburn of the 

Prattmont Drive-In, Pi'attville, Ala., ordered 

Cinemascope for his drive-in from Wil-Kin. 

Charlie Fortson of Wil-Kin said the firm was 

installing Motiograph equipment in many 

area drive-ins, which are converting to Cinemascope. 

Jimmie Gaylord said he would open with 

Cinemascope pictures in his drive-in at Troy 

.soon. Oscar Lam and his partner, who owned 

the theatre which burned at Tallapoosa, Ga., 

have sold the site to Mr. Edwards of Tallapoosa, 

who will build a new theatre. 

Curt Shreve, who has retired from Manley 

Popcorn Co. and who operated the Atlanta 

office for many years, was missed at the convention. 

This was the first time in years 

that Manley did not have a display. 

Hubert Mitchell and his son attended the 

convention from their Ranch Drive-In, Hartselle, 

Ala. 

Blevin.s Popcorn Co. of Nashville, Tenn., 

and Atlanta had a very attractive display. 

48 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 

i

Columnist Opposes 

Film Censorship 

MIAMI—The Miami board of 

review, local 

censorship body, which recently requested a 

ruling on whether it could extend its authority 

from comic books to motion pictures, has 

run into at least "a small voice of opposition" 

from local amusement editor Herb Rau. 

Rau, in his recent column on censorship, 

charged that censor bodies are existent in 

violation of the First Amendment of the 

Constitution, and predicted that "some day 

some exhibitor or film producer will take a 

test case to the Supreme Court and the local 

censorship boards will go out of business immediately." 

Charging that motion pictures "already are 

probably subject to more restrictions upon 

freedom of expression than any other form 

of communication," Rau pointed out that 

many local restrictions upon film exhibition 

are determined "by the mere whim of a 

police official." 

As to the request of the local board, Rau 

said, the Miami board of review is limited in 

its censorship to what they call "obscenity." 

"In nearly five years of reviewing movies 

in Miami," he wrote, "we've never seen a 

Hollywood film that we could describe as 

'obscene.' But what is 'obscenity' anyway? Is 

it more than an epithet which is definable 

only in terms of a long chain of synonomous 

epithets?" 

Rau told his readers that the industry's 

own Johnston office enforces its production 

code, and he outlined the work of that office, 

ending his column: 

"Let us permit the Johnston office to continue 

policing the motion picture industry. 

As for the foreign productions, which escape 

Johnston office jurisdiction, they're so 

couched in vague double-entendre and in 

generally poor entertainment that they're 

poison for minors, anyway." 

Downtown Theatres Leases 

Wilby-Kincey House 

JASPER, ALA.—Downtown Theatres, Inc., 

headed by R. M. Kennedy of Birmingham, has 

leased the Jasper Theatre from the Wilby- 

Kincey circuit and has closed the Downtown 

Theatre. 

William F. Call will operate the theatre, 

replacing William A. Steppe, manager here 

for 15 years. Mr. Steppe has joined an insurance 

company as underwriter for Jasper 

and surrounding territory. 

CS Installed at Star 

LAKE WALES, FLA.—Installation of a 

Cinemascope screen and new projection 

equipment was completed at the Star Theatre. 

According to Manager Leslie Pendleton, 

the changeover did not interfere with regular 

showings as all work had been done at 

night after the theatre's closing. 

Wide Screen for Alimar 

LIVE OAK, FLA.—Leonard Vaughn, manager 

of the Cannon circuit's Alimar Theatre, 

said that the large screen now being installed 

will be completed shortly. Other improvements 

include a crying room, aids for the 

hard of hearing, a new lounge and new 

plumbing throughout. 

Wometco Adds Three fo 

MIAMI—Everyone had smiles, bosses and 

employes, when gold watches were presented 

to three Wometco Theatres staff members, 

completing their 20th year with the organization. 

The presentation took place at the 

Old Guard banquet recently held at the 

Algiers hotel, Miami Beach. Only employes 

who have been with Wometco a minimum of 

seven years are eligible for membership in 

this club. 

Presentation of the watches was made 

James C. Hoge Srs. Mark 

Their 50th Wedded Year 

LAKELAND, FLA.—Mr. and Mrs. James C. 

Hoge sr., six of whose children are in the 

theatre business in Florida, celebrated their 

golden wedding anniversary. The children 

and their affiliations are 

John A. Hoge, owner, LaBelle Theatre, La- 

Belle: Katherine C. King, owner, Grand and 

Beach Theatre, Fort Myers; Julia E. Raulerson, 

with J. L. Raulerson, owner of driveins 

at Clearwater and Bartow, and the Harlem 

at Bartow, the New at Lake Wales and 

Ben's at Haines City: Margaret V. Haynes, 

with D. A. Haynes, owner of Naples Theatre, 

Naples: Mary Jones, whose husband John M. 

is manager of the Pasco Theatre, Dade City, 

and Charlotte Jackson, whose husband Amos 

J. is employed by Raulerson Theatres, Lakeland. 

Two other daughters and a son are not 

connected with the industry. 

Princess Remodeling 

CROSS CITY. FLA.—The Princess Theatre 

is undergoing a remodeling program which 

includes the installation of a panoramic 

screen, new sound equipment and new projection 

machines. A new lobby and masonry 

front also is being added. 

Florida Theatre Installs C'Scope 

VERO BEACH, FLA.—A CinemaScope 

screen is being installed in the Florida Theatre 

as well as new sound equipment. Archie 

Adams jr. is manager. 

Old Guard 

jointly by Mitchell Wolfson, left, and Sidney 

Meyer, right, co-owners of the circuit and of 

WTVJ. The three receiving the awards are 

(from Wolfson) Paul Allen, artist: Stanley 

Stern, real estate, and Frank Miller, maintenance. 

This brings the percentage of those 

who have been with Wometco 20 years or 

more to 11 per cent. 

Veterans of the Old Guard, with 28 years 

with Wometco to their credit, are Sonny 

Shepherd, Mark Chartrand and Hal Kopplln. 

MPEOF Regional Meeting 

For Miami in Mid-June 

JACKSONVILLE—The second regional 

meeting for 1954 of the Motion Picture Exhibitors 

of Florida is scheduled for mid-June 

in Miami, it was announced by Horace Denning, 

Florida manager of Dixie Drive-ins 

and MPEOF president. Mrs. E. N. Claughton, 

Claughton circuit, is serving as head of the 

arrangements committee. 

One purpose of the Miami meeting. Denning 

said, is to enlarge the South Florida 

membership of the TOA unit. All independent 

exhibitors in the area are invited to the 

gathering to hear a number of prominent 

speakers describe industry problems and 

achievements. 

ECHOLS ICE SHAVERS 

ROY SMITH CO. 

TAMPA 

JACKSONVILLE 

CAROLINA BOOKING SERVICE 

135 Brevard Court, Chorions, N. C. 

FRANK 

LOWRY — JOHN WOOD 

HAZEL RESNIK 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 49

. . . Havana 

MIAMI 

Toe Fink, assistant manager at the 27th 

Avenue Drive-In, is leaving on a two-week 

vacation. He will visit in Atlanta, his former 

home. Fink says the armed robbers who 

held up Manager Cunningham, the cashier 

and doorman in the drive-in's boxoffice recently, 

getting away with about $237. have 

not yet been caught. "But they made a poor 

deal." says Fink, "since we stfll have their 

car." Get-away in this car was blocked by a 

couple of boys who sav; the holdup taking 

place, and who were quick-w-itted enough to 

pull the ignition wires loose on the bandits' 

car. 

Edward Claughton sr.. returning from St. 

Louis, and daughter Suzie. arriving from Stetson 

where she attended a Sigma Nu house 

party, got home in time to say goodby to 

Mrs. Claughton and Ed jr.. who were headed 

for Atlanta and the motion picture exhibitors 

convention. They returned at about 

the same time Ed sr. departed for Chicago. 

After this, they hope to have less conflicting 

travel 

plans. 

Walter Klements booked another special 

preview at the Mayfair Art Theatre. The 

foreign-made film. "Females at Play," followed 

the regular showing of "The 39 Steps" 

theatres contributed one-half 

the boxoffice gross on a designated day toward 

a children's hospital organization sponsored 

by Senora Batista. 

Harry W. Keiners, 62-year-old representative 

of several motion picture companies, advertising 

man and entertainment promoter, 

died May 13 in a local hospital. Reiners 

came here in 1949. and in recent years worked 

as a special field man for Columbia. United 

Artists and others. For several years he 

worked in the advertising departments of 

Loew's and RKO. At one time, he was part 

owner of a chain of theatres on Long Island. 

N.Y. He was a member of Variety Club and 

a life member of the Mumm lodge of Masons 

in New York City. Survivors include his 

wife and a sister. Services and burial were 

in New York. 

The Mitchell Wolfsons plan to fly to New- 

York for the June 6 wedding of their nephew 

Richard Wolfson and Elaine Reinherz of 

Providence. R.I.. at Hampshire house. They 

plan to return immediately to close their 

bayfront home before going back to New- 

York and sailing on the SS Liberte July 3 

for Europe. Accompanied by their daughter 

Frankie and their son Mickey, now at Lawrenceville 

preparatory school in New Jersey, 

they expect to visit Norway, Sweden, Denmark, 

Finland, Holland and Belgium, spending 

one week in each place. The family will 

see operas, and in Finland will visit the 

famed composer Jean Sibelius. Upon their 

return to this country, the Wolfsons will stay 

in their summer home, Milofran, in North 

Carolina, probably until after Thanksgiving. 

Localites, already confused by numerous 

film processes, read with further mystification 

of Delrama Largoscope, wide screen with 

mirrors. The inventor is Dutch . . . Columnist 

Jack Bell had several letters from local 

women asking him to prevail upon the 

Claughtons not to show "The French Line." 

because it w-as banned by the church. The 

circuit is showing the version which has been 

okayed by the censorship board. Said Bell, 

"Since the church in the past has banned 

some of the most beautiful and human literature 

ever written, I was slightly hesitant." 

Bell did go to view the picture, finding it in 

his opinion "the worst entertainment of our 

time," not from a moral point of view but 

from an entertainment angle. He thinks that, 

but for the church ban, the film would have 

a poor chance at success. 

"Fair Weather," an original by Betty Comden 

and Adolph Green, will be produced by 

Arthur Freed for Metro-Goldw-yn-Mayer. 

Cotton Fete Hurls 

Memphis Grosses 

MEMPHIS— First runs took an attendance 

beating due to the Cotton carnival w-eek, 

featuring parades and riverfront fireworks 

demonstrations. One manager said: "We 

closed up. We just kept our doors open because 

of habit. We kept the machines running 

to keep them oiled. Nobody came in. Then 

like a bolt from the blue, rain came one night 

and the parade w-as called off. Our theatres 

all filled up in a few- minutes." 

The Strand showed "Elephant Walk" to 

crowds 75 per cent above average. All other 

first runs were below average. 


Moico Fireman Save My Child lU-l) 70 

Palace Trade Horn (MGM); Sequoia (MGM), 

reissues 75 

State Southwest Passoge (UA) 75 

Strond Elephant Walk (Para) 1 75 

Worner—A Girl for Joe (WB); A Guy With o Grin 

(WB), reissues 70 

Award in Cashier's Death 

Appealed to High Court 

DURHAM, N.C.—Abercrombie Enterprises, 

owner of the Carolina Theatre here, has appealed 

to the state supreme court a decision 

awarding $4,750 to survivors of a cashier who 

suffered a fatal collapse after directing patrons 

to leave a theatre because of a fire. 

Mrs. Elizabeth S. Lewter, 38, fell unconscious 

at the Carolina here on Dec. 11, 1951, 

and died in a hospital the following day. The 

state industry commission aw-arded her husband 

Wade and daughter Libby Jeanne compensation 

of $13.50 a week for 350 weeks. 

The theatre owners appealed to Durham 

.superior court, which upheld the award. The 

firm then appealed to the supreme court, 

contending the superior court erred in refusing 

to make rulings as requested on exceptions 

and objections filed during the hearing. 

Mrs. Lew-ter collapsed after she w-alked 

through the theatre telling patrons to leave 

because of a fire w-hich had broken out. She 

returned to the ticket booth and was making 

refunds to patrons when she collapsed. 

the best source of supply for the finest in 

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Cinemascope 

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everything for the theatre except film 

wil-kin theatre supply, inc. 

allanta, ga. • charlotte, n. c. 

Avalon Schedules Three 

For Florida Filming 

WINTER PARK, FLA.—Avalon Pictures 

has scheduled three full length pictures for 

filming in central Florida, according to 

Thomas Casey, president. The first, to be 

called "Swamp Angel," will get under way 

this month and will employ, in addition to a 

number of local persons, professional actors 

through the William Morris agency of New 

York. 

Starts Airer Construction 

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FLA.—Construction 

has started on a new drive-in on the 

site of the old Hi-Way 90 Drive-In. The 

screen will be about 16 feet wider than the 

previous screen and all new equipment will 

be installed. A conce.ssion stand is to be 

erected at the rear of the theatre. 

Nona Theatre Loses $500 

LAFAYETTE. LA.—The Nona Theatre, located 

on East Simcoe St.. was entered during 

the night recently and about $500 was reported 

taken. Milton Guidry is owner-manager. 

50 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22. 1954

: 

Allied 

. . Sam 

MEMPHIS 

•p L. Bostick, National Theatre Supply Co. 

district manager, was in New York on 

business . . . Mrs. William Hesselbein, formerly 

Loretta Healey, office managers secretary 

at Universal, is mother of a baby 

daughter ... At Malco Theatres, Virginia 

Moss, payroll department, and Jessie Rae 

Lucy, head booker, are vacationing. Miss 

Lucy is in Hot Springs, Ark. 

Mrs. Jack Pentz, wife of Universal's booker, 

is seriously ill at Baptist hospital . . . Mrs, 

Margaret Cervette is new ledger clerk at Universal 

. . . Arkansas exhibitors visiting in 

Memphis included Gordon Hutchins, State, 

Corning; Mrs. Jessie Howe Anderson and 

Mrs. Violet Martin, Strand, Hot Springs; Otto 

Kirkpatrick, Imperial, Forrest City; W. L. 

Landers, Landers, Batesville; John Staples, 

Carolyn, mggott; Moses Sliman, Lux, Luxora; 

William Ellas, Murr, Osceola; K. K. King, 

Rialto, Searcy; K. H. Kinney, Hays, Hughes; 

Douglass Pierce, Rand, Pocahontas; Mr. and 

Mrs. T. E. Smith, 64 Drive-In, Russellville, 

and Wilbur Vaughan, Center, Kensett. 

Mrs. Mildred Bomar of Wren Theatres. 

Little Rock, has closed the Lil, Mena, Ark. . . . 

J. C. Cox of the Capitol, Union City, Tenn.. 

has closed the Ritz at Union City . . . Alton 

Sims, Rowley United Theatres, has closed 

the Victory, Benton, Ark. . . . C. B. Clark, 

owner, has closed the Pix, Philadelphia, Miss. 

Ira and Claude May, owners, have closed 

the Airway Theatre, Little Rock, temporarily 

The Starlite Drive-In, Henderson, Ky., 

. . . 

opened for the season May 20 . . . Louise 

Mask, Luez, Bolivar; W. P. Ruffin jr., Ruffin 

Amusements Co.; Paul Harrinton, Ruffin 

Amusements Co., Covington, and E. S. Stein, 

Met and Met-N-Movie Drive-In, Jackson, 

were among visiting Tennessee exhibitors. 

. . . Walter 

Whyte Bedford, Marion, Hamilton, Ala., 

and Clifford Burkeybyle, Belmont, Belmont, 

Miss., were in town on business 

Kirkham, booker for Commonwealth, Kansas 

City; Garnet Pullon, Richmond, Cardwell, 

and J. C. Mohrstadt, Joy, Hayti, were in town 

from Missouri. 

M. A. Lightman sr., president of Malco 

Theatres, will make a trip to Minocqua, Wis., 

in June. On this trip he will visit an old 

friend, Fred Snite jr., multimillionaire stricken 

with polio in 1936 who has been in an iron 

lung since that time. Lightman and Snite 

will play some bridge. They are old bridge 

partners. Snite has a mirror over his head 

which reflects the bridge table. 

Arthur Garfield Hays, world famous attorney, 

will not debate censorship by cities at 

the Memphis public affairs forum June 7 as 

planned. He cannot find an opponent. Lloyd 

T. Binford, chairman of the Memphis censors, 

"after some reflection" declined to debate 

Hays. The city attorney and his assistant 

were then invited to debate Hays, but 

declined. Other lawyers also declined to speak 

'Blue Law'Amendment 

Causes Little Change 

JACKSON, MISS.—There has been little 

change in the Sunday night theatre situation 

in the wake of a state act amending a longstanding 

"blue law." The old law prohibited 

showings after 6 p.m. on Sunday though 

theatres had been authorized to operate between 

1 and 6 p.m. The new law, signed 

by Gov. White, now permits operation of 

theatres between 9 and midnight. 

Some downtown theatres in Jackson and 

Hattiesburg opened from 9 p.m. to midnight 

the first Sunday the bill became law. Crowds 

were fair and plans are to continue the 

schedule. Meridian and Laurel reported theatres 

would remain closed. 

Towns in the Delta, on the Gulf coast, and 

along the Mississippi reported houses had 

been open Sunday nights for many years. 

Drive-ins throughout the state also have been 

doing business after dark on Sunday for as 

long as patrons can remember. 

Local laws govern Sunday hours for movies 

in many localities. 

LITTLE ROCK 

nn experimental policy of showing an art 

film every other Tuesday at the Nabor 

Theatre proved so successful that scheduling 

has been changed to include every Tuesday 

and Wednesday . Kirby, manager of 

the Nabor, is recuperating from an operation 

. . . Little Rock's Gail Davis, now a leading 

lady in westerns and star of TV's "Annie 

Oakley," returned to Hollywood after a visit 

here during the Rose Festival. While here 

she visited children's hospitals. 

A serious shortage of product is being felt 

here by both conventional and drive-in outlets. 

One drive-in recently played "Stalag 17" for 

the second time as half of a double feature. 

Other titles have been run two and three 

times. Good pictures do not draw as hoped 

because they have been "milked dry" at previous 

showings, it is said. 

Installations in Arkansas include Cinema- 

Scope at the Dixie, Monticello, and wide 

screen at the New, Dewitt, Roy Wilson, owner 

. . . C. F. Bonner, Community and Pines 

drive-ins. Pine Bluff, left on an extended vacation 

to California. While there he will 

study all the latest techniques. 

H. E. Wortsmith, Arkansas Theatre Supply, 

back from a trip in the southern part of the 

state, said that exhibitors there reported 

rough business. Several drive-ins, closed for 

the winter, are reopening in that section . . 

. 

Heavy rains kept several houses in the 

smaller communities open this year. After 

two successive years of severe drouth many 

farmers were ready to call it quits if It 

hadn't been for the showers. 

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STRICKLAND FILM CO. 

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i 

in favor of city censorship of movies . . . 

Winners in the recent Cynthia tag day for 

undernourished babies were entertained at a 

theatre party at the Warner. 

Henry Levin will direct "The Black Prince," 

Artists' Cinemascope costumer to be 

produced in England. 

LaMar Sarra Promoted 

JACKSONVILLE—LaMar Sarra has been 

appointed vice-president of Florida State 

Theatres, it was announced by President 

Leon Netter. Sarra, who has been connected 

with the circuit's legal department since 

1948, will continue as general manager. 

TROPICAL 

GRAPE 

ROY SMITH CO. 

TAMPA 

JACKSONVILLE 

BOXOFFICE ; 

: May 

22, 1954 51

. . Lloyd 

. . Donald 

NEW ORLEANS 

IJeaded by General Manager Dan Brandon, 

staffers of Transway, local film carrier, 

were feted with a seafood supper at the Jax 

room in the Jackson Brewery here. 

On hand 

from Transways were Roy S. Lobardo. Roy 

Barrois, Paul Mirpo, Herb Mirpo. PauU Har- 

. . . Roy 

rell, Mike Heck jr.. Tom Hadley. G. Brayant, 

Larry Lotz and Roy G. Galleger 

Barrois, Transway, became father of an 11- 

pound girl. Roy has one other child. 

Flo Eldridge is the new booker at 20th- 

Fox . . . 20th-Fox employes are still talking 

about their weiner roast held at City park 

last Saturday night. Lloyd Edwards, presi- 

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dent of the Fox club, now is making plans for 

the club's annual picnic, to be held in June. 

Henry Werlin, Memphis, partner with Bill 

Cobb in Exhibitors Poster Exchange, was in 

town last week for a fishing trip with Bill 

Cobb, Milton White, Ralph Reid and Joe 

Silver . Royal, president of the 

Mississippi Theatre Owners Ass'n, reminds 

members and friends to register for the 1954 

convention June 27-29 at the Edgewater Gulf 

hotel at Edgewater Park, Miss. Royal and 

Secretary-Treasurer Teddy Solomon expect a 

large attendance this year. 

Producer Hal B. Wallis and Director Daniel 

Mann were here lining up locations for 

the filming of Tennessee Williams' play, "The 

Rose Tattoo," which has its locale "somewhere 

along the Gulf coast." Wallis believes he can 

secure the locale in this area where transportation 

and housing for more than 100 

people from Hollywood would be needed. 

Louis "Mike" Gutmann, general office assistant 

at Columbia, was given a birthday 

party in the New Orleans hotel. Mike, who is 

80 years old, was presented a certificate of 

merit from the city by Councilman Gleen P. 

Clasen. All 34 members of the Columbia 

branch, including Manager Houston Duval, 

were at the birthday luncheon. Gutmann is 

a 25-year employe of Columbia. 

. . . Dick 

Pretty 17-year-old Betty Schultz was named 

the "Marilyn Monroe of New Orleans" at 

Pontchartrain beach last week. The contest 

was staged in behalf of "River of No Return," 

starring Marilyn Monroe, which was showing 

at the Saenger . . . Jimmy Tringas, Tringas, 

Fort Walton Beach, Fla., attended the Kiwanis 

convention in Miami 

Guidry of the Jet Drive-In, Cut-Off, La., was 

here booking and buying before going to 

Baton Rouge to attend the house session to 

which he is representative from Lafourche 

parish . Fiske stopped here on his 

way home from Paramount's VistaVision 

demonstration in Atlanta. Fiske operates the 

Fiske at Oak Grove, and the Lake and Lake 

Drive-In at Lake Providence. 

Shreveport Darden Office 

DALLAS—Charles E. Darden. president of 

Associated Popcorn Distributors, recently announced 

the association of the H. G Townsend 

Co., Shreveport, La., with the organization. 

Townsend will manage the company's 

Shreveport office. Associated's complete line 

of concession equipment and supplies is 

available in this new territory from its first 

Louisiana salesrooms. 

Wayside Drive-In Opens 

PANAMA CITY. FLA.—All amusement 

park rides were free at the opening of the 

Gulf Enterprises' 470-car Wayside Drive-In. 

The alrer. managed by Harold McKenzie, 

was designed and constructed for Cinema- 

Scope and stereophonic sound. 

Fire at Collinston, La. 

COLLINSTON. LA.—The Collinston Theatre 

and an adjoining barbershop were severely 

damaged by fire recently. All equipment 

was lost. The theatre and the barbershop 

building were owned by Mrs. C. B. Mason. 

Colonial Drive-In Starts 

On Expansion Program 

NASHVILLE, TENN.—A $25,000 expansion 

program now is under way at the Colonial 

Eh-ive-In. The owners, Robert M. Condra, 

Albert Weber, and Joe H. Hart jr., said completion 

is scheduled for June 1. 

A 50xl00-foot screen and stereophonic 

sound speakers for each car will be features 

of the expansion program. With enlargement 

of the snack bar by 50 per cent, complete 

dinner .service, using disposable containers, 

will be provided. 

Capacity will be temporarily enlarged to 

1.000 cars by the broadcasting of sound 

through car radios when the 650-car capacity 

is reached. Plans are to make the enlagement 

permanent if needed. 

Norwood Announces Plans 

For $75,000 Drive-In 

TUSCUMBIA, ALA.—Dan Davis of Florence, 

president of Norwood Theatre Co.. has 

announced plans for a new 400-car drive-in. 

Work is to begin within 30 days. 

Mr. Davis said the $75,000 airer will be 

known as the Wheeler Drive-In and will include 

a 100-seat enclosed viewing room for 

winter use. 

The Norwood company also operates the 

Joy-Lan Drive-In north of Florence. 

Ritz Completes Remodeling 

ATHENS, ALA.—Manager Robert N. Cannon 

has announced the completion of the 

$40,000 Ritz Theatre remodeling program. 

The improvements included increasing capacity 

to 750 seats, installation of a new stage, 

large screen and sound equipment, and complete 

redecoration. 

Drive-In Firm Chartered 

COLUMBIA. S.C—Twilite Downs. Inc.. 

has been granted a charter of incorporation 

to operate drive-in theatres and restaurants, 

listing a capital stock of $4,000. J. M. Smith 

is president of the company. 

JACK POT QUIZ NITE 

For over five years now, fhis plan has proved both 

successful and profitable to exhibitors operoting 

regular ond drive-in theatres in the South. We 

have operated in competition to most so-catlcd 

business stimulant plans to the delight of our 

accounts. You con verify this by direct communicotion 

with our customers, os we will gladly 

furnish their names. They ore well-known and 

highly reputoble exhibitors. If you do not know 

them, you will have heard of them. 

Remember that this plan is Icgol in all states ond 

approved by the Postoffice Department for odvertising. 

Patronage Builders, 

Inc. 

P O. Box 1442 — Atlonto 

502 South Second Street Memphis, Tennessee 

604 4th St. — Spencer, N. Cor. 

"Everything for 3-D, Wide Screen

. . . "From 

. . Frank 

RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 24, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

5-22-54 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics 

Air Conditioning 

n Architectural Service 

n "Black" Lighting 

Q Building Material 

D Carpets 

D Coin Machines 

Complete Remodeling 

n Decorating 

D Drink Dispensers 

Q Drive-In Equipment 

D Other 

Theatre 

Seating 

Address 

City 

State 

Subjects 

Capacity 

Signed 

Q Lighting Fixtures 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

n Projectors 

n Projection Lamps 

n Seating 

n Signs and Marquees 

n Sound Equipment 

n Television 

D Theatre Fronts 

n Vending Equipment 

Postage-paid reply cords for your further convenience 

in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE Section, published with the first Issue of 

eoch month. 

JACKSONVILLE 

. . . 

"Pliough he has only been a resident of the 

city for five weeks, Allen Armstrong, manager 

of the San Marco Theatre, has proved 

himself an able civic worker. The San Marco 

Square Merchants Ass'n named him director 

of its cooperative advertising program. Many 

of the southside's finest shops are located 

on the square near Armstrong's theatre 

A long succession of cool, rainless nights has 

benefitted north Florida drive-in theatres 

Here To Eternity" is continuing 

as a crowd pleaser at subsequent run houses. 

The Motion Picture Council re-elected 

Irene Scanlon to the president's chair at Its 

May luncheon meeting held in the Seminole 

hotel . . . Robert Heekin has announced that 

contracts have been signed with Theatre Network 

Television and the International Boxing 

club to bring large screen TV to the Florida 

Theatre for the Marciano-Charles 

world's heavyweight championship fight, direct 

from the Yankee Stadium ringside on 

June 17. The advance sale of tickets was to 

begin on June 1 . . . Bogart fans were wellpleased 

with "Beat the Devil" in its first run 

at the Five Points . . . Fred Hull, MGM manager, 

invited exhibitors of the area to a 

screening of "The Student Prince." 

New employes at Universal are Lila Mc- 

Cloud, contract clerk, and Helen Dublinsky, 

cashier's 

MGM office 

office On vacation from the 

. . . 

were Sara Keller, booker, and 

Janice Claxton, office secretary . . . George 

Hoffman, Florida manager for National 

Screen Service, left his Orlando office to 

visit theatre executives in this city. 

. . 

Ed Chumley, Paramount manager, left for 

Atlanta, and Abner Camp, Paramount salesman, 

was in from his downstate territory . . . 

Rex Norris, executive of Martin Theatres, 

M. C. Moore returned 

was here from Clermont . . . 

from Paramount's VistaVision demon- 

stration in Atlanta with praise for the new 

method of screening film . . . E. Wulfekuhler, 

owner of the Dixie Drive-In at DeLand, called 

on Carroll Ogburn at Warner . Roy Morgan, 

booker, and Eva Jones, billing clerk, 

were vacationing from the Warner office . . . 

Milton Frackman, owner of the San Carlos 

and Lincoln theatres in Key West, visited 

Filmrow. 

Jimmy Biddle, Jasper exhibitor, was another 

Roy Smith went on to Chicago 

visitor . . . after attending the Georgia-Alabama 

exhibitors meeting in Atlanta . Bell, 

district supervisor for Florida State Theatres 

at St. Petersburg, attended conferences at 

the FST home office . . . Pat Haughdl is a 

new billing clerk at RKO. Vacationists from 

RKO were Jerry Wardlow, R. Cam Price's 

secretary, and Betty West, office worker. 

. . . Walt Woodward, 

Sam Casey, RKO booker, resigned to enter 

the electrical business 

Wil-Kin Theatre Supply salesman from 

. . . Bob 

Miami, was here for several days 

Skaggs used thousands of folding tabloid-size 

heralds to announce the coming of "Prince 

Valiant" at the Florida Theatre. 

$400 to Drive-In Thieves 

LAKE CHARLES, LA.—Thieves entered 

the Surf Drive-In one night recently and 

robbed a safe of about $400. Floyd Stevenson 

is the manager. 

Anderson Theatres Sign 

Ahec Service Contract 

MLTLLINS, S.C—The Anderson Theatre Co. 

has signed a service contract with Altec Service 

Corp. for 16 theatres, conventional and 

drive-in type, in North and South Carolina. 

The contract was negotiated by Robert Curry, 

field engineer attached to the Atlanta office. 

The theatres are Anderson, Mullins; Rainbow, 

Marion; Anderson, Kingstree; Anderson, 

Hemingway; Pamplico, Pamplico; Carolina, 

Conway; Ocean Drive, Ocean Drive, all in 

South Carolina, and the Carolina, McCall, 

N.C. 

The drive-ins are 76, Mullins; Swamp Fox, 

Marion; 301, Dillon; 501, Conway; Myrtle, 

Myrtle Beach, in South Carolina, and the 

211, Lamberton, and the 410, Tabor City, N.C. 

Verlin Randall Purchases 

Louisville Downs Theatre 

From Mideast Edition 

LOUISVILLE—The Downs Theatre here 

now is being operated by Verlin W. Randall, 

Lexington, Ind., farmer, who exchanged his 

farm for a lease on the house with Roland 

D. Foster, who had operated the theatre 

since last June. 

Simultaneously, Randall signed a contract 

with projectionists Local 163, which 

then took the Downs off the unfair list 

where it had been listed since last July. 

Chester Demaree, business agent for the 

union, said that Randall had agreed to pay 

the union projectionist the standard rate 

for neighborhood theatres. 

flL 

ROOK'S 

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GREENSBORO, N. C. CHARLOTTE, N. C. 

Florida's flRST Supply House 

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UNITED THEATRE SUPPLY CORP 

110 Franklin St. 

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Phone 1-304S 

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BOXOFFICE :: May 22, 1954 53

144^000 of our employees 

are enrolled in the 

Payroll Savings Plan^^ 

C. F. HOOD 

President, United Utales Uteel CorporatuM 

"The response ofour employees to the Payroll Savings Plan for U. S. Sai'ings Honds is 

dramatic evidence of their conviction that Freedom is Everybody\s Job. IT e are proud 

of their outstanding record in saving systematically in "£,'" Bonds^ in thus adding to 

their financial independence as they give effective support to the nation.'''' 

Mr. Hood and his associates may well be proud of the 

Steel Corporation's Payroll Savings figures: 

• 144,000 men and women of U. S. Steel are enrolled 

in the Payroll Savings Plan—an over-all employee 

participation of 52%— excellent for a company as 

large as U. S. Steel. 

• the average monthly investment of a U. S. Steel 

Payroll Saver is $20.79. 

• every month, these 144,000 employees invest 

$2,993,760 in personal security—and America's economic 

stability. 

• in some U. S. Steel plants and subsidiaries employee 

participation runs as high as 80%. 

Nearly eigiit million men and women, in forty-five 

thousand companies, large and small, are building 

personal security and contributing to national economic 

stability by their $160,000,000 monthly investment in 

U. S. Savings Bonds. These Payroll Savers, with their 

$25 and $50 Bonds, are major shareholders in a huge 

reservoir of future purchasing power— the $35.5 billion, 

cash value of Series E^Bonds outstanding. 

What is the employee participation in your Payroll 

Savings Plan? The average monthly deduction? How 

many employees have been added to your Payroll 

Savings Plan in the last year? Call for the figures and 

study them. Then, phone, wire or write to Savings 

Bond Division, U. S. Treasury Department, Wlashington 

Building, Washington, D. C. Your State Director 

will be glad to show you how easy it is to raise employee 

participation in your plan to 60%, 70%, or even better. 

The United States Government does not pay for this advertising. The Treasury Department 

thanks, for their patriotic donation, the Advertising Council and 

BOXOFFICE 


: May 

22, 1954

. . Leo 

V. E. Hamm of Lawton Buys 

Greenville, Tex., Airers 

GREENVILLE, TEX.—M. E. Hamm has 

sold the Hunt and Ti'ail drive-ins here to his 

brother V. E. Hamm of Lawton, Okla. Monroe 

Wright, recently of Wichita Falls, has 

been named manager of the theatres. 

Work has been started on remodeling the 

Ti'ail for an early opening. Renovation plans 

include resurfacing of the ramps, painting 

and landscaping. 

M. E. Hamm built and opened the Hunt, 

Greenville's first drive-in, in 1949 on Highway 

34 just south of Mineral Heights. The 

following year he built and opened the Trail. 

AUSTIN 

TTisitors in the Capital city included Karl 

Hoblitzelle, president. Interstate circuit, 

who was returning to Dallas from a stay in 

the valley; George Likins, south plains showman: 

Wild Bill Elliott, Hollywood, and Louis 

Novy, Ti'ans-Texas Theatres executive of 

Dallas . Moon, assistant manager and 

treasurer at the Capitol Theatre, did some 

classy lobby poster cards by freehand. He 

also fixes electrical appliances in a pinch and 

even mans the candy counter and ushers 

when there is brisk business. 

The Chief Drive-In, which recently installed 

a new fiberglas screen, played "Rider 

to the Stars" and announced in newspaper 

ads that it would soon offer stereophonic 

sound and Cinemascope films . . . Susan 

.Gregg, Majestic, returned from a seven-week 

vacation on the west coast . . . Mr. and Mrs. 

Robert R. O'Donnell are parents of a baby 

boy. O'Donnell is general manager for the 

local Tommy Sumners Theatres. 

During film star William Boyd's recent 

. . . 

. . . 

visit to town he was made honorary alcalde 

(mayor) of La Villita (the Little Village) 

The Texas Theatre, Junction, now holds 

the Businessmen's Bible class every Saturday 

morning instead of Sundays The Joy 

has installed a new WalkerScope wide screen. 

Manager J. L. Greenewood said that business 

has been good since the new screen was 

installed. 

Dallas Area Film Folk See VistaVision 

DALLAS—Y. Prank Freeman, president of 

Paramount, was greeted with typical Texas 

hospitality when he arrived here for the 

demonstration of his company's new Vista- 

Vision last week (14) at the Majestic Theatre. 

Shown at Love Field in the above 

photograph are, left to right. Dr. Charles 

Daily, one of the main technical developers 

of the new process; Al Kane, Dallas, Paramount 

manager; R. J. O'Donnell, vice-president 

and general manager of the Interstate 

circuit. Freeman and Raymond Willie, also 

with Interstate. 

Exhibitors who attended the demonstration 

were impressed by the depth of focus 

and the definition of the screen picture. At 

a press conference following the screening, 

Freeman stated that "White Christmas" in 

VistaVision would be released in Dallas this 

fall, and with only two exceptons all later 

Paramount efforts would use the new method. 

Among the Texas exhibitors in Dallas for 

the occasion were; Lester True, Sweetwater; 

J. D. Wallace, Sweetwater; Lester Dollison, 

Amarillo; C. C. Hamm, Vernon; Sonny Martini, 

Galveston; Bill Chesher, Littlefield; Abe 

Levy, Waco; Frank Weatherford, Ft. Worth; 

Charlie Carden, Ft. Worth; Dan Gould, Ft. 

Worth; C. H. Jones, Weatherford; Bill Rau, 

San Antonio; Jack Lilly, Commerce; Bob 

Lilly. Sulphur Springs; Ernest Rocket, Itasca 

and Mrs. C. W. Matson of Rockdale. Besides 

Al Kane and Tom Bridge of Dallas, other 

Paramount personnel who attended the session 

included; Howard Nicholson, Memphis 

manager; C. H. Weaver, Oklahoma City 

manager; Harry Hamburg, Kansas City manager, 

and Harry Haas, St. Louis manager. 

Farmer of Year Award 

At Foundation Fete 

DALLAS—The Texas Research Foundation, 

which operates an 800-acre experimental 

farm, celebrated its tenth anniversary 

Wednesday. The highlight of the celebration 

was the announcement of the Texas Farmer 

of the Year and awarding to the winner of 

the $5,000 Hoblitzelle award for advancement 

of Texas rural life. Karl Hoblitzelle, president 

of the Interstate circuit who heads the foundation, 

opened the program. Dallas Mayor 

R. L. Thornton presided and Dr. Earl L. Butz 

of the Purdue university section of agriculture 

economics spoke. 

Bob George to Wink, Tex.; 

Ken Morris Into Politics 

WINK, TEX.—Bob George of Kermit was 

appointed manager of the Rig Theatre by 

Kenneth Morris, theatre operator. George 

had been manager of the Video circuit's 

Lariat Drive-In. Morris turned over the managers 

post in order that he might devote full 

time to his race for sheriff. 

E. J. Elkins, Astor sales manager, Dallas, 

was in town calling on exhibitors . . . "Glenn 

or Glenda," a Sonney production, was given 

a private screening at the Prince recently for 

local law enforcement officers, the censors, 

the press, and others. The police censor put 

his stamp of approval on the film. 

Milentz Drive-In Looted 

LIBERTY, TEX.—Thieves broke into the 

Milentz Drive-In, stole a 400-pound safe, 

rifled the cash register and tampered with 

the cigaret machine. A. R., Bob Milentz jr., 

the theatre owner, reported the safe contained 

between $70 and $75. 

New House to Replace Iris 

FAIRFIELD, TEX.—Construction of a theatre 

to replace the Iris Theatre, which was 

destroyed by fire on March 14, will begin in 

the near future according to T. A. Mcllveen, 

manager of the Iris. 

EXHIBITORS AT SCREENING—Attending the Dallas Warner Bros, screening 

of the Jack L. Warner report on CinemaScope, left to right: J. G. Long, Long Theatres; 

Frank Starz, advertising-publicity director, Interstate circuit; Torrence Hudgins, advertising-publicity 

director, Trans-Texas Theatres; Raymond Willie, assistant general 

manager, Interstate; Ed Williamson, southwest district manager, Warner Bros.; H. C. 

Vogelpohl, WB manager. 

BOXOFFICE ; 

; May 

22, 1954 sw 55

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BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954

. . . John 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

p Lewis Barton has reopened the Capitol, 

which he bought recently from Cooper 

Foundation, after redecorating the concession 

stand and installing popcorn and drink 

machines. The new manager is Verrol Johnson, 

moved over from the Redskin by Barton. 

Jack DeLaughter, a projectionist, was moved 

up to Redskin manager. Mi'S. N. B. Ruddell 

has been made manager of the Barton-owned 

Del City Theatre. She has been with Barton 

about eight years. Emery Duncan, manager 

at the Skytrain, was on a two-week vacation. 

Barton entertained his managers at a breakfast 

Monday at his home, south of town. 

Barton's daughter, Mrs. Harold Combs, office 

manager for the circuit, and son-in-law, who 

is concessions manager, and son Bob, circuit 

booker and wife Betty live on the same acreage, 

which contains a small lake. The Lewis 

Bartons and the Combses and their son Hal 

returned from California where they visited 

Jerry Barton and his 

studying law at UCLA. 

wife, both of whom are 

Norman Gossling of United Film Service in 

Kansas City was a visitor . . . The Agnew 

Theatre was robbed of $50 by a gunman who 

. . . 

forced Margie Ann Davis, 17, cashier, to 

empty the money box Roy Rogers was 

here for the Junior League horse show this 

week (19-221, a benefit for the fund to build 

and equip a speech and hearing clinic in 

connection with University and Crippled 

Children's hospital here. 

Jane Russell was here Sunday (16> for the 

opsning of the Do-It-Yourself show in the 

Auditorium, sponsored by Oklahoman and 

Times. She was here as guest of the Steve 

Ellingsons. her neighbors in Van Nuys, Calif., 

" 'o life 

mm wm 

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where Ellingson operates his famed "pattern 

ranch" and produces models and designs of 

Do-It -Yourself pieces about which he writes 

in his syndicated newspaper column. Jane's 

picture, "The French Line," just closed at 

the Center just a day or so before she arrived. 

Sunday's Daily Oklahoman gave La Russell 

a big picture and story on the front page in 

which she was reported to have said "The 

French Line" has made her decide to be 

more careful about w-hat kind of promotion 

she does in the future. She said she was not 

going to do any pictures unless they have the 

Breen office okay. She picked "Gentlemen 

Prefer Blondes" as her favorite film. She 

said she had no intention of entering TV. 

She and husband Bob Waterfield have formed 

their own company, called Russfield, which 

has a contract for six pictures under the UA 

banner and a similar deal with RKO. 

Carolyn Gray Peek, daughter of the 

J. Eldon Peeks of Oklahoma Theatre Supply, 

will wed David Bu-eley Wilson June 11 in the 

Crown Heights Christian church here. The 

engagement was announced in March. Dolly 

Peek will serve her sister as maid of honor 

Kniseley of Norman was on the 

Row Monday (17). 

Oklahoma and Arkansas theatre technicians 

gathered for a midnight dinner last 

week 114) to honor Roy M. Brewer, candidate 

for president of the lATSE union. Local 

380, headed by Bob Croasdale, hosted the 

affair. Guests included Jerry Murphy, Tulsa, 

District 15 secretary. Local 380 was among 

the first to back Brewer in his campaign. 

Video Transfers O. Mooney 

HENRYETTA, OKLA.—Otis Mooney, formerly 

manager of Video's Twilight Drive-In 

at Oklahoma City, has been named to manage 

three Video theatres here. Mooney will succeed 

Don Lassitter, who has been transferred 

to Video's headquarters at Oklahoma 

City, as manager of the Blaine, Hilltop and 

Morgan. 

Palace Installs Wide Screen 

FREDERICKSBURG, TEX.—The Palace 

Theatre has installed a wide screen. According 

to Herbert Durst, the installation was the 

fu-st step toward providing a Cinemascope 

system. 

Charles Donnell Backs Expressway 

CANYON, TEX.—Charles Donnell, operator 

of three theatres here and president of 

the Chamber of Commerce, has indorsed a 

plan to build an expressway between Canyon 

and Amarillo. 

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WESTVILLE, OKLA.—Earl Smith has reopened 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 57

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Oklahoma Exhibitors Help Friend 

Of Repeal in Re-Election Fight 

OKLAHOMA CITY—Many Oklahoma theatremen 

will take a more active part than 

ever before in the state's political campaigns 

this year, particularly in the heated U.S. 

senate race. 

Senator Kerr, seeking re-election, i.s pitted 

against a strong contender, Roy J. Turner, 

former governor, and a United Dry leader, 

Dave Shepard. The latter currently is charging 

his opponents already have spent more 

than $3,000, the league limit, on their campaigns. 

Eddie Thorne, city general manager for 

the Cooper Foundation, has written exhibitors 

.soliciting their aid in Kerr's campaign 

to return to the senate. 

"This is a task with which you are thoroughly 

in accord after the great job Senator 

Kerr did for us in eliminating the federal 

amusement tax," he wrote. "We would like 

DALLAS 

\tT W. Lewis resigned as manager of the 

Cowtown Drive-In at Port Worth to 

manage the Oleander Drive-In in Galveston. 

The new manager of the Cowtown is Bill 

Corbell, formerly of the Roxy Drive-In in 

San Angelo ... J. Wood Fain, Fain Theatre, 

Woodville, was to speak at the District 190 

assembly of Rotary in Houston on community 

service. 

. . . 

C. H. Smithson, office manager at Columbia, 

returned from a vacation. Mary Bitting, 

cashier, returned from Baylor where she 

underwent an operation Theatre owners 

were as grateful as the farmers for the heavy 

rains last week. Rain fell for four successive 

days here for a total of 4.78 inches. The 

heart of the Panhandle reported six inches . 

Bob Warner of Manley returned from Little 

Rock and Memphis. Neal Houston, Manley 

salesman, was back at work after four days 

in a hospital for treatment. 

Mable Guinan's sister died Friday evening 

(141. Mable is a booker for RKO . . B. D. 

Duncan, active on Filmrow for some 39 years, 

has opened a newspaper mat service upstairs 

at 302 'l. South Harwood . . . More than 400 

meinbers and their guests enjoyed the first 

WOMPI Charity dance at Louann's. Paramount 

and Universal had the largest party 

groups. Mary Dell Ander.son accompanied 

the orchestra in several vocal .solos. The 

WOMPI's will hold their first national convention 

here September 18, 19. 

Alexander Film Co. has moved its Dallas 

office to Room 204, 312'i South Harwood. 

Justice Mclnaney was in Houston. Fay Speck, 

secretary, was on a vacation . E. 

Darden, Associated Popcorn Distributors, returned 

from Oklahoma City. Dan Lawson 

spent several days in Shreveport ... At the 

BUFFALO COOLING EQUIPMENT 

3409 Oak Lawn, Room 107 BUFFALO ENGINEERING CO., INC. Dallas, Te.as 

to make you respon.sible in your own community 

for the posting and distribution of 

half-sheets which are approximately 17x36 

inches in size. You are possibly thoroughly 

familiar with this type of poster which can 

be placed in windows, on boards and used 

in any number of ways. We are anxious to 

get a tremendous coverage for these posters 

and we know of no other persons in the 

state who would be more familiar with putting 

up this type of campaign material than 

you, a motion picture exhibitor." 

Thorne asked exhibitors to notify him as 

to number of posters needed for their particular 

situation. He advised exhibitors the 

posters will be mailed June 1 for posting, 

and asked for speedy answers and for the 

exhibitors to show the senator "that we can 

and will cover the state with these posters 

for him." 

Allied Artists, Jan Martin, receptionist, was 

on a vacation. W. C. Porter of the home 

office was at the exchange. 

Gertrude Haefner, with the Variety Club, 

was on a vacation. 

Snyder and Thompson 

Report on Makelim Plan 

OKLAHOMA CITY—The Makelim film 

plan was presented to a group of Oklahoma 

exhibitors at a meeting Monday il7i in the 

Biltmore hotel called by Allied of Oklahoma. 

Glen Thompson sr., board chairman, and 

Earl Snyder jr., Tulsa, president, reported 

on a recent Kansas City meeting they attended 

to investigate the film plan. 

A meeting similar to the Kansas City session 

will be held here, probably June 4. 

Thompson said this general meeting will 

be open to all exhibitors in the trade territory. 

He said the Makelim plan calls for 12 

pictures, which are being produced exclusively 

for Allied members. 

Exhibitors operating in the eastern section 

of the state gathered Tuesday at Tulsa to 

hear Snyder report on the Makelim plan. 

Attending the meeting here were Don Abernathy. 

Kingfisher; V. A. Wilkerson, Comanche; 

Houston Burns, Apache; Laverne 

King, MarietU; L. E. Brewer, Pauls Valley; 

H. L. Boehm, Watonga; Roy Shields, Enid; 

Eddie Jones, Snyder and R. Ballard of Tulsa; 

Bernard McKenna jr., Norman; Frank Deaton, 

Alva; Thompson, Mrs. Bess Newcomb, 

Bob Busch and Claude Motley of Oklahoma 

City. 

Film Industry in Italy 

Continues Its Growth 

NEW YORK—Italian film production and 

exhibition continue to increase, according to 

a report in Cinemundus, tradepaper. relayed 

by Italian Films Export. Already produced 

or in production at this time are 40 films, 

compared to 34 a year ago, and boxofflce receipts 

of first run films have increased 12 

per cent during March 19.'54 to $2,413,000. 

58 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22. 1954 

J

Fishing Season Opens; 

Twin Cities Trade Off 

MINNEAPOLIS—The spring's first warm 

weather and sunshine coupled with the fishing 

season opening apparently kept many 

away from the showhouses over the weekend. 

As a result of the slow getaway, the finish 

all down the line, excepting "Rhapsody," was 

below par. Even such a strong newcomer as 

"Elephant Walk" had only an average gross. 

The lone holdover was "Cinerama," in its 

fifth week and still doing a smash business. 

Gopher We Want o Child (LP) 85 

Lyric Alaska Seas [Para) 75 

Radro City Elephant Walk (Para) 100 

RKO-Orpheum Dangerous Mission (RKO) 90 

RKO-Pan Jesse James vs. Doltons (Col); Affairs 

of Messalina (Col) 80 

State Tola, Son of Cochise (U-l) 85 

World Rhapsody (MGM) 135 

Average Figures Reported 

In Omaha Grosses 

OMAHA—Grosses maintained an average 

level here last week ranging from 90 to 110 

per cent. The top figures were registered by 

"Elephant Walk" and a double bill of "Appointment 

With Danger" and "Dark City." 

"Carnival Story" held its own at 100 but, 

according to Manager Pinky McIIvaine, street 

construction work in front of the theatre 

had cut crowds. 

Admiral, Chief Lone Gun (UA); Scarlet Speor 

(UA) 90 

Omaha Appointment With Danger (Para); Dark 

City (Pora) 110 

Orpheum Elephont Wolk (Para) 110 

RKO-Brandeis Carnival Story (RKO); Undercover 

Agent (LP) 100 

State Executive Suite (MGM) 105 

Town El Paso Stampede (Rep); Wicked Woman 

(UA); The Assassin (UA) 95 

'French Line' First Run 

Gets Drive-In Booking 

MINNEAPOLIS—For the first time, an important 

picture, "The French Line," will have 

its Twin Cities first run in a drive-in theatre, 

the 100 Twin, which ordinarily plays 

subsequent runs. Unable to get a conventional 

theatre booking because other exhibitors have 

been fighting shy as a result of its failure to 

get a production seal, Catholic clergy disapproval 

and high percentage terms, RKO 

has sold it to the ozoner for a minimum threeweek 

run, starting June 2. 

The St. Paul independent Strand, which 

had been expected to show it next month, 

changed its mind, and there are no other 

Twin Cities' bookings so far. RKO Theatres 

has passed it up for its three Minneapolis and 

St. Paul houses. Bookings are being lined 

up, however, out in the territory, according 

to Fay Dressell, RKO manager. 

Marciano-Charles TV Scrap 

Signed for Radio City 

MINNEAPOLIS—Ttie Twin Cities will get 

the theatre telecast of the Marciano-Charles 

heavyweight championship prize fight June 

17 at Radio City. The contract was signed 

by Harry B. French, Minnesota Amusement 

Co.'s president. 

It will be the only Minneapolis-St. Paul big 

screen theatre telecast, although the St. Paul 

Paramount and the independent Gopher also 

are equipped to handle it. 

Radio City has presented the other championship 

fights of the past several years that 

were restricted to big screen theatre TV, 

drawing large audiences each time. 

Minneapolis 

For Makelim 

MINNEAPOLIS—The Makelim film plan 

is not catching on as well as had been expected 

in this territory despite the strong 

endorsements voiced at the North Central 

Allied convention here last week. Makelim 

has set an area quota of 83 theatres to pay 

$12,500 for each of the 12 films he plans to 

produce within a year if he is successful in 

enlisting 2,500 theatres over the country. 

The NCA has begun a campaign to enlist 

more of the territory's exhibitors with the 

hope that it will encourage independent film 

production, thereby relieving the current 

product shortage and lowering rentals. Benny 

Berger, NCA president, indicated his approval 

of the Makelim idea by signing five of his 

seven theatres to contracts. Berger said the 

plan was an opportunity for independent exhibitors 

to "free themselves from the slavery 

in which major producers now hold them." 

BIGGER CIRCUITS NOT IN YET 

Many of the larger circuits and more important 

independent exhibitors have failed 

to sign contracts for the Makelim pictures. 

Among these are Theatre Associates, buying 

for and booking 82 theatres; Fi-ank Mantzke, 

doing the same for 52 houses; the Volk Bros., 

with four; Ted Mann with three theatres and 

the Mimiesota Amusement Co. (United Paramount 

Theatres), the territory's largest circuit. 

Makelim was at the convention to explain 

details of his plan. Along with him were 

John Wolfberg, Los Angeles circuit owner 

and member of Allied States film committee, 

who also addressed the convention and praised 

the plan, and Sam Nathanson, the plan's 

sales manager, another speaker. 

Abram F. Myers, Allied States board chairman, 

also asked the theatremen to support 

the Makelim plan. He stated that if it succeeds 

other independent producers undoubtedly 

will follow the lead and make similar tieups 

with independent exhibitors. Then, he 

predicted, a plentiful supply of good pictures 

at lower costs will be forthcoming. 

WARNING BY MYERS 

Myers warned major distributors that 

they're facing the loss of important and 

large parts of their markets because they 

are not making a sufficient number of pictures 

and are demanding "exorbitant" rentals 

for their product. 

"When these major producers see their 

markets sliding away I'm confident they'll 

wake up and resimre making pictures on a 

normal scale again," said Myers. "They're 

already worried." 

During audience questioning, Makelim said 

it is "unnece.ssary and asinine," for example, 

to pay Clark Gable $250,000 and a large percentage 

of the gross for a few months work 

in a picture. Along with "throwing money 

away in this fashion," major producers 

charge various unearned "fees" and inflated 

overheads to skyrocket a picture's cost, he 

said. As a result exhibitors and the public 

"have to pay through the nose." 

"Stars need pictures more than pictures 

need them," asserted the producer. Few pictures 

need to cost anywhere near a million 

dollars to be good. I can make them for 

Area Quota 

Plan Is 83 

Metro's Omaha Of/ice 

Has New Shrubbery 

Omaha—The battle of the beards is 

on in the MGM office—but there isn't 

much fur around to fly yet. 

Johnny Jones, head booker, started 

it all by letting his moustache blossom 

forth for the centennial celebration. 

Bill Matson of the boolung department 

followed suit. Then Ray Nielsen, assistant 

booker, went them one better by attempting 

a Van Dyke. Johnny and Ray 

are blonds and the staff is talking of 

starting a collection to buy some dye to 

help the boys out. 

$400,000 on the average. 

He also called attention to such "outlandish" 

prices as $100,000 being paid for stories 

alone. 

During a question and answer period, circuit 

owner Ten Mann said he had his doubts 

about the Makelim plan and wasn't convinced 

boxoffice pictures could be produced at the 

low cost claimed by the producer. The present 

shortage is of pictures capable of bringing 

people into the theatres, he pointed out. 

The convention here last week increased its 

board membership by five, to a total of 28. 

to "bring wider and more participation and 

increased cooperation in NCA affairs," it wa« 

explained. Directors were elected as follows: 

THE DIRECTORS ELECTED . 

Harold Kaplan, Art Mann, Ralph Green, 

Tedd Mann, Frank Mantzke, Charles Rubenstein, 

Martin Lebedoff, Minneapolis. 

Dan Peterson, Brookings, S.D.; Cal Kaake, 

Duluth; Joe Mlinar, Spring Valley; Will 

Glaser, Fairbault; George Granstrom, St. 

Paul; John E. Johnson, Deer River; Lowell 

Smoots, Little Falls; C. Fred Schnee, Litchfield; 

Mike Cooper, Grand Forks, N.D. 

George C. Gould, Glencoe; J. L. Anderson, 

Mitchell, S.D.; A. E. Munro, Rolla, N.D.; Burt 

Parsons, Springfield; Jack O'Brien, Tracy; 

Cal Nygaard, Brainerd; E. A. Johnson, Redwood 

Falls; Frank R. Hahn, Ashland, Wis.; 

Ed Fredine, Benson; Ray Hanson, Fertile; 

Alfred Bergman, Hudson, Wis.; John Brandenhoff, 

Fairmont, and Al Smith, Winona. 

Unless otherwise indicated, towns from which 

members hail are in Minnesota. 

Officers also serve on the board. Also 

elected at the convention were Bennie Berger, 

president; E. L. Peaslee, first vice-president; 

R. J. Risch, second vice-president; Al Lee, 

secretary, and Sim Heller, treasurer. 

Resolutions went to Mrs. Clarence Quincer 

and her family. Mrs. Ben Friedman and family 

and Leo Peterson and family. 

Clarence Quincer was an NCA board member 

and Ben Friedman and Leo Peterson 

were Independent exhibitor leaders. All 

three died during the year. Those absent 

from the convention because of illness and 

to whom wishes for speedy recovery were 

extended were Reno Risch, second vice-president, 

and Jack Heywood, board member. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 NC 59

. . . H. 

D E S 

MOINES 

Jâke Tilton, shipper at Warners, has retired 

after many years of service on the Row. 

Employes at Warners gave Tilton a farewell 

coffee on his last day at work and presented 

him a gift . . . Lou Levy had a full house 

at his screening of "Johnny Dark" May 14 at 

the 20th-Fox screening room . . . Bucky 

Harris and Al Cohan were here working on 

promotion for the rerelease of Universal's 

"The Egg and I" . . . Bob Newman, NSS office 

manager, is vacationing in Missouri. 

James D. Reynolds, an usher at the Paramount 

Theatre, was one of three persons 

overcome by refrigeration gas fumes May 15 

when the safety valve broke on the air conditioning 

apparatus in the Paramount building 

which houses the theatre. Walter Larson, an 

engineer in the building, and A. A. Kohlbusch, 

engineer at the nearby Iowa building, 

were also taken to Broadlawns General hospital 

for treatment. Attendants said all three 

were released after treatment. Some of the 

gas entered the theatre through the air conditioning 

system, but not enough to cause the 

theatre to be evacuated. The fumes were 

quickly drawn out of the buUding. The incident 

occurred shortly before 9 p.m. 

The Star Theatre in McGregor has installed 

a large curved screen and new sound 

Clarence Smith, former owner 

equipment . . . 

of the Garden Theatre at Garden Grove, 

Iowa, now is in Versailles, Mo., where he is 

erecting a cabin camp on the main highway 

Robert Krueger, Uptown 

near that city . . . 

Theatre manager in Sioux City, has been reelected 

executive vice-president of the AITO 

F. Pulley announces plans for a new 

curved screen in his Roxy Theatre in Kanawha. 

The installation will be early in June. 

Members of the board of directors of the 

Elma Theatre Building Corp., met recently 

to discuss various types of buildings to replace 

the structure destroyed by fire in Elma 

on March 4. Tentative plans are to consider 

either a quonset style building, similar to the 

original structure destroyed, or a cement 

block building. Members of the theatre corporation 

board include John Beecher, president; 

Abe Kozlen, Reuben Tucheck, Francis 

Merrick, Clarence Gansen and Charles Garmen. 

Under the theatre's previous operation, 

the fixtures were owned by Charles Jones, 

now owner and operator of a theatre in 

Northwood. Members of the board have not 

selected a successor for Jones. 

Ken Bishard, Paramount salesman, was 

away from the office last week because of 

the death of his sister-in-law . . Ralph 

. 

Olson, former Universal salesman and now 

city manager of the Decorah theatres, was a 

visitor on the Row recently, and was among 

the many out-of-town guests at the big Universal 

open house. 

Song Composer Plugs Film 

OMAHA—Song composer Jack Lawrence 

will be in Omaha in connection with "Flame 

and the Flesh" opening at the State May 23. 

He authored the hit tunes for the MGM picture 

including "Peddler Man" and "No One 

But You." Publicist Robert Jones has a big 

list of radio, television and press interviews 

lined up. 

Table Rock Changes Hands 

TABLE ROCK, NEB.—Paul Benson has 

taken over the Table Rock Theatre from 

Ernie Grundman. Benson worked for the 

former owner for about ten years. 

Loren Landkamer Resigns Theatre Post 

FAIRBURY, NEB.—The Bonham Theatre's 

manager for the past six years, Loren 

Landkamer, resigned to accept a position 

with Bureau of Agriculture in Lincoln. 

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Newspaper Columns Used 

For Appeals to Patrons 

COLFAX, WIS.—The editorial columns of 

the Colfax Messenger and the Marathon 

Times were employed to acquaint readers 

and potential theatregoers in the areas with 

the plight of the towns' motion picture theatres. 

Locally, an editorial in the Messenger told 

readers that the Audio Theatre was faced 

with certain closing unless business improved. 

Pointing out the value of the theatre to other 

businesses in the town, the editorial gave 

high praise to the efforts of Manager Jerry 

Schw'artz in trying to keep the theatre open. 

It urged that the Commercial club give its 

attention to the plight of the theatre and devote 

some effort to see if there is some way 

in which it could assist in keeping the theatre 

in operation. It suggested working out a plan 

whereby local merchants would sponsor a 

number of free tickets for a Saturday night 

show. 

In the Marathon paper, Rudolph Poeske, 

manager of the Marathon Theatre, put the 

question of whether the theatre would remain 

open direct to the public in a letter, 

headed "Attention Public!" In the letter, 

Poeske said the decision on the theatre remaining 

open rested with the public and with 

their patronage at the theatre. 

Corral Airer Assistant 

Robbed of $1,000 Receipts 

MINNEAPOLIS—The Corral Outdoor Theatre, 

one of the Minnesota EJitertainment Enterprises' 

five Twin City area ozoners, was 

robbed of $1,000 late last Saturday night. 

The lone bandit, armed W'ith a rifle, made 

his escape on foot only three minutes before 

the arrival of a deputy sheriff who was to 

escort Don Fritz, assistant manager, to a 

nearby bank, which is the night repository for 

its funds. 

Fritz was waiting in his auto with two 

bags containing the Friday and Saturday 

night receipts when the bandit walked up 

and pointed the gun at him. Two girl employes, 

who were to have been dropped at 

their homes, also were in the car. 

After taking the bags with the money from 

Fritz, the bandit commanded the latter and 

the girls to remain in the car until he was 

out of sight. 

Central Managers Shifted 

CHARITON. IOWA—Horace Spencer, 

Ritz 

Theatre manager, has been transferred to 

Oelwein where he will manage two theatres 

and a drive-in for the Central States Theatre 

Corp. Spencer succeeds Paul Scholer who 

was recalled to active army duty in April. 

Scholer commanded the Chariton national 

guard unit when he lived here. W. F, Stolfus, 

who ha.s been the interim manager at Oelwein, 

has been named manager of the Ritz. 

Vandals in Candy Stand 

LINCOLN, NEB.— Vandalism of the concession 

stand at the Starview Theatre was 

reported to the sheriff's office here by Manager 

Ted Grant. Grant said nothing was 

taken, but salt and cigars were scattered 

around, the storeroom door was broken and 

things were messed up in general. Entrance 

apparently was gained by prying open the 

drop doors on the stand. 


: May 

22, 1954

. JExcLusiyeLy 

. . Donald 

. . Variety 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Tirhile in Chicago, IFE District Manager 

Charlie Weiner ran into his longtime 

friend Jack Dempsey at the Congress hotel. 

As is his wont, Dempsey playfully swung his 

one-two at Weiner and his right landed 

lightly.- As the filmman backed away, he 

said laughingly to Dempsey, "I'll bet you 

don't remember the last time you did that 

to me." Dempsey didn't. Then Weiner recalled 

the occasion. It was back in 1926 

when both were at Coral Gables, Fla., while 

Dempsey was on his honeymoon with liis 

first wife, Estelle Taylor, and at a restaurant. 

Weiner had picked up Dempsey's strawhat 

by mistake and had started out with it. 

Dempsey jokingly tapped Weiner on the jawto 

halt him. Both men wear the same size 

hat and, according to Weiner, have the same 

right hand swing. Weiner opened "Secret 

Conclave" in the St. Paul World for its fii'st 

T^'in Cities' showing and it is going great 

guns. 

Bennie Berger, North Central Allied president, 

is back from a brief flying trip to Los 

Angeles on private business . . . S. D. Kane, 

NCA executive counsel, is back on the job 

following a weekend fishing vacation . . . The 

fishing season's opening found a number of 

other film industry people spending Saturday 

and Sunday at lake resorts. Bennie Berger 

is making his Fergus at Fergus Falls, 

Minn., qualified to play "The Robe" by installing 

wide screen and the necessary lenses. 

He denied, however, a report that he's also 

going for stereophonic sound there. 

Don Halloran, 20th-Fox southern Minnesota 

salesman, is back from a California vacation 

Mannie Gottleib, Universal district 

. . . The 100 

manager, was a visitor . . . Twins, fii-st Twin Cities area di'ive-in to play 

"From Here to Eternity" since the Oscar 

awards, clicked in a big way with it. Booked 

for an entire week, it was held over. 

. . . 

M. A. Levy, 20th-Fox division manager, 

after visiting his Kansas City branch, flew 

to the west coast to complete deals there with 

the Fox theatres in Milwaukee and the Missouri 

metropolis Warner Bros, exploiteer 

Don Walker and Frank Hobbs, the company's 

TV and radio advertising head, came in 

from Kansas City and New York, respectively, 

to map out saturation campaigns for "Them," 

which has its territory premieres at the Minneapolis 

and St. Paul Orpheums day-anddate 

They also put in some licks 

June 16 . . . 

for "Dial M for Mui'der" which, as a 3-D 

picture, is scheduled for the Minnesota 

Amusement Co.'s State here and St. Paul 

Paramount May 27. 

Harry Sears, MGM exploiteer, was in Duluth 

staging a big campaign for "Flame and 

the Flesh," set for the Granada there . . . 

W. H. Workman, MGM manager, is back at 

. . . William 

his desk after an absence due to injuries 

sustained in an auto accident 

Crouse's Regent, Eveleth, has reopened following 

completion of modernization. 

New Projectors Installed 

GRANITE FALLS. MINN.—Joe 

Schindele, 

owner of the Avalon Theatre here, has installed 

two new projectors in the remodeled 

house. 

St. Paul Papers Reject 

Ads for Lyceum Stage 

MINNEAPOLIS — St. Paul newspapers, 

under their single ownership, have readopted 

then- previous policy not to accept advertising 

for legitimate touring attractions playing 

exclusively at Bennie Berger's Lyceum 

here, which all have been doing this season. 

The papers notified Lowell Kaplan, Lyceum 

manager, they would not take the advertising 

for "An Evening With Beatrice Lillie" last 

week, and will not do so for the season's one 

remaining offering, "The Seven Year Itch." 

In past seasons, most touring legitimate 

attractions passed up St. Paul and the newspapers 

there finally decided they would not 

accept advertising for them. However, the 

advertising ban was lifted this season after 

Berger took over the Lyceum from James 

Nederlander. 

While giving no reason for their present 

change of heart, it's understood that St. Paul 

merchants finally protested to the newspapers 

against accepting the advertising. 

Bill Poblocki Manages 

BURLINGTON, WIS. — WilUam Poblocki 

has taken over as assistant to Manager 

Odette Oberlander at the Plaza Theatre 

here. Poblocki is the youngest of the six 

Poblocki boys, who operate Poblocki & Sons, 

a manufacturing concern dealing with theatre 

and drive-in fronts and signs, marquees, 

poster cases, etc. 

Flowers to Women 

BLUE HILLS, NEB.—The competition of 

baccalaureate services for the local high 

school was met effectively by Mrs. B. P. 

Pippitt, manager of the Sterling Theatre, 

when she notified local women that each of 

them attending the theatre after the baccalaureate 

service would be given a fresh 

cut flower. 

Build Lynch, Neb., House 

LYNCH, NEB.—Construction has been 

started on the new quonset-type theatre being 

built here by Mi-, and Mrs. Donald Johnson. 

The new theatre will have a cry room, 

sloping floor, wide screen and air conditioning. 

The Johnsons hope to have the theatre 

open early in June. 

Kent Herbert Manages 

BEAVER DAM, -WIS.-Kent Herbert has 

been named manager of the Fox Odeon here 

to succeed R. F. Schwartz, w-ho has resigned. 

Herbert formerly managed the Myers and 

Beverly at Janesville and has been with Fox 

Wisconsin for seven years. 

Plan Kiddy Matinees 

AUBURN, NEB.—The Junior Chamber of 

Commerce here, in cooperation with the 

State Theatre, is planning a summer matinee 

film program for youngsters. Children from 

kindergarten through junior high school age 

will be offered 12 selected films for $1. 

Wide Screen at Ashland, Neb. 

ASHLAND, NEB.—The Circle A Theatre 

here, owned by Woody Simek, has installed 

a new panoramic wide screen and new projection 

equipment. 

MILWAUKEE 

gob Karatz of Badger Theatres has taken 

over operation of the Myers Theatre. Janesville. 

The house formerly was operated by 

Fox Wisconsin . May is new manager 

of the Strand, Fox Wisconsin downtowner, 

replacing Estelle Steinbach, who now is 

back at the Downer . Tent 14 held 

a luncheon at the Schroeder hotel to plan 

an enlarged Heart fund program. 

Fred Mindlin, manager of the Ziegfeld, Chicago, 

is in Wesley Memorial hospital, Chicago, 

for a checkup. Mindlin is well known to Wisconsin 

Al J. Kalmon, new 

exhibitors . . . owner of the Orpheum, Mellen, reopened his 

G. P. Jonckowski is the new 

theatre . . . 

owner of the Falls at River Falls. 

Benny Benjamin, distributor of "Martin 

Luther," said the film would be withdrawn 

Jack Lorentz, 

from distribution July 31' . . . 

20th-Fox manager, returned from a business 

Wally Nordquist, 45, 

trip to New York . . . 

former manager of the Dodge, Dodgeville, 

died after suffering a heart attack . . . 

George Baker, Home, New Lisbon, was on 

Pilmrow, 

. . . Floyd Woodsmall, Local 

. 

Irene Zane, Rialto. Norway, Mich,, was 

in town booking 

164 projectionist, died . . Henry Thiess, 

-A-ho has been in the motion picture field for 

50 years, 30 of them as projectionist at the 

Wisconsin, will retire Satm-day (22). 

Wide Screen Installed 

PARK RAPIDS, MINN.—Bill Knackendoffel, 

manager, has installed a new wide 

curved screen at the Park Theatre here. The 

new screen measures 28 feet in width, compared 

with the old screen of 19 feet. 

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BOXOFTICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 61

Tribulations of One Evening Pile 

To Test Endurance of Tfieatreman 

NEW ULM, MINN.—The evening started 

off smoothly enough for John Diedenhofen. 

New Ulm Theatre manager, with "The Glenn 

Miller Story" attracting excellent crow-ds. 

Then things began to happen. He had to 

transfer the cashier at the New Ulm to the 

Hollywood, wheli one of his employes became 

ill. Then the lights went out and John began 

worrying about people falling if they didn't 

remain in their seats. 

When all of the lights went out, while repairs 

were being made, he hunted up some 

candles. Then customers, many of them with 

small children, asked for refunds, and he had 

to take care of that. The lights came on 

again and he thought his troubles were over. 

Persons waiting ior the second show were 

lined up way down the block, and as John 

stepped behind the cashier's desk to sell tickets, 

the dispenser broke down. He ended up 

by tearing off the tickets one by one, as the 

people from the first show became more and 

more impatient. 

As though he hadn't had enough to make 

his hair turn gray, he received a report of 

an overflowing toilet in the women's restroom, 

and answered a telephone query, 

"When is the Bloodmobile coming to town?" 

John doesn't remember his answer, but he 

thinks he gave the correct date. 

By 9:10 p.m. everything was under control 

and the second show customers were in their 

seats. 

In all the years that he has been in theatre 

business, John declared he never had a night 

like that. "I even got to thinking about 

what else could happen that would put me 

out of commission, and then I knew I would 

have to stop that," he said. "And it wasn't 

Friday the 13th either." 

Up OMAHA 

Tri-States Names Shane 

City Manager at Omaha 

OMAHA—The appointment of Don Shane 

as Tri-States Theatre Corp. city manager was 

announced following the resignation of William 

Miskell, who is a partner in a newly 

planned $325,000 drive-in theatre. Shane, who 

had been with the company 12 years, had 

been manager of the Orpheum and formerly 

managed the Paramount and Omaha Theatres. 

Charles Kopp will continue to serve as 

house manager of the Orpheum and Ted 

Emer-son will continue at the Omaha. The 

Paramount is used only for stage productions. 

RKO Pan Cuts Admissions 

To Follow Lyric Lead 

MINNEAPOLIS — Following the lead of 

the Minnesota Amusement Co.'s Lyric, a second 

Loop first run theatre, the RKO Pan, 

has dropped its admission prices from 65 

and 85 cents to 50 and 75 cents. The Pan, 

located acro.ss the street from the Lyric, has 

a similar policy, playing mostly twin bills of 

B pictures. Like the Lyric, the Pan, when 

it's used as a moveover house, will rai.se its 

scale to coincide with that of the picture's 

original stand, 

Films Ball Players for TV 

NEW YORK—Emerson Yorke is working 

on a series of 26 films telling the life stories 

of leading baseball players. They are intended 

for television use and have been approved by 

Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick. Stan 

Musial. Eddie Lopat, Pee Wee Reese, Red 

Schoendienst, Yogi Berra, Hai-vey Kuenn, 

Ted Klaszeski, Jim Piersall, Ed Mathews, 

Billy Pierce, Bob Porterfield and Robin Roberts 

have already been filmed. 

John Mattson Manages 

STURGEON BAY. WIS.—John Mattson, 

29, of Rhinelander has been named new 

manager of the Door and Donna theatres 

here, succeeding G. E. Moyle. Mattson formerly 

was with the Delft Theatres circuit 

in Munsing, Mich., his home town. 

North Bend, Neb., Joy Sold 

NORTH BEND, NEB.—The Joy Theatre 

here has been sold to George Mott of Verdigree 

by John Waybill. 

They Share Stellar Honors 

Steve Cochran, Howard Duff and Dean 

Jagger will share stellaa- honors with Ida 

Lupine in Filmakers' "Private Hell 36." 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM

COLUMBUS 

Tt would not be profitable to have two ait 

theatres in Cohimbus, said Charles Sugarman 

of the World in an interview with 

Norman Nadel, theatre editor of the Columbus 

Citizen. "Other cities the size of Columbus 

have proved the hard way that they 

cannot support more than one art theatre," 

said Sugarman. Nadel noted that many 

Bexley and East Side residents had expressed 

a wish for an art theatre in that section. 

The World is located on North High street, 

three miles from the center of town. "A 

downtown location is best for an art house." 

Sugarman added, "but the overhead is too 

great for the relatively modest income." 

Mr. and Mrs. Jay McGee, managers of the 

Gayety will vacation at a rural retreat near 

Youngstown following seasonal closing of the 

theatre. Mr. McGee has been recovering from 

an illness ... No arrests were made in the 

early days of the new curfew law which forbids 

minors from attending public amusements 

in late evening hours. The stronger 

law became effective May 12 . . . Mayor 

Maynard Sensenbrenner said that he has 

no intention of asking the city council to 

repeal the city's bingo ban. He has advised 

bingo proponents, however, that if they are 

determined to have bingo games, they should 

attempt changing the state law. 

Ben Cowall, local promoter who brought the 

Sonja Henie ice show here recently, has 

asked city officials about the availability of 

a city playground at Olentangy river road 

and Goodale street for a proposed 6,000-capacity 

sports and spectacle-show arena. A 

group of business men are reported ready to 

finance such a structure. 

Dezel Adds Ten Films 

DETROIT—Albert Dezel, head of Dezel 

Productions, has acquired for distribution in 

this territory, ten former Eagle-Lion releases 

from Carroll Pictures. Included in the deal 

are: Tulsa, Man Prom Texas, Port of New 

York, Ti-apped, Reign of Terror, The Amazing 

Mr. X, The Big Cat, Mickey, Lost Honeymoon 

and Down Memory Lane. 

Roxy Shows Lippert Film 

DETROIT—"We Want a Child," Lippert 

release distributed in this territory by Dezel 

Productions, broke opening day records at 

the Cohen circuit's Roxy -Theatre, second run 

house that ran this attraction as a first run. 

Shown at advanced prices, it was held over 

a second week. 

Repeals Admission Tax 

CUYAHOGA PALLS, OHIO—Cuyahoga 

Falls has Joined the parade of Ohio municipalities 

which have repealed the 3 per cent 

admissions tax. The tax, on the books since 

1947, was repealed effective June 30, and 

will give the city an estimated $8,000 less 

revenue for the year. 

Three New ITO Members 

COLUMBUS—New members of the Independent 

Theatre Owners of Ohio in the central 

Ohio area include Carlos Cnam. Skyview 

Drive-In, Lancaster; Paul Russell, New 

Lex, New Lexington, and C. E. Huprich, Skyway 

Drive-In, Zanesville. 

Steady Detroit Week 

Headed by 'Executive' 

DETROIT—Business held to a good steady 

level locally, with the second week of "Executive 

Suite" at the Adams topping the 

town percentagewise. 


Adams Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk 160 

Broadway Capitol Riders to the Stors (UA); 

Tlie Assossin (UA) 80 

Fox—River of No Return (20th-Fox); Stormy, the 

Thoroughbred (Buena Vista), 2nd wk 75 

Madison The Best Yeors of Our Lives (RKO)... 80 

Michigan Elephant Wall< (Para); Monte Carlo 

Baby (Filmakers), 2nd wk 120 

Pol-ns Carnival Story (RKO); The Saint's Girl 

Friday (RKO) 1 40 

UrHfed Artists New Foees (20th-Fox) 130 

'Gilbert and Sullivan' at 125 

Leads Cleveland Grosses 

CLEVELAND—"The Great Gilbert and 

Sullivan" took the top spot for Cleveland 

grosses with 125. Business in general was off 

from the previous week. 

Allen New Faces (20th-Fox) 100 

Hippodrome Pioygirl (U-l) 100 

Lower Moll The Greet Gilbert and Sullivon 

(UA) 125 

Ohio Go, Man, Go! (UA) 75 

Palace The Best Years of Our Lives (RKO)... 1 15 

State Beachhead (UA) 95 

Stillman Elephant Walk (Para), 2nd d. t. wk...l00 

'River' Paces Cincinnati 

With 165 Per Cent 

CINCINNATI—Returns were up this week 

over recent weeks, and two pictures were 

held over. "River of No Return" remained 

for a second week at the Albee, and "The 

Moon Is Blue" remained for a third week at 

Keiths. 

A'bee River of No Return (20th-Fox) 165 

Grond The Big Sleep (WB); Kid Galahad (WB) 90 

Keiths The Moon Is Blue (UA), 2nd wk 125 

Palace The Miami Story (Col) 100 

Mich. Allied Honors Two 

DETROIT—Pormal tributes were paid to 

two Michigan exhibitors for their work in 

connection with the tax reduction campaign 

by Allied Theatres of Michigan—Lew Wisper, 

head of Wisper & Wetsman Theatres, and 

M. F. Gowthorpe, president of W. S. Butterfield 

Theatres. Referring to the formal resolution 

passed by the recent convention of 

Michigan Allied, Ernest T. Conlon, executive 

vice-president, cited "their tremendous contribution 

in personal efforts, funds, and 

know-how." 

23% Tax Dropped When 

Theatres Move to Close 

MASSnLLON, OHIO.—The city council 

has repealed its ordinance which provided 

for a 23 per cent tax on amusements 

which did not carry a federal tax 

and adopted a straight 3 per cent city tax. 

The Skirball circuit and Stanley Warner 

theatres in Massillon publicly threatened 

to close their theatres here if the 23 per 

cent was not repealed. 

June 8 Is Set as Deadline 

On Briefs in Censor Suit 

COLUMBUS—Judge Ralph Bartlett of 

Pranklin county common pleas court set 

June 8 as the deadline for filing final briefs 

in the injunction suit against the Ohio censor 

board. Plaintiffs are RKO, Independent Theatre 

Owners of Ohio, Martin Smith, Toledo, 

former ITOO president, and Horace Adams, 

Cleveland, president of the Ohio theatremen's 

organization. 

Assistant Attorney General Robert Leach, 

representing the state, and Harry Wright and 

John Harlor, attorneys for the plaintiffs, 

agreed to waive any action on the temporary 

restraining order which pertains to the collection 

of censorship fees and act on the permanent 

phase of the injunction. 

Plaintiffs declare that the Ohio censorship 

statute is unconstitutional because of the U.S. 

Supreme Court's decision in the "M" case. 

The four petitioners also claim that the 

$300,000 collected annually via $3 per reel 

fees "are levied primarily for the sole support 

of the visual aid program carried out 

under the board's supervision" and that the 

$3 fee is in reality a tax. 

The petitioners also object to the "prior 

restraint" under the Ohio law which is "repugnant 

to the First and Fourteenth Amendments 

of the U.S. Constitution and article 

I and article II of the state constitution, 

which grants sole power to make laws to the 

general assembly." It also is claimed that the 

$3 charge is an infringement on these same 

amendments. 

Airer Adds Stereophonic Sound 

DAYTON—The Belmont Auto Drive-In, 

owned by Max Milbauer, has installed stereophonic 

sound. The system uses two speakers. 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

BOXOFFICE: 

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Please enter my subscription to BOXOFFICE, 52 issues per year (13 of which contain 

The MODERN THEATRE Section). 

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D Remittance Enclosed D Send Invoice 

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NAME 

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BOXOFFICE ; 

: May 22, 1954 ME 63

. . RKO 

. . Leonard 

. . The 

CINCINNATI 

•The new drive-in theatre recently opened in 

Cynthiana. Ky.. by Louis Marcks marked 

While there, she hopes to visit a num- 

the 48th drive-in built by contractor Leslie 

Judd m this area. Judd, who lives in Dayton. 

has left on a vacation fishing trip in Canada 

Mrs. Mildred Mitch of the Ernest 

. . . Realty Co., which operates a number of theatres 

in Covington, Ky., is visiting in California. 

ber of the major studios, including Warner 

Bros, in Burbank. 

Gus Babalis, Dayton, is readying the Salem 

there for summer opening. This house has 

been closed for the last six months. When 

it reopens, Babalis will have equipped the 

suburban house with new seating, lighting 

and projection equipment . . . Theatre Owners 

Corp. of Cincinnati, James McDonald, 

general manager, has added the Smithers 

Theatre. Smithers, W.Va., to its booking and 

buying accounts. This house was recently 

purchased by Frank Sandor. 

Bud Wessel, States Film Service, was in the 

local office, where new automatic inspection 

machines were installed. These machines 

have been in operation in the Cincinnati 

office for the last six months. 

Fred Blackburn sr., exhibitor at Wheel- 

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M. H. FRITCHLE, Manager 

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CIcvclond, Ohio 

Wright and Bypro, Ky., died after a lingering 

illness. Blackburn is survived by his wife, a 

.son and daughter. Fred jr. has been operating 

the houses during his father's illness, and 

will continue. Tristate Theatre Service 

handles the booking and buying. 

Cold weather has plagued drive-ins in the 

area during the last two weeks . Belmont 

Auto Theatre, Dayton, operated by Max 

Millbauer, demonstrated stereophonic sound 

Friday night (14). H. B. Snook, president of 

Midwest Theatre Supply, Cincinnati, whose 

company made the installation, was among 

tho.se present. 

Nick Shafer, general manager of the Midstates 

Theatres, was in the territory, visiting 

Ohio operations . Howard, exhibitor 

of the Millersburg, Millersburg, Ky., 

has closed the house indefinitely because of 

poor attendance. Conditions in the Kentucky 

and West Virginia coal mining towns continue 

poor, due to mines closing. 

Exhibitors on the Row included Charles 

Behlen. Lexington. Ky.: Moe Potasky, Troy: 

Charles Scott. Vevay. Ind.: Harry Wheeler. 

Gallipolis: Frank Yassenoff. Columbus: Harley 

Bennett, Circleville: Barton Cooke, Circleville: 

William Settos, Springfield: Tom 

Sutton, Mount Sterling, Ky.: Fred Donohoo. 

Vanceburg, Ky.: John Gregory, Dayton: Tom 

Alley, Cleveland: Chalmer Bach, Eaton; Marvin 

Samuelson and Gus David, Warner Theatres, 

Pittsburgh: Floyd Williamson, Dayton: 

Joe Blum, Mount Healthy, and Nat Wolf, 

Cleveland. 

Jules Sien, Bob McNabb, Max Marcus, Bob 

Jacobs and Art Van Gelder are on the entertainment 

committee, making plans for the 

Decoration day dance to be held in the Variety 

clubrooms Saturday evening (29). All 

barkers and friends are invited to a gala 

sequel to Variety's Mardi Gras night. 

Herbert Greenblatt, RKO division manager, 

and Morris Lefko. eastern central district 

manager, were in conferring with Manager 

Lloyd Krause . is making plans for a 

territorial premiere of "Sins of Rome." starting 

June 23. The picture will open on that 

date in Cincinnati. Columbus and Dayton, 

playing in the Palace here. 

Activity was centered in the U-I office on 

the installation of a Photo Rapid Copy Craft 

machine. Cincinnati is one of the three cities 

in the country where U-I is experimenting 

with this equipment, which will accomplish 

by machine operation much of the work now 

being done by hand. To install it necessitated 

rearranging the entire office. On hand 

to supervise were George Malafronte, assistant 

manager of branch operations. New York, 

and auditor Karl Hart. 

Jack Finberg, manager, UA, and his wife 

left for a vacation in Miami Beach. Fla. . 

. . 

Shirley Rickett 

availability clerk 

has 

. . 

joined the UA force as 

The local UA office was 

. 

humming with activity to bring the office 

into the money in the Arthur B. Krim drive, 

honoring UA's 35th anniversary. The drive 

ended last Saturday and Cincinnati was in 

fourth place. 

John Gentile. Paramount Columbus salesman, 

has been transferred to Detroit as sales 

manager. It is anticipated that the local 

branch will cover the territory with its present 

sales staff. Idele Joseph, 20th-Fox switchboard 

operator, was married Saturday (15 

to Col. Don Salyers at the Salem Methodist 

church, Newport, Ky. Columbia's "The 

Jolson Story" will 

. . . 

open at the Albee May 20 

with full stereophonic sound. 

Liability Rates Down 

COLUMBUS—Liability insurance rates for 

indoor theatres of Ohio have been reduced 

through the efforts of ITOO Secretary Robert 

Wile and the Archer, Meek, Weiler Co. of 

Columbus. Wile pointed out that the rates 

are not retroactive. 

Clark Smith Starts Airer 

LA CENTER, KY.—Clark Smith, who formerly 

operated motion picture theatres in 

Texas, has started construction on his new 

500-car drive-in. He hopes to have the airer 

ready for operation in late May. This will be 

Ballard county's first drive-in theatre. 

Frank Barbaro Opens Agency 

DETROIT—Frank Barbaro opened 

a theatrical 

agency last week in the TuUer hotel, 

which also houses the Detroit headquarters 

of Variety Club. Barbaro is widely known in 

the show business. He formerly was owner 

of the Bowery cafe and plans to specialize in 

stage show and other bookings. 

Manager Shift in Quincy 

QUINCY. ILL.—Paul Cambell. formerly 

with the Dickinson Theatres of Mission, Kas., 

is the new manager of the Glen here. He 

replaced Louis Magner who had been managing 

both the Glen and Belasco. Magner 

will continue with the Belasco. 

Favor Theatre TV Application 

MANSFIELD, OHIO—WilUam Butts. FCC 

examiner, has endorsed the application of 

Fergum Theatres for a television station here. 

The recommendation by Butts followed dismissal 

of a competing application by the 

Mansfield Journal Co. at the latter's request. 

Warsaw, Ky., Town Closed 

WARSAW. KY.—The Town Theatre 

here 

has been closed by Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert 

Ogden. who had operated it for the last few 

years. 

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Tinted Glass Increasing. 

New Car Survey Shows 

DETROIT—Tinted glass in windshields and 

windows is at the option of the customer, like 

other accessory items, and it apparently is 

not being installed as standard equipment on 

any cars, contrary to the belief expressed in 

tradepress stories by several industry leaders. 

However the percentage of installations is 

steadily increasing, and probably is running 

60 per cent in new cars being made at the 

present time, compared to 50 per cent as of 

June 30, 1953. The higher percentage of demand 

is in the better cars, and runs from a 

low of 25 per cent in some makes up to a 

high of 90 per cent in Lincolns. 

Fears of outdoor theatre operators that 

tinted windshields will kill their business are 

unfounded, according to research by the engineering 

staff of the Automobile Manufacturers 

Ass'n. Their conclusions are that the 

tint has only a minor effect on visibility. 

Pi-esent auto industry thinking is that there 

will be a demand for clear glass permanently, 

and that tinted glass will continue permanently 

as an optional accessory. 

Bucur 'Bill' Stoica Dead 

DETROIT—Bucur "Bill" Stoica, Detroit exhibitor 

for 30 years, died recently at the age 

of 68 after a long illness. In partnership for 

30 years with George Flucksa, he had come 

to Detroit from Roumania. Stoica started 

with the Davison Theatre in 1922, and subsequently 

built the Park, Hazel Park, and 

Cameo. He is survived by his wife Mary. 

Mrs. Lily Belinsky Dead 

DETROIT—Mrs. Lily Belinsky, 43, 

died recently 

at Grace hospital. She was the wife 

of Irving Belinsky, Detroit theatre circuit 

operator and former proprietor of the Film 

Exchange drug store. 

Installs New Equipment 

JACKSON, KY.—Crawford Adkins, owner, 

has installed new projector heads and lenses 

at the Jaxon Theatre here and has ordered 

a new 27xl6-foot screen for installation. 

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DETROIT 

JJerbert Lagoe of United Film Service has 

moved from Williamstown to nearby 

Lansing. Clark F. Boyd, another United Film 

man, has been transferred to Des Moines 

Zide. head of Allied Films, returned 

from New York City, where he acquired 

distribution rights to some new product 

. . Clair Townsend, manager for sev- 

. 

eral years for E>€zel Productions, has re- 

Bert Tighe, another old-timer 

.signed . . . 

who headed the Colosseum of Motion Picture 

Salesmen several years, resigned after 

several years with Republic and left for a 

vacation in Florida. 

Ernie Chrysler, Allied Artists salesman, reports 

exhibitors are feeling happier . . . Mrs. 

Ida Klatt, widow of the pioneer exhibitor 

William Klatt of nickelodeon days, has sold 

the old Amo Theatre, which she continued 

to own, along with a few other pieces of 

theatre realty. The house, closed since the 

death of lessee William A. Rennie, has been 

converted for chmxh use. Offices of the 

Klatt Land Co. and Regent Theatre Co. are 

still maintained in the General Motors Bldg., 

with Grace Osborn in charge. 

Leonard Salerno, former lessee of the 

Keno, formerly the Amsterdam, is moving 

to San Diego where he plans to open an art 

theatre Donna Chaney. cashier at the 

Family, 

. . . 

rated a newspaper headline when 

she told a would-be bandit with a gun, which 

she didn't think was real, to "run along." 

He did. 

Irving: Sochin, short subjects chief for Universal-International, 

was in. Another Universalite 

headed here was P. T. Dana, eastern 

sales manager . . . Mrs. Gloria Kaftan 

is managing the Temple, north end house 

now operated by Kaftan-Porvin Enterprises, 

with Sherman Porvin, functioning as relief 

manager one night weekly. The Temple formerly 

was managed by Tony Witkowski. 

Bruce Harsen is back in show business after 

several years absence, succeeding Floyd Hanler 

as manager of the Shores Theatre in St. 

Clair Shores for Bert Penzien. He is working 

on a special public relations program to get 

older people back into the show going habit. 

Filmrow experienced a lot of excitement 

Friday afternoon, when the Ernie Forbes 

Theatre Supply called out the fire department. 

A lighted cigaret, believed to have 

been thrown from an upstairs office caused 

the fire, which started in the awnings. A 

large front window was broken and everything 

inside was damaged. 

Clare Winnie of the Dale Theatre was a 

Filmrow visitor to book . . . Phillys L. Castiglione, 

is the new secretary at Allied Films. 

Earl M. Yerrick Dead 

AKRON—Earl M. Yerrick, 46, manager of 

the Ellet Theatre in suburban Ellet, died 

May 9. He had lived in the Akron area all 

his life, becoming manager of the theatre, 

owned by Joseph Rembrandt of Cleveland, in 

1951. His wife, Eulah, and a son and daughter, 

survive. 

Buck Night Tax Interests 

Federal Tax Officers 

COLUMBUS—The Internal Revenue office 

is aware of the practice of Buck night in 

drive-ins and is planning to inspect a number 

of those suspected of evading taxes, said 

Robert Wile in his recent bulletin to members 

of the Independent Theatre Owners 

of Ohio. 

The Internal Revenue office advised Wile 

that if a drive-in advertises "a carload for 

$1," the tax on each carload is nine cents. 

If, on the other hand, it is advertised "an 

entire carload admitted for two adult tickets 

at 50 cents each" there is no tax. But you 

must sell two 50 cent tickets to the occupants 

of each car. Also, if a single person in a car 

i.s admitted, he, too, must buy two adult 

tickets at 50 cents each. 

Keith's Books TV Fight 

DAYTON—Keith's has booked the closed 

circuit telecast of the Charles-Marciano 

fight June 17. All seats will be reserved, said 

Ansel Winston, RKO head, at $3 each on a 

first-come basis. Winston said new TV equipment 

is to be installed. 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 G5

this 

in 

hi nis veins 

I 

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES 

CHECK THESE QUESTIONS 

If you can answer "yes" to most of them, you -and your companyare 

doing a needed job for the National Blood Program. 

o 

OHAS 

o 

HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR EM- 

PLOYEES TIME OFF TO MARE 

BLOOD DONATIONS? 

YOUR COMPANY GIVEN 

Y RECOGNITION TO 

DON ORS? 

DO YOU HAVE A BLOOD 

DONOR HONOR ROLL IN YOUR 

COMPANY' 

HAVE YOU ARRANGED TO HAVE 

BLOODMOBILE MAKE REGU- 

LAR VISITS? 

o 

o 

ooo 

HAVE YOU SET UP A LIST OF 

VOLUNTEERS SO THAT EFFI- 

CIENT PLANS CAN BE MADE 

FOR SCHEDULING DONORS? 

HAS YOUR MANAGEMENT EN- 

DORSED THE LOCAL BLOOD 

DONOR PROGRAM? 

HAVE YOU INFORMED EM- 

PLOYEES OF YOUR COMPANY'S 

PLAN OF CO-OPERATION? 

WAS THIS INFORMATION 

GIVEN THROUGH PLANT BUL- 

LETIN OR HOUSE MAGAZINE? 

HAVE YOU CONDUCTED A 

DONOR PLEDGE CAMPAIGN IN 

YOUR COMPANY? 

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 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

n 

I 

} 

Of course he'd never volunteer to give blood, 

anyway. But any resemblance of this old duffer 

to the average, red-blooded American is a 

mistake. 

For instance, several miUion healthy Americans 

have given blood. But it's 

not enough. 

So this is to tell several million more Americans 

that their blood is needed— now! 

We've never let anyone down who was in 

trouble. When a GI gets wounded and suffers 

shock— he's in bad trouble. He's got to have 

blood and lots of it! Folks here at home need 

blood too— to save their Uves. 

So make a date with your Red Cross, Armed 

Forces or Community Blood Donor Center. 

One hour and you're on your way. 

GIV 

...give It 

again and again 

66 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 22. 1954

Dozen Winners Named 

In NET Competition 

BOSTON—Twelve winners of the "Top 

the Score for '54" contest among managers 

have been announced by New England Theatres. 

The thi-ee district managers. Chester 

Stoddard, Robert Sternburg and Harry 

Browning, reported the winners as follows: 

Stoddard's district: James Davis. Paramount, 

Lynn, Mass., first; Arthur Keenan, 

Strand, Lowell: Mel Morrison, Strand, Dover, 

N.H.. and Frank N. Kelley, Colonial, Haverhill. 

Sternburg's district: Alex Castoldi, Paramount, 

Newton, Mass.; Marvin Huban, 

Strand, Dorchester; Horace Heals, Brockton, 

Brockton, and "Doc" Romano, Codman 

Square, Dorchester. 

Browning's district: Lawrence J. Burke, 

Capitol, Plttsfield; Bernard T. Robinson, 

Strand, Holyoke; Edward Dowling, Paramount, 

Rutland, Vt., and Francis E. O'Neil. 

Paramount, Barre, Vt. 

Sound Orders Zoom 

With CS Shiftover 

„ BOSTON—Following the 20th-Fox New 

York meeting regarding the company's 

change of policy on equipment for Cinema- 

Scope, New England exhibitors have shown 

marked mterest in single-track magnetic 

sound and the single-track optical sound, as 

well as the full stereophonic system. 

The interest is evidenced by the orders 

which have been pouring in to area equipment 

houses. Altec Service Co. has installed 

full stereophonic sound in the following 

houses, supervised by Altec Division Manager 

Ralph "Red" Pierce: Casino, Narragansett 

Pier, R. I., Meyer Stanzler, owner; Orleans, 

Orleans, Mass., owned by Charles Wilcox; 

Palace-Artie, 'West 'Warwick, R.I., owned by 

WiUiam Deitch; Gull, 'Withrop, Me., owned 

by Roy Hammell, and two Interstate Theatres 

houses, the Plymouth, Plymouth, N.H., 

and the Rialto, Lancaster, N.H. 

Theatres ordering the single-track optical 

sound for Cinemascope include Loring Hall, 

Hingham. Mass.. owned by Dan Murphy; 

Town Hall, 'Woodstock, 'Vt., owned by James 

Fountain; Jax, Colebrook, N.H., and Jax jr., 

Littleton, N.H., both owned by Ambrose Mc- 

Laughlin; Gayety. 'Van Buren, Me., owned by 

Lillian Keegan; Prospect, 'Whitinsville, Mass., 

owned by Tom 'Walker; 'Wakefield, 'Wakefield, 

and Middleboro, Middleboro, Mass., 

owned by David Hodgdon; Broadway, Somerville 

and Teele Square, Somerville, Mass.. 

owiied by Arthur 'Viano; Milford Drive-In, 

Milford, Mass., owned by Milford Corp.; 

Natick Drive-In, owned by Smith Management 

Co.; Neponset, Dedham and Revere 

drive-ins, owned by Michael Redstone. 

Also, the following Massachusetts theatres 

of American Theatres Corp.: Oriental, Mattapan; 

Embassy and Central. 'Waltham; Capitol, 

Somerville; Morton, Dorchester; Elizabeth 

and Falmouth. Falmouth; Hancock 'Village, 

'West Roxbury; Surf, Swampscott; Circle, 

Brighton, and the following theatres 

operated by Maine & New Hampshire Theatres; 

Empire, Lewiston, Me.; Capitol, Concord, 

N.H.; Strand, Berlin, N.H.; Cumberland, 

Brunswick, Me.; Colonial, Augusta, Me.; 

Capitol. Montpelier, 'Vt.; Colonial, Portsmouth, 

N.H.. and Auburn, Auburn, Me. 

Detective 

Injured, Crowd Frightened 

By Shooting in New Haven Paramount 

NE'W HA'VEN—A New Haven detective was 

shot twice in the downtown Paramount 

Wednesday (12) as he and other police attempted 

to arrest two fugitives in the audience. 

The gunmen successfully fled the theatre—one 

to another central theatre—but both 

carried out a suicide pact later in the day, 

and killed themselves in separate sections of 

the city. 

The detective, Ralph Palma, 32, was reported 

near death at presstime. He was shot 

twice in the abdomen. 

Fugitives James Pollard, 26, and Clarence 

Rydstrom, 21, came to New Haven to "hole 

up" after committing two robberies in the 

nearby town of Middlebury. Tliey took a 

room in a downtown hotel and spent some 

of their hours attending shows. 

Police learned that they were here, however, 

and began an intensive manhunt. 

The- 

and 

atres were checked as part of the effort, 

shortly before 3:45 p.m. they received a tip 

from Paramount Manager James Darby that 

the suspects were in his theatre. The cashier 

had been shown photos of the pair, and recognized 

them when they bought tickets for 

"Elephant Walk." She asked the candy girl 

to notify Darby. 

Palma and three other detectives responded 

to the call. There were about 300 customers 

on the orchestra floor, and police did not 

know where Pollard and Rydstrom were 

seated. Darby, however, spotted them sitting 

together in the very last row near the 

lobby. 

Palma and another detective reached over 

a five-foot partition behind the last row to 

attempt to 

j 

pin the arms of Pollard and 

Rydstrom, while their fellow-police moved in 

from the sides. Unknown to the law, however, 

bot!h robbers had their guns on their 

laps. Pollard wiggled free, stood on his seat 

and fired two shots at detectives closing in 

PRIZE TO MANAGER—Lawrence J. 

Burke, manager of New England Theatres' 

Capitof in Pittsfield, Mass., is shown receiving 

a cash prize in the "Top the 

Score for '54" managerial contest. Burlie 

was outstanding winner among managers 

in Harry Browning's district. The award 

was given at a luncheon meeting at the 

Red Coach grill in Boston. 

from the sides, but missed them. Then he 

turned and hit Palma with two other shots. 

Because of the audience, detectives fired 

only one shot, and that was a warning shot 

into the ceiling. The bandits escaped out a 

side door. 

The shooting caused a near-paiic among 

the audience, but patrons did not stampede 

and none was injured. Many dropped to the 

floor to avoid being hit. Darby was standing 

only three feet from Pollard when he started 

firing, and one bullet narrowly missed the 

manager. 

Pollard took refuge in an apartment two 

blocks away, after chasing the occupants out 

at gun-point. He put a bullet into his temple 

as 75 police closed in on him, firing tear gas 

and bullets. 

Rydstrom walked Uttle more than a block 

to the Roger Sherman. The cashier there 

called Manager Irving Hillman, who phoned 

police. 

Rydstrom apparently decided this wasn't a 

safe place to hide, and walked out less than 

ten minutes later, just before a squad of 

police arrived. Manager Hillman saw him get 

into a cab in front of the Hotel Taft, almost 

directly across the street. Hillman gave the 

cab's number to police, , and they closed in 

on the taxi about a mile away, only to have 

Rydstrom commit suicide. 

The entire drama, compressed into less 

than two hours drew 10,000 curious to 

the downtown area. 

Patron Reaction Surprises 

Manager After Shooting 

NEW HA'VEN—A theatre manager's lot, 

like a policeman's, is not always a happy 

one. Although he is a veteran of dealing 

with the public, Jim Dai-by of the Paramount 

was suprised at the reaction of some of 300 

patrons when a detective was shot by two 

fugitives. 

The gunmen got away and police immediately 

ordered the theatre closed and customers 

evacuated, because of the possibility 

that the criminals might still be hiding on 

the premises. 

Darby, who was almost shot in the spray 

of bullets and was busy answering questions 

of police, said some members of the audience 

came up to him and demanded their money 

back—immediately. Others wanted to know 

why the picture, "Elephant Walk," couldn't 

be resumed at once. 

One woman wanted Darby to stop talking 

to policemen and start looking for her umbrella, 

left in the theatre. The most ridiculous 

comment. Darby reported, came from a 

woman wlio indignantly asked the downtown 

manager, "What kind of a theatre are you 

running here, letting people shoot policemen?" 

Darby, though under a strain, politely 

handled all the customers, even the ones 

with foolish questions. Police permitted the 

show to resume at 6:10 p.m., after both fugitives 

had committed suicide in other parts 

of the city. 

Jean Negulesco has been signed to a new 

four-year directorial pact by 20th-Fox and 

will direct "A 'Woman's World." 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 22, 1954 NE 67

HARTFORD 

Tack Keppner, son of the Burnside Theatre 

Corp. partner, left Hartford hospital following 

hip surgery ... A new soft drink 

vending machine has been installed at Shulman's 

Milton LeRoy, Blue Hills 

Rivoli . . . Theatre Corp., Bloomfield. was a New Haven 

Filmrow visitor . . . The Manchester Chamber 

of Commerce honored Jack A. Sanson, Hartford 

Strand manager, at a testimonial dinner. 

Sanson, who continues to live in Manchester, 

ten miles distant, at one time served as president 

of the Manchester civic group, spearheading 

numerous promotion drives in that 

suburban community. 

V^^HT*^' 

Ed O'Neill, former general manager of the 

Markoff Bros. Theatres, is now with Associated 

Management Corp., which has dis- 

. . 

closed plans for construction of a drive-in, 

to be named the Bridge, at Groton across the 

bay from New London . James H. Totman, 

assistant zone manager, Stanley Warner Theatres, 

Harry Finger has been 

was here . . . promoted to general manager of the Mansfield 

Drive-In. The project is owned by General 

Theatres of West Hartford. 

Lou Cohen, manager of Loew's Poll, served 

as judge for the Miss Young Democrat beauty 

competition at Hotel Bond with the Comiecticut 

Young Etemocrats convention. And in 

New Britain, Joe Borenstein, manager of the 

Stanley Warner Strand, was a judge for the 

NB Junior Chamber of Commerce Miss Jaycee 

beauty contest. 

Vic Morelli, for many years with Warner 

Bros. Theatres, and later with Stanley Warner 

as Manchester city manager, was director 

of the Myticettes Springtime Revue, staged 

at the Verplanck school auditorium, Manchester 

. . . Stanley Warner has reduced its 

Manchester theatres to one, with sale of the 

Circle to the House & Hale Corp., real estate 

concern, for an undisclosed sum. The property 

has an assessed value of $33,000. SW had to 

sell the theatre in compliance with a federal 

antitrust decree. Still under the SW banner 

is the State, managed by William McGrath. 

House & Hale will convert the Circle into 

stores, offices and warehouse facilities. 

Groton Open-Air Theatre, Pleasant Valley 

road, Groton, has filed a certificate of 

incorporation with the secretary of state's 

office at state capitol here, listing paid-incash, 

$36,000; president, J. Lawrence Peters; 

Isadore Fishbone, vice-president; Harry 

Picazio, treasurer, and Anthony Albino, secretary. 

All are New London residents, with 

the exception of Albino, who lives in Waterford. 

Taina Elg, the Finnish ballerina, inked to a 

term contract by MGM, ha.s been ca.st in 

"The Prodigal." 



GOOD.' 

ALWAYS riLMACK 

°''^'*" 

TRAILER 

, 1121 S. Wttith - Ckiun, III. 130 Nittk «••. Ntw Vick, N. T.

. . . Because 

'La Ronde' Tops Boston 

Grosses at High 190 

BOSTON—Grosses ran the range from a 

below average of 75 to a healthy 190. "La 

Ronde" took the week's honors at the top 

figure. "Indiscretion of an American Wife" 

teamed with "Saracen Blade" made second 

position at 125. 

Astor—Knock On Wood (Para) 4th wk 95 

Beacon Hill Lo Ronde (Commercial) 190 

Boston This Is Cinerama (Cinerama) 19th wk... 90 

Exeter Street—Genevieve (U-1) 4th wk 110 

Memorial Rails Into Laramie (U-l); Firemon, 

Save My Child (U-l) .... ...115 

Metropolitan Elephant Walk (Para); Aloska Seos 

(Paro) 2nd wk 

• • 90 

Poromount and Fenway Laughing Anne (Rep); 

Block Glove (LP) 75 

Pilgrim The Miomi Story (Col); Jesse James vs. 

Doltons (Col) 2nd wk ..120 

State and Orpheum Indiscretion of an American 

Wife (Col); Saracen Blade (Col) 125 

'River' Opening in Hartford 

Grosses 140 Per Cent 

HARTFORD — Only downtown holdover 

was "Prisoner of Wai'." 

Art—The Holly and the Ivy (Pacemaker) 85 

Allyn Jubilee Trail (Rep); Dragonfly Squodron 

(AA) 75 

E M Loew Saracen Blade (Col); Massocre 

Canyon (Col) 90 

Poll River of No Return (20th-Fox) 140 

Polace Prisoner of War (MGM); Saadia (MGM) 

2nd wk 1 10 

Strand Ploygirl (U-l); Rails Into Loramie (U-l) 90 

"Elephant Walk' Scores 150 

In New Haven Opening 

NEW HAVEN—"Elephant Walk" and "The 

Miami Story" drew standout business here 

last week. 

College Rose Marie (MGM). 2nd wk 95 

Poromount Elephant Walk (Para); The Paris 

Express (Schaefer) 1 50 

Poll The Miami Story (Col): Bait (Col) 125 

Roger Sherman Act of Love (UA); Annopurna 

(M-K) 90 

Boston Post Road Citizens 

Protest Proposed Airer 

WORCESTER—Residents along the Boston 

post road in neai-by Marlboro filled the city 

council chambers to capacity at a public 

hearing last week to protest against the issuance 

of a permit for a drive-in there. 

Garfield Rodenhizer and Samuel Horenstein 

of Waltham had sought the license for the 

second time. 

Leading the objectors were the Rev. Alfred 

Julienn of St. Mary's church and the Rev. 

Francis L. Gallagher of Immaculate Conception 

church. Richard S. Temple, speaking for 

the nearby Graycroft motel, said the theatre 

would ruin its business. 

Father Julienn said, "All know that drivein 

theatres are in practice only legalized 

lovers lanes, where young couples are allowed 

to indulge in petting, and worse, with 

the sanction and protection of the public 

authorities." 

Atty. John E. Rice, representing abutters, 

said the Marlboro Theatre would be forced 

out of business by an open-air theatre and 

that this was not desirable. 

Harry Shaw Is Elected 

NEW HAVEN—Harry Shaw, division manager 

for Loew's Poli Theatres, has been 

elected president of the board of governors 

of the New Haven Junior Police. The youth 

group, supervised by the police department, 

is made up of over 500 boys taking part in a 

program of good citizenship and recreation. 

BOSTON 

Toe Mansfield, UA publicist, introduced Dan 

O'Herlihy, "The Adventures of Robinson 

Crusoe" star, to the press at a luncheon . . . 

Frank Boyle, managing director of the Saxon 

and Fitchburg theatres in Fitchburg, tied 

in with the park department to celebrate 

national music week by presenting a music 

program from the stage of the Saxon between 

features . . Prank Boscketti, owneroperator 

. 

of the Star and Premium theatres, 

Lawrence, was in New England Baptist hospital. 

When I. Bernard Lewis reopens his Provincetown 

Theatre Friday (28), Joseph Cohen 

will handle the buying and booking for the 

Raphael Sandlow 

summer situation . . . 

has designed and mstalled a new candy 

counter for the lobby of the Fellsway, Medford, 

and has had the seats reupholstered 

. . . Ellis Gordon is now vice-president of 

James Spero Latchis, 

Minot TV, Inc. . . . 

son of Spero Latchis of Brattleboro, Vt., 

Latchis circuit, was married recently 

Howard 

to 

Marina Filides of Concord, N.H. . 

Duffy, 54, concessionaire and former exhibitor 

of Old Orchard, Me., died May 11 in 

Old Orchard. 

Recent Filmrow visitors: 

Leon Bolduc, Majestic 

and Conway (N.H.) Theatres who just 

installed wide-screen equipment purchased 

from Capitol Theatre Supply; Howard J. 

Haines, Lincoln (Me.i Theatre with his 

booker, Hy Young, and Charlie Brooks from 

Ashland, Me. Former industryites who also 

visited the Row included Harry "Zippie" 

Goldman, Bob Cobe and William Alperin, 

once a buyer and booker for the Liberman 

circuit. 

George Roberts, president of Sentry lodge, 

B'nai B'rith, who has organized groups to 

entertain the boys at the Veterans hospitals 

in this area, arranged to have a print of "The 

Men" shown at the West Roxbury Veterans 

unit. The print was made available through 

the efforts of George L. Schaefer of New 

York who authorized the local UA office to 

send it out. 

E. Myer Feltman, Universal manager, is the 

1954-55 New England area distribution chairman 

for charity drives. Feltman started the 

ball rolling by calling a meeting of branch 

managers Monday (10) when speeches were 

made by Roger Sonnabend and Wilbur A. 

Fisher, both with the Red Feather campaign 

he had broken a bone in his right 

ankle, Ernie Warren was required to wear a 

cast for several weeks. He operates the Paramount, 

Needham and the Strand In Clinton 

and recently took back the Whitman at Whitman, 

but is negotiating for another party to 

take over the latter situation. All three theatres 

are booked by Affiliated Theatres Corp. 

Quonset Drive-In To Open 

QUONSET, R.I.—The Quonset Drive-In, 

situated opposite the naval base will open 

Wednesday (26) according to owner Joseph 

Stanzler, who also operates the Boro Drive- 

In, North Attleboro, Mass. Michael DeAngeles 

of Rochester, N.Y., designed the layout 

and supervised construction. It is equipped 

with a Cinemascope screen. 

Walter Wilson Resigns 

NEW HAVEN—Walter Wilson, assistant 

manager at the Paramount and a member of 

the staff there for ten years, has resigned to 

take a position with the post office. 

J. F. McCarthy Resumes Duties 

HARTFORD—J. F. McCarthy, Stanley Warner 

district manager, has resumed his duties 

on a parttime basis following lengthy illness. 

IMAGE & SOUND SERVICE CORP. 

"The Best Value In Sound Service" 

Hancock 6-7984 445 Statler Building 

Boston, Massachusetts 

SELBY ô SCREEN TOWERS 

for Drive-In Theatres 

12 Standard Sizes 

SELBY INDUSTRIES, INC. 

1350 Ghent Hills Rd. 

Akron 13, 

MOntrosc 6-2886 

Ohio 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 69

. . . Announcement 

Geo. Roberts Installed 

As Sentry Lodge Head 

BOSTON—The annual in.stallation of officers 

and dinner dance of the Sentry lodge 

AT THE NEW HAVEN SCREENING—Many Connecticut theatre operators atlended 

the Warner Bros, screening at New Haven recently of Jack Warner's "Report to the 

Nation," dealing with CinemaScope. Left to right, Max Birbaum, WB manager; Harry 

Feinstein, zone manager for Stanley Warner Corp.; I. J. Hoffman, Connecticut Theatre 

circuit, and Carroll Lawlor, operator of the Central, Colonial, Lenox, Lyric and Art 

theatres in Hartford. 

WORCESTER 

n Ithough the picture just went into production. 

Manager Murray Howard of the 

Warner has "Dragnet" booked for August 18 

that Eddy Duchin's life 

will be filmed interested a half dozen businessmen 

here because they attended Massachusetts 

College of Pharmacy with him . . . 

The mother of Bernice Esper, formerly of 

Loew's Poll, died. 

Alice L. Martin of the Capitol's staff has 

been elected secretary of the Clark university 

student body . . . The Loew's Poli softball 

team is meeting all comers. Manager John 

DiBenedetto is coaching, with the lineup 

including John Hebert, Capt. John Cayer, 

Earl Kenneway, Arthur Gonyea, Robert Clark. 

Bob Dudley and Albert Frenette. 

Louis Zimmerman Dies 

HARTFORD—Louis "Yidde" Zimmerman, 

62, for many years a member of lATSE Local 

84, died Thursday il3i while at work at the 

State Theatre. 

of B'nai B'rith was held on Sunday tl6) at 

the Hotel Bradford. 

George Roberts of the 

Rifkin circuit took 

over as president for a 

second term. Others 

installed were Henri 

Schwartzberg, film 

buyer for ATC, vicepresident; 

Benn H. 

Rosenwald, M G M 

manager, second vicepresident: 

Harry I. 

Wasserman, district 

-nanager ATC, treasurer; 

Harold Rubin. George Roberts 

Globe Premium Co.. chaplain, and trustees, 

Samuel Pinanski, Herman Rifkin, Michael 

Redstone and Louis W. Richmond. 

Henry G. Segal, UA manager, was toastmaster 

and had charge of arrangements. The 

installing officer was George E. Gordon. A 

special award w'as given to Henri Schw'artzberg 

"in recognition of his outstanding services 

and devotion to the lodge" and another 

was presented to Rosenwald for his efforts 

as chairman of the membership committee. 

The highlight of the evening was the special 

Oscar presented to Pinanski as "Sentry's 

Man of Distinction for 1954." This was given 

to him "in grateful appreciation of his outstanding 

services and devotion to the ideals 

and principles of B'nai B'rith." 

Thomas Gomez will portray a Mongol ruler 

in RKO's "The Conqueror." 

JOB WANTED 

Hours: Unlimited • Week: Full 7 Days 

Calls made on the Man Who Buys when he's in his mellowest mood. It makes 

your selling very simple: He wants to buy. You want to sell. So you get together 

and make a deal. You make many deals as the days go by . . . NOW 

is a good time to . . . 

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: May 

22, 1954

Present Annual Film 

Awards in Montreal 

MONTREAL—A gala 

evening was enjoyed 

by the Canadian motion picture industry at 

the film awards ceremony held in the Kent 

Theatre of United Amusements Corp.. last 

week (10). J. R. White, president of Imperial 

Oil Co., presented Canada's top film awards, 

including two of the highest possible, to a 

film now sponsored by his own company. 

The top prize winner was "The Seasons," 

made by Christopher Chapman, Toronto, for 

Imperial Oil. It was unanimously selected 

by a combined panel of ten judges as an outstanding 

artistic achievement and was given 

the nontheatrical open award and named 

film of the year. 

White, whose company has now gathered 

three out of four Film of the Year awards 

I the others were "Loon's Necklace," and 

"Newfoundland Scene") emphasized the importance 

of films to industry, and industry's 

responsibility in upholding the best standards 

of film production as part of its contribution 

to the nation. 

Mayor Camillien Houde also spoke warmly 

of the contribution to the country of its 

film industry, and in particular of the work 

of the Canadian Film Awards, an enterprise 

which in lifting "this country towards beauty 

and towards art" should be encouraged. 

Gordon Sparling of Associated Screen News 

was named recipient of a special award for 

his distinguished 25 years' service to Canadian 

film making. The honor was given 

only once before. The other award went to 

Ernest Ouimet, also of Montreal. Gratien 

Gelinas, (TI-COQ) received the award for 

Sparling who is in Europe making a Cameo 

single reel on the Canadian armed forces 

serving in Europe. 

The presentation ceremonies were opened 

by the pipers of the Black Watch. Royal 

Highlanders regiment, followed by screenings 

of the five prize-winners. 

Canada Industry Views 

VistaVision Process 

TORONTO—Top brass of the Canadian 

film mdustry viewed the first demonstration 

of Paramount's VistaVision in this country 

Thursday (20) at the Imperial, largest unit 

of Famous Players Canadian Corp. 

Featured in the test were excerpts from 

the forthcoming production, "White Christmas," 

and other films. The screening was 

under the auspices of Paramount Film Service, 

Ltd., Toronto, of which Gordon Lightstone 

is general manager. 

Details of the new equipment were revealed 

by Russ M. McKibbin, Imperial manager, 

who helped with the introduction of 

Cinemascope at the theatre last October. 

The VistaVision screen measures 46x24 feet, 

some six feet higher than the Cinemascope 

surface. Excelite lamps were installed in the 

projection machines. 

Preliminary arrangements for the demonstration 

were made by Dr. Charles Daley of 

the Paramount research division, New York, 

and the test was supervised by Mr. LeGrand 

from the same department, assisted by George 

Cuthbert. general manager of General Theatre 

Supply Co., Toronto. 

Raymond Massey will star with Julie Harris 

and James Dean in Warners' "East of Eden." 

Variety Game Program 

Windup Luncheon Held 

TORONTO—Members of the program committee 

for the Variety benefit baseball game 

and other campaigning barkers attended a 

special luncheon at the Variety clubrooms 

under the chairmanship of A. E. "Bert" 

Brown to wind up the canvassing for the 

souvenir book to be distributed at the Maple 

Leaf stadium June U. 

The booklet, packed with advertisements, 

went to press May 18 with everybody in a 

happy mood. 

The tent held open house. May 14 with 

the women barkers present for a social evening, 

under the direction of Chairman Lou 

Davidson of the house committee. 

'Suite' Grosses 120 

As Toronto Leader 

TORONTO—A variety of techniques was 

available during the week, with Cinemascope 

at two theatres and 3-D at two others. The 

best grosser was "Executive Suite" at Loew's. 

Among the three holdovers, "The Kidnappers" 

was still doing nicely in its fifth week at the 

Hyland. The University and Eglinton turned 

Italian with the playing of "Lure of the Sila." 


Eglinton, University Lure of the Silo (IFD) 105 

Hylond The Kidnoppers (JARO). 5th wk 100 

Imperial— Lucky Me (WB) 110 

Loew's Executive Suite (MGM) 120 

Nortown Phantom of the Rue Morgue (WB)....100 

Odeon Prince Voliont (20th-Fox), 2nd wk 105 

Shea's The Naked Jungle (Para) 105 

Tivoli, Capitol His Majesty O'Keefe (WB); The 

Boy From Oklahoma (WB) 100 

Towne The Living Desert (Disney), 8th wk 90 

Uptown -Creature From the Black Lagoon (U-l) 105 

Summer and Other Distractions 

Hurt Vancouver Grosses 

VANCOUVER—Business on the downbeat 

last week with nothing outstanding, due to 

summer weather, transient attractions and 

the opening of cocktail bars in the downtown 

area. Best grosses were made by "The Kidnappers," 

"Elephant Walk" and a Russian 

picture, "A Cossack Beyond the Danube." 

The Scope pictures were not doing the business 

expected. 

Capitol Hell and High Water {20th-Fox), 2nd 

wk 

Fair 

Cinema Jubilee Trail (Rep); Volcano (UA) .. Average 

Hastings A Cossack Beyond the Danube (SR) Good 

Orpheum Elephant Walk (Para) Good 

Paradise Wicked Woman (UA); Man in Hiding 

(UA) 

Fair 

Plaza Beachhead (UA); Song of the Lond (UA). .Fair 

Strand Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (20th-Fox) Average 

Studio Hobson's Choice (IFD), 4th wk Average 

Vogue The Kidnappers (JARO) Good 

Yonge Street Merchants 

Protest Business Loss 

TORONTO—Business firms on Yonge 

street, the route of Canada's first rapidtransit 

subway, have presented sharp criticism 

to civic authorities over a claimed 25 

per cent loss of business. They give three 

reasons—the people have gone underground 

and don't even see the business places, a ban 

on parking keeps motorists away and the 

thoroughfare continues to be torn up, making 

traffic difficult. 

Some of Toronto's leading theatres are involved 

in the situation. They are Loew's, 

Imperial, Downtown, Biltmore and Uptown. 

Conditions are such that some of the merchants 

have openly intimated they intend to 

move from Yonge street to more favorable 

locations. 

Theatre Act Changes 

Effective on June 1 

REGINA, SASK.—The new regulations 

under the theatres and cinematographs act 

will go into effect June 1. According to the 

labor department, the regulations clarify 

many sections, and also were necessitated by 

the many new developments in recent years. 

Principal changes deal with drive-in theatres, 

heating systems, miniature motion picture 

machines, commercial operato.-s of projection 

equipment, fees and annual reports 

by theatre managers. 

A major change affecting drive-ins is that 

no permit will be issued to construct a new 

drive-in within two miles of a present operating 

site. 

Better heating systems will be required in 

theatres and public halls, particularly where 

existing buildings are being renovated or new 

construction planned. 

An applicant for a license to operate 

miniature moving picture machines equipped 

with an arc light must satisfy the examiner 

of his ability and his experience to safely 

handle this type of equipment. 

A change in the grading of operators also is 

set forth in the new regulations. First class 

operators will be eligible to operate any projection 

equipment in the province. Second 

class operators will be limited to town, village 

and hamlet theatres having a seating 

capacity of 500 seats or less. Third class operators 

will be eligible to operate projection 

equipment in towns, villages and hamlets 

using incandescent lighting only. 

Another section stipulates that every operator 

over the age of 65 must produce a medical 

certificate when applying for renewal of 

his annual license, certifying his physical 

ability to handle projection and fire fighting 

equipment. 

Under the new regulations for the province, 

annual license fees for all theatres and public 

halls must be paid at the beginning of each 

year. Formerly Saskatchewan exhibitors were 

issued quarterly licenses. The only exception 

is where the theatre is located in a village 

or hamlet. Annual reports completed by owners 

or managers of all theatres licensed under 

the Act must be submitted by October 15 of 

each year. Previous regulations required reports 

to be submitted quarterly. 

Ontario MPTA Opposes 

Holiday Show Proposal 

TORONTO—The Motion Picture 

Theatres 

Ass'n of Ontario has taken notice of the move 

at Kitchener to ban midnight shows, with 

the exception of New Year's eve, by supporting 

theatre managers in the western Ontario 

city against the proposal. 

The Kitchener city council has not yet 

made a decision on the request of Police 

Chief John Kirkpatrick for a prohibitory bylaw. 

The association ammunition has included 

an outline of the satisfactory Toronto 

plan which, for some years, has permitted 

midnight performances along with statutory 

holidays, except on Christmas. 

Three Houses in Dual Bill 

TORONTO—Three Odeon units were united 

for a week's run of "Man in the Attic" and 

"Man Crazy." The theatres were the Danforth, 

Fairlawn and Humber. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 22, 1954 E 71

. . . Demolition 

. . Ivan 

. . The 

077 AV\/ A 

The Kidnappers" continued for a fifth week 

at the Glebe Cinema and Manager Clare 

Chamberlain added to the patronage by arranging 

for the accommodation of unaccompanied 

juveniles from 4 to 6 p.m. each day by 

having a matron on duty for the late afternoon 

performance. He encouraged school 

teachers to bring their classes to the theatre 

because of the Canadian theme to the picture. 

Ottawa's annual fall fair has taken a leaf 

out of the book usually followed by drive- 

. . . 

ins. For the 1954 exhibition, scheduled for 

the week of August 23, General Manager H. H. 

McElroy announced that childi-en under 12 

years of age would be admitted without 

charge The report was published in a 

Canadian paper that the Rexy here had 

closed because of the amusement tax burden, 

but the 593-seat house, of which Mrs. Maryan 

Roy is proprietor, has continued to operate. 

The Journal club of the Prescott high 

school celebrated the publication of its ninth 

annual school edition by attending a performance 

of "It Happens Every Thursday," 

a story about a weekly newspaper, at the 

Princess in Prescott, which is operated by 

Casey Swedlove. The students had featured 

the Prescott plant of the RCA-Victor Co. 

The seven Ottawa theatres found a winner 

for their combined Poto-Nite stunt when 

Mrs. Edward Lauzon claimed the award of 

$2,750 when her name was called from the 

Linden stage by Bill Crone. She received 

$1,250 from the theatres, $500 from the Ottawa 

Citizen and $1,000 from Jack Snow, 

jeweler. The lady said the money would be 

used to send her son to college for a law 

career. 

. . . 

Hugh O'Donnell, recently elected to the 

new board of directors of Associated Screen 

News in the Paul L. Nathanson regime, is the 

son-in-law of Pi-ime Minister Louis St. Laurent 

Manager George Jordan of the 

O'Brien at Aritprior had a special stunt for 

the engagement this week of "Calamity 

Jane." The first ten contestants who submitted 

the real-life name of the frontier woman 

received double passes to the theatre. 

Toronto Managers Seek 

Censor Check Speedup 

TORONTO—Some exhibitors have complained 

about the policy of the Ontario censors 

under the new theatres act, which requires 

all accessories, including newspaper 

advertisements, to be examined at the censors 

office, 1075 Millwood road, a considerable 

distance from downtown Toronto. 

Delays have resulted in the examination of 

advertising material, it is asserted, and the 

rush becomes hectic when a quick change of 

program is made. A speedup will be requested. 

VANCOUVER 

T ance Webber, manager of the Capitol at 

. . . 

. . . 

Penticton, who has been on sick leave for 

the past year, returned to work. Barry Freeman, 

who was pinchhitting for Webber, was 

moved to the StarUte Drive-In at Nanaimo, 

an FPC ozoner on Vancouver Island 

Placed in "Adult Entertainment Only" classification 

by the B. C. censors were "Carnival 

Story," "Creature from Black Lagoon," "Phantom 

of Rue Morgue" and "The Slasher" 

E>oug Calladine resigned as president of projectionists 

Local 348, and was succeeded by 

Bill McCartney jr., the vice-president. David 

Smith of the Main Theatre filled the vacancy 

left by McCartney. 

. . . Three 

Rae Waldergrave, formerly with Hoyts' 

Arncliff Theatre in Sydney, Australia, has 

joined the floor staff at the Vogue, which 

now includes three Australians 

drive-in theatres in this area are operating 

under new management this year. They are 

the Ruskin near Haney, the Cascades at Burnaby 

and the Hillcrest at Langley Prairie. 

Sam Diamond of Vancouver, who purchased 

the old Lonsdale in North Vancouver 

from Odeon Theatres, will convert the property 

into shops . Skyway Drive-In 

near Kamloops has installed a 72':;x30 screen 

of the old Star Theatre on 

Main street is under way to make way for 

a $810,000 jail. The city expropriated the 

property when the owners failed to agree on 

a sale price. An arbitratiun board has been 

convened to set a fair price. 

wnii'iaiiss 

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sound reproduction from a complete 

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not interfere with operation of projection 

equipment. Westrex is film-pulled and requires 

no special lubrication or maintenance. 

Write or ask for complete details. 

DOMINION SOUND EQUIPMENTS LIMITED 

HEAD OFFICE: 4040 St. Catherine Street West, Montrfcol. 

BSAhCHES AT: 

Holifax, Saint Jchn, Qufibec, Mcp'rcnl, Ottawo, 

Toronto, Hamilton, London, ^ôrth hvy, Winnipeg, 

Regino, Colgory, EUrnonlon, Vancuu^'er. 

D5-54-22 

. 

Chet Friedman, MGM publicist, was in 

town getting acquainted with local show and 

film boys. It was his first visit to the Pacific 

UPA's Stephen Bosustow of Gerald 

coast . . . 

McBoing-Boing fame is a native of Vic- 

toria, B.C. Ackery, Orpheum manager, 

. 

received plenty of publicity when he 

allowed the Western Art Circle to display 

a group of paintings in the theatre'âlcony 

. . Distributors report short subjects and 

newsreels this year are enjoying'greater popularity. 

. . . 

Maynard Joiner, Famous Players supervisor, 

has returned from a vacation south of the 

border Cinemascope prices have been 

reduced from a top of $1.25 to 90 cents at 

Vancouver's downtown theatres. Patrons did 

not go for the higher prices after the novelty 

wore off . . . The Cascades Drive-In lawsuit 

was settled with the Steele family taking over 

control from the former partners, the Len 

Johnson faction. 

Pola-Lite Chiefs Explain 

System at Luncheon 

TORONTO— Vice-President Al O'Keefe and 

field supervisor A. E. Cates of the Pola-Lite 

Co.. New York, gave a luncheon for Toronto 

press representatives at the Variety Club 

upon opening of the 3-D feature, "Creature 

Prom the Black Lagoon," at the Uptown. 

The Pola-Lite visitors explained the new 3-D 

single-film process. 

The announcement was made of the appointment 

of Cates as Canadian division 

manager for Pola-Lite. He will be associated 

with General Theatre Supply. Toronto, Canadian 

distributor for Pota-Lite. 

72 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22, 1954 

J

. . Riverton 

WINNIPEG 

Ochool teachers in greater Winnipeg are distributing 

special coupons to students in 

order to see MGM's "Julius Caesar" at reduced 

admissions at the Osborne Cinema. 

The school teachers are also enthusiastic 

over the Tribune sponsored essay contest in 

connection with the picture. The film is getting 

wonderful daily publicity as the Tribune 

keeps plugging the contest, and contest official 

Ann Henry, reviewer, gives it the plush 

treatment in her columns . . . Both the Starlite 

and Northmain Drive-ins are giving new 

cars away. The Airport, Eldorado and Pembina 

drive-ins have homemakers night on 

Mondays, giving electric clocks, percolators, 

carving sets and kitchenware. 

Downtown stores are planning to stay open 

every Friday evening. Downtown houses and 

drive-ins do fairly well on Fridays here, and 

what the effect of shopping in Eaton's and 

the Bay until 9 o'clock will be, remains 

to be seen . . . Odeon manager Tom 

Pacey provided a treat for 40 youngsters 

from the St. Joseph's vocational school, who, 

as guests of the Tribune and the theatre 

management, saw "The Kidnappers." The 

transit commission also contributed to the 

treat by providing transportation. 

. 

International Film Distributors General 

Manager Douglas V. Rosen, conferred with 

Manager Mike Mandell to discuss policies 

regarding the taking over of Allied Artists 

product in September. Personnel changes in 

Winnipeg will shortly be announced . . . 

Lac DuBonnet exhibitor J. M. Remanda 

was in to confer with booker and buyer 

Joe Harris of Paragon 

will come to Winnipeg 

. . 

May 31 

Television 

on channel 

four. CBWT. The Foto-Nite cash offer currently 

in Winnipeg is at $2,300. Sixteen indoor 

and 3 drive-in houses participate in 

Foto-Nite here every Wednesday. 

Ernie Diamond has started an Opportunity 

night at the Rialto every Wednesday with 

Recent heavy rains and 

ten prizes . . . 

snows have ruined highways, roads, and 

drive-in fields across western Canada. 

Paramount Manager Syl Gunn has appointed 

Abe Kovnatz to the position of 

shorts booker, replacing Dave Babier, who 

moved to RKO. Kovnatz is a newcomer to 

the industry . exhibitor Paul 

Luperipa conferred with Paragon booker Joe 

Harris. 

The Manitoba censor board is eliminating 

a higher-than-average number of scenes from 

motion pictures coming into the province 

from European countries, according to board 

chairman Merlin Newton. He said that European 

film companies did not go out of their 

way to turn out off-color pictures, but that 

it was due solely to different standards that 

their films contained scenes objectional to 

Canadian audiences. 

After spending^ a considerable amount of 

money on advertising, Don Carlos canceled 

the personal appearance of Bob Hope at the 

Auditorium due to Hope's last minute TV 

commitments . . . The door prize for the 

opening evening at the Circus Drive-In was 

a television set. The Circus also had free 

pony rides and free playground facilities. 

Winnipegger Oscar Weinstein has purchased 

the Garry in Port Garry, for a reported 

$165,000, from Mr. and Mrs. Rudy 

Besler who had opened it in December 1951. 

Weinstein is a member of the syndicate 

which recently purchased the Paris building 

in downtown Winnipeg for one million dollars. 

Rudy Besler will continue to operate 

the Park which he has had for the past 25 

years. Joe Devries, former Sovereign Films 

manager, will manage the Garry . . . Out of 

respect to the memory of Mrs. M. Triller, the 

Dominion was closed for one day. The wife 

of veteran exhibitor Mesho Triller died after 

a lengthy illness. 

Some Houses to Be Moved 

For New Seaway Project 

OTTAWA—The signing of the St. Lawrence 

seaway bill by President Eisenhower at Washington 

has brought jubilation to residents 

of a large area of eastern Ontario who have 

waited for years for the multi-million dollar 

international project. 

In the transformation of the St. Lawrence 

including the moving of whole towns, 

district, 

several theatres will have to be moved to 

new townsites, while a new era is in sight 

for various exhibitors. 

The doomed theatres are expected to include 

the Savoy at Cardinal, Ont., owned by 

Casey Sw'edlove, and the Cameo, Morrisburg, 

of which Carl Madsen is the proprietor. 

Increased prosperity is assured for Cornwall, 

Williamsburg, Chesterville, Winchester, 

Prescott and Brockville, where exhibitors will 

undoubtedly benefit. Cornwall has four theatres, 

units of Famous Players, National Theatres 

and 20th Century Theatres, while Brockville 

has two Famous Players units. Casey 

Swedlove also operates the Princess at Prescott. 

Ralph Connor Is Leader 

In Odeon Competition 

TORONTO—The "Big Show" competition 

for Odeon Theatres managers across Canada 

is taking definite form, with Jim Hardiman 

of the Toronto head office in the role of chief 

ringmaster. 

Leading in the fifth week of the drive in 

the combined branches of the contest is Ralph 

Connor of the Odeon at Trail, B.C. Well up 

in the race are J. J. Martin of the Mercier, 

Montreal, and Don Gauld of the Odeon, Fort 

William, Ont. 

• 

Ontario division leaders: Chris G. Holmes' 

"A" group, led by the Toronto Odeon of which 

Vic Nowe is manager; Robert C. Harvey's 

"B" district, led by the Odeon, London; "C" 

district, supervised by Steve R. McManus, led 

by the Brantford Odeon, Ed Beuron, manager, 

and "D" district, supervised by Keith 

Wilson, is being paced by Dave Daniels, manager 

of the Gregoi-y. Oakville. 

The campaign, which features showmanship 

and candy returns, terminates near the 

end of June. 

New Snack Bar Added 

TORONTO—A new snack bar has been 

opened in the downstairs lounge of the Downtown, 

a leading unit here of 20th Century 

Theatres, where Martin Simpson is the manager. 

The restaurant is in addition to the 

confectionery counter in the main lobby. 

TORONTO 

l^rany rumors traveled along Filmrow about 

pending changes in top-bracket district 

personnel of Famous Players Canadian Corp., 

but R. W. Bolstad, vice-president, nipped off 

the gossip with the brief statement: "Nothing 

is official yet" ... A number of promotions 

have been made in the managerial 

ranks of Canadian Odeon. Nick Langston, 

who has been doing an excellent job at the 

London Odeon, has become manager of the 

Hamilton Capitol, replacing Al Smith, who 

resigned. The new London manager is John 

Printz, formerly of the Christie, Toronto, 

which has been taken over by Miss Del Ray. 

former assistant to Manager Barry Carnon 

of the Hyland. Miss Ray had been at the 

Hyland since the theatre opened five and 

one-half years ago. 

Don Robertson, formerly of Ottawa, has 

been appointed manager of the Fairlawn, 

Toronto, replacing Jack Walker who has gone 

to the Odeon head office. Previously, Walker 

had been manager at the Paradise here . . . 

Ron Cooke, former assistant to Manager 

Henry Marshall of the Famous Players Capitol 

in North Toronto, has been transferred 

to the downtown Tivoli, where he now is 

assisting Manager Fred Trebilcock. James 

Brown has succeeded Cooke at the Capitol. 

Vice-President Ralph Dale of National 

Theatres circuit announced that Gordon 

Simm, formerly at the company's head office, 

has been appointed manager of the Roxy at 

West Hill. It had been reported that Simm 

was named to the Scarborough Drive-In, 

but Ray Sadowski is manager there. Also 

confirmed is the transfer of William Boal, 

former manager of the Seville, Montreal, to 

National Theatres head office, Toronto. 

Preston Salter, one-time manager of the 

Century, unit of 20th Century Theatres, 

Trenton. Ont., is now proprietor of a men's 

furnishings store at Hamilton. 

of course! 

POPCORN 

it's 

Super Pufft' 

Write for our new catalogue 

SUPER PUFFT POPCORN LTD. 

97 Duke St., Toronto 

SERVICE CONFECTIONS LTD. 

243 Lilac Sf., Winnipeg, Man. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

22, 1954 73

. . The 

. . Miss 

. . Christopher 

. , Bob 

. . Mrs. 

. . 

, . . Over 

. . The 

MONTREAL 

The sixth annual meeting of the Quebec 

Canadian Picture Pioneers is scheduled 

for the Sheraton-Mount Royal June 23 . . . 

. . Elie N. 

All Canadian exhibitors received invitations 

from Paramount in Toronto to attend demonstrations 

of VistaVision Thursday (201 at 

one of the large theatres of the Queen city. 

The event coincided with the Paramount sales 

meeting (20-22). Robert Murphy, manager 

of the Montreal office; William Young, head 

booker; Romeo Goudreau, salesman, and 

Tom Dowbiggin, Paramount former manager, 

answered the invitation . . . Gordon 

Lightstone, Toronto general manager of Paramount, 

spent three days here conferring 

with Manager Robert Murphy . 

Tabah, co-owner with Louis Donolo of the 

Donta Corp., sponsor of Montreal's recent 

motion picture theatre addition, the Montrose, 

was among those attending the New 

York Cinemascope meeting. 

. 

Mrs. Gaspard Martineau, owner of the 

Royal, Valleyfield, has remodeled the interior 

of her theatre and has installed a 

wide .screen . . Henry Lodge, Lise Theatre, 

. 

Asbestos, Que., visited and reported business 

improving Martin brothers. Royal, 

East Angus, Que., planted 100 trees around 

their home recently built in the eastern town- 

Armand Lemoine, Bijou. Megantic, 

.ship city . . . 

has resumed personal management 

of his theatre . A. Pelchat, owner of 

the Senneterre at Senneterre, northern Quebec, 

will introduce Foto-Nite at her theatre 

during June, while A. Berthiaume, owner of 

the Capri, Montreal East, has started the 

feature. 

The Monkland Theatre, managed by Dick 

Howarth, drew large boxoffice receipt.s during 

the showing of the "Three Forbidden 

MR. EXHIBITOR 

I I I I 

• • • • 

We now have a library of good 40- 

second sound trailers (adfilms) for 32 

different business classifications, covering 

every type of merchant in your 

town. 

We can tie in the merchant's name, 

slogan, etc., with appropriate voice 

message and SELL this service for you 

LOCALLY and PROFITABLY in English 

or 

French. 

Our Trailers run a full week in each 

theatre at every performance and we 

hove enough DIFFERENT subjects to 

give maximum 26-week program 

during the year. 

For CONSISTENT extra revenue—at no 

extra cost 

Write, wire or phorte 

FRED T. 

General 

ADFILMS 

STINSON 

Manager 

77 York Street 

LIMITED 

Toronto, Ontorio EMpire 8 8986 

. . . 

. 

Stories" tagged for adult entertainment. The 

film was presented in a double-bill with 

"Norman Conquest" Regal Advertising 

Agency has moved to 996 Rachel street east 

... At the film awards ceremony, Mrs. 

Yousuf Karsh, wife of the portrait photographer, 

presented a bouquet of flowers to 

Mrs. Robert Flaherty, whose husband was a 

pioneer in the Canadian motion picture industry 

Chapman, producer 

of film award winner. "The Sea.sons," has 

joined Crawley Films. 

Visitors to Filmrow: Mr. and Mrs. Leduc, 

Normandie, Ste. Martine; Mr. and Mrs. Roland 

Menard, Little Met, Greenfield Park; 

Mrs. N. Rozon, Royal Hudson, Hudson. Que.; 

Edgar Dufour, St. Jovite. St. Jovite; Fdouard 

Gauthier Rio, Sorel; Mel. Lodge, Myra, Richmond; 

Dr. Guibord, National and Palace. 

Grand'Mere; R. Martel, Laurier, St. Lin; 

Daniel Pare, Royal. L'Epiphanie; A. Lacouture, 

Sorel. Sorel ... P. P. Pageau, Warner 

Bros. 16mm manager, w'as on a business trip 

in the Gaspe peninsula . EI.?ie Butler 

has joined International Films as a stenographer 

, Brown, UACL art department, 

reported a successful fishing expedition. 

He was in a party of four which went to 

Spad lake in the Laurentians, He reported 

a catch of 57 trout. 

Harry Potts, 48-year-old Rouyn, Que., theatre 

manager, was found dead in his apartment. 

Police said they believed Potts' death 

was due to an overdose of sleeping pills. His 

wife died some 30 days before ... La Salon 

du Tourism at Montreal's Show Mart presented 

about 50 booths sponsored by foreign 

government and travel agencies. Necessary 

space was provided at the week-long exhibition 

for continuous film showings in three 

temporary theatres, each seating about 300. 

Films were in both French and English . 

The women's committee of the Museum of 

Fine Arts will present on June 1 two films 

of interest to those planning to enter exhibits 

in the "Pete des Fleurs." There will be 

a prize-winning Canadian film and "Flower 

Arrangements of Williamsburg," 

Playtex Company Included 

In Stanley Warner Deal 

OTTAWA—The large new plant of Playtex, 

Ltd., at Arnprior in the Ottawa valley 

is involved in the deal whereby the parent 

company. International Latex Corp., is being 

absorbed by Stanley Warner Corp,, headed 

by S. H. Fabian of New York, 

Fabian, whose interests include Cinerama 

in the U,S. as well as many theatres there, 

and A. N. Spanel, chairman of the board of 

International Latex, released a joint statement 

at Arnprior regarding the merger 

through which Stanley Warner has become 

a $100,000,000 company. 

The Fabian enterprise has expanded into 

television with station WRTI at Schenectady, 

N,Y,, as the start of a TV chain, it was stated, 

while Latex and its Canadian subsidiary are 

about to enter the chemical field. Playtex, 

Ltd. manufactures women's and children's 

apparel, foam pillows and other lines. No 

intimation has been made that the program 

includes immediate expansion into the Canadian 

theatre. Cinerama or broadcasting 

fields. 

Max Steiner is writing the musical score 

for "Battle Ci-y," a Warner picture. 

MARITIMES 

pined $100 in the St, John's, Nfld., district 

court recently was a member of the staff 

of a theatre there. He was convicted of 

illegal possession of 24 bottles of whisky and 

2,000 cigarets. The contraband was confiscated 

by the Mounties who made the arrest 

$20,000 has been paid out in cash 

prizes by the Capitol in Yarmouth. Manager 

Ernie Hatfield supervises the weekly cash 

giveaway. 

. . Les Sprague, 

At the Casino in Halifax, an Odeon unit, 

the Satiu'day morning program consists of 

an even dozen cartoons, all of them Disney 

products, plus a free bottle of carbonated beverage 

for each person in the audience. The 

children's price is 15 cents . 

manager of the Gaiety in Lancaster, has 

pledged continuance of his programs of films 

suitable to children each Saturday afternoon 

... A 64-piece English dinnerware giveaway 

is offered to patrons of the Community in 

Yarmouth. 

In a hookup with a toy shop on "The Boy 

From Oklahoma," the Strand in St. John 

distributed to mothers and fathers cowboy 

guns and holsters for one night of the threeday 

booking. The Strand, an Odeon house, 

lined up the same toy store in behalf of 

"Beachhead," a war story, for miniature 

tanks, subs, warships, artillery and planes for 

Barardo, an English 

a window display . . . 

performer billed as "the world's fastest and 

funniest hypnotist," has been appearing at 

film theatres in the Atlantic provinces. 

MacMillan Josey, doorman at the Casino 

Theatre, Halifax, received an Odeon silver 

star courtesy award recently from the mayor. 

He is the fourth Odeon theatre employe to 

receive the award. The Casino is managed 

by Doug Smith . Chase Home Movie 

Service, St. John, N,B,, which is headed by 

W. J. Monte Chase, projectionist of the Paramount 

Theatre, was recently burglarized. 

Equipment, supplies and cash were stolen. 

After surveying: Newfoundland, a representative 

of London Films indicated plans to 

shoot most of a story on the Alcock and 

Brown trans-Atlantic flight at St. John's 

likely 

He said there have been too many changes in 

the appearances of St. John's since the flight 

was made. 

will be abandoned in favor of England. 

A symposium on pictures in a local newspaper 

claimed many films are unsuitable for 

teenagers because they often "expre.ss the 

wrong ideas on marriage, and portray horrible 

crimes as only slight offenses." The Legion 

of Decency was nominated as a "very good 

guide for moviegoers." It concluded, "better 

movies would bring more teenagers into the 

audiences." 

While Mrs. Reaie Patris, 44, was at work in 

the ticket office of a drive-in located on the 

outskirts of Minto, a .soft coal mining village, 

her husband Rene, 44, was critically wounded 

a few hundred yards away. Patris was hailed 

just outside the Patris home and on responding 

was shot in the neck, Floyd Brown was 

named as the a.ssailant. 

Three Classed for Adults 

TORONTO—The Ontario censors have 

classified three features for adult entertainment, 

according to Chairman O. J. Silverthorne. 

The list comprised "Act of Love," 

"Lure of the Sila" and "The Wild One." 

74 BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

22. 1954

!wWi" 

' 

»fflwi' 

-mr: 

OXflfflCElDDM J j]i^^ 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY ABOUT PICTURES 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

Fighter Attack (AA)—Sterling Hayden, J. 

Carroll Naish, Joy Page. Can't go wrong 

with this one. Beautiful color, good acting 

and story and much better than advertised. 

We hesitated to book this as reports on it 

weren't too good but we weren't sorry we 

did and recommend it highly. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Favorable.—W. J. Breitling 

and Ida V., Comfrey Theatre, Comfrey, 

Minn. Village and rural patronage. 

COLUMBIA 

stranger Wore a Gun, The (Col)—Randolph 

Scott, Claire Trevor, Joan Weldon. 

Here is a good western in color with a big 

star but it was too old when I played it so 

I only broke even on it. Should have played 

it on Friday-Saturday. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—E. M. Freiburger, Dewey 

Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small-town and rural 

patronage. 

Wild One, The (Col)—Marlon Brando, 

Mary Murphy, Robert Keith. Here is a real 

picture. It's based on a true incident. Some 

of our local hoodlums didn't like it—the 

truth hurts. Story of an outlaw motorcycle 

gang taking over a town and it shows what 

could happen. Marlon Brando is tops in this 

one. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Warm, 83 

degrees.—Michael Chiaventone, Valley Theatre, 

Spring Valley, 111. Second run patronage. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Actress, The (MGM)—Spencer Tracy, Jean 

Simmons, Teresa Wright. This one is a perfect 

stinker! That's the worst adjective I 

can use and get this printed! Weak story 

and weak acting except on the part of 

Spencer Tracy. If this report will save someone 

the mistake of booking it I shall feel 

amply repaid for what we went in the red 

on it. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Mild.— 

W. J. Breitling and Ida V., Comfrey Theatre, 

Comfrey, Minn. Village and rural patronage. 

Easy to Love (MOM)-Esther Williams, Van 

Johnson, Tony Martin. Here is a darn nice 

color musical that was likely hurt at our 

boxoffice by the title. Why, I don't know, 

but it seems that the word "love" in a title 

hurts any picture in our town. The color 

is nice, the cast is good. Cypress Gardens 

is quite a place, and those who came liked 

It—so all we lacked was more customers. 

You can safely recommend this. Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.—Paul 

Ricketts, Charm Theatre. Holyrood, Kas. 

Small-town and rural patronage. 

Give a Girl a Break (MGM)—Marge and 

Gower Champion, Debbie Reynolds. A light 

little musical that pleased an average attendance. 

Played Sun. Weather: Fair.—W. 

P. Shelton, Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, 

N. C. Rural patronage. 

Just This Once (MGM)—Janet Leigh, Peter 

Lawford. Lewis Stone. Just one of those 

things that we have kicked around imtil we 

had to run it, so made up the other half of 

a weekend bill and it worked out for a good 

program. Above average business on this 

one, when doubled with "War Arrow" (U-I). 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Fine, rainy. 

Mayme P. Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, 

Kas. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Mogambo (MGM) — Clark Gable, Ava 

Gardner, Grace Kelly. One of the best pictures 

we have ever played to one of the 

poorest nights. No fault of the picture, 

though. Weather too nice. Can't expect much 

for a while but, give 'em time and they'll 

come back. Played Sun. Weather: Nice.— 

Marcella Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, 

Ohio. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Gets 'Opinion Makers' 

Back to the Movies 

Robe, The (20th-Fox)—Richard Burton, 

Jean Simmons, Victor Mature. Excellent 

all around, although boxoffice not 

quite up to expectations. I am afraid it 

was over the heads of a lot of our people. 

Cinemascope and stereosound, though, 

are getting the "opinion makers" of the 

community back to the movies. That 

means the folks with a little money left 

are coming back. And everybody likes 

Cinemascope and magnetic sound much 

better than "big screen" and optical 

sound. The CinemaScope picture, if you 

have a good objective lens, (we have one 

of the best) is in focus all over, foreground 

and background, while a blownup 

big screen picture is generally in focus 

in the foreground only, with a fuzzy 

background furnishing distractions. 

Played Fri. through Wed. Weather: Fine 

five days, one day stormy.—W. F. Shelton, 

Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N. 0. 


Strip, The (MGM)—Mickey Rooney, Sally 

Forrest, James Craig. A mystery with music. 

This picture turned out to be a flop here. My 

patrons must have sensed it ahead of time 

because they didn't come to see it. Played 

Mon., Tues. Weather: Good.—Fred L. Murray, 

Strand Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Smalltown 

and rm-al patronage. 

PARAMOUNT 

Here Come the Girls (Para)—^Bob Hope, 

Arlene Dahl, Tony Martin. Bob Hope may 

be big stuff in radio but the only time he's 

done any business for me is when he is 

teamed with Bing Crosby. When he's by himself 

he falls flat on his ski nose. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Mild.—Norman Merkel, 

Time Theatre, Albert City, Iowa. Small-town 

and rural patronage. 

Sangaree (Para)—^Fernando Lamas, Arlene 

Dahl, Patricia Medina. This costume picture 

and Civil War story was too old when 

I played it and I took a loss. Pass it. Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Good.—E. M. 

Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. 


RKO RADIO 

Half-Breed, The (RKO)—Robert Young, 

Janis Carter, Jack Buetel. Registered okay 

with the action fans. Injuns, bad whites, 

good whites, cavalry. Routine stuff. Nice 

scenery. Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Okay. 

—Frank Sabin, Majestic Theatre, Eureka, 

Mont. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Second Chance (RKO)—Robert Mitchum, 

Linda Darnell. Jack Palanoe. We used the 

2-D version. The last reel had almost everyone 

chewing their fingernails. Real suspense 

is built during a cable car scene. Most patrons 

who came in after the picture started 

didn't know what it was all about. I had to 

see the beginning twice myself to find out! 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.-Michael 

Chiaventone, Valley Theatre, Spring Valley, 

111. Second run patronage. 

REPUBLIC 

Thunderbirds (Rep)—John Derek, John 

Barrymore jr., Mona Freeman. Another good 

action type picture. However, John Derek is 

too good looking to be believable as a tough 

GI. Gene Evans and Ward Bond were the 

stars of this one. Business above average but 

nothing to get excited about. Played Wed., 

Thurs. Weather: Mild.—Norman Merkel. 

Time Theatre, Albert City, Iowa. Small-town 


WAG From Walla Walla (Rep)—Judy Canova, 

Stephen Dunne, George Cleveland. We 

got this one on a last minute change. Since 

we had just played Judy the week before 

I didn't expect much—but were we surprised 

Played Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Mild with snow.—Harold Bell, Opera House 

Theatre, Coaticook, Que. Small-town and 

rural patronage. 

20lh CENTURY-FOX 

Siege at Red River, The (20th-Fox)—Van 

Johnson, Joanne Dru, Richard Boone. Very 

good western in color which made me some 

money on Friday-Saturday. Play it.—E. M. 

Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. 


Titanic (20th-Fox)—Clifton Webb, Barbara 

Stanwyck, Robert Wagner. Excellent. Wow! 

What a picture. It surely lives up to its title. 

It is titanic in every v/ay. Drama at its all 

time best. My patrons talked about this picture 

for weeks. A few mere like this would 

surely help to pay off the mortgage. We had 

200 per cent business—a great many people 

came to see it a second time. I think I could 

play it again and do good business. If you 

have not ah-eady played it, do so and reap 

a bountiful harvest. Played Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Good.—Fred L. Murray, Strand 

Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. Small-town and 


White Witch Doctor (20th-Fox)—Robert 

Mitchum, Susan Hayward, Walter Slezak. A 

good picture set in the African jungle. It 

should have had a few less savages and a few 

more animals running around. Will please 

the majority. Played Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Cold.—Harold Bell, Opera House 

Theatre, Coaticook, Que. Small-town and 


(Continued on following page) 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : May 22, 1954

' 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

UNITED ARTISTS 

Gnn Belt (UA)—George Montgomery, Tab 

Hunter, Helen Westcott. A good Technicolor 

western that did fairly good business. Everyone 

attending liked and enjoyed it. Played 

Prevue, Sun., Mon. Weather: Fair and cool. 

—Garland Lamb, Crown Theatre, Lincoln, 

Ark. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Red River (UA)—Reissue. John Wayne, 

Montgomery Clift, Walter Brennan. About 

the fourth time this film has played here. I 

merely repeat: it is in the "best film" class. 

The boxoffice this go round was 144 per cent. 

Played Thurs., Pri. Weather: Warm and 

clear.—James H. Hamilton, Pine Hill Drivein 

Theatre, Picajoine, Miss. Small-town and 


Shark River (UA)—Steve Cochran, Carole 

Matthews, Warren Stevens. If you have the 

type of patronage that loves rugged adventure 

in the heart of the Everglades with alligators 

and reptiles, Indians, brother against 

brother and countless minutes of breathtaking 

scenes—this one is for you. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Heavenly.—Donald H. Haymans, 

Candler Drive-In Theatre, Metter, Ga. 


Steel Lady, The (UA)—Rod Cameron, Tab 

Hunter, John Dehner. A good little picture. 

Rod Cameron looks different off of his cayuse, 

but he carries the story. A lot of action and 

suspense but it has the usual Hollywood plot 

about treasure. Seems as if folks still go for 

it, though—women, too. Coupled with "Sangaree" 

on which I will withhold comment 

because I didn't get to see it. Business was 

fair to middUng. Played Tues., Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Cold.—Nate Oglesbee, Ramona 

Theatre, Ramona, Calif. Small-town and 


Vice Squad (UA)—Edward G. Robinson, 

Paulette Goddard, K. T. Stevens. A very 

good picturization of a day in the life of a 

police captain. Robinson plays the role of 

the captain and gives a fine performance. 

Although the title is somewhat misleading, 

there is enough action and suspense to hold 

one's attention throughout. Our audience enjoyed 

the picture very much and word-ofmouth 

advertising resulted in above average 

business. Played Wed.-Sat. Weather: Good. 

—Mel Edelstein, Lybba Theatre, Hibbing, 

Minn. Medium-size town patronage. 

War Paint (UA)—Robert Stack, Joan Taylor, 

Charles McGraw. We've sure killed a 

lot of Indians of late, but this Is a little 

different being filmed in the Florida Everglades 

with the redskins the Seminoles. 

Some beautiful scenery and nice wildlife pictures 

so no one seemed to notice the story 

was improbable. Did satisfactory business. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—Paul 

Ricketts, Charm Theatre, Holyrood, Kas. 


UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

All American, The (U-I)—Tony Curtis, 

Lori Nelson, Richard Long. This drew fairly 

well as we have a football community. However, 

these nice evenings people want to 

"git out and go" and not be cooped up in 

a movie house. This one should do about 

average business in the average community. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Nice.—Marcella 

Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. 


Francis Covers the Big Town (U-D—Donald 

O'Connor, Yvette Dugay, Gene Lockhart. 

Too bad more of our big stars don't have 

long ears. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Showers 

one day.—James H. Hamilton, Pine Hill 

Drive-In Theatre, Picayune, Miss. Smalltown 


Frontier Gal (U-I)—Reissue. Yvonne De- 

Carlo, Rod Cameron, Andy Devine. Here Is 

an excellent replacement for your usual Saturday 

billing. The grownups liked it from 

the love angle and the kids ate up the action 

and laughs. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good. 

—Ralph Raspa, State Theatre, Rivesville, 

W. Va. Small-town and rural patronage. 

It Came From Outer Space (U-I)—Richard 

Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake. 

One of the better science-fiction pictures. 

Draws mostly students and children and is 

all right for those duU midweek spots. Very 

good comments on the acting. Played Wed., 

Thurs. Weather: Fair.—W. J. Breitling and 

Ida v., Comfrey Theatre, Comfrey, Minn. 

Village and rural patronage. 

Law and Order (U-I)—Ronald Reagan, 

Dorothy Malone, Preston Foster. A good 

action-packed western. Ronald Reagan has 

a pleasant personality and as a former lowan, 

he has quite a following here. Newcomer 

Ruth Hampton is a well-stacked 

younger version of Jane Russell. Business 

was better than usual. Played Pri., Sat. 

Weather; Mild.—Norman Merkel, Time Theatre, 

Albert City, Iowa. Small-town and rural 

patronage. 

Ma and Pa Kettle at Home (U-D—Marjorle 

Maui, Percy Kilbride, Alice Kelley. They are 

still doing business here and this is the best 

of the late ones, ranking with "Egg" but 

only about half as much business. It pleased 

and drew two full houses, two not so full, 

but everyone got a big kick out of the comedy. 

About the same line, but with some new 

stuff that really di-ew for times like the 

present. Get it and you'll do all right. Played 

Wednesday and Saturday. Weather: Fine.— 

Mayme P. Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, 

Kas. Small-town and rural patronage. 

and Paw (U-D—Cartoon. We've had 

i'NIaw 

two of these cartoons to date and they've 

brought down the house. Something different 

in a Kettle-type cartoon family.—Bob Walker, 

Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. Small-town and 


Ride Clear of Diablo (U-D—Audie Murphy, 

Dan Duryea, Susan Cabot. This one did as 

much business as "Shane." Need I say more? 

Should have played it Sun., Mon., Tues. Universal 

is one company from which I did not 

take any eliminations on a year's deal. I 

used them all and was not sorry. Played 

Thurs., Fri., Sat.—W. C. Mosher, Blue Moon 

Theatre, Blue Mound, Kas. Small-town and 


Stand at Apache River, The (U-D—Stephen 

McNally, Julia Adams, Hugh Marlowe. A 

good western but, oh, we've been crucifying 

the Indians such a long time I There are other 

themes for our wide open spaces; can't we 

have a few of them? Played Thurs.. Fi-i., Sat. 

Weather: Good.—Mrs. Elaine S. George, Star 

Theiitre, Heppner, Ore. Small-town and rural 

patronage. 

Thunder Bay (U-I) — James Stewart, 

Joanne Dru, Dan Duryea. A very entertaining 

picture, but for some reason it didn't do 

the business I expected. It has action, Technicolor 

and a good cast. The story Is about 

oil and shrimp fishermen, but, somewhere 

along the line, the picture missed the boat. 

Played Sat.-Tues. Weather: Good.—Mel 

Edelstein, Lybba Theatre, Hibbing, Minn. 

Medium-size town patronage. 

Tumblcweed (U-I)—Audle Mui-phy, Lori 

Nelson, Chill Wills. I never fall on this boy's 

pictures. He always brings in extra business 

for me. This is a very good outdoor pictiu:e. 

Good color and cast. It will do well in any 

small town. Thanks to U-I again. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Good.—James Hardy,^ 

Shoals Tlieatre, Shoals, Ind. Small-town an

^n interpretive onolvsis of ioy and trodcpress reviews. The plus ond minus signs indicate degree of 

ncrit oniy- audience clossification is not rated. Listings cover current reviews, brought up to date regularly, 

rhis deportment serves also as on ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feoture releases. Numeral preceding title 

s Picture Guide Review page number. For listings by company, in the order of releose, see Feature Chart. 

H Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary H is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

o

REVIEW DIGEST' 

Very Good; ' Good; — Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary H is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

.1 ?

+f Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. 

at 

s 

556 Personal Affair (82) Drama UA 

564 Phantom of the Rue Morgue (84) 

(Three-dimension) 

WB 

Phantom Stallion (54) Western Rep 

574 Pickwick Papers (109) Comedy M-K 

575 Playoirl

. 

. 

I 

Man 

I 

©Eosy 

I 

©Take 

. 

fpiiTyiifiJ}]})]]? 

feature productions by compony in order of release. Number in square is notional release date. Running 

time is in parentheses. Letters and combinations thereof indicate story type as follows: (C) Comedy; (D) 

Dramo; (AD) Adventure-Droma; (CD) Comedy-Droma; (F) Fontosy; (M) Musicol; (W) Western; (SW) Superwestern. 

Relcose number follows. ,) denotes BOXOFFICE Elue Ribbon Award Winner. Photography; 

1 

O Color; '^Z 3-D; Wide Screen. For review dotes and Picture Guide page numbers, see Review Digest. 

OQ 

O 

o 

> 

O 

ALLIED 

ARTISTS 

SlMexicon Monhunt (71) D. .5317 

Gvofge lircnt, HlUary Brooke, Karen Sharp« 

^ Fighting Lawman (71) W. .5334 

Wayne .MorrL-:. Virginia Grey. Myron Healcy 

HGRoyol African Rifles (75) D. .5403 

bnils II;i>w;krd. Veronica Hurst. Hoy Glenn 

a Yellow Bolioon (80) D..5430 

.Andreiv Itiy. Kathleen Byan, Kenneth More 

m Hot News (6O1/2) D. .5327 

Stanley Qeraents. Gloria Henry, Ted DeC^sla 

gi Jennifer (73) D. .5407 

Ida Luplno, Howard Duir, Bobert Nichols 

[E Jack Slode (89) D. .5406 

Mark Stevens. l>orothy Malone, Barton KlacLane 

HI Vigilante Terror (70) W. .5422 

WUd BUI EUlott. Mary Ellen Kay, 0. Wallace 

S OFIghter AHock (80) D . . 5402 

Sterling Ha.vden, Joy Page, J. Carrol Nalsh 

dj Private Eyes (64) C..5321 

Leo Gorcey. Huntz Hall, Joyce Holden 

! Texas Bad Man (62) W. .5335 

Wayne Morris. Elaine RQey, Myroo Healey 

COLUMBIA 3 1° 

From Here to .D. .616 

Eternity (1 18). . . 

Burt Utncastcr, MontKomery Cllft, D. Kerr 

QConquest of Cochise (70). . . .W. .610 

John Hoiiiak, Robert Stack, Joy Page 

Chino Venture (83) D . . 609 

Bdmond O'Brien, Barry Sullivan, Jocelyn Brando 

Sky Commando (69) D . . 61 

Dan Duryen. Francis Gilford, Touch Conners 

Saginaw Trail (56) W. .576 

Gene Autry. SmUey Bumette, Connie MarsbaU 

Big Heat, The (90) D. .615 

Glenn Ford, Gloria Grahame, Robert Burton 

OSIoves of Babylon, The (82). . .D. .612 

Richard Conte. Linda Christian, Terry KUbum 

Combat Squad (72) 

D..613 

John Ireland, Lon JleCalllster, Hal March 

©^Gun Fury (83) 

SW..617 

Rock Hudson, Donna Reed, Phil Corey 

Last of the Pony Riders (59). . .W. .573 

Gene Autrj'. Sralley Burnette, Kathleen Case 

Paris Model (81) D. .621 

Paulette Goddard. MarUyn Maxwell, Eva Gabor 

©Prisoners of the Cosboh (78). .D. .622 

Cesar Romero. Gloria Oraliame, Turban Bey 

Killer Ape, The (68) AD. .626 

Johnny WelssmuUer. Carol Thurston, M. Palmer 

'J'QNebroskan, The (68) D..618 

PhU Carey, Roberta Haynes, Wallace Ford 

LIPPERT 

a Prelect Moon Bose (63) D . . 53 1 

Donna Martell. Ross Ford, Hayden Rorke 

53 Norman Conquest (79) D. .5303 

Tom Conway, Eva Bartok 

g) Undercover Agent (69) D. .5306 

Dermot Walsh, Hazel Court 

[5] The Fighting Men (63) D. .5222 

Ross.'uio Brazzl, (âudlne Dupula 

5f Shadow Man (77) D. .5316 

Craiu- Romero, Kay KendaU, V. lladem 

g3 ©Sins of Jezebel (75) D. .5225 

Paulette Goddard, George Nader, John Hoyt 

From Cairo, The (83) . . . . D . . 5302 

George Raft, Glanna Maria Canale, M. Serato 

a Terror Street (83) D. .5304 

Dan Duryea. Elsy Alhlln, Ann Gudrun 

SS Limping Man (76) D. .5318 

Uoyd Bridges, Molra Lister. Alan Wheatley 

M-G-M s ;,, 

S Half a Hero (75) C. .40 

Red Skelton, Jean Hagen, Charles Dingle 

SS Terror on a Train (72) D..40 

Glenn Ford, Aruie Vernon, Maurice Denham 

S Actress, The (90) CD. .40 

Spencer Tracy, Jean Simmons, Teresa Wright 

[3 ©Mogambo (119) D. .40 

Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace KeUy 

I tJTorch Song (90) D. .40 

Joan Crawford, Michael Wilding, Gig Young 

the High Groundl ( 1 1 ) . . D . . 40 

Richard Wldmark, Karl Maiden, E. Stewart 

m ©All the Brothers Were Valiant 

(101) AD.. 40 

Bobert Taylor, Stewart Granger. Ana Blytb 

S©^KIss Me Kote (109) M. .40 

Kathryn Grayson. Howard Keel, Ann MUlcr 

Ej ©Escape From Fort Bravo (98)..D..40' 

WUUam Holden. Heanor Parker. 3»im Forsytli 

to Love (96) M..4II 

Esther WlUlams, Van Johnson, Tony Marks 

>- 

< 

a: 

CO 

< 

0£ 

a. 

< 

>- 

< 

O 

O 

S Golden Idol, The (71) D. .5315 

Johnny Sheffield, Anne Klmbell, P. Gullfoyle 

53 Yukon Vengeance (68) D. .5331 

Kirhy Grant, Carol Thurston, Monte Hale 

gS World for Ransom (82) D. .5408 

Dan Duryea. Gene Lockhart, Patrlc Knowles 

a Highway Dragnet (72) D. .5405 

Joan Bennett, Richard Conte, Wanda HendrU 

S Bitter Creek (74) W 5423 

WUd BUI Elliott, Beverly Garland, C. Young 

a Riot in Cell Block 11 (80). . . .D. .S-1 

Neville Brand, Emlle Meyer, Fraiik Faylen 

H Paris Playboys (62) C. .5418 

Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Viola Vonn 

H Mr. Potts Goes to Moscow (93) C. .5400 

Oscar Homolka. Nadla Gray. George Cole 

g] ©Dragonfly Squadron (83) . . . . D. .S-2 

John Hodlik, Barbara Britton, Bruce Bennett 

a Loophole (79) D. .5414 

Barry Sullivan. Dorothy Malone, C. McGraw 

a ©Pride of the Blue Gross (70). .D. .5410 

Uoyd Bridges. Vera Miles, M. Sberldan 

OOArrow in the Dust (80) ID. .5404 

Sterling Hayden, Coleen Qny, Kdtb Larsen 

(9 Forty-Nlners, The {70V'2) W. .5424 

Wfld BUI Elliott, Virginia Grey, Denver Pyle 

SI Bowery Boys Meet tba Monsters 

(•) 

C..54J9 

L«o Gorcey. Huntz Hall. Laura Ma.'son 

j Desperado, The (..) W. .5426 

Wa>-ne Morris, Beverly Garland, J. Lydon 

Home From the Sea { . , ) D . . 5409 

i 

Jan Sterling, Neville Brand, Robert Arthur 

OAfricon Fury 

Boot Hill 

Doc. . 

W 

Wild 11:11 Elliott 

OGhost of O'Leary, The D. . 

Yvonne DeCarlo. David Nlrco, B. I'^t2genild 

Jungle Gents C. . 

Len Gorcey, Huntz Hall 

Quantrill't Raiders W. . 

WUd Hill Elliott 

Two Guns and a Badge W. . 

W»>Tic .Morris, Damlan O'FIjTin, B. Barcroft 

Wo.ited by the F.B.I D. 

John Irchuid, Dorothj' Malone, Kdtb Lairsen 

Bad for Each Other (83) D, .624 

Charlton Heston, Uzabeth Scott, D. Foster 

©T^Drums of Tahiti (73) D. .628 

Patricia Medina, Dennis O'Keefe, F. L. Sullivan 

El Alamein (67) D . . 620 

Scott Brady. Edward .'V.'ihley, Blta Morena 

©Porotrooper (87) D. .619 

Alan Ladd, Susan Stephen, Leo Genn 

©Charge of the Lancers (74).. D.. 625 

Paulette Goddard, Jean Pierre Aumunt 

©i^Miss Sodie Thompson (91). . .D. .630 

Rita Hayworth, Aldo Ray, Jose Ferrer 

(Special prerelease) 

Wild One, The (79) D, .623 

Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy. Robert Keith 

Bait (79) D..639 

Cleo Moore. John Agar, Hugo Haas 

©BoHle of Rogue River (71). . .D. .637 

George Montgomery. Martha Hyer, B. Denning 

It Should Happen to You (87).. C. 631 

Judy HoUlday, Peter Lawford, Jack Lemmon 

Drive a Crooked Road (82). . . .0. .638 

Mickey Rooney, Dlanne Foster, Kevin McCarthy 

©Iron Glove, The (77) D. .634 

Robert Stack, Ursula Tbelss, B. Stapley 

©'^Jesse James vs. the Doltons 

(65) W. .629 

Brett King. Barbara Lawrence. James Griffith 

^^Mad Magician, The (72) D. .640 

Vincent Price, Mary Murphy, Eva Gabor 

Massacre Canyon (66) W. ,635 

PhU Carey, Audrey Totter, Charlita 

Miami Story, The (75) D. .641 

Barry Sullivan. Adele Jergens, Luther Adler 

Jungle Man-Eaters (,.) D. . 

Johnny WelssmuUer, Karln Booth, B. Stapley 

©Saracen Blode (76) D. . 

Blcardo Montalban, Betta St. John 

©Block Knight, The D. . 

Alan Ladd. Patricia .Medina 

©Coine Mutiny, The D. . 

Humphrey Bnârt, Van Johnson. Jose Ferrer 

Father Brown CD . 

Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood 

©Fire Over Africa D . 

Maureen O'Hara, Macdonald Carey 

©Hell Below Zero (90) D. . 

Alan Ladd. Jo.in Tetzel, Basil Sidney 

Indiscretion of an American 

Wife (64) 

D..636 

Jennifer Jones. Montgomery Cllft, V. DeSlea 

©oLong Grey Lino, The D. , 

Tyrone Power, Maureen CHara 

'A'Maln Event D. . 

BroderlcV Crawford, Roberta Haynes 

©They Rode West D . . 

Bobert Fr.incls, Donna Reed, Phil Carey 

©oThreo for the Show M. . 

HI White Fire (82) D. 

Scott Brady, Mary Castle, Ferdy Mayne 

! Hollywood Thrill-Makers (69) . . . D 

James Gleason, Bill Henry 

5317 

,5321 

H) Block Glove (84) D. .5305 

Alex Nlcol 

@ Queen of Shebo (99) D. .5325 

Special cast 

m We Wont a Child (76) D. .5324 

Special cast 

EH Blackout (87) D. 

Dane Clark, Eelhida Lee, B. A. Davles 

,5309 

HI Fangs of the Wild (71) D..5311 

Cliarles Chaplto jr., Margla Dean 

H Heat Wave (. .) D. .5310 

Ales Nlcol, HlUary Brooke 

M Monster From the Ocean Floor 

( •) D..5328 

Anne KlmbeU. Stuart Wade 

is ©The Cowboy (69) Doc. .5308 

Narrators: Tex Bitter, BUI Conrad, John Dehncr 

@ River Beot (..) D 

PhylUs Klrt, John Bentley 

[3 Terror Ship (..) 

WlUlam Lundigan 

D. . 

SS Big Chose, The D . . ( . . ) 5328 

Lon Chaney, Glenn Langan 

ES Paid to Kill (. .) D. .5326 

Dane Clark 

Siege, The (. .) D. .5323 

Special cast 

Deodly Game, The D. .5402 

Uoyd Bridges. Finlay Currie 

Roee for Life, A D. .5403 

Richard Conle, Marl Aldon 

Unholy Four, The D. .5401 

Paulette Goddard 

H ©Give a Girl a Break (82) M..41: 

Marge and Gower Champion, Debbie Reyonlita 

El iJ©oKnights of 

the Round Table 

(126) D..41. 

Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner. Mel Ferrer 

gi Great Diamond Robbery (69). . . .C. .41 

Rfd Skelton. Cara WUllams, Dorothy Stickne 

(a ©Soodia (82) D. .41 

Cornel Wilde. Mel Ferrer. Rita Gam 

SjI Q©Long, Long TroHer, The 

(103) C..41 

LucUle BaU, Desl Amaz. Marjorie Main 

Julius Coesor (122) D. .46 

M.irlon Brando, James Mason, Louis Calhem 


(U ©Tennessee Champ (73) D. .41 

Dewey Martin, SbeUey Winters, Keenan Wynn 

El ©aRose Morie (102) M. .41 

Ann BUlh, Howard Keel, Fernando Lamas 

a ©Gypsy Colt (72) D. ,41 

Donna Corcoran, Ward Bond, Frances Dee 

6S ©Rhapsody (115) MD. .42i 

Elizabeth Taylor, Vittorio Gassman, J. Ericgo 

m Executive Suite (106) D. .42 

WUUam Holden, Barbara Stanwyck, J. AllyKi 

S3©PrUoner of Wor (81) D. .47 

Ronald Reagan. Dewey Martin, Steve Forrest 

S ©Flame and the Flesh (104) D. .42 

Lana Turner, Carlos Thompson, Pier Angell 

ID) ©Men of the Fighting Lody (80). D. .42 

Van Johnson, Dewey Martlo, Waiter Fldgeoo 

j©i=iStudent Prince, The (109). . .M. .42 

Ann BIyth, Edmund Purdom, John Erieson 

©cziAtheno M . 

Jane PoweU, Vic Damone, Debbie KeynoldJ 

©Beau Brummell D. . 

Ellzabrtb Taylor, Stewart Granger 

©Betrayed D, .42 

Lana Turner, Clark Gable, Victor Mature 

OaBride for Seven Brothers, A.M.. 

Jiuie Powell. Howard Keel. Steve Forrest 

©CDBrigodoon MD. .43 

Gene Kelly. Van Johnson. Cyd Cb-arUse 

Crest of the Wave D . 

Gene Kellv. John Justin, Jeff lUdmrds 

©Her Twelve Men CD. .42 

Greer Garson. Robert Ryan 

©Invitation to the Dance M. . 

Gene Kelly, Bcllta. T.imara Toumonova 

©Last Time I Sow Poris, The. . . .D. . 

Elizabeth Taylor. V:ui Johaiion, Donna Reed 

©Valley of the Kings O. .42 

Robert Taylor. Eleanor Parker, Carlos l^mpso 

i

.C. 

00 

m 

TO 

FEATURE 

CHARf 

PARAMOUNT 

yRomon Holiday (119) D..530I 

Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Bddle Albert 

Caddy. The (95) C. .5302 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Donna Beed 

RKO RADIO 

REPUBLIC 

[DEI Paso Stampede (54) W. .5244 

Allan "Bocky" Lane, Phyllis Coatea, E. WaUer 

{Shadows of Tombstone (54). . .W. .5233 

Kex Allen, Jeanne Cooper, Slim Pickens 

20TH CENTURY-FOX 

©City of Bod Men (82) SW..328 

Dale Robertson, Jeanne Crain, Uoyd Bridges 

Blueprint for Murder, A (76). . . .D. .332 

Joseph Cotten, Jean Peters, Gary Merrill 

Mr. Scoutmaster (87) C. .331 

Clifton Webb, Frances Dee, George Wlnslow 

DO 

OWor of the Worlds, The (85). D. .5303 

Gene Barry, Anna Robinson, Les Iremayne 

Little Boy Lost (95) D..5304 

Blng Crosby, Oaude Dauphin, Nicole Maurey 

QAThose Redheads From Seattle 

(90) M. .5305 

Bhonda Fleming. Guy Mitchell, Teresa Brewer 

M ©Appointment in Honduras 

(80) D. .406 

.\nn Sheridan, Glenn Ford, Zachary Scott 

©^Louisiana Territory (65) . . . Doc. gS .405 

Val Winter, Leo Zinser, Julian Melster 

il Marry Me Again (73) 

C..404 

Marie Wilson, Bobert Cummlngs, Jess Barker 

y©c3Robc, The (135) D..335 

Victor Mature, Richard Burton, Jean Simmons 

(Prerelease) 

Thy Neighbor's Wife (""7) D. .333 

Hugo Haas, Cleo Moon, Ken Carlton 

Vicki (85) D..334 

Jeanne Crain, Casey Adams, Jean Peters 

O 

o 

30 

©Botany Boy (94) D. .5307 

Alan Ladd. James Mason. Fatritla Medina 

O^FIight to Tongier (90) D. .5306 

Joan Fontaine, Jack Palance, Corlnne Calvet 

m ©Decameron Nights (87) CD. .461 

Joan Fontaine, Loids Jourdan, Blnnle Barnes 

^©cdHow to Marry o Millionaire 

(95) CD., 336 

Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall 

O 

©Inferno (83) (2-D) SW. .346 < 

Bhonda Fleming, W. Lundlgan, Bobert Ryan 

©Here Come the Girls (78) M. 

Bob Hope, Arlene Dahl, Tooy Martin 

.5309 

HRed River Shore (54) W. . 

Rex Allen, Slim Pickens, Lyn Thomas 

B Champ for a Doy (90) CD.. 5211 

Alex Nicol, Audrey Totter, Charles Winninger 

©CDBeneoth the IZ-Mile Reef 

(102) D..337 

Robert Wagner, Terry Moore, Gilbert Roland O 

Mon Crazy (79) D. .339 mO 

Neiilie Brand, Christine White, Coleen Miller 

Man in the Attic (82) D. .340 

Jack Palance, Constance Smith, Byron Palmer 

'yCeose Fire! (75) Doc. .5308 

Korea Documentary 

Forever Female (93) C. .5226 

Gtaeer Rogers, William Holden, Paul Douglas 

©Jivaro (92) D..5311 

Fernando Lamas, Bhonda Fleming, Brian Keith 

m Killers From Space (71) D. .409 

Peter Graves, Barbara Bestar, James Seay 

[g Trent's Lost Cose (90) D. .5212 

Michael Wilding, Margaret Lockwood, 0. Welles 

©oKing of the Khyber Rifles 

(99) D. .401 

Tyrone Power, Terry Moore, Michael Eennlc 

©Three Young Texans (80). . . .D. .402 

Mitzi Gaynor, Jeff Hunter, Keefe Brasselie 

> 

-< 

Alaska Seas (78) D. .5313 

Bobert Ryan, Jan Sterling, Brian Keith 

©^Money From Home (100) . .5310 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Pat Crowley 

©Naked Jungle, The (93) D. .5315 

Charlton Hestoa, Eleanor Parker, W. Conrad 

©Red Garters (90) M. .5314 

Bosemary Clooney, Jack Carson, Guy Mitchell 

El ©^French Line, The (102) M..407 

Jane Russell, Gilbert Roland, J. McKenzie 

61 She Couldn't Soy No (89) C. .408 

Jean Simmons, Robert Mitchum, A- Hunnicutt 

H ©Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue 

(84) D..494 

Richard Todd, Glynls Johns, Finlay Currie 

[U ©^Dongerous Mission (75) D. .410 

Victor Mature, Piper I,aurie, William Bendli 

(T) Seo of Lost Ships (85) D. .5213 

John Derek, Wanda Hendrix, Walter Brcnnan 

m Phantom Stallion (54) W. .5331 

Rex .\Ilen, Carla Balenda, Slim Pickens 

ElCraiylegs (88) D..5224 

Lloyd Nolan, Joan Vohs, Elroy Hlrsch 

H Flight Nurse (90) D. .5301 

Joan Leslie. Forrest Tucker, Jeff Donnell 

©Hell and High Water (103). .D. .403 

Richard Widmark, Bella Darvl, David Wayne 

©Miss Robin Crusoe (75) D. .338 

Amanda Blake, George Nader, Rosalind Hayes 

©New Faces (98) M..409 

Eartha Kltt, Ronny Graham, Bobert Clary 

©Night People (93) D. .407 

Gregory Peck, Broderick Crawford, A. Bjork 

©Racing Blood (76) D. .410 

Bill Williams, Jean Porter, Jimmy Boyd 

CO 

TO 

a 

>TO 

< 

> 

I 

©Cosonova's Big Night (85). . .C. .5316 

Bob Hope, Joan Fontaine, Basil Rathbone 

m Saint's Girt Friday, The (68) D. .41 

Louis Hayward, Naomi Chance, Sidney Tafler 

13 ©Carnival Story, The (95) D . . 4 1 

Anne Baxter, Steve Cochran, Lyle Bettger 

(B Geroldine (90) CD. .5302 

Mala Powers, John Carroll, Kristlne Miller 

©Laughing Anne (91) D..5305 

WendeU C^rey, Margaret Lockwood, F. Tucker 


H Untamed Heiress, The (70) C. .5325 

Judy Canova. Donald "Red" Barry 

©Prince Voliont (100) D. .411 

Robert Wagner, Janet Leigh, James Mason 

Rocket Man. The (80) D. .412 

Charles Cobum, Spring Bylngton, G. Wtoslow 

©Siege at Red River, The 

(86) O. .404 

Van Johnson, Joanne Dru, Richard Boone 

©SHver Lode, The (80) SW. 

John Payne, L^êtb Scott, Dan Duryea 

SI Tobor the Great (. .) D. . 

Charles Drake, Karln Booth, Arthur Shields 

El ©Jubilee Trail (103) W. .5303 

Vera Ralston, Forrest Tucker, Joan Leslie 

©^Gorilla at Lorge (83) D..406 

Anne Banoroft. Cameroa MltcheD, Lee J. Cobb 

©River of No Return (90) D. .405 

Marilyn Monroe, Bobert Mltcbnm, R. Calbom 

>-< 

©Elephant Wolk (103) AD. .5317 

Elizabeth Taylor, Dana Andrews, Peter Flncb 

©Knock on Wood (103) MC. .5319 

Danny Kaye, Mai Zetterilng, Darid Bums 

©Secret of the Incas (. .) D. .5318 

Charlton Heston. Robert Toung, Yma Sumac 

Sins of Rome ( . . ) D 

Ludmiiia Tcherina, Massimo Glrottl 

[T] Hell's Holf Acre (91) D..5304 

Wendell Corey, Eielyn Keyes, E. Lanchester 

©Princess of the Nile (. .) D. .414 

Debra Paget, Jeffrey Hunter, Dooa Drake 

©Three Coins in the Fountain 

(..) D..413 

(nifton Webb, Dorothy McGulre, Jean Peters 

About Mrs. Leslie D. . 

Shirley Booth, Robert Ryan, Alex Nlcol 

©Bridges of Toko-Ri D. . 

William Holden. Fredric March, Mickey Booney 

©Conquest of Spocc AD. . 

Walter Brooke, William Bedfleld, G. Johnson 

©Living It Up C. . 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Janet Leigh 

©Mambo D . . 

Siliana Mangano, Shelley Wlntejr, V. Gassman 

©Rear Window D. . 

James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Bitter 

Sobrina CD . . 

Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, W. Holden 

©Three-Ring Circus C. . 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Zsa Zsa Gabor 

©Ulysses D. . 

Kirk Douglas, shvana Mangano, A. Qulnn 

©White Christmas M. . 

Blng Crosby, Danny Kaye, Bosemary dooney 

Americano, The D. 

Glenn Ford, Cesar Romero, Ursula Thelss 

©Big Rainbow, The D. . 

Jane Russell, Gilbert Roland, Richard Bgan 

Heovy Water Doc . . 

©Jet Pilot (119) D..229 

John Wayne. Janet Leigh, J. C. Fllppen 

©^ySon of Sinbod AD. . 

Dale Robertson, Sally Forrest, LUl St. Cyr 

©Susan Slept Here C. . 

Dick Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Glenda Farreli 

©This Is My Love D. . 

Linda Darnell, Dan Duryea, Faith Domergue 

©Where the Wind Dies D. . 

Cornel Wilde, Yvonne DcCarlo, Lon Chancy 

©Johnny Guitar (1 10) W. .5307 

Joan Craivford. Sterling Havden, Scott Brady 

Make Haste to Live (90) D. .5306 

Dorothy .McOuire, Stephen McNally, P. Hem 

Mighty Melvin, The CD. . 

.Mickey Rooney 

©Outcast, The D . . 

John Derek, Joan Evans, Harry Carey jr. 

Shanghai Story D . . 

Edmond O'Brien, Ruth Roman, Whit Bissell 

©Trouble in the Glen D, . 

Margaret lockwood, F. Tucker, V. McLaglen 

©Adventures of Hajji Boba, 

The 

D.. 

John Derek, Blaine Stewart, Thomas Gomea 

©Broken Lance D. 

Spencer Tracy, Jean Peters, Richard Widmark 

©Demetrius and the 

Gladiators 

AD. 

Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, M, Rennle 

©Egyptian. The D, 

Edmimd Purdom, Gene Tiemey, Jean Simmons 

©Gambler From Natchez, The.,D.. 

Thomas Gomez, Kevin McCiirthy 

©Garden of Evil D , . 

Susan Hayward, Gary Cooper, B. Widmark 

Matter of Life and Death, A D. . 

Ricardo Montalban, Anne Bancroft, J. Marvin 

©Raid, The D. . 

Van Heflin. Anne Bancroft 

©Woman's World D. . 

Clifton Webb, June Allyson, (3ornel Wilde 

O

' , - 1 Esnn. 

. . MC. 

FEATURE 

CHART 

o 

o 

Of LU 

CO 

> 

o 

UJ 

a 

> 

Of 

< 

< 

>- 

< 

CO 

3: 

< 

a: 

< 

>- 

< 

Ol 

O 

i 

>-> 1 

UNITED 

ARTISTS 

jj No Escape (76) D..5315 

H) CSobrc Jet (96) D. .5326 

llMiirri suck. ColMn Gray, Ulcbard Arlcn 

iI99 River Street (83) D. .5327 

John ["nine. Em'Ijh Kejes. Frank Faylen 

EJoe Louij Story, The (88) D. .5328 

Vi'.ti Wallace, llilda Slmmi, Paul Stewart 

SlFoke, The (80) D. .5322 

licnnls OKoete, Colcfn Qray, Hugh WUUams 

S Donovon's Broln (81) D. . 5329 

l2Mon in Hiding (79) D..5330 

IMul Heiireld, Lois .Muwell, Hugh Sinclair 

S; Steel Lady, The (84) D. .5331 

Kod Cameron, Tab Hunter, John Dchner 

H Dragon's Gold (70) D. .5332 

John .\rrher, Hlliiry Brooke, Noel Cra?ath 

a Village, The (98) D. .5333 

John Justin, Et» Dahlbeck, Slgfrlt Stelncr 

g] stranger on the Prowl (82). . .D. .5335 

r»jl Muni, Joan Lorrlng, Vittorlo Manunta 

TJOShork River (80) D. .5336 

St.it tnchran. Carole Matthews, W. Stevens 

^ QCaptoln John Smith aqd 

Pocahontas (76) . . . .D. .5337 

.\nthonjr I-ioxler. Jody Lawrance, Alan Ilale jr. 

B ©Song of the Lond (71). .. .Doc. .5338 

[D Yesterday and Todoy (57). .Doc. .5344 

Ueorce Jessel 

S Captain's Parodise, The (77). .C. .5339 

Akc Guinness, Yvonne DeCarlo, Cella Johnson 

QGreot Gilbert and Sullivan, The 

ri] 

(112) M..5341 

M.iurice &ans, Robert Morley, E. BerUe 

5 Wicked Women (77) D..5345 

Beterly Michaels. Richard Egas, P. Helton 

a Go, Man, Go! (82) D . . 5403 

liwic Clark, Harlem Globetrotters, Pat BresUn 

gS ©Conquest of Everest (78). .Doc. .5401 

Hum -Hillary Expedition 

g ©Riders to the Stare (81) P.. 5346 

CBeochhead (89) D. .5408 

Tuny Ciirils, Mary Murphy, Frank Lovejoy 

Man Between, The (99) D. .5340 

James Mason. Claire Bloom, Hlldegardo Neft 

e Overland Pacific (73) W. .5410 

J:ick Mahoney. Petele Castle, A. Jergens 

Personal Affair (82) D. .5402 

Gene Tlerney. Leo Genn, Glynls Johns 

©Top Banana (100) M. .5409 

I'hil Sillers. Rose Marie, Danny SchoU 

Act of Love (105) D. ,5406 

Kirk Iitmglas. Dany Bobln, Bobert Strauss 

Beat the Devil (89) D. .5347 

lliimi.hr(y Bogart, Jennifer Jones, R. Morley 

©Golden Mosk, The (88) D. .5412 

\'an H'Oln. Wanda Hcndrlx. Eric Portman 

OScorlet Spear, The (78) D . .541 

Mjrlha Hyer, John Bentley, Morssl 

Heidi (97) D. .5405 

Elsbrth Slgmund, Helnrleh Oretler, T. KJamcth 

©Lone Gun, The (73) D. .5416 

i 

6555 

1 

6431 

, 6433 

: 

MR. 

I 

Short lublecH, listed by company. In order of release. Running time follows title. First Is notlonol 

release, second the dote of review In BOXOFFICE. Symbol between dotes Its rating from BOXOFFICE 

review. H Very Good. + Good. ± Folr. — Poor. = Very Poor. © Indicates color photography. 

Columbia 

Prod. Ho. Titit Rel Date Ratim R«'il 

ALL-STAR COMEDIES 

S412A Hunting They Did Go 

a6>/2) 

10-29-53 + u-a 

5413 Down the Hatch (ITJ/z) 11-26-53 

5414 Oosgie in the Bedroom 

1- (161/2) 7-54 ± 2-27 

Tooting Tooters 6415 (17) . . . 5-13-54 

6416 Two April Fools (..).. 6-17-54 

ASSORTED FAVORITES 

(Reissues) 

S422 Silly Billy (IS) 10-22-53 

6423 Slri(e of the Party (16) . 12-17-53 

6424 Oh, B»by! (IS/s) 2-11-54 

6425 Two Nuts in a Rut (18) 3-11-54 

6426 She Snoops to Conquer 

(I71/2) 4-29-54 

CANDID MICROPHONE 

(One-Reel Specials) 

6552 Subject No. 2 

6553 Subject No. 3 

O/z) .12-10-53 

. . . 

(10) .... 2-18-54 ± S-2« 

6554 Subject No. 4 (10) 3-1S-54 ±5-8 

Subject No. 5 (..).... 5-20-54 

^ COLOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

6602 Fiesta Time (7) 10-8-53 

6603 Room and Bored (7) 11- 5-53 

6604 A Boy. a Gun and Birds 

(71/2) 11-26-53 

6605 Skeleton Frolic (71/2). . .12-17-53 

6606 Tret for Two (71/2) 1- 7-54 

6607 Way Down Yonder in the Corn 

(7) 2-11-54 

6608 Dog. Cat and Canary (6) 2-28-54 

6609 The Eos Yegg (71/2)... 3-31-54 

6610 The Way of AH PesU 

(71/,) 4-15-54 

6611 Amoozin' But Confoozin 

(8) 4-29-54 

6612 A Cat, a Mouse and a Bell 

(7) 5-13-54 

6613 The Disillusioned Bluebird 

(7) 5-27-54 

COMEDY FAVORITES 

; (Reissues) 

Half Shot at Sunrise 

(16) 10-15-53 .... 

6432 Meet Mr. Mischief 

(17Vi) U- 12-53 

Low at First Friaht (16) 1-14-54 

6434 Get Along UttJe Hubty 

(19) 2-2S-S4 

6435Sla«pily Harried (W/t) 5- 4-S4 

MAGOO 

(Technicolor) 

6701MaBoo Slept Here (7).. 11- 19-53 + 11-21 

£702 Magoo Goes Sliiing (7) 3-11-54 # 4-10 

SCREEN SNAPSHOTS 

'6852 Hellywood Laugh Paraile 

(10) 10-22-53 -f U-21 

6853 Men of th« West (10) . .11-19-53 

.6854 Hollywood's Great Entertainers 

(IO1/2) 12-24-53 -f- 

2-28 

6855 Memories in Uniform 

(lOVi) 1- 2-54 + 2-27 

S856 Hollywonj Stars to Rentember 

(10) 2-25-54 -I- 4-10 

.5857 Hollywood Goes to Mexice 

(lOi/2) 3-25-54 ±5-8 

6858 Hula From Hollywood 

(IOI/2) 5- 6-54 

6859 Hollywood's Invisible Man 

(..) 6-10-54 

SERIALS 

6140 Jungle Raiders (reissue) . 12-31-53 

IS Chanters 

6160 Gunlighters of the 

Northwest 4-15-54 -(- 4-24 

15 Chapters 

STOOGE COMEDIES 

6402 Bubble Trouble (16'/2)..10- 8-53 -|- 10-31 

6403 Goof on the Roof 

(16!4) 12- 3-53 

6404 Income Tax Sappy 

(161/b) 2- 4-54 ± 2-27 

6405 Spooks! (16), 2-D 

Version 3-18-54 

6406 Pardon My Backfire (16) 4-15-54 

6407 Musty Musketeers (16).. 5-13-54 

5408 Pals and Gals (17) 6- 3-54 

THRIUS OF MUSIC 

(Reissues) 

6952 Boyd Raeburn & Orcti. 

. 2-20-54 

SHORTS CHART 

5323 Dinky b) the TInId 

ScMKrow (7) Ne».-53 + 

5324 The Talking Magpies 

in Log Rollers (7) No 

ghost gold. 

The Four Aces Sing 

(Musical Fealuretto) 

Univ.-Int'l 15 I«i. 

Good. The popular Four Aces at 

attractive Karen Chandler, both ) 

cording favorites, sing some of ti 

numbers that made them famous 

1 

a pleasing featurette which rati 

marquee mention where record fa; 

abound. The Four Aces sing 'T 

Me Why" and "Heart of My Hea' 

and Miss Chandler sings "Positive' 

No Dancing" and the lively "I; 

the Target, Baby." Matt Denii 

sings "That Tired Routine" whi 

seated at the piano and the Hou; 

do a juggling routine, these k 

two not up to the standard of 1 

singers. 

Moving Through Space 

Univ.-Int'l (Variety Views) 9 Mii 

Fcrir. Merely a succession of aa 

batics—on parallel bars or on rop, 

this offers little that is new. Fi: 

we see a group of recruits goi' 

through their paces and doi)' 

everything wrong—then the trains 

gymnasts take over and move wi. 

grace and precision. This seems lii 

a plug for physical training schoo 

Rolling in Style 

Univ.-Int'l (Color Parade) 91/2 Mil 

Good. An entertaining color shi 

which tells a little story and, in o 

dition, gives a fashion show. Rea 

ing about model schools while mil 

ing a cow on her father's far 

Bessie Smith goes to New York 

become a model. After beii 

trained, she is sent for a job with 

traveling fashion show, whi 

stages shows for local townspeop 

Soon she finds herself parading b 

fore factory workers or for form fc 

near where she used to live. 

So You Want to Go to a 

Night Club 

(loe McDoakes Comedy) 

Warner Bros. 

10 Mil 

Good. Joe is being an amusii 

tightwad when Alice wants him 

take her out for dinner, but whf 

she at last gets him into a nig 

club and friends show up, he pla 

the big shot by insisting on Ireatin 

It's everything from soup to chat 

pagne; then the check arrives. Tl 

McDoakes join a conga line and t 

to slip out, but wind up in a poli 

station. At the end, Joe becomes 

waiter and Alice a cigaret girl 

work out the bill. 

10 

BOXOmCE BookinGuide : : May 

22, 196" 

,.1y

Opinions on Current Productions; Exploitips 

r 511'rijBf fl^vjiiui) 

(FOR STORY SYKOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE) 

Magnificent Obsession 

F '^T„^Z.o 

Univ.-Int'l (428) 108 Minutes Eel. Aug. '54 

While the smug sophisticates may indict this as a vintage 

tear-jerker, average movie fans—particularly on the distaff 

side—who enjoy a joust v/ith honest emotions will have nothing 

for the picture but praise and patronage. Inasmuch as 

the latter constitute a preponderant majority of ticket buyers, 

the feature seems destined for long and profitable runs in 

all bookings. Considering the outsize doses of faith, nobility 

and devotion in the Lloyd C. Douglas novel, it would have 

been easy for this filmization thereof to plunge irrevocably 

into the maudlin. It is saved from that fate through its 

modern, lush, eye-filling production mountings, the skilled 

and sensible direction of Douglas Sirk, and superb performances. 

The standout contributions to such thespian excellence 

are by Jane Wyman, expectedly, and Rock Hudson, 

who herein establishes himself as a dramatic actor of considerable 

stature. Produced by Ross Hunter. 

Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, Barbara Rush, Agnes Moorehead, 

Otto Eruger, Gregg Palmer, Sara Shane. 

Secret of the Incas 

F 

Ratio: 

Drama 

1.85-1 (Technicolor) 

Paramount (5318) 101 Minutes Rel. June '54 

Rare indeed the film taste that cannot be sold and isn't 

amply satisfied by this compelling, drama of sex, skullduggery 

and science, photographed in bright Technicolor amid 

the breathtaking and rugged beauties of the Peruvian Andes. 

For the devotees of suspense and adventure, there is a 

soundly constructed screenplay oozing villainy and intrigue. 

Those of romantic inclinations will be stirred by the torrid 

love scenes. The boys in the gallery will respond to the 

plentifully displayed, curvaceous pulchritude of Nichole 

Maurey, and the distaffers will be agape over Charlton 

Heston's outstanding delineation of a thorough scamp. Lovers 

of unusual music will thrill to the much-publicized voice of^ 

Yma Sumac. And for all, there are the engrossing—often 

spectacular—scenic backgrounds and the authentic atmosphere 

supplied by hordes of gaily costumed natives. Skillfully 

directed by Jerry Hopper for producer Mel Epstein. 

Chcnrlton Heston, Nicole Maurey, Robert Young, Thomas Mitchell. 

Yma Sumac, Glenda Farrell, Michael Pate, Leon Askin. 

Black Horse Canyon 

Univ.-Int'l (423) 82 Minutes 

F 

Ratio: Western iit. 

2-1 (Teclinicolor) 

ReL June '54 

It's been a long spell since Joel McCrea—or any other 

celluloid cowpoke, for that matter—has roped and broken a 

wild horse. At one time, it will be recalled, such rugged, 

outdoor pursuit was often used as one of the established 

plots for westerns; and a look at the records will reveal that 

they did right well for theatre tills. Which historical data, 

plus consideration that this is a creditable job of filmmaking, 

gives promise that it will lead a comparably comfortable life 

as concerns patronage and profits. Hardly the best of its 

classification, the film stacks up satisfactorily with the average. 

Producer John W. Rogers made shrewd use of his 

budget dollars—and good stock footage—and director Jesse 

Hibbs extracted ingratiating performances from always 

competent McCrea and most of the other members of an 

enthusiastic cast. 

Joel McCrea, Mari Blanchard, Race Gentry, Murvyn Vye, 

Irving Bacon, John Pickard, Ewing Mitchell, Pilar Del Rey. 

The Spell of Ireland F 

Ratio: Travel Feature 

L33-1 (Kodachrome Color) 

Celtic Films 77 Minutes Rel. 

A pleasant and leisurely jaunt across modern Ireland, this 

documentary will have a strong appeal to all Irish-Americans 

and their descendants or even to tourists planning a trip to 

that country. It will be a good change-of-pace for the art 

houses and, of course, should do strong business in the Irish 

neighborhood theatres. During the colorful glimpses of the 

bustling cities of Dublin, Cork and Belfast and the beautiful 

Irish countryside and its rocky coast, the tenor voice of John 

Feeney is heard singing those popular Irish ballads, "Rose of 

Tralee," "Come Back to Erin" and "I'll Take You Home Again, 

Kathleen," while other melodies played include "Wearing of 

the Green" and "Londonderry Air." Some spirited jigs and 

reels are ably performed by the Comerford Troupe while the 

most dramatic bit is the climb by thousands of pilgrims up 

the muddy and rocky path to Rock of Croagh Patrick. Color 

is just fair. Produced by Danny Devlin and Harry Dugan. 

Narrated by Jack McCarthy and Helena Carroll. Celtic is at 

637 Madison Ave., New York City. 

''"" 

jcem. 

laceme 

lister* 

1584 BOXOFHCE 

Three Coins in the Fountain F fssî (cs"« "cZ 

20th-Fox (413) 101 Minutes Rel. June '54 

Unromantic and unimaginative indeed the ticket buyer ^ 

who doesn't react enthusiastically to the boundless merits— 

both in physical beauty and entertainment worth—of this J 

thoroughly delightful, warm and engrossing comedy. It j 

would be well worth the admission price if only for the i 

""N magnificence of the scenic backgrounds—Rome, Venice cmdj 

"^'^ the Italian countryside—all of which were accented through 

'•' 

the application of CinemaScope and De Luxe color; plus 

which the offering boasts a superb script, based on a widely 

read novel, and a galaxy of sterling performances by a starencrusted 

cast. The film's viewers are sure to tell everyone 

within earshot that it is an inescapable must, and such 

favorable word-of-mouth, combined with the subject's 

(ixinir^ 

jlirnvJ 

des t. 

fits 

r 

abundance of exploitation assets, virtually guarantees a topmoney, 

long-run booking in any theatre- Lushly produced by 

Sol C. Siegel and expertly directed by Jean Negulesco. 

Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, Louis Jourdan, 

Maggie McNomara, Rossano Brazzi, Howard St. John 

The Saracen Blade 

Columbia (633) 

77 Minutes 

F 

Ratio: 

Drama 

1.85-1 (Technicolor) 

ReL June '54 

Swashbuckling, spectacle, romance and intrigue area 

standard ingredients of the literary brainchildren of Frank! 

Yerby, upon whose widely read novel of the same nctmel 

this Sam Katzman production is based. All of those elements! 

—and a few more—were admirably assembled for the screeiij 

version, which congregation, plus the fact that the cast is'| 

headed by a magnetic name and the picture was filmed in 

Technicolor, presents a formidable lineup for merchandisingJ 

the offering. By the same token, they should result in thet 

feature's finding a place in the profit columns of all theatres 

\ 

that exhibit it. Star Ricardo Montalban is ruggedly convino-J 

ing and is ably supported by a cast of competent troupers. 

The experienced direction of William Castle takes full advantage 

of the talent and the impressive production mountings, 

extracting a maximum of tempo and action. 

Ricardo Montalban, Betta St. John, Rick Jason, Carolyn Jones.! 

Whitfield Connor, Michael Ansara, Edgar Barrier. ^ 

Cavalleria Rusticana 

F ^î cr.rS, 

Astor Pictures 114 Minutes ReL 

StreamUned versions of two tremendously popular Italians 

operas, these featurettes should do strong business in thej 

majority of art houses or in neighborhoods where Italians orj 

music lowers abound. Because each runs less than an hour,') 

they should be played as a single bill, except in a few spotsS 

where either could satisfy as a supporting fecrture. In addi-?J 

tion to Mario Del Monaco, Metropolitan Opera star whose .J 

recordings are big sellers; John Ericson, currently starring] 

in "Rhapsody," appears in evening clothes to supply thej 

between-the-acts narration and is another selling name.^ 

Photographed in Eastman Color and filmed at the Fox Movie^l 

tone studios, the productions are handicapped by bare stageT 

sets and shabby costumes, but they are splendidly sung,i 

particularly by the handsome Del Monaco, as a dashingS 

Turridu, and by Lucia Evangelista, as the tragic Violetta.) 

Produced and directed by Carlo Vinti and Marion Rhodes. 

Mario Del Monaco, Lucia Evcmgelista, Giulio Gari, Rina TeUL| 

Frank Valentino, Bette Dubro, Carlo Tomanelli. 

Ratio: Dram 

Sensualita A 1.33-1 

IFE Releasing Corp. 78 Minutes Rel. April '54 

As a minor league "Bitter Rice," with a plenitude of seduction 

and sex in the wheat fields of the Po River Valley in j 

northern Italy, this American-language version of an Italionj 

made film can be heavily exploited to attract strong business 

in the key city downtown houses. Although art house paA 

irons usually prefer original foreign-language versions, 

Eleonora Rossi Drago has become a familiar name in these 

class spots through "Three Forbidden Stories" and her other 

Italian pictures. The voluptuous Miss Drago is in every way 

the equal of Silvana Mangano and other Italian screen 

beauties and she gives an effective portrayal of a loosemoralled 

refugee who marries a young farmer and later 

has an affair with his older brother—with tragic results. 

Amadeo Nazzari is excellent as the stern, indifferent elder ^ 

brother. The dubbing job is very good. A Ponti-De Lauren-i 

tiis production, directed by Clemente Fracassi. 

Eleonora Rossi Drago, Amadeo Nazzari, Marcello Mastroi-1 

onni, Froncesca Liddi, Clorindo Cerato, Coirado Hardi, 

May 23, 1954 1583

FEATURE REVIEWS 

Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STORY: 

'Three Coins in Ihe Fountain" (20th-Fox) 

Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters and Maggie McNamaro are 

American girls working in Rome—Jean and Maggie as employes 

of the U.S. Distribution Agency, Dorothy as secretary 

to Clifton Webb, a famous writer. Jean is romantically 

interested in Rossono Brazzi, a young Italian who works for 

the agency, and Maggie falls for Louis Jourdan, a rich and 

handsome bu! elusive prince. These romances present apparently 

insurmountable hurdles, and both girls plan to return p ** 

to America, as does Dorothy, unaware that Webb has broken 

his engagement to her when he learns he is suffering from a 

fatal illness. However, Webb relents and decides to return 

to the U.S. with Dorothy as his bride, while Rossano and Jean 

also plan to marry and Maggie and Louis patch up Iheir differences—and 

three weddings are in prospect. 

CATCHLINES: 

You Loved It as a Gay, Romantic Novel . . . Now Thrill 

to the Sparkling Screen Version . . . Told in Magnificent 

CinemaScope . . . Against the Glorious Beauties of Rome 

. . . City of Love. 

T-s^

1 Balloons 

I 

special 

rES: ISc per word, minimum $1.50, cash with copy. Four insertions for price ol three, 

3SING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers *o 

Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. 

LCLtBRine HOUSE 

HELP WANTED GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW THEATRES FOR SALE THEATRE SEATING 

re You the Man We Want? Managerial jobs 

1 in growing drive-in circuit. Positions avail- 

in east coast and midwest. 52-week deal 

extras, ne right men showing ambition 

pride in their work can make a fine career 

us Write and we will arrange appointts. 

Smith Management Co.. c/o .Arnold Berger. 

Newbury St.. Boston. Mass. 

Wanted: Theatre manager for first run. downn. 

upper midwest metropolitan city (oper;Ued 

small independent chain). Willing to pay 

salary for a first class manager capable of 

le all e.vploitation and handling staff. Please 

e qualifications and salary expected. .Ml res 

confidential. Boxoffice. 5502. 

Vanted man and wife to take over and manmoving 

picture theatre on main street of 

of North Carolina's most progressive cities. 

Jress reply. Bosoffice. 5504. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

Manager, age 36, 14 years experience, .\vallable 

. South preferred. Bosoffice. 5489. 

'heatre executive-potential! Young, curious, cir- 

-irained manager {presently employed) wants 

ortunity to learn intricacies of industry from 

ircuit, distribution or exchange home office, 

e experience in advertising, publicity and extation 

plus complete knowledge of house opera- 

1. College degree, late model car. Veteran, 

le for complete details. Boxoffice, 33. 

tockefeller Plaza. 

'rojectionist, seven years, wants job. Earl Mcitock. 

1767 .\. Las Palraas. Hollywood. Calif. 

I'rojectionist. 25 years experience. Available 

e 1. .Arthur Blair. Alto, Texas. 

.7 years managerial experience, conventional 

drive-ins. circuits and independents. Presly 

employed. Prefer southern states, and 

te operation. Boxoffice. 5505. 

ixperienced projectionist 23 years, drive-in 

theatre. Electrical and mechanical all around 

dy man. Desires job within 100 miles of 

leka area. 43 years old. dependable, not 

lid to work. Will consider seasonal drive-in 

or permanent. Boxoffice, 5506. 

STUDIO 

AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

:apitalize your experience, shoot local newsreels, 

commercials, documentaries. Arrange adverng 

tie-ups with local merchants. Ask for film 

duction catalog ST-10. Dept. CC SOS 

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

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

JeVry dual 35mm projection and sound, Re- 

It like new, $895. Send for bulletin DEVPRO 

mes dual outfits, excellent condition, $550 

,ie deals available. Dept. CC, S.O.S. Cinema 

'Ply Corp.. 602 W. 52nd St.. New York 19. 

'Jenarc lamps, super Simplex. 5 point bases, WE 

nd heads, etc, $695. Rialto Theatre, AmarUlo, 

as. 

Complete theatre equipment with 550 seats 

len curtain control and track, two unit ticket 

-hine, carpet. $3,500. DLxie Theatre, 439 

r St., Toledo, Ohio. 

wo Western Electric Universal bases with soundds, 

top shape. Good for drive-ins, make offer 

Grant, Durwood Theatres, 1806 Baltimore 

Lsas City, Mo. 

Two Holmes Rexarc Projectors, used 30 days, 

iplete with Strong arcs and rectifiers and lenses, 

watt amplifiers, speakers, $2,000. Also Holmes 

,. Mazda, demonstrator, $295. .American Theatre 

ply Co., 439 Dorr St.. Toledo. Ohio. 

'uhlic auction, May 24 at 2 p.m. The Royal 

aire located at 830 South Sixth St., Mllwau- 

>>is For further information and equipii~is, 

contact Clintonvllle Sales Corp , 

«"nvii:e. Wis., Brokers. 

^:ooling equipment, used one year. Bargain $330. 

ts 

! Theatre. Osage. Iowa. 

nkert enarc hi lamps. $295. with reflectors, 

i' mch lens, $25, pair. Dodge Equipment Co., 

M Beechmont, Cincinnati 30, Ohio. 

!ôr sale: Two Holmes Educator projectors. 

Ive features, .shorts, new screen. First good 

r gets them. Write Huber, 4508 Duval. 

tin. 

Te\.i?. 

i'XOFFICE :: May 22, 1954 

Masonite marquee letters, fit Wagner, Adler. 

Bevelite signs: 4"—35c; 8"—50c: 10"—60c: 

12"— 85c; 14"— $1.25; 16"— $1.50. Dept. CO. 

S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St.. 

New York 19. 

Mirro-claric represents best value in metalized 

purpose screen, only $1 sq. ft. Seams absolutely 

all 

invisible! KoUmorgen wide angle lenses, 

special apertures immediately available! Dept. 

CC. S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd 

St.. New York 19. 

Bargain. 5c each. Brand new magic viewers and 

Pola-Lite 3-D glasses. Limited supply. First come, 

first served. Malco Theatres. Inc.. Purchasing 

Dept., P.O. Box 2853. Memphis 2, Tenn. Telephone: 

37-1096. 

Special Purchase! Brand new Holmes 35mm projectors, 

with magazines, cables, lenses, in original 

factory cases. $650 pair. Star Cinema Supply, 

447 West 52nd St.. New York 19. 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

Bingo with more action. $4.50 thousand cards. 

Also other games. .Novelty Games Co., 106 

Rogers Ave.. Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Comic books avalLible as premiums, giveaways 

at your kiddy shows. Large variety, latest newsstand 

editions. Comics Premium Co.. 412B Greenwich 

St., N. Y. C. Publications for premiums 

(exclusively) since 1939. 

Bingo die-cut cards. 75 or 100 numbers. $4.50 

per M. Premium Products. 339 W. 44th St.. New 

York IS, N. Y. 

Build attendance with real Hawaiian orchids. 

Few cents each. Write Flowers of Hawaii, 670 

S. Lafayette Park Place, Los .Angeles 5. Calif. 

For sale: Fire engine for drive-in theatres. Take 

the kiddies for a ride before the show. Seats 20 

children. '37 LaSalle motor and chassis, new tires 

and mechanically good. Bright red, all chrome 

rails: siren, bells, ladders, etc. Cost $1,500 to 

build: sell for $500 cash. Associated Drive-In 

Tlieatres, 72 Van Braam St., Pittsburgh 19. Pa. 

No matter what kind of promotion you're planning, 

you need an announcement trailer to sell 

it. There are no trailers better or quicker 

than you get from good ol' dependable FILM.ACK! 

325 So. Wabash .Ave.. Chicago 5. 111. 

are your best ad for Kiddie Matinees, 

pictures, drive-in openings and anniversaries. 

Printed with name and date or plain. 

Send for samples and prices. Southern Balloon 

Co.. 146 Walton, Atlanta, Ga. 

Need Extra Cash? Sell advertising specialties, 

calendars, etc. For details, write L. B. Horton, 

Advertising Specialty Co., Lansing, Mich. 

Kiddie Rides: Train consisting engine and 5 

cars, over 700 ft. track. Airplane ride. 6 live 

ponies, or will sell separately. Excellent condition. 

Low price. Campen. 661 Northwest 79th 

St.. Miami. Fla. 

DRIVE-m THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

W-l-D-E screen pays off! Wide angle lenses, 

special apertures immediately available. Motorized 

carbon savers, 9. 10, 11mm. for angle trim 

arclamps. (Mighty 90. etc.). $59.50. Dept. CC, 

S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., 

New York 19 

Drive-in theatre speakers iviih straight cords, 

$6.50. Car-side speakers, $8.15. Replacement 

speaker cones, $2.25. Dawo Corp., 145 N. Erie. 

Toledo, Ohio. 

Drive-in theatre tickets. Send for samples of our 

special printed stub rod tickets for drive-ins. 

Safe, distinctive, easy to check. Kansas C^ty Ticket 

Co.. Dept. 10, 109 W. 18th St,, "Film Row." 

Kansas Clly 8, Mo. 

Simplex in-car speakers and cords, working 

order. Lots of 100 at $3 each, F.O.B. South City 

Drive-In Theatre, Broad and Pattison, Philadelphia 

48, Pa. Howard 2-9886. 

SIGNS 

Easy Way to Paint Signs. Use letter patterns 

Avoid sloppy work and wasted time. No experience 

needed for expert work. Write for tree samples 

iargains! 50 amp generator complete with 2 .lohn Rahn, B-1329, Central Ave., Chicago 51, III 

sets of brushes, only $75. Also copper 

le rectifiers. $95 pair. All 3 phase RCA Neon repairs & sign cleaning. Efficient service 

at a minimum cost. Oakland and Bay area. 

Free estimate. Phone TEmplebar 4-9114. 

THEATRE SCREENS 

One 9x12 screen, 4 years old. Contact, Belle 

Plain Theatre, Belle Plain, Kas. 

Modern small town theatre, farming community. 

Ideal family operation. Money maker. 264 seats, 

equipment good condition. North central Illinois. 

Ritz Theatre, Chenoa, 111. 

Best cash offer buys. Good equipment. County 

seat town, good prospects. Roach Theatre. Lincoln, 

Kansas. 

For sale by owner: 288-seat theatre, in oil and 

wheat town, central Kansas. Boxoffice, 5497. 

For sale by absentee owner: New modern theatre, 

building, equipment. Located, Midaryville. Ind. 

Price $22,000, one third down. For details, 

write or wire. J. B. Harper. Campbell. Mo. 

Modern. 500 scats. Rapidly growing town 7.000, 

northern Illinois. Motiograph equipment, push-back 

seats, reasonable. Boxoffice. 5501. 

700-seat modern theatre for sale in heart of 

TVA area and close to Oak Ridge. Owner will 

sell home. Boxoffice, 5498. 

Florida, Small 200-car drive-in. Ten acres on 

U.S. Highway 41. Total price $21,000. Description 

and location available. Florida Theatre 

Sales, 1587 Main St., Sarasota, Fla. 

Theatres for sale, theatres wanted, a confidential 

service. Write, J. D. Arakelian, Theatre 

Broker, 25 Taylor St., San Francisco, Calif. 

Gallatin, Mo„ theatre. First time offered. For 

sale or lease. 36 years continuous service. J. E. 

Courier, Courier Theatre. 

For Sale: Theatre with grill and dress shop 

rentals. New apartment. Late equipment, no 

TV. No competition. Will gross $40,000 with 

family operation. In the heart of California redwoods. 

Reasonable down pajment. Snak-bar will 

make payments. Boxoffice, 5507. 

Western Washington theatre. Town 1,800 big 

draw. Modern building, nice apartment subrental. 

Wide screen, good grosses. Others, write 

for list. Theatre Exchange Co., 5724 S.E. Monroe. 

Portland. Ore. 

Beautiful 49C scater. Controls north Texas 

County seat. Finest in three counties. Retiring. 

True bargain price $42,500, $22,000 down. 

2% year payout. Selling privately. No "leaseseekers." 

Boxoffice. 5508. 

Definitely best drive-in value between Kansas 

City and Dallas. Proven steady increasing profit 

prior tax removal. Thorough prolonged check requested. 

Approximately 500 cars, finest equipment 

.Altec approved for wide screen. $27,500 

down. Payout under three years indicated. Similar 

Texas gulf drive-in. $33,500 down. Others 

$24,500, $35,000 down. Arthur Leak, Specialist, 

3305 Oiruth, Dallas, Texas. Several 

preferred indoor $22,500 down or more. 

FOUNTAIN SYRUPS 

Make your own fountain syrups for 65c a gallon. 

Write for FREE SAMPLE, which makes two 

gallons. National Service. Dept. B, P. 0. Box 

2573, Arlington Station, Baltimore 15, Md. 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt service. Special printed roll tickets, 

100,000, $28.75: 10,000, $8.95; 2,000, $4.95. 

Each change in admission price, including change 

in color, $3.50 extra. Double numbering extra, 

F.O.B. Kansas City, Mo. Cash with order. Kansas 

City Ticket Co., 109 W. 18th St., Kansas 

City, Mo. 

THEATRICAL 

PRINTING 

Window cards, programs, heralds, Photo-Olfsei 

printing. Calo Sliow Printing Co.. Calo. N. Y. 

Luminous 1-sheets. bumper cards, etc. Prompt 

service. Jamberey. 204 N. Spring, Ts'lrr, Texas. 

REBUaT RECTIFIERS 

Mr. Exhibitor: Your old copper o.xide rectifiers 

now have real value when converted to Selenium. 

Most units can be made to furnish 75 amperes 

at 45 volts for S and 9mm. carbons. Highly efficient. 

We completely rebuild and refinish any 

model. Consult your supply dealer or write. The 

Kneislev Electric Co., Dept. 22, Toledo 3, Ohio. 

POPCORN MACHINES 

Popcorn machines, all makes and styles. Replacement 

kettles for all poppers. Complete replacement 

unit fits most machines, $185. 120 So 

llalsted, Chicago, III. 

Popcorn warmers. New 1953 Hollywood Servemasters, 

five only. Natural wood finish. Fully 

guaranteed, big savings at only $345. Boxoffice. 

5495. 

Need Chairs? Send for chair bulletin showing 

all makes and types from $4.95. Dept. CC, 

S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd St., 

New York 19. 

Convert your hard seats to soft spring seals 

quickly, easily, inexpensively. Write today for 

details. Fensin Seating Co., Ctiicago 5. 

Chair Supplies. Everyttilng (or theatre chairs. 

Fensin Seating Co.. (îcago 5. 

Used chairs, guaranteed good. Advise quantity 

wanted. Photographs mailed with quotation. Fensin 

Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

Seat covers: Sewed combinations, all makes, all 

styles. Send your sample for quotation. Fensin 

Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

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

etc. Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

Upholstery Fabrics: All kinds. All colors. Send 

your sample for matching. Fensin Seating Co., 

Chicago 5. 

Tighten loose chairs with Permastone anchor 

cement. Fensin Seating Co., Chicago 5. 

Parts for all chairs. Send sample for quoUtion. 

Fensin Seating Co.. Chicago 5. 

New and used rebuilt opera chairs' Write for 

photos, state incline and quality. Parts for au 

chairs, send sample for quotation. Patcb-A-Seat 

to repair torn seats, $6 complete kit, specify color, 

Firmastone to anchor loose chairs, $5 carton, 

F.O.B. Chicago. General Chair Co., 1308 Elston 

Ave.. Chicago 22. III. Phone ARmitage 6-0022. 

How About Some Spring Tonic on your chairs 

to improve the comfort—to get back some of the 

customers you lost. We have a large stock of late 

type chairs that will meet any requirement. 

If you are interested in rebuilding your chairs 

or in the market for better than you have, write 

for additional information. Prices very reasonable. 

Eastern Seating Co., 138-13 Springfield 

Blvd.. Springfield Gardens. L.I. N.Y. Phone: 

LAurelton 8-3696. 

280 American seats, cushion bottoms, veneer 

backs. Excellent condition. Windsor Theatre, 

Hampton. Iowa. 

Many years in the seating business is your 

guarantee. Good used chairs are not too plentiful 

but we have the pick. Full upholstered, panel 

back and many other styles. We furnish proper 

slope or level standards to fit your floor. All 

sizes 18 to 21-inch. Our prices are lowest. Write 

for exact photo and price. We furnish parts for 

all makes. Send sample. Good quality plastic 

coated leatherette 25x26-inch, all colors. 55c 

ea. CSiicago Used Chair Mart, 829 South State 

St., Chicago 5, III. 

For Sale: 200 used theatre chairs, upholstered 

backs, box spring seats, $2.00 each. A. G. Miller, 

.Ukinson, Neb. 

THEATRES WANTED 

Theatre, Nebraska, western Iowa, northern Kansas. 

No brokers. Over 400 seats. Town of 1.800 

population or over. Confidential. Experienced. L. 

J. Burkitt. Sparta, Wis. 

SNO-CONE MACHINES 

Free Trial! Sno-Master sanitary electric Sno- 

Cone machine. Contact your nearest National 

Theatre Supply Co. branch or write to Sno-Master 

Mfg. Co., Baltimore I, Md. 

HOT DOG MACHINE 

40 Chefmaster hot dog steamers, used, excellent 

condition. $35 each. Hollywood Servemaster Co., 

114 West 18th St.. Kansas City 8, .Vo. 

BUY! SELL! TRADE! 

FIND HELP OR POSITION 

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BOXOFFICE 

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Greatest Coverage in the 

Field at Lowest Cost 

Per Reader. 

4 insertions for the price of 3

Your Industry 

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ro WIDE-SCREEN fILMS

Boxoffice-May.22.1954

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