Boxoffice-May.29.1954

MAY 29. 1954 

Uie TuAe elf i^ /Pf&ti&n. 7

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MAY 

Vol.65 

2 9, 1954 

No. 5 

REGULATION GHOST REAPPEARS 

O.N THE eve of the opening of the 

arbitration conference in New York Col. H. A. 

Cole, Allied leader, and Harry C. Arthur jr., 

speaking for the Southern California Theatre 

Owners Ass'n, raised the spectre of government 

regulation of the picture business. 

Cole wants an investigation by the Ways 

Col. 

and Means Committee of what he describes as 

distributor "confiscation" of the benefits obtained 

by the ticket 

tax reduction. 

Mr. Arthur says the SCTOA "favors an immediate 

change in the arbitrary method of operation 

of both producers and distributors" and 

adds: "We resolve that, should their method of 

operation fail to change materially, we shall 

advocate and strive for some form of governmental 

regulation for the motion picture business. 

We realize full well that this is not ideal 

for our industry and for our freedom of operation 

in all its phases, but we believe it will be 

more beneficial than the evils of our present 

system, i.e., regulation by producers and distributors 

to the detriment of all exhibitors of the 

United States." 

After all the years of struggling with the ponderous 

processes of litigation and contacts with 

commissions and government departments at the 

cost of millions of dollars which exhibitors 

eventually pay in the form of film rentals, what 

have they gained? 

Some want to go back to block booking, which 

they caused to be outlawed. 

If there is any future hope of softening the 

antagonisms between buyers and sellers, it must 

lie in arbitration. As Herman Levy, TOA general 

counsel, said recently: "Everything litigable is 

arbitrable." 

The Senate Small Business Committee recommended 

arbitration, it will be recalled. 

Allied's opposition is based on its contention 

that film rentals should be included in the 

proposals. 

There is a growing conviction that an arbitration 

system will be put into operation, as it 

should be. The time is ripe for it, as the industry 

goes through the painful process of switching 

to wide screens and new types of sound. Exhibitors 

are going to need a forum to air their 

grievances before impartial arbiters. Alleviating 

these irritations could be a long step toward 

better distributor-exhibitor relations. 

While the pattern of arbitration is being developed 

by experience, film rentals can wait. 

There has been some confused thinking on this. 

Some exhibitors think rentals could be agreed 

upon in advance of playdates through arbitrators. 

It couldn't be done. Exhibitors themselves 

wouldn't go for it. Thousands of adjustments 

of rental terms are made every year where 

they are found unprofitable for the exhibitor. 

Films are not Ivory soap with a fixed price. 

There can be no uniformity of charges without 

turning to a uniform system of percentage sales 

—a proposal made by S. R. Kent many years 

ago, which stirred widespread indignation. But 

the time-honored system of making adjustments 

might be extended if arbitration could remove 

some of the other points of contention that often 

keep exchange managers and theatremen at 

sword's point. 

• • 

Rank Discrimination 

New York City has just furnished an illuminated 

warning to exhibitors everywhere of the 

danger facing them largely as a result of the 

reduction of the federal admissions tax. Taxing 

authorities everywhere regard theatremen as easy 

inarks and their technique of catching them by 

surprise seems to 

For weeks the 

follow a pattern. 

mayor and Board of Estimate 

of New York had been discussing taxes up to 

Thursday (20) without once mentioning the possibility 

of a ticket tax. As a matter of fact, 

theatremen had been assured before the last election 

that none was contemplated. Suddenly a 

five per cent levy was projected, with the obvious 

intention of putting it through the Board of 

Estimate the following Tuesday, only three business 

days after the first proposal. The protests 

of exhibitor leaders were immediate and emphatic. 

Mayor Wagner gave them a private audience 

Monday and promised to grant a public 

hearing before a final vote of board members, 

but this was believed to be only a reprieve. 

Robert W. Coyne, special counsel for the 

Council of Motion Picture Organizations, was 

called in to act as spokesman for the industry 

before Mayor Wagner because of his thorough 

knowledge of the problem. 

Here is a dramatic illustration of the need for 

keeping COMPO in active operation. Every 

grassroots exhibitor should keep constant watch 

on tax problems and should send information to 

COMPO headquarters. It isn't entirely a local 

problem; it is a state problem as well. All the 

gains of the past two years of fighting can be 

swept aside by these unexpected tax maneuvers. 

As industry representatives have repeatedly 

emphasized, they are not opposed to any taxes 

that apply equally to everybody, but they certainly 

are entitled to fight against rank discrimination. 

—/. M. JERAULD

8-MAN COMMITTEE WILL DRAFT 

INDUSTRY ARBITRATION PLAN 

N. Y. Conference Is Heated, 

But Agreement Is Finally 

Reached to Go Ahead 

NEW YORK—An eight-man 

committee 

was named here Wednesday (26i to draft 

an arbitration plan for the motion picture 

industry, and to prepare a list of all arbitrable 

subjects. 

Although the committee was given 90 

days in which to prepare the report, it is 

expected that the draft will reach conference 

in 60 days. Committeemen are anxious 

to get started and it is assumed that they 

will open discussions within a very few days. 

Named on the committee to represent exhibitors 

are S. H. Fabian, president of Stanley 

Warner Theatres; Herman M. Levy, general 

counsel for Theatre Owners of America; Leo 

Brecher, Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners; and Max A. Cohen, Independent 

Theatre Owners Ass'n. 

Representing distributors are A. Montague, 

vice-president and general sales manager of 

Columbia Pictures: A. W. Schwalberg, president 

of Paramount Film Distributing Co.; 

Al Lichtman, vice-president and director of 

sales for 20th Century -Fox; and Adolph 

Schimel, general counsel for Universal. 

Allied States Ass'n was not represented at 

the meeting. The organization, pledged to 

support only an arbitration system which 

makes film rentals an arbitrable subject, did 

not accept the invitation of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n to participate in the conference. 

It was by no means a peaceful session, despite 

the unanimity with which the participants 

decided to let a committee draft an 

arbitration system. 

The discussions got off to an unoiled, 

squeaky start Monday that quickly developed 

hot hearings—and tempers—and late Tuesday 

threatened to bring proceedings to an end. 

Right at the start Mitchell Wolfson, former 

TOA president, suggested that the 1952 arbi- 

Major Agreements: 

New York—Decisions reached at the 

arbitration conference included: 

1. A committee of eight, four each representing 

the exhibitors and distributors, 

will draft an arbitration system plan and 

list subjects which are arbitrable. 

2. Distributors as well as exhibitors 

will have the right to appeal decisions. 

3. Tentatively agreed there will be no 

limit on the number of prereleases, but 

distributors do so at their own risk and 

exhibitors retain full right to initiative 

arbitration proceedings as to unreasonable 

clearance and runs. 

4. Exhibitors agreed that awards would 

not include money damages. 

5. It was agreed that the principles of 

decisions in one section of the country 

would not become binding on any other 

section unless voted so unanimously by 

the national arbitration body. 

To Draft Industry's Arbitration System Plan 

Al Lichtman A. Montague Adolph Schimel 

To 

Represent the Distributors 

A. W. Schwalberg 

Leo Brecher Max A. Cohen S. H. Fabian Herman Levy 

tration draft be used as a basis for discussion, 

but this didn't go far. Al Lichtman favored 

the Wolfson proposal, but Austin C. Keough, 

Paramount general counsel, urged that the 

To Represent the Exhibitors 

talks start from scratch. They did. 

What to arbitrate and what not to arbitrate; 

whether to make the proposed draft 

an exact statement of arbitrable topics, or 

leave it generalized with provision for adding 

new subjects later then became the topics 

of discussion, with detours into print shortages, 

saturation runs and prereleases. 

Toward the end of the second day S. H. 

Fabian said he "didn't want to waste weeks" 

discussing the problem. 

Harry C. Arthur jr. to.ssed a firecracker 

into the proceedings the first day by demanding 

"orderly distribution" and A. Montague 

of Columbia Pictures said he didn't know 

what it was. 

Later Arthur stirred the ire of a number 

of those present by threatening to appeal for 

government regulation of the industry. Government 

regulation "of what," inquired Robert 

W. Perkins of Warner Bros, after he had 

.said he was "amazed" by Arthur's proposal. 

Herman M. Levy, general counsel of Theatre 

Owners of America, immediately disa.ssociated 

his organization from the government 

control proposal. TOA "won't run to the 

government," he said. 

Keough said he hoped Arthur didn't suggest 

government control as "something the 

distributors must sit under in terror." 

Then he said he always had been in favor 

of an arbitration system. 

By the middle of the week it had been 

agreed that prereleases would not be limited 

in number, but disputes arising from them 

would be arbitrable. In the 1952 arbitration 

draft a limit of two-a-year for each company 

Prerelease Clarification: 

New York—To clear up any possible 

misunderstanding of exhibition's position 

on prereleases at the arbitration conference, 

Herman M. Levy, TOA general 

counsel, issued the following statement: 

"The final draft of the 1952 proposed 

arbitration agreement provided that each 

company would be privileged to release 

two prerelease pictures a year and not be 

subject to arbitration as to runs and clearance. 

It was suggested by Mr. Lichtman 

for distribution that the matter of prerelease 

pictures be left out of the arbitration 

system, but that when a distributor 

releases a prerelease picture he shall do 

so with full and complete rights in exhibitors 

to institute arbitration proceedings 

as to unreasonable clearance, run and 

all other appropriate relief ultimately to 

be provided for in the arbitration agreement. 

This suggestion was tentatively accepted 

in principle by exhibition, subject 

to proper formulation by the drafting 

committee." 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

had besn fixed. It was agreed that prereleases 

help in the production of big pictures. 

It also was agreed, after a plea by Keough, 

that distributors as well as exhibitors shall 

have a right of appeal from decisions of local 

arbitration boards. 

Charles Boasberg, RKO general sales manager, 

presided. He is chairman of the MPAA 

sales managers committee. Eric Johnston, 

MPAA president, gave a brief welcoming talk 

before leaving for Omaha. Levy was named 

secretary and Ralph B. Hetzel jr., MPAA vicepresident, 

was chosen as impartial chairman. 

Arthur quickly suggested that the makeup 

of the arbitration organization be discussed 

first; that an appeals board be included; 

that no restrictions be imposed on complaints. 

SAYS MECHANICS COME FIRST 

Montague pointed out that exhibitors disagreed 

on methods and a caucus should be 

held to reach an agreement, but Levy asserted 

that would be going off on a tangent. The 

two main problems, he declared, were the 

mechanics of arbitration and arbitrable subjects. 

He wanted the mechanics to come 

first. Lichtman and Leo Brecher, operator of 

theatres in New York, both disagreed. 

Keough interjected the observation that 

there was no intention of making arbitration 

a complete substitute for litigation. The exhibitors 

then went into a private meeting. 

Levy reported that "any matter affecting 

the orderly distribution of motion pictures 

except rentals shall be arbitrable." 

Montague called it a "catch all" and wanted 

to know what was meant by orderly distribution. 

Morey Goldstein of Allied Artists said 

the plan was "too all-embracing and farfetched." 

Sidney Lust, Washington exhibitor, 

asked that saturation runs be arbitrable. 

Keough remarked that perhaps print shortages 

weren't arbitrable. He said the distributor 

must decide from the light of his 

experience how many there should be and 

where assigned. Max A. Cohen of New York 

disagreed. He said there was no intention to 

dictate the number of prints, but if an exhibitor 

received an availability 

and then did not 

get the film he should "have his day in court." 

Lichtman crystallized the issue by saying 

that "the distributors cannot and will not 

agree to an all-embracing clause." He said 

he did not want any plan set up that would 

be opposed by the lawyers. 

'TRY FOR SIMPLE MACHINERY' 

Arthur returned to the subject of the fresh 

approach, quoting clauses in the Johnston 

letter of invitation on that subject and the 

additional mention of "starting from scratch." 

He recommended that "we forget all about 

the previous conference and try to get some 

simple machinery." 

Levy said TOA took the position that anything 

that can be litigated can be arbitrated. 

The distributor representatives conferred 

after lunch and Lichtman announced their 

decision, as follows: 

"The distributors are prepared to discuss 

each and every specific item considered by 

any party to the conference as pertaining to 

the distribution of film except film rental 

terms. 

"In addition, they are willing that the arbitration 

agreement reached here should specify 

that other matters not specifically now 

agreed upon may be added to the matters 

subject to arbitration at any time during 

the operation of the arbitration system when 

proposed by any party to the arbitration 

$20,000 Verdict for Not 

Allowing 1st Run Bids 

SALT LAKE CITY—Because Paramount 

Pictures refused to allow the Village Theatre 

to bid for first run pictures, a federal 

court jury this week awarded the theatre a 

$20,000 damage verdict. There is a possibility 

that this amount will be tripled when Judge 

W. W. Ritter makes the formal award under 

antitrust provisions. 

The verdict was against Paramount and 

Intermountain Theatres, Inc., which was a 

Paramount affiliate prior to divorcement. 

Joseph L. Lawrence Theatres Inc., which operates 

the Village, contended in its suit that 

a conspiracy existed between the distributor 

and the theatre circuit to deny first run 

playdates to the theatre. 

Jury members deliberated for three days 

before reaching a verdict. At one time, they 

returned to report they were helplessly deadlocked, 

but the court ordered them back. Judge 

Ritter recessed the case for the weekend and 

agreement and which has the approval of all 

the other parties. 

"They cannot now agree to arbitrate matters 

not now known to them and not agreed 

upon at this conference. They take this 

position because the exhibitors have the 

right to invoke arbitration, but no such right 

is given to the distributors. Moreover, effective 

arbitration adminlstraton requires that 

with respect to each matter agreed upon to 

be arbitrated, principles will be incorporated 

into the arbitration agreement to guide the 

arbitrators in reaching a decision. If the 

agreement is to include the arbitration of 

matters now not known or determined, obviously 

it is impossible to lay down principles 

for arbitration of such matters." 

Arthur said he believed the statement made 

arbitration impossible. Others asked that attention 

be turned to discussion of specific 

points. Lichtman asked Arthur if. he had 

read the 1952 draft. Arthur said he hadn't. 

"Then you are not qualified," Lichtman 

said. 

"I am qualified," Arthur said, saying he 

represented an exhibitor organization. 

(A number of exhibitors present had not 

Seattle Censors Lessen 

Control Over Films 

SEATTLE—On the basis of 

recent Supreme 

Court decisions on motion picture 

censorship, the Seattle film censoring 

body has decided that hereafter it will 

only "recommend" changes in films and 

will not order cuts or ban pictures. In 

this it will ask the cooperation of exhibitors 

in the city. 

In changing its ordinance on censorship, 

the city retained its authority to 

label pictures for "adults only." 

The censorship body, consisting of ten 

members, is officially known as the Board 

of Theatre Supervisors. 

the jury came in Monday morning with the 

verdict. 

During the trial. Paramount claimed it 

had a right to sell pictures to whom it 

pleased. The company also contended it 

wanted its films downtown first run. 

Village Theatre contended it had been 

damaged to the extent of $120,000 by refusal 

of Paramount to allow it first run product. 

It also sought triple damages. The trial 

opened May 10 and went to the jury at noon 

May 19. The jury returned with the verdict 

at noon May 24. 

The original suit, filed more than a year 

ago, named RKO-Radio Pictures, as well as 

Paramount. It was amended at the commencement 

of the trial because an out-ofcourt 

settlement with RKO had been made. 

The verdict of the jury will be appealed, 

according to Ray M. Hendry, vice-president 

and general manager of Intermountain. 

seen the 1952 draft. They felt they should 

have been provided with it.) 

On motion of Claude Ezell, a point-bypoint 

discussion was voted. Wolfson asked 

for adherence to discussions of over-all policy, 

leaving wordings to a later subcommittee. 

For the benefit of those who had not seen 

the 1952 draft, Levy gave in detail its provisions 

which were the same as those stated 

broadly by Wolfson. The latter expressed 

strong opposition to a distributor instituting 

competitive bidding unless he had exhibitor 

agreement in writing. Lichtman said the distrbutors 

had a legal right to it and wanted 

to retain it, and would "fight to the last 

ditch for it." 

On the subject of prints, Lichtman agreed 

that it was the duty of a company to furnish 

a print as contracted for or "suffer the consequences." 

He said the matter should come 

under the head of contract violation. 

ONE ABUSE ON PRERELEASES 

On the touchy subject of prereleases, 

Lichtman said there was only one abusethat 

small exhibitors have been denied the 

opportunity for a long time to play some 

pictures. He also said prereleases hurt promotion 

momentum, and that it was his personal 

opinion, with which some other distributors 

disagreed, that a picture should not 

be "put on the shelf for a long time." 

Wolfson said it was unfortunate that a 

national price poUcy could not be laid down, 

that small exhibitors should be able to raise 

prices to a lesser degree than big exhibitors. 

He asked for assurances of a good flow of 

product. Lust spoke about first run "mUking" 

a picture. Brecher said they could not 

legislate runs by arbitration in most cases. 

Cohen spoke of the need for product. He 

said arbitration must be sold to "the little 

guy" if it is to succeed. 

Fabian interposed humorously. 

"I move," he said, "it be put on the record 

that no distributor forces admission prices." 

Charles Feldman of Universal said no 

(Continued on page 10) 

BOXOFTICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 

9

PuUcê^zU ^'-^'''o^'o" 

'Moratorium' Extended 

In Jackson Park Case 

federal court in Chicago allows more time 

on clearance and first run limitations of the 

Jackson Park decree until the B&K motion 

for modification has been heard and decided; 

hearing scheduled September 13. 

* 

Denver Antitrust Case 

Settled Out of Court 

L. K. Lee, president of Kar-Vu Theatres, 

Inc., had asked $300,000 triple damages from 

United Artists and Wolfberg Theatres; settlement 

described as "fair-sized amount." 

* 

Illinois Supreme Court Rules 

Censorship Law Is Valid 

Upholds Chicago ordinance is constitutional 

and the city can continue to enforce it; 

law was held invalid last July by circuit court 

who overruled city's ban on "The Miracle." 

• 

Senate Group to Probe 

Movies for Children 

Juvenile delinquency subcommittee to make 

investigation, Chairman Robert Henrickson 

(R., N.J.) revealed as he announced June 4, 5 

New York City hearings on comic books and 

TV programs, 

• 

Pittsburgh Still Hit 

By Transit Strike 

Total of 2,700 trolley and bus operators 

continue to hold out for third week; business 

in the downtown theatres crippled; in most 

cases grosses are off as much as 40 per cent. 

• 

New Jersey Exhibitors Hail 

Showîngs of New Lenses 

Allied unit's "comparative" demonstration 

of anamorphic lenses at the Mayfair Theatre, 

Hillside, N.J., Tuesday (25) was "revealing" 

and "informative," according to exhibitors; 

approximately 70 attended. 

* 

Court Rule on TV Films 

Aids Theatre O'wners 

In West Germany, .selling a motion picture 

to television stations, makes first-run houses 

which otherwise would have played the picture, 

eligible for damages to be paid by the 

distributor. 

* 

Hal Makelim Reports Deals 

Have Passed 1,600 Mark 

After Virginia theatre meeting producer 

displays enthusiasm and predicts total will 

pass 3,000; asserts that all theatres in Baltimore 

have signed up. 

* 

S. W. Tannenbaum Re-elected 

Head of Copyright Society 

other officers named are: Louis E. Swarts 

and Joseph A, McDonald, vice-presidents; 

Theodore R. Kupfennan, secretary; Charles 

B. Seton, as.sistant secretary; Paul J. Sherman, 

treasurer, and Theodore R. Jackson, assistant 

treasurer. 

(Continued from page 9) 

"magic formula" could be set up for releases. 

Wolfson said TOA had received hundreds of 

complaints about having to raise prices, and 

that a formula was needed to prevent the 

forcing of pictures. Montague asked why he 

hadn't had a chance to see the letters. 

The "catch-all" dispute was resumed the 

second day. An impasse developed when the 

exhibitors insisted that new disputes could 

arise because of the changing character of the 

industry and so a flexible plan was needed. 

Distribution insisted on specific arbitrable 

items. 

Lichtman held that the existence of the distributors 

depended on their making better 

and still better pictures and handled in a 

special manner, as through prereleases, and 

that no limit should be put on the number of 

prereleases as in the final 1952 draft which 

set it at two a company a year. However, he 

proposed that the matter could be covered 

under the clearance provision by stating that 

if a picture was distributed in a special way 

but in an "unreasonable" manner, the exhibitor 

could resort to arbitration. 

CONCEDE ON PRERELEASES 

The exhibitors eventually conceded there 

need be no limit on prereleases but that their 

distribution must be subject to all the terms 

of arbitration provisions such as runs, clearances, 

etc., and that in their distribution 

the distributor must "act at his own peril." 

Cohen said the unexpected complaint could 

be taken to a local arbitration tribunal. If 

it rules against the exhibitor, he could then 

take it to an appeals board. If overruled 

again, the matter would be ended. If the 

exhibitor was upheld, he would have the 

right to go back to the local board. That 

would be a test plan for the trial period of 

18 months. 

Levy approved the statement. He decried 

the catch-all statement and said he could 

see no legitimate objection by distribution. 

The deadlock was becoming tighter. Brecher 

made a conciliatory speech. Insistence by the 

exhibitors on their stand brought from 

Keougl> the statement that they should "go 

to antitrust and stop talking about arbitration." 

Some voices asked: "Then why are 

we here?" 

Disputes continued Wednesday. Exhibition 

made concessions. Distribution was granted 

the right to appeal from decisions of local 

boards. 

A distribution fear of money damages when 

an award was granted was countered by the 

following exhibition statement: 

"Where permission to arbitration is granted 

and an award is made in favor of any exhibitor, 

A/.y. EXHIBITORS FIGHT 5% TAX; 

FEAR IT WILL START A TREND 

Industry Moves Quickly; 

Mobilizes Wide Support 

In Opposition to Plan 

NEW YORK—Protesting New York theatre 

owners were given a quick roundaround 

by city officials early in the week 

on the proposed plan to impose a five per 

cent admissions tax. It included a conference 

Monday with Mayor Wagner, 

quick approval of the plan Tuesday by the 

Board of Estimate and reference of the 

bill to the City Council the same day. The 

council referred it to the finance committee 

for a public hearing and final action 

Tuesday, June 1. 

3,000 AT A MASS MEETING 

More than 3,000 exhibitors and labor union 

members held a mass meeting at the Rivoli 

Theatre Wednesday morning and decided to 

black out all the theatres except Radio City 

Music Hall, in the five boroughs Monday (31) 

at 9 p.m., in spite of the fact that this is one 

ef the big holiday weekends. 

Mayor Wagner went on a television program 

Tuesday (25) at night and said the 

ticket tax could be repealed at a special session 

of the legislature if Governor Dewey 

would call one to help solve the city's financial 

problems. Dewey has repeatedly refused 

to do this, charging that the move was 

political. 

A new angle has developed on the legislative 

approach, however, because Dewey has 

indicated he plans a special session to discuss 

the problems of the Long Island Railroad. 

As soon as the Board of Estimate had 

acted, city officials began predicting the tax 

would go into effect June 15, thereby forcing 

all exhibitors to print new sets of tickets for 

the second time in a few weeks and making 

it probable that neighborhood houses on the 

edges of the city would lose customers to 

Nassau and Westchester counties which will 

not be reached by the new levy. 

City authorities estimated that the tax 

would yield $17,500,000. It will apply to baseball 

games as well as theatres, but exhibitor 

leaders predicted the income would be less 

than $4,000,000. Max A. Cohen, ITOA leader 

and important exhibitor, predicted 135 theatres 

would close. 

ON EMERGENCY BASIS 

Efforts to battle the tax were organized 

on an emergency basis Friday (21) as soon 

as it became known that the city was contemplating 

the levy. An emergency committee 

was organized by Harry Brandt, president 

of the ITOA, and Emanuel Frisch, president 

of the Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres 

Ass'n, with Nicholas M. Schenck, president 

of Loew's, Inc.; Leonard H. Goldenson, 

head of ABC-Paramount Theatres; Sol A. 

Schwartz, president of RKO Theatres, and 

others cooperating. 

Robert W. Coyne, special counsel for the 

Council of Motion Picture Organizations, 

rushed east from the coast to take part in the 

opposition. 

It was the fastest mobilization of industry 

High Court Turns Down 

Review of Denver Case 

WASHINGTON — The major distributors 

once again have failed to get a Supreme 

Court ruling on the circumstances under 

which the decision in the Paramount case 

may be used in evidence in antitrust suits. 

The Supreme Court on Monday (24) refused 

to review lower court decisions awarding 

$300,000 in triple damages to Cinema Amusements, 

John Wolfberg company, against 

Loew's, 20th Century-Fox and RKO. 

Refusal to review, while not rendering any 

judgment on the facts of a case, has the effect 

of upholding the lower court decision. 

In the current case, the lower courts permitted 

inclusion of the Paramount findings 

with respect to Loew's and 20th-Fox, but not 

with respect to RKO. The first two thereupon 

based their appeals for highest court 

review on the necessity for gaining a clear- 

forces within the memory of old-timers. The 

surprise was complete because assurances had 

been received from city officials that no 

ticket tax was contemplated. Mayor Wagner 

agreed to meet the committee Monday 

(24) in the morning. He promised a public 

hearing before final passage of the tax bill, 

but it became apparent before the day was 

over that it would be rushed through the 

Board of Estimate the following day. It was. 

A rash of similar tax measures in other 

New York state cities and towns as well as 

in other states is feared. 

Public sentiment was against it. All the 

leading newspapers opposed it editorially and 

thousands of letters poured into the city hall. 

The committee which met the Mayor was 

made up as follows: Nicholas M. Schenck, 

president of Loew's, Inc.; Harry Brandt, 

president of the ITOA; Emanuel Frisch, president 

of Metropolitan Motion Picture Theatres 

Ass'n; J. R. Vogel, vice-president of 

Loew's, Inc.; S. H. Fabian, president of 

Stanley Warner Theatres, and Samuel 

Rosen, executive vice-president; Sol A. 

Schwartz, president of RKO Theatres; Leonard 

H. Goldenson, president of ABC-Paramount 

Theatres; Robert W. Coyne, COMPO; 

Jerome Chaiken, president. Local 54, Cleaners 

& Porters Union; Herman Gelber, president 

of Local 306, projectionists' union; Tom 

Murtha, chairman 10th District, Theatrical 

Locals, N.Y. State, Local 4 lATSE, and 

John McDowell, secretary of Local 1, lATSE. 

Over 100 business groups and associations 

joined the protest. 

Seven points were emphasized in the conference 

with Mayor Wagner. They were: 

1. The estimate of $16,000,000 income was 

a gross exaggeration. Based on boxoffice figures 

the theatres contended the income could 

cut ruling on introduction of the Paramount 

findings. 

The two distributors told the Supreme 

Court in their vain effort to secure review 

that there is a welter of film industry antitrust 

suits on court calendars around the nation 

and in almost all of these cases the exhibitors 

intend to rely upon the Paramount 

decree. "Any adjudication by this court with 

respect to the inadmissability of the Paramount 

decree would bring to an end much of 

this litigation which is bottomed upon this 

untenable premise," the distributors argued. 

Cinema Amusements was awarded the 

$300,000 on its charges that the three distributors 

withheld first run from the Denver 

Broadway. It also was charged that Fox 

Intermountain had sought to gain control 

over the theatre. 

not be over $4,000,000 and probably would 

be only $3,000,000, if attendance dropped off 

as anticipated. 

2. A list of 144 theatres closed in the last 

few years was presented. 

The loss of jobs to 

theatre workers and adverse effect on neighborhood 

real estate was explained and the 

question was asked: How many more theatres 

will the tax close? 

3. The motion picture industry was one of 

two industries which the U.S. government 

found most in need of tax relief. Now the 

New York city hall is closing its eyes to the 

distress of one of the city's most important 

industries. 

4. This threatened tax blow comes just at 

a time when the struggling theatres are still 

working their way out of their troubles, due 

to TV competition and the federal tax. The 

recent reduction of the federal tax has not 

yet had a chance to lead the distressed theatres 

out of the woods. It will take a long 

time to wipe out past losses. The city tax 

will close many theatres hanging on by a 

thread. 

5. New York is the hub of the movie business. 

The home offices and film exchanges 

here employing thousands will be affected as 

well as the theatres. 

6. New York City theatres are one of the 

largest tax-paying groups in the city; they 

already pay all the general taxes, plus a number 

of special taxes aimed at this business. 

7. It has always been the policy of the 

film groups never to oppose any general tax 

which applies to all businesses and citizens. 

They do oppose bitterly being singled out for 

a discriminatory tax which will drive away 

their customers. 

BOXOFnCE : 

: May 

29, 1954 11

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RITA MORENO Produced 

VICTOR MANUEL MENDOZA ' by CHARLES BRACKEII "T HENRY HAIHAWAY S; PRANK FENION 

From a Story by FRED FREIBERGER 

and WILLIAM TUNBERG

ONLY 22 FILMS FOR RELEASE 

IN JUNE. SEASON'S LOW POINT 

35 Released in June '53; 

Exhibitors Promised 

More in July-August 

By FRANK LEYENDECKER 

NEW YORK—Bearing out the fears of 

exhibitor organizations that major distributors 

are holding back pictures for late 

summer release, June, the first month of 

the 1954 summer, will see only 22 new features 

in release, the smallest number of 

any month of the 1953-54 season to date. 

However, both July and August give promise 

of many important pictures for release 

by most of the majors. 

In comparison, June 1953 saw 35 new features 

put into release. 

TWO IN C'SCOPE, 10 IN COLOR 

The 22 new features for June 1954 will include 

two in Cinemascope and color, "Three 

Coins in the Fountain" from 20th Century- 

Fox and "The Student Prince" from MGM. 

No 3-D pictures are listed for June release. 

In addition to the two in Cinemascope, 

there will be eight other features in color, 

totaling less than half of the 22 features. 

The others are: "Men of the Fighting Lady," 

"Elephant Walk." "Secret of the Incas," 

"Drums Across the River," "Black Hor.se 

Canyon," "Saracen Blade," "Princess of the 

Nile" and "Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," 

all in the action-adventure category. 

Other important dramas include: "Them," 

a Warner horror film; "Sins of Rome," a foreign-made 

spectacle; "Hell's Half Acre," "The 

Malta Story." "Home From the Sea," and 

"Jungle Man-Eaters," "Terror Ship." "The 

Big Chase" and "Paid to Kill," action programmers; 

"Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters" 

is the month's only comedy, and "The Desperado," 

June's only program western. 

Three reissues for June 1954 are "The 

Thing," horror film with James Arness and 

Margaret Sheridan, and "Stations West," 

starring Dick Powell, both from RKO. and 

"Black Eagle," with William Bishop and Virginia 

Patton. from Columbia. 

LINEUP BY COMPANIES 

Broken down by companies, the June 1954 

releases will be: 

ALLIED ARTISTS—"Home From the Sea." 

starring Jan Sterling and Neville Brand; 

"Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters," starring 

Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall with Laura 

Mason, and "The Desperado," a Wayne Morris 

western with Beverly Garland. 

COLUMBIA—"The Saracen Blade," in 

Technicolor, starring Ricardo Montalban and 

LIPPERT — "Terror Ship," starring William 

Lundigan; "The Big Chase," starring Glenn 

Langan, Adele Jergens and Lon Chaney, 

and "Paid to Kill," starring Dane Clark. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MA'SrER—"The 

Betta St. John; "Jungle Man-Eaters," starring 

Johnny Weissmuller with Karin Booth, 

and "Black Eagle," a reissue with William 

Bishop and Virginia Patton. 

Stu- 

Brewer Faces Walsh; 

Says He's Candidate 

PITTSBURGH—Roy M. Brewer and Richard 

F. Walsh, president of the lATSE, clashed 

openly here last Sunday for the first time 

since Brewer became interested in the lA 

presidency. They appeared before a meeting 

of 125 delegates and members of the 30th 

annua! meeting of the Tri-State Ass'n of 

the lATSE, which consists of lA locals in 

Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. 

Brewer has been on a cross-country tour 

to determine how far the "draft-Brewer" 

sentiment for his presidency of the lATSE 

prevails. 

In answer to an inquiry by Walsh, Brewer 

assured him that he was a candidate for 

office and was in the race to the finish. The 

election is expected to take place at the 

biannual lATSE convention, which starts 

August 9 in Cincinnati. 

Brewer accused Walsh of failing to give 

the local unions, particularly the smaller 

locals, proper sujrôrt in their efforts, and 

read one of the many letters which he said 

he has received accusing Walsh's administration 

of "representing management rather 

than the unions." He also charged Walsh 

with failing to deal effectively with the 

problems of the lATSE, which he outlined 

dent Prince," in Ansco color and Cinema- 

Scope, starring Ann Blyth and Edmund Purdom 

with John Ericson, Louis Calhern and 

Edmund Gwenn, and "Men of the Fighting 

Lady," in Ansco color, starring Van Johnson, 

Walter Pidgeon, Dewey Martin, Louis 

Calhern and Keenan Wyrm. 

PARAMOUNT—"Elephant Walk," in Technicolor, 

starring Elizabeth Taylor, Dana Andrews 

and Peter Finch, and "Secret of the 

Incas," in Technicolor, starring Charlton 

Heston, Robert Young, Nicole Maurey and 

Yma Sumac. 

RKO RADIO—"The Silver Lode," in Technicolor, 

starring John Payne, Lizabeth Scott 

and Dan Duryea, and "Sins of Rome," a 

foreign-made spectacle starring Ludmilla 

Tcherina and Massimo Girotti, and two reissues, 

"The Thing" and "Stations West." 

as: organization of television, support of exchange 

workers and contracts for traveling 

stagehands. 

Brewer said he had resigned his post in 

Hollywood because Walsh had failed to give 

support to "a sound program for dealing 

with the Hollywood studio situation." 

In reply, Walsh declared that if the local 

unions were dissatisfied, he was unaware of 

it, as they had failed to present complaints, 

such as were in the letter which Brewer read, 

to his office. He asserted that Brewer had 

failed to register his complaints to the executive 

board of lATSE when he was a member. 

James V. Sipe, business representative of 

Pittsburgh Local 171, was unanimously reelected 

secretary-treasurer of the Tri-States 

Ass'n. Sipe, who is supporting Brewer, made 

the motion to have Brewer speak, which was 

adopted without opposition. 

The May 23 meeting was presided over by 

lA Vice-President Harry J. Abbott. Walsh 

was accompanied by lA representative John 

B. Fitzgerald of Cleveland. Accompanying 

Brewer to the meeting was Russell M. Moss, 

Local H-63, New York, and William T. Bennett, 

stagehands Local 22, Washington, who 

was a strong contender against Walsh in 1946. 

REPUBLIC—"Hell's Half Acre," starring 

Wendell Corey and Evelyn Keyes with Elsa 

Lanchester and Marie Windsor. 

TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX — "Three 

Coins in the Fountain," in Cinemascope and 

Technicolor, starring Clifton Webb, Jean 

Peters, Dorothy McGuire, Louis Jourdan and 

Maggie McNamara with Rossano Brazzi, and 

"Princess of the Nile," in Technicolor, starring 

Debra Paget, Michael Rennie and Jeffrey 

Hunter. 

UNITED ARTISTS—"Adventures of Robinson 

Crusoe," in Pathecolor, starring Dan 

O'Herlihy with James Fernandez, and "The 

Malta Story," produced by J. Arthur Rank, 

starring Alec Guinness and Jack Hawkins 

with Flora Robson and Muriel Pavlow. 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL — "Black 

Horse Canyon," in Technicolor, starring Joel 

McCrea, Mari Blanchard and ChUl Wills, and 

"Drums Across the River," in Technicolor, 

starring Audie Murphy and Lisa Gaye. 

WARNER BROS.—"Them," starring James 

Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn and James Arness 

with Joan Weldon. 

Retitle Japanese Film 

NEW YORK—The title of Josef von Stemberg's 

new Japanese feature, "Ana-Ta-Han," 

now playing at the Plaza Theatre, New York 

City, has been changed to "The Devil's Pitchfork" 

because of the difficulty many people 

had in pronouncing the title. Arias Pictures 

is distributing the picture in the U.S. 

Set 110 'Student' Openings 

NEW YORK—MGM has scheduled 110 

openings of "The Student Prince" between 

now and July 10. Four each took place May 

26 and 27, with another seven May 29, followed 

by nine May 30. Three openings are 

scheduled for June 10, 18 and 30 and July 3. 

On July 2 there will be ten. 

14 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 

i

Dual Features Demanded 

By Public, Says COMPO 

NEW YORK—Double features, where they 

are customary, mean better business at the 

boxoffice, says the 14th of the series of Council 

of Motion Pictui-e Organizations advertisements, 

published in Editor & Publisher May 

25. Headed "Those Doggone Double Features!" 

the ad points out that many persons 

within and without the industry do not like 

them but that theatres, which tried experimentally 

to eliminate them, experienced a 

sharp falling off in gross and were compelled 

to restore them. 

"In areas where double features never got 

started the theatres get along very well without 

them," the ad says. "Offhand, we'd say 

that about 65 per cent of the country is now 

double-feature territory." 

Apparently the great mass public—to which 

the movie theatre must cater—has much 

leisure, the ad continues. "You'd be surprised 

how many people love the second feature," 

a postscript says. 

Lippert to Distribute 

Salvador Production 

HOLLYWOOD—'With shooting to begin 

next month in the Central American republic, 

motion picture ever made in 

Lippert Pictures has completed a deal to distribute 

the first 

El Salvador. The film, "The Black Pirate," will 

be shot in Ansco color, and will be financed 

by Salvador Films, headed by Dr. 'Victor 

Esquinel. Robert L. Lippert jr. will produce, 

with C. J. Simmons jr. as his associate. 

Lippert planed out Thursday (27) to set 

up production headquarters in the city of 

San Salvador. The feature, starring Anthony 

Dexter, Lon Chaney, Robert Clarke and Judy 

Walsh, will be directed by Allen Miner. 

Meantime another below-the-border project 

was announced with the disclosure that 

Carl Dudley Productions plans a series of six 

features to be made next year in Mexico, 

Cuba and South America, the initialer to be 

"Fandango." 

20th-Fox Plans Worldwide 

Premieres for 'Egyptian' 

NEW YORK—Formal openings on a scale 

surpassing those given "The Robe" are 

planned by 20th Century-Fox in this country 

and all foreign countries where Cinema- 

Scope installations have been made for "The 

Egyptian" during the early fall. 

Charles Einfeld, vice-president, will leave 

for Europe in June to meet company representatives, 

leading exhibitors and government 

officials to work out details. He will 

discuss promotion, advertising and merchandising 

plans based on the campaign already 

started in the United States. 

Install Perspecta Sound 

In ABC English Circuit 

NEW YORK—Arthur M. Loew, president of 

Loew's International Corp., has received 

word from England that the ABC Circuit 

wiU equip its theatres with Perspecta stereophonic 

sound. 

Installation is proceeding to permit the 

showing of Perspecta sound prints of "Knights 

of the Round Table," "Rose Marie" and "The 

Student Prince," in Cinemascope. 

Texas Exhibitors Appeal 

For 26 More A Films 

REDSKIN REVELS—When Herman 

Levy, TOA's general counsel, attended the 

joint meeting of Kansas-Missouri Theatre 

Ass'n and the St. Louis area TO in the 

Ozarks last week, he was elected to the 

Roaring Redskins of the Ozarks. Here, 

Myra Stroud, managing secretary of the 

St. Louis association hands him a war 

bonnet. At the right is David Barrett, 

St. Louis representative for BOXOFFICE. 

DIT-MCO Enters New Field 

With Electronics Device 

KANSAS CITY—The electronics division of 

DIT-MCO, manufacturers of drive-in theatre 

equipment, is entering a new phase of 

manufacturing. On June 3, at the Wright- 

Patterson field in Dayton, the company will 

demonstrate its universal automatic electrical 

circuit analyzer which is a new development 

in the field of aircraft electrical systems 

testing. Although test equipment has been 

developed before which will perform tests 

on specific systems, the automatic circuit 

analyzer is a versatile machine which can 

be adapted to any electrical cable system at 

any stage of production, modification or 

maintenance, according to George P. Heller, 

president. 

L. I. Schlaifer Rejoins UA 

As Special Representative 

NEW YORK—L. J. (Jack) Schlaifer, veteran 

sales executive, has rejoined United 

Artists as a special representative by appointment 

of B. G. Kranze, general sales manager. 

Schlaifer will cover all of the United States 

and Canada. 

He first joined United Artists in 1928 and 

held a number of key sales posts until 1940. 

'Conquerors' in C'Scope 

HOLL'YWOOD — "The Conquerors," starring 

John Wayne and Susan Hayward and being 

produced and directed by Dick Powell for 

RKO, is being lensed in Cinemascope. 

DALLAS—Texas exhibitors have told distribution 

and production executives that they 

will need 26 more A pictures for the 1954-55 

season in order to operate successfully. With 

R. J. O'Donnell, vice-president anu general 

manager of the dominant Interstate circuit, 

as their spokesman, the urgent appeal for 

additional product went to 25 top industry 

executives in production and distribution. 

"In our opinion," said O'Donnell, "26 more 

A pictures would not only eliminate the present 

shortage but would pay compound dividends 

to production, distribution and exhibition." 

He estimated Texas alone would 

add $3,899,722.85 revenue to production and 

distribution. He based this on the fact that 

from June 1, 1953 to May 1954, 45 top A 

pictures released in Texas averaged $145.55 

each playdate. 

O'Donnell prefaced the appeal for more 

product by saying that Texas exhibitors "do 

not concur with the great number of exhibitors 

throughout the country who, according to 

the tradepress, are critical almost to the point 

of belhgerence toward production because 

of the lack of product." 

There are now 1,424 theatres operating in 

Texas on a full time basis, he pointed out 

1,035 conventional houses and 389 drive-ins. 

Of this number, 685 are desperately in need 

of one-half additional picture each week; 

379 are seriously in need of one-third additional 

picture per week; and 195 are in need 

of one-fourth additional feature a week, he 

said. 

Without the extra picture, Texas will have 

27,167 available playdates next season for 

which there is no product. 

Bearing in mind that Texas represents 5.5 

per cent of the total national income, "this 

means that there is an additional 94.5 per 

cent or in excess of 493,896 more available 

playdates in the remaining 47 states," O'Donnell 

said. This represents $70,898,770.80 in 

domestic rentals alone. Adding this to potential 

Texas rentals, distribution and production 

would gain $74,798,493.65 additional 

income and U.S. boxoffices would gain an 

extra $200,000,000, he contended. 

The letter went to Messrs. Barney Balaban, 

Steve Broidy, Harry Cohn, Jack Cohn, Walt 

Disney, Robert Fellows, Y. Frank Freeman, 

Samuel Goldwyn, James R. Grainger, William 

J. Heineman, Howard Hughes, Arthur B. 

Krim, Harold Mirisch, Edward Muhl, Milton 

R. Rackmil, Nicholas Schenck, Dore Schary, 

David O. Selznick, Spyros P. Skouras, Hal 

Wallis, Harry Warner, Jack Warner, John 

Wayne, Herbert J. Yates and Darryl Zanuck. 

Decca Shares Exchanged 

For Universal Common 

NEW YORK—Decca Records is offering to 

the holders of common stock of Universal 

Pictures Co. 954,474 shares of Decca capital 

stock in exchange for their shares of Universal 

common at the rate of two and onequarter 

shares of Decca stock for each share 

of Universal common. 

Decca currently owns 66.2 per cent of Universal's 

outstanding common stock. 

BOXOrnCE : 

: May 

29. 1954 15

SUMMER TIME IS CIRCUS TIM 

ECILB 

ACADEMY 

AWARD 

WINNER 

BEST PICTURE 

OF THE YEAR 

Eh 

The circus is back . . . becau$( 

available. Now is the time to date it aiic 

schools closed, millions of youngsters ai 

choice in 

summer entertainment. Boch

m IT'S PAY-OFF TIME WITH 

^^H|^HJ»* - 

lie 

greatest boxoffice show on earth is 

campaign it 

for July and August. With 

:i 

their 

families will make it their first 

fit to repeat its never- equalled grosses f

New 20th-Fox Prints 

To Be Ready June 20 

NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will 

make Cinemascope prints, carrying either 

single-track magnetic or single-track optical 

sound, available to exhibitors June 20, according 

to W. C. Gehring, executive assistant 

general sales manager. 

Gehring, who returned from the coast 

where he discussed the print situation with 

company engineers, said that a limited number 

of single-track magnetic prints were being 

ordered, as he believed that the bulk of the 

demand will continue to be for four-track 

stereophonic and single-track optical versions. 

Twentieth Century-Fox also will produce 

four types of trailers on each Cinemascope 

picture to be available starting in July. This 

new service will be started with the release 

of "Garden of Evil" and will include all preceding 

Cinemascope releases from "The 

Robe" to "Demetrius and the Gladiators." 

The four types of trailers will be: (1) a 

Cinemascope trailer with full, four-track 

magnetic stereophonic sound which will present 

highlight scenes and emphasize highfidelity 

and directional values of stereophonic 

sound; (2) a standard 2-D trailer with regular 

optical sound, selling Cinemascope and 

stereophonic sound; (3) a Cinemascope 

trailer with regular optical sound, which can 

be used in theatres equipped for one-track 

magnetic or for regular optical sound, and 

(4) a standard 2-D trailer with regular optical 

sound, which can be used in theatres equipped 

for either one-track magnetic or regular 

optical sound. 

An innovat.on in the 2-D trailers will be 

the inclusion of actual scenes from anamorphically 

lensed productions reduced from 

Cinemascope's 2.55 to 1 aspect ratio to the 

1.33 to 1 size, starting with "Garden of Evil" 

trailers in July. This reduction of Cinema- 

Scope scenes to standard size is the result of 

extensive experimentation by the research 

department, according to 20th-Fox. 

Harry K. McWilliams Heads 

New Air Programs, Inc. 

NEW YORK—Harry K. McWilliams has 

been elected president and named general 

sales manager of Air Programs, Inc. His 

first project will be syndication of "The Original 

Aipateur Hour," starring Ted Mack. 

McWilliams recently resigned from Screen 

Gems, Inc., television subsidiary of Columbia 

Pictures. He was formerly associated with 

Benton & Bowles and Ted Bates, Inc. 

RKO Plans Area Opening 

For 'Sins of Rome' 

NEW YORK—"Sins of Rome," Italianmade 

spectacle being released through RKO, 

will have an area opening in the Cincinnati 

and Cleveland territories starting June 23, 

according to Charles Boasberg, general sales 

manager. Following the key theatre dates in 

RKO theatres in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton 

and Columbus, the picture will open in 

other key cities, Boasberg said. 

Optical Printing Process 

Developed by Panavision 

HOLLYWOOD—A new anamorphic optical 

printing process, called the Micro Panatar 

system, has been developed by Panavision, 

Inc., and is being installed initially in the 

Technicolor and Columbia studio laboratories, 

it was disclosed by Robert Gottschalk, 

president of the Panavision firm. 

Micro Panatar is said to complement the 

Panavision projection system. According to 

Gottschalk, more than 300 pairs of 35mm 

projection lenses, called Super Panatar, already 

have been delivered to theatres in the 

U.S. and abroad. The lenses, it is claimed, 

are adjustable for any aspect ratio from 2.66 

to 1 to 1.33 to 1 and are adaptable to any 

standard projector. 

The optical printing process, it is said, can 

convert standard pictures to any large-screen 

ratio and can reduce wide-screen negatives 

to standard dimensions. 

Sales and distribution of the projection 

system are being handled by the Radiant 

Screen Corp., Chicago, Gottschalk said, while 

he is retaining sales rights to the printing 

process. 

Phonevision Home Tests 

To Start End of Month 

NEW YORK—The Phonevision system of 

pay-as-you-see home television will be tested 

experimentally over WOR-TV here beginning 

May 31. The tests will run from 9 a.m. 

to 4:30 p.m. and be Umited to the metropolitan 

area. Federal Communications Commission 

approval of tests starting May 15 

and continuing 90 days was recently obtained. 

Receivers will be equipped with code translators. 

TO PROMOTE S.\FETY—The .Auto- 

Buffalo has presented five 

mobile club of 

safety reels of 14 different themes to 

the police department for showing on the 

screens of western New York theatres. 

Above we see Ricliard D. Walsh, left, of 

the Hayman Theatres. Niagara Falls, who 

will arranRC for the distribution of the 

films; Police Commissioner Joseph A. 

DcCillis, and Robert K. Gillen. president 

of the Automobile club. 

FABIAN BACK IN U.S.— Si H. Fabian, 

president of Stanley Warner Corp., is met 

at the dock on his return from Europe 

by his associates Sam Rosen (left) and 

Harry M. Kalmine. 

Decision Reserved to Drop 

Schine Theatre Suit 

BUFFALO—The government vs. Schine 

Theatres, Inc., case came up Tuesday (25) 

before Federal Judge John Knight. He reserved 

decision on all motions to dismiss and 

will set trial date after he rules on the 

motions. 

Tlie Schine chain, its officers, J. Myer 

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

three other individuals at eight corporations 

have been named in civil and criminal contempt 

shows-cause orders charging alleged 

failiu'e to comply with 1949 antitrust decree 

ordered by Judge Knight. The decree ordered 

the Schine chain to divest itself of 39 

theatres and to make available to competing 

theatres first run films. 

On order of Judge Knight, three corporation 

officers were in federal court Tuesday 

to post appearance bonds of $2,500 each. 

'Magnificent Obsession' 

To Open in Cleveland 

NEW YORK—"Magnificent Obsession" will 

open at the RKO Palace Theatre, Cleveland. 

July 15, according to Charles J. Feldman, 

Universal-International vice-president and 

general sales manager. 

An intensive promotion campaign has already 

begun. Barbara Rush, one of the stars 

in the film, was in Cleveland during the week 

for television and radio appearances and 

newspaper interviews. Charles Simonelli, 

U-I eastern advertising-publicity manager; 

Ben Katz. midwest promotion manager, and 

Duke Hickey, Cleveland field exploitation representative, 

are outlining the campaign, including 

national magazine advertising scheduled 

for July and August. 

IFE to Handle 'Aida' 

NEW YORK—IFE Releasing Corp. will 

distribute "Aida," the Italian-produced opera 

film in color, next fall in association with 

S. Hurok, American impresario who sponsored 

the picture's production. "Aida" is the 

first opera to be filmed in true motion picture 

style, using location shots and large 

studio sets. It was directed by Clemente 

Fracassi with Sophia Loren and Lois Maxwell 

in the acting roles, Renato Tabaldi and 

Gino Bechi as singers and Alby Arnova as 

chief dancer. 

18 BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

MGM's ^The Student Prince' 

Is 

a Can't-Miss Musica 

By FRANK LEYENDECKER 

"THE millions of patrons who thrilled to the 

glorious melodies of Sigmund Romberg in 

the many stage productions and MGM's 

earlier film version of "Tlie Student Prince" 

wUl be equally enthralled by this immortal 

music, as well as by the panoramic sweep of 

the period operetta plot on the Cinemascope 

screen in the new MGM picture. And the 

tuneful numbers will now win many new 

youthful admii-ers, most of whom will come 

to see Ann Blyth and the screen newcomer, 

Edmund Purdom, who enacts the title role 

while emplojdng the singing voice of Mario 

Lanza. 

The long delays in the filming, due to 

MGM's well-publicized difficulties with the 

tempermental Lanza, have only served to 

whet the public's interest in the picture and 

in Purdom, a tall, personable young player 

who does a commendable acting job as the 

prince as well as an expert visual portrayal of 

Lanza's singing. With Ann Blyth, fresh from 

her triumph in the title role of "Rose Marie," 

and John Ericson and a strong supporting 

cast, not forgetting the boxoffice value of 

the music and Cinemascope, the picture 

should do strong business in almost any type 

of theatre. 

First and foremost, "The Student Prince" 

is an operetta-type musical during which 

the familial- plot, written for the screen by 

William Ludwig and Sonya Levien from the 

stage book by Dorothy Donnelly, is frequently 

interrupted to permit the rendition of 

such tunes as "Deep in My Heart, Dear," 

certainly one of the finest love songs from 

Romberg's pen; "Golden Days," "Drink, 

Drink, Drink," a rousing number for male 

voices, and "Come, Boys, Let's All Be Gay, 

Boys," all of them guaranteed to set audiences 

to humming. Two additional tunes, 

perfectly suited to Lanza's robust tenor voice, 

are "Beloved" and "I'll Walk With God," 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

presents 

"THE STUDENT PRINCE" 

A Cinemascope Production 

Running time: 107 Minutes 

Color by Ansco Aspect Ratio: 2.55 to 1 

THE CREDITS 

Produced by Joe Pasternak. Directed by Richard 

Thorpe. Written for the screen by William 

Ludwig and Sonya Levien. From the operetta 

with book and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly. Based 

on Q novel and play by Wilhelm Meyer-Foerster. 

Music by Sigmund Romberg. Additional songs by 

Nicholas Brodszky. Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. 

Musical numbers stoged by Hermes Pan. 

Musical direction, George Stoll. Vocal numbers 

conducted by Constantine Callinicos. Orchestration, 

Maurice de Pack. Choral supervision. Jeff 

Alexander. Director of photography, Paul C. 

Vogel. Art directors, Cedric Gibbons and Randall 

Duell. Color consultant, Alvord Eiseman. Assistant 

director, Arvid Griffen. Recording supervisor, 

Douglas Shearer, Film editor. Gene Ruggiero. Set 

decorations, Edwin B. Willis and Arthur Krams. 

Special effects, Warren Newcombe. Women's 

costumes designed by Helen Rose. Men's costumes 

by Walter Plunkett. Hair styles by Sydney 

Guilaroff. Mokeup created by William Tuttle. 

THE CAST 

Ann Blyth, Edmund Purdom, John Ericson, 

Louis Calhern, Edmund Gwenn, S. Z. "Cuddles" 

Sokoll, Betta St. John, John Williams, Evelyn 

Varden, John Hoyt, Richard Anderson, Roger 

Allen, Steve Rowlond, Chris Warfield, Archer Mac- 

Donald, Gilbert LeGay, Charles Davis, John Qualen. 

The singing voice of Mario Lanza as the Student 

Prince. 

with music by Nicholas Brodszky and lyrics 

by Francis Webster. 

The story, which was originally a German 

novel, "Alt Heidelberg," at the turn of the 

century when there were many small nations 

and royal marriages were usually arranged 

by kings and prime ministers, was later a 

dramatic play and, in 1924, was produced by 

the Shuberts as "The Student Prince" at the 

Jolson Theatre, New York City, where it ran 

for more than 600 performances. The Shuberts 

sent out touring companies every year 

until the 1950s and the songs became known 

the length and breadth of the United States. 

It was filmed by MGM in 1927 with Ramon 

Novarro and Norma Shearer starred. 

Now, for the first time in color and with the 

innovations of Cinemascope and stereophonic 

sound, the familiar tale holds up remarkably 

well. It starts in the kingdom of Karlsburg, 

where its king, played with his usual aplomb 

by Louis Calhern, has ai'ranged a marriage 

between his grandson. Prince Karl (Edmund 

Purdom) and the princess of a neighboring 

country— to replenish Karlburg's depleted 

coffers, of course. 

• » » 

While the prince finds his bride-to-be 

beautiful and charming, she is not impressed 

with Karl's Pi-ussian reserve and she refuses 

to marry him until he learns to be more 

human. On his grandfather's order, Karl is 

sent to Heidelberg university, where he is told 

to pose as an ordinary student while having 

a royal "fling." Karl falls in love with Kathie, 

the barmaid at the inn where he stays, and 

they even plan to run off together before a 

messenger ai-rives from Karlsburg with the 

news of the king's illness. Back home, Karl 

is commanded to forget Kathie—and remember 

his duty to his country. The date for 

his man'iage to the princess is set but, enroute 

to the wedding, Karl stops off in Heidelberg 

for a tearful goodbye—^before he takes up his 

royal duties. 

While the ending is unhappy—it is the only 

logical one and it will leave patrons tearful 

but comparatively content that times have 

changed—even for royalty. Director Richard 

Thorpe has made splendid use of the wide 

Cinemascope screen for several ceremonial 

scenes, including a royal ball, and rousing 

scenes with the students in the Heidelberg 

inn. The costumes by Helen Rose and Walter 

Plunkett are appropriately colorful and lavish, 

as are the sets. 

Purdom, who seems rather self-concious 

in the opening scenes, warms up to the role 

when his character becomes more human 

and he learns to smile. Ann Blyth is charming 

and thoroughly convincing as Kathie—and she 

sings splendidly. Edmund Gwenn, as the 

king's roly-poly old tutor; 8. Z. "Cuddles" 

Sakall, as the be-flustered inn-keeper, and 

John Williams, as the extremely proper royal 

valet, supply the hiunorous touches. John 

Ei-icson, as a stiff-necked young count, who 

duels with the prince; Betta St. John, as the 

princess, and Evelyn 'Varden, as her royal 

mother, have comparatively minor roles—but 

they are played to perfection. 

"The Student Prince," with its romantic 

songs and popular story, can't miss at the 

boxoffice—it never has during its long career 

in the entertainment world. 

Edmund Purdom, as Prince Karl, and 

Ann Blyth as Kathie, the barmaid, dance 

at the gala costume ball In "The Student 

Prince." 

Roosevelt Scenario Redone 

About John Paul Jones 

HOLL"ywOOD—To serve as the basis for a 

proposed motion picture and novel, a longlost 

scenario dealing with John Paul Jones 

as drafted by the late President Franklin D. 

Roosevelt in 1923, has been reconstructed by 

Elliott Roosevelt, son of the president, and an 

associate, Robert H. Nolan. The material has 

been titled "I Have Just Begun to Fight," 

the war cry of the famed founder of the 

U.S. navy. 

Roosevelt said his father completed the 

manuscript 31 years ago and submitted it to 

Adolph Zukor of Paramount, but the document 

was unfortunately misplaced and has 

never been found. Upon FDR's death, his 

private letters and papers were turned over 

to his widow, and were sorted and cataloged 

by Elliott Roosevelt, now a Beverly HiUs, 

Calif., resident, who uncovered his father's 

detailed notes for the scenario and the opening 

chapter of a proposed novel. 

RKO Sets General Release 

For 'Andersen' July 1 

NEW YORK — Samuel Goldwyn's "Hans 

Christian Andersen" wUl be generally released 

by RKO July 1, according to James 

Mulvey, Goldwyn president. The picture had 

its prerelease engagements in 1952. 

RKO is preparing a summer exploitation 

campaign for the Danny Kaye Technicolor 

musical with completely new ads, TV and 

theatre trailers and publicity material, according 

to Charles Boasberg, RKO general 

sales manager. Kaye is currently starring on 

Broadway in Paramount's "Knock on Wood" 

and Jeanmaire, Kaye's dancing co-star, is 

currently the star of the Broadway stage 

hit musical, "The Girl in Pink Tights." 

In Canada, where "Andersen" went into 

general release April 30, more than 40 dates 

have been set. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 

19

SuperScope Lens Device 

Adjusts Focal Lengths 

LOS ANGELES—Announcing completion of 

another new development for SuperScope, and 

again accenting the many advantages already 

claimed for the photographic and projection 

system, Joseph and Irving Tushinsky demonstrated 

their process at the Wiltern Theatre 

here on Tuesday (25) before a large audience 

of southland showmen and Hollywood production 

brass. 

The innovation revealed at the local showing 

is a SuperScope projection lens modifier, 

which, the Tushinskys claim, will adjust one 

of their prime lenses into seven different 

focal lengths without loss of quality or light. 

In a matter of seconds it converts a four-inch 

lens into anything from three and one-half 

to five inches. This modifier, according to 

its inventors, will enhance even more Super- 

Scope's previously claimed qualifications for 

standardizing all wide-screen anamorphic 

processes. Availability of the modifier kit 

and its price are to be announced soon, and 

it was declared at the demonstration that 

it will cost considerably less than one projection 

lens. 

TECH>aCALITIES DESCRIBED 

Technical procedure for the modifier's use 

was described as follows: 

On each of the three projectors in the booth 

is threaded an identical SuperScope allpurpose 

anamorphic print, and on all of 

them a 3?i-inch lens. The 2x1 projector has 

a 600x825 aperture and the 1.75 to 1 projector 

has a 680x825 aperture with a SuperScope 

modifier on the lens: the 1.66 to 1 projector 

has a 715x825 aperture, with a SuperScope 

modifier on the lens. Despite the different 

apertures in each projector, and with the 

same siae primary lens, the screen height of 

25 feet is maintained in each instance, and 

despite the different screen width the angle 

of view in each case is exactly ahke. 

In most other respects the demonstration, 

arranged by the local branch of National 

Screen Service in cooperation with RKO 

Radio studio, duplicated the one staged in 

New York late in March. 

Commentary on the process and footage 

utilized in demonstrating it stress the contention 

that SuperScope can simply, easily 

and economically bring anamorphic projection 

to theatres of any size; and can perform 

the same service for any company or independent 

producer desiring to make films for 

such anamorphic projection. 

CLAIMS BY TUSHINSKYS 

The Tu-shinskys reiterated their belief that 

the need for standardization is "de-sperate," 

and again set forth the claim that an exhibitor 

whose projector is equipped with a Super- 

Scope variable anamorphic lens can, "with 

a simple twist of the dial," change from—as 

an example— a 2.55 to 1 print to a 2 to 1 

print if such varied footage happens to be 

on the same bill. It was pointed out that 

more than 90 per cent of U.S. theatres must 

stay within a screen ratio of 1.66 to 1 through 

2 to 1 to maintain established screen height. 

However. SuperScope, it is claimed, enables 

any theatre to maintain its present screen 

height. 

ADVANCE LOOK AT CITATION— 

Mrs. Dean Gray Edwards, motion picture 

chairman of the General Federation 

of Women's Clubs, gives Rocli Hudson an 

advance peaic at a citation which the Federation 

will present to Universal Pictures 

at its national convention in Denver on 

June 4, naming "Magnificent Obsession" 

as an outstanding film. Hudson will be in 

Dublin shooting a new film at the time 

the award will be made in Denver. 

Exhibitor Invents Lens 

Making Any Print 3-D 

DENVER—Merf Evans, manager of the 

Lakewood, has invented and patented a lens 

accessory that will project any type of film, 

black and white, color, two dimension, in 

three-dimension projection on the screen of 

any motion picture theatre. Only one print 

is used, and only one projector is necessary, 

he announced. It is an "optical arrangement" 

of mirrors that uses the fundamental 

principles of three-dimension projection. 

Evans said the cost to the theatre would 

be small, in most cases less than the theatre 

would pay for one second low-cost feature. 

By using only one film and one machine 

there is absolutely no difficulty about keeping 

the picture in focus, he claims. Evans 

also declared the device could be used to 

project television pictures into home receivers 

in three dimension-projection. However 

glasses would be needed in either the theatre 

or the home for 3-D. Tlie patent covers use 

in television as well as in theatres, but Evans 

said he would not offer it to television until 

he was turned down in his efforts to market 

the device in theatres. He is presently trying 

to interest capital in the gadget. 

Evans declared the device could easily save 

Hollywood a million dollars a year, since 

any type film can be projected into threedimension 

with his device. 

The first public use of the device is at 

the Lakewood, where Evans i.s using it on 

the showing of "Tlie Living Desert" the last 

of this week. 

National Theatres 

Buys Into Todd-AO 

WASHINGTON — National Theatres on 

Tuesday i25) filed a petition in New York 

federal district court for permission to purchase 

$1,000,000 of debentures to be issued 

by Magna Theatre Corp., and Department of 

Justice officials said the government would 

not oppose the grant. The petition was slated 

to be heard Friday (28i, they said. 

The D of J explained that National, Magna 

and Todd-AO, which controls the process in 

which the films to be released by Magna will 

be produced, have agreed to certain conditions 

and limitations with regard to the proposal 

which it considers acceptable and not 

out of line with the 20th Century-Fox consent 

decree. 

Under that decree. National is prohibited 

from entering the production and distribution 

field. The proposed purchase might have 

been considered violative of that decree because 

it carries wîth it ten-year warrants for 

common stock which could give National up 

to 4 per cent of Magna's common stock. 

In addition. National would receive a 4 1/6 

per cent share in the profits of "Oklahoma!" 

first feature to be produced by Magna. 

Here are the special conditions which were 

agreed upon: 

1. National agrees to dispose of any Magna 

common stock it acquires by exercising the 

warrants within five years of the acquisition 

date. 

2. If at any time National should have 

acquired more than 6 per cent of the outstanding 

Magna common stock, it will dispose 

of the excess above 6 per cent within 

six months. 

3. Magna agrees to license any picture released 

in the Todd-AO process theatre-bytheatre, 

solely on the merits and without any 

discrimination in favor of National. 

4. With respect to any such picture later 

released in conventional form. Magna agrees 

to license theatre-by-theatre, solely on the 

merits and without discrimination in favor 

of or against any potential purchaser. 

5. Beginning five years from the date of 

release of the fii-st Todd-AO feature, Todd- 

AO will be required to license its process on 

reasonable terms to any other producing 

company that may request it, until such a 

time as National disposes of its Magna stock. 

For the first five years, and then again following 

disposal by National of the stock. 

Magna will have exclusive rights to the 

Todd-AO process. 

Chicago VistaVision Show 

To Be Presented June 2 

CHICAGO—Paramount will wind up its 

current series of regional demonstrations of 

VistaVision June 2 at the Chicago Theatre. 

Exhibitors and press representatives from the 

midwestern and central area have been invited. 

Y. Frank Freeman, Paramount vice-president, 

and Dr. Charles Daily, research technical 

expert, will explain the process. The 

program will be the same as that presented 

elsewhere, scenes from Irving Berlin's "White 

Christmas," "Three Ring Circus" and "Strategic 

Air Command." 

20 BOXOFnCE : 

: May 

29, 1954

TaMgainjik 

1 

Land of the hunter 

. . . and the hunted, 

ruled by a madman's 

dynasty of terror! 

171 n 

S 

Savage heart of 

Africa, challenged 

by a white hunter's 

lust for vengeance! 

Forbidden empire, 

where love was the 

prize in the most 

dangerous game 

of all! 

VAN HEFLIN 

HOWARD DUFF 

RUTH ROMAN 

With 

JEFF MORROW 

JOE COMADORE 

DiRfflffl By iDRE Ot lOlW SCRWLAY fly WILLIAM S«l 

mtummm 

S-PRODUCtOflyALOLfll J. COHEN - a Umversalimernational Picture 

î^HI^HniailiMMlHaMMMIiiMMMMtiaNMiMiaiAiiMMIMMM 

^''...Pictures with that Universal appeal"

' 

Huston and Allied Artists 

Sign Exclusive Contract 

HOLLYWOOD—Finalizing a deal that has 

been widely publicized for some months, John 

Huston has entered into an exclusive producer-director-writer 

contract with Allied 

Ai'tists, calling for a minimum of three features. 

Announcement of the completion of negotiations 

with Huston came from Steve Broidy. 

AA president, who at the same time revealed 

that contracts are now being drawn for the 

producer-director-scrivener services of Billy 

Wilder and that a similar pact with producerdirector 

William Wyler is expected to be arranged 

in the near future. 

Huston's first under the AA agreement 

will be "The Man Who Would Be King," 

from the story by Rudyard Kipling, now being 

scripted by Peter Viertel. It will go before 

the cameras when Huston has completed his 

current "Moby Dick" for Moulin Productions 

and Warner release. 

Broidy hailed the Huston pact as being 

"the logical development" of AA's progress 

in production and distribution during the 

past three years, and said the Huston and 

the anticipated Wilder and Wyler pictures 

will be augmented "with a greatly expanded 

high-calibre production program." The selection 

of new screen photographic and projection 

processes will be dictated, Broidy said, 

by the subject matter of each individual film 

venture. 

Huston, currently in England, expressed 

his belief that the industry is entering "a 

golden age ... in which truly fine and important 

product will have greater audiences 

than were ever dreamed of in the past." 

The Huston negotiations originally were 

initiated by Harold J. Mirisch, AA vice-president, 

who—with G. Ralph Branton, also an 

AA vice-president—was associated in the financing 

and western hemisphere distribution 

of Huston's "Moulin Rouge," a United 

Artists release. 

Huston was represented in the contractual 

arrangements with AA by Morgan Maree, 

Paul Kohner and Mark M. Cohen. 

'Johnny Dark' Is Dated 

NEW YORK—"Johnny Dark," Universal- 

International pictui'e with a sports car background, 

starring Tony Curtis, Piper Laurie 

and Don Taylor, will be given a two-city 

opening at the Rivoli Theatre, Toledo, and 

the Michigan Theatre, Detroit, June 16-18. 

These will start a series of territorial saturation 

openings. 

Four More Hallmark Franchises 

LOS ANGELES—Four more franchise 

territories 

have been lined up by Hallmark 

Productions, including Moe Esserman, Indianapolis; 

Harold Schwarz, Dallas and 

Oklahoma city, and William Benjamin, Milwaukee. 

Honorary Degree for Charles Skouras 

LOS ANGELES—Charles P. Skouras, president 

of National Theatres and the Fox West 

Coast circuit, will be awarded an honorary 

doctor of philosophy degree here June 13 by 

Loyola university. 

Steve Broidy 

John Huston 

Allied Artists Reports 

Gain in 39-Week Net 

HOLLYWOOD—Net earnings slightly higher 

than were tallied during the corresponding 

period of the previous year were reported by 

Allied Artists for the 39 weeks ending March 

27, 1954. The net before federal income taxes, 

as disclosed by President Steve Broidy, 

amounted to $585,289, compared with $585,- 

127 for the same period In 1953. 

Gross income for the 39-week period ending 

March 27, 1954, was $8,290,681, compared 

with $7,147,360 for the previous year. 

Broidy said that in the most recent 39- 

week span covering the first nine months of 

AA's current fiscal year, a reserve of $304,- 

000 was set up for federal income taxes, an 

increase over the adjusted reserve of $269,- 

000 for the corresponding period of the previous 

year. After providing for this tax reserve, 

the 1954 net to date amounts to $281,- 

289, compared with $316,127 for the same 

period in 1953. 

Very little of the earnings accruing from 

the Walter Wanger production, "Riot in Cell 

Block 11," were reflected in this 39-week report, 

Broidy pointed out. 

Payment of 13?4 cents a share as the first 

quarterly dividend on Allied Artists' Sli per 

cent cumulative preferred stock, which has a 

$10 par value, was authorized at a Friday 

(21) meeting of the board of directors. The 

dividend is payable June 15, 1954, to stockholders 

of record as of June 5. 

Bobbins Again Appointed 

UCP Trailer Group Head 

NEW YORK—Herman Robbins, president 

of National Screen Service, has again been 

named chairman of the Motion Picture Trailer 

Distribution Committee for the 1954 United 

Cerebral Palsy campaign by Leonard H. Goldenson, 

UCP president and also head of 

American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, 

Inc. Robbins has held this post since UCP 

was started five years ago. 

National Screen will handle distribution 

of the campaign appeal trailer, which stars 

Bob Hope, UCP life chairman; William Clay 

Ford, 1954 campaign chairman, and fiveyear-old 

Jackie Martin. More than 1,500 

prints of the two and one-half minute trailer 

have been supplied. 

COMPO Audience Poll 

Committee Is Named 

NEW YORK—The Council of Motion Picture 

Organizations national audience poll 

committee has been named and it will meet 

at the Astor hotel June 5 and 6. The selections 

were made by the COMPO press rela- 

< 

' 

tions committee. 

Those who have accepted invitations to 

serve are: Mrs. Alice N. Gorham of United 

Detroit Theatres; Senn Lawler, Fox Midwest 

Amusement Corp. of Kansas City; Paul 

Levi of American Theatres Corp., Boston; 

Emil Bernstecker of the Wilby-Kincey Circuit, 

Atlanta, and Ralph W. Russell, manager 

of the Palace Theatre, Canton, Ohio, a 

unit of the A. G. Constant Circuit, which 

conducted a similar audience poll two years 

ago. 

The audience poll group will be greeted by 

members of the press committee—Harry 

Mandel, Harry Goldberg, Oscar Doob, Jerry 

Pickman and Kenneth Clark. It is also expected 

that one or more of the members of 

the COMPO governing group, Sam Pinanski, 

Wilbur Snaper and Al Lichtman, will be 

present. 

Robert W. Coyne, special counsel, and 

Charles E. McCarthy, COMPO information 

director, will attend the sessions. 

20th-Fox Will Distribute 1 

Feature of Queen's Tour 

NEW YORK—Twentieth Century-Fox will 

release a full-length feature on the recentlycompleted 

visit of England's queen and her 

consort to the British Commonwealth in 

Cinemascope and Eastman Color later this 

spring. The feature will be titled "The Royal 

Tour of Queen Elizabeth and Philip." 

Photographed by British Movietone with 

full stereophonic sound, the production is 

subtitled "The Flight of the White Heron" 

and will take audiences to Fiji, Tonga, New 

Zealand, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, 

Brisbane and Perth. Spyros P. Skouras, 

president of 20th-Fox, is seeing the final 

footage of the tour, showing the return to 

England through the Mediterranean via Gibraltar, 

in London. The processing of the 

feature is being completed to enable its opening 

in London early in June. 

'Operation Manhunt' Final 

Title for Spy Picture 

NEW YORK—"Operation Manhunt" is the 

final title of the forthcoming United Artists 

release previously known as "Igor the Spy." 

Filming was completed Monday (24) in Canada. 

The story is based on the experiences of 

Igor Gouzenko, former Soviet code clerk, 

who went into hiding nine years ago after ! 

exposing an international spy ring. 

Because of the timeliness of the subject 

matter, the picture is being rushed into distribution. 

Lippert Release Set 

HOLLYWOOD—Release through Lippert 

Pictures has been set for "Mannequins for 

Rio," which will be produced and directed by 

Kurt Neumann on location in Italy and Germany. 

Scott Brady and Raymond Burr have 

been signed for the male leads. 

li 

'| 

* 

22 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

President United Paramount Theatres, says: 

"A great book has been made 

into a greater motion picture. 

As with 'Eternity', Columbia 

has done it again with 

rHE CAINE MUTINY! » 

^mpeir 

STARRING 

Humphrey Bogart - Jose Ferrer 

Van Johnson - Fred MacMurray 

and 

Introducing 

ROBERT FRANCIS- MAY WYNN 

c... .TECHNICOLOR 

icitcn Plaj ti> STANLEY ROBERTS 

• 

Based upon the Puiit;er pr.ie winmog novel ti» HERMAN WOUK 

D,..ctedb, EDWARD DMYTRYK A COLUMBIA PICTURE • A STANLEY KRAMER PROD. 

•

'iôUefCiMcd êfiont 

By 

IVAN SPEAR 

Jt/ne Marks Ptoductional Upsurge; 

Best Month in 

The best yet for 1954. That's the encouraging 

productional outlook for June in a 

year which has been marked, up to now, by 

a severe attack of the doldrums among the 

film capital's major and independent filmmakers. 

As a hoped-for harbinger of better things 

to come, the lineup of contemplated product 

•for the upcoming month tallies a reasonably 

brisk 29 features, a substantial gain over 

May's projected 22 and the most ambitious 

scheduled since 1953's closing days. Among 

toilers in the cinematic vineyards—most of 

them hard-hit by the slowdown which has 

gripped the film capital for the past year 

or more—the June prospects are being regarded 

as a possible harbinger of a longlooked-for 

upsurge to combat exhibition's 

plaintive cries about a shortage of saleable 

celluloid. 

Here is 

ALLIED ARTISTS 

the count, by studios: 

"The Bob Mathias Story." A film biography 

of the noted athlete and Olympic 

Games decathlon event winner, in which 

Mathias is portraying himself. Producer, William 

E. Selwyn (Mathlon Productions). Director, 

Francis D. Lyon. 

"Ketchikan." Alaska's salmon-fishing industry 

serves as the background for this action 

drama, scheduled for lensing partially 

on location in the Ketchikan area. Stars 

Mark Stevens. Producer, Lindsley Parsons. 

Director not set. In color. 

"Killer Leopard." Another adventure in 

the "Bomba, the Jungle Boy" series. Stars 

Johnny Sheffield, Rory Mallinson, Russ Conway. 

Producer and director, Ford Beebe. 

"The Police Story." Told in semidocumentary 

style, this story of crime vs. the law 

is based on material from the files of the 

Los Angeles police department. Stars not 

set. Producer, Hayes Goetz. Director, Joe 

Newman. 

COLUMBIA 

"Wyoming Outlaws." This historical western 

treats of the law-breaking exploits ot Butch 

Cassidy and his "Wild Bunch," who terrorized 

the frontier in the 1890s. Stars not set. 

Producer, Wallace MacDonald. Dii-ector, Fred 

F. Sears. 

Untitled. A prison drama dealing with 

conditions in U.S. penal institutions where 

both male and female prisoners are housed 

under the same roof, this is designed to highlight 

such outmoded systems. Stars not set. 

Producer, Bryan Foy. Director not set. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

"Love Me or Leave Me." In which Ruth 

Ettlng, a leading torch singer of the torrid 

'20s, is portrayed in a wide-screen color 

musical by Ava Gardner. Producer, Joe Pasternak. 

Director Ava Gardner. 

"Many Rivers to Cross." A hunter and trap- 

1954 As 29 Roll 

UA PRODUCT CONFERENCE—Producer 

Leonard Goldstein (standing, 

right) and brother Robert (seated, left) 

discuss production and promotion plans 

for ten films to be released by United 

Artists in a home office huddle with UA 

President Arthur B. Krim (standing, left) 

and board chairman Robert S. Benjamin. 

The ten-picture package by newly formed 

Leonard Goldstein Productions represents 

an estimated negative cost of more than 

$10,000,000. 

per in pioneer Kentucky is forced into marriage 

with a mountain girl; together they 

battle for survival against Indians and the 

elements, and come to love each other. Stars 

Robert Taylor, Eleanor Parker, Louis Calhern. 

Pi'oducer, Jack Cummings. Director, Roy 

Rowland. In wide-screen and color. 

INDEPENDENT 

"The Honor and the Glory." This aviation 

drama will be filmed largely on location at 

the Wright-Patterson aii- force base in Ohio. 

Stars not set. Producer, Carl Krueger. Director, 

Louis King. 

"The Long Chance." A policeman uncovers 

evidence that establishes the innocence of 

a condemned woman. Stars not set. Producers, 

Aubrey Wisberg, Edgar Ulmer, Use Lahn 

(Masthead Productions). Director, Edgar 

Ulmer. 

"Private Hell 36." Its source material emanating 

from actual police files, this outlines 

the training of a rookie cop. Stars Ida 

Lupino, Steve Cochran, Howard Duff, Dean 

Jagger. Producer, Collier Young (Filmmakers). 

Director, Don Siegel. 

LIPPERT PICTURES 

"Mannequins for Rio." This romantic drama 

will be filmed on location in Germany and 

Italy. Stars Scott Brady, Johanna Matz, Raymond 

Burr. Producer and director, Kurt 

Neumann. 

PARAMOUNT 

"Blue Horizon." Tentatively titled, this is 

a story of the Lewis and Clark expedition 

and of the Indian maiden, Sacajawea, who 

served as a guide to the heroic explorers. 

Stars Charlton Heston, portraying Lewis. 

Producers, William Pine and William Thomas. 

Directors not set. In VistaVision and 

Technicolor. 

"Catch a Thief." A reformed criminal retires 

and becomes a friend of the police who 

had never been able to catch him. When a 

new series of crimes breaks out, he is compelled 

to work on the side of law and order 

to clear himself. To be filmed on location in 

France. Stars Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Jessie 

Royce Landis. Producer and director, Alfred 

Hitchcock. In VistaVision. 

"Hell's Island." A murderer and thief, paralyzed 

from the waist down and operating from 

a wheelchair, plots to steal the ruby idol. 

Stars John Payne. Mary Murphy, Francis L. 

Sullivan. Producers, William Pine and William 

Thomas. Director, Phil Karlson. In 

VistaVision and Technicolor. 

"We're No Angels." Adapted from a French 

stage success, this romantic comedy concerns 

three convicts who escape from Devil's Island. 

Stars Humphrey Bogart. Joan Bennett, 

Basil Rathbone. Producer, Pat Duggan. Director, 

Michael Curtiz. In VistaVision 

RKO RADIO 

"Cattle Queen of Montana." Upon the 

death of her father, a fiery young woman 

takes over his Montana ranch holdings, including 

a herd of 10,000 cattle. Stars Barbara 

Stanwyck. Producer, Benedict Bogeaus (Filmcrest 

Productions) . Director not set. In Technicolor 

and SuperScope. 

REPUBLIC 

"The Atomic Kid." This romantic comedy 

has science-fiction overtones. Stars Mickey 

Rooney. Producer, Maurice Duke (Mickey 

Rooney Enterprises). Director not set. 

20th 

CENTURY-FOX 

"Black Widow." The mysterious death of 

an aspiring writer nearly shatters the life 

of a Broadway producer who loves her. 

Stars 

Maggie McNamara. Pi'oducer and director, 

Nunnally Johnson. In Cinemascope. 

"Carmen Jenes." Cinemascope film version 

of Oscar Hammerstein II's stage hit, which 

in turn was based on the Bizet opera, "Carmen." 

Stars Pearl Bailey. Producer and director. 

Otto Preminger (Carlyle I»roductions). 

"Hawk of the Desert." Technicolor adventure 

in the Sahara. Stars Cleo Moore. Producer, 

Leonard Goldstein (Panoramic Pro- , 

ductions). Director. Robert Webb. 

UNITED ARTISTS 

"Operation Air Rescue." A story of helicopter 

pilots and their rescue work in transporting 

the wounded from the battlefields in 

Korea. Stars not set. Producer, Art Arthur 

(Ivan Tors Productions). Director, Herb 

Strock. To be filmed in color. 

"Black Tuesday." The title of this gangland 

drama refers to execution day in New 

Jersey and the plot concerns the apprehension 

and conviction of an underworld czar. 

Stars Edward G. Robinson. I*i'oducer, Leonard 

Goldstein. Director, Hugo Pregonese. 

This is the first picture scheduled by Goldstein 

under his recently inked UA contract. 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL 

"Captain Lightfoot." From the novel by 

W. R. Burnett—the story of an Irish Robin 

24 BOXOFFICE :: May 29 1954

Hood who, during the early 1800s, robbed the 

rich to aid the poor. Stars Rock Hudson, 

Barbara Rush, Jeff Morrow. Producer, Ross 

Hunter. Director, Douglas Sirk. In Technicolor, 

on location in Ireland. 

"Smoke Signal." An army officer, erroneously 

believed to be a renegade, redeems 

himself by saving his former post in New 

Mexico in 1852 from an Indian attack. Stars 

Dana Andrews, Piper Laurie, Bart Roberts. 

Producer, Howard Christie. Director, Jerry 

Hopper. In Technicolor. 

"The Stuntman." A behind-the-scenes 

comedy of Hollywood. Stars Bud Abbott and 

Lou Costello. Producer, Howard Christie. 

Director, Charles Lamont. 

WARNER BROS. 

"Drumbeat." This historical western deals 

with the Moduc Indian wars and is the first 

film venture to be undertaken by Alan Ladd's 

newly formed Jaguar Productions. Stars Alan 

Ladd, Audrey Dalton, Marisa Pavan. Producer 

and director, Delmer Daves. In Cinemascope 

and WarnerColor. 

"East of Eden." An adaptation of John 

Steinbeck's novel about a Central California 

family. Stars James Dean, Julie Harris, Raymond 

Massey. Producer and director, Elia 

Kazan. In Cinemascope. 

"The Silver Chalice." Based on the Biblical 

novel by Thomas Costain, drawing its title 

from the Holy Grail. Stars Virginia Mayo, 

Jack Palance, Pier Angeli. Producer and director, 

Victor Saville. In Cinemascope and 

WarnerColor. 

Friedlob and Robinson 

Form Production Unit 

With a schedule of eight planned films, 

Fi'iedlob-Robinson Productions has been organized 

by producer Bert E. Friedlob and 

scenarist Casey Robinson, both long-time affiliates 

of 20th Century-Fox. Friedlob and 

William A. Bacher are, as a matter of fact, 

currently co-producing "Untamed" as a 

Susan Hayward starrer for that company. 

Friedlob and Robinson will begin their 

lensing activity with one of two properties 

they now own— "The Bloody Spur," from a 

novel of the newspaper business by Charles 

Einstein, or "Seven Nights in Paris," an original 

by Robinson. They haven't, hov/ever, set 

a starting date or negotiated any releasing 

commitments. 

Armcmd Deutsch to Leave 

MGM Production Post 

Short takes from the sound stages: After 

six years with the studio, Armand Deutsch is 

vacating his berth as an MGM producer, 

effective when his current vehicle, "Green 

Fire," has been completed next month. 

Deutsch hasn't as yet announced his future 

plans . . . It's quite a change of pace for 

Victor Mature from fugitive Christian in 

pagan Rome (in 20th-Fox's "Demetrius and 

the Gladiator") to warring Indian chieftain, 

as which he has been cast as the title-roler 

Universal-International's upcoming "Chief 

in 

Crazy Horse" ... In his capacity as head of 

Howard Hughes Productions, not as RKO 

Radio's top man, the film executive and oil 

tycoon has inked Sally Forrest to a longterm 

acting contract. The player, whose last 

film was RKO's "Son of Sinbad," will begin 

the pact upon completion of a 16-week commitment 

with the Broadway stage hit, "Seven- 

Eric Johnston Predicts 

Greater Movie Vistas 

Coyne Commends MPIC 

For Part in 

Tax Fight 

To the Motion Picture Industry Council, 

which organization was formulated 

to improve the trade's over-all public relations, 

came high praise for its part in 

winning the admission tax fight when 

Robert Coyne, general counsel for 

COMPO, spoke at an MPIC membership 

meeting during a recent trek to the west 

coast. 

Discussing the COMPO campaign 

which resulted in the slash of federal 

levies on amusements, Coyne said COMPO 

owed MPIC "a debt of gratitude." While 

in Hollywood he spent some time in conferences 

with various studio executives 

and independent and circuit showmen. 

Year Itch" . . . Reuniting the productiondirection 

team responsible for "The High and 

the Mighty," Wayne-Fellows Productions 

booked William A. Wellman to pilot another 

upcoming venture for Warner release, "Track 

of the Cat." Based on the novel by Walter 

Van Tilburg Clark, the outdoor action drama 

will star Robert Mitchum and Bill Hopper. 

At the same time the W-F unit picked up 

screen rights to the new Robert Carson novel, 

"The Quality of Mercy," a purchase that was 

promptly protested by Kirk Douglas, who 

claims he had a "verbal commitment" whereby 

the tome was to have -gone to his independent 

unit, Bryna Productions. W-F 

countered by offering Douglas the starring 

role in its projected film version of the book. 

Life Magazine Featuring 

Article on Male Stars 

CHICAGO—Life magazine is running a feature 

on up-and-coming male movie stars in 

its May 31 issue. To let BOXOFPICE editors 

know about the article. Hud Stoddard 

of Life and Time wired his publicity inverse: 

Some like 'em hot, some like 'em cold, 

Some like 'em with a beard nine days old. 

Some like broad chests and muscles, 

Others go in for psychological tussles; 

The May 31 Life picks the top up-and-coming 

Hollywood lads, 

Who have plenty of sex appeal and no shoulder 

pads. 

There's no boxoffice disaster for Burt Lancaster, 

And the smile that's Golden belongs to Bill 

Holden; 

Sinatra's a dream-boat and Widmark a sadist. 

But Old Kirk Douglas is toughest and baddest. 

Other lads with tremendous potential 

Include Rock Hudson and Cameron Mitchell, 

Robert Wagner and Robert Francis, 

Tab Hunter and Tony Curtis. 

John Ericson, too. is a talented actor, 

And Steve Forrest needs no Max Factor; 

Hollywood's heroes pictures in this week's Life 

Will appeal to teenager, engaged girl, and wife. 

And you, we hopen; 

Thought you might want to keep a special eye open. 

OMAHA—Speaking before the Chamber of 

Commerce on the observance of the 100th 

anniversary of the founding of Omaha, Eric 

Johnston, president of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n, told his 

audience that the mc tion picture 

industry is in a state of transition that 

will bring a new and better type of pictures 

to world audiences. 

"Never before has Hollywood been host 

to more fresh thinking and daring investment," 

he said. "The industry is in a state 

of transition. The movies are re-tooling and 

re-fueling, and I am confident we will see 

revolutionary changes in the next few years 

—all of them designed to bring better pictures 

to the public under the best possible 

circumstances. 

NO END TO EXPERIMENTS 

"We have by no means seen the end of 

technological progress and innovation. Experiments 

in sight, sound and process even 

now are briskly under way. Methods of distribution 

and exhibition are carefully being 

re-examined. 

"With the technological advances the motion 

picture industry is making in photography, 

projection and presentation, the movie 

theatre will be able to offer more to its 

patrons than ever before. 

"You are seeing progress iir the making. 

We have 3-D, Cinerama, Cinemascope, Vista- 

Visioii, stereophonic sound. Screens are higher 

and wider. There are innovations in the 

camera itself. 

"These developments are bringing new excitement 

and greater pleasure to the audience. 

Life is being brought closer to the 

screen, closer to reality. 

"The magic of scientists and technicians 

who are constantly at work in their laboratories 

will produce new processes, new methods 

and new skills that will keep the motion 

picture the foremost entertainment mediimi 

of the American family." 

Turning to television, Johnston said the 

industry does not view it with alarm, because 

it has "broadened the horizons of 

moviedom and presented it with exciting potentials, 

opportunities and markets for film 

products." 

HAILS THEATRE TELEVISION 

Theatre television may be expected to become 

a major new source of entertairmient 

and culture, he said. 

"News events can be brought to the theatre 

screen right after they occur, as part 

of the program," he said. "Our newsreels, 

with years of experience behind them, could 

do this job superlatively well. 

"Theatre television would make the motion 

picture theatre, now a key civic center 

across the country, more important than 

ever. There will always be viewing limitations 

in home television, which do not apply to 

the theatre screen. I do not think Americans 

are going to become a nation of hibernators 

never venturing from their homes." 

Loew's Declares Dividend 

NEW YORK^Loew's, Inc., has declared its 

regular quarterly dividend of 20 cents, payable 

June 30 to stockholders of record June 11. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 25'

Keep CScope at Regular Admissions, 

Harry Arthur Tells Spyros Skouras 

LOS ANGELES — Continuing his written 

discussions with Spyros Skouras, president of 

20th Century-Fox, anent Cinemascope and 

the exhibition policies established for the 

company's films in that wide-screen process, 

Harry C. Arthur jr., chairman of the board 

of the Southern California Theatre Owners 

Ass'n, on Wednesday (12) dispatched another 

communique to the 20th-Fox chieftain. 

Again commending Skouras and 20th-Fox 

for their "pioneer work in behalf of Cinema- 

Scope," Arthur nevertheless contended that 

the distribution firm has been arbitrary in 

its alleged insistence that showmen up their 

admission prices when booking Cinemascope 

product. 

In this connection the SCTOA leader 

asserted that exhibitors in the Los Angeles 

territory have been unable to book such features 

in houses charging 50 cents admission 

and "have been frankly told by your exchange 

that they can get the pictures if they will 

increase their admission prices to $1." 

TROFIT GUAKANTEE' REFUTED 

Arthur also took issue with a statement 

made by skouras in a previous letter to him, 

in which the 20th-Fox president advised that 

his company had "demonstrated our concern 

beyond any other parallel in motion picture 

history by guaranteeing a profit on all our 

pictures produced in Cinemascope, now, without 

waiting for more prosperous times." 

As concerns this, Arthur suggested that 

Skouras have his organization "follow through 

on this statement of principle," and charged 

that 20th-Fox has "spent considerable time 

convincing us that the principle is not applicable 

to the theatres which we operate." 

The SCTOA head contended, further, that 

"no effort has really been made" to meet 

the competition offered by television. Here 

again admission prices are important, he declared, 

adding: 

"If the price is right, the people will pay 

for what they want. If the admission price 

to the motion picture theatre is kept within 

moderate bounds, there is no question in my 

mind but what the motion picture theatre 

wiU always be a capable competitor for the 

American entertaiimnent dollar and free television 

at home will not keep the American patron 

from spending that dollar if he feels 

he Is getting his money's worth." 

COMMENDS NEW STEREO POLICY 

He admitted that with 20th-Fox's "The 

Robe" SCTOA members "outgrossed any picture 

that we have recently run" and hailed 

the offering as "beyond comparison with the 

general run of pictures ... it was never intended 

that its gross represented what an 

exhibitor might expect from other Cinema- 

Scope picture." 

Commenting on the recent 20th-Fox decision 

to eliminate demands that exhibitors 

utilize stereophonic sound in showing Cinema- 

Scope features, Arthur called the move 

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from all angles.. Low costi Saves upkeepi 

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"wise," and one that will "prove to the 

ultimate benefit ... to those exhibitors (and) 

to your own company." 

Spyros and 20th-Fox also were commended 

for their efforts in the development of the 

Eidophor theatre-TV system and for sparkplugging 

the "Movies Are Better Than Ever" 

campaign, which latter "unfortunately," according 

to Arthur, "was not accompanied by 

enough movies that were better than ever." 

J. Don Alexander Elected 

To International Post 

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—J. Don 

Alexander, president of Alexander Film Co., 

has been elected a member of the executive 

council of the International Screen Advertising 

Services with headquarters in London, 

England. Notice of Alexander's appointment 

was received from Ernest Pearl, president of 

the ISAS in London. 

The ISAS is an international organization 

of film advertising producers in Prance, Belgium, 

Italy, Germany and Great Britain. 

Alexander is the first American to be elected 

to the organization's executive council, and 

the Alexander Film Co. is the only American 

film company to gain membership in the organization 

itself. 

According to Alexander, the ISAS was organized 

by West European film ad producers 

to serve European and American advertisers 

desiring foreign distribution of their motion 

picture advertising campaigns. Arrangements 

will be made, Alexander said, whereby these 

advertisers wiU be able to have their film ads 

produced and distributed in the countries of 

their choice by the member companies of the 

ISAS. 

Addition of his organization to membership 

in the ISAS is expected, Alexander said, 

to further facilitate film ad distribution in 

this country for European advertisers, and 

for American manufacturers desiring European 

distribution of their films. 

Alexander also stated that his organization 

will enter a number of its film advertising 

productions in the International Festival of 

Advertising Films which will be held in 

Venice, Italy, in September. Sponsored by 

the ISAS, the Venice festival will award 

prizes for the best advertising films selected 

by an international panel of judges. The competition 

will be open to advertising film producers 

throughout the world. 

Morgan to Assist Shupert 

At ABC Film Syndication 

NEW YORK—George T. Shupert, president 

of ABC Film Syndication, has appointed 

Richard R. Morgan to assist him in general 

business affairs and administrative details 

in all phases of the company's operations. 

Morgan is the son of Oscar Morgan, general 

sales manager of Paramount short subjects 

and Paramount News. He has been 

executive secretary of the Western Pennsylvania 

unit of Allied, general manager of Con- 

.solldated Theatres in Salt Lake City, legal 

iidvi.ser to General Television Enterprises 

;ind, from 1939 to 1949, liaison between the 

Paramount sales and legal departments. 

Raibourn Offers Way 

To End UHF Impasse 

CHICAGO—Color and pay-as-you-see television 

can be the best solution of the problem 

raised by the failure of ultra high frequency 

television, Paul Raibourn, vice-president 

of Paramount, told the Television Council 

of Chicago Friday (21) at a luncheon held 

at the Sheridan hotel. The UHF problem 

is now under study in Washington. 

Raibourn outlined 12 proposals now under 

discussion as follows: 

1. Granting of additional UHF channels to 

the networks and important operators to 

increase their interest in UHF. 

2. Remission of the 10 per cent manufacturers' 

excise tax on sets able to receive UHF. 

3. Various types of subsidies for UHF consisting 

of loans and grants to help the UHF 

operator for a period of time. 

4. A proposal that no color set may be sold 

in interstate commerce which does not have 

tuning for UHF channels. 

5. The elimination of intermixture of VHP 

and UHF stations in the same community. 

6. Re-allocation of the FM. band and other 

bands between 88 and 174 megacycles to provide 

more VHF channels. 

7. Authorize booster and satellite stations 

to fill holes in UHF coverage patterns. 

8. Three technical changes in UHF situations: 

(A) Requirements for higher minimum 

power; (B) Suspension of grants in the 

VHF band or in both UHF and VHF bands; 

(C) Changes in existing UHF authorizations 

increasing coverage. 

9. Promulgation of additional chain broadcasting 

rules in order to assist stations in obtaining 

network programs. 

10. Reassignment of all VHF grants to 

channels in the UHF band. 

11. Stations to have the right to all programs 

by bidding for them when they are 

offered in any market. 

12. The adoption of rules and standards 

for pay television operation of stations. 

Fred Schaefer, 83, Dies; 

Veteran at RKO Radio 

NEW YORK—Fred Schaefer, former newspaper 

reporter and feature writer and more 

recently the editor of pressbooks at RKO Radio 

Pictures, died Friday (21) at the age of 83 

at the Norwalk hospital in Connecticut after 

a brief illness. 

Born in Louisville, Ky., Schaefer worked 

on the Louisville Courier-Journal, Cincinnati 

Post and a San Francisco paper before 

becoming associated with the motion picture 

business as a publicist with the Vitagraph Co. 

of America. He later joined the General 

Film Co., returned to Vitagraph and then 

was appointed head of the exploitation department 

at United Artists. In 1932 he went 

to RKO Radio where for the following 20 

years he was editor of the pressbook department. 

French to Hear Perspecta 

Sound in Paris June 1 

NEW YORK—Perspecta stereophonic sound 

will be demonstrated to the French trade and 

press at the Rex Theatre, Paris, June 1, according 

to word received from the MGM 

European headquarter.s. Other demonstrations 

will be held in all French key cities. 

26 BOXOmCE 

: 

: May 

29, 1954

. . . Grace 

. . . Mrs. 

. . Rosemarie 

. . David 

20th-Fox Associates Give 

Testimonial to Caplan 

NEW YORK—Morris Caplan, manager of 

the 20th-Fox sales statistical research department, 

who is taking an indefinite leave, was 

given a testimonial luncheon by 137 associates 

at Toot Shor's restaurant May 21. 

Donald A. Henderson, treasurer and secretary, 

expressed regret at Caplan's retirement 

after 37 years with the company. Other 

speakers included Arthui- Silverstone. assistant 

general sales manager'; C. Glenn Norris, 

eastern sales manager; Martin Mo.';kowitz, 

Atlantic division manager, and Jack Bloom, 

home office sales executive. Roger Ferri, who 

was toastmaster, read messages of greeting 

from Spyros P. Skouras, president; Al Lichtman, 

distribution director; W. C. Michel, 

executive vice-president, and W. C. Gehi-ing, 

executive assistant general sales manager. 

Barney Balaban Director 

Of Manufacturers Trust 

NEW YORK—Barney Balaban, Paramount 

president, has been elected a director of 

Manufacturers Trust Co., according to Horace 

C. Flanigan, president. 

In addition to his widely known activities 

in the picture industry, Balaban has been 

active for many years in vai-ious civic and 

philanthropic undertakings. He is one of the 

founders and is vice-chairman and trustee 

of the American Heritage Foundation and 

New York state chairman of the Crusade for 

Freedom and has been general chairman of 

the United Jewish Appeal in Greater New 

York. 

Lise Einfeld Will Marry 

Richard Malkin June 11 

NEW YORK—Lise Einfeld, daughter of 

Charles Einfeld, vice-president in charge of 

advertising and publicity for 20th-Fox, will 

be married June 11 to Richard Malkin, son of 

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Malkin of Brooklyn. 

Linda Einfeld will be her sister's only attendant 

at the ceremony, which will be performed 

at the Einfeld home by the Rev, Dr. 

Julius Mark of Temple Emanu-El. Edgar 

Malkin will be best man for his brother, who 

is with the radio-TV department of J. Walter 

Thompson Co,, New York advertising agency. 

Tent 35 Clubrooms to Close 

May 31 Until Labor Day 

NEW YORK—Clubrooms of Variety Tent 

35 in the Piccadilly hotel will be closed from 

the end of May until Labor day. In the 

meantime an effort will be made to find other 

quarters. 

Business offices will be located in the office 

of Edward L. Fabian, 1501 Broadway, during 

the summer. The telephone num.ber is 

Ch-4-1200. 

Charles Adams to Agency 

NEW YORK—Charles Adams has joined 

Loucks & Norling Studios, Inc., as manager 

of the new TV film department after five 

years of producing and directing TV shows 

for the DuMont and ABC networks. Loucks 

& Norling has had a film department for 30 

years, but is now extending its service to 

television. 

BROADW AY 

\xrilliam E. Osborne, assistant export manager 

of Allied Artists International, returned 

to the home office May 24 following a 

tour of more than a year in the Far Eastern 

territories . . . Harry 

Kalmine, vice-president 

and general manager of Stanley Warner Corp., 

sailed on the Queen Mary May 26 to visit 

London, Paris and Rome on Cinerama business 

. . . William B. Zoellner, head of the 

MGM short subject and newsreel sales, returned 

Friday (28) from a four-exchange 

city visit and Si Seadler, MGM exploitation 

head, got back to the home office May 24 

after visiting Atlanta for the opening of 

"Gone With the Wind." Emery Austin, MGM 

exploitation head, got back from Atlanta 

the same day . . . Jules Lapidus, Warner Bros, 

eastern and Canadian division sales head, 

went to Boston May 26. 

Ava Gardner flew in from Europe May 26 

after six months in Italy filming the Joseph 

Mankiewicz pictm-e, "The Barefoot Contessa," 

for United Ai-tists release . . Steve 

. 

Cochran, starred with Anne Baxter in RKO's 

"Carnival Story," flew back to Hollywood May 

24 after six weeks in the east making personal 

appearances at openings of the picture 

Kelly, who will star with Cary 

Grant in Alfred Hitchcock's "Catch a Thief," 

to be made at Cannes, got in from the coast 

May 25 and left Friday i28) for Paris . . . 

Nancy Olsen, who completed "Battle Cry" for 

Warner Bros, on the coast, is in New York on 

a vacation Bowe, featured in 

. 

Walter Wanger's "Adventure of Hajji Baba" 

for Allied Ai'tists, planed to New York May 

23 for a week of radio and TV interviews. 

Charles Moskowitz, Loew's vice-president 

and treasurer, got back from a Miami vacation 

as did Archie Weltman of Loew's legal 

department . Bader. executive assistant 

to Mort Sackett, president of Commonwealth 

Film and Television, flew to Chicago 

to attend the NARTB convention and 

. . John 

to visit TV stations in the midwest . 

K. Hilliard, chief engineer at Altec Lansing's 

manufacturing plant in Beverly Hills, returned 

to the coast after attending the 

SMPTE semiannual meeting in Washington 

Leonard Taylor, the former Patricia 

Weisman, daughter of Milton C. Weisman, 

film industry attorney, gave birth to a daughter, 

Elizabeth Anne, at Northern Westchester 

hospital, Mt. Kisco, May 23 . . . Tom Rogers, 

MGM radio and TV contact, is in Flower 

hospital for a series of X-rays and tests. 

J. A. Tanney, president of S.O.S. Cinema 

Supply Corp., attended the National Ass'n 

of Radio & Television Broadcasters convention 

in Chicago this week. 

Picker Completing Tour 

Of UA Foreign Offices 

NEW YORK—Arnold M. Picker, United 

Ai-tists vice-president in charge of foreign 

distribution, was scheduled to arrive from 

Paris over the weekend. He has been on a 

nine-week tour of UA offices in France, England, 

Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, 

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland 

and Israel. 

During his tour. Picker aided in celebrations 

of the company's 35th anniversary. He 

gave press interviews, made radio, television 

and new.sreel appearances and attended anniversary 

dinners. 

Exchange Men Organized 

For Collection by UJA 

NEW YORK—Representatives of 13 film 

companies have organized to carry the United 

Jewish appeal to exchange employes here. 

Abe Dickstein of 20th- 

Fox is again chairman. 

Meetings have been 

scheduled in a number 

of exchanges. John 

Stanley Grauel, one of 

the early organizers of 

the American Christian 

Palestine committee 

and a former 

crew member of the 

ship, "Exodus 1947," 

was one of the speakers 

at an organizing 

Abe Dickstein luncheon. 

Those who attended the gathering were 

Ben Abner, Warner Bros.; Lou AUerhand, 

MGM; Alex Armswalder, 20th-Fox; Jack 

Belman, Favorite Pictures; Bob Fannon, Republic; 

Sol Gottlieb, MGM; Alfred Rothschild, 

National Screen; Anthony Ricci, Republic: 

Jack Perley, Paramount; Herman 

Silverman, RKO; Joe Sugar, United Artists; 

Sol Trauner, Columbia, and Dickstein. 

Altec Executives Present 

Exhibit at NARTB Show 

CHICAGO—Altec was well represented at 

the NARTB show which opened here Sunday 

(231 at the Palmer House. Among its executives 

were D. C. Collins, vice-president; 

A. A. Ward, executive vice-president at the 

Beverly Hills manufacturing plant, and H. S. 

Morris, product sales manager at New York 

headquarters. 

The Altec exhibit consisted of a complete 

line of microphones, including three new 

products, the minute M-20 "Lipstik," 670 

Cardioid and the recently demonstrat€d M-16 

medical microphone system, designed for 

medical school use in cardiological study and 

research. 

Julian Berman Sales Head 

For MGM on Continent 

NEW YORK—Julian Berman has been 

named as MGM sales manager in Europe by 

David Lewis, managing director of MGM 

operations on the continent. He will leave 

for Paris early in June. 

Berman's first post with MGM was in 

Latvia in 1927. He served in the Far East 

from 1936 to 1946 and then was assigned to 

Uruguay. He stayed there a year and then 

was transferred to Cuba. 

Robert Schoham has been chosen to take 

over the Cuban post. He was formerly manager 

in Belgium. That position has been taken 

over by Robert Desberg. 

Dates Set for 13 Showings 

Of Perspecta Sound Abroad 

NEW YORK—Dates are set for 13 showings 

of Perspecta sound abroad. Arthur Loew 

said at least 20 more will follow in key foreign 

cities under joint sponsorship of MGM, 

Paramount and Warner Bros. Manufacturing 

and sales agreements have been signed in 

France and Japan. 

Italy, 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 29

. . 

. . MGM 

. . "The 

ALBANY 

n 52-year career as stagehand for Henry 

"Dutch" Harris will come to a close next 

winter when he draws the curtains for the 

final time and moves to Dade City, Fla. On 

a recent visit there he and his wife purchased 

a 35-acre orange grove and made plans to 

build a ranch type home on it. An Albany 

architect is now designing the house, for 

which neither a foundation nor a heating 

system will be necessary. The cost is estimated 

by Harris at $14,000. The orange 

trees will not come into production for two 

or three years. Harris, stage manager of the 

Strand and former president-business agent 

of the Albany union, has pa.ssed mosf of his 

career in this city, although he did travel 

with shows for a time. Dutch is the proverbial 

walking encyclopedia on stage operations 

and history. 

Benton's Strand in Plattsburg reopened 

May 20 after being given a "new look" during 

a 17-day closedown. A 33x20 Astrolite 

screen was installed by Albany Theatre Supply 

Co. in preparation for Cinemascope. The 

interior was refurbished, new green tapestry 

was added, rubber tile floor was laid in the 

lobby and hardwood panelling was added as 

part of a complete redesigning of the lobby, 

which now has a color scheme of coral and 

walnut. Manager James P. Malone said the 

old screen was 12x16. 

Walter Keade's 9-W Drive-In, Kingston, is 

being advertised as "New York State's Most 

Beautiful Drive-In." Some Albany exchange 

managers and salesmen had given that title 

to Kallet's Syracuse airer . . . Jim Faas, 

Strand engineer, returned from a ten-day 

visit with his daughter in Abilene, Kas. Her 

husband is stationed at the nearby Smoky 

Hill army air base. Faas, who flew both ways, 

reported that Abilene, city of 22,000, has 

The Rancho Drive-In, 

two theatres . . . 

Palatine Bridge, is advertising in the Gloversville 

paper, "Admission 50 cents; .$1 for a 

carload Anytime." 

Fireworks appeared to be in the offing for 

"The French Line" at certain situations as a 

result of action taken by the Albany Catholic 

diocesan branch of the National Legion of 

Decency. Father Thomas H. Kay, diocesan 

director and pastor of St. John's church, 

sent a letter to pastors of 200 churches in 

the diocese calling attention to the fact the 

picture has been condemned by the Legion 

of Decency. "Will you kindly announce the 

condemnation of this picture to your people 

and remind them that in view of theii' pledge 

taken to support the Legion of Decency, they 

.should not attend the showing of this motion 

picture," wrote Father Kay. The letter 

was read to parishoners Sunday. 

"Executive Suite" attracted a steady stream 

of patrons to Fabian's Palace. The MGM picture 

paid off on four factor.s—multistars. 

strong advertising, smart exploitation and 

favorable word-of-mouth comment. Industry 

concensus was that the display window at 

Flah's ranked with the finest of that type seen 

here in some time. Palace Manager Bill With 

arranged it with the store management . 

The condition of Ed Foley, veteran Strand 

doorman, was reported improved at Albany 

hospital . . . John Lanahan, stageman at the 

Grand, owns and operates a farm in Voorheesvllle, 

where he probably will .spend his 

vacation. Strawberries are one of the top 

products . . . The decision to screen "Dial 

M for Murder" in 2-D rather than 3-D was 

welcomed at the Strand. 

Harry Alexander, U-I salesman here the 

last several years and at one time local 20th- 

Fox manager, has leased the Middletown 

Drive-In from owner Harry Lamont. Alexander 

has resigned at U-I to begin refurbishing 

the ozoner for opening June 15. He will 

pave the ramp area, build new concession 

stands and construct new restrooms—at an 

estimated cost of $12,000. Alexander and his 

wife will move to Middletown. The 300-car 

airer had been operated by Lamont since 

1947. Lamont also, expected to sign papers 

in Poughkeepsie Wednesday for the leasing 

of the 600-car Overlook Drive-In to Arthur 

Steele. Steele, owner of the beautiful 900-car 

Elmord Drive-In at White Plains and of an 

indoor theatre in Jacksonville, Fla., is a sonin-law 

of Albert Warner. Gerry Schwartz, a 

partner of Lamont, will continue as manager 

of the Overlook. Steele and Alexander both 

have the privilege of buying the respective 

drive-ins. Lamont indicated he might add one 

or more indoor houses to his string. He now 

has one, the Vanderbilt at Greenville, in 

addition to four automobilers. 

Saul J. Ullman, Fabian division manager, 

was "king for a day" at the weekly dinner 

of the Variety Club in Keeler's restaurant 

Monday. Praised by toastmaster Lewis A. 

Sumberg for the results he obtained as chairman 

of the Big Brother committee—$22,580 

was collected by it the past 12 months for 

Camp Thacher—Ullman was presented a 

wristwatch. Gene Robb, publisher of the 

Times-Union, added a gift to Ullman on behalf 

of that paper, which cooperates writh the 

summer camp project . has notified 

Harry Lamont that it will accept bids from 

his Vail Mills Drive-In near Gloversville for 

three top pictures. Lamont is trying to get 

first run product which normally goes to 

Schine's Glove in Gloversville. The MGM 

home office is the first to take bids for Vail 

Mills. He claims that the ozoner can outgross 

the Glove during the summer months. 

Alec Guinness, in "The Last Holiday," 

exerted his usual boxoffice magic at the 

Delaware over the weekend. Manager John 

Brousseau described that picture, released in 

1950 but shown here for the first time last 

May 21, and "Franchise Affair" as "the best 

double bill we have played." The art theatre 

does not usually dual . Robe" folded 

.so many people in the Madi.son that it was 

held through Tuesday for the total of a 

week's time. It was the first Cinemascope 

presentation in a neighborhood hou.se in this 

exchange district. 

Film Promotion Discussed 

SYRACUSE— "Motion picture promotion is 

a combination of advertising, public relations 

and journalism," according to Ernest Emerling, 

Loew's national advertising and publicity 

director. Speaking at a Theta Sigma Phi 

banquet, w-omen's journalism fraternity, 

Emerling said: "There are only four Ws in 

picture promotion in contrast to journalism's 

five—What is it. Who is in it. Where is it 

showing and When is it showing?" 

Boy's Clothing Set Afire 

By Theatre Hoodlum 

ALBANY—The latest episode in recently 

mounting disorder and misbehavior by a 

small minority in Albany theatres occurred 

Sunday when a 10-year-old boy suffered 

extensive body burns when lighter fluid 

splashed on his clothing was ignited by a 

cigaret butt. The lad was sitting in the Royal 

at 6:30 p.m. when he said he felt and smelled 

the fluid as it hit his back. Turning around 

to inquire, "Who is throwing stuff?" he received 

no answer, but a few seconds later 

he felt his back "getting warm" and noticed 

the flames over his shoulder. 

As he arose and "started to run home," 

the boy was grabbed at the door by Mrs. 

Regina Endres, 22, concession counter saleswoman. 

She held on to him with one hand 

and beat out the flames with the other. The 

youngster was taken to Albany hospital, 

where his condition Monday was reported 

"satisfactory." Police began a searching investigation 

of the incident. 

Mrs. Endres attributed her prompt action 

to a first aid course taken at the Watervliet 

Arsenal during the war. 

SYRACUSE 

Ool Sorkin, manager of RKO Keith's, is get- 

. . . 

ting ready to play one of his greatest 

roles, father of the bride when his daughter 

Phyllis gets married June 12 . . . Ronald 

Dennison has returned from army service 

to his old job as assistant at Keith's 

Arthur Jenkins, the replacement for Larry 

Lynch who is now on the Syracuse police 

force, has gone to the Kallet Theatre at 

Brockway as manager. 

. . . Schine's Eckel Theatre 

The Schine Paramount had a successful 

sneak preview of "Three Coins in the Fountain," 

it was announced by Zone Manager 

Harry Unterfort 

followed the Ingrid Bergman picture, "The 

Greatest Love," with another Italian film, 

"Times Gone By" . 

In preparation for the showing of "Gone 

With the Wind" at Loew's State June 3. Manager 

Sam Oilman found a Scarlett and Rhett 

in the community. Named for the main 

characters in the film were Scarlett Hitchcock 

of Fabius and Rhett Michael Sweeney of 

Little York. Both will be on radio and television 

shows and attend the premiere of the 

picture at Loew's. Ai'thur Canton, eastern 

press representative of MGM, was here working 

on the opening. 

Tlie manager of 

the candy stand at Loew's 

. . . Loew's 

State, Margaret Martin of the People's 

Candy Co., has taken a leave and was replaced 

by Stella Garvey, a former candy 

girl at Loew's and Paramount 

State is installing 19 auditorium .surround 

horns and a Perspecta sound system. 

Al Swett Named Winner 

UTICA— Al Swctt., Stanley Wiirncr Avon 

manager, was named the winner of the district's 

showman.ship award for March by 

Harry Feinstein, SW zone manager. Other 

winners were Bob How'ell. Port Theatre, Newburyport, 

Mass., second, and Joe Bornstein, 

Strand, New Britain, third. Swett also was 

named the manager of the month. 


: May 

29, 1954

. . Sara 

. Mrs. 

. . Rose 

. . The 

. . Hazel 

. . Harold 

. . Paramount 

. . Stanley 

. . Republic 

. . Hal 

WASHINGTON 

TViTaureen O'Leary, 8-year-old daughter of 

Mr. and Mrs. John O'Leary, 20th-Fox, 

appeared with the National Ballet in a performance 

of "Swan Lake" given at the Washington 

Festival of Arts at Cardoza auditorium 

Mrs. Leona Weedon 

last weeic . . . and husband Jim celebrated their 20th wedding 

anniversary recently . . . Janet Broadwater 

is the new secretary to John O'Leary 

Young, 20th-Fox booker, and Mrs. 

Ben Lust of Ben Lust Theatre Supply Co. 

spent the weekend in New York and Boston. 

Bob Saunders, who owns the Park Drivein, 

Petersburg, and the Bridge Drive-In, 

Westminster, Md., was in to buy and book 

Ben Faw of the Pulaski Drive-In, Dublin, 

. . . 

Va., is installing Cinemascope equipment 

Alfred Collins was in town booking 

the Durbin (W. Va.) Tlieatre. 

. 

Variety Tent 11 notes: Chief Barker Jack 

Fruchtman appeared on a television program 

recently over WTTG . Saltz, Universal 

manager, has transferred his membership 

to Tent 11, from the Variety Club of 

Connecticut . New members to be inducted 

on June 14 

. 

by Orville Crouch, membership 

chairman, will be Emanuel Lerner, president 

of Store Radio, and Jack Connelly, newsreel 

editor at the Department of State ... A testimonial 

cocktail party and buffet supper will 

be held in the Variety clubrooms June 18 for 

Joseph Gins, former Universal manager here, 

who has been promoted to district manager 

with headquarters in Boston. On the committee 

for the testimonial are Alvin Q. Ehrlich, 

Phil Isaacs, Norman Kal and Milton 

Lipsner. 

RKO Manager Joe Brecheen was in Baltimore 

last week . . . Columbia salesman Jack 

Jackter visited his family in New York 

over the weekend . . . Bill Nelson, Columbia 

shipper, and his wife Pat are vacationing . . . 

Former cashier Ann Snyder, now with the 

Columbia office in Los Angeles, was at the 

local exchange . . Florence and Walter 

. 

Donahue entertained Donahue's brother 

Charles, RKO booker in Philadelphia, and 

his family . girls at Warner Bros, gave 

Marcy Reinis a surprise kitchen shower at the 

home of booker Ethel Risdon . . . Oscar Kantor, 

WB salesman, is vacationing in Hawaii. 

. . . Ida 

Republic Manager Jake nax was in Baltimore 

. Johnson has moved into her 

new home in Silver Spring, Md. 

Barezofsky, Metro booker, returned from a 

trip out west . McCarthy was spending 

her vacation visiting 20th-Fox booker 

Anne Griffin in Minneapolis. They had 

planned a trip to the Grand Canyon. 

Joe Gins, new Universal district manager, 

was guest of honor at a party given by the 

office staff. He was presented a pair of silver 

cuff links and a silver cigaret case. Sharing 

the limelight with Gins was the newly appointed 

manager, Harold Saltz . . . Mark 

Silver, AA salesman, is now doing well in 

Mount Sinai hospital after suffering a heart 

attack . . . Milt Lipsner, AA manager, spent 

several days in Richmond. 

H, C. Copeland, Dale Theatre, Norfolk, and 

booker for the Rex at Berkeley, Va., made 

one of his infrequent visits to Filmrow. Also 

seen on Filmrow were Mike Leventhal, Max 

Goodman, George Darinsol, Jack Levine, Joe 

Walderman and Oscar Bocutti. 

Mass Color TV Output Seen 

By DuMont in Two Years 

NEW YORK—Mass production of color 

television receivers can be expected within 

two years. Dr. Allen B. DuMont, president, 

told stockholders of Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, 

Inc., at a recent meeting held at 

the cathode ray instrument plant in Clifton, 

N.J. 

Several days before the meeting the company 

demonstrated a large-screen color picture 

tube, which Dr. DuMont said, can be 

manufactured economically. 

The picture size 

is 19 inches. He said sets with this tube may 

be available in the fall at about $1,000 each. 

"Before long," Dr. DuMont said, he hopes 

to have a 21-inch rectangular color tube in 

production which should sell for less than 

$100, thereby reducing the price of sets to 

close to $500, 

Gross income for the fii'st 12 weeks of 1954 

was $19,770,000, compared with $24,187,000 

for the same period in 1953. Net profit after 

income taxes was $508,000, compared with 

$945,000. 

Officers re-elected by the Class A stockholders 

were; President, Dr. DuMont; vicepresident, 

Stanley P. Patten; directors. Dr. 

DuMont, Patten, Dr. Thomas T. Goldsmith 

jr., Bruce T. DuMont and Percy M. Stewart. 

Officers re-elected by the Class B stockholders 

were: Treasurer, Paul Raibourn; secretary, 

Bernard Goodwin; assistant treasurer, 

Irving Singer; directors, Barney Balaban, 

Raibourn and Edwin L. Weisl. 

PHILADELPHIA 

peggie Castle, Dolores Donlon and Shawn 

Smith, all of the cast of Mickey Spillane's 

"The Long Wait," were in town to help beat 

the drums for the UA feature which is to 

open at the Mastbaum Theatre . . . John 

Plasterer's State Theatre in Shippensburg is 

now being serviced by Tri-State Theatre 

Service . Decorating Co. is 

doing the stage work on the Midtown Theatre 

... I. J. Segall's Theatre Management 

is now doing the booking and buying for 

the Fern Rock, Rivoli, Belmont, Bromley and 

Oxford in Philadelphia; the Harrison, West 

Chester, and the Aixadia and Queen in Wilmington, 

Del. 

Maurice Freed, who had been in the theatre 

business before opening an automobile agency 

in Downington, died at the age of 61 . . . 

William LaPortes, manager of the Boyd Theatre 

in Chester is dead at 59. He belonged to 

the Philadelphia Variety. 

Lees Advances Deardorf 

BRIDGEPORT, PA.—Curtis C. Deardorff, 

manager of costs and budgets, has been 

named an assistant treasurer of James Lees 

& Sons Co. He has been with the company 

since 1936. 

Avonmore Projectionist Dies 

AVONMORE, PA.—Joseph Ralph Furey, 

63, projectionist at the Delmore Theatre, died 

May 21. He had been employed by Joseph 

Delisi, Saltsburg and Avonmore exhibitor, for 

five years. 

The title 

has been changed to "We're No Angels." 

of Paramount's "Angels Cooking" 

BALTIMORE 

, . 

•priends are extending sympathy to William 

M. Johnson of the Elkton (Md.) Drive-In, 

upon the death of his wife Aretta who was 

assistant manager-cashier. Also surviving are 

three daughters . Manager Jake 

Flax was in town on business . Sam Tabor, 

Republic film salesman, has recovered from 

a leg ailment ... A stag affair at the Baltimore 

Variety Club honored Wilbur Brizendine, 

Schwaber circuit executive, as "King 

for the Night" . . . Robert Lee, the Biddle, 

was in Washington on business. 

. Laiu-itz 

. 

Stanley Baker, general manager of the Hicks 

Theatres, is putting on a baby show for four 

consecutive weeks at his Hampden where 

Frank Stang is manager . . Oscar Kantor, 

. 

Warner film salesman, and his wife are vacationing 

in Hawaii . Marshall, 20th- 

Fox, was here working on "River of No Return." 

George Hendi-icks, Mayfair manager, 

. . . will vacation in Atlantic City . . . Morris 

Mechanic, owner of the New, and his press 

representative, Harold Colley, were guests 

of the Washington Variety Club . 

Garman, owner of the Uptown, is recovering 

from a heart attack at Union Memorial hospital. 

Rodney Collier, chief barker of the Baltimore 

Variety Club and manager of the Stanley, 

had as his luncheon guest George Hoover, 

Variety International chief barker from 

Florida . 

Stern, manager at the 

Town, and his wife celebrated their seventh 

wedding anniversary Monday (24) . . . William 

Downey is the new assistant at the 

Town. Some years back, he was at the Hippo- 

. . . 

. . Clarence 

drome Aaron Seidler, the New Albert, 

was in Washington on business . 

Carey, the Capitol at Ocean City, is installing 

Cinemascope. 

Clement Outten jr., Outten Theatres, Snow 

Hill and a flying enthusiast, was in Baltimore 

Newell Howard, Ulman 

making plane tests . . . 

Theatres, Salisbury, is receiving sym- 

pathy upon the death of his mother . . . 

John Manuel, Belair Drive-In, Churchville, 

. . , 

was visiting in Philadelphia . . . Mark Silver, 

Allied representative, is now allowed visitors 

at Sinai hospital where he's recovering from 

a heart attack Stronger motion picture 

censorship laws were urged by Knights of 

Columbus holding their state convention at 

Ocean City. The 425 delegates passed a resolution 

to that effect. 

L. Garman Hospitalized 

BALTIMORE—Lauritz Garman, owner of 

the Uptown, Avalon, Pikes and New Reisterstown 

theatres, is in the Union Memorial 

hospital seriously ill. 

Mark Silver Suffers Heart Attack 

BALTIMORE—Mark Silver, Allied representative, 

suffered a heart attack and is in 

Sinai 

hospital. 

:OXOFFICE :: May 29, 1954 33

"He never was much for letterwriting 

when he was in college. 

But he must know how anxious 

Mother aiuJ I are . . . now that he's 

off in Korea. Haven't heard from 

him in six weeks. Of course, they 

say 'no news is good news' . . . but 

I wonder. Maybe he can't write . . . 

because . . . maybe he's in a hospital 

somewhere. And maybe he 

needs blood. 1 don't know . . . but 

I'm not taking any chances. That's 

why fm giving blood." 

• • • 

Yes, all kinds of people give blood 

— for all kinds of reasons. But 

whatever jour reason, this you can 

be sure of: Whether your blood 

goes to a combat area, a local hospital, 

or for Civil Defense needs 

this priceless, painless gift will 

some day save an American life! 

Give Blood Mow 

CALL YOUR RED CROSS TODAY! 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

Business Executives! 

V Check These Questions! 

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

you— and your company— are doing a 

neededjob for the National Blood Program. 

Has your company given any recognition 

to donors? 

Do Uo you have a Blood Donor Honor 

D 

y 

Roll in your company.' 

n 

Have you given your employees 

time off to make blood donations? 

Have you arranged to have a Bloodmobile 

make regular visits? 

Has your management endorsed 

the local Blood Donor Program? 

Have you informed employees of 

your company's plan of cooperation? 

Was information given through 

Plant Bulletin or House Magazine? 

Have you conducted a Donor 

Pledge Campaign in your company? 

Have you set up a list of volunteers 

so that efficient plans can be made 

for scheduling donors? 

Remember, as long as a single pint of blood 

may mean the difference between life and 

death for any American . . . the need for 

blood is urgent! 

I 

34 

BOXOFHCE : 

: May 

29. 1954

he mei&ft THctu/is me^tcJicmolldma. Gaicle^ 

Alertness ond a bit of imagination on the port of Marvin Fox, manager of the Liberty Theatre in Portland, 

Ore., got mention of "Southwest Passage" on television. Heck Harper conducts a program on station KPTV at 

Portland which follows a cowboy format. Fox convinced Harper his fans would enjoy a look at $20,000 in one 

lump sum, and arrangements were made for o well-guarded armored car to drive on a KPTV set and a bank official 

hand over 20, $1,000 bills to the video cowpoke, oil before a TV comera. Mention was made of a 

bonk robbery sequence in the film. 

HAL SLOAN E 

Editor 

THE 

HUGH E. 

FRAZE 

Associate Editor 

SECTION OF 

BOXOFFtCE

Promotion of Knock on Wood to Be Based 

On Broad Popularity of Star Danny Kaye 

The tremendous popularity of star Danny Kaye will 

provide the impetus for local promotion in general on his 

new Paramount production, "Knock on Wood." Kaye's 

international fame as a comedian, his unique style of singing 

and recent starring roles in hit pictures have all combined 

to make him a well-liked and familiar personality to 

theatregoers throughout the country. 

Brief excerpts from praise reviews of newspaper and 

magazine critics who have already screened the film, reproduced 

on the inside cover of the pressbook, are excellent 

pre-selling copy lines and should be used in advance window 

tieups and lobby posters to spark interest in local playdates. 

A special screening of the picture might be arranged 

for critics on local papers and their comments added to 

these quotes. 

The Award for Special Merit has been presented to 

"Knock on Wood" by Parents' magazine. All local schools 

and PTA associations should be apprised of this honor and 

one-sheets heralding the award, available free on order from 

the Pressbook Editor, Paramount Pictures Corp., 1501 

Broadway, New York, should be posted to publicize the 

event. Redbook magazine in its June issue awarded the film 

its title as Picture of the Month and tearsheets of this publication 

may be used as an additional display. 

Seventeen magazine selected "Knock on Wood" as its 

Picture of the Month in a recent i-ssue and a one-sheet poster 

plugging this award for a variety of display purposes is 

available free of charge. A limited supply of these posters 

is available, address requests to I*i'essbook Editor, Paramount 

Pictures Corp., etc. A fine spread was accorded the film in 

the March 22 issue of Life in a feature story titled "The 

Acrobatics of Danny Kaye." Several scenes 

picture the sequence from the film showing 

Danny Kaye in his hilarious performance 

with a ballet troupe. 

Two new songs, "All About You" and 

"Knock on Wood," are sung in the picture 

and free song covers are available to local 

showmen who write Famous Music Corp., 

1619 Broadway, New York. 

All ABOUT you 

The cover of the Dccca album featuring three songs 

by Danny Kaye from the picture with the ballet 

music token from the sound track. 

Several poses of star Danny Kaye as he appears in "Knock on Wood" masquerading 

as a Russian ballet dancer, an English plutocrat, a song and dance 

man, and other characterizations. These star heads are available as Mat 2A 

from National Screen. 

A selection of Danny Kaye recordings 

now in general release may be used to 

good advantage in exploiting the film. 

Danny Kaye versions of tlii-ee tunes from 

the film and other popular renditions and 

a recording of the "Knock on Wood" ballet 

music entitled "End of Spring" are contained 

in an LP Decca album (DL 5527). 

An extended play album, also by Decca 

(ED 2141 >, has Danny Kaye's renditions of 

three numbers from the picture as well as 

the ballet music. Three single recordings 

of the music, two Decca versions sung by 

Danny Kaye and a single Victor disk by 

Buddy Morrow, are also available for local 

promotion. 

Tieups with all local music stores, playing 

the records over the theatre PA system 

and plugging via local radio and T"V stations 

should figure in the music promotion. 

Contest for the best Danny Kaye imitators 

may also be arranged in conjunction 

with the engagement, either by a stage 

show or on a television program, with promoted 

prizes awarded winners. 

The manufacturers of Van Heusen shirts 

are featuring a full page four-color advertisement 

in top national magazines with 

portraits of Kaye and full credits on the 

picture. Window displays as well as co-op 

ads should be arranged with all neighborhood 

Van Heusen retailers. 

The title of the picture suggests tieups 

and stunts, and Still 10330-36, also available 

as a single column Mat 1-C, showing 

Danny Kaye "knocking on wood" should 

be used to illustrate the gags. Suggestions 

include a "Knock on Wood" sale of all 

wooden merchandise at local dealers, a 

letter-writing contest with entrants describing 

their good fortune resulting from 

a "knock on wood" and the sending of invitations 

in the form of a small block of 

wood with a tag attached, bearing suitable 

copy to columnists, critics and local civic 

authorities. The pose of Kaye featured on 

the posters is excellent for cut-out purposes. 

Mounted on cardboard, the running 

figure can be spotted on the marquee, in 

window displays, and atop buildings. 

lOKA r*vvi -mvn . 

Sheet music covers of two popular tunes from the 

film are available gratis for a variety of local tieups 

on the picture. 

174 — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : May 

29, 1954

1 

A 

I 

A 

') 

WAC Styles Modeled 

On Stage; Military 

Orchestra Plays 

Tieups with the armed forces yield returns 

in prestige, pubUcity and patronage. 

Charles Smakwitz, Stanley Warner zone 

manager, reported at the conclusion of the 

second evening appearance on the Strand 

stage at Albany, N.Y., of the U.S. military 

band orchestra as part of a fashion show 

spotlighting the 12th anniversary of the 

WACs. The orchestra's full complement 

of four men gave a half-hour concert at the 

6:30 show: 13 of its members, batoned 

by warrant officer Robert Berglund, provided 

the musical accompaniment, at 9:30, 

for a display of WAC uniforms and of 

spring clothes, the latter furnished by 

Flah"s store. 

OFFICER THERE IN WHITE 

Lt. Jeane Nunn. director of WAC recruiting 

in the Albany area, modeled an 

officer's 

white uniform, at the finale. Five 

attractive and shapely Tricity Model agency 

girls wore the smartly designed WAC enlisted 

gals' uniforms and decorative civihan 

attire during the half-hour display for 

which Elaine Drooz of station 'WPTR and 

the Tricity unit served as commentator. 

Manager Al LaFlamme compUmented 

Miss Drooz, Gloria Gail, her assistant, and 

the others on "a very smooth show." 

fair-sized house attended the supper 

show, Smakwitz said. He pointed out that 

the promotion, in which the advantages and 

opportunities of service with the Women's 

Army Corps were emphasized, drew well in 

face of strong opposition from Albany's 

Tulip Queen crowning at Washington 

park the same night. The Strand's turnouts 

were the largest of any local theatre 

for the evening. 

U.S. ORCHESTRA PLAYS 

It was the first motion pictm'e theatre 

appearance for the snappily uniformed 

U.S. military band orchestra, which is part 

of a 115-piece unit at West Point. Stanley 

Warner transported the group to and 

from there via bus. 

A setting which saluted the WACs' anniversary 

was fashioned for the occasion by 

Henry Harris and Charles Maguire of the 

Strand stage crew, aided by Ray Sedlack 

of the Grand and Alex Jablonoski of the 

Leland. 

Sgt. Bill Fowler, director of publicity for 

the local army recruiting station and former 

publicist with an outdoor traveling 

attraction, teamed with Lt. Nunn, Smakwitz 

and LaFlamme on the birthday p^rty. 

Float Bailies 'Everest' 

mobile book display accompanied by a 

costumed "mountain climber," arranged by 

Manager Oscar Hyberg, made up the interesting 

bally promoting the opening of "The 

Conquest of Everest" at the Oriental in 

Portland, Ore. 

CHICAGO ESQUIRE IS ART PATRON 

VIA SERIES OF GALLERY EXHIBITS 

Semiannual Competition Sponsored by H & E 

The combination of art films and art exhibits 

has paid off handsomely at the Esquire 

Theatre here, where newest innovation 

by Harry and Elmer Balaban is a series 

of semiannual competitions to select artists 

to exhibit one-man shows. 

The Esquire, when opened some 16 years 

ago, was provided with a spacious art gallery 

in the foyer just off the balcony. Ever 

since, the plush near-northside theatre has 

been as much of a mecca for art lovers as 

for devotees of product of the screen. 

To inaugurate its series of semiannual 

contests, the H&E Balaban Theatre Corp. 

chose three outstanding art leaders here, 

each from a different institution, to make 

up a permanent jury. The jury members, 

Patrick Malone. Art Institute; Hugo Weber, 

Institute of Design, and Alan Frumkin, 

Alan Frumkin gallery, furnished a mailing 

list of 1,000 artists, all of whom were notified 

of the contest. 

RESPONSE IS Oi'ERWHELMING 

Simultaneously, the contest was given 

publicity in the newspapers, on radio and 

TV. As entries started coming in, further 

promotion was handled through community 

newspapers in the area. Response, according 

to Al Holec, manager of the Esquire for 

the last five years, was overwhelming. 

Holec said that 250 entries were received 

within a two-week period after the contest 

announcement. 

This, he said, indicated a far greater interest 

than had been anticipated by either 

the management or the jury, and as a consequence, 

instead of following the original 

plan to choose only 12 winners, the judges 

selected 22. 

Holec said the judges were particularly 

pleased by the number and caliber of paintings 

from unknown artists. 'While one aim 

of the competition was to encourage young 

aspiring artists, entries received presented 

well-known as well as unknown artists, and 

media and techniques were varied. 

MUST BE IN CHICAGO AREA 

Contest rules stipulate that participating 

artists must be residents of greater Chicago. 

Only one entry in any medium can be submitted. 

Tlie exception in this instance is 

sculpture, because of the physical limitations 

of the gallery. Specifications for 

maximum size of entry are set up not to 

exceed 4x5 feet. 

After winning artists have shown a,t the 

Esquire gallery, the judges will choose one 

painting from each exhibit for a mass show. 

From this show, the public will be invited 

to vote for its favorite. The final winner 

will receive a number of prizes. 

Following its customary policy, the Esquire 

charges no entry fee to exhibitors, and 

takes no commission in the case of a sale. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : 

May 29, 1954 — 175 

Balaban 

Esquire Manager Al Holec, left, is shown accepting 

Aaron Kahane's water color, "Street Scene," for 

the art competition at the Esquire Theatre gallery. 

Kahane, who has been painting only about a year, 

has a fur business, and entered the contest at the 

urging of his wife Tess. His only formal art training 

was a six-month course at the Art Institute when 

he was a boy. 

Each artist is required to affix his or her 

price to the paintings when hung, and details 

of sales transactions are handled between 

persons wishing to make a purchase 

and the artist. 

Holec said that with rare exception, artists 

have sold from one to three paintings 

following an exhibit. He said that judging 

by the number of Esquire patrons who contact 

him about purchases, buying interest 

seems to be high. 

'Neanderthal' Ballyhoo 

Includes Girl Victim 

A two-fold display was used by Thomas 

W. Ryan, manager of the Rouge Theatre 

in River Rouge, Mich., to stimulate business 

for "The Neanderthal Man." A false 

front was built around the boxoffice, using 

beaverboard, and a series of posters, 

including one and three-sheets, 8xl0s and 

llxl4s, was mounted on it, to give a welldiversified 

and arresting pictorial display. 

A man was engaged to walk around the 

theatre front and in streets in the neighborhood, 

dressed in an ape mask and with 

grewsome false hands, secui'ed from a novelty 

store. He had long false hair hanging 

down the back of the head, a white shirt, 

and blue jeans to complete the costume. 

NY Subways Pick 'Man With a Million' 

United Ai'tists' "Man With a Million" has 

been selected as the Picture of the Month 

for the New York subways with the recommendation 

that subway riders "Go See" 

the film soon to open at the Sutton Theatre 

in the metropolis.

CONTESTS AND RECORDINGS TOP 

PROMOTIONS FOR ROSE MARIE' 

All Rose Maries in Windsor Area in One Competition 

Contests, star interviews and recordings 

of the music on the local TV and radio 

stations, well in advance of playdate, effectively 

launched Manager Don Knight's 

promotion campaign on "Rose Marie" at 

the Des Moines (Iowa) Theatre. 

A star identification contest on KGTV, 

featuring photos of past "Rose Marie" 

stars, ran for a week; the special interview 

record on the picture was used on 

KSO and all disk jockeys received the music 

record albums, and gratis spots were obtained 

in exchange for a screen trailer in 

addition to purchased time, over KCBC, 

KRNT and KSO. In another radio contest, 

listeners were asked to write the picture 

title on a post card as many times as possible, 

with guest tickets offered as prizes. 

A three-page roto section spread on the 

picture, which appeared in the local paper 

a week prior to opening, and a 100-inch 

co-op advertisement featured the newspaper 

coverage on the picture. A record 

review of the soundtrack album, publicity 

stories and art breaks and space in smalltown 

newspapers within a 25-mile radius of 

Des Moines helped promote the opening 

further. 

Record stores, sporting goods, furniture 

and drug stores, florists and beauty parlors 

and music shops all cooperated in the campaign 

with colorful window displays. A 

local travel bureau arranged a showing of 

Canadian travel posters and costumes worn 

by the stars in the picture captured the 

public's attention in the windows of Iowa's 

largest department store. Two thousand 

coloring contest heralds were distributed 

at kiddy matinees and 2,000 "Rose Marie" 

blotters were placed in all offices of the 

downtown area. 

A teaser trailer was screened three weeks 

in advance, shadowboxes were placed in 

the boxoffice and candy counter and a jukebox 

in the lobby played recordings of the 

picture's music for two weeks before playdate. 

On opening day, a man dressed as a 

Mountie, distributed 500 roses to women 

alighting from the public transportation 

system, and an additional 200 flowers were 

presented to the first women patrons attending 

the show. 

Girls Named 'Rose Marie' 

In Windsor Contest 

Manager Joseph Lefave stirred up a lot 

of interest in "Rose Marie" at the Capitol 

Theatre in Windsor, Ont., by staging a contest 

that had theatregoers throughout the 

area scouting for entries. Only contestants 

whose legal name was Rose Marie could 

submit photographs together with their 

full name, age, address and telephone number 

to Lefave. Winners were selected for 

their charm and beauty with the first prize 

Assistant Manager Merlin Gamble dressed in the 

uniform of a Mountie, rode a horse through the 

downtown section of Des Moines carrying signs 

with 

credits. 

a season's pass for two to the Capitol for 

one year, the second prize a six-month 

pass for two and the third prize a threemonth 

pass for two. Runnersup received 

guest tickets. 

Large cutout letters from a poster decorated 

the theatre marquee lights, making 

the title visible at night as well as during 

the day, and 40x60s and special set pieces 

on the picture were planted in neighborhood 

stores. A local radio station disk 

jockey played musical selections from the 

picture. 

Bob Harvey Puts Over 

Fine Promotion 

As was to be expected from this fine 

showman. Bob Harvey's campaign to promote 

his playdate on "Rose Marie" at the 

Capitol Theatre in North Bay, Ont., was a 

thorough job and really helped business. 

Newspaper coverage in particular was 

excellent. It included cooperative ads and 

art and feature stories for several days 

during the playdate. The drawing of the 

name of a winner in a local newspaper contest 

was held on the theatre stage and resulted 

in a three-column photo break. 

A tieup with a confection firm was particularly 

outstanding. This company distributed 

2,000 throwaways advertising one 

of their products, with full picture and 

theatre credits, and with suggestions that 

contestants print their names and addresses 

on labels from its confections and 

leave them in a box in the lobby of the 

Capitol. Two bicycles, on display in the 

theatiê lobby during the run, were presented 

to the winners in the drawing held 

on stage on opening day. Daily mentions 

of the stunt were made on the firm's radio 

program and a hundred bags of their potato 

chips were given away to patrons in 

advance of the drawing. 

The local radio station ran the star interviews 

available on the picture and featured 

a program of music from "Rose 

Marie," plus several daily recordings, with 

full credits prior to playdate. Harvey also 

tied in with a program called "Michael 

Mulligan of the Mounties" by offering 

passes to kids who came to radio station 

CFCH dressed in full Mountie uniform. The 

theatre staff, including the cashier, all 

wore head bands and feathers plugging the 

playdate and the doorman was dressed as 

a Mountie. An usherette, also in a Mountie 

uniform, handed out throwaways in the 

business section of town and at neighboring 

.schools. 

Window displays were set up in hairdressers, 

women's wear, music and drug 

stores around town, the candy bar was appropriately 

decorated, and Harvey developed 

a slight case of housemaid's knee 

posting a 24-sheet on the lobby floor to 

attract attention a week in advance. 

Space Ship io Prepare 

Way for 'Rocket Man' 

Highlighting a saturation campaign 

through a four state area, a huge space 

ship, 50 feet long and weighing five tons, 

will help promote the opening of "The 

Rocket Man" in more than 100 cities of 

Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky. 

Hundreds of thousands are expected 

to see the mobile exhibition of interplanetary 

paraphanelia during the visits to 

theatres, parks, playgrounds and schools. 

The picture's title will appear on the side 

of the space ship and visitors will be invited 

aboard to inspect electronic gadgets, 

\ 

pictures taken through the Mount Palomar 

telescope and scene stills from the film. A 

record player and amplifiers will help attract 

attention, and two-color tabloid her- 

plete promotional kit including photo- 

| 

graphs, newspaper stories, publicity mats 

and other material, as well as a copy of 

Life magazine's feature story on the ship, 

have been forwarded to theatre managers 

participating in the campaign. 

Assistant Aids on 'Caesar' 

There's only one high school in the 

vicinity, the Norwich Fi-ee Academy, but 

the enrollment is large and assistant manager 

Matilda Pysyk arranged for student 

attendance during the engagement of 

"Julius Caesar" at Loew's Poll Theatre in 

Norwich, Conn. One-sheets were posted 

and discount tickets were delivered with 

full explanations on the operation of the 

plan. In addition to an effective front, 

Miss Pysyk also arranged for the local 

cab companies to carry bumper strips plugging 

the show. 

alds will be distributed at every stop. 

Rocket model contests with school, toy and 

department store tieups, special children's 

matinees, and newspaper, radio and television 

contests are planned in conjunction 

with the ship's arrival in towns. A comj 

— 17G — BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : May 

29, 1954

. night 

Scots in Plaids Rally 

At 'Rob Roy' Opening 

In Brantford, Ont. 

If it could have possibly been arranged, 

Manager Bill Burke would have had the 

sun rise over Brantford, Ont., with a Scotch 

plaid effect as part of his overall promotion 

campaign for "Rob Roy, the Highland 

Rogue" at the Capitol Theatre. 

From all appearances every Scot in the 

province must have been aware of the 

' 

I) 

occasion, and no one would have been surprised 

if heather suddenly had sprouted in 

the streets. For a street bally Burke had 

a girl attired in a Scottish costume distribute 

1,500 packages of butterscotch 

candy in envelopes bearing picture credits 

throughout the business section. 

Opening night for the picture was designated 

as "Clan night" and the heads of 

all Scotch clans and organizations in the 

area were contacted to help promote the 

event. The local Imperial pipe band paraded 

through town for the premiere and 

entertained the crowds in front of the 

theatre before the show, as well as on the 

theatre stage. Another local organization, 

a ladies Scottish drill team in full Scottish 

regalia, also appeared on the stage 

during the evening and performed precise 

marching and countermarching to the huge 

enjoyment of the audience. Burke even advertised 

that patrons who attended Clan 

in Scottish costumes would be admitted 

free of charge, and quite a number 

took advantage of the offer. The local Expositer 

ran a three-column cut of the drill 

team in action. 

L. J. Williams, now of the Peerlex Theatre at Ooklond, 

Calif., stopped recently at the Sequoia Theatre 

in Fresno, which he formerly ran, and was impressed 

by the striking promotion Art Allread, the 

Sequoia manager, had put on for "The Long, Long 

Trailer." Here is a photo of the Sequoia front with 

house trailer promoted from the Midvalley Trailer 

Sales Co. Note the standout signs Allread had 

around the trailer. Williams, in forwarding the 

photo, pays tribute to the loyalty of the country's 

theatre managers, declaring that, in most cases, 

they are desperately interested in the success of 

their operations. 

THEATRE WINS CIVIC 

SPOTLIGHT 

WITH ANNUAL MOTHERS PARTY 

Merchants and Newspaper Aid Jefferson City Event 

A fine promotion which requires sympathetic 

handling has been executed each year 

for several years by Arnold Gould, city 

manager for Durwood Theatres at Jefferson 

City, Mo.; namely, an aimual Mothers 

Day party, sponsored by the Capitol Theatre 

and the News-Tribune there. 

Ten days before the 1954 affair, the theatre 

ran a trailer and spotted a large display 

board in the lobby presenting all the 

details of the days program. The mothers 

who participated had to be 70 years or 

older. Either they or their children registered 

their names with the cashier. The 

local Yellow Cab Co. called for and returned 

the mothers to their homes after the 

party with Mr. Raithel, Yellow Cab manager, 

who was on hand to personally supervise 

their arrival at the theatre. A special 

dinner, which included a Mothers day cake, 

flowers and VIP treatment, was given at 

the Governor hotel in honor of the oldest 

mother and her guests. 

CORSAGE TO EACH MOTHER 

At the theatre a receiving line made up of 

Mrs. Gould, representing the theatre; Mr. 

Rose, business manager of the newspaper, 

and Mrs. Bishop presented each mother 

a corsage of flowers furnished by the 

Bishop florist store. Many of the women 

had attended the previous celebrations. Before 

the feature was shown, a small ceremony 

on the stage was highlighted by the 

official city greeting to the mothers given 

by Mayor Arthur W. Ellis. 

This year 161 mothers attended the party 

and enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and 

their children had just as much fun. Many 

of the families were in a state of excitement 

for a week getting ready for the festivities, 

and after it was over voiced their 

appreciation. "This is the first party I 

have been invited to in 20 years," was one 

mother's comment. "I postponed a trip 

south just to attend this party," said another, 

"I would not miss it for anything." 

STORIES IN NEWSPAPERS 

The local newspapers ran front page 

stories for a week before the event with 

a large ad listing the sponsoring firms and 

party details, and a followup story and 

pictures of the oldest mother to attend. 

This year's oldest mother was 90 years old 

and she had a great time at the dinner with 

four generations of her family. 

Manager Gould rates high praise from all 

quarters for this outstanding promotion. 

Showmen in other situations should file 

this idea and make use of it 

for next year's 

celebration. It isn't difficult to operate, 

it's inexpensive, the event is a delight to 

the sponsoring merchants as well as the 

mothers, townspeople are proud to participate 

in the sentimental affair and the 

theatre benefits from goodwill and fine 

public relations. 

BOXOFFICE Sho\wmancUser : : May 29, 1954 — 177 — 

Little Minnie McClure experienced the thrill of a 

lifetime when she was picked as the lucky patron 

to make a telephone call to Doris Day in Hollywood 

when "Lucky Me" played at the RKO Palace 

in Cincinnati. Manager Ed McGlone recorded the 

conversation for the happy young 

lady beside a lifelike 

blowup of the star. 

Burglar Alarm Nabs 

Lobby 'Intruders' 

A tieup by Manager J. W. Turner with 

a local manufacturer of burglar alarms 

provided an unusual and successful promotion 

for "The Intruder" at the Savoy 

Theatre in Cheshire, Manchester, England. 

Tui-ner and his assistant, P. H. Gaston, 

made arrangements with Madewel Products, 

Ltd., manufacturer of the Tocsin 

burglar alarm, for a lobby display inviting 

patrons to be "intruders" and try to beat 

the alarm. Customers attempted to remove 

some jewelry placed in a box in the lobby, 

but whenever their hands passed over it a 

buzzer sounded and brilliant lights flashed 

on. Photo-cells operated an invisible light 

ray fixed over the box, and frustrated the 

efforts of those who tried to be a successful 

"intruder." The stunt certainly entertained 

patrons and effectively publicized 

the title of the picture. 

An art poster and flying streamer advertised 

the display at the theatre, and the 

firm also supplied 2,500 leaflets which were 

distributed in the street and at the theatre 

several days prior to the playdate. Two 

4Dx60s were placed in prominent locations 

at the Madewel workshops and office, situated 

a few miles from the Savoy, providing 

additional publicity on the event and 

a new poster site for the theatre's future 

programs. 

Mountie Distributes Heralds 

Bob McConnell, assistant manager of the 

Music Box Theatre in Tacoma, arranged 

for a stalwart youth in a Mountie uniform 

to distribute heralds on "Rose Marie."

BOXOFFICE NUGGETS 

Material in Magazines 

Fine showmanship is evident in the unusual 

promotion on "Cease Fire!" and the 

imaginative bally stunt on "For You I Die" 

group of local Fi'ench war brides and their 

ex-GI husbands at the opening of "Act of 

Love" at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, 

Wash. The stunt aroused a lot of interest 

and drew air coverage via lobby interviews 

over station KOL. 

* • • 

Pat Buchieri, manager of the Art Theatre 

in Hartford, Conn., arranged a screening 

of the recent British import, "The 

Holly and the Ivy," for local ministers and 

representatives of women's groups. The 

film's central character, an English country 

parson, and the theme of the film were 

of particular interest to Buchieri's guests, 

who were very much pleased with the special 

show. 

Theatremen Can Use 

Redbook has selected Paramount's 

"Knock on Wood" as the Picture of the 

Month in the June issue. Feature Editor 

Florence Somers comments on star Danny 

Kaye: "He's the Marx brothers, Abbott and 

Costello and Charlie Chaplin rolled into 

one, and he makes 'Knock on Wood' something 

you'll want to see more than once." 

The other films mentioned in the issue 

are "Them," "Carnival Story" and "The 

Pickwick Papers." 

Tempo for the issue of May 17 jiames 

"River of No Return" as the Movie of 

the Week in a two-page layout featuring 

Marilyn Monroe, feminine star of 

the production, in four scenes from the 

film. The story plot is briefly related. 

I 

set up by Manager Paul Turnbull of the 

Granada Theatre in Hamilton, Ont. 

Opening night activities stirred up a lot 

of interest in "Cease Fire!" with the parade 

by the local Royal Hamilton Light 

Infantry division capturing considerable 

attention as they marched through town to 

the theatre. Four recently returned Korean 

war veterans attended the show as invited 

guests and a three-column photo of the 

group appeared in the Hamilton Spectator, 

with a good plug for the picture in the 

caption. A tieup with one of the town's 

largest downtown department stores resulted 

in a window display featuring cameras 

and a large poster with full theatre 

and picture credits. 

A public execution right next to the 

boxoffice served as a bally for "For You 

I Die," and had passersby shouting words 

of encouragement to the "victim." For 

this stunt Turnbull had a man stand on a 

box, with a black hood over his head and 

a rope around his neck, fastened very 

lightly to an overhead beam. A placard 

draped on his chest plugged the picture 

to those who wondered if it was a real 

figure or a dummy. 

• • • 

Tieing in with the musical theme of 

"Rhapsody," the Embassy Theatre, Fort 

Wayne, Ind., offered the playing of advanced 

piano students in the lobby during 

the run of the film. The students played 

at 7:15 and 9:30 p.m on weekdays and at 

3:15 and 5:15 p.m., also, on weekends. 

• • * 

A car giveaway deal has proven so valuable 

in building capacity business at the 

Linda Theatre in San Diego, Calif., that 

Manager Clark Jordon considers it a regular 

part of his promotion activities. Every 

Friday night a good used car is presented 

to a patron holding a lucky ticket. Jordon 

feels the gimmick has proven successful because 

the automobile awarded the winner 

is not a jalopy but a good looking and 

good operating car. 

• « • 

Manager Del Larison played ho.st to a 

Sports Page Stories Aid 

Promotion of 'Go, Man, Go!' 

Several stories about Abe Saperstein, 

owner-coach of the Harlem Globe Trotters 

and hero of the picture "Go, Man, Go!" 

breaking in the New Haven Register's 

sports section helped publicize the playdate 

on the pictui-e at the College Theatre 

in the Connecticut city. Of particular interest 

to sport fans evei-ywhere, this film on the 

world-famous Globe Ti-otters was also promoted 

through handbills distributed at the 

theatre and in the street prior to playdate. 

Dining placemats with appropriate copy 

on the film were supplied by the theatre 

to restaurants near the college and schools 

in town. 

Underwater Scene Is 

Simulated at Miami 

The Miami Theatre in Miami, Fla., had 

an arresting lobby display for "Creature 

Fiom the Black Lagoon." Hanging from 

the ceiling, apparently swimming in the air, 

was a life-size dummy figure of a swimmer 

equipped with aqua-lung and underwater 

gun. He was pursuing the "creature," 

whose figure stood out in relief from a 

60x80 frame. A fish net was thrown over 

the display, helping to create a 3-D effect. 

Fish and shells were attached to the net, 

and fish were hung from the ceiling. 

"It really made everyone stop and stare," 

declared assistant Ray Toemmes. The picture 

played the Miami and Miracle theatres 

in 3-D, 

and the Carib in flat. 

'Round-Table Values' Plug 

'Knights' in Co-Op Ads 

Although stiU just "a stranger in town," 

Jim Fraser, newly appointed manager of 

the Chief Theatre in Red Wing, Minn., 

managed to obtain a full page of co-op 

ads plugging "Knights of the Round Table." 

Headed "Round-Table Values," the page 

of ads used copy based on the theme of 

the film and featured a large photo with 

picture credits. Having broken the ice, 

Fraser now hopes for bigger and better 

tie-ins on future shows. 

The special West Germany edition of Life 

includes a feature story on "Carnival 

Story" which was filmed in both German 

and English versions. The English version 

of the film stars Anne Baxter, Steve Cochran, 

Lyle Bettger and George Nader, and 

the German production stars Eva Bartok 

in Miss Baxter's role. 

Louella Parsons, in the June issue of 

Cosmopolitan, selects as her Picture 

of the Month "Susan Slept Here," starring 

Debbie Reynolds and Nick Powell. 

The issue also includes a feature story 

on Miss Reynolds, with mention of her 

role in the new RKO Technicolor 

comedy. 

* « * 

New films reviewed by Jesse Zunser in 

Cue for May 22 are "Three Coins in the 

Fountain," "The French Line," "Ana-tahan" 

and "Le Plaisir." 

Motion Picture for July features Columbia's 

"The Caine Mutiny" as the 

Movie of the Month. Illustrated with 

action stills, a review of the production 

and an article on Robert Francis, ivho 

makes his debut in the film, appear in 

the issue. 

* * * 

Collier's for Thursday, May 13, features 

a color spread on Leslie Caron dancing to 

the music of Ellington, Goodman, Armstrong 

and Shaw. 

Cue for May 15 reviews "Executive 

Suite," which it highly recommends, 

"Dirty Hands" and. in brief, "Miami 

Story." Jesse Zunser details the career 

of British actor Edinund Purdom in a 

story entitled "Silver Lining Star." 

Purdom, who is knoivn around Hollywood 

as the "Pinch Hit Star of the 

Year," is currently starring in MGM's 

"Student Prince," 20th-Fox's production 

of "The Egyptian," and lias played 

bit parts in "Julius Caesar" and 

"Titanic." 

False Front for "Desert' 

Manager George Pugh set up a special 

false front to publicize "The Living Desert" 

at the Rialto In Glens Falls, N.Y. 

— 178 BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : May 

29, 1954

NATIONAL PRE-SELLING GUIDE 

A report on new films for which national 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. 

BLACK HORSE CANYON U-l 

Book: A new edition of the book upon which 

the picture is based, bearing the same title 

and featuring a scene from the film on the 

cover, is in countrywide distribution. The 

publisher is backing the sale of the book 

via truck banners, store streamers and window 

cards. Arrange for displays with local 

outlets. 

Accessories: Six photos of the key art used 

in the advertising campaign, an advance trailer 

and a folder herald are available from 

National Screen. 

HELL BELOW ZERO CoL 

Aquascutum Rainwear: This manufacturer 

of men's rainwear has prepared tliree-foot 

standees, for lobby and window displays, picturing 

Alan Ladd wearing their product. Tiein 

with local outlet for window displays and 

for standees in limited quantity and further 

information, write Aquascutum, Rm. 333, 

Empire State Bldg., New York. 

Special Herald: A four page comics-style 

action herald, with back page blank for co-op 

merchants copy and theatre-playdate credits, 

for general distribution. Order from National 

Screen. 

Photo Story: Pictures and captions will be 

mailed to your local newspaper upon request. 

Write to Publicity Dept., Columbia Pictures 

Corp., 729 7th Ave., New York. 

Accessories: A single transcription of spot 

announcements for use in radio campaigns. 

Order from your Columbia exchange. A colorin 

drawing for use in a newspaper contest or 

as a giveaway, measures 6x5 inches. Order 

Mat 3-.\ from National Screen. Special flags, 

valances and usher's badges on the picture 

are available from the vender. An advance 

trailer features action shots from the picture 

and several selections of scene stills picturing 

Alan Ladd in action and romantic poses are 

available for lobby blowups and merchant tieins, 

all from National Screen. 

THE HIGH AND THE MIGHTY 

Warner Bros. 

Collier's Magazine: Mailing pieces announcing 

a tie-in with the picture have been sent 

to supermarkets throughout the country and 

advertised in food trade publications. Store 

window banners and poster hangers featuring 

"John Wayne's favorite menus" and newspaper 

mats will be sent to all stores cooperating 

in the campaign. A page and a half, 

four-color ad in Collier's for July 23 will feature 

Wayne's portrait with picture credits 

and the complete list of markets across the 

country who are cooperating in the promotion. 

For information write George J. Koebler, 

Collier's Magazine, 640 5th Ave., New York. 

Books: Two editions of the best-selling novel 

on which the picture was based have been 

published and contact should be made with 

all local retailers. Other books written by the 

author, Ernest K. Gann, may be used in window 

displays featuring picture and theatre 

credits, while the 35-cent pocketbook edition 

should be displayed in drug and department 

stores and at all newsstands. To help these 

displays, order StUls HM-Xl and HM-X2 

from National Screen. 

Contest Mat: A four-day newspaper contest 

featuring the eight stars in the picture is 

available on ordering the single Mat No. 

HM-501X, a jingle beneath each portrait provides 

a clue to the star's identity. Use a proof 

as a blowup in the theatre lobby with co-op 

credits to the newspaper running the contest. 

Accessories: A set of 12 full-color 8x10 lobby 

photos are available on the picture from National 

Screen, along with a 40x60. Head portraits 

of the stars may also be had by ordering 

Mat HM-401X from National Screen. Two 

16nnn trailers for television and two spot announcements 

on one record for radio campaigns 

may be had free on order from Campaign 

Plan Editor, Warner Bros., 321 West 

44th St., New York. Two sets of special star 

stills. For a set of six order Lobby Star Stills 

HM and the second group of six, for merchant 

tieups, order Window Stills HM from 


JUNGLE MAN-EATERS Col. 

Accessories: A four 

page, 6x18 circus herald 

is available with other accessories on the picture 

from National Screen. The posters were 

designed for easy cutout lobby standees and 

setpieces. 

KNOCK ON WOOD 

Para. 

Music: Two songs from the picture, "All 

About You" and "Knock on Wood," have been 

published in sheet music form and fiee song 

covers for general promotion are available on 

request from Famous Music Corp., 1619 Broadway, 

New York. A Decca LP album (DL 5527) 

of Danny Kaye singing three tunes—not in 

the film's score—and a recording of the ballet 

music in the picture entitled "End of Spring" 

are available at music stores throughout the 

country. Three single recordings of the 

"Knock on Wood" tunes, two by Danny Kaye 

on Decca and the third by Buddy Morrow 

on Victor, have been released. A Decca extended 

play album (ED 2141) contains three 

numbers from the picture sung by Danny Kaye 

in addition to the ballet music. 

Tie-in Tips: Arrange counter and windoiv 

displays with all local music stores. Distribute 

sheet music to local orchestra 

leaders. Arrange for store pianists to play 

the tunes. See that local disk jockeys 

plug the numbers on radio and television 

programs and play recordings over the 

theatre PA system. Arrange for a Danny 

Kaye imitation contest on local TV or 

radio with promoted prizes for the winner. 

Van Heusen Shirts: This manufacturer features 

two portraits of Danny Kaye with picture 

credits in full-page four-color ads in top 

national magazines. Tie-in with local merchants 

for co-op ads and window displays and 

arrange a tie-in display in the theatre lobby. 

Magazines: Parents' magazine presented its 

Award for Special Merit to "Knock on Wood" 

and a one-sheet heralding the event is available 

free on request from the pressbook editor at 

Paramount. Redbook in its June issue selected 

the film as Picture of the Month. Seventeen 

has picked "Knock on Wood" as its Picture 

of the Month and is publicizing the award 

with a one-sheet poster also available on request 

from the Paramount Pressbook Editor, 

1501 Broadway, New York. Life for March 

22 featured the star and picture in a photo 

story entitled "The Acrobatics of Danny Kaye," 

the picture sequence showing Danny Kaye 

performing with a ballet troupe in the film. 

Tie-in Tips: In addition to spotting the 

posters in prominent locations, jeature 

the tearsheets from the four magazines 

in a 40x60 lobby display. See that local 

PTA and schools know about the Parents' 

Magazine Award to the film as the Family 

Picture of the Month. 

Accessories: A special teaser trailer is offered 

to all showmen gratis and can be obtained 

from Paramount exchanges. A regular advance 

trailer may also be had on order from 


MEN OF THE FIGHTING LADY 

MGM 

Endorsement Letter: A facsimile of a letter 

of endorsement of the film, written by Rear 

Admiral Lewis S. Parks, is available as an 

8x10 photo. Order Still LM-33887 from National 

Screen. Blow up the letter for lobby and 

window displays. 

Color-in Contest: A three-column line drawing 

of air-action for running in the local 

newspaper or as a co-op stunt with a neighborhood 

store. Distribute copies at the theatre, 

schools and through local merchants. Order 

Mat 3XA from National Screen. 

Magazine Tie-in: The picture was based on 

stories by James A. Michener in the May 10, 

1952, issue of the Saturday Evening Post and 

by Commander Burns in the Nov. 29, 1952, 

issue of the same publication. Arrange for 

cooperative displays with magazine distributors 

and slip-sheet magazines with proofs of 

the advertising on the picture. Arrange window 

displays of Michener's novels and publicize 

the picture on public and school library 

bulletin boards with scene stills. 

Accessories: A selection of stills for a variety 

of tieup purposes, a set of twelve 8x10 

color prints and an advance color trailer are 

available at National Screen. 

THE JOLSON STORY Col. 

Music: A total of 78 recordings of songs sung 

by Al Jolson in the picture are available for 

local promotion. Decca is alerting distributors 

to work with showmen and is furnishing 

thousands of Jolson album covers, window 

streamers and placards for local playdate 

tieups. This new issue of the picture has been 

converted to wide-screen and stereophonic 

sound. 

TiE-iN Tips: Arrange for co-op newspaper 

ads with your Decca distributor and local 

music stores; promote prizes for the best 

Jolson imitators; furnish disk jockeys 

ivith the recordings and see that records 

are on all juke boxes in town. Window 

and counter displays should be spotted at 

all music stores and sheet music, published 

by a dozen different firms, played 

by pianists wherever possible and copies 

of the music used for display purposes. 

Webcor: Webster-Chicago, manufacturers of 

the Webster musicale, is arranging a contest 

offering these instruments as prizes in key 

situations around the country. The contest 

will be based on the query: "Why I like to 

hear Jolson records on the Webcor Musicale." 

Accessories: \ new trailer featuring the new 

sound and screen technique, and a 9x12 fourpage 

herald are both available at National 

Screen. A flag, wall banner, valance, bumper 

strip and theatre staff badges plugging the 

film are also furnished. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : May 

29, 1954 — 179 —

ERAc 

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 than five engagements are 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.

NEWS AND VIEWS OF THE PRODUCTION CENTER 

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

j 

Elmer Rice Foresees 

Censorship Decline 

HOUjYWOOD—Official censorship of mass 

media of communications, such as the press, 

motion pictures, radio and TV, is on the 

decline, in the opinion of Elmer Rice, playwright 

and chairman of the American Civil 

Liberties Union's council on freedom from 

censorship. Nevertheless, Hollywood filmmakers, 

the nation's exhibitors and others 

must continue their battles against such official 

mentoring and the activities of unofficial 

pressure groups, he contended. 

Rice spoke on "The New Look in Censorship" 

Saturday (22) at a banquet marking 

the 30th anniversary of the ACLU's southern 

California branch. He stressed the part played 

by the ACLU in winning the Supreme Court 

decision anent the late Joseph Burstyn's 

"The Miracle," but said it is still difficult 

to recruit campaigners in the fight against 

censorship of this type. 

The playwright characterized both the Motion 

Picture Ass'n of America's production 

code and that drafted by the National Ass'n 

of Radio and Television Broadcasters as being 

of the type that pressure groups can impose, 

but expressed the belief that as a result 

of the "Miracle" Supreme Court ruling 

official censorship is on the wane. 

Dore Schary, MGM studio head, was honored 

for his work on behalf of civil liberties. 

He is one of 17 civic leaders named to a 

newly formed ACLU advisory council. 

Chandler Suspension 

Over 'Bridges' Is Brief 

HOLLYWOOD—The brief suspension hung 

on contractee Jeff Chandler by Universal-International 

on the grounds he refused to report 

to begin a starring assignment in the 

Aaron Rosenberg production, "Five Bridges 

to Cross," was lifted almost immediately. 

It was understood that Chandler, after 

writing the studio a letter expressing dissatisfaction 

with the part, reconsidered and 

announced he was ready to go to work. This 

apparent change of mind did not come in 

time to prevent the suspension action, but 

Edward Muhl, U-I vice-president in charge 

of production, announced a short time thereafter 

that the "differences" between the 

actor and the studio had been "rapidly and 

amicably" resolved. 

Chandler is out of "Bridges," however. The 

picture began on location in Boston with 

George Nader in the role originally planned 

for the former. With Joseph Pevney directing, 

other cast leads are Tony Curtis and 

Julia- Adams. 

'H/g/7, Mighty Premiere 

Draws Filmdom Notables 

HOLLYWOOD—A star and celebrity-studded 

audience was on hand for the Thursday 

(27) invitational world premiere of the 

Wayne-Fellows production, "The High and 

the Mighty," at the Egyptian Theatre here. 

Being distributed by Warners, the film version 

of Ernest K. Gann's best-selling novel, 

stars John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Laraine 

Day, Robert Stack, Jan Sterling, Phil Harris, 

Robert Newton and David Brian, all of 

whom Wayne introduced to the first-nighters 

from the stage of the theatre. 

Accorded radio and television coverage, 

the premiere featured such appurtenances 

as klieg lights, bleachers for the fans and 

autograph collectors, and a "Stage 1" area 

where the celebrities were on view for photographing. 

In addition to cast members, those in attendance 

included: 

Mayor Poulson Sheriff Biscoiluz 

District Attorney Roll Pier Angeli 

Edgar Bergen 

Joe E. Brown 

Louis Calhern 

Jeanne Grain 

Claudette Colbert 

Robert Cummings 

John Farrow 

Maureen O'SuHivan 

Zsa Zsa Gabor 

Howard Keel 

Alan Lodd 

Guy Madison 

Virginia Mayo 

Ann Miller 

Dinah Shore 

Vincent Price 

Lizbeth Scott 

Robert Stock 

Milton Bren 

Clifton Webb 

Shelley Winters 

Keenan Wynn 

* * * 

Beginning with the Wednesday (26) opening 

of "Black Horse Canyon," the Joel Mc- 

Crea starrer, at the CJolden Gate Theatre in 

San Francisco, Universal-International is em- 

Hollywood Is Rated 

As 'Most Mature 

Hollywood — Filmdom, under the 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America's production 

code, has developed "true maturity" 

and "a sense of respect for its audiences," 

it was declared by Jack Vizzard, 

assistant to Joseph I. Breen, code administrator, 

at a Saturday (22) annual session 

of Loyola university's "alumni 

workshop." 

The code's aim, he said, is to make 

pictures that are "reasonably acceptable 

to reasonable people," and Hollywood now 

is "the most mature member of the entire 

entertainment family" because its output 

is "vastly more restrained" than that of 

the Broadway stage, European films, 

night clubs and popular novels. 

barking on a premiere spree. The "Horse" 

bow will be followed by a two-city opening 

of "Johnny Dark," with Tony Curtis and 

Piper Laurie, at the Rivoli in Toledo and the 

Michigan in Detroit on June 16-18, and the 

July 15 world premiere of "Magnificent Obsession" 

at the RKO Palace in Cleveland. The 

latter film, based on the Lloyd C. Douglas 

novel, stars Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson. 

* * * 

Republic's "Johnny Guitar" had its New 

York premiere Thursday (27) at the Mayfair 

Theatre, with Herbert J. Yates, company 

president; his executive aide, • William M. 

Saal; and Mercedes McCambridge and Scott 

Brady of the picture's cast in attendance. 

The Trucolor production, starring Joan 

Crawford, was directed by Nicholas Ray. 

* * 

"Southwest Passage," the Edward Small 

production for United Artists, has been set 

for an eight-theatre bow in the Los Angeles 

area on June 9. Toplining Rod Cameron, 

Joanne Dru and John Ireland, the Pathe 

color western will day-date at Loew's State 

and the United Ai'tists here, the UA in Inglewood, 

the Capitol, Glendale, the Iris, Hollywood, 

and the Floral, Southgate and Centinela 

drive-ins. 

« * * 

A tentative August 19 date has been set 

for the world premiere of the W. R. Prank 

production, "Sitting Bull," in Rapid City, 

S.D., the producer declared upon his return 

from the area. Fi'ank conferred there on 

the premiere arrangements with G. W. Mills, 

president of the Black Hills and Bad Lands 

Ass'n and other civic leaders. 

The picture's debut will be highlighted by 

appearances by cast members and other Hollywood 

celebrities. It was filmed in Cinema- 

Scope and Technicolor for United Artists 

release, starring Dale Robertson, Mary Murphy 

and J. Carrol Naish, and directed by 

Sidney Salkow. 

Copa Adds to Schedule 

HOLLYWOOD — Copa Pioductions, the 

newly formed independent unit headed by 

producer Ted Richmond and actor Tyrone 

Power, has added "In the Blazing Night," 

from a novel by Max White, to its lensing 

schedule. Based on the life of the painter 

Goya, the vehicle will star Power and is 

scheduled for shooting on location in Spain. 

BOXOFFICE : : May 

29, 1954 35

Meggers 

STUDIO PERSONNEUTIES 

Columbia 

"Wyoming Outlaws," Technicolor western to be 

produced by Wallace MacDonald, will be directed by 

FRED F SEARS. 

Options 

Allied Artists 

BEVERLY GARLAND is the femme lead in "Killer 

Leopord " Handed supporting ports in the Johnny 

Sheffield topliner were RUSS CONWAY, RORY MAL- 

LINSON, HARRY CORDING and MILTON WARD. 

Ford Beebe produces and directs. 

Signed for ports in the new Bowery Boys comedy, 

"Jungle Gents," were DAN TOWLER and HARRY 

THOMPSON, members of the Los Angeles Rams, pro 

football team. Edward Bernds is directing the Leo 

Gorcey-Huntz Hall starrer for producer Ben Schwolb. 

Columbia 

Warwick Productions, headed by Irving Allen 

and A. R. Broccoli, signed MAI ZETTERLING, Swedish 

actress, to star with Richard Widmork and Nigel 

Patrick in the Technicolor adventure drama, "A 

Prize of Gold." With Mark Robson megging, the 

film will be shot on location in Berlin and London. 

Nightclub singer JANA MASON was signed to a 

term acting controct. 

Lippert Productions 

Handed supporting roles in "Thunder Pass" were 

NESTOR PAIVA, TOMMY COOK, TOM HUBBARD 

RICK VALLIN and GORDON WYNN. 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 

Songstress ROSEMARY CLOONEY will team with 

her husband, Jose Ferrer, in o song-and-donce specialty 

in "Deep in My Heart," the Roger Edens 

production, in which Ferrer is cost as composer Sigmund 

Romberg. The tunefilm is being megged by 

Stanley Donen. 

Paramount 

JOAN BENNETT, PETER USTINOV and ALDO RAY 

were inked for "We're No Angels," romantic comedy 

which also stars Humphrey Bogort and Basil Rothbone, 

and which will roll next month as a Pot 

Duggon production. Michael Curtiz will direct. 

Cost OS o heavy in "Hell's Island," the Pine-Thomos 

production starring John Payne and Mary Murphy 

was FRANCIS L. SULLIVAN. The Technicolor-Visto- 

Vision odvenfure dromo is being directed by Phil 

Korlson. 

Booked for a character port in "Run for Cover," 

the TechnicoIor-VistaVision western being produced 

by Pine and Thomas, was IRVING BACON. With 

S-xecuiuAe 

West: Loren L. R.vder, director of engineering 

and recording at the Paramount studios, 

returned from a survey of theatres and 

projection equipment in London, Paris, Rome, 

Frankfort, Venice and Milan, in preparation 

for a series of demonstrations of VistaVision, 

Paramount's new wide-.screen process, in 

England and on the continent. The showings 

are scheduled for late-June and early- 

July. 

• • • 

West: Henry King, 20th Century-Fox director, 

planed in from South Africa after 

more than two months of location shooting 

on "Untamed." 

• • * 

West; Prank Borzage, megaphonist representing 

the Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers 

as an unofficial delegate to the Southeast 

A.sian Film Festival, is expected to return 

here about June 1. The festival wa-s held 

in Tokyo. 

• * • 

East: Si Seadler, MGM's eastern advertising 

manager, returned to the home office after 

viewing several newly completed features and 

dl-scussing the exploitation-advertising campaigns 

thereon. 

• • • 

West: Alex Gottlieb, Independent producer, 

Nick Ray directing, the outdoor drama stars James 

Cogney, Vtveca Lindfors and John Derek. 

RKO Radio 

TED DECORSIA was cost as o Tartar ruler in "The 

Conqueror," historical adventure dromo in Cinema- 

Scope, which is being produced and directed by Dick 

Powell with John Wayne and Susan Hayward in the 

leods. 

20th Century-Fox 

Set for featured ports in Producer Sol C. Siegel's 

CinemoScope musical, "There's No Business Like 

Show Business." were RHYS WILLIAMS and LEE 

PATRICK. Walter Lang directs with a cost headed 

by Ethel Merman, Don Doiley, Mitzi Gaynor and 

Donald O'Connor. 

MERLE OBERON will portray the Empress Josephine 

to Marlon Brando's Napoleon in "Desiree," upcoming 

Cinemascope costumer, which also stars Jeon 

Simmons. The Julian Blaustein production will be 

directed by Henry Koster. 

Universal-International 

BART ROBERTS will enact the chief heavy in 

"Smoke Signal," Technicolor western starring Dona 

Andrews and Piper Laurie, which is being produced 

by Howard Christie and megged by Jerry Hopper. 

Cast as on army private was WILLIAM SCHALLERT. 

MARY WICKES was signed for a featured role in 

"Destry," Technicolor western starring Audio Murphy, 

Mori Blonchord and Lyle Bettger. Stanley Rubin 

produces and George Marshall is the director. 

Warner Bros. 

ISABEL JEWEL was cast as a frontier danceholl gal 

in "Drum Beat," the CinemoScope-WarnerColor feature 

starring Alan Ladd and to be lensed by Lodd's 

newly formed independent company. Jaguar Productions, 

with Delmer Daves producing and directing. 

The cast also includes Audrey Dalton and Morisa 

Povan. Added to the cast was TONY CARUSO. 

Four Broadway stage players—JO VAN FLEET, 

RICHARD DAVALOS, LOIS SMITH and LONNIE 

CHAPMAN—were inked for featured roles in "East 

of Eden," CinemoScope-WarnerColor picturization of 

the John Steinbeck novel, being produced and directed 

by Elia Kazan. 

Scripters 

Columbia 

JAMES WARNER BELLAH is penning "Sunburst," 

from on original by Ranald MacDougoll, which Lewis 

J. Rachmil will produce. 

Metro-Gold'wyn-Mayer 

JOHN LEE MAHIN was inked to script "The Fe- 

*7Ûi4je/e^ 

checked in from Gotham after eastern discussions 

concerning the fall production of a 

new play which he has penned. 

• * * 

East: Billy Wilder, who will direct "The 

Spirit of St. Louis," film biography of Col. 

Charles A. Lindbergh, headed for New York 

for conferences with Lindbergh anent the 

project. The film is being produced by Leland 

Hayward for Warner release. 

• • * 

East: Producer-director Otto Preminger returned 

from a brief business jaunt to Manhattan 

to attend to final preparations for 

the scheduled June camera start of "Carmen 

Jones," which he is making in Cinemascope 

for distribution by 20th-Fox. 

• • * 

West : Producer W. R. Frank returned from 

the midwest after arranging for a mid-August 

premiere of his new United Artists release, 

"Sitting Bull, in Rapid City, S.D. 

• * • 

East: Producer Joseph Kaufman returned 

from Australia, where he and Director Byron 

Haskin are shooting "Long John Silver" as 

a Robert Newton starring vehicle. After a 

brief stop here, Kaufman continued on to 

New York to arrange distribution for the 

opus. 

male," a Pandro S. Berman production, which will 

star Ava Gardner. 

Story Buys 

Columbia 

"And God Smiled," a novel by the Polish author, 

Ignace Burz-Puloski, with English translation by 

Sylvan Francis, was purchased by Sam Kotzman. It 

deals with the rise to fame of a young blind girl with 

o mognificent singing voice. 

Independent 

Woyne-Fellows Productions acquired screen rights 

to "The Quality of Mercy," a new novel by Robert 

Carson. 

Technically 

Allied Artists 

ELLSWORTH FREDERICKS wos signed as cinemotogropher 

on "The Bob Mothios Story." 

Set on the production crew of "Killer Leopard" 

were ALLEN K. WOOD, production monoger; HARRY 

NEUMANN, comeraman; EDWARD MOREY JR., as' 

sistont director, and DAVID MILTON, art diiecfor. 

Independent 

Filmokers booked BURNETT GUFFEY to photograph 

"Privote Hell 36." 

Paramount 

HOWARD SMITH will ctlit "Run for Cover." 

20th Century-Fox 

CHARLES G. CLARKE hos been assigned to photograph 

"Block Widow." 


Upped to first assistant director after several years 

OS a second assistant, MARSHALL GREEN has been 

assigned to "Chief Crazy Horse." 

Warner Bros. 

TED McCORD has been assigned as the director of 

cinematography on the CinemoScope production, 

"East of Eden." 

JOHN BECKMAN hos 

"Young at Heart." 

been named art director on 

Title 

Chcinges 


"Shadow Valley" to FOUR GUNS TO THE BORDER. 

Luigi Luraschi Selected 

To Head AMPP Group 

HOLLYWOOD—Luigi Luraschi, Paramount 

studio international department head, has 

been elected chairman of the international 

committee of the Ass'n of Motion Picture 

Producers. He succeeds William Gordon of 

Universal-International, who has served for 

the past two years. 

Louis Blaine of Universal-International 

was named chairman of the international 

publicity committee to succeed Roy Metzler 

of 20th-Fox. 

AFL Council Blasts 'Salt' 

HOLLYWOOD—A warning to all AFL 

members in Hollywood to be on guard against 

"Salt of the Earth," which was made "under 

non-union conditions by persons identified 

a-s Communists and Communist party line 

supporters," has been i.ssued by the Hollywood 

AFL Film Council. The picture, which 

opened at the Marcal Theatre, was produced 

by Paul Jarrico, directed by Herbert Biberman 

and written by Michael Wilson, all characterized 

as "unfriendly" witnes.ses in appearances 

before the House Un-American Activities 

committee. 

Crawford Touring Texas 

HOLLYWOOD- Plugging Texas openings of 

her Republic starrer, "Johnny Guitar," Joan 

Crawford took off Thursday (27) for a swing 

through Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and San 

Antonio. 

BOXOFTICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

Ad Men Asked to Hear 

'Runaway' Plaints 

HOLLYWOOD—Executives of eight advertising 

agencies which are active in the television 

programming field have been invited 

to meet early next month with the Hollywood 

AFL Film Council in a discussion of 

so-called "runaway" production of TV films 

abroad by U.S. producers. 

The council charges 

that the practice, which it has repeatedly 

deplored as concerns both the video and theatrical 

film fields, is creating unemployment 

among American technicians. 

Carl Cooper, council president, in his letter 

of invitation, declared the organization is contemplating 

taking "strong action" against 

the use of "foreign-made television films to 

sell American products to Americans, but 

before making a final decision, we would 

like to discuss the matter with you." 

Agencies asked to participate are BBD & O, 

Benton & Bowles, the Blow Co., Foote, Cone 

& Belding, McCann-Erickson, J. Walter 

Thompson, Young & Rubicam, and the American 

Ass'n of Advertising Agencies. 

New president of the Southern California 

Broadcasters Ass'n is Robert J. McAndrews 

of the John Poole Broadcasting Co., who succeeds 

Prank Burke jr. Re-elected were Norman 

J. Ostby, of KHJ-Don Lee, vice-president, 

and Thelmer Kirchner, of KGFJ, secretary-treasurer. 

* * * 

Whether or not members of Television 

Writers of America will be directed to withhold 

material from the three major video 

networks, NBC, CBS, and ABC, will hinge 

on the outcome of a mail referendum authorized 

by TWA's executive board. Ballots 

are to be sent out immediately, and the results 

will be tabulated for announcement at a 

June 10 membership meeting. 

TWA, which holds an NLRB sanction as 

bargaining agent for freelance video scriveners 

at the networks, contends it has been 

unable to negotiate working agreements. 

* * * 

Colorvision, a new additive process of tint 

photography designed primarily for TV, was 

given a demonstration here for members of 

the video industry and the press. It is claimed 

by the system's co-inventor, Lawrence F. 

Brunswick, that the device requires no extra 

lighting and will cut both film and laboratory 

costs. 

* » • 

Don Weis, former MGM megaphonist, has 

switched to video with his inking to pilot 

the Joan Davis series, "I Married Joan," next 

season. Being filmed for NBC and sponsored 

by General Electric, the comedy show is produced 

by P. J. Wolfson. 

Off on Camp Tour 

HOLLYWOOD— After a final briefing from 

Defense department officials in Washington, 

a ten-member Hollywood Coordinating Committee 

entertainment troupe was slated to 

take off Friday (28) for a 22-day trek to 

military installations in Iceland, North Africa, 

Germany, France and the Azores. Personnel 

includes Johnny Grant, Ludwig Dreyfuss, 

Yvette Dugay, Virignia Hall, Ginny 

Jackson, Johnny Mack, Robertti Roberts, 

Paul Nero, Elizabeth Talbot-Martin and Joy 

Windsor, with Irving Lande of the HCC accompanying 

as manager. 

MNASMUCH as there already are a marqueecrowding 

five words in its title, no great 

harm could result from adding a descriptive 

sixth and making it "The Adventures of 

Hajji Baba, Orphan." Publicitywise the Walter 

Wanger feature seems currently to be without 

parentage. 

It will be remembered that "Baba," to the 

accompaniment of considerable pre-production 

hoopla, was initially projected as the 

second Wanger venture—following on the 

heels of his praiseworthy and successful "Riot 

in Cell Block 11" —designed to accelerate 

Allied Ai'tists* widely-touted dash toward 

big-league picture-making. 

Then, in a surprise move, and mere hours 

before the film went before the cameras, 

Steve Broidy, AA president, bartered the distribution 

rights thereto to 20th Century-Fox. 

During the time the picture was on location 

at Lone Pine, John Flinn, AA publicity chief, 

made an effort to accord the undertaking 

normal blurbery attention. He retained John 

(Purple Heart) Del Valle as a unit man to 

cover location news and conscientiously broadcast 

Del Valle's daily reports, which specialized 

in casualties. Now that the shooting is 

over, no space-snatcher seems much interested 

in li'l "Baba." Flinn apparently feels it is 

no longer his baby, and from 20th-Fox's publicists 

comes nai-y a word about it. But the 

latter circumstance is par for the course. 

From 20th-Fox's publicists comes nary a 

word, period. 

So, alas! poor "Baba." It has seemingly 

been precipitated from Jovial Johnny's ineffectual 

frying pan into Harry (Palsie) 

Brand's indifferent fire. 

At this point Producer Wanger should be 

a pushover for the sei-vices of a fast-talking, 

independent press agent. 

Purchasinff space in the Hollywood tradepapers, 

the Behemoth of Blurb reproduced a 

memo—pad included— "from the desk of Anne 

Baxter," informing- one and sundry that "as 

of this moment I have appointed Russell 

Birdwell as personal manager in all film 

negotiations in addition to his service as public 

relations counsellor—A. B." 

The advertisement would have been more 

in keeping with current events had Roving 

Russell added a line, to wit: 

'Til sue you later—R. B." 

In May's issue of slick Esquire magazine 

appeared an aphrodi.sion titled "Sex in Hollywood," 

limned by Ben Hecht. Regardless of 

its titular promise of pornography, the contribution 

proved to be a snide symposium of 

hackneyed gossip—past and present—about 

Cinemania's alleged sexual eccentricities. 

The article named no names and its innuendos 

were so broad that it purveyed no specific 

additional information anent the film capital's 

greatly exaggerated paucity of morals; 

and it was definitely below the established 

literary standards of its author. 

Despite which, certain self-appointed 

guardians of filmdom's behavior worked themselves 

into an editorial lather indicting the 

prosaic piece, and urging that Hecht be barred 

forever from Hollywood payrolls. 

Hardly had such pleas for disciplinary action 

appeared when announcement was made 

that the independent production fi-m headed 

by Frank P. Rosenberg had purchased screen 

rights to a Hecht short story, "Miracle in the 

Rain"—and that Hecht had been signed to 

prepare the screenplay. 

Ah, the power of the press! 

Word is at hand that Howard Duff, seeking 

atmospheric authenticity for his role as a 

cop in Filmakers' "Private Hell 36," spent a 

night riding with police officers in a prowl 

car and soaked up additional data by passing 

a week observing police department operations. 

Dum da dum dum. Everybody's trying to 

get into Jack Webb's act. 

A recent addition to the roster of industry 

litigation was the $4,000,000 damage action 

filed against Columbia by the producer and 

distributor of "Champagne Safari," described 

as a "feature documentary record of 

Rita Hayworth's honeymoon with Aly Khan." 

The plaintiffs contend Columbia and its president, 

Harry Cohn, employed "coercion and 

threats" to cancel Fox West Coast's plans to 

world-premiere the opus in San F'rancisco, 

and assertedly warned other exhibitors 

throughout the country that "reprisals would 

follow" if any of them booked the picture. 

Shows how tough things are in the film 

trade. "Champagne Safari" is stymied—but 

"Rheingold Is Here," thanks to Maggie Ettinger. 

" 'WOMEN TODAY ARE AS COMMERCIAIi 

AS CASH REGISTER,' SAYS BOGIE." 

—George Lait-Columbia Headline. 

Wouldn't it be nice if all your pictures were 

the same. Bogie? 

George Pal, Paramount producer, ventured 

out on a fragile limb when, according to intelligence 

from Teet Carle's campanologists, 

he opined that science-fiction films will one 

day take the place of today's bread-and-butter 

westerns. Quoted in an article in the 

Science Fiction Digest, Pal predicted that socalled 

"space operas" will replace program 

gallopers and super-westerns will bow to 

high-budgeted science-fantasy "epics." 

Fancy Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Randolph 

Scott, Alan Ladd, et al, riding thataway on 

a rocket. 

"SAM KATZMAN FINDING IT 

EASIER TO REACH "MOON' 

THAN HIRE 150 MIDGETS." 

—Tradepaper headline. 

With everybody in Hollywood being a little 

short these days, it's hard to believe, Sam. 

Right unpatriotic of Alan Ladd to name 

his new picturemaking company Jaguar Productions. 

Cadillac Productions ain't good 

enough? 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 37

Ed Alperson Loses 

His 3-D 'Devil' Suil 

HOLLYWOOD—A $3,500,000 lawsuit involving 

"Bwana Devil," the picture that 

launched the 3-D revolution, ended in favor 

of the defendants. Arch Oboler and United 

Artists, in a superior court ruling against 

Edward L. Alperson and Brenco Pictures. 

Alperson contended his Brenco firm purchased 

"Devil" from Oboler for $2,000,000, 

but that Oboler and his associates instead 

sold the picture to UA for $1,750,000. 

The court upheld the defendant's claim 

that an agent had, without their approval, 

drafted the agreement to sell the celluloid to 

Alperson. The decision declared that there 

had been "no meeting of the minds" between 

Alperson and Oboler, and that Alperson had 

signed a ".secret agreement" with the agent. 

As a result of his agreement to withdraw 

hi.s $1,756,000 suit for slander and breach of 

conti'act, actor John Ireland has secured 

a statement from Noi-vin Productions, Television 

Programs of America, Leon Fromkess 

and others, clearing him of any suspicion of 

disloyalty. He also received a "substantial" 

cash settlement. In his superior court suit, 

Ireland had contended the defendants abrogated 

an agreement with him to star in a TV 

series, "The Adventures of Ellery Queen," on 

the grounds he was "politically unacceptable" 

to Young & Rubicam, Inc., an advertising 

agency. As a part of the settlement 

agreement the defendants declared that "to 

the best of their knowledge" Ireland is a 

"loyal American citizen who has never committed 

any act or deed which would reflect 

uiifavorably upon his character, integrity or 

patriotism." 

* * • 

Too many comedians are circulating in 

Hollywood, according to George Glass Productions, 

which has lodged official protest 

against the June 4 presentation of Sholem 

Perlmutter's musical play, "The Comedian," 

at the Civic Playhouse. In a letter to the 

producers of the stage venture, attorneys 

for Glass advised that the independent filmmaker 

owns rights to "The Comedian," a 

novel by Ernest Lehman, which title was 

copyrighted when the yarn appeared in 

Cosmopolitan magazine in January 1952. 

Glass, planning a fall film start on the 

Lehman story, contends "considerable" damage 

might result to the picture property 

unless the title of the play is changed "immediately." 

* « • 

A film project that began in Brazilian 

jungles switched its locale to superior court 

here when Robert Stillman Productions filed 

a $1,750,000 damage suit against actor Glenn 

Ford on the grounds he has refused to complete 

hLs starring role in a picture called "The 

Americano." Ford, according to the complaint, 

entered Into a contract with the Stillman 

company and started work in the film in 

Brazil, but before its completion was permitted 

to return to Hollywood, allegedly 

agreeing to finish the part at a later time 

when he was free of other commitments. 

However, the actor has assertedly refused 

to report, although Stillman has a distribution 

agreement with RKO and a June 7 date 

to resume camera work here. He asks, In 

damages, an amount equal to the picture's 

budget, plus anticipated profits. 

S. Katzman to Produce Ten 

More Films This Year 

HOLLYWOOD—Six weeks vacation with 

pay—that's the outlook for members of the 

Sam Katzman production unit at Columbia, 

beginning June 1. Beginning in mid-July, 

cameras will turn on ten properties to complete 

Katzman's 1954 schedule. He plans 18 

to 20 features for Columbia in 1955. 

The balance of this year's slate includes: 

"Bugle's Wake." Technicolor historical 

western: "Ten Nights in a Harem," also in 

Technicolor, as will be "Robin Hood, Outlaw"; 

"Chicago Syndicate," a gangland 

drama: "Outlaws of the Desert," a serial; 

"Monster of the Deep," a science-fiction 

drama; "Killers in Tuxedoes"; an untitled 

"Jungle Jim"; "Riot on Pier Six" and "One 

More for the Road." 

Candidates Nominated 

For Academy Board 

HOLLYWOOD—Nominees from which one 

candidate will be chosen from each branch 

to serve a two-year term on the 13-member 

1954 board of governors of the Academy of 

Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are: 

Actons—William Holden, Dean Jagger, 

Mercedes McCambridge, Donna Reed. 

Administrators—Y. Frank Freeman, Jesse 

L. Lasky, Sol Lesser, E. J. Mannix. 

Art director.s—Feild Gray, Hugh Hunt, 

Wiard Ihnen, Lyle Wheeler, Joseph C. Wright. 

Cinematographers—John W. Boyle, William 

Daniels, George Folsey, A. L. Gilks, Ray Rennahan, 

Sidney P. Solow. 

Director.s—Delmer Daves, George Marshall, 

H. C. Potter, George Stevens, King Vidor. 

Executives—William Gordon, Fred L. Metzler, 

Lester Roth, E. L. Scanlon. 

Film editors—Folmar Blangsted, Richard 

H. Cahoon, William Lyon, Alma Macrorie, 

Charles Nelson, James Newcom, Ralph Winters. 

Music—Herschel Burke Gilbert, Edward B. 

Powell, Ned Washington, Paul Francis Webster. 

Producers—Buddy Adler, Louis F. Edelman, 

William Perlberg, Sol C. Siegel. 

Pubhc relations—Teet Carle, John C. Flinn, 

George Lait, Joseph P. Reddy. 

Short subjects—Stephen Bosustow, Carl 

Dudley, Jerry Fairbanks, Harry Tytle. 

Sound—John Aalberg, Lorin Grignon, 'Vernon 

Kramer, Louis Mesenkop. 

Writers—Sydney Boehm, Valentine Davles, 

Helen Deutsch, George Seaton. 

Mail ballots are returnable Monday (31). 

Assignment for F. Kohlmar 

HOLLYWOOD—Pioduction reins on Columbia's 

"Fanfare for Elizabeth," based on 

the historical novel by Dr. Edith Sitwell, have 

been handed to Fred Kohlmar, who currently 

has "Phfft," a romantic comedy starring 

Judy Holliday, before the cameras. 

Rental Lot Sale Near 

HOLL'YWOOD— Reportedly near the signature 

stage at midweek was a deal for the 

purchase of the Motion Picture Center studio, 

a rental lot, from Us owners, Jo.seph 

Justman and Berman Swartz, by a group 

headed by Harvey Silbert, an attorney. 

Star Spots Slated 

For Big GI Contest 

HOLL"YWOOD—For broadcasting to servicemen 

through the worldwide facilities of the 

Armed Forces Radio Service, a series of recorded 

spot announcements promoting the 

"What America Means to Me" contest to be 

conducted among GIs is being scheduled by 

the Hollywood Coordinating Committee. The 

contest is being staged by the Freedoms 

Foundation of Valley Forge. 

Completed to date are recordings by Sam 

Briskin, Clark Gable. Bill Holden, Sterling 

Holloway, George O'Brien, Gene Raymond, 

Ronald Reagan and Jack L. Warner. 

* * * 

With Alex Gottlieb and Sidney Miller directing, 

"Table of Contents," a dramatic 

presentation by Allan Sloane with additional 

script by Michael Blankfort, was presented 

Tuesday (25) at the annual dinner meeting 

of the American Jewish Committee. The cast 

included Miller, George Nader and Gerald 

Mohr. 

* • * 

The Wilcoxon Group Players, directed by 

Henry Wilcoxon, executive assistant to Producer-Director 

Cecil B. DeMille, and his wife 

Joan expanded operations with the presentation 

Thursday (27) of "This Nation—an 

American Fanfare" at the John Adams junior 

high school in Santa Monica, running 

for three days. The Wilcoxon group has previously 

staged "The Nativity" at Christmas 

and "The Vigil" at Easter as civic events in 

Santa Monica. 

Winner of Cannes Award 

Gets SMPTE Screening 

HOLLYWOOD—Footage from a Japanese 

color film, "Gates of Hell," was unreeled at 

a Tuesday (25) meeting of the Pacific coast 

section of the Society of Motion Picture and 

Television Engineers. The film was a winner 

at the recent Cannes film festival. 

Speakers included William Milwitt, of RCA 

laboratories, who discussed experimental 

transistor devices, and Dr. J. G. Frayne, of 

the Westrex Corp., who reported on a recent 

round-the-world tour. 

Higher-Budget Features 

Slated by Edward Small 

HOLLYWOOD—A program of fewer but 

higher-budgeted features is being drafted by 

Edward Small, independent filmmaker, for 

the 1954-55 season. For the balance of this 

year, his .slate includes "Timbuktu." an adventure 

drama to be shot abroad in Technicolor 

and wide screen, and "Solomon and 

Sheba," a Biblical drama, also in Technicolor 

and wide screen. Both are for United 

Artists release. 

Sid Feder Joins Royal 

HOLLYWOOD—Sid Feder, former southland 

exhibitor, has joined Royal Productions, 

independent unit headed by Julian Lesser, 

as a co-producer. His first assignment 

will be to supervise background photography 

on "Kwang-Tor," an adventure drama which 

the Lesser company will shoot on location in 

Istanbul and Bagdad. 

38 BOXOFTICE 

: 

: May 

29, 1954

I. American 

!| 

the 

; and 

SWG Members Approve 

Film, Radio, TV Guild 

HOLLYWOOD—Implementing a long-discussed 

reorganization of the entire scrivening 

field, members of the Screen Writers Guild 

have unanimously approved a proposal for 

one over-all union embracing motion pictures, 

radio and TV. It would be known as the 

Writers Guild and would embrace 

formation of two corporations, eastern 

western,- both of which would be affili- 

: ated with the Authors League of America. 

The new setup also has been approved by the 

national council of the Radio Writers Guild. 

Following the SWG membership session at 

which the reorganization was approved, Gordon 

Stulberg, Guild counsel, and Marvin 

Borowsky, a member of its reorganization 

committee, left for New York with a draft of 

the plan to undertake eastern conferences. 

Next step in the proposed unification is a national 

referendum to be conducted by the 

Authors League. 

* * * 

In simultaneous New York and Hollywood 

meetings, the Composers Guild of America 

was formed to serve as bargaining agent for 

tunesmiths active in radio, TV, stage, motion 

pictures and general songwriting fields. The 

group has no connection with either ASCAP 

or the American Federation of Musicians. 

« « * 

A blast at the lATSE for permitting its 

boothmen to operate at the Marcal Theatre 

here, where the controversial "Salt of the 

Earth" is being shown, came from the American 

Legion's Hollywood Post 43 when its 

commander. Earl Barbour, sent George 

Flaherty, lA representative, a letter calling 

the union's action "inconceivable." Barbour 

charged the lA could not justify its position 

in "permitting this picture to be projected 

when the international office in Hollywood 

refused cooperation in its making." 

"Salt," produced by persons identified as 

"unfriendly" witnesses at House Un-American 

Activities Committee hearings. Is being 

handled by lA projectionsts because, according 

to Carl Cooper, lA vice-president, the 

union is bound by a contract with the Marcal. 

_j Introducing ^ 

the sensational 

ELEONORA 

ROSSI 

DRAGO 

An AMERICAN LANGUAGE HIT From (iTT 

A PONT! -DeLAURENTIIS Production 

WILL MAKE IT 

HOT 

AT THE BOX OFFICE 

WITH 

s«'»«r 

SHE WAS IfKC A TIGRtSS . 

EXCITING, 

UNTAMED AND 

DANGEROUS! 

FOR 

DRIVE-INS!) 

"IT INVOLVES 

TEMPTRESS 

DRAGO 

IN 

A 

ROMANCE 

WITH 

HE-MAN 

IN 

THE 

EVERY 

AUDIENCE" 

• . . WALTER 

WINCHELL 

With the Screen Directors Guild cooperating, 

the motion picture division of UCLA's 

theatre arts department will offer a six week 

course in the techniques of motion picture 

megaphoning, beginning June 21. A different 

director will conduct the lectures each 

week. 

AND KEEP 'EM COMING WITH 

THE GREATEST LOVE • ANNA • 

3 GIRLS FROM ROME • YOUNG 

CARUSO • WHITE HELL of Pitz Palu • 

He 11 do everything within his power" to » 

OX- NERO • little WoHd of DON CAMILLO • 

help Hollywood unions solve growing un- 

.^^^HH^^ BEHIND CLOSED SHUTTERS 

employment problems 

"^^^^^^^^^ 

caused by socalled 

"runaway" foreign production of films by 

American producers, U.S. senator Thomas 

Kuchel has pledged the Hollywood AFL Film CONTACT YOUR NEAREST I.F.E. RELEASING CORP. DISTRICT OFFICE 

Council. He declared he did not "want to see . 

ax/ c- 

the motion 

• 

picture industry of our state con- (Always Af Your Service!) 

tinue to be weakened economically by the 

making abroad of any pictures which should 

••• .•• 

be made here." 

I5O1 BROADWAY ' * 1255 SO. WABASH AVE. * 

115 WALTON ST., N.W. ' 

1907 SO. VERMONT AVE. 

* * * NEW YORK 16, N. Y. * CHICAGO, ILL. 

] ATLANTA, GA. 

* 

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. 

Two replacements have been made on the •• , .........,,• 

board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild. , 

Hillary Brooke has replaced Richard Widmark 2108 PAYNE AVENUE ^ 310 S. HARWOOD ST. 246 STUART ST. 

and John Hubbard will serve as an alternate CLEVELAND, OHIO , DALLAS, TEXAS 

for Barry Sullivan. 

•.....»..,,,.,.... 

\ BOSTON, MASS. 

BOXOFFICE :: May 29, 1954 39

— 

— 

— 

— 

—— 

— 

— — 

— 

— 

— 

— 

. . Joe 

. . Elmer 

Los Angeles Grosses at Low Ebb; 

With Few New First Runs on Scene 

LOS ANGELES—A scarcity of new first 

run 

attractions kept activity at the ticket windows 

at a low ebb. A standout among a preponderance 

of dismal business reports was 

the 120 per cent third stanza of "River of No 

Return." but trade otherwise ranged from 

so-so to plain awful. 

(Average Is 100) 

Chinese River of No Return (20th-Fox), 3rd wk. 120 

Egyption, State Drums Across the River (U-l); 

Both Sides of the Law (U-l) 100 

El Rey—One Summer of Happiness (Favorite), 

Mth wk 60 

Fine Arts—Genevieve Û-l), 7th wk 75 

Four Star Rhopsody iMGM), 8th wk 100 

Fox Wilshire Night People (20th-Fox), 6th wk. 70 

Globe, Fox Hollywood Street With No Nome 

(20th-Fox); Cry of the City (20th-Fox), reissues 70 

Hawaii Prisoner of Wor (MGM), 2nd wk 80 

Hillsfreet, Pontages Playgirl (U-l); Fireman Save 

My Child (U-l) 75 

Hollywood, Downtown Poramounts The Saracen 

Blade (Col); Jungle Mon-Eaters (Col) 90 

Morcal Salt of the Earth (IPC) 100 

Orpheum, Uptown, Vogue Witness to Murder 

(UA); Heaf Wove (LP), 2nd wk 75 

Warners Downtown, Wiltern, Fox Iris Johnny 

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

3rd wk 90 

Warner Beverly Knock on Wood (Poro), 7th wk. 100 

Warners Hollywood This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), 

56th wk 1 GO 

'Elephant Walk' and 'River' 

Take 

Top Spots in Seattle 

SEATTLE—"Elephant Walk" took top 

honors in Seattle with 130 followed closely 

by "River of No Return," in its third week, at 

125. The second week of "Executive Suite" 

reported above average business with 115 per 

cent. 

Blue Mouse Sunderin (Cellini) 100 

Coliseum Southwest Possoge (UA); Golden Idol 

(AA) 90 

Fifth Avenue Elephant Walk (Poro) 1 30 

Liberty Prisoner of Wor (MGM); Heat Wave (LP) 95 

Music Box The Great Gilbert and Sullivan (UA) 85 

Music Hall Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk. ...115 

Orpheum Witness to Murder (UA); Golden Mask 

(UA) 95 

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

3rd wk 125 

'Elephant Walk' Leads Denver 

First Runs at 125 Per Cent 

DENVER—Most Denver first runs reported 

grosses of average or better with "Elephant 

Walk" .showing the best percentage at 125. 

"Flame and the Flesh" and "The Iron Glove" 

on a double bill did almost as well at 120. 

Broadway— Prisoner of Wor (MGM) 100 

Centre—River of No Return (20th-Fox), 4th wk, 100 

SPECIAL TRAILERS 

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2r4S-S,E. 82nd Portland 66, Ore. 

Denham Elephant Wolk (Para) 125 

Denver, Esquire The Siege ot Red River (20th- 

Fox); Miss Robin Crusoe (20th-Fox) 50 

Orpheum The Mod Magician (Col); Block Glove 

(LP) 80 

Poramount Flome and the Flesh (MGM); The 

Iron Glove (Col) 1 20 

'Lucky Me' Rates 135 

At Frisco Paramount 

SAN FRANCISCO—"Lucky Me," opening 

at the Paramount Theatre, w-alked away with 

the top honors for the week. Second spot 

was claimed by "River of No Return." 

Fox River of No Return (20th-Fox) 

,--- 130 

Golden Gate Riding Shotgun (WB) 85 

Paramount Lucky Me (WB) 1 35 

St. Francis Knock on Wood (Poro), 6th wk 100 

United Artists The French Line (RKO), 3rd wk. 100 

Warfield Prisoner of Wor (MGM) 110 

U-I Shooting Three Films 

And Editing 11 Others 

HOLLYWOOD—With three pictures shooting 

and 11 others in various editing stages, 

Universal-International is busier than at any 

previous time in the last year. Currently before 

the cameras are "Five Bridges to Cross," 

with Tony Curtis. Julia Adams and George 

Nader, produced by Aaron Rosenberg and 

directed by Joseph Pevney; "Smoke Signal," 

Technicolor western starring Dana Andrews, 

being megged by Jerry Hopper for Producer 

Howard Christie, and "Destry," also in Technicolor, 

a Stanley Rubin production which 

George Marshall directs, with Audie Murphy 

toplined. 

Currently being edited are two in Cinema- 

Scope and Technicolor, "The Black Shield of 

Falworth" and "Sign of the Pagan." Six 

others in Technicolor are "Four Guns to the 

Border," "So This Is Paris," "This Island 

Earth," "Bengal Rifles," "Dawn at Socorro" 

and "The Yellow Mountain," while in blackand-white 

are "Ricochet Romance" and 

"Naked Alibi." 

Wayne-Fellows Renamed 

HOLLYWOOD — Wayne-Fellows 

Productions, 

independent unit headed by John 

Wayne and producer Robert Fellows, is imdergoing 

a change in corporate name and, 

effective June 1, will be known as Batjac 

Productions. It was explained the switch was 

made necessary because the scope of operations 

has outgrown the W-F firm's original 

plans. 

New Managers at Kalama 

KALAMA, WASH.—Mr. and Mrs. Karl 

Cannon, who formerly operated the Multr.omah 

Theatre in Portland, are the new 

managers of the Kalama Theatre. 

Renovating Orada Theatre 

OROVILLE. WASH.—Peter Barnes has begun 

an extensive renovation program at his 

Orada Theatre. Plans call for the remodeling 

of the lobby and the rebuilding of both 

men's and women's restrooms. The outside 

front will be faced with ceramic tile and the 

boxoffice moved from its present center position 

to the left side. A new wide screen and 

increa.sed projection power will complete the 

program. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

f^harles M. Pincus, Blumenfeld circuit dis- 

. . . Contrict 

manager in the Stockton area, ha.s 

been elected vice-president of the Stockton 

Al Levin is now managing 

Advertising club . . . 

the Lux Theatre in 

Stockton 

gratulations to Kate Grothman, who celebrated 

her 25th anniversary at Fox West 

Coast as receptionist . . . Harry Shaw of 

Hartford, Conn., division manager for Loew's 

Poll New England Theatres who is subbing 

for Boyd Sparrow at the Warfield, reports 

he was here 30 years ago. He and his wife 

were to leave here for Los Angeles before 

their return trip home. 

. . Karen 

"Three Coins in the Fountain" in Cinema- 

Scope, was previewed at the Fox Theatres 

for an audience of invited women . 

Sharpe, in "The High and the Mighty," was 

here prior to the premiere at the Paramount 

for press and TV appearances . . . Mr. and Mrs. 

S. Kimura were in from the Honolulu Theatre 

at Honolulu . Hanks, formerly 

w'ith Pox West Coast as purchasing agent, 

has retired, and Charlie LaPier is temporarily 

fUling the post. 

John Vallin, auditor, was at United Artists 

. . . Murray Lafayette was here working on 

Warner Bros, employes 

"Witness to Murder" . . . 

enjoyed their annual picnic at the 

Town and Country . . . Willard Coughlin 

is temporarily taking over as publicist here, 

replacing Max Burcutt. He came from Seattle 

. . . Evelyn Hillrigel, secretary to the WB 

manager, was on a vacation. 

Genevieve Sutton, office manager at Republic 

was hospitalized for an operation. 

Anne Swenson w'as subbing for her . . . Morris 

Safier, Independent distributor, was on 

the Row . Freidrich was in from his 

Salinas and Soledad theatres . . . The Mountain 

View Drive-In was opened at Mount 

Shasta . . . Ben Randall, Orinda, and Harry 

Hayshinho, Lincoln Theatre at Stockton, were 

on the Row. 

Betty Franklin to D.C. 

HOLLYWOOD—Betty C. Franklin, librarian 

of the Academy of Motion Picture 

Arts and Sciences, has been appointed special 

motion picture consultant to the Library 

of Congress. She has assumed her post in 

Washington, and will be on leave of absence 

from the Academy imtil the middle of September. 

Fox Manager Changes 

POCATELLO, IDA.—Ralph Roe, who had 

been manager of the Majestic Theatre in 

Nampa, has been named manager of the Fox 

Intermountain theatres here. He was replaced 

at Nampa by Bob Vanderpool who 

was promoted from the position of assistant 

manager. 

Adler Set on 'Left Hand' 

HOLLYWOOD—As his first assignment 

since recently inking a term ticket a.s a 20th- 

Fox producer. Buddy Adler will bring to the 

screen the William E. Barrett novel, "The 

Left Hand of God." It is scheduled to go 

before the cameras in the fall. 

' 


: May 29. 1954

Wide Screen 'Great' in Small City, Reaction 

To Stereosound Is 

Reported to Be Mixed 

Photographers were busy at the three-day western style springouting; 

and convention held by the Missouri-Illinois Theatre 

Ass'n and the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n at Arrowhead lodge 

on the Lake of the Ozarks. Left to right: Bill Williams of Union, 

Mo., receives a fancy "fisherman's crying towel" souvenir from 

Tom Edwards of Farmington, who was the convention emcee. 

Eddie Clark, Metropolis, 111., is seated at the table. Next shot shows 

Bill Powell, St. Louis, division manager for Midwest Drive-In 

Theatres, during a talk he gave on outdoor operations; Bill Williams 

and Edwards display their catch of fish, and George 

Gaughan, TOA field man, who outlined his plans for assisting 

regional TOA organizations to strengthen their membership. 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO.—The benefits 

of Cinemascope pictures in small-town 

theatres, use of the Gottschalk and Tushinsky 

lenses, drive-in operations and sound 

public relations programs were the principal 

subjects discussed in the closing business sessions 

of the joint annual parley-party of the 

Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n and the Missouri-Illinois 

Theatre Owners. 

Pete Gloriod. resident manager for Rodgers 

Theatres in Poplar Bluff, and Ed Harris 

of Neosho agreed that Cinemascope pictures 

are a big advantage for small-town operations. 

Gloriod told of the absolute public interest 

in the installation of wide screens, 

adding that the public wants good pictures 

and will come out of the home to see them. 

He reported mixed reaction by his audiences 

to stereophonic sound. Harris said he 

didn't regret his Cinemascope installation 

in a town of 6,000 population and that his 

patrons are sold on it. He said the new process 

had brought many TV set owners back 

to his theatre a-s regular patrons, and added 

that Cinemascope pictures had grossed 60 to 

120 per cent higher than normal business in 

the last six months. 

Gloriod continued that the most frequent 

criticism he received from patrons about the 

new process was that the picture was too narrow, 

but that 90 per cent of the public's 

remarks were about the sound. 

"It was a good picture, but what was the 

matter with the sound?" was the most-heard 

audience reaction, he said. He said that the 

stereo-sound systems had awakened a renewed 

interest in symphonic music via the 

shorts with limited Cinemascope use. 

He said the overall cost of the Cinemascope 

installation at the Poplar Bluff theatre was 

about $15,000. He also mentioned a masking 

system used on the wide screen when smaller 

pictures are shown. 

Harris also mentioned the quality of the 

Cinemascope short subjects and added, "the 

quality of the sound is what the public 

noticed and they go for it." Harris said he 

confines his screen masking for smaller pictures 

to the sides. 

A panel of experts on the use of the new 

lenses and presentation ratios for wide screens 

included Don Davis, RCA Theatres division 

manager, Kansas City; Arch Hosier, St. Louis 

Theatre Supply; Paul McCarty, McCarty Theatre 

Supply, and W. C. Earle jr., National 

Theatre Supply, all of St. Louis, and Charles 

Moore, Motiograph, Chicago. 

In addition to those on the panel, others 

an hand to give advice included L. J. Kimbriel, 

Missouri Theatre Supply, and Walter 

Shreve, Shreve Theatre Supply, both of Kansas 

City. 

Earle contended that standardization of 

ratios was a hard task to accomplish, because 

producers are not in agreement as to 

which is the best ratio. 

Several exhibitors particpated in the discussion 

of lenses and ratios, including Bill 

Williams, Union; Warren Pirtle, Jersey ville; 

Lester Kropp, St. Louis; Bill Powell, Midwest 

Drive-In Theatres, St. Louis, and Jimmy 

James, also of St. Louis. Ray Colvin, executive 

director of Theatre Equipment Dealers 

Ass'n, also made several observations on lenses 

and ratios. 

Earl Jameson jr., secretary of the KMTA, 

gave a brief demonstration and explanation 

of the new single-strip Pola-Lite 3-D system. 

He said the unit, which clamps onto the lens- 

(Continued on following page) 

in left photo. Skipper Frank Plumlee, Farmington, Mo.; Myra 

Stroud, managing secretary of the MITO, and Russell Borg, WB 

manager at Kansas City, discuss lake currents and how Plumlee 

maneuvered his Cruiser through them. In the other photo are Ed 

Long of Bowling Green, Mo., state senator and exhibitor; Earl 

Jameson jr., Kansas City, who was discussing Pola-Llte; Finton 

Jones, Kansas City insurance man, and J. Leo Hayob of Marshall, 

KMTA president. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 43

Here are Tom Uluuiiier, in his master of the hunt regalia; 

Bill Powell as Daniel Boone; A. B. Magarian, who has his head 

turned toward Don Davis of Kansas City, the RCA division manager. 

Other photos show Lester R. Kropp, St. Louis, MITO president; 

Stanley Durwood, Durwood Theatres, who substituted for 

Jack Braunagel on the drive-in clinic program, and Mike Simons, 

MGM public relations manager, who asserted good promotion 

must be geared to good motion pictures. 

Pete Gloriod and Ed Harris Head 

Arrowhead Panel on CinemaScope 

(Continued from preceding page) 

es, can be purchased for only $100, but tliat 

the exhibitor mu.st also sign a contract to 

buy 6.000 Pola-Lit€ glasses. He said that five 

pictures already have been printed for use 

with these units, including three to be released 

in the next 60 days. 

Stanley Durwood of Durwood Theatres, 

Kan.sa,s City, replaced Jack Braunagel. drivein 

division manager for Commonwealth Theatres, 

on the drive-in forum. 

Bill Powell, in opening his part of the 

drive-in session, told conventioners that "there 

is no profit in quarrels among exhibitors." 

He said this fact has been recognized by 

the drive-in owners in the St. Louis area 

and they get along beautifully together. 

Powell said that Midwest Drive-In Theatres 

is erecting all-steel screen towers to provide 

102x48-foot screens in most of its driveins. 

Then, he urged exhibitors to properly advertise 

in their communities any such improvements 

made in their drive-ins. 

Pointing out that the availability of pictures 

for St. Louis drive-ins has been reduced 

from as much as six months to only 28 days, 

he warned that a mere change in runs will 

not make busine.ss better immediately. The 

drive-ins, he said, must do a better job of 

advertising, because the "directory type of 

newspaper advertising will no longer be sufficient." 

He stressed the "desperate urgency for 

sound operation in the drive-in field" and he 

urged exhibitors to exercise good operational 

theory along with common sense in drivein 

operation. 

Stanley Durwood confined his remarks on 

drive-ins to concessions and pointed out that 

his circuit includes four drive-ins with an 

average concessions take of 21 to 25 cents 

per customer. 

Of individual concession items, Durwood 

said buttered popcorn is "going like a house 

afire," accounting for some ten cents of the 

drive-in concessions sales per person. Butter 

mats, he said, soon pay for them.selves 

through added sales and profits, and he added, 

the majority of patrons gladly pay 20 

cents for buttered corn it it is properly presented 

to them. He said that in his drive-ins, 

customers stUl can purchase ten-cent bags 

of corn "if they insist." 

His drive-ins, he said, sell 16-ounce cups 

of soft drinks for 20 cents and have found 

no unfavorable reaction to that policy. Toddy, 

he said, will add one and one-half cent per 

head to concessions sales. 

He said his operations confine sandwiches 

to hot dogs, using Roto-Grills. Chip steaks are 

a new item, cooked as patrons come along 

the cafeteria line, and he added they "seem 

to be moving." Walkee sundaes sell for 25 

cents in chocolate and strawberry flavors. 

George Gaughan, Memphis, field representative 

for TOA, said that his principal job 

will be to help build the regional affiliates 

of TOA. He said he anticipates coming into 

Missouri, Kansas and Illinois later to help 

win additional members for the KMTA and 

MITO, and added he is conscious of the need 

for strong exhibitor organization "because 

without them we are lost." 

Mike Simons, sales promotion manager, 

MGM, said he was carrying out the poUcy of 

Settin'-Down Ozark Oscar 

'DesirabuL' Miller Says 

BRANSON, MO.—Now that the second 

"Ozark Cscar" has been presented to a 

Hollywood star, Owen Tlieatre Manager 

Steve Miller, in typical mountain style, 

this week came up with this description 

of the award: 

"This is the famous 'Ozark Oscar' 

which we'uns present to popular movie 

stars who come down in these parts to 

git hit. This here O.scar is more desirabul 

than the cheep variety they give out in 

Hollywood as there air not so many of 

them give out, and also this here one is 

differunt, as hit i.s .settin' down. 

"Hit tipyfies the peepul's judgment of 

true actin' ability, and has no connekshun 

with schools or academys. Only 

other one we have gave out is to Forrest 

Tucker. He came all the way down to 

these here hills after hit, and got filled 

up with Ozark bacon and strawberrys, 

besides." 

his late predecessor H. M. Richey of MGM 

that "our customers may be a lot of work, 

but they are never trouble." 

Simons said that "good pictures alone will 

not cure your situation," and added that 

there must be good advertising and selling 

"geared to the thinking of today and the 

new dimensions in which we are living." 

He deplored that many younger men are 

thinking "there is no opportunity in this business," 

and he pointed out that even with the 

biggest grossers among today's pictures only 

some 8 per cent of the attendance potential 

is 

being reached. 

"You don't have to apologize for your business," 

he said, urging exhibitors to stress 

the importance of the theatre in their communities. 

State Senator Edward Long of Bowling 

Green, a director of MITO, expre.ssed his view 

as an exhibitor-legislator. He warned that 

taxes cannot be cut imless the demands for 

the use of tax money are reduced sharply. 

Bill Williams of Union read a number of 

letters from distribution heads of major companies 

to President Lester Kropp of MITO 

and Walter Reade jr. of TOA regarding steps 

being taken to alleviate product shortages. 

The letters said many major pictures would 

be released earlier than originally planned 

to help this situation. 

Finton H. Jones, Kansas City insuranceman, 

discussed the group insurance plan of 

MITO. complimenting the organization on 

securing a plan containing valuable provisions 

not available under most group hospitalization 

arrangements, such as protection 

for a father, mother, father-in-law, motherin-law 

and unmarried children 19 years of 

age, for a small additional premium. 

He touched on other recent improvements 

available to theatremen, including the extension 

of the three-year or five-year extended 

coverage policy plan for fire insurance 

to drive-ins, heretofore only available for 

conventional theatres, and discounts for good 

experience on the cost for public liability 

protection. He said he understood that TOA 

is working on a national insurance plan for 

its members, which, if obtained, would reduce 

insurance costs to the individual exhibitor. 

KMTA President Leo Hayob of Marshall 

said that he has been in the exhibition business 

since 1946 and that never has he been 

more confused or observed more confusion 

in the industry than in the last six months. 

"Our dominant problem Ls to get good pictures 

to .sell and we don't have enough of 


: May 

29, 1954

— 

them," he said, adding that he hoped the 

"boys at the top level of production will 

soon begin to realize that the first thing 

we need is good pictures." 

Registrations: 

Paul McCarty 

Floyd Spencer 

Lester Kropp 

Neil Kropp 

Myro Stroud 

Henry Zock 

David Barrett 

Harry Kahfman 

Mildred LaTour 

Mary Karches 

William T. Powell 

Mary Powell 

Bill Koimann 

J. C. McAluster 

Jim Hazel 

Wayne Stephenson 

Charles Thome 

Gordon Hailoron 

MISSOURI 

St. Louis 

Koimann 

Mrs, Bill 

John Meinordi 

Mrs. John Meinordi 

Archie Hosier 

Hall Walsh 

Jimmy James 

Lester Bona 

Tom Bailey 

Mrs. Tom Bailey 

William C. Eorle jr. 

William C. Earle sr. 

Roy Colvin 

J. W. Brown 

Joe Schrempf 

Harry Hoff 

Bob Lightfoot 

Nick Karokas 

Bud Edele 

Kansas City 

Finton H. Jones 

Earl Jacneson jr. 

Roger Leaton 

Norman Gossling 

Jack Hillyer 

George Regan 

Elmer Rhoden jr. 

Abbott Sher 

Lou Patz 

V. W. Hottendorf 

Roger Copple 

Sid Motley jr. 

AURORA—Glen Caldwell 

BOONVILLE— Ken Winkelmeyer 

CAMERON—Mrs. W. C. Silver 

CASSVILLE—Glen Hall 

Don Davis 

L. J. Kimbriel 

Russell Borg 

Zello Faulkner 

Walter Shreve 

Nick Sondoy 

John Long 

Stanley Durwood 

Charles Shepard 

Dorsie Vess 

Jock Harris 

CHARLESTON—Sarah Logan, Dick Logan 

FARMINGTON—Tom Edwards, Fronk Plumleo 

FESTUS— Harry Miller 

HENRIETTA— Frank Weary III 

INDEPENDENCE—Ted Couger 

JEFFERSON CITY—Arnold Gould 

JERSEYVILLE—Warren Pirtle 

MARSHALL— J. Leo Hoyob 

MARYVILLE—C. E. Cook 

NEOSHO— Ed Harris 

POPLAR BLUFF—Pete Gloriod 

RICHMOND—Frank Weary 

SIKESTON—Pete Medley, Alma Medley 

UNION L.J.Williams 

WEST PLAINS—Dean Davis jr. 

ILLINOIS 

BELLEVILLE—Tom Bloomer 

CHICAGO—Charles Moore 

E. ST. LOUIS— Buster Magarian 

METROPOLIS—Eddie Clark 

MOUNDS— Herschel Eichhorn 

MT. VERNON— Imogene Bleeks 

OTHERS 

BLYTHEVILLE, ARK.—Audreaneol Freeman 

LEAVENWORTH, KAS.— Beverly Miller 

MEMPHIS—George Goughon 

NEW HAVEN—Herman Levy 

NEW YORK—Mike Simons 

RUSSELL, KAS-— Dale Donielson 

SABETHA, KAS.—Mrs. Ernie Block 

'Wait' Helped by Actresses 

Hollywood actresses Peggie Castle and 

Shawn Smith participated in the six-day 

roundup of television, radio and in-person 

appearances in conjunction with the gala 

world premiere of "The Long Wait" at the 

Woods Theatre in Chicago, 111. Misses 

Smith and Castle also will make personal 

appearances in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Buffalo, 

Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington 

and New York to plug playdates in 

these cities. 

'Walk' at Effingham 

EFFINGHAM, ILL.—A four-day midwest 

premiere of "Elephant Walk" was staged at 

the Heart Theatre, starting May 14, as part 

of Effingham's centennial celebration. All 

proceeds of the opening night, to which the 

tickets were $2 each, were turned over to the 

centennial committee by John Sturm, city 

manager for Frisina Amusement Co., owner 

of the Heart and of the Effingham Theatre 

and the Rustic Starlight Drive-In east of 

town. 

Lake Session Provides Exhibitor Fun 

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO.—Exhibitors 

attending the second annual parley-party of 

the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n and the 

Missouri-Illinois Theatre Owners took time 

out from business sessions to enjoy many 

facilities of this Missouri playground area. 

Many of the showmen made fishing expeditions 

during their spare hours, and the 

seriousness of many of the business discussions 

was broken with a little sideplay in 

the presentation of gifts. 

Highlight of the social functions was the 

two-hour cruise on the Lake of the Ozarks 

aboard a large cabin cruiser, the Larry Don, 

with both a cocktail party and dance program. 

Cocktails were provided by Manley, 

Inc., and the cruiser was furnished jointly by 

Exhibitors Film Delivery of Kansas City and 

the A. V. Cauger Service Co. of Independence. 

* * * 

In the sideplay of the business sessions, 

time was taken out for several awards to 

exhibitors. 

A. B. "Buzz" Magarian of East St. Louis, 

111., was given a wooden horse head on a 

long stick on which to demonstrate his 

bronco-busting prowess. 

Bill Powell, Midwest Drive-In Theatres, St. 

Louis, who wore a Daniel Boone costume to 

the "western attire" confab, was given a dart 

target pistol with which to practice until he 

learned to "bark a squirrel like old Dan used 

to do." 

* * * 

Tom Bloomer of Belleville, who wore a 

bright red British-type fox hunting costume, 

was given a toy shell horn befitting the 

master of the hunt, and Tom Edwards of 

Farmington, who presented the awards, told 

Bloomer and other exhibitors that "tallyho 

has nothing to do with dosey-do in these 

parts." 

A fisherman's crying towel of the approved 

Lake of the Ozarks type was given to Bill 

Williams for his ability as an angler as displayed 

on Monday and Tuesday, 

+ * * 

Lester Kropp of the Wehrenberg circuit, 

St. Louis, was given a jug of "crick water" 

because he "didn't have nerve enough to wear 

an outfit matching that of Bloomer." In this 

instance. Edwards told Kropp to "filler-up 

with corn likker and you'll soon have nerve 

enough to do anything." 

Gordon Halloran, St. Louis manager for 

20th-Fox, on "behalf of the distributors" gave 

Tom Edwards "a token of their esteem," a 

small statue of a Durham bull. 

* « * 

More serious prizes were awarded, too, 

when Edwards presented an emergency lighting 

system from National Theatre Supply, St. 

Louis, to Earl Jameson jr., Kansas City. Edwards 

pointed out that the — emergency lighting 

system had a dual use "it can also be 

used to hunt frogs." 

Exhibitors who each won cases of syrups 

from Rio Syrup Co. of St. Louis included Mrs. 

Ernest Block of Sabetha, Kas.; Bill Powell, 

St. Louis: Leo Hayob, Marshall, and Pete 

Medley, Sikeston. 

* * * 

A $25 printing order from the St. Louis 

Theatrical Pi-inting Co. went to Mrs. Sarah 

Logan of Charleston, Mo., while a ca.se of 

Lorraine carbons was awarded to Beverly 

Miller of Kansas City. 

The final dinner of the confab featured entertainment 

by the Cowtown Wranglers, 

Hobie Shepp, Jimmie Fokerson and Frankie 

Kay, stars of Elmer Rhoden jr.'s "Corn's a 

Poppin' ". They sang three of the songs heard 

"Old Joe Clock," "Woe Me Ah 

in the picture, 

Wah" and "Achin' Hart." Later in the evening 

they played for dancing aboard the 

Larry Don. 

« « * 

Theatremen motoring to and from the 

parley-party ran into a 37th division convoy 

going from Louisiana and North Carolina 

back to its home base at Ft. Riley, Kas. The 

movement of the motorized troops lasted 

from Monday (17) through Saturday (22) 

and interfered with the normal flow of traffic 

along highways 50 and 66. The convoy personnel 

proved helpful, keeping vehicles well 

spaced to permit faster-moving traffic to 

work its way forward and even motioning 

drivers to come ahead when conditions permitted. 

At some of the junctions, notably in 

Jefferson City, local police took over instead 

of the soldiers and motor cars were held up 

until the convoy had passed. From Chicago, 

Lt. Gen. William Kean, commanding general 

of the Fifth army, promised that different 

transportation arrangements would be made 

in future movements of entire divisions. 

Arnold Gould, resident manager in Jefferson 

City for Durwood Theatres, operator of 

the Capital, State and Roxy theatres and the 

Skylark Drive-In, took a bow at the business 

session for his fine industry public relations 

work in Jefferson City. 

* * * 

The temperature dropped into the upper 

40s during the final evening of the session, 

making the two-hour ride on the cruiser 

Larry Don a chilly experience. 

Don Davis of RCA in Kansas City and 

Harry Kaufman of Pictorial Press, St. Louis, 

did more shooting than the French army in 

Indo-China. If your picture wasn't taken, 

you just weren't there. Plash, flash, flash 

was the order of the days and nights. 

t- * ' * 

Everybody left the parley looking forward 

to next year's event. For the 1955 parley, 

KMTA will take over the major part of the 

planning, but MITO will contribute its part, 

too. 

Not Liable for Mortgage 

CHICAGO—The Illinois supreme court has 

ruled that the former owners of the 22-story 

Oriental Theatre building here are not hable 

for $2,300,000 in first mortgage bonds on the 

property. The decision was in favor of the 

Doubleday Co., which purchased a leasehold 

on the property in 1946 for $150,000 and sold 

it in 1951 to the Walco Building Corp., reportedly 

for $5,000. 

Indiana's First CS Drive-In 

INDIANAPOLIS—The first outdoor Cinemascope 

screen in Indiana has been installed 

at the Pendleton Pike Drive-In by 

the Midwest Drive-In Theatres circuit. Truman 

Lamar, manager, said that although the 

screen, which measures 48x102 feet, is ready, 

its use will be delayed until anamorphic lenses 

arrive early in June. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 45

. . Charles 

was 

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KANSAS CITY 

Kas,, and reopened it, visited the RKO office. 

Bollinger closed his Reno at Nickerson w'hen 

he opened the EUinwood. 

TX7iIliam B. Zoellner, head of MGM short 

subject.-i. news and prints in the home 

office, was in Kansas City conferring with 

Manager Bill Gaddoni and calling on local 

accounts . . . Ernest Gifford, MGM head 

shipper, is spending a week's vacation in 

Wadsworth hospital having some dental w-ork 

done, 

Ross Hughes, RCA Service field engineer 

headquartering at Rock Island, 111., visited 

the local office with Mrs, Hughes, Since he 

was on vacation, it was rather a postman's 

holiday . . , United Artists announced the 

week ending May 15 (the last week of its 35th 

Anniversary drive) was the largest week nationally 

the company has ever had. It also 

was one of the biggest weeks the local office 

has had. 

Commonwealth's Jim Coleman from the 

office accounting department has been reassigned 

as manager of the Wood Lane Drivein 

at Waynesville. Mo,, which opened recently 

, . , Jack Braunagel, drive-in manager, 

says they are testing the same circus in four 

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Chicago Censor Law 

Legal Court Rules 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—The state supreme 

court has ruled that Chicago's film censorship 

ordinance is constitutional and that the 

city can continue to enforce it. The court 

reversed the findings of Circuit Judge Harry 

M. Fisher, who in July 1953 overruled the 

city's ban on the controversial film, "The 

Miracle." 

The high court reversed Fisher's findings 

on the constitutionality of the law itself, and 

directed that the cii'cuit court rule on "The 

Miracle" only on the question of immorality. 

This means that the lower court must rehear 

the case and confine its decision tn determination 

of the alleged obscenity of the film. 

The police censor board banned showing 

of the film on grounds it was "obscene." Its 

producers and the American Civil Liberties 

union appealed to circuit court. 

They argued that the law creating the censor 

board violated the free speech constitutional 

amendment. Judge Fisher agreed and 

ordered the ban lifted. The city then appealed. 

Holdup Attempt Fails 

ST. LOUIS—An attempted holdup of the 

Comet Theatre failed Monday (24) when an 

employe, Joe Anderson, freed himself from 

the bonds in which he had been tied and 

summoned police. The theatre owner, Thomas 

James who is vice-president of the Missouri- 

Illinois Theatre Owners, just had been 

forced into his office by the shotgun armed 

bandit when the alarm was sounded. The 

bandit fled. 

Waldon McDonald Dies 

ST. LOUIS—Waldon McDonald, a member 

of projectionists Local 143, was fatally injured 

recently when his automobile plunged over 

the city. 

an embankment of the Meramec river near 

As well as working as a projectionist 

at the Melvin and Melba theatres here, 

McDonald operated a theatrical agency that 

had been founded by his father, also a projectionist. 

Slothower Jr. 

in Business 

MULVANE, KAS.—The Pix Theatre here 

has been purchased by T. H. Slothower jr. 

of Wichita from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. 

T. H. Slothower sr., effective May 2. Slothower 

plans to do considerable remodeling and to 

add new equipment. He and his wife and two 

children are moving to Mulvane. 

Indiana House Makes Improvements 

FRANKLIN, IND.—A CinemaScope wide 

screen and stereophonic sound have been installed 

at the Franklin Theatre here. William 

Handley, manager, also announced the 

air conditioning system has been overhauled 

and the addition of a new heating plant. 

Attempted Safe Burglary 

FREEPORT, ILL.—An attempt was made 

to break into the safe at the Freeport Theatre 

but the burglers were apparently scared 

off before they could complete the robbery. 

The office door had been broken open and 

the hinge bolts removed from the safe. 

CHICAGO 

Tllinois exhibitors were invited by the Oak 

Lawn Drive-In Theatre Co. to personally 

inspect the CinemaScope and stereophonic 

sound equipment recently installed at the 

Twin Open-Air Theatre. Touring the projection 

booth, exhibitors were interested in 

changes in the power output and the way in 

which stereosound lends itself to outdoor 

operation. Exhibitors were reported highly 

impressed with the size of the screen. It has 

an over-all measurement of 125x50 feet and 

a screen surface of 120x46 feet. 

Screen stars James Mason, Tony Curtis, 

Janet Leigh and Zachary Scott were local 

visitors. Mason was en route to the Shakespearean 

festival at Stratford, Ont. The 

Curtises were on their way to New York. 

Scott picked up his sports car, which he had 

left here when he moved out with "Bell, 

Book and Candle." He is driving east, where 

he will fulfill a summer theatre contract. 

Edward damage, chairman of the antisubversive 

committee of the Illinois American 

Legion, has sent a letter to Police Commissioner 

O'Connor asking him to take the 

necessary steps to ban "Salt of the Earth" 

here. The film is booked for the Cinema 

Annex starting Friday (28). 

Max Roth of Capitol Films said he is 

doing 

big business with the reissue of "Eagle 

Squadron" and "Gungho." About six weeks 

ago both were booked into the North Avenue 

Drive-In. This week they were picked up by 

Balaban & Katz, Great States, Essaness and 

James Gregory of Alliance 

Si Greiver . . . 

Theatres has returned from a vacation stay 

in Hot Springs, Ark. 

Pat Breen plans to leave Aaron Cushman 

& Associates July 1 to take a three-month 

bicycle tour of Europe. Cushman and his 

growing staff are considered the official publicists 

for industry activity in this area . . . 

Harry Robinson, secretary to B&K district 

managers Charles Cottle, Bill Holden and 

George Brandt, died after he was struck 

by a streetcar Sunday morning. Robinson 

was with B&K for 18 years, and also is remembered 

for his accomplishments in earlier 

days as a songwriter and vaudeville actor. 

The Starlite Drive-In is scheduled to install 

CinemaScope equipment by early August 

"New Faces" was booked simultaneously 

. . . 

Effective July 1, 

into nine first class neighborhood theatres, 

the Marbro, Uptown, Tivoli, Southtov.^n, Varsity, 

Granada, Century, Gateway and 

Berwyn . . . New assistant booker at Allied 

Artists is Jack Botaro 

the Chicago American will increase its advertising 

rates five cents for outlying theatres 

and ten cents for downtown theatres. 

Neighborhood houses pay $1 per line for 

weekday ads and $1.05 per line on Sundays. 

Downtown theatres will pay $1.10 weekdays 

and $1.15 per line on Sundays. 

To get around the inconvenience of daylight 

saving time, the Starlite Drive-In will 

offer five acts of vaudeville, an orchestra and 

jitterbug contests in the early evening hours. 

Stanford Kohlberg, manager, said the plan 

would start the second week in July and continue 

through the long daylight period. For 

other early evening entertainment, the airer 

offers a 36-hoIe miniature golf course, a 

driving range and a batting range for 

baseball 

practice. 

Harry Lamberg has been named night manager 

of the Astor . "Pinocchio" 

opens at the Starlite Drive-In June 25, admission 

price for children will be 50 cents, 

instead of the regular 25 cents. Adults will 

be charged $1 as usual . in 

the fifth annual cerebral palsy telethon staged 

on WBKB reached a record-breaking $550,- 

000. Credited with much of the success is 

Abe J. Piatt of B&K, who served as coordinator 

of the telethon and spent three months 

working out details. Jimmy Shields, another 

B&K executive, served as chief accountant 

lor the telethon. 

Nicholas Brodszky, who collaborated with 

Jack Lawrence on music for "Flame and the 

Flesh," "Beloved" and "The Student Prince," 

was in to exploit MGM films. Lawrence also 

Howard Wolk of the Edward 

came in . . . 

Wolk Supply Co. purchased a new home in 

West Rogers Park . Kaplan of Albert 

Dezel, Inc., said that as of June 4, "The Bigamist" 

would break in 30 local situations. 

. . E. H. 

Alliance circuit will open its South Kokomo 

Drive-In, Kokomo, Ind., and South Anderson, 

Anderson, Ind., June 11. Manager at the 

Kokomo airer has not been named. At the 

South Anderson, Ray Watts, now manager of 

the North Anderson, will take over . 

Wolk writes that he is on his way to Israel 

after a visit to the Pyramids . Bernstein 

of Allied Artists gave a bar mitzvah 

party for his 13-year-old son Richard Milton. 

Secretaries See 'Suite' 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — John Kerasotes, 

Senate Theatre manager, invited local club 

members celebrating national secretary 

week to a showing of "Executive Suite." 


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BOXOFFICE May 29, 1954 49

. . . The 

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INDIANAPOLIS 

/înemaScope equipment is being installed in 

the Uptown here; the Indiana at Fort 

Wayne; Hippodrome at Sheridan; Wabash at 

Clinton; the drive-in at Terra Haute, and the 

Smartest and Sunset drive-ins at Evansville 

booking for the C-Ville, Crawfordsville, 

has reverted back to Bert Rayburn and 

Jack Cook, owners . Belmont, operated 

by George Andriakos, is being booked 

by Pete Fortune. 

The Cantor circuit has complained to police 

that approximately 50 speakers a week, 

valued at $7.50 each, are being stolen from 

the Shadeland and Lafayette Road Driveins 

. Barr. Williston circuit general 

manager, was re-elected treasurer of the 

Democratic county committee . . Robert 

. 

Conn, 20th-Fox manager, is serving as handicapper 

for Filmrow golfers . . . Kroger Babb, 

president of Hallmark Pictui-es, was in to 

confer w'ith Moe Easerman of Screen Guild 

Strand. Horse Cave. Ky.. was temporarily 

closed for remodeling and installation 

of a large screen. 

The Palace, Owen.sboro. Ky., and the Jefferson, 

Huntington, have closed for the summer 

. . . P. K. Wessell was in from Cincinnati 

to help with the installation of new 

Equipment in the office of States Film Service 

.. . Robert Hudson and his assistant, Bus 

M.Uer, Richmond; Fletcher Brewer, Lafayette; 

Ai'thur Clark, Vonderschmitt circuit, 

Bloomington; James Ackron, Ritz, Tipton; 

Stanley Cooper, Cooper, Brazil, and Matt 

Scheidler, Hartford, Hartford City, were on 

the Row. 

All Officers Re-Elected 

LAPORTE. IND.—The LaPorte Theatre 

Co. here announced that all officers and directors 

of the corporation were re-elected at 

the annual stockholders meeting. They are 

J. Levine, president; Dr. R. B. Jones, vicepresident; 

I. E. Levine, secretary-treasurer, 

and H. A. Lindgren and Mrs. Eva Steinberg, 

board members. 

New Drive-In Planned 

ELDOR.\DO SPRINGS. MO.—Mrs. Walter 

Lovan has acquired land for a new drive-in. 

Ray Brown will act as manager for the outdoor 

theatre. Plans for construction have not 

yet been announced. 

TELL YOUR PATRONS 

"always/ about it with A 

GOOD? 

ALWAYS 

ON TIME! 

FILMACK 

TRAILER 

1327 S. WakMk ChicH*. IK. tW Nkilk An. • N«w Vtrk. N. T. 

THESSTRE EQUIPMENT 

442 N. ILLINOIS ST., INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 

"Everything for the Theatre" 

Fox Midwest Promotes 

H. Hume to Ass't Buyer 

KANSAS CITY—Harold Hume, city booker, 

has been promoted to assistant film-buyer of 

Fox Midwest. Ralph Adams, who heads the 

HAROLD HUME 

department, left Tuesday (18) for the west 

coast and returned Saturday (22). 

In making the announcement of Hume's 

promotion Elmer C. Rhoden, president, commented 

on the increasing pressure upon the 

film buying department, and expressed the 

belief that Hume's long experience with the 

difficult city situation had given him a good 

insight in the complicated run and clearance 

situation. 

"In the days when you contracted for a 

year's supply of product from a company, the 

film buying was much easier," Rhoden said. 

"After all negotiations were made with all 

film companies, then it was only a matter of 

liquidation of the contracts; but today negotiations 

must be carried on and reviews 

made on every single picture, all of which 

means a greater demand on our buying 

personnel." 

DeLuxe Changes Hands 

HARDTNER. KAS.—The DeLuxe Theatre 

has been bought by G. W. Gordon and reopened. 

It had been closed for the past 

year, since Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Arebalo, 

who operated it for more than a year, moved 

away. Gordon has had theatre experience in 

Illinois. 

Bishop Lists Theatre Ban 

QUINCY, ILL.—Catholic Bishop William A. 

O'Connor of the Springfield diocese, has 

lifted the six-month ban placed on the Balii.sco 

Theatre. Catholics had been directed to 

withhold patronage as the theatre had exhibited 

a film condemned by the Legion of 

Decency. 

Avinere Toigo to City Post 

SPRINGFIELD. ILL.- Aviiuri' Toigo, former 

Esquire Theatre maiiamr, has received 

.m appointment from the city finance commi.ss 

oner to organize and direct the city's 

ciiaret tax collection program. 

Drops Hospital Showings 

ST. LOUIS— City officials amiounced the 

welfare department would discontinue the 

showing of pictures to city institution patients 

and would use the $4,000 yearly budget for 

the employment of an occupational therapist. 

La Cosa Verdict Rules 

Out Featherbedding 

ST. LOUIS—Circuit Judge Douglas L. C. 

Jones made permanent the injunction sought 

by Hugh Graham, operating lessee of the La 

Cosa Theatre in the suburban village of St. 

Ann, against the picketing of the theatre 

by the projectionists Local 143 to enforce demands 

that Graham employ two boothmen. 

Judge Jones ruled that theatres can't be 

forced to hire two motion picture machine 

operators when it can be shown that only 

one man can handle the job. The judge said 

he would go as far as the law permits to help 

labor improve its conditions, but that he 

could not "join with the defendants in denying 

the plaintiff (Graham) the right to secure 

a livelihood for himself without being forced 

to hire an unwanted man not of any service 

to him." 

The suit for the injunction was filed by 

Graham on Feb. 14, 1953, naming as defendants 

12 officers and members of the operators 

union Local 143, alleging that they tried to 

enforce "featherbedding and make-work practices." 

Graham said that prior to opening the 

theatre on Nov. 5, 1952. he had endeavored 

to hire a member of Local 143 at the customary 

union scale but the union demanded 

that he employ two operators. He said he 

w'as paying a nonunion operator the regular 

union wage scale for a theatre of the size 

and run of the La Cosa. 

Graduating Party Held 

In Atchison Orpheum 

ATCHISON, KAS.—All the civic clubs here 

got together to give the juniors and seniors a 

full program of wholesome activities following 

the annual junior-senior prom. Following 

the prom, the young people were given time 

to change into less formal attire, and at 

12; 45 a.m. a double feature show at the 

Orpheum Theatre was sponsored by the Rotary. 

Kiwanis and Fellowship clubs. 

Merchandise prizes furnished by the merchants 

were distributed dm-ing the show. At 

4;30 a.m., when the show was out, the young 

people were served a delicious breakfast of 

pancakes and sausage at Thompson's restaurant, 

sponsored by the Lion's club. Harry 

Hixon, manager of the Orpheum, cooperated 

fully with the project as a community effort 

to keep the young people off the highways 

going to other towns to celebrate. 

Giant Screen at Airer 

DES PERES, MO.—A new giant all-steel 

wide screen has been installed at the Manchester 

Drive-In, a unit of Midwest Drive-In 

Theatres, controlled by the Phil Smith interests 

of Boston. The screen wa.s introduced 

Sunday (9). The 900-car drive-in had three 

additional ramps installed during the closed 

season. 

Build Buffalo Ozoner 

BUFFALO, MO.—Work has begun on the 

new Buffalo Drive-In, 200-car theatre, for 

Mr. and Mrs. Shields Wilson. The airer, 

located south of town on Highway 65, is 

expected to be ready for opening by early 

summer. 


: May 

29, 1954

Chas. Picquel Feled 

By Masonic Lodge 

SOUTHERN PINES. N.C.—Charles Picquet, 

president of Theatre Owners of North and 

South CaroHna for 14 years until 1937 and 

CHARLES PICQUET 

theatre operator here and at Pinehurst for 

the past 40 years, was given a dinner" by 

Southern Pines Masonic lodge. 

The dinner coincided with the introduction 

of Cinemascope at the Carolina Theatre 

here. 

A resolution presented to Picquet said he 

had a record of 40 years of service in affairs 

of civic betterment and in the fields of both 

special and general entertainment. He has 

cooperated with civic organizations and 

churches in many events and has sponsored 

musical events. 

One paragraph of the resolution reads: "In 

addition to these contributions he has maintained 

both in his cinemas and on their 

screens, at Southern Pines and Pinehurst, 

certain qualities that are equalled in but few 

other communities of comparable size." 

Opens Lighting Company 

CHAMBLEE, GA.—Jesse Cox has opened 

the Cox Lighting Equipment Co. and is prepared 

with PA equipment for both indoor 

and outdoor attractions. Cox recently handled 

the lighting equipment for the big Boy Scout 

Cycorama which was shown at night in 

Grant Field before 40,000 people, and also the 

Frances Langford show at Joe Cotton's Steak 

Ranch. 

Theatreman Arrested 

GASTONIA. LA.—Police have charged Emory 

Johnson, manager of the Carolina Theatre 

here, with the murder of William Taft Hughes, 

textile worker. Hughes died from gunshot 

wounds he received during an argument with 

Johnson in front of the theatre. 

Floyd Theatres Buys Ozoner 

TAMPA—Carl Floyd Theatres has acquired 

and will operate the Tower Drive-In 

here. 

3,000 Atlantans Attend 

'GWTW Reissue Premiere 

ATLANTA—With George Murphy as emcee, 

a star-studded gala affair welcomed back 

"Gone With the Wind" to the nation's show 

scene at its rerelease premiere Thursday 

night (20). The 3,000 first-nighters, who paid 

from $5 to $50 for premiere ducats, saw the 

alltime MGM money-maker in its new widescreen 

dimension with stereophonic sound, 

which added much to the impact of Margaret 

Mitchell's great story of the old south. 

The premiere festivities began with a reception 

at the Capital City club for the $50 

patrons, at which Ann Rutherford and Cammie 

King, who are in the film, and George 

Murphy were honored guests. Following the 

reception, the entire guest list paraded to 

the theatre down Peachtree street behind the 

Smith high school band. As the parades 50 

convertible automobiles arrived at Loew's 

Grand, the Brown high school rebel band, 

outfitted in Confederate uniforms, welcomed 

them with a serenade. Two big searchhghts 

played on the tremendous crowd which 

jammed the front of the theatre. 

Murphy introduced the special guests from 

the stage, including Ann Rutherford and the 

now 19-year-old Cammie King, who, as a 

child of 4, played the part of Bonnie Blue 

Butler. She and Miss Rutherford had 

christened a B-47 "Gone With the Wind" 

earlier in the day at Lockheed. 

A great hit with the crowd was young 

June Hearn, who had been selected "Miss 

Scarlet O'Hara." 

Among the many local personalities introduced 

was Mayor WiUiam B. Hartsfield who 

read telegrams from Gov. Herman Talmadge, 

David O. Selznick and Clark Gable, all of 

whom were unable to attend. 

In Mayor Hartsfield's short talk, he related 

the embarrassing incident of the first 

FST Shifts L. Goodyear 

ORLANDO—Lynn Goodyear, former manager 

of the Rialto, became house manager 

of the de luxe Beacham Theatre under City 

Manager Verne Hunter of Florida State Theatres 

upon the resignation of Mabel R. Case. 

Joe Charles, Roxy manager, was advanced in 

turn to the vacant post at the Rialto. 

Goodyear, an exhibitor with wide experience, 

had formerly managed theatres in 

Jacksonville, Gainesville and other Florida 

cities. 

Installing CS at Drive-In 

CLEVELAND, TENN.—A CinemaScope system 

is being installed at the Cleveland Drive- 

In, according to Walter L. Morris, president, 

who already has completed similar installations 

at his two KnoxviUe theatres Manager 

Mack Wall plans to show "The Robe" 

as its first CinemaScope production. 

Installing Wide Screen 

CLEVELAND, TENN.—Calvin Harvey announced 

that one-track optical sound with 

wide screen and anamorphic projection attachments 

will be installed at the Princess 

Theatre. 

June Hearn, who was selected as "Miss 

Scarlet O'Hara," was introduced to the 

"Gone With the Wind' premiere audience 

by emcee George Murphy. 

premiere 15 years ago when, as he stood beside 

Clark Gable in the light of the huge 

searchlights, his tie elastic broke. However, 

another tie quickly was given him and the 

honor of Atlanta saved. 

Murphy then told the audience of the fine 

ham he and the others had eaten at the home 

of Mrs. Talmadge. Mrs. Talmadge, representing 

her husband, spoke a few words. 

Mrs. Benjamin Parker, a leader in the 

Atlanta Smith college club, also spoke and 

said that 404 of the premiere guests had paid 

$11,900 toward the Margaret Mitchell Memorial 

Scholarship fund. 

The weather, too, was perfect for the occasion, 

with a warm night and stars shining. 

Carolina Delivery Wins 

National Safety Trophy 

CHARLOTTE—Carolina Delivery Service 

Co.. headed by John H. Vickers, was awarded 

a trophy for achieving first place in the 

National Safety contest sponsored by the 

American Trucking Ass'ns. 

The award was made in Cincinnati. Carolina 

Delivery won first place in competition 

with other motor carriers from all over the 

U.S. in the division for carriers operating between 

1,000,000 and 5,000,000 miles per year. 

E. R. Henderson is operations manager 

and safety supervisor for the company. Carolina 

Delivery operated during the contest 

period for 1953 more than 1,500,000 miles, 

with the lowest accident ratio of any motor 

carrier in the U.S. taking part in the contest. 

William T. Murray Dies 

ATLANTA—William T. Murray, 68-year-old 

former manager of the Rialto Theatre here, 

died recently at his home following a long 

illness. He began his career as a theatre manager 

in 1911 and remained active in the field 

until 1950 when he retired from his post 

with the Rialto. Murray was also active in 

the real estate field as a partner in the firm 

of Mion & Murray Co. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 

51

. . 

. . . The 

. . Columbia 

. 

CHARLOTTE 

The 

gob McClure, salesman for Kay Films, returned 

from a Florida vacation . . . Harold 

Keeter, UA manager, returned from a 

business trip to Philadelphia . . . 

Circel 

Drive-In, Florence, has purchased Simplex 

equipment for the showing of Cinemascope 

pictures . . . E. M. Gunter, who recently suffered 

a heart attack, opened "The French 

Line" at his Seabreeze Drive-In, Mount 

Pleasant, and reported a high gross for the 

first four days of the showing, three of which 

were raining. Piedmont Promotions, booker 

for the situation, expects the film to break 

records. 

Variety Tent 24 will hold a dance at the 

Fred Sandy of 

Hotel Barringer June 5 . . . 

Sandy Films, Washington, was in town . 

P. A. Dawkins, Sky Vue Drive-In, Fayetteville, 

does not recommend shipping film by 

passenger bus, saying he had two misouts in 

less than eight months . . . Queen City booking 

service w-ill handle the booking and buying 

for Ray Everett's Pungo Drive-In at 

Pantego and J. A. Cooper's Riverside Drive- 

In at Burnsville. Queen City also will book 

and buy for Henderson Drive-In, Henderson, 

new owner Joe J. Davis . . . Arthur Greenbiatt 

from New York, Lippert sales manager, 

was in town. 

. . . 

Buck Rogers has taken over the Star 

Drive-In at Brevard . 

tended the recent 

. . Bob 

New York 

Jeffreys at- 

Cinemascope 

meeting as representative for both the drivein 

association and Queen City booking 

Ben Nation, Friendly Drive-In, Lincolnton, 

is undergoing treatment at the Mayo clinic 

Filmrow softball team has started 

off the season ahead in the Chai'lotte league, 

winning four and losing one game to date . . 

Bill Simpson, Kay Film manager, is on vacation 

Harold Hall of Hall's Drive-In at 

. . . West Columbia was in town to participate in 

a golf tournament.. 

Bill Drace has bought the Tushinsky 

SuperScope lens for his Grand Theatre in 

Greer . held a screening of 

"Hell Below Zero" . . . National Theatre 

Supply reports Cinemascope sales to Biscoe 

Troy Drive-In, Troy; Monroe Drive-In, Monroe, 

and Thrift Drive-In, Charlotte . . . 

Other recent Cinemascope and stereophonic 

installations at drive-ins include the Bessemer 

City at Kings Mountain and Gilbert 

Faw's Badin Road at Albemarle. Recent visitors 

to these installations were Mr. and Mrs. 

Robert M. Kilgore, Sunset Drive-In, West 

Memphis, Ai-k.; Vernon Holder, Sky-Vue 

Drive-In, Rock Mount, and C. A. Holiday, 

Pine Theatre, Pine Top. 

Filmrow visitors 

Anderson, Anderson Theatres, Mullins; V. L. 

Hill, Rialto Theatre, High Point; Dan David, 

included Lela and Howard 

Silver Star Drive-In, Bishopville; R. L. Wilburn. 

Sunset Drive-In, Buffalo; Bill Drace 

of the Grand, Greer; H. V. Hammond, Lake 

View at Lake View; J. W. McMillan, Latta 

at Latta; Sam Bogo, Carolina at Batesburg; 

J. C. Holland, Lyman at Lyman; R. T. Albright, 

Ritz at Newberry; R. A. Stinnett, 

the best source of supply for the finest in 

approved equipment 

Cinemascope 

stereophonic sound 

wide screen 

in fact 

everything for the theatre except film 

wil-kin theatre supply, inc. 

atlanta, ga. • charlotte, n. c. 

CAROLINA BOOKING SERVICE 

115 Bravord Court, CtiorloHa, N. C. 

fRANK LOWRY — JOHN WOOD 

HA2EL RESNIK 

Coca-Cola 

Dispensers 

ROY SMITH CO. 

TAMPA 

JACKSONVILLE 

Kings Mountain Drive-In; F. B. Grigg, 

Dianne 29 Drive-In, Gastonia. 

Also Harry Cook, Center at Mount Olive; 

O. T. Kirby, Palace at Roxboro; R. D. Mc- 

Gowan, Joyce at Spring Hope; A. P. Hinnant, 

Model Drive-In, Goldsboro; F. M. Burton, 

Hamler Drive-In; C. W. Grubb, Moonglo 

Drive-In, High Point; J. W. Mitchell, Hitching 

Post Drive-In, Salisbury; Bill Harward, 

Concord Drive-In; A. W. Pruitt of the Flamingo 

Drive-In; J. D. Garner of the Midway 

and J. C. Wellons, Skyvue Drive-In, 

Fayetteville; T. L. Smith, Starlite Drive-In, 

Spring Lake; Louis Whitley, Rock-Ham 

Drive-In; George Whitley, Laura-Max Drive- 

In, Laurinburg, and Walter Bonds, Bond.s' 

Auto Theatre, Bennettsville. 

NEW ORLEANS 

T loyd Royal, president of Mississippi Theatres 

Owners Ass'n, was in town beating 

the drums for the 1954 convention to be held 

on June 27-29 in the Edgewater Gulf hotel at 

Edgewater Park, Miss. Royal anticipates this 

will be MTOA's biggest convention. Make 

reservations direct with the Edgewater Gulf 

hotel. 

Jimmy Hamilton, PineHill Drive-In, Picayune, 

Miss., and a regular contributor to 

Exhibitor Has His Say in BOXOFFICE, was 

in town doing his buying and booking . . . 

Johmiy Harrell, Martin Theatres, Atlanta; 

C. C Meyers, Meyers Theatre, Biloxi; C. J. 

Tringas, Ranch Drive-In, Pensacola; A. L. 

Royal and Jack Jackson, Royal Theatres, 

Meridian; J. A. Barcolona, Regina and Tivoli 

theatres. Baton Rouge, and Pi'ank Smith, 

Grand. Grand Isle, La., were on Filmrow 

buying and booking . . . The Paramount Pep 

club held its annual picnic last weekend at 

the Stai- Route farms in Bay St. Louis. 

FST's West Coast District 

Wins Circuit Contest 

ST. PETERSBURG—The west coast district 

of Florida State Theatres, supervised by 

Prank Bell, was declared winner of the first 

week in the five-week candy drive being conducted 

by the circuit. 

Top manager and candy girls for the week 

were Poster Hawthorne, Josephine Brague 

and Ann Morgan at the Capitol Theatre, 

Clearwater. Second prize winners of cash 

awards were Dan Sangaree, Peggy Read and 

Martha Peters at the DeSoto Theatre, Arcadia. 

Third prizes went to Bill EUery, Katherine 

Turpen and Edith Spence at the 

Cameo, St. Petersburg. 

Airer to Install C'Scope 

CLEVELAND, TENN.—Cletus H. Benton, 

owner of the Star-Vue Drive-In, announced 

that work has begun on an $18,500 Cinema- 

Scope installation under the supervision of 

Charles Fortson, manager of the Wil-Kin 

Theatre Supply Co., Atlanta. The new screen 

will measure 70x106 feet and show a picture 

40x102 feet. Benton said that the Star-Vue 

;il.so would .show VistaVision. 

Jasper House Redecorates 

JASPER, ARK.—The Buffalo Theatre will 

be redecorated, according to owner Don C. it 

Jones. Plans call for a new acoustical ceiling j' 

and wall.s and improved projection and sound. 


: May 

29, 1954

LITTLE ROCK 

•Phe local Capitol Glass Co. found after research 

on windshield tints that car owners 

who purchased sprays to give a blue or 

green effect to the car glass may have trouble 

viewing the screen in a drive-in. Factory 

equipped or extra Installations of tinted 

shields have little effect, however, they believe 

blue tints are easier to see through than 

"Three Coins" got free advance 

the green . . . 

publicity when a local columnist re- 

ported the receipt of three pennies on a 

card with other foUowups. 

Neil Blount of the Monarch Theatre Supply, 

Memphis, and owner of a neighborhood 

house, reported this incident on a recent trip 

here. His theatre had done the largest Saturday's 

business in its history the week before. 

He booked a double feature (one for 

the third time, the other for the fourth) 

and five cartoons for a three and a half hour 

show. Prices all day were 20 cents for children 

and 50 cents for adults. The house 

played to over 1,000 children and over 200 

adults with the concssions getting a big play. 

He attributed his success to the fact that 

he has catered to the children. "Where 

children go, adults will follow," he said. To 

date he has experienced no rowdyism or 

damage from them. 

WILL MAKE II 

HOT 

AT THE BOX OFFICE 

WITHs^r 

(SWELL 

FOR 

DRIVE-INSr) 

"IT INVOLVES 

Owners of Airway Theatre have asked a 

court injunction to prohibit Ira and Claude 

May from removing seats from the house 

which is now closed . . . "The French Line" 

playing small town conventionals and driveins 

had advertising space in Little Rock papers. 

The picture played North Little Rock, 

day and date at drive-ins and conventionals. 

Jl. Introducing 

the sensational 

ELEONORA 

ROSSI 

DRAGO 

' 

TEMPTRESS 

DRAGO 

IN A 

ROMANCE 

Julia Tamney to Build 

Drive-In at Orlando, Fla. 

ORLANDO, FLA.—Miss Julia Tamney has 

announced plans to construct a $100,000 drivein 

on Highway 50 two miles east of here. 

The theatre will have a 100x60-foot screen, 

making it one of the few ozoners in the state 

equipped for Cinemascope. A children's playground 

also is included in the plans. It will 

be known as the Colonial Plaza Drive-In. 

An AMERICAN LANGUAGE HIT From mt 

A PONTIDeLAURENTIIS Production 

WITH EVERY 

HE-MAN 

IN 

THE 

AUDIENCE" 

• . . WALTER 

WINCHELL 

$100,000 Airer Planned 

ORLANDO, FLA.—Miss Julian Tamney has 

announced plans for a new $100,000 Colonial 

Plaza Drive-In. Plans call for a 100 by 60- 

foot Cinemascope screen. 

CinemaScope for Bastrop 

BASTROP, LA.—Bastrop Theatres officials, 

George (Bo) Goodwin and Boots Gladney, 

announced they were installing CinemaScope 

equipment in the Rose Theatre. 

Frank Smith Named Ass't Manager 

PICKER, OKLA.—Mrs. Gladys Fisher, manager 

of the Plaza Theatre, owned by the Video 

Theatres, has announced the appointment of 

Prank Smith as assistant manager of the 

Plaza Theatre. Smith has been a resident 

of Richer 35 years and has been in the theatre 

business most of that time. His wife, the 

former Mrs. Doxey Arnett, an employe of the 

Plaza Theatre will continue her work at the 

theatre. 

AND KEEP 'EM COMING WITH 

THE GREATEST LOVE • ANNA • 

3 GIRLS FROM ROME • YOUNG 

CARUSO • WHITE HELL of Pitz Palu 

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BOXOmCE : 

: May 

29, 1954 53

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MEMPHIS 

£|xliibitors Services has been named agent 

for "My.stery Lake," in this trade territory. 

The Fine Ai'ts Films featiu-e was shot at Western 

Tennessee's Reelfoot lake which was 

formed many years ago by an eai-thquake. 

Exhibitors Services is also agent for Jack Pot 

quiz night, which originates in Atlanta 

Paramount exchange was the scene of 

. . . 

an 

invitational screening of "Indiscretion of an 

American Wife" by Columbia Pictures and 

Malco Theatre. 

Seen on Filmrow were J. C. Morstadt, Joy, 

Hayti. Mo.; Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar, Tenn.; 

Paul Harrington, Ruffin Amusements Co., 

Covington, Tenn.; Leon Rountree, Holly at 

Holly Springs, Miss.; R. B. Cox, Eureka, 

Batesville, Miss.; Mr. and Mrs. George Davis, 

Globe, Drew, Miss.; C. J. Collier, Globe, Shaw, 

Miss.; B. P. Jackson, E>eUa, Ruleville, Miss.; 

and K. H. Kinney, Hays. Hughes, Ai-k. . . . 

W. Watson Davis, manager, Malco Theatre, 

announces "Tlie Caine Mutiny," will open 

there July 24, making Memphis one of the 

first cities to .see this film. 

The blanket ban of Lloyd T. Binford, chairman 

of the censor board, against all Charlie 

Chaplin films was broken recently when one 

was shown at the First Unitarian church 

and nothing happened. Now Binford has told 

Columbia that his blanket ban on all movies 

with "Je.sse James" in the title no longer 

stands. He has agreed to look at the film, 

"Je.sse James vs. the Daltons" . Curd, 

office manager at RKO, and Jimmy Burton, 

booker were vacationing ... J. V. Frew, 

district manager. Atlanta, and F. J, A. Mc- 

Carthy, division manager, New York, were 

at Universal here. 

Tennessee exhibitors on Filmrow included 

Robert Lax. Skyvue Drive-In, Paris; Mrs. 

H. A. Fitch, Eri». Erin; and Earnest Pollock, 

Strand, Hohenwald. From Arkansas came Mi-s. 

Henley Smith, Imperial, Pocahontas; J. D. 

Shepherd. Rex. DuValls Bluff; J. T. James, 

James. Cotton Plant, and William Elias, 

Murr. Osceola. Mrs. Elizabeth DeOuire, Shanon, 

Portageville, Mo., was also in town . . . 

J. W. Wofford. Union. Union, and Dr. L. T. 

Lowery. Blue Mountain Theatre, Blue Mountain, 

were here from Mississippi . . . M. A. 

Lightman jr., and Joe Keifer, executives of 

Malco Theatres, made a business trip to Russellville 

and Ft. Smith. 

M. A. Lightman sr. was a guest on the 

WMCT Interesting Persons program sponsored 

by the Press-Scimitar. In the interview 

with Null Adams, city editor of the newspaper, 

Lightman revealed that he was a wrestling 

champion and swimming star in his college 

days at Cornell. The interview developed that 

Lightman is a semi-vegetarian and eats seafoods 

instead of meat. A.sked about television 

and its effect on the film industry, he said: 

"Television is a small motion picture. It is 

wonderful and everything will work out all 

right." About censorship of films he said: "I 

think they .should be censored at the source: 

but, after having been pa.s.sed on in Hollywood 

they should receive no further censorship." 

Stereosound for Airer 

BESSEMER CITY, N.C.—The Kings Mountain 

Drive-In. Gay Stinett owner, has installed 

stereophonic equipment which includes 

two speakers for each car. A large 

screen also was installed. 

Dick Mullens Appointed 

Manager at Plant City 

PLANT CITY, FLA.—Dick Mullens, former 

manager of the Capitol Drive-In in Tallaha.ssee, 

is the new manager of the Capitol 

Theatre here. He succeeds Byron Cooper who 

died recently. Mullens has managed other 

Florida houses in Sanford, Fort Meyers and 

Orlando. The new manager has announced 

that the Capitol will soon be equipped with 

Cinemascope and new projection equipment. 

Installation will be made at night when the 

theatre is closed so that the regular schedule 

will not be interrupted. 

Improvements to Biloxi Meyer 

BILOXI, MISS.—The Meyer Theatre here 

recently has completed a major overhauling 

of its facilities according to H. T. Fayard, 

the manager. 

Besides repainting and redecorating 

the theatre, the owners have installed 

a Cinemascope screen, stereophonic sound 

and eight additional wall speakers. 

Name D. W. Fuquay Manager 

CORAL GABLES, FLA.—D. W. Fuquay has 

been named manager of the Coral Theatre 

here to succeed Bill Watts, who has resigned. 

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BOXOFnCE : 

: May 

29, 1954

I. 

LaRue. 

, was 

li Dick 

> 

Waterhouse 

: 

patrons 

. . The 

! 

JACKSONVILLE 

nbner Camp, Pai'amount salesman, became 

a parent of a nine-pound daughter . . . 

Visitors included M. C. McDaniels of Mack's 

Drive-In at Marianna, and C. L. Jackson, 

Woodbine, Ga. . . . T. P. Tidwell, 20th-Fox 

manager, returned from sales meetings in 

New York . . . Bob Capps, MGM salesman, 

has taken his annual vacation . . . Carl Carter 

said that the personal appearances of Lash 

western star, were well received by 

of the Air Base and Ribault Drive-In 

theatres . . . V. E. Hill, auditor of Price, 

& Co., returned to his Atlanta 

office. 

. . . Visiting around town 

j; 

. . Vacation days began for 

. . . For 

Mary Sheffield is back at the MGM office 

after a vacation 

Jack Clem, head of the Paramount art 

shop in Miami . 

Regan, Paramount salesman 

the first time here, a Cinemascope feature 

picture, "River of No Return" was used by 

Bob Skaggs to lure patrons to a sneak preview 

; on the closing night of another attraction at 

the Florida Theatre Two Warner rereleases, 

"Little Caesar" and "IHiblic Enemy," 

were double-billed by Sheldon Mandell at the 

first run St. Johns. 

. . The 

. . . Arv 

W. Michael Rowe has taken over the management 

of the Follies Theatre for the Paul 

brothers. He came here from Dallas . 

Palace Theatre returned to 3-D with the 

showing of "The Mad Magician" 

Rothschild has had Astrolite wide screens in- 

Business Oi£:n 

TRY 

JACK 

POT QUIZ NIGHT 

EXHIBITORS' 

SERVICES 

502 South Second St. Memphis, Tennessee 

P. 0. Box No. 2454 

KEYSTONE FILM CO., 

the original producer and distributor of 

KEYSTONE COMEDIES. 

which we launched at the beginning of Hollywood, 

is being revived to make these famous 

laugh-making gems ovailable to TV and theatre 

audiences. 

THE BIRTH OF A NATION 

IS ALSO AVAILABLE. 

KEYSTONE FILM CO. 

406 N. Hartwell Ave. Waukesha, Wis. 

stalled at two theatres catering to Negro 

patrons, the Roosevelt and the Strand . . . 

Laurel Barton, Florida State Theatres office 

worker, transferred to the circuit's Atlanta 

office . . . James L. Cartwright, EST district 

manager in Daytona Beach, and Mrs. Cartwright 

were here to consult a dentist about 

tooth injuries suffered by their daughter 

Cynthia. 

Harry Botwick, EST's south Florida executive, 

has purchased a home in the Riviera 

section of Coral Gables and expects to move 

his family there at the close of the school 

term . candy sales drive of five weeks 

being conducted by Bob Harris, EST confections 

chief, was going right down to the 

taproots. At the end of the first week, ca.sh 

awards went to 12 candy girls in the six winning 

theatres for their efforts to increase 

Elmer Hollander, EST booker, has 

sales . . . 

resigned. 

Cleansing Spray Devised 

By Universal Company 

From Mideast Edition 

CLEVELAND—A new spray cleansing process 

to remove dirt and residue between theatre 

chairs with a minimum of effort has been 

developed by Universal Chemical Co. of Cleveland 

and is now being used by many local 

exhibitors. 

Sidney Schoen, general sales manager for 

Universal, said the new system "works faster, 

is more efficient and more economical than 

any previous methods of accomplishing this 

difficult 

task." 

"It is very simple to use," he said. "A small 

amount of a new detergent, which was developed, 

diluted with warm water and put into 

a spraying apparatus, sprays off the accumulated 

dirt, ice cream droppings and stale butter 

from popcorn in a matter of minutes. 

A clean mop completes the operation. We 

furnish the sprayer without cost to the theatre 

and maintain it in A-1 condition. The 

material used does not harm the seats or 

seat upholstery." 

Cloud Theatre Renovates 

ST. CLOXID. FLA.—The Cloud Theatre is 

being renovated with the inside being painted 

and refinished and the concession stand, 

which has been outside the entrance, being 

moved indoors. The old stand is being converted 

into an advertising room. A mural 

of a Florida scene will be painted across the 

front of the building to be lighted with 

fluorescent lights. 

Theatres Donate Screens 

BATON ROUGE, LA.—The Dalton and the 

Hart Theatres donated two full size screens 

to state tuberculosis hospitals. One went to 

Greenwell Springs and the other to the tuberculosis 

unit at Lafayette's Charity hospital. 

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1010 North Slaupey Drive 

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Albany, Georgia 

Phone: HEmlock 2-2S46 

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95 Walton Street, N.W. 

P. 0. Box S58 

Atlanta, Georgia 

Phone: WAInut 4118 

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 

Prompt, Courteous Service 'Round the Cloclc 

Florida's FIRST Supply House 

NOW HAS TWO CONVENIENT 

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UNITED THEATRE SUPPLY CORP 

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TRI-STATE THEATRE SUPPLY 

320 So. Second St. Memphis, Tenn. 

Named Kentucky Colonel 

MEMPHIS—R. L. Bostick, southern district 

supervisor and vice-president of National 

Theatre Supply Co. here, has been named a 

Kentucky colonel by Gov. Lawrence W. 

Wetherby. 

SNOKONE

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RL 

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Filmed at Reelfoot Lake 

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Memphis, Tennessee 

P. 0. Box No. 2454 

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MIAMI 

Qol. Mitchell Wolfson, president of WTVJ, 

accepted for the station the Alfred P. 

Sloan award for public service in highway 

safety promotion. The presentation was made 

at the National Safety Council annual award 

dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York 

... A radio show, featuring a magician, will 

originate from the neighborhood Shores Theatre 

for the coming six weeks . . . The Harmonicaires, 

mouth organ trio currently appearing 

at the Olympia, is composed of three 

local boys making good—a Miami policeman, 

a hotel man and one in the real estate business 

. San Carlos Theatre in Key 

West was used to stage "The Filibusters," a 

play written by Cmdr. R. W. Byrns in honor 

of the Cuban Independence Day fiesta. 

Florida State ran a separate ad calling attention 

to the full color "Johnny Guitar" 

ballyhoo in This Week magazine. The film 

is in its second week at the circuit's three 

first runs . . . The Marciano-Charles TV 

fight will be shown at the Carib and Miami 

theatres with tickets now on sale . . . The 

Bahamas Development Board reports that 

Gene Bryant, RKO production manager, has 

been in Nassau shooting test underwater 

scenes for "The Big Rainbow." 

Variety's committee of 1,000 now has received 

$80,000. according to Leo Adeeb, chairman 

. . . Earl Potter, Tivoli Theatre manager, 

is leaving in June on a four-month leave of 

absence. Tom Newman, Potter's assistant, 

will remain to fill the post until October. 

Theatre owner Charles Walder, now in New 

York on business, also will take an active 

hand in operating the Tivoli while Potter is 

absent . . . Bernstein's Little River Theatre, 

with a new wide screen, put on a children's 

Saturday matinee that included ten cartoons 

plus the regular show. 

Larry Schwab, son of the late Laurence 

Schwab, producer and originator of the Music 

Circus here, has turned movie producer and 

will star Louis Jourdan in a story based on 

the life of Louis Braille, inventor of the system 

of printing for the blind. Title of the 

film is to be "Windows for the Blind" and 

will be made in France on a $125,000 budget 

headliner in the current Olympia 

show is Polly Bergen, panelist on "I've 

Got a Secret," popular TV feature. Al Weiss 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

BOXOFFICE: 

825 Van Brunt Blvd., Eansas City 24, Mo. 

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

The MODERN THEATRE Section). 

D $3.00 FOR 1 YEAR D $5.00 FOR 2 YEARS Q $7.00 FOR 3 YEARS 

n Remittance Enclosed Q Send Invoice 

THEATRE 

STREET ADDRESS 

TOWN 

NAME 

STATE 

POSITION 

has booked a return edition of a Cuban musical 

extravaganza as the next stage attraction 

at this house. This show proved very successful 

in its previous appearance. 

Singapore Exhibitor 

Favors CinemaScope 

NEW YORK—Cinemascope pictures with 

12-speaker surround stereophonic sound have 

made such a hit in Singapore that the public 

is demanding them in preference to the conventional 

type of picture, according to Loke 

Wan Tlio, president of As.sociated Theatres 

with headquarters there. 

He said here Tuesday (11) that he had 

shown the first four of the 20th Century-Pox 

Cinemascope pictures at his Odeon Tlieatre, 

that "The Robe," although dealing with 

Christianity, was a big hit and that the others 

had done well, with "How to Marry a Millionaire" 

the least appealing because it was not 

an action picture. 

The Odeon, a new theatre, seats 1,640, has 

consistent admission prices of $3, $2 and $1 

Malayan, equal to one-third of the American 

dollar, and cost $1,000,000 to buUd. The land 

cost $500,000. 

"The Robe" grossed $160,000 in three weeks, 

compared with $50,000 to $60,000 for the usual 

picture. Subtitles were provided in Chinese 

on slides running the entire length of the 

wide screen. All pictures in Singapore, from 

whatever nation, are played on percentage. 

Tho operates in Malaya and Borneo as well 

as Singapore. There are 200 theatres in those 

aieas of which 30 are his. He has five 

Cinemascope installations. Two are in Singapore 

and three "up-country" at Kuala Lumpur, 

Penang and Ipeh. His theatres play between 

80 and 85 American pictures a year. 

British films have a protective quota of 10 

per cent. 

Programs consist of one feature and shorts, 

and since the films come from many nations, 

there is no product shortage. Third-dimension 

films failed to appeal even at the start. 

There is no television, and radio is government-controlled. 

There are five shows a day 

weekdays and seven on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Hard liquor and ice cream are sold in 

the Odeon lobby. Cars are parked in the 

ba,sement. 

Tlio is also a producer of Malayan pictures 

and finances Chinese pictures made in Hong 

Kong. He is interested in real estate, banking 

and insurance and is chairman of the 

Singapore Telephone Board, a private utility. 

He recently visited Hollywood where he saw 

20th-Fox, Paramount, MGM and Republic 

product. He will leave soon for London. 

C. F. Greene Manages 

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—C. F. "Buddy" 

Greene has been named manager of the Capital 

Drive-In on Woodville Highway by T. L. 

Hyde, local manager for Talgar Theatres 

Co. Greene succeeds R. T. Mullens, who was 

shifted to Plant City. Greene, formerly with 

the Florida Theatre, is a native of Tallahassee. 

Producer-Director William Wyler has purchased 

"Desperate Hours," a suspense drama, 

lor Paramount production. 

BOXOFHCE : 

: May 

29, 1954

BOXOFFICE Is 

Cited 

By Theatre Ass'ns 

ATLANTA — The presidents of the 

Georgia and Alabama exhibitor associations 

have signed a resolution passed at 

a joint session of their organizations commending 

BOXOFFICE for its coverage 

of the meeting and the publications interest 

in the welfare of exliibitors. 

Signing the resolution were J. H. 

Thompson, president of the Motion Picture 

Theatre Owners and Operators of 

Georgia, and R. M. Kennedy, president 

of Alabama Theatres Ass'n. 

Text of the resolution: 

"WHEREAS, BOXOFFICE, a trade 

publication of great value to the Motion 

Picture Industry, has seen fit to give 

much favorable publicity to the annual 

convention of Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners and Operators of Georgia and 

Alabama Theatres Ass'n, now in annual 

session assembled, and 

WHEREAS, such action has promoted 

the welfare and interests of the members 

of the associations of the motion picture 

industry and the joint activity in which 

they are new engaged, 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RE- 

SOLVED, that we express to BOXOFFICE 

our sincere appreciation." 

Perspecta Sounds Warmly 

Received by Japanese 

NEW YORK — Seymour Mayer, regional 

director in the Far and Middle East for 

Loew;s International Corp., who has just returned 

to this country, reports film men and 

the press gave an enthusiastic reception to 

a demonstration of Perspecta sound in Tokyo. 

The demonstration was at the Gekijo 

Theatre, with an attendance of 1,500 representing 

all producing companies, all circuits, 

equipment manufacturers, trade press and 

magazines. Following the demonstration 

"Knights of the Round Table" in Cinema- 

Scope with Perspecta sound opened at the 

Gekijo Theatre and in the Shoskiku Za 

Theatre in Osaka. 

An agreement was signed with the Japan 

Victor Co. for the manufacture of integrator 

units. 

One-time war correspondent, Lee Ferrero, 

has joined the Warner publicity department 

to handle the Victor Saville production, "The 

Silver Chalice." 

Lux Theatre Awards 

Oscar to Its Patrons 

From Canadian Edition 

Winnipeg— "An Oscar to Our Patrons" 

was the headline of an ad recently run 

in the Humboldt Journal by the management 

and staff of the Lux Theatre. Featuring 

the picture of a Hollywood Oscar, 

the ad recalled that in a recent issue of 

a Canadian tradepaper, a front-page 

story told of deliberate damage to restrooms 

and theatre seats . . . "We are 

grateful to our audience, especially the 

kids. There has never been a serious case 

of vandalism in the Lux Theatre." 

City Theatre Will Be 

Razed at Brockton 

From New England Edition 

BROCKTON, MASS.—Brockton's historic 

City Theatre is to be torn down to make 

room for a large parking area. The property 

bears an assessed valuation of $100,000. 

The City Theatre was erected 70 years 

ago for legitimate stage shows, operas and 

musicals. It was considered one of the outstanding 

playhouses of its day and was 

the scene of many a theatrical triumph. It 

succumbed to motion pictures about 20 

years ago and has been closed for the past 

ten years. The theatre's chief distinction is 

the fact that it is the first in the country 

to be illuminated with electric lights, according 

to Everett E. Crosier, representing 

the present owner, the Main Street Realty 

Co., who also recalled that Thomas A. Edison, 

himself, took a personal interest when the 

house was wired for electricity. The original 

electrically operated chandelier in the center 

of the theatre still remains. It was lifted and 

dropped to vantage points by cranes housed 

in a little booth which still stands atop the 

building. 

Durwood Company Drops 

Television Application 

From Central Edition 

JEFFERSON CITY—The L. H. P. Co., a 

Missouri corporation owned by the Durwood 

family interest for the purpose of applying 

for Channel 13, has withdrawn in favor of the 

Jefferson Television Co. Durwood operates 

motion picture theatres in Kansas City, St. 

Joseph, Jefferson City and Leavenworth, 

Kas. It also operates TV station KEDD, the 

NBC affiliate in Wichita. 

Stanley Durwood, vice-president and general 

manager of the Durwood interests, said 

his family withdrew the application in the 

best interests of the community. With three 

contestants going into the hearing, several 

years might elapse before Jefferson City 

could receive television from its own station. 

Charles Sherman Heads 

Rialto at St. Joseph 

From Central Edition 

ST. JOSEPH, MO.—Charles B. Sherman 

has taken over the management of Dickinson's 

Rialto Theatre here. Sherman formerly 

managed Durwood's Uptown for seven years 

and then opened the Trail Theatre for Dickinson, 

Inc., later becoming city manager for 

the company. Last year he was in Indiana 

where he was city manager for the Illinois- 

Indiana Theatres, Inc., at Laporte and later 

operated the Keith Theatre at Indianapolis. 

Bud Nelson, who has managed the Rialto 

for the past year, took a week's vacation 

and then became manager of the company's 

Lux Theatre in Joplin. Leo Colvin, former 

manager had resigned. 

Cherokee Gets New Screen 

GAFFNEY, S.C—The Cherokee Theatre 

has installed a wall-to-wall Raytone screen. 

According to Manager J. Forest Scruggs, the 

new screen measures 23 feet wide by 15% feet 

high as compared to the old width of 16 feet. 

•ai 

RESEARCH BUREAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas Cify 24, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

5-29-54 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

n Acoustics 

n Air Conditioning 

n Architectural 

Service 

n "Black" Lighting 

n Building Material 

D Carpets 

D Coin Machines 

n Lighting Fixtures 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

D Projectors 

n Projection Lamps 

D Seating 

D Signs and Marquees 

D Complete Remodeling D Sound Equipment 

D Decorating 

D Drink Dispensers 

Drive-In Equipment 

D Other 

Theatre 

Seating 

Address 

City 

State 

Subjects 

Capacity.. 

Signed.. 

Television 

D Theatre Fronts 

n Vending Equipment 

Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience 

in obtaining information ore provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE Section, published with the first issue ol 

each month. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954 

57

"144^000 of our employees 

are enrolled in the 

^ Payroll Savings Plan 9? 

f . 

F. HOOD 

President, 

Lniled Stales Steel Corporatioa 

"The respoiisf ofour employees to the Payroll Savings Plan for V. S. Savings Bonds is 

dramatic evidetice of their conviction that Freedom Is Everyhody^^ Job. We are proud 

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

their Jinancial 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 seruritv— and America's economic 

stability. 

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

participation runs as high as 80%. 

Nearly eight million men and women, in forty-five 

thousand companies, large and small, are building 

personal security and contributing to national economic 

stability by their 8160,000,000 monthly investment in 

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

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

reservoir ol future purchasing power— the $35.5 billion, 

cash value of 

Series E^^Bonds outstanding. 

What is the employee participation in yoar 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, Washington 

I-JXiilding, Washington. D. C. Your State Director 

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

participation in your plan to 60%, 70%, or even bettet 

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

thanks, for their patriotic donation, the Advertising Council and 

BOXOFFICE 


: May 

29, 1954

i 

HERE'S YOUR CHANCE 

to get in the 

BIG MONEY 

Lewis, Tom Gage, G. W. Springfield, L. L. 

Brown, T. E. Peterson, Warren C. Davis, 

Clyde Fultz, Ptiil W. Coon, Mel Harper. Lewis 

C. West and Edwin B. Jones. Any tlieatre 

playing "Prisoner of War" will do well to 

make a tieup with the local POW organization. 

All POW groups have been alerted 

about the picture, and no doubt there will 

be some mention made in the forthcoming 

POW convention at Port Worth in June. 

Also, many of the POWs can help in building 

a lobby display of war keepsakes they brought 

back from the prison camps. 

TULSA—Cecil Puckett, manager of the 

Video Riverside Drive-In, has just returned 

from a vacation in Mexico. The Riverside 

opened with its new wide screen Friday (21). 

Size of the picture is 40x80. Cecil said patron 

reaction to the large picture was very good. 

Keith Lewis, former manager of the River- 

^side, has taken over the 66 Drive-In, and 

Kenneth Wyble has taken over the Circle. 

Bob Rush, who has been in Korea, has returned 

and has taken over manager chores 

at the Sheridan Drive-In. Bob is Jim Rush's 

brother. Jim was interested in the Broken 

Arrow Drive-In in Tulsa and is now back 

with Video as city manager at Hobert, where 

Video is remodeling the Kiowa Theatre. It is 

our understanding that this theatre will be 

renamed when it reopens. 

Eph Charninsky Honored 

SAN ANTONIO—Eph Charninsky was 

honored by the Jewish Community Center, 

of which he is president, for his many years 

of service to the group and the community. 

In addition to his many civic interests, 

Charninsky is president of the Motion Picture 

Exhibitors Organization of San Antonio 

and a Variety Club member. 

Louie Babb to Build Airer 

ROCKSPRINGS, TEX.—Louie Babb, Angora 

Theatre owner, has acquired a site on 

the Rocksprings-Sonora highway where he 

plans to construct a drive-in theatre. 

Dallas Inwood Theatre 

Installs CinemaScope 

DALLAS—The newly refurbished Inwood 

Theatre here has installed CinemaScope 

equipment. The Interstate house's stage 

proscenium was expanded to both side walls 

to accommodate the 38-foot-wide screen. 

The 1,000-seat Inwood also installed stereophonic 

sound equipment and additional refrigeration 

equipment. New stage curtains 

were installed, carpets were renovated and 

auditorium seats upholstered and refinished. 

a screen game, 

HOLLYWOOD takes fop 

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 ear capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO. 

831 South Waboth Avanu* • Chicago i, llllnell 

ALWAYS 

GOOD! 

1 

ALWAYS 

ION TIME! 



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Ryan, Okla., Gem to Wide Screen 

RYAN, OKLA.—Claude Thorp's Gem Theatre 

here, closed since March 15, has been reopened 

with a new wide screen. 

Inked to portray a Kentucky backwoodsman 

in MGM's "Many Rivers to Cross" was Alan 

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6. D. DUNCAN 

3021/2 S. Horwood St. 

Dallas 1, Texas 

DROP A CARD TO

RKO Exploiteer Resigns 

DALLAS- RKO fxploilei'i- MilLon Oveniuin VÎX tAlfl ^•Irf/n \^ I I I 

DALLAS— RKO fxploileiT MilLon Oveniuin 

has resigned and is expected to join tlie 

Melba where "This Is Cinerama" is scheduled 

to open July 1. 

IF 

YOUR SOUND GOES 

SOUR ... DO YOU CALL 

A 

PLUMBER? 

Seat 

work too is a specialized job 

requiring tools and experience. 

in the long run it will cost less 

to hove it done right. 

H. G. EAKER 

Nicoma Park, Okla. 

P. 0. Box 335 Pho. 161-W 

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ARTHUR LEAK Theatre Specialists 

3305 Caruth, Dallas. Texas 

Telephones EM 0238 - EM 7489 

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE INVITED 

Hl^l AUHMA riTV 

t>oy Rogers and Pat Brady made quite a hit 

during their visit here. The duet came in 

to participate in a horse show sponsored by 

the Junior league to raise funds for a state 

speech and hearing school. The annual event 

was a sellout for all performances. Rogers 

and Brady gave three performances, including 

the Saturday matinee. During their 

three-day visit here they also made other 

appearances, such as a visit to the Central 

State hospital for the mentally sick at nearby 

Norman. Roy also turned the first spadeful 

of dirt for the new state speech and hearing 

school while in the city. 

Mrs. Jimmy Burge is hospitalized at St. 

Anthony's. She is the wife of the special 

events director of the Oklahoma Publishing 

Co. He formerly was with MGM, then with 

local theatres before becoming municipal 

auditorium manager here . . . Ralph Drewry 

of Tulsa Downtown Theatres was in on business. 

A Theatre Owners of Oklahoma directors 

luncheon and monthly business meeting is 

scheduled for June 7 in the Variety Tent 22 

clubrooms, Biltmore hotel . . . Carr Scott 

of Screen Guild was due to be released from 

the hospital this week. He has been ill for 

six weeks. Scotty will convalesce at home for 

some time. 

The Harmony Theatre at Sand Springs is 

getting Cinemascope, installed by NTS. Bill 

Strieker owns the situation, managed by 

W. E. Jones ... In town booking and buying 

were Clint Applewhite, Carnegie; H. D. Cox, 

Binger; Layton Carter, Seminole; Eugene 

Martin, Snyder, and Earl Snyder jr., Tulsa. 

The Allied of Oklahoma group is having a 

luncheon meeting June 4 at the Biltmore 

hotel on the Makelim film plan for Makelim 

executives and exhibitors. Theatremen may 

book the Makelim pictures at the meeting. 

Glen Thompson sr., city board chairman, 

said. The meeting is open to all exhibitors 

in the trade area. 

Lana Turner Cast in 'The Prodigal' 

Lana Turner has been ca.st with Edmund 

Purdom and Taina Elg in MGM's "The Prodigal," 

Biblical drama. 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM 

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THEATRE 

STP£ET ADDRESS 

TOWN 

NAME 

STATE. 

POSITION 

league New Star Bows 

After Renovations 

TEAGUE, TEX.—With a flash of newness 

the New Star Theatre held its grand opening 

May 19. The theatre has undergone a 

complete remodeling and reconditioning from 

front to back. 

The Harris brothers, who own several theatres 

in Texas, have given Teague a firstclass 

show. Buddy Harris was on hand during 

the last minute finishing touches to the 

building. He, E. L. Harris and Floyd Faubion 

have worked for months planning and working 

on the building. 

W. M. Faubion was general contractor for 

the remodeling. Faubion fell from a scaffold 

and broke his foot, which retired him from 

the work. Henry W. Harris has painted the 

front, and with the neon lights, it is 

spot for Main street. 

a bright 

The theatre is equipped with a giant new 

screen 14x26 feet, and new attractive interior 

decorations in the large auditorium. The 

theatre has been reseated with modern comfortable 

seats. Modern, clean restrooms were 

built for both white and colored and there is 

air conditioning throughout the entire building. 

There wUl be no increase in admission 

prices. The newest and best pictures available 

will be shown. "Courtesy, comfort and 

clean entertainment" will be the slogan of 

the New Star. 

Eight Disney Artist Units 

Set for 'Pinocchio' Tours 

NEW YORK— Eight units of Walt Disney 

cartoonists will be on tour around the country 

by the end of May, according to Charles 

Boasberg, RKO general sales manager. It is 

a part of the promotional campaign on 

"Pinocchio." By June 7 another group will 

begin a similar campaign in Canada. 

The stunt was tested for the Easter vacation 

bookings in New York and New England. 

Three units began covering Texas Monday 

(17) in connection with 100 bookings. 

Bill Berg, artist, and Bidwell McCormick, 

RKO field men, are touring ea.stern and 

northern Texas, while Milt Schaeffer, with 

Ed Terhune of RKO are appearing in southern 

Texas. Duff Tween, artist, and Ed Hale 

from the Disney office are in western Texas. 

Three units ai-e operating on the west 

coast. Starting May 30, Roy Williams, another 

Disney artist, will begin a tour of the 

Butterfield circuit. These trips will be followed 

by a tour of the southeast. 

Mustang Drive-In Opens 

MADISONVILLE, TEX.—Mr. and Mrs. 

C. W. Matson held the grand opening of their 

new 336-car Mustang Drive-In May 13. 

The 

airer features a snack bar with the latest 

in stainless steel appliances, including an ice 

making machine. 

Wide Screen for Geary 

GEARY, OKLA,—The Geary Theatre has 

completed the installation of a wide .screen 

which, according to Manager Howard Collier, 

increases it.s size from 140 square feet to 390 

square feet. 

The former musical comedy star, Dolores 

Gray, will share stellar honors with Gene 

Kelly in Metro's "Fair Weather." 

B'J 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

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ansas City 24, Mo. 

5-29-54 

ientlemen: 

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• Leadership means readership! 

To ^very reader, each issue of BOXOFFICE brings 

something to inform, to 

encourage, to help selland 

make business more profitable. 

BOXOFFICE ; 

: May 

29, 1954 |

|: 

Club 

! Minnesota 

I Although 

I heart 

: nation 

: and 

Variety Will Expand 

Minn. Heart Hospital 

MINNEAPOLIS—The Northwest Variety 

is plannuig to expand its University of 

heart hospital philanthropic project, 

according to Arthur Anderson, Warner 

jl Bros, district manager and chairman of the 

hospital committee. 

; 

it already has raised more than 

$1,000,000 for the hospital, the only one in the 

devoted entirely to the treatment of 

research into heart ailments, and although 

it's committed to turn over an additional 

minimum of $25,000 annually to the 

hospital, it's going an important step further, 

Anderson said. 

The new plan calls for a campaign next fall 

to raise $232,000 to be used, said Anderson, to 

build an additional floor. The proposed fifth 

floor would be used to expand research 

facilities. 

An investment of approximately $2,000,000 

is now represented by the heart hospital. Of 

this amount $750,000 was raised by the Northwest 

Variety Club at the outset to bring the 

project into actual being. 

In 1953, the Variety Club presented the 

heart hospital with checks of $36,650 and 

$5,930 to permit the installation of a new 

elevator and to cover the cost of air conditioning. 

This -was in addition to the $25,000 

annual pledge. 

Omaha Daily Features 

Story on Jack Jorgens' Son 

OMAHA—One of the proudest fathers in 

Omaha was Jack Jorgens, MGM salesman, 

whose son Jackson, 11, was featured in a 

three-quarter page picture layout in the Sunday 

(23) World-Herald. 

The photo story depicted Jackson's visit 

to Omaha police headquarters—not as a 

wrongdoer but as a top example of school 

safety patrols, and on the right side of the 

law. As captain of Jefferson school's safety 

patrol, he was takeia on a conducted tour of 

the headquarters, had his fingerprints taken 

and examined the "rogue's gallery." 

The boy's reaction as he completed the layout 

for fingerprinting, photographing and 

scientific angles of crime detection: 

"Pretty sharp!" 

S. D. Kane Suggests Congress Inquiry 

In Distributor Tax Relief Grab' 

Songwriter Lawrence 

In Omaha to Aid 'Flame' 

OMAHA—Jack Lawrence, in town tc plug 

"Flame and the Flesh" at the State, said he 

believes that after five years of "junk and 

hillbilly music" the needle is swinging back 

to better songs. 

The songwriter who wrote the words for 

four songs in the film showing at the State, 

said "15 years ago our tastes were much 

higher musically than they have been for the 

last five years. But now we're getting really 

good, intelligent songs again." 

Since "Flame and the Flesh" is laid in Italy, 

Producer Joe Pasternak sent Lawrence to 

Naples to "get the right feel" before writing 

the lyrics. He said writing the words to a 

song could take anywhere from "half an 

hour to half a month." 

Gideon Seymour Dies 

MINNEAPOLIS—Gideon Seymour, vicepresident 

and executive editor of the two 

local dailies, the Morning Tribune and the 

evening Star, died last Thursday (20) at the 

age of 52 from a heart attack. Seymour 

numbered many theatrical friends. He was 

regarded as one of the nation's outstanding 

newspapermen and held many important 

Associated Press posts before coming here. 

His wife and an 18-year-old son survive. 

Purchases Second Theatre 

ARNOLD. NEB.—Jay Higgins, who operates 

a theatre at Ansley, Neb., has purcha.sed the 

Rialto Theatre here from U. A. Brown and 

his wife. The house has been closed for two 

weeks to permit redecorating and the installation 

of new projection equipment and a wide 

curved screen. 

MINNEAPOLIS—Distributors are "appropriating" 

the admission tax remissions granted 

by Congress, S. D. Kane, executive counsel of 

North Central Allied, charged in the current 

issue of the NCA bulletin. Kane said the 

Allied group may appeal to the House or 

Senate Ways and Means committee to investigate 

his charge. 

"The distributors are exercising their power 

seemingly without mercy," Kane wrote, "in 

taking away the benefit of the tax relief from 

the exhibitors by increased selling terms." 

The investigation, he wrote, would be to 

determine if the government's "refund" to 

the industry "hasn't been confiscated inequitably, 

if not illegally, by the one branch, 

distribution, which needed it least." Kane 

asserted this "is contrary to Congress' express 

intent." It is "shortsighted" for distributorproducers 

to grab the tax relief benefits 

away from the needy exhibitors by means of 

more onerous selling terms and retention of 

pretax relief percentages. 

"It can only result in further theatre closings 

and in the draining off of necessary theatre 

reserves which should be devoted to new 

equipment, better theatres and new energy 

in the retail end of the industry. 

"This will be reflected in reduced industry 

earnings." 

The NCA executive counsel quoted statements 

made by Col. H. A. Cole at the recent 

NCA convention here about "the pessimistic 

prediction of congressmen themselves, as 

well as of exhibitors, that the relief, supposedly 

granted to theatres, would be siphoned 

off and the producer-distributors would wind 

up with practically all of the benefit." 

3-D Equipment at Durond 

DURAND, WIS.—C. C. Noecker, owner of 

the Durand Theatre, has installed 3-D equipment 

at , the house. 

L Kalman Plans Opening 

MELLEN, WIS.—Leon Kalman of Medford 

has purchased the Orpheum Theatre 

from J. E. Minton of Mellen Building Enterprises, 

Inc., who had bought the theatre 

from Mrs. A. L. Lighter. The theatre has 

been closed since last July following the 

death of A. L. Lighter. Kalman plans to rename 

the theatre and, at present, is holding 

a contest among school students for a new 

name. 

Circuit to Help in Beauty Contest 

ROCHESTER, MINN.—The Chateau Theatre 

here has announced that it will join 

other members of the Minnesota Amusement 

Co., in staging preliminary beauty contests 

for the title of Miss Minnesota in the international 

beauty contest for the Miss Universe 

title. Rochester judgings will take place on 

June 16 and 17 on the stage of the C'lateau. 

EXCHANGE OPENING—Photographed at the opening of Universal's new exchange 

in Des Moines are, left to right: Lester Zucker, local manager; Don Allen, advertising 

and publicity director for Tri-States Theatres; Foster M. Blake, U-I western sales 

manager; Kermit Carr, Tri-States general manager, and Charles J. Feldman, U-I vicepresident 

and general sales manager. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 29, 1954 NC 67

— 

—— 

— 

D E S 

MOINES 

pilniroH-ers were glad to welcome Chuck 

Elder back. After selling for Universal in 

Kansas City, Chuck is back as manager for 

Allied Artists here. Elder brought an idea 

from Kansas City that has met with enthusiasm 

by several Filmrowers and circuit 

men. Eight men meet every Saturday morning 

at Grand View Golf club and vie for low 

scores. Chuck's tan indicates that he has 

taken advantage of every opportunity to follow 

the little ball around and his enthusiasm 

for the sport seems to be catching! . . . Dave 

Kramer, Warner salesman, has been transferred 

to the Chicago office. 

. . The 

Ben Marcus, Columbia's district manager, 

spent several days here last week . 

DELIVERY 

W« aim to moke delivery 

on lenses and screens 2 

weeks after receipt of order. 

We try to get you the hardfo-get 

Items so thot you don't 

hove to moke them locally. 

Our engineering service, plus 

the engineering service of 

our many large factories, 

pieces us in o much better 

position to gKe you the best 

of new equipment under 

these trying times. Ask to 

hove our representatives call 

on you for further Information. 

For use on both drive-in and 

indoor theatre screens. For 

both 2-D and 3-D pictures. 

"UNI-MAX" Metallic 

Screen 

Painf 

WE ARE 

Columbia office employes held a picnic May 

24 at Walnut Woods park . . . Bettie Randolph, 

Columbia booker, was working under 

a handicap last week. Bettie's purse was 

stolen, and, more than the money, she missed 

her glasses which were in the purse! . . . Lou 

Levy .spent part of last week in Carroll. According 

to Levy, more than 100 bookings of 

the rerelease of "Egg and I" are scheduled in 

Iowa and Nebraska in a saturation release 

which began May 27. The picture is booked 

at the Des Moines Theatre in Des Moines 

and promotion included an incubator in the 

lobby, chickens on display, etc. . . . Levy also 

is proud of the record "Creature Prom the 

Black Lagoon" is rolling up throughout the 

TO SELL YOU 

Complete 3-D Equipment 

Stereophonic Sound 

25" and 26" Magazines 

For 

Wide Angle Lenses 

CinemaScope Lenses 

Century—Motio—Simplex 

F-2 Speed Aperture plates, 

also new gates, if needed 

CinemaScope Screens 

Standard Metallic 

Silver Screens 

2 weeks delivery 

Wide Angle Curved Screens 

2 weeks delivery 

DES MOINES THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 

r 121-23 High Street Phone 3-6520 Des Moines, Iowa 

country where exhibitors are using this Pola- 

Lite 3-D of one-print projection. 

Harold Field, president of 

the Pioneer circuit, 

held a manager's meeting in Carroll 

last week . . . Edna Beatty is the new secretary 

and cashier at Allied Artists, replacing 

Marjorie Winters who resigned 

are well under way for the 

. . 

annual 

. Plans 

Variety 

Club golf stag to be held at the Hyperion 

club June 7. A special attraction of this 

year's outing will be a gin rummy tournament 

. . . Thelma Washburn, RKO booker 

and office manager, has been elected vicepresident 

of the Des Moines Zonta club. 

Grosses Continue 

Off at Minneapolis 

MINNEAPOLIS — Grosses generally continued 

off for the second week with only two 

films reaching the average or better mark. 

"River of No Return" showed the strongest 

at 125, followed by "Rhapsody" at 100 Other 

reports ranged from 70 to 90 per cent. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

Gopher Prisoner of Wor (MGM) 90 

Lyric Sun Valley Serenade (20th-Foy); Orchestra 

Wives (20th-Fox), reissues 70 

I 

Radio Cify River of No Return {20th-Fox) 125 

RKO-Orpheurri The Best Years of Our Lives 

(RKO), reissue 85 

RKO-Pon—Closh by Night (RKO); Double Dynamite 

(RKO), reissues 80 

State Riding Shotgun (WB) , 90 

World Rhopsody (MGM), 2nd wk 100 

'River' Gets 110 Per Cent 

In Slow Omaha Week 

OMAHA—In spite of a perfect weekend 

that tempted anglers, picnickers and gardeners, 

the Orpheum pulled up to 110 per cent 

with "River of No Return." Others didn't 

do quite so well, although the Omaha scored 

par with "The Bigamist." 

Admiral, Chief 'Vonkee Pasha (U-l); Loophole 

(AA) 90 

Brandeis The Iron Glove (Col); Massacre Canyon 

(Col) .'. . . 90 

Omaha The Bigamist (Filmokers); World for 

Ransom (AA) 100 

Orpheum River of No Return (20th-Fox) 110 

State Executive Suite (MGM) 85 

Sioux Falls, S.D., Orpheum 

Dropped by MAC Chain 

MINNEAPOLIS—The Minnesota Amusement 

Co. has divorced itself from its 876- 

seat Orpheum in Sioux Falls, S.D., which 

has been taken over by a civic theatre group. 

MAC'S other Sioux Falls houses, the State 

and Egyptian, will be retained. There also 

are two other independent downtown Sioux 

Falls houses. 

Mitmesota Amusement Co. also divorced 

itself from the St. Paul neighborhood Capitol, 

a 640-seater, which was acquired by 

Minneapolis independent exhibitor Martin 

Lebedoff, who will reopen it after the installaton 

of wide screen and other equipment. 

John Mattson Manages 

STURGEON BAY, WIS.—John Matt.son, 

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, before moving to 

Rhinelander, where he was assistant manager. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

Detroit Theatres Aid Exhibitors Attend WB Screenings 

Downtown Days Event 

DETROIT—All local first run theatres cooperated 

with downtown merchants in offering 

a new attraction this W'eek—Downtown 

Detroit days. Widely advertised on the air 

and in the local press as the "Three-D Days," 

the theatre tie-in proved a natural, with the 

unique opportunity to create a big-city application 

of the small-town community merchant 

tieup. 

While the stores offered special bargains, 

a number of Mystery Shoppers were engaged 

to wander through the crow'ds on theselected 

three days—the first days of the 

week to build early w-eek volume—and pass 

out 1.000 tickets good at the downtown theatres, 

plus a dozen grand prizes, consisting of 

all-expense weekends at a leading hotel, plus 

a dozen pairs of dinners for two as consolation 

prizes. 

Another 500 pairs of ducats were released 

through balloons sent up from a central 

location. All downtown theatres also offered 

free admission for childi-en on the 3-D days 

after 1 p.m., provided the child was accompanied 

by an adult. 

The program, in which motion picture theatres 

furnished the essential "frosting for 

the cake," was sponsored by the Central 

Business District Ass'n, as the kickoff for a 

long range program "to promote and improve 

downtown Detroit." 

Marquette, Mich., Theatres 

Subject of Feature Story 

MARQUETTE, MICH.—The Nordic and 

Delft theatres here were the subject of a 

four-column feature story and art layout in 

a recent issue of the Marquette Mining Journal. 

Given as examples of successful business 

operations, the theatres were pinpointed as 

spacious, w-ell-designed and well-managed, 

and Elroy Luedtke, manager of the houses 

since April 1945, was given high praise. 

The paper praised the Nordic for its cooperation 

with local clubs in presenting art 

films on alternative Wednesdays, and it credited 

Luedtke for his active interest in community 

affairs as evidenced by theatre cooperation 

with many civic drives. 

The Delft and Nordic are owned and operated 

by Delft Theatres, with home offices at 

the Victory Drive-In, Milwaukee. Officers 

of Delft Theatres are H. S. Gallup, chairman 

of the board; J. B. Schuyler, president; Peter 

Jopling, vice-president, and L. J. Jacobs, secretary 

and treasiurer. 

'Obsession' to Premiere 

In Cleveland June 15 

CLEVELAND—Universal-International has 

announced plans to hold the world premiere 

of "Magnificent Obsession" in Cleveland June 

15 at the RKO Palace Theatre. 

Great local interest in the picture has been 

shown because its producer, Ross Hunter, is 

a Cleveland boy and one of its stars, Rock 

Hudson, comes from nearby Elyria. 

Premiere plans will include bringing in as 

many of the stars as possible. A complete 

program of events will be mapped out by 

U-I publicity heads and Max Mink, manager 

of the Palace. 

Many exhibitors attended the Warner Bros, screenings of "Dial M for Murder" and 

Jack Warner's report on CinemaScope, held in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Upper picture, 

Cleveland theatre folk, left to right: Julius A. Lamm, Louis Horwitz, James Shulman, 

Jack Shuhnan, E. Sands and H. Higley. 

the lower two photographs. 

Cincinnati area exhibitors are shown in 

Middle photograph: Roy White, Bill Borack, WB Manager 

J. S. Abrose, Nick Schafer and Chris Pfister, president of the Independent Theatre 

Owners of Ohio. Bottom photograph: Clarence Geeding, Bill Onie, Lou Smith, Walter 

Phillips, Bob Keyes and Abrose again. 

A. Mazur Opens Own Film 

Business in Detroit 

DETROIT—Arthur Mazur, formerly camera 

production man for local film companies, 

has established his own film production firm, 

Arthur Mazur Motion Pictures, a free lance 

commercial and industrial motion picture 

production business. 

Mazur organized the business upon return 

from several months' vacation in Florida, 

and is currently planning a production, to be 

handled through the Regan Films studio 

in Detroit, for a Canadian account. 

Associated with Regan Films, Mazur has 

been with Jam Handy, and Fox-Movietone 

News. He has produced film sequences for 

Camel Caravan, Welcome Traveler and other 

television programs. 

Alfon Theatre Bldg. Sold 

ASHLAND, KY. — The Alfon Theatre 

building has been sold by its owners, Mrs. 

Juanita Sexton Best and Mrs. Dorothy Sexton 

Dawson, to a New York shoe store chain. 

The theatre, in operation since 1938, was 

closed May 4. 

Tent 5 Golf Tourney 

To Be Held June 28 

DETROIT—The annual golf tournament 

of Variety Tent 5 will be held June 28 at the 

Tam O' Shanter Country club. Orchard Lake 

road, according to co-chaumen Milt Zimmerman, 

manager for Columbia, and William 

Wetsman of Wisper & Wetsman. Complete 

cost of the tourney and dinner wlU be $10. 

Assisting Zimmerman and Wetsman in the 

sale of tickets will be Sam Barrett, manager. 

Cooperative Theatres; Dan Lewis, head 

booker, Cooperative; Ernest T. Conlon. executive 

secretary and vice-president. Allied Theatres 

of Michigan; James Sharkey, film 

buyer, cooperative; Alden Smith, Mutual 

Theatres; Carl Buermele, General TTieatres, 

and William Clark, Clark Theatre Service. 

According to Zimmerman, sale of tickets 

to outstate theatre owners, indicates a large 

attendance from outside the city. Zimmerman 

also advises that this is the one big 

annual event which every one interested in 

the motion picture business is invited to 

attend. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 29, 1954 ME 71

— 

. 

. . . Sam 

— 

— 

— 

— — 

DETROIT 

gtan Dudelson, independent distributor 

who 

has been touring Michigan for a week, is 

leaving for a month to cover the Chicago, 

Minneapolis, Des Moines, Omaha and Kansas 

City territories ... So! Krim, manager of the 

Krim in Highland Park, headed to New York 

for ten days to buy new product for his art film 

policy. His brother Mac, who makes his home 

in Beverly Hills, Calif., was in town for a 

couple of days looking after details while 

Sol was in the east. 

Jake Callier and Mrs. Mazie Smith are now 

in charge of the Callier at Belding and the 

Saranac at Saranac for Callier Enterprises 

followmg the death of Harvey Callier. Administrative 

details are being handled by 

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Detroit 1, Mich. 

Service Ports Repotn 

DETROIT POPCORN CO. 

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CORN—SEASONING—SALT 

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and complete Asiortment of Candy in Special- 

Priced Theatre Pocki. 

dive Waxman of Independent Exhibitors 

Norman Meyers, managing 

Theatre Service . . . 

director of the Adams, took part of 

his vacation here. His house manager, Forrest 

Thrasher, is set to leave for a vacation 

trip to Kansas with his wife, the former 

Ann Rogell of General Theatre Service. They 

will visit her family. 

Eddie Loye, office manager for RKO, has 

taken a year's leave of absence following a 

heart attack. Walter Goryl, former head 

booker, has been named office manager of 

the RKO branch, replacing Loye. Frank 

Jones, former salesman for the western 

Michigan territory, has been named new 

head booker, replacing Goryl, and Bud Sampson 

jr. will be western Michigan salesman. 

. 

Repeal of the 3 per cent admission tax in 

Cuyahoga Falls, effective June 30, affects 

two theatres, the State and Falls, both owned 

by the Washington circuit of Cleveland . . . 

John Oliver, Paramount booker, is on vacation 

. . . Gerry Kerner. MGM booker, spent 

the weekend in New York visiting his mother 

Nathanson, Makelim Productions, 

and Bob Wile, ITO secretary, were in Cleveland 

Mike Masandrea has decided to 

close 

. . 

his Mayfield Theatre May 28. 

Visitors of the week included Gerald Anderson, 

Richwood; Horace Shock, Lima; 

George Carmack, Bluffton . . . Herbert 

Greenblatt, RKO central division manager, 

spent a day here conferring with district 

manager Morris Lefko and branch manager 

Jack Bernstein . . . Harry Buxbaum, distributor 

COMPO head, made a final report 

on the last COMPO drive at a Filmrow gathering. 

Stan Dudelson to Hancile 

Art Film Distribution 

DETROIT—Stan Dudelson, former United 

Artists manager in Des Moines, has been 

named national producers representative for 

William Holland, producer of "Violated." He 

will continue to make headquarters in Detroit, 

where he is associated with Moe Dudelson 

Enterprises, with Holland himself in 

charge of the New York office. 

Moe Dudelson Enterprises has taken over 

territorial distribution rights for six new art 

pictures, including "Satin Slippers," "Red 

Meadows," and "Sins of Paris," in a deal just 

negotiated with a group of independent distributors. 

Hucison Closes Tuesdays 

HUDSON, OHIO—Jerry Huffer, owner of 

the Hudson Theatre here, has announced 

that his theatre will be closed on Tue.sday 

evenings during the summer months. The 

policy will be relaxed only when pictures of 

unusual interest are available for a Sunday, 

Monday and Tuesday run. Huffer cited 

poor attendance on Tuesday evenings and 

the shortage of product as the reasons for 

his 

decision. 

Sky Top Drive-In Opens 

SEBREE, KY.—Mr. and Mrs. Orien Smith, 

owners of the American Theatre, opened 

their new Sky Top Drive-In Friday (14). A 

complete restaurant is one of the features 

of the 300-car airer. 

'Moon' Opens in Detroit 

With Score of 150 

DETROIT—Grosses continued low at major 

first run theatres. "Executive Suite" held 

up nicely at the Adams, scoring 130 per cent 

in its third week. Second week gross of 

"Carnival Story" and "Saint's Girl Friday" 

did 120 per cent at the Palms. "The Moon 

Is Blue" bowed at the Madison with a score 

of 150 to top all comers. 

(Averoge Is 100) 

Adams Executive Suite (MGM), 3rd wk 130 

Broadway Capitol Prisoner of War (MGM); Heat 

Wove (LP) 85 

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

Thoroughbred [Buena Vtsta), 3rd wk 70 

Modison The Moon Is Blue (UA) 150 

Michigon The Jolson Story (Col), reissue 75 

Palms Carnival Story (RKO); The Saint's Girl 

Fridoy (RKO), 2nd wk 120 

United Artists New Foces (20th-Fox), 2nd wk...nO 

'River' Hits 165 During 

Slow Cleveland Week 

CLEVELAND—With the exception of 

"River of No Return" at 165, no Cleveland 

boxoffices went over the average mark. 

Allen—A Girl for Joe (WB); A Guy With a Grin 

(WB), reissues 70 

Hippodrome River of No Return (20th-Fox) . . . . 1 65 

Lower Mall The Great Gilbert ond Sullivan (UA), 

2nd wk 100 

Ohio The Golden Mask (UA); Personol Affair 

(UA) 100 

Palace The Jolson Story (Col), reissue 85 

Stote Witness to Murder (UA) 100 

Stillman 

Beachhead (UA), 2nd d.t. wk 70 

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Durant N. Peebles, 85, Dies; 

Former Maysville Owner 

MAYSVILLE. KY.—Durant N. "Jack" 

Peebles, retired local theatre owner, died 

recently at a nursing home in Portsmouth, 

Ohio, where he had been a patient for the 

six years. He was 85 years old. 

Peebles had been in ill health for the last 

years. He left Maysville in 1938, moving 

to Winchester, Ohio, where funeral serv- 

: ices were held. 

A native of Utica, N.Y., Peebles came to 

Maysville as a cigar maker as a young man. 

He and his business associate T. Neal Hubbard 

operated the Hollywood Theatre here 

from 1926 until 1933. 

Kernel Prunty Says: 

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1,000-pound lots 25c 100 less. 

Send for pricelist of "Toten Trays, Hot Dogs, 

Sartdwich and Popcorn bags, cartons, etc." 

PRUNTY POPCORN DIVISION 

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Popcorn Processors— In our 80th Year. 

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CLEVELAND 

The May 17 exhibitor meeting in Columbus 

called for the purpcse of explaining the 

Makelim plan, was very succe.s.sful in the 

opinion of Horace Adams, president of the 

Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio who 

presided at the meeting. Approximately 48 

theatre owners of the Cleveland and Cincinnati 

exchange areas attended the meeting. 

Makelim and Sam Nathanson presented the 

plan of making available 12 featm-e pictures 

during a 12-month period and listed the properties 

now owned by Makelim Productions. 

"I have no hesitancy in predicting that Ohio 

will oversubscribe its quota costs of production," 

Adams said. "Exhibitor enthusiasm 

ran high and leading first run theatre owners 

in the territory agreed to support the 

plan." 

COLUMBUS 

porty-eight members of the Independent 

Theatre Owners of Ohio attended a meeting 

at the Deshler-Hilton hotel to hear Harold 

Makelim explain his film production plan. 

Bob Wile, ITOO secretary, reported there 

was general agreement that the exhibitor 

has everything to gain and nothing to lose 

by encouraging Mr. Makelim to make pictures. 

Wile said his office has contracts for 

the Makelim product and will send them to 

interested exhibitors . . . Loew's Ohio has 

installed auditorium speakers, which will 

be used for the first time for the engagement 

of "The Student Prince" which starts 

June 4. 

Editor Don Weaver of the Columbus Citizen 

presented the grand prize in the "Perfect 

Secretary" contest at Loew's Broad on opening 

night of "Executive Suite" May 28. Judges 

were Secretary of State Ted Brown: Mrs. 

Florence Hewitt, secretary to Mayor M. E. 

Sensenbrenner and Gerald Wickham, secretary-treasurer 

of Bliss Business College. 

Charles Sugarman is happy about the business 

being done by "The Moon Is Blue" 

which went into a fourth week at the World 

... An organization meeting for the revived 

Variety Club Tent 2 is scheduled for June 

7 at the Vii'ginia hotel, where it is planned 

to have club quarters. Theatremen, radio, TV 

and newspapermen are invited to the meeting. 

Big Fight TV Is Booked 

In Detroit, Clevelcmd 

DETROIT—The first special closed circuit 

television show to be presented to the public 

in about a year has been booked by United 

Detroit Theatres for the Palms Theatre, 

which is buying the telecast of the Marciano-Charles 

fight June 17. The circuit has 

the Michigan, as well as the Palms, equipped 

for big-screen video. Seat prices have been 

set at $3.85 for reserves and $2.75 for general 

admission, according to Manager C. E. 

"Obie" O'Bryan. 

CLEVELAND — Two downtown 

theatres, 

the Allen and the Palace, will present the 

telecast of the Marciano-Charles fight June 

17. A reserved seat policy was announced 

with prices at $3.50 including taxes. 

no end to 

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BOXOFFICE : : May 

29, 1954 73

! 

this 

in 

hi nis veins 

I 

If 

BUSINESS EXECUTIVES 

CHECK THESE QUESTIONS 

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

doing a needed job for the National Blood Program. 

o 

o 

o 

o 

HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR EM- 

PLOYEES TIME OFF TO MAKE 

BLOOD DONATIONS? 

HAS YOUR COMPANY GIVEN 

ANY RECOGNITION TO 

DONORS? 

DO YOU HAVE A BLOOD 

DONOR HONOR ROLL IN YOUR 

COMPANY? 

HAVE YOU ARRANGED TO HAVE 

A BLOODMOBILE MAKE REGU- 

LAR VISITS? 

o 

o 

o 

o 

OHAVI 

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 

DON OR PLEDGE CAMPAIGN IN 

YOU R 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! 

jmLZJ&KM^n." - " « " "I II 

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 million healthy Americans 

have given blood. But ifs 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 lives. 

So make a date with your Red Cross, Armed 

Forces or Community Blood Donor Center. 

One hour and you're on your way. 

GIVE 

NATIONAL BLOOD PROGRAM 

give it 

again and again 


: May 

29, 1954

. . John 

I 

New England Variety 

Gives Heart Award 

BOSTON—George Murphy, MGM star, 

flew in from Hollywood to be toastmaster at 

the Variety Club of New England's Great 

Heart award banquet Thursday (27), when 

Chief Barker Walter A. Brown received the 

citation. The affair included a veritable 

"Who's Who" of the sports and entertainment 

worlds. It was held in the main ballroom 

of the Statler hotel. 

The six New England governors were invited, 

and other dignitaries were the commissioner 

of the National Hockey league, 

the commissioner of basketball, International 

Chief Barker George Hoover of Miami, his 

predecessor Jack Beresin, ABC Vending president, 

and the entire Red Sox baseball team, 

headed by Joe Cronin, general manager, who 

chartered a special plane to fly the players 

from Philadelphia. 

Arthur Lockwood, New England circuit 

owner, was general chairman of the evening. 

Recently, he held a special meeting with 

William Koster, Variety executive director, 

and Theodore Fleisher to finalize plans. 

FALL RIVER 

Morman Zalkind, director of the Strand, 

was an active participant in Flint days, 

a three-day merchandising event conducted 

in the east end of the city. Winnei's of the 

numerous contests held during the celebration 

received their awards at a mass meeting 

held at the Strand with Zalkind presid- 

. . . 

ing. The theatre awarded 200 tickets as gifts 

Carl Zeitz, Academy manager, won first 

prize in the opening week golf tourney at the 

Fall River country club. Zeitz scored a low 

August Dias is the new constable 

net of 69 . . . 

at the Academy. He was added to 

the 

staff because of the influx of servicemen at 

v/eekend programs. 

Theatre personnel of the area extended condolences 

to Walter L. Bigelow of Portsmouth 

on the recent death of his wife. Bigelow, 

for many years, was a member of the Yamins 

organization in this area. He is a brotherin-law 

of William Purcell, Embassy operator 

The American Ass'n of University 

. . . Women shared in the profits resulting from 

the showing of "The Living Desert" at the 

Center Theatre. The picture was sponsored 

by the Fall River chapter of the organization 

which had charge of the general distribution 

of tickets. 

LYNN 

n n illustrated feature story in the local press 

on the Paramount Theatre's new Cinema- 

Scope equipment has prompted many of the 

patrons to ask James A. Field, the manager, 

if they couldn't visit the projection room and 

watch Harold Hunt, Charles Stoddard, Edward 

Ober and Herbert King, the operators, 

at work . A. Deery jr. has completed 

his service with the marine corps and has 

taken over the management of his late 

father's activities in real estate and the Paramount 

and Empire theatres. 

The new open air theatre being built on 

Lynnway by E. M. Loew will have a 646-car 

capacity plus playground facilities including 

ponies. Joseph Quattrocca of Watertown has 

been named manager. He will be assisted by 

Walter Batchelder, an usher . . . Walter 

Brooks, manager of the Civic Theatre in 

Portsmouth, is managing Loew's open air 

theatre at Augusta, Me., this summer. Fred 

Caldwell, former manager of the Lynnway 

Theatre, is acting as manager of the Civic 

in his absence . . . Ted Charak, formerly of 

Miami and Lynnway, is now in Indiana. 

Lester L. Soule Builds Airer 

NORWAY, ME.—Lester L. Soule of South 

Paris is constructing a 300-car drive-in here 

with a scheduled early June opening. N.E. 

Theatre Supply of Windham is installing the 

booth and sound equipment. 

R. McNamara Helps in CP Fund 

HARTFORD—Ray McNamara, manager of 

the Allyn, was named theatres division chairman 

for the Greater Hartford Cerebral Palsy 

campaign. 

2 New Drive-Ins Soon 

For Groton, Conn., Area 

HARTFORD — Southeastern 

Connecticut, 

long considered one of the state's better drivein 

areas because of its proximity to shoreline 

resorts, will have two new outdoor theatres 

in operation by mid-June. 

Completing construction are two corporations, 

both in the town of Groton, across the 

Thames river from New London, shopping 

center of the region. 

The drive-ins, to be known as the Bridge 

and the Route 12, will be the first outdoor 

units for Groton, the navy's major submarine 

base. 

Principals in Groton Open Air Theatre, Inc., 

building the Route 12 project, are J. Lawrence 

Peters, Isadore Fishbone, Harry Picazio 

and Anthony Albino. Associated Management 

Corp., headed by Ed O'Neill, former 

general manager for the Markoff Bros, interests, 

is backing the Bridge Drive-In. 

Picazio, treasurer of Open Air, Inc., said 

that a trailer park will be established on 

property adjacent to the Route 12 site, with 

facilities for 35 trailers. The park will have 

recreation and laundry facilities. One trailer 

already has moved onto the property, he said. 

O'Neill, well known in Hartford trade 

circles, disclosed that his ozoner will be 

ground-wired not only for car speakers but 

for electric blower type fans to provide hot 

air in winter and cool air in summer. 

Loew's Dates Trench Line' 

HARTFORD — The initial Connecticut 

showing of "The French Line" opened at 

Loew's May 21, according to the circuit 

division manager, George E. Landers. 

Scholarships Planned 

BOSTON—Plans have been started 

by the 

Motion Picture Salesmen's club of New England 

to award college scholarships to high 

school students who are children of those 

connected with the industry. The number of 

scholarships has not been determined, but 

will be announced when details are completed. 

Jack Gubbins of Paramount, who is 

president of the club, selected Masmard 

Sickles, National Screen Service sales manager, 

to head the scholarship committee. 

Others working on the committee are Joseph 

Wolf, Embassy Pictures; Irving "Mac" Farber. 

Regal Pictures; John Peckos, 20th-Fox, 

and William Kumins, Warner sales manager. 

INAUGURATE CINEMASCOPE SCREEN—Perakos circuit officials welcomed the 

public, industryites and the press to the inauguration of the new 116-foot wide Cinema- 

Scope screen at the Plainville (Conn.) Drive-In. 

Seen in the above picture, left to right: 

John Perakos, Perakos Theatres assistant general manager; Allen M. Widem, Hartford 

Times; Peter G. Perakos, president; Sperie G. Perakos, general manager; Max 

Birnbaum, WB Connecticut manager, and Max Hoffman, booking department, 

Perakos Theatres. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 29, 1954 NE 75

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

'Suite' Paces Boston 

'JULIUS CAESAR' A MUST — Dr. 

James L. Hanley, right, Providence public 

school superintendent, after attending 

a special "JuUus Caesar" screening, issued 

the first directive in local history recommending 

attendance by both teachers and 

students. William J. Trambukis, Loew's 

State manager, provided schools with special 

discount tickets. 

NEW HAVEN 

pred Warner, projectionist at the Paramount, 

has returned to work after a six-month 

illness . . . Jim Bracken, contact manager 

for Stanley Warner, was In Newark on business 

. . . The Shubert has ended its regular 

stage season, but occasional screen and private 

shows will be presented through June. 

RKO Manager Barney Pitkin turned over 

a check given to him at a recent testimonial 

to the Connecticut Cancer society. He underwent 

amputation of the arm earlier this year 

and 250 friends saluted his spirit at the dinner 

. . . Jim Boyle of Columbia's New York 

office was in town working on "Indiscretion 

of an American Wife" at the Poli. 

. 

Nearly 1,500 persons attended a stage and 

screen show at the Poli (15) for the benefit 

of a new Boy Scout troop of handicapped 

youngsters spon.sored by the motion picture 

industry here. The theatre was donated for 

the benefit 

SW home 

Nat Fellman and Lou Siegel, 

. . . 

office film department, were in 

New Haven for conferences with buyers and 

bookers for the Connecticut-Massachusetts 

zone . . Phil Zimmerman, SW real estate 

office, went to New York for two days of 

conferences . . . Jim McCarthy, Connecticut 

district manager for the SW chain who has 

been ill for the past few months, is back on 

the job on a parttime basis. 

Dudley Nichols will pen the historical opus, 

"Lewis and Clark," for Warners to be produced 

in the Cinerama wide-screen process. 

IMAGE & SOUND SERVICE CORP. 

"The Best Value In Sound Service" 

Honcock 6-7984 

Boston, Massachusetts 

445 StoHer Building 

With Score of 170 

BOSTON—"Carnival Story" at the Memorial 

and "Executive Suite" at the State 

honors, both hold- 

and Orpheum shared top 

ing over and both pulling down good gros.ses. 

The Pilgrim with "Playgirl" also showed good 

results. Others w-ere Just average or below. 

. . 


Astor Knock on Wood (Para), 5th wk 95 

Beacon Hill Lo Ronde (Commerciol), 2nd wk...IOO 

Boston This Is Cimcramo (Cinerama), 20th wk. 90 

Exeter Street Genevieve (U-l), 5th wk 90 

Memorial Carnival Story (RKO); The Saint's 

Girl Friday (RKO) 

Metropoliton River of No Return (20fh-Foxl 

150 

I 00 

Paramount and Fenway The Siege at 

. . 

Red River 

(20th-Fox); Untamed Heiress (Rep) 75 

Pilgrim Playgirl (U-l); Project M-7 (U-l) 135 

State and Orpheum Executive Suite (MGM) 170 

"River' Leads New Haven in 

Generally Average Week 

NEW HAVEN—Downtowners had an average 

week with grosses ranging from 95 to 

115 per cent. "River of No Return" was the 

leader and was held over for a second week. 

College The Miami Story (Col); Bait (Col), 

2nd wk 

no 

Paramount Playgirl (U-l); Rails into Laramie 

(U-l) 95 

Poli River of No Return (20th-Fox) 115 

Roger Sherman Witness to Murder (UA); Shork 

River (UA) 100 

'French Line' Leads 

Hartford Grosses 

HARTFORD—"River of No Return" was 

the only downtown holdover, while newcomers 

included the controversial "The French 

Line" and "The Flame and the Flesh." 

Allyn Johnny Guitar (Rep); Pride of the Blue 

Gross (AA) 90 

Art—Morie du Port (Bellon-Ffouike) 80 

E. M. Loew The French Line (RKO) 155 

Poli Flome and the Flesh (MGM); Overland 

Pacific (UA) 125 

Palace River of No Return (20th-Fox), 2nd wk.. .120 

Parsons Casque D'Or (Discino) 90 

Strand— Carnivol Story (RKO); Loophole (AA) .110 

Casino Theatre to Remodel 

WARE, MASS.—The Casino Theatre will 

close June 6 for a complete renovation program 

which will include a new ventilating 

system, floors, side walls and boxoffice. According 

to Western Massachusetts Theatres 

President Col. Samuel Goldstein, the $40,000 

to $50,000 project also calls for the installation 

of new equipment and a Cinemascope 

screen. 

Al Swett, District Winner 

NEW HAVEN—Al Swett. manager of the 

Avon at Utica, N. Y., was announced as the 

winner of the district's showmanship award 

for March by Harry Feinstein, Stanley Warner 

zone manager. Other winners were Bob 

Howell, Port Theatre, Newburyport, Mass., 

second; and Joe Bornstein, Strand, New 

Britain, third. Swett was also named the 

"Manager of the Month." 

SW Plans 'Them' Campaign 

NEW HAVEN—One of the biggest TVncwspaper-radio 

campaigns of the year in 

this territory will be held in behalf of the 

day-and-date release of "Them" late in June, 

according to Harry Feinstein, Stanley Warner 

zone manager. The Warner picture will 

play all major SW situations. 

INSPECTING BLUEPRINTS—Photographed 

while looking; over the plans 

and checking the progress on the screen 

tower construction at the Hyannis Drivein 

are, left to right: William N. Sinnott, 

manager; John Shannon, engineer; 

James Mahoney, Interstate Theatres 

general manager, and John Selby, builder 

of the Cinemascope screen tower. 

NEWHAMPSHIRE 

•The State Theatre in Manchester got an unusual 

break in publicity on "Julius Caesar." 

The Manchester Union-Leader, largest daily 

newspaper in the state, ran a double-column, 

front-page editorial captioned " 'Julius 

Caesar' Film 'Must' Entertainment." signed 

by William Loeb. publisher of the newspaper. 

"In troubled times beset by little men," the 

editorial concluded, "this great historical 

panorama of the mighty days of Rome brings 

one in contact with Shakespeare's immortal 

mind. More than that, it depicts profoundly 

and vividly the career of Julius Caesar, 

one of the greatest men of all times, and by 

doing so, puts many small problems in their 

proper perspective." 

Firm e.vhibitors in the Dover area were 

among those affected by the announcement 

that Dover's top industry, the Clarostat 

Manufacturing Co.. which turns out radio 

and television parts, planned a layoff and 

reduction in working hours affecting about 

225 employes. The plant has been employing 

an average of 1,000 workers. 

A transport truck of the Ashland Him 

Service Co. in Ashland overturned recently 

in Allenstown when a front tire blew out. The 

driver, Richard Hughes, 25, escaped without 

injiu-y . . . The state supreme court has ruled 

on an issue raised by Louis C. DeRochemont, 

the producer, and other taxpayers in Newington 

in connection with the sale of town land 

to the federal government as part of the new 

$46,000,000 jet bomber base site in that area. 

The high tribunal ruled that the selectmen's 

action in disposing of the property for $15,730 

was not ratified by a Newington town meeting. 

The case now goes back to Rockingham 

county superior court for trial. 

Play Area Features Clown 

HARTFORD—In a departure from regular 

off-.screen kiddy entertainment. Bernie Menschell. 

a partner in the Manchester Drive-In 

Theatre Corp.. scheduled a one-night appearance 

of Uncle Jim. Barnum and Bailey 

clown, who distributed souvenirs and performed 

a variety of routines for the children. 

7S BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

29, 1954

. . James 

HARTFORD 

WTumerous trade figures attended a pressradio 

screening held by Lou Cohen, 

Loew's Poli, of "Executive Suite" at Bushnell 

Memorial. Among those viewing the MGM 

film version of Cameron Hawley's best-seller 

were Henry L. Needles, ex-district manager, 

Warner Theatres, and wife; Mrs. Estelle 

Parker O'Toole, formerly with WB Theatres 

Hartford office: Maurice and Albert Shulman, 

Shulman Bros. Theatres; Charles F. T. 

Seaverns and William H. Mortensen, Bushnell 

Memorial Corp. 

Mrs. George E. Landers, wife of the E. M. 

Loew circuit's division manager, will fly to 

San Francisco to see their son-in-law, daughter 

and grandchildren. Last year, both Landers 

and his wife made the junket by driving 

out their son-in-law's station wagon and 

flying home. The son-in-law is Dr. Ben 

New assistant manager at the 

Vicas . . . 

E. M. Loew's is Prank Daley, with George 

Hudak continuing as night floor manager. 

Wide- Screen installation continues to draw 

attention thi-oughout Connecticut. Latest 

unit to announce, with extensive newspaper 

promotion, a panoramic screen is the Plaza, 

at Stamford . F. McCarthy, Connecticut 

district manager for Stanley Warner 

Theatres, back at his Strand office on a 

parttime basis following lengthy illness, comments: 

"I'd like to thank the trade and 

friends throughout the state for their many, 

many messages received at my hospital bedside. 

It's always nice to know that one's 

friends are in there pitching!" McCarthy 

showed up for lunch in the theatrical district 

with Jack Sanson, Strand, and got handshakes 

and back-slapping from a dozen showmen. 

He had been In the hospital since last 

fall. 

Sal Adorno jr., of Adorno Enterprises was 

in town on drive-in business . . . Al Schuman 

of the Hartford Theatres and wife checked 

in from Daytona Beach, Fla., for a visit. 

The Schumans built a home in the Florida 

resort several years ago, retaining their interest 

in the five suburban houses here. They 

come north on occasion to visit circuit executives 

and friends. 

WORCESTER 

Two young men charged with breaking into 

the Olympia were sentenced in superior 

court last week. William J. Swett, 20, was 

sent to jail for six months. Police said he 

was foi-merly employed at tlie theatre. Leroy 

Corricelli, 18, was placed on probation and 

ordered to make restitution. It was charged 

they entered the downtown second run with a 

duplicate key Swett had obtained while working 

there. 

Ushers and doormen at Loew's Poli are 

The Natick 

attired in new uniforms . . . 

Drive-In was closed five days to permit installation 

of a giant screen. 

. . . 

Tlieatremen recall Robert Griffith, a coproducer 

of the new Broadway hit, "The 

Pajama Game," as a stock company actor 

at the Worcester 25 years ago Prom a 

Gazette column: "Customers at the Oxford 

drive-in got a surprise to see a driver open 

the trunk of his car and free a couple of pa- 

BEAUTY TREATMENT — Toni 

Gale, 

beauty consultant touring key cities for 

U-I's "Playgirl," sliows Jack Sanson of 

the Stanley Warner Strand, Hartford, 

some tricks of the trade. 

trons who had been smuggled in" . , . Manager 

Arthur Mabey announces a Cinemascope 

screen 45x24 feet has been installed in the 

State at Milford. with "Lucky Me" as the 

first wide-screen picture. 

Hal Makelim Film Plan 

Is Outlined in Boston 

BOSTON—Hal Makelim, producer; Sam 

Nathanson. his executive sales manager; John 

Wolfberg, Denver, Colo., and Wilbur Snaper. 

former president of National Allied, addressed 

an exhibitor meeting here Tuesday i25) 

on the Makelim plan. The meeting was held 

in the Bradford hotel and was sponsored by 

the local Allied unit, Independent Exhibitors, 

Inc., of New England. 

Ray Feeley, executive secretary of lENE, 

sent out bulletins to all exhibitors in the six 

New England states advising of the arrival 

of Makelim, who personally explained his 

plan for producing 12 features a year. 

Harry F. Shaw on Relief Duty 

HARTFORD—Harry F. Shaw, division 

manager of Loew's Poli, and wife left for 

San Fi-ancisco, w'here Shaw will serve as 

relief manager at Loew's Warfield Theatre 

for vacationing Boyd Taylor Sparrow. 

HANDY 

PROVIDENCE 

/ôry P. Richmond, 45, former manager of 

the Hollywood Theatre, East Providence, 

was released on $29,000 bail pending dispossition 

of charges he swindled $145,000 from 

George Briggs, Harrington, for whom he 

worked as a bookkeeper. Richmond was arraigned 

on 29 secret indictments covering 

as many checks he was said to have falsely 

uttered, between May and Decembe.- in 1951, 

and for raising checks, covering an additional 

$116,000, between 1949 and January of this 

year. Richmond, through his attorney, entered 

a plea of not guilty on all counts. 

. . . 

John F. Murphy, general manager of Loew's 

Theatres, recently conferred with William J. 

Trambukis, manager of Loew's State . . . The 

Albee brought back "The Best Years of Our 

"The Seven 

Lives" at regular prices . . . 

Deadly Sins" held for another week at the 

Avon Cinema . . . Continuing its latest policy 

of remaining open more than a couple of 

weeks at a time, the Metropolitan offered 

Jane Russell in "The French Line." Theatregoers 

are hoping the spacious Met will continue 

to remain open The Route 44 

Drive-In is using striking advertising on the 

. . . 

sides of the buses operated by the local 

traction company The Kent Theatre, 

East Greenwich, is now equipped to present 

Cinemascope attractions. 

Rhode Island, home state of such Hollywood 

luminaries as Van Johnson and Ruth 

Hussey, extended a warm welcome to another 

"native child" who made good in Hollywood. 

Robert Hunter, man of muscle who has 

achieved a measure of success as a movie 

leaving nearby West Warwick for 

actor since 

Hollywood in 1945, recently returned to the 

home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. 

Laui'ent of Ai-ctic, for his first visit in five 

years. 

TELL YOOR PATRONS 

"always/ about it with A 

GOOD! 

ALWAYS FILMACK 

I32T S. Wituk - ChiuEC, III. S30 Nnlk An. Nn Yiik, N. T.

BOSTON 

pill Koster, executive director of the Variety 

Club of New England, spoke at a luncheon 

meeting of the New England Ass'n of Beaches, 

Parks and Pools on the Jimmy fund. The 

association voted to cooperate with the 1954 

Jimmy fund campaign for the fii'st time. 

Benn Ro.senwald. distributor chairman for 

the fund, and branch managers are putting 

on steam to try for a 100 per cent coverage 

of collections in New England theatres. With 

Michael Redstone serving as treasurer of the 

fund this year, Joe Cronin and Theodore 

Fleisher, co-chairmen, have announced that 

Rudolph F. King, registrar of motor vehicles, 

and Walter A. Brown, chief barker 

of Variety of New England, will again serve 

as co-chairmen for Massachusetts. Jimmy 

fund time this year will be September 2-16. 

U-I screenwriter Harry Essex, who scripted 

"Creature From the Black Lagoon," "He 

Walked by Night," and "It Came From Outer 

Space," was introduced to the pre.ss at a 

cocktail party at the Ritz Carlton hotel. 

Little, Brown & Co. of Boston has published 

his book, "I Put My Right Foot In," which 

could easily be called "The Hucksters of 

Broadway." The party was arranged and 

hosted by Universal and Johnnie McGrail, 

local 

publicist. 

During the recent heavy rains, the Saugus 

Theatre, Saugus, owned by Dick Rubin, was 

.so flooded that renovations were necessitated, 

and the theatre was closed for several 

days. Rubin's theatre was one of the hardest 

hit in that area. 

Notes from Stanley Warner Theatres in 

Massachusetts—Bob Howell, manager of the 

Port, Newburyport. won second place for 

March in the circuit managerial contest. He 

staged a fashion show at the theatre, with 

Miss Massachusetts as toastmistress and 

head model. Ten other models also showed 

styles from the Puritan dress shop. An evening 

affair, the show was with the regular 

program and was well received. 

George Carter, manager, SW Strand, Woburn, 

put on a kiddy show for a Saturday 

morning, advertising a surprise gift for each 

child . . . Air conditioning has been installed 

in the remodeled SW Warner, Lynn. U-I's 

"The Glenn Miller Story" pulled down such 

a fine engagement at the Warner, Lynn, that 

it was moved in a rush booking to the Waldorf, 

Lynn, for five more days. Leo Barber, 

Lynn projectionist, dropped in to visit District 

Manager Joe Liss at the latter's Boston 

office. 

Murray Howard, manager, SW Warner, 

Worcester, received permission to distribute 

heralds in the schools announcing "The Living 

Desert." This is the first time that the 

Worcester public schools have cooperated to 

this extent . . . Bob Howell, manager, SW 

Port, Newburyport, received so many acclamations 

from his patrons on the MGM short, 

"Poet and Peasant," that he took time out to 

write the good news to District Manager Joe 

Liss so that he could pass the word around 

to other managers . . . Jim McCarthy, SW 

district manager for Hartford, visited Peter 

Bent Brigham ho.spital for 

after his recent illness. 

a second checkup 

Sonia Zarsky, secretary at Interstate The- 

. . . Pat Perri, 

atres Corp., was married in Brookline to 

Charles Waxman of Danvers on May 20. 

After a wedding trip, the couple will make 

their home in Danvers. Sonia resigned two 

weeks before her marriage 

. . . From 

owner of the Westerly, R.I. drive-in, has 

completed preparations to reopen his summer 

estate on Watch hill for the sea.son 

Jaffrey, N. H.. comes word of the death of 

Robert Vani, 75, owner of the Park. 

Irving Saver, district manager in New 

England for Alexander Film Co., played host 

to his salesmen at an all-day luncheon meeting 

at the Warren lobster house, Kittery, 

Me. Discussions were on company policy and 

new accounts. General Manager Cliff E. 

Parker flew in from Colorado Springs for the 

meeting. Those attending from this area 

were Sam Ruttenberg, Maine salesman; 

Glenn Faucett, Vermont salesman; Emile 

Bournival, New Hampshire salesman; 

"Chuck" Bouchard, Massachusetts salesman, 

and Harry Green and George Cohen, Connecticut 

salesmen. "Chuck" Bouchard won a 

national prize for increasing his total net 

volume of sales over every other salesman 

in the country. He has broken an all-time 

sales record on theatre sales in Massachusetts 

for screen advertising . . Alyce Tanz- 

. 

man, office manager at Wholesale Films, is 

taking driving lessons. 

Lawrence G. Laskey has been appointed 

New England regional chairman for the 

Bonds for Israel drive. On Monday (17) he 

had a busy and exciting day. He met Israel 

Ambassador Eban at the Logan airport in 

the morning: accompanied him to the swank 

Somerset club, where Governor Herter gave 

a luncheon, and that evening took him to 

the Somerset hotel for the founders dinner 

of the Guardians of Israel. Laskey. who is 

a partner with E. M. Loew. holds an executive 

position with the Boston committee for 

the Israel bonds. 

Funeral services for Lewis Newman. 53, of 

Dorchester were held at the Solomon funeral 

home, Brookline, Thursday (20 >. A wellknow^n 

theatre manager, his last position was 

with Smith Management Co. in Framingham. 

He is survived by his wife, two daughters 

and his brother Morris of Radio Shack 

Co. 

Kitchener Moves for Ban 

On Midnight Showings 

From Conadion Edition 

KITCHENER, ONT.—The city council has 

moved for a ban on midnight shows at local 

theatres, with the exception of the late performance 

on New Year's eve. The action followed 

complaints by citizens about noise by 

theatre patrons on the streets in the early 

morning hours after a film presentation. 

Midnight performances have long been restricted 

in Toronto and Ottawa to holiday 

occasions for which permits are required 

under police bylaws. The one exception is 

Christmas eve, when owl shows would conflict 

with midnight masses and other late church 

services, but exhibitors in both cities are permitted 

to conduct midnighters on the eve 

of Boxing day, which is the recognized holiday 

immediately following Christmas day. 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 24, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

5-29-5 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAl 

to receive information regularly, as released, o: 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

O Acoustics G Lighting Fixtures 

n Air Conditioning 

n Plumbing Fixtures 

n Architedurol Service 

n Projectors 

n "Black" Lisrhting 

n Projection Lamps 

n Building Material 

D 

G Seating 

Carpets 

n Coin Machines 

G Signs and Marquees 

G Complete Remodeling G Sound Equipment 

n Decorating G Television 

G Drink Dispenseia G Theatre Fronts 

G Drive-In Equipment G Vending Equipment 

G Other 

Theatre 

Seating 

Address 

City 

State 

Subjects 

Capacity.. 

Signed, 

Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenience 

in obtaining information ore provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE Section, published with the first isiue of, 

each month. 


: May 

29, 1954

. . . The 

— 

— 

— 

— 

for 

Holiday Weekend Aids 

Toronto Grosses 

TORONTO—Toronto theatres had the benefit 

of the Victoria Day holiday along witli 

accompanying midnight sliows to up the 

grosses as compared with recent weeks. Top 

pei'former was "River of No Return" at the 

Imperial, followed by "New Faces" at the 

Odeon, the popular-price run of "Hans Christian 

Andersen" at Shea's and the second 

week of "Executive Suite" at Loew's. 


Eglinton, University Beneath the 12-Mile Reef 

(20th-Fox) 110 

Hylond The Kidnappers (JARO) 6th wk 100 

Imperial River of No Return (20th-Fox) 135 

Loew's Executive Suite (MGM), 2nd wk 115 

Nortown Elephant Walk (Paro) 110 

Odeon New Faces (20th-Fox) 1 20 

Sheo's Hons Christian Andersen (RKO) 120 

Tivoli, Capitol Rob Roy, The Highland Rogue 

(RKO) 110 

Towne The Living Desert (Disney) 9th wk 85 

Uptown Yankee Pasha (U-l) 115 

Vancouver Grosses Slump; 

Rose Marie' Is Best 

VANCOUVER—Business was off along the 

mainstem, with only one house doing average. 

The Capitol, with "Rose Marie," was the best. 

"Hans Christian Andersen" was brought back 

to the Orpheum at regular prices after a twoweek 

run at roadshow prices at the Capitol. 

Capitol Rose Marie (MGM) 

Good 

Cinema Sins of Jezebel (LP); Man From Cairo 

(LP) 

Fair 

Orpheum Hans Christian Andersen (RKO) .... Poor 

Paradise Country Parson (SR) Poor 

Plaza The Love Lottery (JARO); Shoot First (UA) Fair 

Strand The Great Diamond Robbery (MGM); 

Tennessee Champ (MGM) 

Fair 

Studio Hobson's Choice (IFD), 5th wk Fair 

Vogue The Kidnappers (JARO), 2nd wk Fair 

OTTAWA 

"The CBC board of governors announced that 

its next meeting to hear television-station 

applications will be held June 18-19 at 

St. John's, Nfld. One is from Joseph M. Franklin, 

former Ottawa exhibitor, and his partner 

Peter Hershorn, who operate a chain of theatres 

in the maritime provinces. 

Manager Clare Chamberlain held "The Kidnappers" 

for a sixth week at the Glebe 

Cinema in Ottawa . . . Bill Cullum is handling 

the managerial duties alone at the FPC Regent 

now that assistant manager Bill Hartnett 

jr., is on a lengthy leave for his health 

. . . Leonard W. Brockington of Ottawa and 

Toronto, president of the Canadian Odeon 

chain, officiated as chief speaker at a luncheon 

in Hamilton which wound up the 1954 

Dominion drama festival at the Odeon Palace. 

In a speech before the advertisers section 

of the Canadian Life Insurance Officers 

Ass'n at the Seigniory club. Dr. A. W. Trueman, 

Canadian government film commissioner, 

officially denied that there w'as any 

friction between his National Film Board and 

the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. over the 

making of TV films . . . Manager Jim Chalmers 

of the Ottawa Odeon was host to 1,500 

members of the local school safety traffic 

patrols at a cartoon show as a reward for 

their handling of children at street crossings 

Rexy, a 593-seat independent neighborhood 

house, has been closed by the owner, 

Mrs. M. N. Roy . . . Paul Frost, assistant to 

Capitol Manager T. R. Tubman, is recovering 

from -a lengthy hospital treatment. 

Simplicity and Economy 

Of VistaVision Stressed 

TORONTO—Adolph Zukor, chairman of 

the board of Paramount Pictures Corp., was 

accorded a stirring reception by the audience 

of more than 1,000 representatives of 

the Canadian film industry, who assembled 

at the Famous Players Imperial last week 

(20 1 a demonstration of VistaVision. 

The demonstration opened the three-day 

Paramount Canadian sales conference. 

"It gives me satisfaction to present to the 

Canadian industry one more dream which is 

fulfilled with this demonstration—one more 

contribution of Paramount along the road to 

progress," declared Zukor. 

CREDITS TOP EXECUTIVES 

"This dream is called VistaVision," he continued. 

"It resulted from the arduous thinking, 

planning and executing of men of vision 

in our company, particularly Y. Frank Freeman, 

the head of our studio, Loren Ryder, 

in charge of our engineering and research, 

and his associates, among whom is Dr. 

Charles Daily who is with me here. 

"Our objective is the ultimate presentation 

on the screens of every theatre of what- 

the sharpest, clearest, most exciting 

ever size, 

projection, eliminating grain and fuzziness 

and providing the picture with complete definition 

of focus. 

"I like to think of VistaVision as being 

described by four single words—quality, simplicity, 

flexibility and economy. Its simplicity 

lies in the fact that you need only a standard 

screen of good quality, preferably seamless, 

and one that is as high and as wide as 

you can install." 

TO MAKE 'SQUEEZE' PRINTS 

For flexibility. 

' 

Paramount 

squeeze prints for theatres of exceptional 

width, he announced. For such situations, 

he suggested a variable prismatic expander 

lens such as the Tushinsky type. 

Furthermore, flexibility has been maintained 

in the soundtrack on VistaVision film, 

he added. Directional sound is an important 

factor in picture enjoyment and added exploitation 

value especially for very wide 

screens and certain types of pictures, but 

Paramount believes that single-track Perspecta 

stereophonic sound is simple and less 

costly than four-track magnetic sound, Zukor 

contended. 

Starting with "White Christmas," Vista- 

Vision prints can be played with either directional 

three-horn sound or the conventional 

system. 

,With regard to economy, Zukor said: 

"The use of standard projection equipment—the 

nonnecessity of special installations—make 

the element of economy selfevident. 

With a maximum-size screen, a 

proper lens for that screen, and standard 

booth equipment, any theatre is ready to show 

VistaVision without one cent of added expense. 

"All the wonderful technical development, 

fine stories, best casts, dazzling color and 

greatest production value mean nothing, 

however, to the customer if the theatres are 

ill-kept, are equipped with an old and 

will make 

wrinkled screen and old-fashioned and wornout 

equipment. 

"This is a great opportunity to restimulate 

and sustain renewed interest o*' the public 

in moviegoing. This is a joint enterprise. 

We are doing our part and you, in turn, 

must do yours. Let us together, therefore, 

capitalize on these great new innovations 

to our mutual benefit and carry the tradition 

of fine entertainment into every theatre, large 

and small." 

Zukor concluded with the warning that 

excellent projection alone cannot do the 

trick. "An interesting story, whether it be 

comedy, drama, adventure or epic, is still the 

all-important thing. This is the only thing 

the public will continue to pay for and which 

will fill youi' seats. Paramount will continue 

to do its utmost to bring you as many of 

this type of motion picture product as we 

possibly can," he said. 

Zukor spoke in place of Barney Balaban, 

Paramount president. 

Branch managers, salesmen and bookers 

from all six branches of Paramount Film Service, 

Ltd., and the Toronto head office personnel 

attended the annual sales conference 

held at the King Edward hotel under 

the chairmanship of Canadian General Manager 

Gordon Lightstone. 

The VistaVision presentation opened the 

conference Thursday. It is expected that 

"White Christmas" wUl make its Canadian 

bow not later than October, one year after 

Cinemascope was introduced at the Imperial 

Theatre. Other pictures in the early 

VistaVision lineup received attention in the 

discussions, including "The Big Top" and 

"Strategic Air Command." 

Present at the convention were: 

Toronto home office, General Manager 

Lightstone, Secretary-Treasurer W. J. O'Neill, 

Flo Graham, in charge of ad-sales, and Win 

Bari'on, public relations. 

Ontario branch—Al Iscove, manager, and 

Ted Huber, salesman. 

Montreal—Robert Murphy and Romeo 

Goudreau, William Young, and Tom Dowbiggin. 

St. John—Pat Hogan and Ralph Thome. 

Vancouver—Robert Lightstone and Mickey 

Stevenson. 

Calgary—William Kelly, James Rae, and 

L. Gibson. Winnipeg, Syl Gunn, Norman 

Simpson and Al Glass. 

The convention program was featured by 

a gala luncheon for which the guests included 

many executives of different theatre 

circuits and prominent individual exhibitors. 

To Rent Toronto Crest 

TORONTO—The Crest on Mount Pleasant 

road in North Toronto has been offered for 

rent for the summer, commencing June 14, 

by Brian Mailer in behalf of the Davis 

Repertory Co., which acquired the 835-seat 

theatre last December from 20th Century 

Theatres on a ten-year lease for the presentation 

of stage shows. The Crest will be 

rented to other groups or organizations by 

the night or week, it is stated. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: May 29, 1954 K 79

. 

. . Grattan 

. . New 

. 

MONTREAL 

/"•ratien Gelinas, film producer, radio and 

TV star, is contemplating production of a 

motion picture in collaboration with Ce.sare 

Zavatinni, scenario writer of such films as 

"Voleur de Bicyclette" and "Miracle of 

Milan." Others assisting would be production 

manager Michel Gandin, Zavatinni's protege, 

and the Rome-Montreal liaison officer Mrs. 

Gaby Lalonde. Gelinas feels that production 

of the film, along with' others, would mark a 

new dii-ection in the Canadian industry as far 

as style and technique are concerned. 

Johnny Coquillon of Associated Screen has 

been selected as hghting cameraman to join 

an American feature production unit. He has 

been granted a year's leave of absence to 

undertake what may turn out to be a world 

tour. Locations in Africa and in the South 

Seas are known to be on the production 

schedule. Coquillon has served in a similar 

capacity for British production units before 

coming to Canada to join Associated Screen 

Studios . . . Archie Laui-ie, who managed the 

Seville here until it reverted to a motion picture 

house for United Amusement Corp., will 

become head of United Artists publicity and 

exploitation out of Toronto. 

Theo Genest, Quebec City theatreman, 

celebrated his eighth anniversary recently as 

administrator and director of Quebec Municipal 

auditorium and civic center Palais Montcalm. 

Genest reported 279 shows given in the 

auditorium in the 1952-53 fiscal period. Of 

these, 165 were motion pictures, 22 were meetnigs, 

12 radio broadcasts and 17 plays. Some 

57,391 persons visited the art exhibits of the 

auditorium. The civic film library at the 

Palais Montcalm, one of the 24 film libraries 

in the province, has 309 sound films in black 

and white and in French and English languages, 

Genest said. The films are accessible 

to all and since opening of the film library 

in February 1952, more than 5,000 rentals took 

place for more than 100,000 persons. The 

Palais Montcalm is currently showing a 

French film, "Les Enfants de L'Amour," 

which has had an almost two-month run in 

Montreal's La Scala Theatre. 

Local exhibitors showed considerable interest 

in a report on the Pola-Lite Co., New 

York theatrical equipment supply firm, demonstration 

of its single-strip 3-D process. The 

report indicated that the new process soon 

may be introduced in Canada. Pola-Lite was 

represented in Toronto by Alfred O'Keefe, 

general manager of the company, who demonstrated 

his company's process. 

Film exchange personnel, taking advantage 

of the season's first long weekend, due to 

Empire day falling on a Monday (24), left 

in droves for lakes, mountains and other resorts. 

Some extended vacations for longer 

fishing trips. One party included George 

Ganetakos, president of UAC; John Ganetakos, 

executive of Confederation Amusement 

and UAC; Bill Trow, president of Montreal 

Poster Exchange and Quebec Cinema Booking; 

B. C. Salamis, owner of the Fau-yland 

from every 

angle 

the best 

seat 

in the house . . 

W/hatever your angle a good theatre chair 

should fit your curves. Heywood-Wakefield Chairs 

feature "contour forming"—your patrons sit in not on 

these richly-upholstered chairs. Ask us about the new 

"CONTOUR" Formed Rubber and "SIT-IN" Coil Spring 

Cushions. They're made for real comfort during the 

entire 

showing of the longest movie program. 

DOMINION SOUND EQUIPMENTS LIMITED 

HEAD OFFICE: 4040 Si. Calherine Street West, Monlreol. 

BRANCHES AT: Holifax, Soint John, Quebec, Montreal, Oltowo, Toronto, 

Hamilton, London, North Boy, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver. 

and Laval; Eddy Martin and two of George 

Ganetakos' friends, George Cook and Gilbert 

Dalton, on an extended fishing trip to Lac 

Brule. 

Gaston Theroux, owner of the Asbestos at 

Asbestos, Que., has installed Cinemascope . . 

Plans for a series of film programs for both 

adults and young people's groups in Argenteuils 

county will be formulated soon as a result 

of a survey made throughout the district 

which indicated that many groups are interested 

in documentai-y film showings. The 

plans are supported by the Chamber of Commerce, 

local farm forums, women's and 

church groups who have been using films 

in the past . . Sj'nthetic fabrics producer 

. 

Courtaulds, Ltd., used its fUm, "How Viscose 

Is Made," at a fine fabrics display at the 

T. Eaton Co. department store. 

. . Georges 

. 

. 

Roger Larocque, former assistant manager 

at Cinema Lachute. Lachute, Que., has been 

promoted to manager of the Royal at Mont 

Joli, replacing Jean-Pierre Roy . 

Champagne, manager of theatre circuit at 

Shawinigan Palls, came in to discuss Cinema- 

Scope Kiely, former manager 

for Warner Bros, for many years, has joined 

Montreal Poster Exchange as contract manager 

Cinemascope facilities have 

been installed at the Capitol at Beauharnois 

... J. P. Pageau, manager of Warner Bros. 

16mm division, reported a successful business 

trip at Gaspe Peninsula. 

Jo Oupcher, district manager of International 

Film Distributors and Celia Selini of 

the office staff celebrated birthday anniversaries 

on the same day. They were given a 

surprise office party and Oupcher received 

an elegant office thermos set, while Miss 

Selini received French perfiune . . . William 

H. Mannard, UAC secretary-treasurer, has 

left Montreal General hospital, where he was 

a patient for a month. He now is recuperating 

at home. 

Exhibitors who visited here were Omer 

Belanger and Gerard Gauthier, co-owners of 

the Laurentien, Mont-Laurier; Emile Beaulieu, 

Denis, Ormstown; T. Gilbert, Frontenac, 

St. Gedeon de Bauce; Romain Lussier, Capitol, 

St. Remi . . . Sam Kunitsky, United Artist 

manager, made a business tour by automobile 

of Valleyfield, Granby and Hull . . . 

Emile Forest, Lux, Varennes, his wife and 

daughter motored to New York City and 

visited Paramount offices there. They received 

considerable information on Vista- 

Vision, they reported. 

Ted Atkinson announced new telephone 

number. Hunter 9-1042. Atkinson is manager 

of Cardinal Films . . . W. Deveault, assistant 

secretary-treasurer of United Amusement 

Corp., announced that directors of corporation 

have declared regular quarterly dividend 

of 25 cents per share on outstanding capital 

stock of the company, payable on June 15 to 

shareholders of record in May. 

W. C. Pitfield & Co., investment house, 

published a buUetm showing that despite intensified 

competition from other art forms 

in recent years, the motion picture business 

in Canada seems to have maintained an exceptionally 

stable and expanding base of 

operation, with satisfactory profits. The 

analysis cited figures to show that between 

1948 and 1952, Canadian motion picture theatre 

receipts, including amusement taxes, 

climbed from $70,300,000 to nearly $105,500,- 

000, with per capita expenditures on such en- 

30 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: May 

29, 1954

, 

ownership 

I apace 

! 

but 

j 

above 

. . Keith 

tertainment rising from $6.50 to $8.21 a year. 

Even television, the analysis contends, has 

had only a temporary effect on films, and a 

southern Ontario area is cited where theatre 

receipts were cut by TV in 1951 and 1952, 

[ 

have fully recovered since then to a level 

1950 despite a further rise in TV set 

in the area Plans are going 

for building a concert hall for Montreal 

and it is now claimed that the cost of 

the project would be about $4,000,000. 

James Beverldge, 37, National Film Board's 

representative in Britain and Europe, is taking 

two years off to make films for Shell 

Oil Co. in India. Beveridge, who has made 

London, . England, his headquarters since 

1950, is being loaned by the Film Board to 

Shell Oil to set up a documentary film production 

and distribution organization in India. 

He has held top positions in both production 

and distribution in the NFB. His 

last job in the board's production branch was 

as chairman of the group of executive producers. 

He also spent some time studying 

international distribution before taking on 

the European job. He was born in Vancouver 

and is a graduate in arts from the University 

of British Columbia. 

Stephen Greenless of Montreal was given 

an award by the Scholastic Teachers magazine 

in New York for his two-reel sound 

film in color sponsored by the Canadian 

Goveniment Travel Bureau, entitled "Hunting 

with a Camera." Greenless was a producer-director 

of National Film Board before 

forming his own company in Montreal. 

Mrs. Louis St. Laurent, wife of the prime 

minister, will be guest of the Women's Liberal 

Ass'n in Montreal May 26. Plans made 

for the occasion call for a minimum of 

speeches as at the breakfast of the organization. 

A special showing will be given of 

films shot by Jean-Paul St. Laurent, son of 

the prime minister, when he and his sister, 

Mrs. Hugh O'Donnell, accompanied their 

father on his recent trip around the world. 

Spencer to Build Airer 

TURO, N.S.—F. G. Spencer Co. has acquired 

the old airport acreage at the edge of 

town and will construct an airport there this 

summer. FPC owns a half interest in the 

Spencer circuit, which also operates the Capitol 

and Royal theatres here, and is planning 

drive-ins 

at Campbellton and Charlottetown. 

Dane Clark Signed for "Thunder Pass' 

Dane Clark will star in the Lippert production, 

"Thunder Pass," being lensed by William 

F. Broidy Productions. 

WINNIPEG 

"The opening of the Circus Drive-In afforded 

Max Schnier an opportunity to display 

his flail- for getting business. The Circus 

is giving free to the ladies a ten-piece stainless 

steel cutlery set on Mondays, Tuesdays, 

Wednesdays and Thursdays. Due to the unusually 

high cost of this cutlery, the ham 

slicer, roast slider and carving fork require 

two attendances. First piece offered by 

Schnier was a Fi'ench cook knife. The first 

drive-in in the area to show "Greatest Show 

on Earth." the Circus advertised "that the 

producer of this picture insists that a charge 

of 25 cents be made for children over 8. 

But, during this engagement children over 

8 received free hotdogs. 

. 

Co-sponsored by Community Chevrolet- 

Oldsmobile, Ltd., Cy Brownstone at the Stai'- 

lite will give away a 1954 Chevrolet sedan 

The Northmain Drive-In gives away 

. . . 

Buicks in trade for a patron's car. On display 

in front of their pavilion is a revolving 

Warner Bros.' first 

Buick on a tm-ntable . . . 

Cinemascope production to be shown in 

Wimiipeg, "The Command," was the current 

attraction at the Capitol. Bill Novak advertised 

"Regular Cinemascope Prices This Engagement" 

with a top of 90 cents. 

Assistant general manager for Canada of 

Odeon Theatres, Ted Forsyth, stopped in 

Winnipeg recently to confer with Odeon- 

Morton Theatres General Manager Harry 

Hurwitz. "Odeon firmly believes," Forsyth 

said, "that the public has good taste and 

discrimination and intends to provide the 

very best fUms possible." . Banned in 

. . 

most provinces but passed as "adult" in this 

province, Columbia's controversial "The Wild 

One" was being shown by Dave Robertson 

at the Garrick . . . The Circus Drive-In again 

gave away a TV set for a door prize over the 

While other pictures fall by the 

weekend . . . 

wayside after one week's showing in this 

warm weather, J. Arthur Rank's "The Kidnappers" 

went into its fifth week at Tom 

Pacey's Odeon. 

With the entire proceeds going to the Motion 

Picture Pioneer Benevolent Fund, "It 

Should Happen To You" was previewed at 

the Odeon at a special Sunday midnight 

show. All other theatres abstained from midnight 

shows to insure the success of the 

Pioneer's show. AH theatrical services were 

donated gratis . . International Film Distributors 

. 

General Manager Douglas V. Ro- 

sen passed through recently . . . On a recent 

early Sunday morning a safecracker made 

off with $1,500 from the Daylight in Saskatoon 

while the burgler alarm on the front 

of the building clanged. One passerby stopped, 

reached up and bent the clapper so that the 

uproar would stop. 

Leon Asper is preparing a large lot across 

from the Deluxe for parking facilities for 

his patrons. Asper said he will install Cinemascope 

equipment in all his theatres, with 

the possible exception of his drive-in . . . 

With Ontario and Alberta exhibitors clamoring 

for American-style tax-exempt admissions 

for tickets 50 cents and under, there 

will soon be similar hue and cry from Manitoba 

exhibitors ... As we go to pioss there 

is talk that Johnny Ferguson will take over 

Eddie Zorn's position at Famous Players 

on July 1. 

Filmrow visitors included Garnet Wright, 

Keewatin, Ont.; Mi-, and Mrs. Hebb from 

Choiceland, Sask.; Harry Phillet, Service 

Theatres; Harry Morley and Chancey Cohen, 

the Paris and Valour . McNeil was 

in recently to make final arrangements for 

film and equipment for his June 10 opening 

of the Twilite Drive-In at Fort Qu'Appelle, 

Sask. 

Exhibitors are warned to check on CSA 

approval of electrical equipment purchased 

from the U.S.A. Most provincial electrical 

codes, individual city bylaws, and other regulations 

prohibit the use of electrical items 

not CSA approved. 

of course! 

POPCORN 

it's 

'Super Pufft' 

Write for our new catalogue 

SUPER PUFFT POPCORN LTD. 

97 Duke Sf., Toronto 

SERVICE CONFECTIONS LTD. 

243 Lilac St., Winnipeg, Man. 

EVERY EXHIBITOR'S TARGET 

I 

I 

PERKINS HAS IT - AND E«[RYIHII\1G ELSE 

PERKINS THEATRE SUPPLY CO. LTD. 

Buffalo, N. Y. 

In Canada; Perkins Electric Co. Ltd., 

Montreal, Toronto, Moncton, Vancouver 

BOXOFFICE :: May 29, 1954 81

VANCOUVER 

Tack McCausland and Doug Gow of Famous 

Players maintenance department and Robert 

Lightstone, Paramount manager, and his 

assistant Micky Stevenson were in Toronto 

for a sales meeting and a look at Paramount's 

new Vista Vision system . . . C. R. B. Salmon, 

vice-president of Odeon Theatres, and Ted 

Forsyth, assistant general manager of the 

circuit, were here on a semiannual inspection 

Herb Stevenson, who operates two 

trip . . . 

theatres and a drive-in at Prince George in 

northern British Columbia, is back from a 

four-month world tour. High spot of the 

trip was a visit to India. 

. . . 

Doug Calladine, who resigned recently as 

president of the projectionists union, also 

has withdrawn as a delegate to the national 

convention in Cincinnati in August. He was 

replaced by George Thrift, union secretary 

The Belmont Drive-In near Edmonton, 

headed by Attorney General Maynard of the 

Alberta government, is expected to open in 

Ivan Ackery, 

June. It will hold 500 cars . . . 

Orpheum manager, although born in England, 

will play a Scot next week when he and 

his staff will all wear kilts for the showing 

of Disney's "Rob Roy." Bagpipes will be 

checked in the outer lobby, Ivan said. 

Frank Goddard, Canada's oldest doorman, 

who retired from the Odeon Vogue recently, 

is hospitalized for surgery. He is over 80 

and is a veteran of the South African war. 

He was replaced by Byron Briton . . . Irene 

Partaik, Vogue cashier, resigned, and Bette 

Kurliak from the candy bar succeeds her. 

Bebe Kelly took over the concession department 

. . . J. D. McCaughey, former m.anager 

of Benograph, is now factory representative in 

British Columbia and Alberta for the re- 

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 

have enough DIFFERENT subjects to 

give a moximum 26-week program 

during the year. 

For CONSISTENT extra revenue-at no 

extra cost 

Write, wire or phone 

FRED T. 

Gerteral 

ADFILMS 

STINSON 

Manager 

77 York Street 

LIMITED 

Toronto, Ontario EMpire 8-8986 

cently formed Bell & Howell of Canada. He 

will headquarter in Vancouver . . . Ferris 

Bortoletto, Warner Bros, shipper, resigned to 

enter the lumber busine.ss at Ladysmith on 

Vancouver Island. 

Terry Frost, formerly in theatre business 

at Gib-son. is now the 16mm representative 

Sam Isman, formerly 

for Warner Bros. . . . 

with Universal, replaced Ferris Bortoletto as 

shipper at WB . . . Jack Senior, Paramount 

shipper, has resigned to join the Harlan 

Fairbanks popcorn outfit here. Ken Steele, 

formerly in show business in London, England, 

succeeds Senior as Paramount shipper 

The Beach-Garden Drive-In at 

. . . Westview near Powell river 80 miles upcoast 

from here opened this week. It holds 400 

cars. It was equipped by Harry Howard of 

Equipment Supply Co. of Vancouver . . . 

Manuel Hirtle. who operated the Strathmore, 

Alta., theatre for 25 years, now a British 

Columbia resident and retired, was elected 

president of the North Burnaby Lions club. 

Theatres still are playing around with admission 

prices here. The Vogue is playing 

Cinemascope at an 80-cent top and the FPC 

Capitol at a 90-cent top . . . Odeon is trying 

out a moveover of "The Kidnappers" at 

two of its suburban theatres without any 

break after the first run. The chain is 

charging first run prices in the neighborhood 

houses, a hike of 25 cents. 

The Indians of northern British Columbia 

are up in arms mainly at Burns Lake and 

Smithers, where they claim racial discrimination 

exists in motion picture theatres, hotels 

and restaurants. The Indian leader told 

the attorney general that in the theatres, 

they "are herded into a corner like a bunch 

of dogs." 

TORONTO 

^Janager Len Bishop of the downtown Shea's 

took advantage of the holiday weekend 

by conducting two morning shows for Juveniles 

with "Hans Christian Andersen." He 

got an early rush by offering fancy hats, 

ice cream and candy for the first 500 kids 

each day . . . R. w. Bolstad, vice-president of 

Famous Players Canadian Corp., has been 

elected president of the Citizen Research 

Institute of Canada, a 35-year-old association 

of 650 influential Canadians whose object 

is the improvement of government at 

federal, provincial and municipal level. 

James Mason has arrived 

from Hollywood 

to appear in the Shakespearean festival at 

Stratford this summer . . . The Brantford 

Community Concerts Ass'n voted to return 

. . . 

to the Famous Players Paramount "and its 

comfortable seats" for its next series of stage 

presentations for which Manager William 

Blondell is cooperating Because of a 

threat against the life of boxer Rocky Marciano 

in the U.S., his wife and daughter took 

temporary refuge with Arthur Gottlieb, head 

of Audio Pictures, at his Pickering home. 

For "Rose Marie," Manager Bull Burke of 

the Capitol, Brantford, staged a beauty contest 

for Six Nations Indian girls, the winner 

being picked May 27. The first three were 

awarded watches and other gifts ... In 

preparation for the summer season, Dewey 

McCourt has installed a wide screen in his 

Brock at Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

MARITIMES 

peter Bianchini of Reserve Mines, on Cape 

Breton Island, has opened the Family 

Theatre in the former L'A.ssomption dance 

hall, there. The 289-seater operates six nights 

and holds matinees on Wednesdays and 

Saturdays. Single bills, mostly action films, 

prevail. Business has been very gratifying 

reports Bianchini, who is being assisted by 

Sid Campbell, manager of the Star in the 

Whitney Pier district of Sydney. Ample parking 

.space is advertised as a major Family 

asset, and is being stressed for special attention 

for night patronage. Bianchini also 

operates the Reserve Bus Co., which transports 

passengers to and from the theatre. 

. . . 

Ozoners at Sackville, Martinon and Midway, 

all Franklin & Herschorn circuit units, 

are the first drive-ins in the maritimes to 

offer Foto-Nite Atlantic Films based at 

St. Johns are now shooting some of the 

scenes for the forthcoming film on the Alcock-Brown 

trans-Atlantic flight . . . The 

Strand Theatre of Sydney Mines and the 

Odeon Theatre at North Sydney are encouraging 

their patrons to use the local Cape 

Breton soft coal for unexcelled heating and 

cooking fuel . . . Maurice B. Zwicker, who 

founded the Junior Bengal Lancers in Halifax 

in 1936, died recently, after a long illness. 

The idea for the group which appeared in 

numerous horse shows in the U. S. and Canada 

was conceived by Zwicker after seeing 

the film, "The Lives of the Bengal Lancers." 

The Odeon Theatre, of North Sydney, N.S., 

and the Strand Theatre, Sydney Mines, N.S., 

both members of the Odeon circuit, benefitted 

from some special promotion when 

they screened "The Malta Story." Two organizations, 

the Cabot Squadron of Air Cadets 

and the Imperial Order of the Daughters 

of the Empire, gave the film their endorsements 

for use in special advertising and 

publicity. Also, during the showings, the air 

cadets did special duty on parade in front 

of both theatres to provide information on the 

picture to patrons. 

Dumersq Clavell, English film director and 

producer now working in Italy on the "Last 

Days of Sodom and Gomorrah." is planning 

to produce one or two films in Newfoundland 

before the end of the year. 

As a screen game, 

HOLLYWOOD takes top 

honors. As a box-office attraction, 

it is without equal. It has 

been a favorite with theotre goers for 

over 15 yeors. Write today for complete details. 

Be sure to give seating or cor capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD AMUSEMENT CO. 

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c2 BOXOFFICE : 

: May 

29, 1954

flXOFFICECDflDiiiJJi'^JJiD^ 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY ABOUT PICTURES 

COLUMBIA 

Bad for Each Other (Col)—Charlton Heston, 

Lizabeth Scott, Mildred Dunnock. This 

can be classified as a "sleeper" in my book. 

Get the women in the first day and you won't 

have to worry about the rest of the run. 

Word-of-mouth sure helped this one. Sort 

of a "soap opera" but, when the women come, 

so do the men. Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Warm.—Michael Chiaventone, Valley 

Theatre, Spring Valley, lU. Second run patronage. 

LIPPERT PRODUCTIONS 

Johnny, the Giant Killer (LP)—Cartoon 

Fantasy. If they gave an Oscar for the worst 

picture of the year, this would get it, and 

rightfully so. I didn't see it, as I was afraid 

to go near the theatre, but I kept getting 

blow by blow reports on it. All in all, this 

was a weekend I should have lost. A few 

more so-called "cartoons" like this and every 

theatre in the country will close its doors. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Nothing wrong 

with the weather.—Marcella Smith, Vinton 

Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. Small-town and 

rural patronage. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

AU the Brothers Were Valiant (MGM)— 

Robert Taylor, Stewart Granger, Ann Blyth. 

This is a very gory one which frightened the 

children and pleased the men. The women 

It drew better than I 

just sat and shuddered. 

expected. As a rule sea stories do not go over 

here. Probably the star attraction brought 

them in. Played Wed. Weather: Cool.—Marcella 

Smith, Vinton Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. 

Small-town and rural patronage. 

Arena (MGM)—Gig Young, Jean Hagen, 

Polly Bergen. A very good picture in all ways 

except a little too much "bull"—dogging, 

that is. Did the best Saturday night business 

we've done in a long time. Certainly 

plenty of action and color. Very good comments. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Cool, nice. 

—W. J. Breitling and Ida V., Comfrey Theater, 

Comfrey, Minn. Village and rural patronage. 

Dangerous When Wet (MGM)—Esther 

Willianis, Fernando Lamas, Jack Carson. 

Good boxoffice and entertaining. AU the 

action and color needed for audience approval. 

Novel underwater shots. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Cold.—^Frank Sabin, Majestic 

Theatre, Eureka, Mont. SmaU-town and rural 

patronage. 

Easy to Love (MGM)—Esther Williams, 

Van Johnson, Tony Martin. A very good 

musical which drew average business. I 

broke even on it but it was such a good 

picture it was worth playing if only for 

prestige. Played Sun., Mon.—E. M, Freiburger, 

Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Smalltown 

and rural patronage. 

Escape From Fort Bravo (MGM)—William 

Holden, Eleanor Parker, John Porsjrthe. This 

is an entirely different Indian picture. We 

BOXOrnCE BooldnGuide : : May 

29. 1954 

did better than average business on it. The 

story was good and the color and background 

out of this world. William Holden did a 

superb job as usuaL Advertise it as another 

William Holden picture and if it doesn't do 

well you had better give up. Our patrons 

liked it very much and, of course, you do 

know about the following Holden has. Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—Walter H. Finn, 

Chester Theatre, Chester, Calif. Lumber, 

logging, tourist, sportsmen patronage. 

'Executive Suite' Does 

Good Business 

pXECXJTIVE SXUTE (MGM) —Barbara 

" Stanwyck, William Holden, Junp Allyson. 

An excellent movie about big business 

that is unusual in that it has no 

musical score. Holds interest throughout 

and it did above average business. Pleased 

all but the kids and they just didn't understand 

it. Your patrons will praise you 

for playing this one. Fredric March easily 

steals the picture although in an unsympathetic 

role. Played Thurs., FrL Weather: 

Kain both nights.—W. F. Shelton, 

Louisburg Theatre, Louisburg, N.C. Smalltown 


Girl Who Had Everything (MGM)—Elizabeth 

Taylor, Fernando Lamas, William Powell. 

Not a bad little movie but definitely not up 

to MGM's high standard. I advertised this 

as the film that had everything—luckily I 

got no wisecracks from the patrons. Not 

Elizabeth Taylor's best. William Powell v.as, of 

course, the best in the cast. We did average 

business. Played Sun., Mon. Weather: Pine. 

—Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe- 

^kana. Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Mining, 

government, business patronage. 

Great Diamond Robbery, The (MGM)—Red 

Skelton, Cara Williams, James Whitmore. 

Someone got robbed and our banker knows 

who it was, even at what seemed like a fair 

aUocation. We thought it a pretty good picture 

but it seems that our public expects 

Red to do slapstick. Had about the same 

experience on "Half a Hero." Let's get Skelton 

back in a good color musical comedy 

and have a few belly laughs. Played Sun., 

Mon. weather: Good.—Paul Ricketts, Chaim 

Theatre, Holyrood, Kas. SmaU-town and 

riiral patronage. 

Long, Long Trailer, The (MGM)—LuciUe 

BaU, Desi Arnaz, Marjorie Main. Entertaining, 

skillfully directed comedy that looked 

good on the big screen. Easter Monday way 

above average. Business Tuesday was average, 

weather: Fair.—W. F. Shelton, Louisburg 

Theatre, Louisburg, N. C. Rural patronage. 

PARAMOUNT 

Botany Bay (Para)—Alan Ladd, James 

Mason, Patricia Medina. This was a siu-- 

prisingly good sea picture with color and 

action enough to suit the most exacting action 

fans. We can always depend on Alan 

Ladd to get even the most enthusiastic TV 

fans out to the movie—and that's something 

these days. Played Sim., Mon. Weather: 

Fair and mild.-Walt J. Breitling and Ida 

v., Comfrey Theatre, Comfrey, Minn. Village 


Cease Fire (Para)—Documentary. Cast of 

Korean combat veterans. This is a fair second 

half for a double biU and that is aU. 

Business was fair. Customers in several instances 

asked where I dug that one up. 

It came out as a 3-D picture, we played it 

in 2-D and I feel sorry for those who played 

it in 3-D. In this area a 3-D brings a lower 

boxoffice return than a 2-D picture. This 

one belongs on TV. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: ExceUent.—Walter H. Finn, Chester 

Theatre, Chester, Calif. Limiber, logging, 

tourist, sportsmen patronage. 

Forever Female (Para)—Ginger Rogers, 

William Holden, Paul Douglas. Distinctly 

over rated for the smaU-town situation. This 

comedy isn't funny and the patrons knew, 

as usual. They stayed away in droves. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Fine.—Walter Eisenhouer, 

Kiva Theatre, Slater, Mo. SmaU-town 

and light industrial patronage. 

Little Boy Lost (Para)—Bing Crosby, Claude 

Dauphin, Christian Pourcade. What in the 

name of Sam Goldwyn is Hollywood trying 

to do to our top boxoffice stars? Pictures hke 

this will drive everyone to TV. One guy said 

he liked it, and the rest of the meager crowd 

gave me dirty looks on the way out. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Mild.—Norman Merkel, 

Time Theatre, Albert CJity, Iowa. SmaU-town 


Money From Home (Para)—Dean Martin, 

Jerry Lewis, Marjie Millar. Their first in 

color and my patrons got quite a kick out of 

it. We didn't break any records, but did beat 

the gross on "The Caddy" played last Thanksgiving. 

If you have a town that likes this 

pair, better try to buy it, but for less than 

you have been paying. Then you'U show a 

profit. Played Wed.-Sat. Weather: Dusty.— 

Mayme P. Musselman, Roach Theatre, Lincoln, 

Kas. SmaU-town and rural patronage. 

War of the Worlds (Para)—Gene Barry, 

Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne. This didn't 

do too badly. Right now this perfect weather 

is against us, especiaUy on Sundays. People 

want to "gas up and go." The picture Is 

very good, and very suspenseful. Had no 

trouble with the kids. They were too speUboimd 

to cause any confusion. If your people 

like science-fiction, play this. Played Sun. 

Weather: Nice.—Marcella Smith, Vinton 

Theatre, McArthur, Ohio. SmaU-town and 


RKO RADIO 

Appointment in Honduras (RKO)—Glenn 

Ford, Ann Sheridan, Zachary Scott. It takes 

a very strong picture to puU them into my 

house midweek. This is a pretty good picture 

in color but it rained one night whUe 

I had it and so I took a loss,,on it. It is 

slightly more than a program picture. Played 

Tues., Wed., Thurs. Weather: Unsettled.— 

E. M. Freiburger, Dewey Theatre, Dewey, 

Okla. SmaU-town and rural patronage. 

(Continued on following page)

Played 

— 

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

Devil's Canyon (RKO)—Dale Robertson, 

Virginia Mayo, Stephen McNally. A good 

picture in color which started out as a western 

and wound up as a jail break. I say play 

it. It showed a profit here, which is very 

unusual in these trying times. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Good.—E. M. Preiburger, 

Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Small-town 


Tarzan and the She-Devil (RKO)—Lex 

Barker, Joyce MacKenzie, Raymond Burr. 

Definitely NOT the best of all the Tarzan 

pictures as advertised. When Weissmuller 

was Tarzan THEN they were good. This did 

not even do the usual Tarzan business but 

we had an above average number of 10c 

tickets—that's all. Played Tues. Weather: 

Rain.—Michael Chiaventone, Valley Theatre, 

Spring Valley, 111. Second run patronage. 

REPUBLIC 

Crazyleg:s (Rep)—Elroy Hirsch, Lloyd Nolan, 

Joan Vohs. This is a very good football 

picture with a terrific story. Our boxoffice 

was way down on this one. Matter of fact 

it was scratch to make the light bill. We 

have not been able to figure out why, either. 

It should do well anywhere—but it didn't 

do it here. Just one of those things, I guess. 

Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Good.—Walter 

H. Finn, Chester Theatre, Chester, Calif. 

Lumber, logging, tourist, sportsmen patronage. 

Woman of the North Country (Rep)—Ruth 

Hussey, Rod Cameron, John Agar. We got 

the black and white version of this one. The 

photography was so poor and dark that 

many of our patrons asked us to put the 

house lights on so that they could see what 

was happening. Then after about a half an 

hour we put them out again as they didn't 

seem to care! However, I am sure that if 

U.S.A. exhibitors have the Trucolor print 

they should do average business with this 

one. It's quite entertaining. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Pine.—Dave S. Klein, Astra 

Theatre, Kitwe-Nkana, Northern Rhodesia, 

Africa. Mining, government and business 

patronage. 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Man in the Attic (20th-Fox)—Jack Palance, 

Constance Smith, Byron Palmer. Advise using 

this as the second half of a double bUl. We 

played it single and business was below 

average. It is only 82 minutes long and people 

seemed to expect something more Comments 

were fair. It seems to lack the quality 

of the major productions. Being advertised 

as starring Jack Palance and mentioning his 

terrific performance in "Shane" is definitely 

the only reason we did as well as we did. 

Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: Excellent.— 

Walter H. Finn, Chester Theatre, Chester, 

Calif. Lumber, logging, tourist, sportsmen 

patronage. 

My Pal Gus (20th-Fox)—Richard Widmark, 

Joanne Dru, Audrey Totter. This picture i.s 

called a comedy but it would be better named 

a dramo.. Nothing outstanding but fair and 

it drew pretty well and was fairly well liked. 

There v.erc a few good comments and no poor 

ones. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: Wet—Fred 

L. Murray, Strand Theatre, Splritwood, Sa.sk, 


Powder River (20th-Fox)—Rory Calhoun, 

Cameron Mitchell. Corinne Calvet. Good 

western but a little short on action. Nevertheless, 

should please all action fans. Just 

about broke even. Baptist revival hurt some. 

Played Tues., Wed. Weather: Warm and clear. 

—James H. Hamilton, Pine Hill Drive-In 

Theatre, Picayune, Miss. Small-town and 


Sounds a Warning for 

Small Towners 

JÂKTIN LUTHER (Louis DeRochemont) 

—Niall MacGinnis, John Ruddock, 

Pierre LeFevre. To my fellow exhibitors 

(small town) —watch out for this 

one. It is a good picture but it will not 

do the business you expect. Church support 

fell to less than one half in this 

area. We did not make expenses and 

guarantee on it. We had a guarantee of 

$200 on it plus fixed increased prices and 

had to agree to a set amount of advertising. 

We suffered the greatest letdown 

on this picture of any we have ever 

shown. We gave "Luther" the greatest 

advertising campaign in the history of 

this area. I think I am safe in saying that 

I doubt if people in any similar small-town 

area will turn out for these deep religious 

pictures. They will tell yon that this is 

what they want and then they won't support 

you. We drew people on this picture 

from a radius of GO miles. The picture 

had not played within 100 miles. However, 

we just did not draw enough to 

come out. Used the sound truck for a 

solid week. , Easter Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Excellent. — Walter H. Finn, 

Chester Theatre, Chester, Calif. Lumber, 

logging, tourist, sportsmen patronage. 

Sailor of the King (20th-Fox) — Jeffrey 

Hunter, Wendy Hiller, Michael Rennie. We 

not only had an African premiere for this 

, 

outstanding fihn but also played it for our 

New Year midnight show. The patrons came 

in droves to see it. Not a single one was disappointed. 

Acting and the story are first 

class but, a warning to the smaller towns 

in the U.S.A. It has quite a bit of British 

salt air and this may prove too much for 

your patrons. Over here, of coiu'se, it was 

a honey! Everyone was happy, even yours 

sincerely. Played Tues. through Sat. Weather: 

Fine.—Dave S. Klein, Astra Theatre, Kitwe- 

Nkana, Northern Rhodesia, Africa. Mining, 

government, business patronage. 


Captain's Paradise, The (UA)—Alec Guinness, 

Yvonne DeCarlo, Celia Johnson. Just 

another English made picture which our 

Bank Nite audience sweated out to see who 

won the money. Personally, I thought it was 

funny, but I don't buy a ticket. Played Wed., 

Thurs. Weather: Warm.—Michael Chiaventone, 

Valley Theatre, Spring Valley, 111. Second 

run patronage. 

Gun Belt (UA)—George Montgomery, Tab 

Hunter, Helen Westcott. A good western in 

color which made me some money on Friday 

and Saturday. Weather: Good.—E. M. Preiburger, 

Dewey Theatre, Dewey, Okla. Smalltown 


Joe Louis Story, The (UA)—Coley Wallace, 

Hilda Simms, Paul Stewart. Picture and 

story very well done but guess we haven't 

enough boxing fans among the Swedes and 

Norse in this neck of the woods. As good 

as any for midweek in our case. Played Wed., 

Thurs.—W. J. Breitling and Ida V., Comfrey 

Theatre, Comfrey, Minn. Village and rural 

patronage. 

Sabre Jet (UA) — Robert Stack, Coleen 

Gray, Richard Arlen. This drew 131 per cent 

and was enjoyed by all. Would have done 

better except for the local revival meeting. 

Should please action fans and the women. 

I've never seen so many redheads in one film 

in my life. Played Thurs., Fri. Weather: 

Warm and clear.—James H. Hamilton, Pine 

Hill Drive-In Theatre, Picayune, Miss. Small 

town and rural patronage. 


Ride Clear of Diablo (U-D—Audie Murphy. 

Susan Cabot, Dan Duryea. One of the bett 

Audie Murphy pictures. Dan Duryea reall; 

was good in this as the humorous outlaw. 

Why don't they use him more in pictures? 

Color by Technicolor very good. Played Fri., 

Sat. Weather: Fair.—Michael Chiaventone, 

Valley Theatre, Spring Valley, 111. Second run 

patronage. 

Saskatchewan (U-D—Alan Ladd, Shelley. 

Winters, J. Carroll Naish. We did better thairf 

average, which isn't bragging, but we do like 

to dust off a few extra seats once in a while 

and this Alan Ladd picture did business that 

you can brag about in these times. Very 

pretty with the Canadian Rockies as a background 

and there was a lot of action that 

brought favorable comment. Fair enough 

price that earned an overage—so they should 

be happy, too. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Fair.—Mayme P. Musselman, 

Roach Theatre, Lincoln, Kas. Small-town and 


Seminole (U-I)—Rock Hudson, Barbara 

Hale, Anthony Quinn. Universal put the ingredients 

into this little picture to make it 

a country town natural. There was never 

a shortage of seats but business was about 

average for the end of the week. It's not 

worth extra money but is certainly worth a 

date at fair terms. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Perfect.—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, Pruita, 

Colo. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Take Me to Town (U-D—Aim Sheridan, 

Sterling Hayden, Philip Reed. Here is a show 

that pleased everyone, young and old. The 

three boys were very good, and, of course, 

the rest of the cast. Perfect for your best 

' 

playing time. Would like shows hke this every 

week. Play it. Played Sun. Weather: Good. 

R. C. Drayer, Community Tlieatre, Conde, 

SJD. Small-town and rural patronage. 

Thunder Bay (U-I)—James Stewart, Joanne 

Dru, Dan Duryea. Played it late but still 

did fair business. Wonderful picture. Play it 

in your action spot. Played Fri., Sat. Weather: 

Fair and cool.—Dan Guest, Tower Theatre, 

Wichita Falls, Tex. Subsequent run city patronage. 

Tumbleweed (U-I)—Audie Murphy, Lorl 

Nelson, Chill Wills. More Indians in color 

j 

and the ugliest little horse you ever saw. 

Typical Audie Miu-phy fare and Chill Wills j 

' 

is good as usual. It is 80 minutes of satisfactory 

entertainment. P.S. He got the girl. 

Played Sun., Mon.—Paul Ricketts, Charm 

Theatre. Holyrood, Kas. Small-town and rural 

patronage. 

Veils of Bagdad, The (U-I)—Victor Mature, 

Mari Blanchard, Virginia Field. An excellent 

movie with that gorgeous lavish Mari, grinding 

and bumping away. The fellows will sure j, 

bring their wives out for this one and prob- h 

ably sneak back for the next showing. Played ';* 

Thurs., Fri. Weather: Cold.—Donald H. Hay- t,': 

mans. Candler Drive-In Theatre, Metter, Ga. *] 


^ 

Wings of the Hawk (U-D—Van Hetlin, Julia 

Adams, Abbe Lane. We did a good business 

on this one and can recommend it highly for 

any theatre. All comments were good. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Pair.—Walter H. Finn, 

BOXOrnCE BookinGulde : : May 

29, 1954

In interpreHve onalysis of lay ond tradepress reviews. The plus ond minus signs indicate degree of 

•«Ht only; audience classification is not rated. Listings cover current reviews, brought up to dote regulorly. 

fhis deportment serves also as on ALPHABETICAL INDCX to feoture releoses. Numeral preceding title 

Picture Guide Review page number. For listings by company, in the order of release, see Feoture Chart. m\m 

mm 

tt Very Good; + Good; — Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary ++ is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

499 Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll 

and Mr. Hyde (77) Comedy U-l 

577 About Mrs. Leslie (104) Drama Para 

546 Act of Love (105) Drama UA 

503 Actress, The (90) Drama MGM 

Adventures of Robinson Ousoe (90) Drama. UA 

515 Affair in Monte Carlo (74) Drama AA 

483 Affair of Dobie Gillis, The 

(73) Comedy MGM 

488 Affairs of Messalina. The (108) Drama. ..Col 

555 Alaska Seas (78) Drama Para 

497 All American, The (S3) Drama U-l 

486 All I Desire (Tgj/j) Drama...- U-l 

524 All the Brothers Were Valiant (101) 

Adv-Drama 

MGM 

555 Annapurna (5S) Documentary. .Mayer- Kingsley 

S27 Appointment in Honduras (SO) Drama... RKO 

573 Arrow in the Dust (SO) Drama AA 

488 Arrowhead (105) Superwestcrn Para 

S- 1-53 + 

517 Back to God's Country (78) Drama U-l 

544 Bad for Each Other (83) Drama Col 

.562 Bait (79) Drama Col 

,496 Band Wagon, The (112) Musical MGM 

.508 Bandits of the West (54) Western Rep 

.562 Battle of Rogue River (71) Drama- Col 

.553 Beachhead (S9) Drama UA 

.564 Beat the Devil (89) Drama UA 

.573 Beauties of the Night (84) Comedy UA 

.511 Beggar's Opera, The (94) Mus-Com WB 

1542 Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (102) Drama 

(Cinemascope) 

20th-Fox 

Big Chase, The (..) Drama LP 

1518 Big Heat, The (89) Drama Col 

1496 Big Leaguer (71) Comedy-Drama MGM 

1528 Bigamist, The (78) Drama Filmakers 

L566 Bitter Creek (74) Western AA 

Black Glove (84) Drama LP 

1584 Black yorse Canyon (82) Drama U-l 

L576 Blackout (87) Drama LP 

L512 Blades of the Musketeers (57) Drama.. Howco 

L515 Blowing Wild (90) Drama WB 

L499 Blueprint for Murder, A (76) Drama. 20th-Fox 

L547 Border River (81) Western U-l 

1520 Botany Bay (94) Drama Para 

L551 Both Sides of the Law (94) Drama U-l 

Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters (66) 

Comedy 

AA 

L550 Boy From Oklahoma, The (88) Drama WB 

c 

.504 Caddy, The (95) Comedy Para 8- 8-53 ff 

.528 Calamity Jane (101) Musical WB 10-31-53 ff 

:565 Captain John Smith and Pocahontas 

(76) Drama UA 3-13-54 — 

Captain Kidd and the Slave Girl 

(. .) Drama UA 

Captain Scarface (72) Drama Astor 

.518 Captain Scarlett (75) Drama UA 9-26-53 ± 

.530 Captain's Paradise, The (77) Comedy UA 11- 7-53 +| 

570 Carnival Story. The (95) Drama RKO 3-27-54 + 

563 Casanova's Big Night (85) Comedy Para 3- 6-54 + 

.574 Cat Women of the Moon (64) Drama.. Astor 4-17-54 ± 

.583 Cavalleria Rusticana (114) Opera Astor 5-22-54 + 

.535 Cease Fire! (75) Documentary Para 11-28-53 ff 

.517 Champ for a Day (90) Drama Rep 9-26-53 ± 

.492 Charge at Feather River, The (96) Sup-West 

(Three-dimension) WB 7-11-53 ^ 

.544 Charge of the Lancers (74) Drama Col 12-26-53 ± 

.512 China Venture (83) Drama Col 9-5-53 + 

488 City of Bad Men (S3) Western 20lh-Fox 6-27-53 ± 

.535 Clipped Wings (65) Comedy AA 11-28-53 + 

519 Combat Squad (72) Drama Col 10- 3-53 ± 

552 Command, The (94) Drama (Cinemascope) .WB 1-23-54 4+ 

.510 Conciucst of Cochise (70) Western Col 8-29-53 + 

542 Conquest of Everest, The (78) Doc UA 12-19-53 + 

.548 Cowboy," The (69) Documentary LP 1- 9-54 + 

.520 Crazylegs (88) Drama Rep 10- 3-53 + 

.558 Creature From the Black Lagoon 

(89) Drama (Three-dimension) U-l 2-13-54 +

REVIEW DIGEST ^ very Good; 1 Good; ± Fair; - Poor; = Very Poor. In the summary +' is rated 2 pluses, =:

! 532 

++ Very Good; + Good; - Fair; - Poor; - Very Poor. In the summary tt is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. REVIEW DIGEST 

Pickwick Papers (109) 

Comedy 

H-K 

U-l 

PlayoiM (S5) Drama.. 

Plunder of the Sun (82) Drama WB 

Pride of the Blue Grass (70) Drama AA 

Prince Valiant (100) Drama 

(Cinemascope) 

20th-Fox 

Princess of the Nile (..) Drama. .20th-Fox 

Prisoner of War (SI) Drama MGM 

4-17-54 -H- 

4-24-54 ± 

8- S-53 + 

3-27-54 ± 

Prisoners of the Casbah (7S) Drama Col 10-31-53 — 

Private Eyes (64) Comedy AA 

Project Moon Base (63) Drama LP 9-5-53 — 

Project M-7 (86) Drama U-l 12-19-53 ± 

Q 

41 Oueen of Sheba (99) Drama LP 12-19-53 + 

i67 Queen's Royal Tour, A (84) Documentary .. UA 3-20-54 + 

B 

170 Racina Blood (76) Drama 20th-Fox 3-27-54 ± 

568 Rails Into Laramie (82) Drama U-l 3-20-54 + 

i5g Red Garters (90) M usical Para 2-13-54 +|i45Red 

River Shore (54) Western Rep 1-2-54 + 

(99 Return to Paradise (89) Drama UA 8- 1-53 + 

iSORhapsody (115) Musical-Drama MGM 2-20-54+} 

)55Ride Clear of Diablo (SO) Drama U-l 2- 6-54 + 

186 Ride, Vaquero! (90) Western MGM 6-20-53 ± 

>52 Riders to the Stars (81) Drama UA 1-23-54 + 

566 RidioB Shotgun (84) Western WB 3-13-54 =t 

)57 Riot in Cell Block 11 (80) Drama AA 2-13-54 ++ 

River Beat (..) Drama LP 

S 

> I 

± + 

+ ± 

ii 

+ 

± 6+6— 

+ &+2- 

6+3- 

-f 6+ 

-t- ++ 

4-10-54 -H-4+ + + tt-t++ll+ 

3-27-54 ± ± + 

+ 

n6 River of No Return (90) Drama 

(Cinemascope) 2()th-Fox 4-24-54 -H- + 

>36 Rob Roy, the Highland Rojue (84) Drama. RKO 11-28-53 + + 

518 Robe, The (135) Drama (C») . . . .20th-Fox 9-26-53++ ++ 

Robot Monster (62) Drama 

(Three-dimension) 

Astor 

378 Rocket Man, The (SO) Drama 20th-Fox 5- 1-54+ ± 

»9 Roman Holiday (119) Comedy Para 7-4-53+ ++ 

164 Rose Marie (102) Musical (CinemaScope) .MGM 3- 6-54 + 

519 Royal African Rifles (75) Drama AA 10- 3-53 + ± 

547Saadia (82) Drama I«GM 

513 Sabre Jet (96) Drama UA 

512 Saginaw Trail (56) Western Col 

502 Sailor of the King (S3) Drama 20th-Fox 

568 Saint's Girl Friday, The (68) Drama... RKO 

573 Salt of the Earth (94) Documentary IPC 

583 Saracen Blade (76) Drama Col 

1- 9-54 ± 

9-12-53 + 

9- 5-53 ± 

8- 1-53 + 

3-20-54 + 

4-17-54 + 

5-22-54 + 

2-27-54 ± 

562 Saskatchewan (88) Drama U-l 

567 Scarlet Spear, Tfie (78) Drama UA 

325 Sea of Lost Ships (85) Drama Rep 10-24-53 ± 

495 Second Chance (82) Drama 

(Three-dimension) RKO 7-18-53 + 

509 Secret Conclave, The (80) 

(American Dialog) Drama I-F.E 

584 Secret of the Incas (101) Drama Para 

5S3Scnsualita (91) Drama 

(American Dialog) I.F.E. 

8-29-53 + 

5-22-54 4- 

5-22-54 + 

+ + 

,540 Shadow Man (77) Drama LP 12-12-53 ± 

522 Shadows of Tombstone (54) Western Rep 10-10-53 + 

467 Shane (117) Western Para 4-18-53 ++ 

531 Shark River (80) Drama UA 11-14-53 + 

549 She Couldn't Say No (89) Comedy BKO 1-16-54 + 

Siege, The (..) Drama LP 

568 Siege at Red River, The (86) 

Drama 

20th-Fox 

5S2 Silver Lode. Tlie (SO) Drama RKO 

533 Sins of Jezebel (75) Drama LP U-21-53 + 

507 Sky Commando (69) Drama Cd 8-22-53 ± 

515 Slaves of Babylon, The (82) Drama Col 9-19-53 + 

411 Snows of Kilimanjaro (114) Drama. .20th -Fox 9-27-52 ++ 

522 So Big (101) Drama WB 10-10-53 ++ 

511 So Little Time (88) Drama MacDonald 9- 5-53 ± 

495 So This Is Love (101) Musical WB 7-18-53 +f 

523 Something Money Can't Buy (82) Comedy.. U-l 10-17-53 ± 

536 Song of the Land (71) Documentary UA 11-28-53 + 

571 Southwest Passage (82) Drama 

(Three-dimension) 

UA 

49DSpaceways (76) Drama LP 

473Stalag 17 (120) Drama Para 

506 Stand at Apache River, The (77) 

Superwestern 

U-I 

524 Steel Udy, The (84) Drama UA 10-17-53 ± 

567 Stormy the Thoroujhbred (45) 

Drama Buena Vista 3-20-54 + 

Stranger on the Prowl (82) Drama UA 11-14-53 ± 

± 6-1-6- 

± 3+6- 

5- 

+ + 4+3— 

+ 3+2- 

3+ 

- + 

± + + + 6+2- 

++ ± + ++ + 10+1- 

±: + 

&+3- 

+ + 6+1- 

+ ± + 9+3- 

+ + + -H ± e+1- 

± =t ± ++ + + 8+4- 

+ + + + tt 7+ 

± ± + + + + 7+3- 

+ + + -H- + + 9+ 

± + + + 7+1- 

++ + ++ 4+ +1*+ 

++++++++ #yH- 

- ± + ± 5+4- 

+ + ++ « 9+ 

± + + + + 6+3-- 

± + - 4+3- 

± ± + - « ± 7+5- 

i + + ± ± + 7+3- 

± _ _ 244- 

+ + + ++ + 7+ 

± ± ± ± 5+4— 

1+1- 

+ + 4+ 

+ ± + + + + 7+2- 

3-20-54 + ± - - ± 3+«- 

± + + + + + -7+2- 

3-20-54 ++ + ± 

5-15-54 — 

- + 

± ± 

± 

± +4 

+ 

+ + 

± 

± + 

4-10-54 + 

+1- 

7- 4-53 + ± 

5- 9-53 +1- ++ + 

8-15-53 + 

+ + +f ++ » + 10+ 

+ + »+ 

=!: 2+1- 

'± 

± ++ ± 6+3- 

± ±i ± 4+4— 

± ± ± 4+3— 

++ # ++ W 4+ +t 14+ 

- ± + ± 4+3- 

± ± + + ± ± 7- 

H- ± 

+ ± 

+ ± 

++ tt 

+ ± 

W + + 

+ ± - 

+ 

+ 

+ 

9+1- 

3+4- 

4+3- 

frf4- 

S+-3- 

4+13+ 

++ + 10+2- 

&+-2- 

++++ + + 10+ 

+ 

+ 

± 5+S- 

frfZ- 

+ + 6+1- 

± ± ± 5+5- 

++++++++ 15+ 

+ + 

+ + 

± + 

7+6- 

7+6- 

frfl- 

± + 6+3-

. 

. 

. 

1 

©Flame 

.D. 

. 

' 

. 

i 

r PilTUi] 5 filJOT 

Feature productions by company in order of release. Number in squore is notional release dote. Runnino^ 

' 

time is in parentheses. Letters and combinations thereof indicote story type cs follows: (C) Comedy; (D) 

Drama; (AD) Adventure-Dramo; (CD) Comedy-Dramo; (F) Fontosy; (M) Musical; (W) Western; (SW) Super- 

western. Relcose number follows. O denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Photography: 

Q Color; >; 3-D; cd Wide Screen. For review dates and Picture Guide poge numbers, see Review Digest. 

ALLIED ARTISTS t- C£Z 

a Yellow Bolloon (80) 0. .5430 

Andrew iiay. Kathleen Ryan, Kenneth More 

SI Hot News (60'/2) D..5327 

Stanley Oements, Glorl« Henry, Ted DeCcirsla 

H Jennifer (73) D . . 5407 

Ida Lupuio, Howard Duff, Robert Nichols 

E Jock Slade (89) D. .5406 

Mark Stevenj;, Dorothy Malone, Barton MacLane 

ED Vigilonte Terror (70) W. .5422 

VIM BUI Elliott, Mary Ellen Kay. U. Wallace 

JOFighter Attack (80) D. .5402 

Sterling Hayden, Joy Page, J. Carrol Nalsh 

[3 Private Eyes (64) C. .5321 

Leo Gorcey, Uuntz Hall, Joyce llolden 

ggTexos Bod Man (62) W. .5335 

Wayne Morris, Eaalne RDey, Myron Healey 

> H Golden Idol, The (71) D..5315 

^ Johnny Sheffield, Anne KJmbell, P. Gullfoyle 

S EH Yukon Vengeance (68) D. .5331 

KIrby Grant, Carol Thurston, Monte Hale 

S World »or Ransom (82) D. .5408 

Pan Duryea. Gene Locthart. Patrlc Kno«les 

(ll Highway Dragnet (72) D. .5405 

Joan Dennett, Richard Conte, Wanda Hendrli 

a BiHer Creek (74) W. .5423 

Wild Bill Elliott, Beverly Garland, C. Young 

a Riot in Cell Block 11 (80) D. .5-1 

Xcrille Brand, Emile Meyer, Frank Faylen 

E) Ports Playboys (62) C. .5418 

Gorcey, Huntz 

Potts Goes to C. .5400 

Leo 

g Mr. 

Hall, Viola Voun 

Moscow (93) 

Oscar Homolka. Nadla Gray, George 

SIODrogonfly Squadron (83). . . . D. 

Cole 

,5-2 

Loophole (79) D . . 54 14 

John llodlak, 

a 

Barbara Brltton, Bruce Bennett 

Barry Sullivan. Dorothy Malone. C. McGraw 

a OPride of the Blue Gross (70) . . D . . 54 1 

Lloyd Bridges, Vera Miles, M. Sheridan 

I ©Arrow in the Dust (80) D. .5404 

Sterling Uayden, Coleen Cray, Keith Larsen 

@] Forty-Nlncrs, The (7OV2) W..5424 

Wild BUI Elliott, Virginia Grey, Denver Pyle 

COLUMBIA 

Big Heat, The (90) D. .615 

Glenn Ford, Gloria Crahame, Robert Burton 

OSIaves of Bobylon, The (82)... D. .612 

lik-hard Conte. Linda Christian, Terry KUburr 

Combat Squad (72) D. .613 

John Ireland, Lon McCalllster, Hal March 

O^Gun Fury (83) 

SW..6I7 

liock Hudson. Donna Reed. Phil (^rey 

Last of the Pony Riders (59). . . W. .573 

Gt'tie Autry, Smiley Burnette. Kathleen Case 

Paris Model (81) D. .621 

Paillette Goddard. Marilyn Maxwell, Eâ Gabor 

OPrisoners of the Cosboh (78). .0. .622 

Cesar Romero, Gloria Grahame, Turban Bey 

Killer Ape, The (68) AD. .626 

Johnny Welssmuller. Carol Thurston, M. Palmer 

e'QNebraskan, The (68) D. .618 

Phil Carey, Roberta Haynes, Wallace Ford 

. 

Bod for Each Other (83) D. .624 

rliarllnn Hcslon. LIzobelh Scott, D. Foster 

628 

©>5'Drums of Tohiti (73) D . 

i'lilrlria .Mwlina. Dennis O'Keefe, F. L. Sullivan 

El Alomein (67) D. .620 

Scntt Brady, Edivard Ashley, Rita Moreua 

OParotrooper (87) D. .619 

Alan Ladd, Susan Stephen, Leo Genn 

©Charge of the Lancers (74).. D.. 625 

Paulelte Goddard. Jean Pierre Aumont 

©x'Miss Sadie Thompson (91). . . D. .630 

Rita Hayiiorth, Aldo Ray, Jose Ferrer 

(Special prerelease) 

Wild One, The (79) D. .623 

Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy, Robert Keith 

Boit (79) D..639 

CIco Moore. John Agar. Hugo Haas 

©Bottle of Rogue River (71 ). . .D. .637 

George Montgomery, Martini Hyer, R. Denning 

It Should Happen to You (87).. C. 631 

Judy Holllday, Peter Lawford, Jack Lemmon 

Drive a Crooked Road (82). . . .D. .638 

Mickey liooney. IHanne Foster, Kevin McCarlh) 

©Iron Glove, The (77) D..634 

Uoliert Slack, llrsiila Thelss. R. Stapley 

©-©nKnights of the Round Table 

(126) D..413 

Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Mel Ferrer 

H Great Diamond Robbery (69). . . .C. .414 

Red Skellon, Cara Williams. Dorothy Stlcknq 

H) ©Soodio (82) D. .415 

Cornel WUde, Mel Ferrer, Rita Gam 

H 0©Long, Long Troiler, The 

(103) C..4I6 

Lucille Ball. DesI Arnaz, Marjorie Main 

Julius Caesar (122) D. .462 

Marlon Brando. James Mason, Louis Calhern 

(Special prereleasel 

I 

[E ©Tennessee Champ (73) D. .417 

Dewey Martin, Shelley Winters, Wymi Keenan 

\ 

El©oRose Morie (102) M..418 

Ann Blyth. Howard Keel, Fernando Lamas 

a ©Gypsy Colt (72) D. .419 

Donna Corcoran, Ward Bond, Frances Dee 

Si ©Rhapsody (115) MD. .420 

Ellzabelb Taylor, Vlttorlo Gassman, J. Erlom 

m Executive Suite (106) D. .423 

William Holden. Barbara Stanwyck, J. Allysoc 

E3 ©Prisoner of War (81) D. .427 

Ronald Reagan, Dewey Martin, Steve Forrest 

d) Bowery Boys Meet the Monsters 

, 

(66) C..54I9 

L«j t-orccy, Huntz Hall, Laura Mi-on 

a Desperodo, The ( . . ) W . 

. 5426 

W»yne Murrls, Beverly Garland, J. Lydon 

SI Home From the Seo ( . . ) D . . 5409 

Jan Sterling, NevUle Brand, Robert Arthur 

Jungle Man-Eoters (..) D. . 

Jiilinn) VTcls-mMller, Karln Booth, R. Slapl'v 

©Saracen Blode (76) D. .633 

Kicardo .Muntalban, Betta St. John 

©Hell Below Zero (90) D. .649 

Al.ici Ijidd. Join lefiel. Ba'sll Sidney 

Indiscretion of on Americon 

Wife ,64) D. .636 

Jrnrtlfrr Jones. MnnlROmery Ol/t, V. DeBICA 

©Outlaw Stolllon ( . . ) W. 

Phil Carey, Dorothy Patrick 

is River Boot (..) D.. 

Phyllis KIrk, John Bentley 

a Terror Ship (. .) 0. . 

William Limdig.in 

SB Big Chose, The (..) D. .5328 

I.nn Clianey, Glenn Langan 

a Poid to Kill (. .) D. .5326 

I>ane Clark 

a Siege, The (..) D. .5323 

Sliectal cast 

ES Unholy Four, The D. .5401 

I'aiilelte Goddard 

and the Flesh (104), . . .D. 

Lana Turner. Carlos Thompson. I'ler Angelll 

ini ©Men of the Fighting Lady (80). D. 

Van Johnson, Dewey Jlartin, Waller Pldgeon 

m ©aStudent Prince, The (109). . .M. .424 

Ann BIytli, Edmund Purdom. John Ericson 

©Valley of the Kings (86) D. .427 

Robert Taylor, Eleanor Parker, Carlos Thompsoo 

African Fury 

Bool Hill 

Doc 

W 

Wild Bill Elliott 

OGhost of O'Laory, The D.. 

Yinnne DrCirlo. Daild Nliea, B. Elizgcrald 

Jungle Gents C . 

Lro Gorcij. Ilun'a Hall 

Quontrill's Roiders .... W 

Wild Bill Rllloll 

Two Guns ond a Bodge W. 

. 

Wiynr Minrls. Ilamlan dFlynn, R. Barcroft 

Wonted by the F.B.I 0. . 

John Ireland, Uorotliy Malotie, Kdtb Larsm 

©Block Knight, The D . 

Alan Ladd. I'mMrln Medina 

©Bullet Is Waiting, A ( . . ) D . . 

Jean Simmons, Rory Calhoun, Stephen .McNaUy 

OColne Mutiny, The D. 

lliiniplirey B.>i;arl. Van Johnson, Jose Ferrer 

Fother Brown CD. . 

Ai^-c Giilnnt-^s. Joan Greenwood 

©Fire Over Africa D . . 

Maurt'cn (I'llara. .M.irdonald Carey 

?ioLong Grey Line, The D.. 

jr'tnc I'owrr. Maureen U'llara 

^Moln Event D. . 

Broiletlrk (•m.fnrd Roberta HaypM 

On the Woterfront ( . . ) D. 

Marlon Brando, Karl Maiden, Eva Marie Saint 

©They Rode West D.. 

n.rbiri Friinrij, I iia Reed, PhU Carey 

©T^Three for the Show M.. 

Bettv nriible. Jack I.emmon 

Deadly Gome, The D. .5402 

l.loyd RrlclKrs, FIrilay Currle 

Rocc for Life, A D. .5403 

KIrliard Cimip, Marl Aldon 

Thunder Pass (. .) W. .5404 

Dane Clark, Wanda Hendrlx, Andy Devlne 

©ciAtheno M . 

j 

Jane Poueli. Vic Damone, Debbie Reynold! I 

©Beau Brummell D. . 

Elizabeth Taylor, Stewart Granger 

©Betrayed D . . 428 

Lann Turner. Clark Gable. Victor Mature 

©oBrigodoon MD. .430. . 

Gene Kelij. Van Johnson, Cyd Cbarlsse 

Crest of »ho Wove D . . 

Gene Kelly. John Justin, Jeff Richards 

©oGreen Fire (. .) D. 

Stewart Granger, Grace Kelly 

©Her Twelve Men CD. .429 

Greer Garson. Robert Ryan 

©Invitation to the Dance M. , 11 

Gene Kelly. Beli'a. T.imari Tonmanova || 

©Lost Time I Sow Porls, The. . . II 

Elizahclh Taylor. Van -lohn'on Donna Reed |1 

©oSoven Brides for Seven Brothers. .M I

. 

. 

, 

. 

. 

. 

.. 

FEATURE 

CHART 

PARAMOUNT 

©Wor o* the Worlds, The (85). D.. 5303 

Gene Barry. Anna lioblnson, Les Tremayne 

LItfle Boy Lost (95) D . . 5304 

Bine Crosby, Oaiide Dauphin, Nicole Maurey 

Q-^Those Redheads From Seottle 

" (90) M..5305 

Rhonda Fleming, Guy Mitchell, Teresa Brewer 

RKO RADIO 

SE ©Appointment in Honduras 

(80) D..406 

Ann Sheridan, Glenn Ford, Zachary Scott 

©'yUouisiono Territory (65) . . . Doc. SD .405 

Val Winter, Leo Zlnser, Julian Meister 

m Marry Me Again (73) C. .404 

Marie Wilson, Robert Cummings, Jess Barker 

REPUBLIC 

20TH CENTURY-FOX 

WQoRobe, The (135) D. .335 

Victor Mature, Richard Burton, Jean Simmons 

(Prerelease) 

Thy Neighbor's Wife (77) D..333 

Hugo Haas, Qeo Moora, Ken Carlton 

Vieki (85) D. .334 

Jeanne Grain, Casey Adams, Jean Peters 

a. —^- 

O 

o 

o00 

©Botony Boy (94) D. .5307 

Alan Ladd. James Mason, Fatrleia Medina 

©^Flight to Tangier (90) D. .5306 

Joan Fontaine, Jack Balance, Corlnne Calvet 

H ©Decameron Nights (87) CD. .461 

Joan Fontaine, Louis Jourdaii, BInnle Barnes 

^©How to Marry a Mlllionoire 

(95) CD. .336 

Betty Grable, Marilyn Monre, Lauren Bacall 

©Inferno (83) (2-D) SW..346 

Rhonda Fleming, W. Lundlgan, Robert Ryan 

O < 

©Here Come the Girls (78) M. .5309 

Bob Hope, Arlene Dahl, Ton; Martin 

EH Red River Shore (54) W. . 

Rex Allen, SUm Pickens, Lyn Thomas 

SI Champ for a Day (90) CD. .5211 

Alex NicoL Audrey Totter, Charles fflnninger 

©Beneath the 12-Mlle Reef 

(102) ; D..337 

Robert Wagner, Terry Moore, Gilbert Roland O 

Mon Croiy (79) D..339 r-> 

m 

Neville Brand, Christine White, Coleen Miller 

Man in the Attic (82) D. .340 

Jack Palance, Constance Smith, Byron Palmer 03 

m 

TO 

lyCeose Firel (75) Doc. .5308 

Korea Documentary 

Forever Femole (93) C. .5226 

Ginger Rogers, William Holden, Paul Douglas 

©Jivoro (92) D. .5311 

Fernando Lamas, Ehond& Fleming, Brian Keltb 

i 

Killers From Space (71) D. .409 

Peter Graves, Barbara Bestar, James Seay 

m Trent's Last Cose (90) D..52I2 

Michael Wilding, Margaret L,ockwood, 0. Welles 

©King of the Khyber Rifles 

(99) D..401 

Tyrone Power, Terry Moore, Michael Rennle 

©Three Young Texans (80). . . .D. .402 

Mltzi Gaynor, Jetf Hunter, Keete Brasselle 

> 

TO 

< 

Aloska Seos (78) 

D..5313 

Robert Ryan, Jan Sterling, Brian Keith 

©i^Money From Home (100). .C. .5310 

Dean Martin, Jerry LevTls, Pat Crowley 

©Nolced Jungle, The (93) D..5315 

Charlton Heston, Eleanor Parker, W. Conrad 

©Red Garters (90) M..5314 

Rosemary Clooney, Jack Carson, Guy Mitchell 

U ©^French Line, The (102) M..407 

Jane Russell, Gilbert Roland. J. Mckenzie 

UShe Couldn't Soy No (89) C..408 

Jean Simmons, Robert Mltchum, A. Hunnlcutt 

P ©Rob Roy, the Highland Rogue 

(84) D..494 

Richard Todd, Glynls Johns, Flnlay Currle 

[E ©>yDangerous Mission (75) D. .410 

Victor ilature. Piper Laurie, William Bendlx 

E Seo of Lost Ships (85) D. .5213 

John Derek, Wanda Hendrlx, Walter Brennan 

m Phantom Stallion (54) W. .5331 

Rex Allen, Carta Balenda, Slim Pickens 

ElCrarylegs (88) D..5224 

Lloyd Nolan, Joan Vobs, Elroy Hirscb 

B Flight Nurse (90) D. .5301 

Joan Leslie, Forrest Tucker, Jeff Donnell 

©Hell and High Woter (103). .D. .403 

Richard Wldmark, Bella Darvl, David Wayne 

©Miss Robin Crusoe (75) D. .338 

Amanda Blake, George Nader, Rosalind Hayes 

©New Foces (98) M..409 

Eartha Kltt, Ronny Graham, Robert Clary 

©Night People (93) D . . 407 

Gregory Peck, Broderick Crawford, A. Bjork 

©Racing Blood (76) D. .410 

Bill Williams. Jean Porter, Jimmy Boyd 

03 

c: 

> 

TO 

-< 

©Casanova's Big Night (85). . .C. .5316 

Bob Hope, Joan Fontaine, Basil Rathbone 

HI Saint's Girl Friday, The (68) D. .41) 

Louis Hayward, Naomi Chance, Sidney Tafler 

m ©Carnival Story, The (95) D. .412 

Anne Baxter, Steve Cochran, Lyle Bettger 

Q] Geraldine (90) CD. .5302 

Mala Powers, John Carroll. Kristine Miller 

51 Untamed Heiress, The (70) C. .5325 

Judy Canova, Donald "Bed" Barry 

©Prince Valiant (100) D. .411 

Robert Wagner, Janet Leljh, James Mason 

Rocket Mon, The (80) D. .412 

Charles Coburn, Spring Bylngton, G, Winsiow 

©Siege at Red River, The 

(86) D..404 

Van Johnson, Joanne Dru, Richard Boone 

BlTobor the Great (. .) D. 

Charles Drake, Karln Booth, Arthur Shields 

SI ©Jubilee Troil (103) W. .5303 

Vera Ralston, Forrest Tucker, Joan I,eslle 

©lyGorillo at Lorge (83) D..406 

Anne Bancroft, Cameron Mitchell, Lee J. Cobb 

©River of No Return (90) D..405 

Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mltchum, B- Calhoun 

>-< 

©Elephant Wolk (103) AD.. 5317 

Ellziibeth laylor. Dana Andrews. Peter Finch 

©Secret of the Ineos (101 )... D. .5318 

CbarltoD Heston, Robert Young, Yma Sumac 

m ©Silver Lode, The (80) SW . 

John Payne, Liziibeth Scott, Dan Duryea 

Sins of Rome (..) D. 

Ludmilla Tcherlna, Massimo Glrotti 

a 

Hell's Half Acre (91) D. .5304 

Wendell Corey, Evelyn Keyes, G. Lanchester 

©Princess of the Nile (. .) D. .414 

Debra Paget, Jeffrey Hunter, Dona Drake 

©Three Coins in the Fountoin 

(101) D..413 

Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGulre, Jean Peters c: 

©Knock on Wood (103) MC. .531 

Danny Kave. Mai Zetierling, David Burns 

©Living It Up (95) C. 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Janet Leigh 

(4] ©Suson Slept Here ( . . ) C . . 

Dick Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Olenda Farrell 

dl ©Laughing Anne (91) D..5305 

Wendell Corey, Margaret Locknood, F. Tucker 

(Special prerelease) 

©Gordon of Evil ( . . ) D . 

Susan Hayward, Gary Cooper, R. Wldmark 

. . . .D. . 

About Mrs. Leslie D . . 

Shirley Booth, linhrrl Ryan, Alex NIcol 

©Bridges at Toko-Ri, The 

Willliini llolden, Freililc March, Mickey Rooney 

©Conquest of Spoce AD. . 

Waliei Brooke, William Rcdtleld. G, Johnson 

©Mombo D . 

Sllvana .Mangano, Shelley Wlnterr, V. Gassman 

©Rear Window D . 

J.imes Stewart. Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter 

Sobrino CD . . 

Hiimphrcv Bopart, Auflrpv Hepburn. W, Holdeo 

©Strategic Air Command (. .). .D. . 

James Stewart, June Ailyson 

©Three-Ring Circus C. . 

Dean Miiriln, Jerry Lewis, Zsa Zsa Gsbor 

©Ulysses D . 

Kirk lidiigla.^, gilvana Mangano. A, Qulnn 

©White Christmas M. . 

Blng Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rasemary Clooney 

Americano, The D . . 

Glenn Ford. Cesar Romero, Ursula Thelss 

©Big Rainbow, The D . . 

Jane liiissell. Uilliert Roland, Richard Esan 

©Conqueror, The ( . . ) D 

John Wayne, Susan Hayward, Pedro Armendarlz 

Heavy Water Doc . . 

©Jet Pilot (119) D..229 

John Wayne, Jane! Leigh, J. C. Fllppen 

©lySon of Sinbod AD. . 

I),ilf Robertson, Sally Forrest, UU St. Cyr 

©This Is My Love D. . 

Linda Darnell, Dan Durvea. Faith Domergue 

©Where the Wind Diss D. . 

Cornel Wilde, Yvonne DcCarlo, Lon Cbaney 

©Johnny Guitor (110) W. .5307 

Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden. Scott Brady 

Moke Hoste to Live (90) D. .5306 

Dorotliy McGulre, Stephen McNally, P. Hem 

Mighty Melvin, The CD. 

Mickey Rooney 

©Outcast, The D. . 

John Derek, Juan Evans, Harry Carey it. 

Shonghol Story D . . 

Ertmond O'Brien, Ruth Roman, Whit BlsseU 

©Trouble in the Glen D.. 

JIargaret Lockwood, F. Tucker, V. McLiglen 

©Adventures of Ha||i Boba, 

The 

D.. 

John Derek, BHaine Stewart, Thomas Gomea 

©Broken Lonce D . . 

Spencer Tracy. Jean Peters, Richard Wldmark 

©Demetrius ond the 

Gladiators AD. . 

Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, M, Rennle 

©Egyptlon, The D. . 

Edmund Purdom, Gene TIerney, Jean Simmons 

©Gambler From Notchei, The..D.. 

Thomas Gomez, Ke\in McCarthy 

Motter of Life and Dcoth, A. . . .D. . 

Rlcardo Montalban, Anne Bancroft, J, Marrln 

©Rold, The D. . 

Van llefiln. Anne Bancroft 

©Woman's World D . 

ClittoD Webb, June Ailyson, Cornel Wilde 

O

. 

2- 

FEATURE 

CHART 

. 

4 

. 

^ 

o 

> 

O 

UNITED 

ARTISTS 

gJMon In Hiding (79) D. .5330 

Puul Ilcnreid. Lois tIaiwcU, Hutb SlncUlr 

H Steel Lody, The (84) D. .5331 

Hod CamiTon. Tab Uunter, John DehDer 

SSDrogon'j Gold (70) D. .5332 

John Archer. Hillary Brooke, Noel Cratilh 

QVilloge, The (98) D. .5333 

John Justin, Eii Uahlbcck, Blgfrlt Stelner 

[5] Stronger on the Prowl (82). . .D. .5335 

I'aul .Muni. Joan Lorrlng, Vlttorlo UinunU 

SGShoik River (80) D..5336 

Sieve Cochran, Carole Mattheire, W. Btevem 

J3 QCaptoln John Smith and 

Pocohontos (76) D. .5337 

Anthony Dcitcr, Jody LawranM, Alan Hale ]r. 

EÔSong of the Land (71) Doc. .5338 

S) Yesterday and Todoy (57). .Doc. .5344 

^ George iaiti 

>- 

< 

3 

>- 

Of 

< 

ca 

CO 

Of 

< 

a. 

< 

>- 

< 

O 

z 

S 

o 

iCoptoln's Paradise, The (77). .C. .5339 

Alee Qulmuxs, Tionne DeCulo, Cella Jotnaoo 

m OGreot Gilbert and Sullivan, Th« 

(112) M..5341 

Maurice Evans, Robert Morley, B. Heclle 

m WIclted Woman (77) D.. 5345 

BcTcrl; Michaels, Rlcbard Egaa, P. Helton 

@Go, Man, Go! (82) D. .5403 

U.ine Clark, llarlem Globetrotters, Pat Breelln 

H ©Conquest of Everest (78). .Doc. .5401 

lIiini-HIIIary Gspedltlon 

15 ©Riders to the Stors (81). .. .D. .5346 

CBeochheod (89) D. .5408 

Tony Oirlls. Mary Murphy. Frank Loteloy 

Man Between, The (99) D. .5340 

James Ma.sun, Claire Bloom, Hlldegarde Ncff 

OOverlond Pacific (73) W. .5410 

Jack .Mahoney. PcgBle Castle. A. Jergens 

Personal Affair (82) D . . 5402 

Gene Tlerney, Leo Geim, Qlynlj Johns 

©Top Bonono (100) M. .5409 

Phil Silvers. Kose Marie, Danny Scholl 

Act of Love (105) D. .5406 

Kirk l)oijgla.^Southwest Passage (82) D. .5415 

Hod Cameron, Joanne Dru, John Ireland 

Queen's Royol Tour, A (84). .Doc. .5413 

Witness to Murder (83) D. .5420 

B.Trhara Stanwyck, Gary Merrill, G. Banders 

GCoptoln Kidd and the Slave 

Girl (..) D.. 

Eva Gabor. Anthony Dexter. Alan Hals Jr. 

i OYellow Tomahawk, The (82) . . D . 54 1 

Hory Calhoun, Peggie Castle, Noah Beery 

jLong Walt, The (93) D. .5421 

Anthony Qulnn, Charles Cobum, Gene Erans 

OAdvcntures of Robinson 

Crusoe (90) D. . 

Dan O'Herllhy. James Pemiandez 

Malta Story, The (103) D.. 

Alec QuinnesB, Jack Hawkins, Flora Bobson 

OApoche D . 

Burl Lancaster, Jean Peters 

OBorefoot Contessa, The D. . 

(lumphrey Bogart, Aia Gardner, . O'Brien 

OGog D. . 

KIchard Ecan, Constance Dovllng, H. Marshall 

OCrossed Swords D. . 

ITrrol Kl>"nn, Gtna LoUobrlglda 

^Diamond, The D. . 

Dennis O'Keefe, Margaret Rbeiidan 

OKhyber Patrol D. . 

KIchard Rân, Daun Addsjns 

QMon With o Million (90) D. . 

Gregory Peck, Jane Urimths, A. . UatUian 

Othello D. . 

Orion Welles, Rusanne Coutler, Par ComDtsD 

OoSlttlng Bull D 

Hale ReberUoo. J. Carrol Ntlsh 

. 

UNIVERSAL-INT'L. 

] OTitfield Thunderbolt, The 

(84) C..387 

Stanley Ilolloway, George Halpb, Naunton Wayne 

GEost of Sumotro (82) D..334 

Jeff Qiandler. Marilyn Maxwell, A. Qulnn 

The All American (83) D. .333 

Tony Curtis, Lori Nelson, Mamie Van Doren 

e Gloss Web, The (81) D. .401 

Ednard G. Kobln.'ion, John Forsythe, K. Hughes 

GBock to God's Country (78).. D.. 403 

Rock Hudson, Steve Cochran, M. Henderson 

OVeils of Bagdad (82) D. .404 

Victor Mature, Marl Blanchard, Quy BoUe 

OTumbleweed (80) SW..405 

Audle Murphy. Lorl Nelson, Chill Wills 

©Walking My Boby Back 

Home (95) 

M..406 

Donald O'Connor, Janet I/elgb, B. Hackett 

Project M-7 (86) D. .483 

Phyllis Calvert, James Donald, Bobert Beatty 

©Border River (81) W. .409 

Joel McCrea, Yvonne DeCarlo. P. Armendaris 

Both Sides of the Law (94) D.. 

Anne Crawford, Terence Morgan, Peggy Cummins 

Forbidden (85) D. .407 

Tony Curtis, Joanne Dru, Lyle Bettgw 

©War Arrow (78) 

D..408 

Jeff Chandler, Maureen O'Hua, Bnsan Ball 

UGGIenn Miller Story, The 

(120) MD..412 

James Stewart. June -Mlj-son, George Tobias 

©Ô-oza, Son of Cochise (80).. D. .410 

Kock Hudson, Barbara Bush, Gregg Palmar 

-ln.ih Sheridan, John Oregson, Kay Kendall 

©Ride Clear of Diablo (80) D. .413 

Audle Murphy, Dan Din-yca, Susan Cabot 

©Saskatchewan (88) D. .414 

Alan Ladd, Shelley Winters, J. Carrol Nalsh 

Mo and Pa Kettle ot Home (81). C. .418 

Marjnrle Main. Percy KJlbilde, Alan Mowbray 

©Roils Into Loromie (82) D..419 

John Payne, Marl Blanchard, Dan Duryea 

©Yankee Pasha (84) D. .417 

Jeff Chandler, Bbonda Flemlnf, Lee J. Cobb 

Fireman Save My Child (80) C. .421 

Buddy Hackett, Hugh O'Brlan, Adele Jergens 

Ploygirl (85) D. .420 

Shelley Winters, Barry BuUivan, 0. Palmer 

©Black Horse Canyon (82). . . .D. .423 

Joel McCrea. Marl Blanchard. Murryn Bye 

©Drums Across the River (78).SV«/. .422 

Audle Murphy, Lisa Gays, Walter Brennan 

©Johnny Dark (..) D. .424 

Tony Curtis. Piper Laurie, Ilka Cbue 

©Tanganyika (. .) D. .425 

Van Heflln, Rutb Soman 

©Bengal Rifles . . 434 

Rock Hudson, Arlene Dahl 

©oBlock Shield of Folworth, The D. .430 

Tony Curtis. Janet Leigh 

©Dawn at Socorro D. .431 

Rory Calhoun. Piper Laurls 

©Far Country, The D. . 

James Stewart. Ruth Roman 

Francis Joins the WACs C. .427 

Donald O'Connor. Julia Adams. Zasu Pitta 

Mo ond Pa KcHle Go to Wolklkl C. . 

Marlorle Main, Percy Klllirlde. Lorl Nelson 

©Magnificent Obsession (108) . . D . .428 

Jane Wyraan. Rock Hudson. Otto ICruger 

Ricochet Romance {..) C. . 

Marjorle M iln. Chill Wills, Rudy Valleo 

©cDSign of the Pagan D. . 

Jeff Chandler. Rllt Gam. Jack Palance 

OThls Island Earth (. .) O.. 

Bart Rotwrls, Faith Domergue. Jeff Morrow 

WARNER BROS. 

[3] ©Lion Is in the Streets, A (88). .D. .305 

James Cagney, Barbara Hale, Ann Francis 

« 

m Blowing Wild (90) D. .306 

Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck 

gJWSo Big (101) D..307 

Jane Wyman, Sterling Hayden, Nancy Olson 

B31©Colomlty Jon* (101) M..311 

Doris Day, Howard Keel, AUyn McLerie 

g3 ©Diamond Queen (80) D..302 

Fernando Lamas, Arlene Dahl, Gilbert Boland 

9 ©Thunder Over the Plain* 

(82) SW..313 

Randolph Scott, Phillis ICh-k, Lex Barker 

) ©Three SolloN and a Girl (95). .M. .314 

Jane PoKell, Gordon MacRae, Gene Nelson 

D..3I2 

John Wayne, Oeraldlne Page, Ward Bond 

laO^Hondo (83) 

!©Hls Majesty O'Keefe (88) D. .315 

Burt Lancaster, Joun Ulea, Andre Morell 

i ©Eddie Cantor Story, The (116) M. .316 

Keefe Brassells. Marilyn ftsHne, W. Rogers Ir. 

|l©oCommand, The (94) D. .319 

Guy Madison. Joan Wddon, James Whltmore 

] ©Boy From Oklahoma, The 

(88) D..320 

Will Rogers Jr., Naney Olson, Lon Cbaney 

B Crime Wove (74) D. .308 

Sterling Hayden, Gene Nelson, P. Kirk 

IS Duffy of Son Quentin (78) D. .321 

Louis Hayward. Joanne Dru, Paul Kelly 

Si ©^Phantom of the Rue 

Morgue (84) D. .322 

Karl Maiden. Claude Dauphin, P. Medina 

JGRidlng Shotgun (84) W. .323 

Randolph Scott, Joan Weldon, Wayne Morris 

^©oLocky Me (109) M. .324 

Doris Day, Phil Sllters, Bobert Cummings 

!(&^DIol M for Murder (105) D. .327 

Bay MlUond, Grace Kelly, Bobert Cummlngs 

Bl ThemI (94) D . . 328 

James Whltmore, Joan Wcldoo, Bdmund Owenn 

©diBottle Cry D., 

Van Heflln, Aldo Ray, Tab Hunter 

©^Bounty Hunter, The SW. 

Randolph Scott, Marie Windsor 

©Duel In the Jungle D. 

Dana Andrews, Jeanne Craln, Darld Farnr 

©ciHelen of Troy D. . 

Rossana Podesta. Jacques Bemas, C. Hardwicks 

©oHIgh and Mighty, The D. . 

John Wa>7)e, Claire Trevor, Laralne Day 

©inKing Richard and the 

Crusaders 

D.. 

Virginia Mayo, Rex Harrison, Wilton Oraff 

Oi=iLand of the Pharaohs D,. 

Jack Hawkins, Dewey Martin 

©oRIng of Fear D. . 

Pat O'Urlen, Clyds Realty, Ulekey BpUlana 

©castor Is Bom, A M . 

Judy Garland, Jamee Uasoo. Amanda Blaks 

MISCELLANEOUS 

i 

ASTOR 

Girl on the Run (63) D.. 12-153! 

Richard Coogan, Rosemary Pettlt 

Turn the Key Softly (81).. D.. I-I54 

Yvonne Mitchell, Terence Morgan, G. Ksco 

FILMAKERS RELEASING ORG. 

' 

! 

Bigamist, The (80) 

D. .12-233 

Egypt by Three (76) D..11. Ij' 

Ida Lu|)lno, Joan Fontaine, Edmund O'Brle 

Ann Stanville, Jackie Craven 

Monte Corlo Baby (69) C..11- 13 

Audrey Hepburn, Jules Munsbln 

. 

, 

I.F.E. 

(.American Dialog) 

©Golden Coach, The (105). .D. .Jon. t 

Anna Ma;;nanl. Duncan Ijimont, I'aul Campl 

Greatest Love, The ( 11 6) . . D . Dec. i . 

Ingrld Bergman, Alexander Knox. T. Pellal 

Lure of the Silo (75) D..Dec.) 

Silvana Mangano, Vlttorlo Gassmon, A. Nail 

Sensuolito (94) D..Apr. I 

Eleoiiora Rossi Drago. Amedeo Naxzari 

White Hell of Pitx Polu (75) AD. Nov.) 

Hans .Ubcrs, Uselotte Pulver, H. Gretler ' 

Young Caruso, The (85) . . .D. .Oct.). 

. 

Glna Lollobrlglda, Marin Del Monaco - 

REISSUES 

ASTOR 

Bogus BandiH (88) C. . 2- II 

Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy 

Heroes of the Regiment 

(80) C. . 1 

Stan Laurel. Oliver Hardy 

Movie Struck (68) C. 2- 1 

Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy 

COLUMBIA 

Singin' in the Corn (64). . . .M. .Jan.-lj 

'• 

Judy Canova, Allen Jenkins 

RKO RADIO 

Badmon's Territory (98) 

. . . . D. .May-. 

Randolph Scott 

Best Years of Our Lives, The I 

(172) D..Feb.-l] 

Mvrna Loy. Fredrlc March, Dana Andrews 

Enchanted Cottage, The (91) D. Mar.-l 

Dorothy McGiilre, Robert Young 

Mr. Blondings Builds His 

Dream House (94) C.Apr.i 

Cary Grant. Myrna I.K>y, M. Douglas 

OPinocchio (87) Cartoon. .Apr.-. 

(Cartoon Feature) 

Rachel and the Stranger 

(93) D..Feb.-i 

Loretta Young, William Holden, R. MItchun 

Spanish Main, The (100) D..Moy- 

Paul Henreid, Maureen O'Hara 

Toll in the Soddle (87) W Mor- 

John WasTie, Bila Raines 

They Won't Believe Me 

(95) D..Apr.- 

Susan Hayward. Robert Young, Jane GrHi 

Thing, The (87) D. Jun.- 

James Amess, Margaret Sheridan 

Volley of the Sun (79) D. .Feb.- 

Lucille Ball, James Craig, Dean Jaggsr 

REALART 

Flying CodeH (60) D.. 1-6- 

WUllam Oargan, Andy Devlne 

Flying Hostess (64) D. . 1- «- 

Judith Barrett. William Hall 

Frozen Ghost, The (61) D.. 1-13- 

I,on Chaney, EveUTi Ankers 

Terror House (60) -D.. 1-13- 

Boris Karloff. Warren Hull 

20th CENTURY-FOX 

Cry of the City (95) 

J 

D..Mar.-i. 

Victor Mature, Shelley Winters, R. Conts 

Follen Angel (97) D..Nov.- 

Allce Fay. Dana Andrews. Unda Darnell 

©Forever Amber (140) D..Nov.- 

Llnda Darnell. Cornel WUde. George Sanders 

Keys of the Kingdom, The 

(137) D..Jarv- 

Oregory Peck 

Orchestra Wives (98) M..M0Y- 

Glenn Miller t Orch., George Montgomery 

Riders of the Purple Sage 

(56) D. .Mor.-: 

George Montgomery. Mary Howard 

Scuddo Hoo-Scuddo Hoy (95) D. .Mor.-i 

June Haver. Walter Brennan. L. McCalllsler 

Street With No Nome (91). .D. .Mor.-: 

Richard Wldmark. I.litvd Nolan 

Sun Valley Screnode (86). .M. .Moy-! 

Sonja Hetde. John Payne, Glenn Miller Orch., 


Algiers (77) D. . 

1-25-.' 

Hedy LaMarr. Charles Boyer. Slgrld Gurle 


Egg and I, The (..) C.July-! 

Clamlelte Colbert, Fred MacMurray, M. M.lln 

WARNER BROS. 

Girl for Joe, A (formerly No 

Time for Comedy) (lOO).C. . 

5-15-! 

James Stewart, Rosalind Busscll 

Public Enemy (83) D. . 2-6-1 

James C.igney. Jean Harlow, Joan Blondell 

Little Coesor (80) D.. 2-6-1 

Edward 0. Robinson. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. 

.

' 

6140 

: 

6405Spooi» f 

,. , „ -(-U- 7 

SERIALS 

S-55S Do Someone a Favor 

Now) (7) 7406 Tournament of Roses 

12"J'S 

^^^ ^ ^ 

4- S 

Jungle Raiders (reissue) . 12-31-53 

(9) 4-10-54 + 5- B 44.102 Rugged Bear (6) 10-23-53 

4-17 

IS Chapters 

S-559 Out for Fun (10) 5- 8-54 

44.103 Working for Peanuts 

7407 The'''^N«w' Venezuela ' 

(io) • 

"^'-54 + 

S-560Safo at Home (8) 6-12-54 

.U-13-53 

7408 Haydn's Farewell 

4-17 

6160 Gunfighters of the 

.12- 4-53 + 1-30 

Symphony (9) •• •,!,:•""• 21 ^ 

44.104 How to Sleep (7) . 

Northwest 4-15-54 -f 4-24 

44.105 Canvas Back Duck 

7415 Roger Wagner Chorale (S)-*»;--52 

15 Chapters 

..12-25-53 -j- 1-23 7416 New Horizon, (10) 

(7) 

Paramount 

. . 

1-15-54 4- 1-16 7409 A Day on a Jet Aircraft 

STOOGE COMEDIES 

44.106 Spare the Rod (7) 

. . 3- 5-54 

6402 Bubble Trouble (ISj/,) . .10- 8-53 + 10-31 

-H- 5-15 

Carrier (.) ...Apr.-M 

44.107 Donald's Diary (7) 

7410 Multiple Piano Concerto 

6403 Goof on the Roof 

44.108 The Lone Chipmunks 

^^^_^ 

„ ^, ,, 

4- 7-54 5-22 

aS'/i) 12- 3-53 

(7) 

-H- 

7411 Stunt Pilot' '( . . ) • • Kx/-5i 

6404 Income Tax Sappy 

44.109 Dragon Around (7).-- 

7412 Stephen Foster "'"IW 

j^,.5< 

(I6I/2) 2- 4-54 ± 2-27 

44.110 Grin and Bear It (7) 

44 111 The Social Error (7) 

44^112 Chips Ahoy (7) 

' 

• 

DISNEY MARQUEE MUSICALS 

; IVr, « t ^ 

7413 Valley of the Nile ) '( •^""•-5^ 

SEE rr HAPPEN 

6304 Impact of Tragedy (10) .0ct.-53 + 11- 7 

. . 

44.001 Two for the Record 

4-23-54 So5 Calamity Strikes (9). .No«-53 f U- 7 

. . 

-. 

(S) 6306 Focus on Fate (10) .Dec.-53 1-23 

. -tt 

. 

44.002 Johnny Fedora and Alice 

.Apr.-54 

55-21-54 

6-15-54 

44.005 Little Toot (9) 8-13-54 

. . . . . . 

Blue Bonnet (8) 

44.003 The Martins and the 

Coys (8) 

44.004 Casey at the Bat (9) 

(16), 2-0 

Version 3-18-54 

6406 Pardon My Bacl(fire (16) 4-15-54 

6407 Musty Muslccteers (16).. 5-13-54 

640SPals and Gals (17).... 6- 3-54 

THRILLS OF MUSIC 

(Reissues) 

6952 Boyd Raeburn & Orch. 

(11) 11-26-53 

6953 Claude Thornhill & Orch. 

(11) 12-24-53 

6954 Machito & Orch (lOi^) 2- 4-54 

6955 Charlie Barnet & Orch. 

(IOI/2) 4- 1-54 

6956Skitch Henderson & Orch. 

(10) 6- 3-54 

TOPNOTCHERS 

6901 Canine Crimebusters (10) 4-15-54 

6902 Push Back the Edge 

i 

(10) 5-27-54 

I 

UPA CARTOON SPECIAL 

The Tell Tale Heart (8). 12-17-53 + 10-24 

Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating H«»'d 

CARTOON CHAMPIONS 

S13-1 The Wee Men (10) 10- 2-53 

S13-2The Enchanted Square 

(10) 10-2-53 

S13-3 Cheese Burglar (7) 10- 2-53 

S13-4 The Stupidstitious 

Cat (7) 10- 2-53 

S13-5 Much Ado About Mutton 

(8) 10- 2-53 

S13-6 Naughty But Mice (7). 10- 2-53 

CASPER CARTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

BI3-ID0 or Diet (7) 10-16-53 -|- 10-31 

B13-2 Boos and Saddles (7) . 

.12-25-53 -4-1-9 

2-13 

B13-3B0O Moon (3-0) (8).. 1- 1-54 -(- 

B13-3 Boo Moon (8), 2-D 

version 3- 5-54 

B13-4Zero the Hero (7) 3-26-54 + 

B13-5 Casper Genii (7) 5-2S-54 -f 

CALLING SCOTLAND YARD 

(English-made) 

5351 Javanese Dagger (27) Mar.-54 -t- 

5352 Falstaff's Fur Coat (27).Mar.-54 + 

5353 The Missing Passenger 

(27) Har.-54 + 

5354 The Final Twist (27) Apr.-54 + 

5- 8 

5-15 

4- 3 

4-10 

4-10 

4- 3 

44.006 Once Upon a Wintertime 

9-1/-D4 

(9) 

EDGAR KENNEDY 

(Reissues) 

43.504 Motor Maniacs (18) .9-18-53 

. 

43.505 Do or Diet (18) 10- 2-53 

43.506 Heading for Trouble 

(IS) 

10-16-53 

LEON ERROL COMEDIES 

(Reissues) 

43,705 It Shouldn't Happen 

to a Dog (18) 9-25-53 

„ 

6401 Accent on Courage (9) 

SPORTS 

3304 Unusual Sports (9) . ... . 

.0cL-S3 -|- 12- S 

3305 Laurentian SporU Holiday ^^_^^ + u- 7 

3306 The^Gol'den' Glover ' (9) . . . 

Dec-53 + 1-30 

3401 Touchdown Trophies (8)..Apr.-&4 

TERRYTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

^^ ^r'nêt' fir'^-- .sept-53 + 10-10 

^^^'""^'„lsrMt«%....S.Pt-53±10-Sl 

5321 Terry Bears in Uie Reluctant 

• ""^t--^ -(- 11-14 

Pup (7) 

5322 Dimwit in How to Keep 

Cool (7) 

.Oct-53 11- 7 

-t- 

BOXOFHCE BookinGuide 

: : May 29, 1954

: .04 

' 

. 

SHORTS CHART 

5323 Dinky in th< TImM 

Scarecrow (7) M9I.-S3 + U-14 

5324 Tht Talking Magpies 

in Log Rollers (7) Hov.-53 + U-14 

5325 Migbty Mouse in Spare 

the Rod (7) D«e.-53 + 12- 5 

5326 Terry Beari In Growing 

P»ins (7) Dec-53 + U-21 

5401 Little Roquefort In Runaway 

Mouse (7) Jan.-54 

5402 Dimwit in How to Relax 

(7) Jan.-54 

5406 Much Ado About Nothing 

(7) (reissue) Feb.-54 

5407 Mighty Mouse in the Helcleis 

Hippo (7) Mar.-54 + 

5408 Terry Bears in Pet Problems 

3-20 

(7) Mar.-54 -f 3-27 

5409 The Frofl and the Princess 

(7) (reissue) Mar.-54 

5410 Little Roquefort in Prescription 

for Percy (7) Apr.-54 + 4-3 

5411 The Talking Magpies in 

Satisfied Customers (7). Apr. -54 

5412 Mighty Mouse in the Wreck of the 

Hesperus (7) (reissue) .Apr.-54 


Prod. No. Title Rel Date Rating Rev'd 

COLOR PARADE 

8384 Three Years to Victory 

(6) ..10-19-53+ 1-23 

1953-54 SEASON 

9381 Go South Amigos (9) . . 2- g-54 + 2-13 

93S2 Royal Mid- Ocean Voyage 

(9) 3- 1-54 3-20 

9383 Rolling in Style (9) . . . 4-12-54 + 5-22 

938J Fair Today (..) 5-10-54 

EARTH AND ITS PEOPLES 

8372 Mountain Farmers (20). 9- 3-53 # 10-31 

8373 Adobe Village (19) 10- 5-53 ++ 11-14 

MUSICAL FEATURETTE 

8310 Fabulous Oorseys (16) . .10-29-53 1-16 


8309 Camp Jaboree (18) 10- 8-53 -f 

+ 

11-21 

9101 Carnival in April (18) 

(3-0) 11-12-53 -f 

9301 Camr.al in April (18) . .11-12-53 

. 9-24-53 +f 11-14 

11-16-53 + 

(Technicolor) 

1-23 

1501 Royal Mounties (10) 9-19-53 ++ U- 7 

9302 

1502 

David 

Sea 

Rose 

Sports of 

and His 

Tahiti 

Orchestra 

(15'/2) 

(10) 

12-24-53 

10-24-53 4+ 1-30 

-I- U-14 

9303 Hawaiian Nights (17) . . . 1-22-54 

9304 Jimmy Wakely's 

+ 

1504 Arabians in the Rockies 

2-13 

Jamboree 

(10) 12-12-53 -I- U-14 

(I51/2) 1503 

2-26-54 

Born to Ski 

+ 3- 

(10) 1-16-54 -I- 

6 

2-13 

9305 Rhythm and Rhyme (15) 4-23-54 — 1505 When Fish Fight 

4-10 

(10) . . 2-20-54 -(-5-8 

SPECIALS 

9201 Perils of the Forest (17) 2-14-54 ± 3- 6 

VARIETY VIEWS 

8345 Bolivar Bonanza (9) 9- 7-53 + 10-24 

(9). 

8346 Behind the Wall (10) . 


9341 Byways to Broadway 

U-21 

1-30 

9342 Bow River Valley (9) . . 1- 4-54 

9343 Brooklyn Goes to Chicago 

(9'/2) 2-22-54 + 2-13 

9344 Moving Through Space 

(9) 4-12-54 ± 5-22 

WALTER LANTZ CARTUNES 

(Technicolor) 

8330 Belle Boys (6) 9-14-53 -|- 10-24 

8331 Maw and Paw in Plywood 

Panic (6) 9-28-53 

8332 Hot Noon (6) 10-12-53 


9321 Chilly Vlfilly (6) 12-21-53 

9322 Socko In Morocco (6)... 1-19-54 

9823 A Horse's Tale (6).... 2-15-54 

9324 Alley in Bali (6) 3-15-54 

9325 Under the Counter Spy 

(6) 4-10-54 

9326 Dig That Dog

— 

Dpinions on Current Productions; Exploitips 

tslirruiiijMJ£iUi) 

(FOR STORY SYNOPSIS ON EACH PICTURE, SEE REVERSE SIDE) 

The High and fhe 

MighfyF ^î ,,,„,„J::Z..^,^,,„, 

Warner Bros (329) 153 Minutes Rel. July 3, '54 

Let the customers name whatever emotions—from humor to 

tragedy—they most relish in their screen fare, and this masleriuUy 

made Wayne-Fellows production is dependable to 

supply it in highly satisfactory quality and quantity. That's 

because each delineation in the wide gamut of human behavior, 

soul-searching and character analyses, is entrusted to 

a competent trouper whose respective talents are ideally 

suited to individual interpretations. In toto, those actors constitute 

a cast, headed by the marquee-mighty John Wayne, 

that—bolstered by such surefire attractions as CinemaScope 

and WornerColor—should establish the feature among the 

year's most popular and profitable. Faithful to the popular 

novel by Ernest K. Gann, who wrote the solid screenplay, 

the offering succeeds in attaining a surprising amount of 

suspense and excitement. Directed by William A. Wellman. 

John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Laraine Day, Robert Stack, Jon 

Sterling, Phil Harris, Robert Newton, David Brian, Paul Kelly. 

Hei/ Below Zero F ^ .J.Zor) 

Columbia (649) 90 Minutes Rel. July '54 

From the same producer-star combination that recently 

delivered the popular and profitable "Paratrooper" comes 

now another action-studded import, filmed for the most part 

in the Antarctic and well-endowed with ingredients to make 

its exhibition destiny a prosperous one in virtually all 

situations. 

A product of Warwick Pictures—headed by Irving 

Allen and A. R. Broccoli—it presents Alan Ladd in a typically 

virile and two-fisted role, and is on adept blend of proven 

British and American screen techniques. Authentic glimpses 

of a whaling fleet at work, through which is interwoven a 

fast-paced dramatic script—all of it ably photographed in 

Technicolor—are other plus values that will be of material 

assistance in the drafting of revenue-assuring exploitation. 

The supporting cast, composed entirely of British players, is 

expectedly competent, with a special nod toward Ladd's 

leading lady, Joan Tetzel. Directed by Mark Robson. 

Alan Ladd, loan Tetzel, Basil Sydney, Stanley Baker, Joseph 

Tomelty, Niall MacGinnis, Jill Bennett. 

Ratio: Adventure Drama 

Captain Kidd and the Slave Girl F Ti 1.85-1 (Color Corp.) 

United Artists (5418) 83 Minutes Rel. May '54 

Swashbuckling action-adventure fare, in the popular vein 

of the old Douglas Fairbanks pictures, this should do strong 

business in action houses and satisfy as a supporting dualler 

generally. Anthony Dexter, who starred as "Valentino" in 

1951, makes a romantic, youthful-appearing Captain Kidd a 

,^.^ less convincing portrayal than an older player would hove 

J given—while the glamorous Eva Gabor, who is better known 

to radio and TV fans, is adequate as the spitfire heroine, but 

she is always lovely to look at. Alan Hale jr., who is amazingly 

like his late father, stands out as Kidd's loyal pal and 

the cast is further peopled with an assortment of pirates, including 

the evil Blackbeard and Anne Bonney, the famous 

woman buccaneer, well played by Sonia Sorrell. The color 

is effective and director Lew Landers gets considerable excitement 

in the climactic fight scenes. Written and produced 

by Aubrey Wisberg and Jack PoUexfen. 

Anthony Dexter, Eva Gabor, Alan Hale jr., James Seay, Richard 

Karlen, Lyle Talbot Sonia Sorrell, Mike Ross. 

Man With a Million 

F Ratio: 

1.33-1 

United Artists ( ) 90 Minutes Rel. 

Comedy 

(Teclinicolor) 

Ronald Neame, directing for the J. Arthur Rank Organization, 

has taken one of the cleverest of all Mark Twain stories, 

and with the aid of a cast of expert British actors, has turned 

it into good light entertainment. It is a treatment of the sort 

of vehicle at which the British often excel, namely, amusing 

situations set against a background of polite society, and it 

is notable for its spoofing characterizations of Englishmen of 

the gaping, "I say, old fellow" type. As such it seems destined 

first of all for art houses, but it has possibilities for run-of-themill 

audiences that aren't all for action. Gregory Peck is good 

as the hero, and his presence lends exploitation value to the 

The British cast, notably Ronald Squire, A. E. Matthews, 

film. 

Reginald Beckwith and Jane Griffiths, perform more than 

capably. The backgrounds ore good. John Byran produced. 

Gregory Peck, Jane Griffiths, Ronald Squire, Joyce GrenlelL 

A. E. MotthevTS, Reginald Beckwith, Wilfrid Hyde White. 

Jungle Man-Eaters F ^\ 

Columbia ( ) 67 Minutes ReL June '54 

That there is a pre-sold market—particularly among juvenile 

movie patrons and out-and-out action addicts—for each 

new chapter in the celluloid adventures of "Jungle Jim" is 

a fact well-established as the result of several season's 

output of entries in the series. This latest contribution to the 

jungle saga has been formulated in strict adherence to the 

standard pattern. As a result it possesses a sufficient measure 

of heroics, villainy and African atmosphere—the last-named 

through interpolation of stock footage—to serve in its prescribed 

category as a lower-half dualer in general situations 

and as a topliner on weekend matinee dates. Exploitationwise 

there is the name of Johnny Weissmuller to work with, as well 

as the syndicated comic strip origin of the films. Producer 

Sam Katzman supplied' Weissmuller with a generally acceptable 

supporting cast and direction by Lee Sholem is satisfactory. 

Johnny Weissmuller, Karin Booth, Richard Stapley, Gregory 

Gay, Bernard Hamilton, Lester Matthews, Paul Thompson. 

The Lonely Night 

Eingsley Int'l 66 Minutes ReL 

Said to be the first authentic documentary film dealing 

with psychotherapy, this has a necessarily limited appeal. 

Even in the art spots, the picture is lacking in name value, 

but the fact that it has been endorsed by the National Ass'n 

of Mental Health should be stressed—mainly to attract doctors 

and class patrons. As written and directed by Irving 

Jacoby, the film is realistic and interest-holding without being 

entertainment in the usual sense. Marian Seldes, stage 

actress now featured in "Ondine" on Broadway, and Val 

Dufour are the only professional players in a small cast 

which includes members of two actual families who give 

remarkably natural performances. Miss Seldes, too, is excellent 

and will stir audiences during her many scenes of 

despair and loneliness. A special musical score composed 

by Mel Powell is in the modern blues vein. Narration is 

by Frank Silvera. 

Marian Seldes, Charles W. Moffett, Vol Dufour, Leonard, 

A 

Betty, Stephen, Katherine and Thomas Shortall. 

til.Nchai^ 

FOD 

Victory at Sea A ^^ 

"""'"''^ 

Geo. J. Schaefer & Son 97 Minutes Rel. 

This is a skillfully edited version for theatres of 30-minute 

films that hove appeared on the NBC television network. 

It is an overpowering compilation of actual battle scenes in 

World War II, with emphasis on the U.S. navy. The treatment 

is chronological and covers the war in the Pacific, Atlantic 

and Mediterranean. All the precision, heroism and horror of 

warfare are seen, extending even to damaged planes crashing 

in flames on carrier decks and closeups of men writhing 

in a last agony. There are warships and merchant vessels 

exploding. Pearl Harbor, the invasion of Guadalcanal, the 

landing at Normandy Beach, Kamikase planes and many 

other highlights. Some of the footage was obtained from the 

Germans and Japanese. Henry Salomon produced for the 

NBC film division with Robert W. Sarnoff as executive producer. 

Narration by Alexander Scourby is effective and background 

music by Richard Rodgers is excellent. 

Featuring the sailors and marines of the U.S. nary. 

Writi 

YOUR REPORT OF THE PICTURE YOU 

HAVE JUST PLAYED FOR THE 

GUIDANCE 

OF FELLOW EXHIBITORS. 

— Right Now 

USE THE BLANK ON REVERSE SIDE 

lust Paste It on a 2c Government Postcard and MaiL 

1586 BOXOFHCE May 29, 1954 1585

. . Created 

FEATURE REVIEWS 

Story Synopsis; Adiines for Newspaper and PrograrS 

THE STORY: "Captain Kidd and the Slave Girl" (UA) 

Captain Kidd (Anthony Dexter) is saved from death on the 

gallows when his pal, Alan Hale jr., is paid by the Earl of 

Bellomont to substitute another man's body. Bellomont wants 

Kidd to return to the island where he has buried his treasure 

and then kill him and keep the treasure for himself. Bellomont 

has his sweetheart, Eva Gabor, take passage on the 

same ship in order to gain Kidd's confidence. The scheme 

in love with Kidd and they land 

falls through when Eva falls 

on the island together. There they find a group of pirates, 

headed by Blackbeord and Anne Bonney and Kidd decides 

to pose as Captain Avery with Eva as his slave. When 

Bellomont's ship arrives, the pirates engage in a furious 

battle, during which both ships ore destroyed in a violent 

explosion. Kidd and Eva leave alone with their treasure. 

CATCHLINES: 

Boldest of the Plundering Privateers Who Stole the Beautiful 

Lady and Made Her His Slave . . . Tony Dexter as the 

Bold Captain Kidd and Luscious Eva Gabor as the Spitfire 

Slave Girl in a Plundering Adventure Tale . . . Sails Unfurled, 

Swords Unsheathed, Love Untamed. 

54 

11 

foi 

pu 

THE STORY: "The High and the Mighty" (WB) 

An airliner takes off from Honolulu on a routine flight to 

San Francisco, carrying a crew of five and 17 passengers. 

Soon the stewardess and the captain, Robert Stack, sense 

that something is wrong. Tension builds up, too, among the 

passengers, but violent quarrels are interrupted when one of 

the plane's engines catches fire. Stack, his co-pilot, John 

Wayne, and the rest of the crew leap into action. A ship's 

radio operator hears the plane's frantic distress calls and relays 

them to San Francisco, from where a coast guard plane 

sets out to the rescue. Meantime Stack, panic-stricken, decides 

to ditch the ship, but Wayne pleads with him to keep 

going. Finally they reach their destination and limp in to 

make a "routfne" landing. 

. . Never 

CATCHLINES: 

Never Before Such a Star-Studded Cast . Before 

Here Is 

Such Thrilling Adventure and Blazing Excitement . . . 

the Miracle of CinemaScope at Its All-Time Best . . . Here Is 

the Motion Picture That Marks a New Milestone in Screen 

History. 

THE STORY: "Man With a MilUon" (UA) 

Two wealthy London brothers draw a note for a million 

pounds from their bank. It is to be used for settling a bet. 

One says it would be useless to any poor but honest man, the 

other that by merely possessing it and never cashing it a man 

could live like a lord. For their experiment they choose 

Henry Adams, a young American penniless in London. He 

outfits himself with new clothing, offers the note in payment, 

and credit is forced on him. The same thing happens in 

expensive restaurants and hotels. Newspapers report there 

is an American millionaire in town, and Henry enters society. 

He falls in love, but worries about being an imposter. Then 

the note is mislaid and creditors assail him. It is found and 

all ends well. 

CATCHLINES: 

Gregory Peck Stars in Hilarious Mark Twain Story . . . See 

Gregory Peck as the Pauper With a Million Pound Note He 

Can't Cash . . . What Would You Do With a Million? What 

Does Gregory Peck Do? . . . Laugh as You Have Seldom 

Laughed Before. 

THE STORY: "Victory at Sea" (Schaefer) 

All is peaceful at Pearl Harbor early in the morning, but 

miles away bombing planes are being launched from Japanese 

carriers. They arrive and there is destruction and 

death. The United States is at war. The Philippines fall, a 

base is set up in Australia and the slow offensive northward 

with the capture of Guadalcanal begins. In the meantime. 

Allied troops capture Sicily and go ashore on Italy after the 

British fleet in a spectacular Mediterranean battle sinks the 

Italian fleet. Merchant vessels go down by the scores under 

German submarine attack. Then, finally, the Normandy Beach 

landing and the assurance of victory. Back to the Pacific. 

The Japanese fleet is sunk, but Kamakase planes pose a 

threat. Finally, victory here, too, with the surrender of the 

Japanese. 

CATCHLINES: 

Actual, Breathtaking Scenes of Gallant American Sailors 

and Marines in Action in World War II . . . Accurate Pictorial 

Record of Heroism and Horror in a World at War . . . They 

Gave Their Lives That We Might Live. 

THE STORY: "Hell Belowr Zero" (Col) 

Alan Ladd, an American adventurer bound for Capetown, 

meets en route Joan Tetzel, daughter of one of the partners 

in an Antarctic whaling company, whose father has been 

reported missing after falling overboard under what Joan 

regards as suspicious circumstances. Ladd is so attracted 

to the girl that he ships out as first mate on an icebreaker 

which is taking Joan and her father's partner, Basil Sydney, 

to the whaling fleet. They reach the fleet and Ladd meets 

Stanley Baker, Sydney's son—once engaged to Joan and 

obviously a cunning and dangerous man. Joan and Ladd 

uncover evidence that Baker killed her father in his unscrupulous 

desire to gain full control of the whaling enterprise. 

In an all-out battle on the icepacks, Ladd fights Baker to 

the death and returns with Joan to the fleet. 

CATCHLINES: 

Thundering Spectacle Sweeps the Trackless Antarctic . . . 

Adventure Charges Across the Ice-Bound Bottom of the 

World . . . It's Alan Ladd crt His All-Time Best ... In the 

Thrill Sensation of the Screen. 

- 7-54 

'"1 

V54 - w: THE STORY: "Jungle Man-Eotors" (Col) 

The authorities ask Jungle Jim (portrayed by Johnny WeissmuUer) 

to assist in rounding up a diamond smuggler threatening 

the stability of the world market. Jim discovers that 

Gregory Gay, ostensibly of the French police, is actually 

the smuggler, who has enlisted the aid of the feared Morros 

tribe in setting fire to a peaceful Zambezi village where 

a diamond mine is located, so that the area will be evacuated 

and Gay can work the mine undisturbed. A further probe 

reveals that the gems are being smuggled out in cages 

ostensibly used for the shipment of wild animals to zoos. 

Captured by Gay, Jim escapes and, in hand-to-hand combat, 

wins out when Gay tumbles from a high cliff. The smuggling 

ring is broken up and peace once again comes to the jungle. 

CATCHLINES: 

Another Thrilling Adventure With Jungle Jim ... in Darkest 

Africa . . . Land of the Hunter and the Hunted . . . Where a 

Man's Lust for Riches . a Dynasty of Terror . . . 

in the Savage Heart of Unknovim Territory. 

THE STORY: 

"The Lonely Night" (Kingsley) 

fidiOMoc 

Tbaatx* 

City 

Typa Patronags 

Slat* 

To: 

The Exhibitor Has His Say 

BOZOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Eonaas City 24. Mo. 

Till* 

CocmnMiT 

Company 

C: di 

Marian Seldes returns to her lonely room and, torn by remorse 

of her many personal problems, unwittingly takes too 

many sleeping pills. While she is in her coma, the sounds 

from the house next door indicate that the Dunne family, 

mother, father and three small children, go off on a picnic 

and have the usual happy day. The accidental overdose 

brings Marian to Charles Moffett, a psychotherapist, who 

urges her to tell him her problems and thus learn the reason 

for her actions. She tells the doctor how she, a shy girl, fell 

in love with Val Dufour and when she refused to respond 

to his advances, he left her for another girl. Marian then 

comes to recognize her problems and it is indicated she will 

gradually find mental readjustment. 

CATCHLINES: 

The Secret Drives of an Adult Life . . . The Most Authentic 

Portrayal of Psychotherapy Yet Filmed ... A Young Woman's 

Conflicts in Her Search for Love ... A Fascinating 

Glimpse Into a Woman's Past Life and Loves.

I 

width, 

I 

STUDIO 

I 

\ 

I 

I 

, 

GENERAL 

1 

I 

: 

9x12 

liTES: 15c per word, minimum $1.50, cash with copy. Four insertions for price ol three 

i.OSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and answers 

Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. 

LCLfBRlOG HflUSf 

HELP WANTED 

Wanted: Combination oper;:tor and wife for 

ive-in. Young or middle aged couple who 

? honest and want a permanent job. Wife to 

erate concession. Operator must be general 

linlenance man. State salary, experience and 

I'erence. Positively no drinkers. Job now open, 

list fill at once. Prefer Texans. Cox Theatres, 

imesa. Texas. 

POSITIONS WANTED 

Theatre executjve-cotentiai! 

f 

Young, curious, cirit-iraiiR'd 

manager (presently employed) wants 

fporliiniry io learn intricacies of industry from 

circuit," distribution or exchange home office, 

live experience in advertising, publicity and exloitation 

plus complete knowledge of house opera- 

1)11. College degree, late model car. Veteran. 

I rite for complete details. Boxoffice, 33. 

[ IJockefcllcr Plaza, 

I- 

t Projectionist, seven years, wants job. Earl Mclintock. 

1767 N. Las Palmas, Hollywood. Calif. 

I 

I Drive- In manager. 5 years experience. Korean 

It. married. Experienced in booking, advert is- 

Ig. Would consider relocating in Kentucky. Best 

jferences. Boxoffice, 5509. 

1 Projectionist three years. Discharge Sept. IS. 

lefer west coast. Denver or Montreal. A/2c Lloyd 

jebster. Hq. Sq. 33Sath A. B. Grp., Box 225. 

eesler A.F.B., Miss. 

THEATRE SCREENS 

One 9x12 screen. 4 years old. Contact, Belle 

lain Theatre. Belle Plain, Kas. 

AND PRODUCTION 

EQUIPMENT 

Capitalize your experience, shoot local newsreels, 

|V commercials, documentaries. Arrange adverslng 

lie-ups with local merchants. Ask for film 

eduction catalog ST- 10. Dept. CC. S.O.S. 

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

. 

lork 19. 

EQUIPMENT—USED 

I DeVry dual 35mm projection and sound, nejiilt 

like new, $895. Send for bulletin DEVPRO. 

lolmcs dual outfits, excellent condition. $550. 

lime deals available. Dept. CC, S.OS. Cinema 

l upply Corp.. 602 \\. 52nd St., New York 19. 

Senarc lamps, super Simplex, 5 point bases, WE 

|)iind lieads, etc. $695. Rialto Theatre, Amarillo. 

exas. 

!• Two Western Electric Universal bases with sound- 

|e&ds. top shape. Good for drive-ins, make offer. 

|[r. Grant. Durwood Theatres, 1806 Baltimore. 

[ansas City. Mo. 

!» Two Holmes Rexarc Projectors, used 30 days, 

:omplete with Strong arcs and rectifiers and lenses, 

5-watt amplifiers, speakers. $2,000. Also Holmes 

ex Mazda, demonstrator, $295. American Theatre 

iipply Ce.. 439 Dorr St.. Toledo. Ohio. 

perforated high intensity Walker screen, 

ke new. W. G. Harbit, 2% B. Main, Marshall- 

,'3\ni. 

loAa. 

Simplex machine heads, in good condition for 

egular operation or for emergency use. $75 each. 

Iso magazines and Peerless lamps. Rex Theafe. 

Berlin. Wis 

Big 

)_ 

screens at lowest prices! Write us! DeVry 

'.DC projectors, heavy bases, Suprex lamphouses. 

omplele. rebuilt, $1,495 pair; Ampro Arc 16mm 

rojeclor. complete, excellent. $875: E-7 mechan- 

;ins. f, monih guarantee, $475 pair; Pair Strong 

ampere lamphouses, rebuilt, $375; RCA rotary 

:abilizt'r soundheads, rebuilt, $395 pair. What do 

ou need? Star Cinema Supply, 447 West 52nd 

treei. New York 19. 

Drapes, 2 pairs. 5 width, 48", for prosceniuras 

l3'xl8' and 29'7".\20'7y2", $130 pair. 1 pair, 

48". for proscenium 34'xl7'7", $200. 

Ill are beige with self design. Curtain track. 

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obin Imperial with 60-cycle, 7% h.p., 1.745 

p.m.. 3 phase 18.5 amp. 220 volt motor and 

lultiple ballast resistors. $600. In excellent 

andition. Biltmore Theatres. 221 Victoria St.. 

"ronto. 

Pair 

Canada. 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW 

Masonite marquee letters, fit Wagner, Adlcr, 

Beielite signs: 4*'— 35e: S"—50c: 10"— 60c; 

12"— Soc: 14"— $1.25: 16"— $1.50. Dept. CC. 

S.O S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 VV. 52nd St., 

New York 19. 

Mirro-claric represents best value in metalized 

purpose screen, only $1 sq. ft. Seams absolutely 

all 

invisible! Kollmorgen wide angle lenses, 

special apertures immediately availablcl Dept. 

CC. S-O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 52nd 

St.. New York 19. 

Special Purchase! Brand new Holmes 3omm projectors, 

with magazines, cables, lenses, in original 

factory cases, $650 pair. Star Cinema Supply, 

447 West 52nd St.. New York ID. 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

Bingo with more action, $4.50 thousand cards. 

Also other g.imes. Novelty Games Co., 106 

Rogers Ave.. Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Comic books available 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 18. 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 

Theatres. 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 FILMACK! 

325 So. Wabash Ave.. Chicago 5. 111. 

Balloons are your best ad for ICiddie Matinees, 

special 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. 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

For sale by owner: 288-seat theatre, in oil and 

wlieat town, central Kansas. Boxoffice. 5497.

FROM NOW ON . . . 

ALL 

aNEKUSCOPE PRODUCriOMS 

CAN BE SHOWN BY M1DIH!B!!0RS 

HAVING WIDE SCREEN AND 

ANAMORPHIC LENSES! 

* * * Exhibitor leaders acclaim 

Tushinsky Brothers' Variable Anamorphic 

SUPERSCOP^* Lenses. 

The BEST BUY in the market! 

OA/iy 

^»B 

PERP/I/R 

*Trade Mark Reg. and Pofenfi Pending 

cnAa,cî^ ^^tow NATIONAL SCREEN SERVICE 

At Your Local Exchange 

^s

Boxoffice-May.29.1954

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