Boxoffice-December.22.1956

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DON'T JUST SIT THERE 

AND READ ABOUT M-G-M's 

AWARDS

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DORIS DAY 

WINS 

"STAR OF STARS" 

AWARD 

MODERN SCREEN MAGAZINE 

• 

See her in 

JULIE 

Arwin Production — M-G-M Release 

KIRK DOUGLAS 

WINS 

BEST PERFORMANCE 

IN 

AWARD 

MODERN SCREEN MAGAZINE 

For M-G-M's 

LUST FOR LIFE 91 

. 

— 

— 

^"^HBHH^F""^^"""

(Pre-release Today, \ 

N.Y. Paramount / 

OF HITCHCOCK'S FIRST HIT TAKEN FROM REAL-LIFE 

.- HIS MOST SUSPENSEFUL HIT OF ALL! 

HENRY FONDA-VERA MILES 

AND THE EXCITING CITY OF NEW YORK, IN 

ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S 

Maiv 

EVERY TWIST AND TURN OF IT IS 

TRUE! 

THIS IS THE CHALLENGE 

WE MAKE TO MOVIE -GOERS: 

// you don't believe that this weird and unusual 

story actually happened, see the records 

of Queens County Court, N. Y., Apr. 21, 1953 

Indictment i? 271/53, "The Balestrero Case" 

ANTHON?QUAYLE • Screen Play by MAXWELL ANDERSON and ANGUS MacPHAIL 

MUSIC BY BERNARD HERRMANN Directed 

by ALFRED HITCHCOCK 

MINNEAPOLIS 

NEW ODIEANS OKLAHOMA 

PHILADELPHIA 

POUTLAND 

SAN F>ANCISCO 

iStrNflinq Bo«m Wornef Sn. 

2:00 r.u. • loor.u. • loooi.u 

• 2 00 rM. 

• 

• 1:00 r.u. 

;oos. iibtrir St. lONonhieiji 130 Ng I3III SI. «1S N.W I9tli t>t. 

NEW HAVEN 

NEW YOUIt 

OMAHA 

PITTSBUUGH 

SALT LAKE CITY 

SEATTLE 

Scmninj loofli Slanl«|r Wornrr Scmninq tMRi Home Offici 

2011) (enlutr-Foi Strttninf Imri 20lh Ccntgry-Ffli Screening Room Egrplion ThooUt 

lOlh tenturf-Foi Sn..* I:OOM1. /OCollegtSi •l.30r.ll. ni w. uiksi. • i:isr.ii. IS02 0mnp«l Si. • 1:30 P.M. I7IS ll»d. ol thi tllin • 130 P U. 2U Eotllil Soglh • I 00 P.M. 1:MP.II. 

ST LOUIS 

S tfoto $tro«nin| IMM 

1:30 P.II. 3U3 0li>tSl • I 00 PH. 

WASHINGTON 

Wornof Thoaltc tuilding 

IJIht E. Sl>. M.W • 10:30 >.«.

1W£ THEATRES WILL BE 

WHEN THIS ONE STARTS 

'/7rv 

FOR CHRISTMAS 

20th Century-Fox present 

TOMEWELL 

JAYNE MANSFIELD 

EDMOND O'BRIEN 

Thb Girl Cant Help It 

CiNemaScoPE COLOR by OE LUXE 

lULIElONDONRAY ANTHONY- BARRY GORDON 

AND 14 ROCK 'N' ROLL HEAOLINERSI 

sc-nnpi^b, FRANK TASHLIN ,.d HERBERT BAKER 

Produced md Directed by FRANK TASHLIN 

V 

- 

.4 fw/> --

HE NATIONAL FILM WEEKLY 

Piiblislieil in Nine Sectional Editions 

BEN 

SHLYEN 

Editor-in-Chief and Publisher 

ONALD M. MERSEREAU. .Associate 

Publisher & General Manager 

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cC E M B E R 

70 

2 2 19 5 6 

No. 9 

THE MORE THE BETTER 

ANNOLNCEMENT by 20th 

Fox that it will step up its production of bigbudget 

CineniaScope pictures to an approximate 

total of 40 for 1957 release sounds a cheering 

note for exhibitors who have been pointing up 

the need for more top product. In this move, 

Century- 

as well as in its recent addition of a substantial 

group of Regal films to meet the needs of exhibitors 

asking for more product generally, 20th- 

Fox may set a jiace which, if followed by other 

producer-distributors, will bring the production 

output much nearer the market's needs than has 

been the case for the past three years. Even 

without such emulation, the addition of ten 

big-budgeters to the 20th-Fox schedule plus the 

approximate 20 in the lower-budget classification 

will go a considerable distance toward easing 

exhibitors' product problems. 

The 20th-Fox plans are an indication that 

the period of transition, through which the industry 

has been going since the upheaval caused 

by ,31) in 1952, has come to an end; that it is 

returning to a "regular" basis, catering to the 

entertainment tastes of both mass and class 

audiences. That, of course, calls for product of 

varying types, sufficient in quantity as well as 

quality. 

It will be recalled that the advent of Cinema- 

Scope, in itself, caused considerable of an u])- 

heaval. The sensational success of the first release 

in this process, "The Robe." is what gave 

rise to the belief that long runs, such as that 

film enjoyed, were to be part and parcel of all 

future films made in that process. Accordingly, 

the production output was cut. first by 20th-Fox 

and then by other companies that either adopted 

CinemaScope or brought out their own widescreen 

processes. But, when the novelty of the 

big screen wore off, there came the realization 

that what was projected on that screen was 

what counted. Then followed the "fewer and 

better" trend among filmmakers and the consequent 

inadequacy of product output, both as to 

quantity and quality. 

• 

Bigger pictures are, of course, much in demand 

and that demand will continue to grow. 

These bigger pictures are proving their worth 

at the boxoffice, attracting far greater patronage 

than had ever been the case for all but a handful 

of outstanding productions in the years before 

the widescreen era. This would seem to account 

for a heavy flow of new patrons of motion pictures—the 

discriminating type and the so-called 

shoppers. That's fine for the two or three nights 

at weekend when these bigger pictures generally 

are shown. But the "habit-builders" that are of 

sufficient quality to attract profitable attendance 

l^t)e êa£ion'g (Greetings? 

and all 

during the earlier part of the week are essential, 

now more than ever before, for the well-being 

of the industry. With this need fully supplied, 

there might be less puzzling over distribution 

costs which, during the last several years, have 

risen, in part, because they have been spread 

over the handling of from one-half to two-thirds 

fewer pictures. And, to a large extent, this 

applies to production costs. 

Loss of their theatre circuit outlets has been 

given by the former producer-distributor affiliates 

as one of the causes of curtailment in the 

making of the smaller pictures. While bookings 

to them are not automatic, as they were in the 

past, these chains still remain customers. And, 

recently, they have been as vocal in citing their 

needs for this type of product as have the 

smaller independent exhibitors. That these demands 

are beginning to be answered, is becoming 

increasingly evident, which is a good sign. 

• • 

Worth All-Out Push 

The initial effort by the Council of Motion 

Picture Organizations to obtain complete elimination 

of the federal admissions tax was met 

with rejoinders by members of Congress and by 

spokesmen for the Treasury Department that 

tax cuts of any kind were unlikely in 1957. 

However, some ho])e was held out by Representative 

A. J. Forand. chairman of a House Ways 

and Means subcommittee, who indicated that 

some excise levies may be reduced if they are 

found to be discriminatory or burdensome. That 

description most certainly applies to the tax on 

tickets priced over 90 cents. 

In the face of recent world events, which are 

expected to place new strains on the United States 

budget, the chances for obtaining repeal of the 

ticket tax may not appear as good as they were 

a while back. But it will be remembered that, 

in each of the two previous successful campaigns, 

there was similar disbelief in a favorable outcome. 

The groundwork laid in the first campaign 

was helpful in the second. That, in turn, 

has added strength to the industry's claims for 

its tax relief needs and has gained many staunch 

friends for the industry, both in the House and 

Senate. With the full weight of exhibitor support 

in the field, another victory can crown the effort. 

There is much at stake, not only for those theatres 

directly affected, but for all of the industry. 

It is worth an all-out push 

good wishes for a 

V^Lv /OnJL/lyyi^ 

-ilappp Jgeui fear

BATTLE FOR CONTROL OF LOEWS 

LOOMS ON '57 INDUSTRY FRONT 

Bitter Attack is Lctunched 

On Present Management 

By Top Stockholder 

By 

AL STEEN 

NKW YORK—The opening gun of what 

may be a number of proxy fights within 

the Loew's Inc. organization was fired here 

Wednesday (19) when Joseph Tomlinson. 

who claims to be the largest individual investor 

in the company with 250.000 shares, 

stated that he had called upon Joseph R. 

Vogel, president, "To give this corporation 

new life, new strength and utmost leadership." 

HOPES TO AVOID FIGHT 

At a press conference in the offices of his 

attorney, Benjamin Javits, Tomlinson said 

that he hoped to avoid a proxy battle and was 

prepared to take steps to reorganize management 

unless certain reforms were instituted. 

Tomlinson said he had talked to Louis B. 

Mayer on the coast recently and that the 

latter had "offered," in the event Tomlinson 

was successful in ousting certain executives, 

to return with Tomlinson to the management 

of the production division for sufficient time 

to make the "lion roar" again. 

"But under no circumstances," Tomlinson 

told the press, would Mayer lend himself to 

the present management. 

Tomlinson stated that he sought to remove 

five directors from the board; namely. Charles 

Reagan, Howard Dietz, Charles Moskowitz. 

George Brownell and Benjamin Melniker. 

William Crooks, recently named to the board, 

has resigned, it was revealed. Tomlinson said 

that if there should be a proxy fight, he felt 

he could get a "substantial majority" of the 

stockholders to support him and that he then 

would seek to name the full slate of directors. 

He also said he wanted Moskowitz and 

Dietz removed entirely from the parent company. 

LISTS HIS CHARGES 

Tomlinson charged that the company had 

been "riddled with nepotism and favoritism" 

and that the "dead hand of those who inherited 

soft sp>ots in the management holds 

the throttle." He added that "cults and 

cllqu&s" are rife within the organization, 

crowding out those who have much more to 

offer our patrons in amusements and us 

stockholders as investors." 

In a letter to Vogel, which was made public, 

Tomlinson said action must be taken to get 

rid of "wastefulness and extravagances" in 

daily operation, which would cut the cost of 

doing business and "to have a progressive, 

affirmative, courageous and honest management 

which would direct the business In 

channels of profitable operation." 

Tomlinson wrote that the "so-called changes 

which have taken place within the last 12 

months have not changed anything basically. 

Some people have shifted around but have 

done nothing." He charged that the "same 

prompters are in the wings and are still 

Board Answers Its 

Critic; 

Points to Progress Made 

NEW YORK—Joseph Tomllnson's proposals 

for changes in the management of Loew's, 

Inc., were studied in 

detail at a meeting of 

the Loew's board Wednesday 

(19) and the 

directors unanimously 

expressed their confidence 

in the new 

leadership under 

Joseph R. Vogel. 

Vogel again said he 

favored having the 

"fullest stockholder expression 

and representation" 

in company 

affairs, adding that it 

Joseph R. Vogel 

has always been the company's intention to 

have nonemployes constitute a majority representation 

on the board. He noted that at 

maneuvering for their own hidden and unhidden 

purposes." 

Mayer, in whom Tomlinson apparently is 

interested as a production executive, resigned 

as MGM's studio head in 1951, a post he held 

from the beginnings of the company. Tomlinson 

said that until Mayer left the company, 

Loew's product was the finest in the business. 

The trade expressed considerable surprise 

in the 250.000 shares which Tomlinson claims 

he and his family control. This represents 

five per cent of the stock of the company. 

Tomlinson is a wealthy Canadian contractor 

and hotel man who now lives in Fort Lauderdale, 

Pla. 

It is reported that there are at least two 

other dissident stockholder groups that are 

planning action. Attorney Saul Rogers represents 

one group, but he has declined to 

identify its members. 

Cinerama Tickets on Sale 

At Greyhound Offices 

NEW YORK—Tickets to the 21 Cinerama 

theatres in the U.S. can be purchased at any 

one of the 8,500 Greyhound terminals and 

agents in the country through a tie-in negotiated 

by Lester B. Isaac, national director of 

exhibition for Stanley Warner, with R. J. 

O'Connor, staff vice-president of the bus 

company. 

Isaac called it "one of the most comprehensive 

tie-ins ever arranged between a transportation 

company and an entertainment 

organization." 

Persons wishing to attend the theatres will 

go to a Greyhound ticket window and give 

the date, location and price they wish to pay 

to reserve seats. They do not have to use 

Greyhound transportation but it is expected 

that many of them will. 

the last meeting of stockholders, seven noncompany 

members were elected and six management 

officials. He said he had offered 

Tomlinson a place on the board on several 

occasions. 

Vogel soon will release a detailed program 

on the company's future which contains suggestions 

offered by Tomlinson and associates. 

He said he noted that both Nicholas M. 

Schenck and Dore Schary have been "disassociated 

from active management in company 

affairs." By the end of the year, he 

said, "a sizeable number" of additional personnel 

will have been eliminated without impairing 

the progress of the company. 

A spokesman pointed out that Vogel had 

been in his post for less than 60 days and 

during that time has made drastic, even 

dramatic, changes in leadership in the direction 

of company affairs. 

Johnston Aids Promotion 

Of Japanese Film Week 

NEW YORK—Eric Johnston, president of 

the Motion Picture Ass'n of America, is a 

member of the cooperating committee for 

Japanese Film Week which the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of Japan is sponsoring here January 

20-25 at the Museum of Modern Art. 

John D. Rockefeller III, president of the 

Japan Society, and Masayuki Tani, Japanese 

ambassador to the U.S., head the committee. 

Among other members are Rene D'Harnoncourt, 

director of the museum, and Joshua 

Logan, producer-director. 

Activities will include six evening film programs 

and receptions to introduce a delegation 

of 12 Japanese film personalities. The 

programs will include color and black-andwhite 

films of modern life and of historic 

Japan, documentary shorts and a film treatment 

of Japan's ancient art of puppetry. 

Among the films, none of which has been 

released in the U.S.. will be winners of awards 

at the 1956 Venice Film Festival. 

Danish Film Is Eligible 

For Academy Award 

NEW YORK—"Qivitoq" ("Mountain Reclu.se"). 

a Danish feature film in color, is the 

first entry in this year's Academy of Motion 

Picture Arts and Sciences competition for a 

foreign-language "Oscar." 

Under the Academy's new rules, foreign 

films are now eligible, whether released in 

the U. S. or not. "Qivitoq," produced by 

Nordlsk Films Kompagni and directed by 

Erik Balling with Poul Relchhardt in the 

leading role, was filmed in Greenland and 

American distribution has not yet been set. 

8 BOXOFFICE December 22. 1956

20th-FOX TAKES ON AMBITIOUS 

55-FEATURE PROGRAM FOR '51 

In Addition to Increased 

Releases, Production 

May Hit 40 Pictures 

HOLLYWOOD—Crystalizing the promise 

that its 1957 production and releasing program 

would be the most ambitious of the 

past ten years. 20th Century-Fox has revealed 

that during the coming year, it will 

distribute a minimum of 55 features. 

Details of the program were announced by 

President Spyros P. Skouras and Executive 

Producer Buddy Adler, who said there was 

a possibility that an additional ten pictures 

would be made. This would bring to 40 

the number of big-budget Cinemascope features 

to be made primarily in Hollywood by 

the studio. 

BOTH COASTS REPRESENTED 

At the studio huddles from which the 

specific plan came, in addition to Skouras 

and Adler, were vice-presidents William 

Michel, Joseph Moskowitz, Murray Silverstone 

and Charles Einfeld, treasurer and secretary 

Donald Henderson and general sales 

manager Alex Harrison. 

The studio was represented by Lew 

Schreiber, Sid Rogell, Fred Metzler, J. B. 

Codd, David Brown, Arthur IJi'amer, Frank 

McCarthy, Frank Ferguson and William 

Gordon. Irving Asher, head of TCF-Television, 

outlined the 1957 plans for the TV 

subsidiary. 

A breakdown of the properties showed that 

23 are best-selling novels and five are taken 

from Broadway stage successes. 

Adler said that the program would be initiated 

in January with his own production 

of "A Hatful of Rain," a Broadway play 

which Fred Zinnemann will direct and which 

will costar Eva Marie Saint and Don Murray. 

Also set for January production are 

"The Wayward Bus," John Steinbeck novel 

which Charles Brackett will produce and 

which will star Jayne Mansfield; "The Desk 

Set," another Broadway hit, producer Henry 

Ephron, director Walter Lang, starring 

Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn; "The 

Three F^ces of Eve," story of a woman with 

three personalities, producer and director, 

Nunnally Johnson; "The Way to the Gold," 

adventure story, producer David Weisbart, 

director Robert Webb. 

SET FEBRUARY DATES 

Tentatively set monthly starting dates also 

revealed: February: "Bernardine," Broadway 

play, producer Samuel G. Engel, director 

Henry Levin, starring Janet Gaynor, Pat 

Boone and Terry Moore; Leo McCarey's 

"Love Affair," Jerry Wald Productions; and 

Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises," 

producer Walter Reisch, director Henry King. 

March: "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" 

producer-director Frank Tashlin, starring 

Tom Ewell and Jayne Mansfield in their 

Broadway roles, Clifton Webb and Thelma 

Ritter; David O. Selznick's production of Ernest 

Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms," 

starring Jennifer Jones and Rock Hudson; 

Spyros Skouras 

Buddy Adler 

Stimulating Increased Production 

"Kiss Them for Me," from the novel and 

stage hit "Shore Leave," Jerry Wald Productions; 

"The Bravados," screenplay by 

John O'Hara, producer Herbert Bayard 

Swope jr. 

April: John O'Hara 's "Ten North Frederick," 

written and directed by Philip Dunne; 

•Peyton Place," current best-selling novel by 

Grace Metalious, Jerry Wald Productions 

and "The Hunters." 

May: "Fraulein," story of U. S. occupation 

forces in Germany, producer Walter 

Reisch; "Down Payment," an unpublished 

novel by John MacPartland, Jerry Wald Productions; 

"Stopover Japan," story of modern 

intrigue in Tokyo, by John P. Marquand, 

producer Walter Reisch, director Richard 

Breen; and "A Certain Smile," novel by 

Francoise Sagan, screenplay by Pulitzer Prize 

winning team of Frances Goodrich and 

Walter Hackett, producer Henry Ephron. 

June: "The Sound and the Fury," WUliam 

Faulkner novel, Jerry Wald Productions; and 

"These Thousand Hills," novel by A. B. 

Guthrie jr. 

July: "The Young Lions," Irwin Shaw's 

story of World War II, producer Al Llchtman. 

August: Robert L. Jacks' production of 

"Parris Island," story based on the court 

martial of Marine Sgt. Matthew McKeon; 

"The Jean Harlow Story," Jerry Wald Productions, 

based on the original story by 

Adela Rogers St. Johns. 

TO PRODUCE NAVAL STORY 

September: "The Enemy Below," World 

War II Naval story by Denys Arthur Rayner, 

producer Dick Powell. 

October: "The Diary of Anne Frank," hit 

Broadway play, written by Goodrich and 

Hackett; and "The Small Woman," an unpublished 

novel about a British woman missionary 

in China. 

November: "Jean Christophe," the famous 

prize-winning novel by Romain RoUand, 

Jerry Wald Productions; and "The Townsend 

Harris Story," original yarn of the first 

U. S. consular official in Japan, producer 

Eugene Fênke. 

Also slated for production, but as yet with 

undetermined starting dates are Darryl F. 

Zanuck's "Compulsion," best seller by Meyer 

Levin: "Close to the Wind," producer Dick 

Powell; "I Married Joseph Stalin," semidocumentary, 

producer Robert L. Jacks; 

"SAC Saboteurs," story of the Strategic Air 

Command's security program, screenplay by 

Pat Frank, producer Anthony Muto; "The 

Hardhats," Jerry Wald Productions; 

"Brandy for Heroes," producer David Weisbart; 

and "The Iron Butterfly" and "Bellevue 

is My Home," as yet unassigned to a 

producer. 

In addition, the company plans to distribute 

an additional 25 Regal pictures to 

be made independently. 

Features Aimed at Teenage Group 

Pulling Strong in Mill City Area 

MINNEAPOLIS—Pointing out the hefty 

grosses that have been racked up here the 

past few weeks by films with particular 

teenager appeal, local exhibitors concur with 

industry members elsewhere that it behooves 

Hollywood to provide more such fare. 

Examples cited include "Giant" (which attracts 

the younger set because of James 

Dean's cast presence, but which also, of 

course, is a terrific magnet for film fans 

of all ages), "Love Me Tender," the "Shake, 

Rattle and Rock"-"Runaway Daughters" 

twin biU, "Unguarded Moment," "Teenage 

Rebel," various space science and horror 

films and the "Rock Around the Clock" of 

some months ago. 

"Generally speaking, the teenagers apparently 

are less rabid television fans and 

are more anxious to go outside their homes 

for their entertaiment," points out Charles 

Winchell, Minnesota Amusement Co. president-general 

manager. 

"They're looking to theatres to satisfy their 

entertainment desires and we're fortunate 

when we have the attractions that appeal to 

them. Also, they seem sufficiently supplied 

with funds to buy their amusements. We 

invariably do well when we have their kind 

of screen fare." 

Harry H. Weiss, RKO Theatres division 

manager here, also hopes Hollywood will take 

the cue and not neglect the vast teenager 

audience. He's happy because his Twin 

Cities' theatres are playing "Love Me Tender." 

Aiding Hungarian Relief 

NEW YORK—Special performances have 

been arranged in Europe for the benefit of 

Hungarian relief, according to a report received 

by the Motion Picture Export Ass'n 

from Marc Spiegel, its continental manager. 

They will take place in Sweden, Finland, 

Denmark and Italy and, except in Denmark, 

present new American motion pictures. Newsreels 

will be shown in Denmark for the 

benefit of the Red Cross. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: December 22, 1958 9

P>die €e^ «^" "i?"""^" 

Herbert Golden Promoted 

By the Bankers Trust Co. 

Assistant vice-president in charge of 

Amusement Industries group made vice-president. 

S. Sloan Colt, board chairman announces; 

has handled many film and TV 

financial deals: former Variety film editor. 

* 

Best Foreign Language Film 

Award Goes to *La Strada' 

Ponti-de Laurentiis production wins in 

voting by independent importers ass'n in 

fourth Joseph Bursty n Memorial Award: 

"Magnificent Seven" placed second and 

"Rififi" 

third, 

* 

Clergymen Defend, Criticize 

'Baby Doll' After Premiere 

Two Protestants and one rabbi did not find 

it l£wd and indicated criticism unjustified: 

one called it in bad taste and another rated 

it for adults only. 

• 

Film Corporation Dividends 

Almost Equal 1955 Total 

Washington reports 11 -month total in 1956 

of $25,057,000, compared with $25375,000 for 

the same period in preceding year; November 

1956 and 1955 payments also found almost 

identical. 

* 

Jack L Warner to Receive 

1957 Brotherhood Award 

Tribute will be paid to Warner Bros, president 

at 12th annual dinner at the Hotel 

Waldorf Astoria in New York January 24, 

which will launch the 1957 drive. 

• 

Harold Field Trust Action 

Settled in Minneapolis 

His St. Louis Park Theatre will be allowed 

a 28-day availability while the Uptown will 

drop back to 35 days or later; Field sought 

$2,500,000 in suit against Minnesota Amusement 

Co. 

and majors. 

• 

Edward R. Susse to Become 

MGM Manager in Albany 

To new post January 4, succeeding Jack 

Goldberg, manager since 1947 and for almost 

29 years with MGM sales: Susse joined the 

company in New York in 1922: until recently 

he was in Buffalo. 

* 

MPEA Members Approve 

Japanese Film Code 

Drawn up by the Japanese counterpart 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America, it is scheduled 

to become operative January 1; said to 

be .somewhat similar to the MPAA code. 

* 

Edward M. Warnecke Named 

SMPTE Membership Head 

Warnecke, who will succeed John M. Du- 

Vall as national chairman, has been eastern 

regional membership chairman; he is assistant 

chief engineer of the east coast division 

of Eastman Kodak Co. 

Loan of $60,000,000 

NEW YORK — American 

Broadcasting- 

Paramount Theatres has concluded a new 

agreement with several financial institutions 

for a firm loan of $60,000,000, according to 

a report to stockholders by Leonard H. Goldenson, 

president. 

Of the loan, $12,500,000 is to be taken down 

Dec. 27. 1956, $42,500,000 May 31, 1957, and 

$5,000,000 by Oct. 1, 1958. There is an option 

for an additional $5,000,000 exercisable by 

Oct. 1, 1958. Of the proceeds, $37,234,000 will 

be used to pay off existing debt and the 

balance will be added to working capital. 

The loan will mature serially from July 1, 

1957, to July 1, 1977, with a final maturity 

Jan. 1, 1978. 

Goldenson said the loan will permit expanded 

activities, including additional facilities 

required in television. 

Western Film to Launch 

Marlon Brando Company 

HOLLYWOOD—One of two westerns will 

launch Marlon Brando's Pennebaker independent 

production next year, it has been 

revealed by George England, producer, and 

Marlon Brando sr., company president. At 

the same time it was announced that Brando 

had entered the writing ranks. He is listed 

as screenplay author of "Burst of Vermilion," 

an original, which will be one of the two 

pictures. Second picture is "Yellow Leg," by 

A. S. Fleischman, who is doing the screenplay 

from his own original. Whichever picture is 

ready first will be the one that goes before 

the cameras. 

"To Tame a Land," originally scheduled to 

kick off Brando's slate, has been set back 

because of casting problems. 

Brando, meanwhile, is in Japan for his 

starring role in "Sayonara," the William 

Goetz production for Warner Bros., which is 

in part a Pennebaker activity on the basis 

of an inter-company deal. The planned 

westerns are, however, fully independent and 

ticketed for Paramount release. 

"Tiger on a Kite," by Stewart Stern, will 

be one of the Brando organization's future 

efforts, with a United Nations theme and an 

Indonesian background, and will be shot on 

location. 

The Brando-written screenplay is described 

as the story of a man bent on revenge. Period 

is shortly after the Mexican War and the 

locale is New Mexico. 

'Saint Joan' Rehearsals 

Started in London 

LONDON, ENGLAND — Otto Premlnger 

started rehearsals for his principals in his 

United Artists film version of Bernard Shaw's 

"Saint Joan" December 18 and the picture 

will go before the cameras at Shepperton 

Studios January 9. 

The Bernard Shaw classic was first produced 

on the stage in New York 33 years 

ago, on Dec. 28, 1933, with Winifred Lenihan 

in the title role. Jean Seberg, the Marshalltown, 

Iowa, girl who won the title role over 

18.000 applicants, is the only inexperienced 

player in Preminger's list of principals. The 

others Include: Richard Widmark, Richard 

Todd, Sir John Glelgud, Anton Walbrook, 

Felix Aylmer, Barry Jones, Paul Scofield and 

Harry Andrews. 

Conjecture Rife on RKO 

Trimming Studio Staff 

HOLLYWOOD—That RKO studio is 

trimming its productional and personnel 

sails, is a certainty—but to what extent is 

a subject that is providing a conjectural 

field day for film capital railbirds. 

Already there has been a layoff of a 

sizable percentage of the 2,000 employes 

that appeared on the outfit's payrolls 

during the production peak attained during 

the fall months. Other employes have 

been transferred to RKO Pathe Studio 

in Culver City. These shifts gave rise to 

a widely printed report that it is planned 

to close or sell the Gower street plant 

and that henceforth all of the company's 

activities will be concentrated at the 

Pathe site. William Dozier, studio production 

chief, denied that such a move 

was in the making. 

He did admit, however, that a drastic 

curtailment in help would be necessary 

because the four features that RKO has 

scheduled for shooting during the first 

half of 1957 will be produced largely on 

location and, resultantly, little more than 

a skeleton staff would be necessary to 

man the studio. In amplifying this point, 

Dozier called attention to a recent statement 

from Daniel T. O'Shea, company 

president, that approximately $10,000,000 

has been firmly budgeted for making of 

that quartet of pictures. 

United Artists Acquires 

'Saga of Satchmo' 

NEW YORK—United Artists has acquired 

"The Saga of Satchmo," a feature picture 

about Louis Armstrong, the famous jazz 

musician, from Edward R. Murrow and Fred 

W. Friendly, the producers, according to 

Arthur B. Krim, UA president. The picture 

will open at the Apollo Theatre, Los Angeles, 

December 28, in order to qualify for the 1956 

Academy Awards. 

The picture is narrated by Murrow and includes 

some 20 Armstrong favorites, including 

"St. Louis Blues," "When It's Sleepy Time 

Down South," "Basin Street Blues," "Mack 

the Knife," "Royal Garden Blues" and "On 

the Simny Side of the Street." Also included 

is Armstrong's journey to four continents as 

the United States' "Ambassador With the 

Horn." 

U-I Schedules 5 Films 

For January Lensing 

HOLLYWOOD — Implementing the production 

program that was determined during 

the recent executive huddles at the studio, 

Universal-International will put five pictures 

before the cameras before the end of January. 

Two of these will be in Cinemascope, 

with one also in color, one will be widescreen 

color and the others widescreen black-andwhite. 

First to hit the starting line will be "Pylon," 

Cinemascope production starring Rock Hudson, 

Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, Jack 

Carson and Robert Mlddleton. 

Others to start in January will be "Ma 

and Pa Kettle at MacDonald's Farm," "My 

Man Godfrey," "Monolith" and "Outlaw's 

Code." 

10 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: December 22. 1956

INDUSTRY GETS THE GO-AHEAD 

FOR JOINT PROMOTION DRIVE 

Academy Okay of Contest 

Sets the Stage for MPAA. 

COMPO, Exhibitor Effort 

NEW YORK—The stage is set for a 

master plan designed to create businessbuilding 

projects for the motion picture 

industry. 

It will be a joint effort of the Motion Picture 

Ass'n of America, the Council of Motion 

Picture Organizations and exhibitor organizations. 

The impetus for a unified program 

was gained this week when the 

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 

granted permission to MPAA to stage an 

Academy Awards Sweepstakes. 

TIE INTO OSCAR CEREMONIES 

This will give the industry a chance to 

directly tie its ticket-selling efforts with the 

big Oscar Awards event scheduled in March. 

After obtaining Academy approval on the 

coast—later he received the backing of the 

Ass'n of Motion Picture Producers— Alfred 

Tamarin of United Artists went immediately 

to work there on sweepstakes details. Local 

members of the MPAA advertising-publicity 

directors committee planned to start a series 

of meetings on the project. 

Tamarin's successful mission on the coast 

caused renewed optimism. That was further 

enhanced by word that the reactions of 

studio advertising and publicity heads to 

eastern plans for the boxoffice promotion 

could be expected in a few days. The coast 

wants a number of projects combined under 

a general "Golden Jubilee" catchword and 

the suggestion has been welcomed here, not 

only by distribution forces but by exhibitors. 

Because of the time element, there is some 

doubt if an Academy Awards sweepstakes in 

1957 can be conducted on a National basis 

with an impressive national priae to be 

awarded the persons guessing award winners 

and, in the event of ties, writing the best 

letter. At any rate, it is said, many local contests 

can be staged with the cooperation of 

exhibitors and can prove to be valuable boxoffice 

aids. 

TO CALL MEETING SOON 

Roger L. Lewis of United Artists, chairman 

of the MPAA ad-publicity directors 

committee, said he expected to call the committee 

into active sessions very soon. Tamarin 

was due to return from Hollywood before 

the end of the week. 

Roger L. Lewis 

Al Tamarin 

lATSE, Majors Join 

In Wide Pension Plan 

NEW YORK—A pension fund, covering 

6,000 employes in exchanges in 34 key cities, 

Big TV Films Hit Mpls.; 

Little Boxoffice Effect 

MINNEAPOLIS—Two good MGM films 

the pre-1949 era were projected for 

of 

television 

viewers at the prime 9 p.m. segment last 

Saturday and Sunday (8, 9), backed by a 

substantial promotional campaign, but they 

had little, if any, effect on theatre business. 

The station itself, KMGM-TV, in which 

Loew's Inc. holds a 25 per cent interest, 

reported the two films attracted from 43. 

to 48 per cent of the total television audience 

the two nights—with the rest of the 

TV viewers divided 

by three other stations. 

In other words, the MGM big ones wrecked 

the TV opposition but did not hurt boxoffice 

receipts. The features were "Honky- 

Tonk" starring Clark Gable and Lana Turner 

and "Above Suspicion," starring Joan Crawford 

and Fred MacMurray. 

Charles Winchell, president of Minnesota 

Amusement Co., and Harry Weiss, city 

manager of RKO Theatres, said they didn't 

believe their theatres were hurt by the 

debut of the MGM baclclog features. In their 

opinion, the aggregate TV weekend audience 

wasn't appreciably, if any, larger than usual 

and "no more people than ordinarily stayed 

away from the theatres." 

The MGM films, however, were potent fare 

for KMGM-TV, even though the opposition 

included such programs as $64,000 Challenge, 

the Loretta Young Show and Ford Theatre. 

'La Strada' to Be Dubbed 

NEW YORK — Trans-Lux 

Distributing 

Corp., which is distributing "La Strada," 

Italian film in the U. S., has completed negotiations 

with TitraSound Corp. to prepare 

an English language version. The English 

dubbing does not present the problems of 

ordinary foreign film fare because both Anthony 

Quinn and Richard Basehart actually 

speak English in the picture. 

to which employers will contribute, has been 

set up by the major companies and the 

lATSE. The fund will receive six cents for 

each hour worked up to a straight-time 

maximum of 37% hours a week, adding $1.25 

in weekly wage increases for each full-time 

employe. It will be administered jointly by 

the employers and lATSE. 

However, agreements with Loew's, RKO 

and 20th Century-Fox are still to be worked 

out because they have had their own pension 

plans. 

Blanket wage increases of $3.75 a week 

also are included in a new two-year agreement, 

retroactive to December 1, signed by 

Warner Bros., National Film Service, RKO, 

Paramount, United Artists, Columbia, Republic, 

20th-Fox, Universal, National Screen 

Service, Loew's, Allied Artists and Buena 

Vista. 

The agreement also provides a third week 

of vacation for employes who have worked 

at least 15 years for one company. The top 

severance allowance of seven weeks pay has 

been raised to eight weeks pay after 16 

years of employment, nine weeks after 18 

years and ten weeks after 20 years. 

Another provision specifies that rehiring 

after layoffs shall be according to seniority. 

If the senior employes are judged capable. 

San Francisco, Montreal 

And K. C. Lead in Drive 

NEW YORK—United Artists' San Francisco, 

Kansas City and Montreal branches 

have won the first lap of the current Jim 

Velde Drive, according to William J. Heineman, 

vice-president in charge of distribution, 

and Max E. Youngstein, who are co-captains 

of the drive. The San Francisco branch is 

managed by C. Frank Harris, the Kansas 

City branch by Ralph Amacher and the 

Montreal office by Sam Kunitsky. 

The western district, managed by Ralph 

Clark, leads in district standings, and the 

western division, managed by Al Fitter, leads 

the division standings. 

Runner-up to San Francisco in the first 

group was Harry Goldman's Chicago exchange 

while Joseph Sugar's New York 

branch took third place. In the second group, 

second-prize money went to the St. Louis 

branch managed by Durand J. Edele, with 

Harold Keeter's Charlotte branch third. The 

St. John branch, managed by Isadore J. 

Davis, was second in the third group, followed 

by Irving Mendelson's New Haven office. 

The Jim Velde Drive is being run in four 

individual laps, the first three of eight weeks 

duration, followed by a fourth of five weeks 

and the stretch drive to last for 13 weeks. 

More than $50,000 in cash prizes will be 

awarded in the campaign. 

Hamilton Ends Promotion 

Job for 'Commandments' 

NEW YORK—Maxwell Hamilton will leave 

Paramount at the year's end to return to 

his post as vice-president of Allied Public 

Relations Associates. For a year he has been 

coordinator of promotion for Cecil B. 

DeMille's "The Ten Commandments," now 

successfully launched. His duties wiU be 

absorbed by the Paramount home office advertising, 

publicity and exploitation units. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: December 22, 1956 11

BUSINESS IS THERE FOR GOOD FILMS, RHODEN SAYS 

NT Net Up, Even Though 

Theatre Income Drops 

LOS ANGELES—Net earnings of National 

Theatres for the fiscal year ending Sept. 25, 

1956 were up substantially—despite 

a drop 

in gross income and 

earnings from theatre 

operations due principally 

to a "severe 

shortage of suitable 

attractions." 

This was reported to 

stockholders this week 

by E. C. Rhoden, president, 

in a statement in 

which he declared that 

E. C. Rhoden the public's Interest in 

motion pictures in 

general has not lessened. 

"It is obvious," he said, "that the market 

exists if the producers can meet and satisfy 

the entertainment desire of the public." 

SALE OF REAL ESTATE HELPS 

Earnings of the company were substantially 

higher principally because of capital 

gains from the sale of real estate. 

Consolidated net Income for the 1956 fiscal 

year was $4,648,057, equal to $1.72 per 

common share on the 2,699,486 shares outstanding 

on September 25 last. This Included 

capital gains after taxes of 88 cents 

a share from the sale of the Roxy Theatre 

in New York, and 21 cents a share from the 

sale of other theatres and real estate. Profits 

last year amounted to $2,886,008, equal to 

$1.04 per share, including 11 cents a share 

in capital gains, on the 2,769,486 shai-es outstanding 

on Sept. 24, 1955. 

Total gross Income for the year ended 

Sept. 25, 1956, was $59,707,251, compared with 

$61,692,043 last year. 

During the past year 14 unproductive theatre 

properties and 13 unimproved or nontheatre 

properties were sold or otherwise disposed 

of, Rhoden said. These sales, together 

with the Roxy transaction, enabled the company 

to materially reduce long-term indebtedness 

and increase its cash reserve without 

appreciably affecting earnings potentiality, 

he pointed out. 

CINEMIRACLE PROGRESS MADE 

Rhoden stressed that the company has 

completed final tests of the Clnemiracle 

process, and this three-panel system of photography 

and projection can now be used 

commercially. The first production under 

this process, tentatively entitled "Cinemiracle 

Adventure," Is expected to be completed 

for release In the fall of 1957, he 

stated. National Theatres has exclusive 

worldwide rights to and control of the production 

and exhibition of Clnemiracle films. 

The company Is actively exploring opportunities 

for diversifying its operations through 

investments in other fields. Cash realized 

from the sale of the Roxy Theatre makes 

this policy feasible, Rhoden explained. The 

Roxy Theatre was sold to Rockefeller Center 

for $6,200,000 several months ago. It was then 

leased back to NT on a long-term basts. 

Indications Point to More 

Film 

Production: Rhoden 

LOS ANGELES—Elmer C. Rhoden, 

president of National Theatres, who is 

close to the film production scene, is 

optimistic about the prospects for increased 

product. 

In his report to stockholders this week, 

he said: "There is a good indication that 

the production forces of Hollywood will 

meet the demand for more pictures. This, 

coupled with the growing segment of 

young motion picture patrons, gives us 

hope that the new fiscal year will hold 

better opportunities." 

Rebels Oust Pelrillo 

Conlrol in L. A. Local 

LOS ANGELES—The rebellion which musicians 

of Local 47 have started to break the 

absolute control of James C. Petrillo over a 

multimillion-dollar trust fund, created by reuse 

royalties for band, motion picture and 

television film recordings reached a higher 

plateau this week. 

The local, whose members play most of the 

music for motion picture scoring and television 

and radio programs emanating from 

the coast, elected a full slate of rebels by 

more than a 2 to 1 majority. Petrillo for 

years has been putting royalties into an 

American Federation of Musicians trust fund. 

The faction which was voted into power this 

week wants the royalties to go to individual 

musicians. In addition, the local is against 

Petrillo's exclusive hold on wage and contract 

negotiations. 

Eliot Daniel, said to earn $50,000 a year for 

composing and arranging music for such 

shows as "I Love Lucy" and "December 

Bride," was elected president. Last summer, 

the dissident group ousted John te Groen as 

president and elected Cecil Read, but at the 

AFM convention in Atlantic City, Petrillo's 

Investigating board ordered te Groen back to 

office and Read was suspended from membership 

for a year. However, the election this 

week was held in strict accordance with 

union regulations and Petrillo cannot step in 

and try to suspend the new officers, the 

latter 

said. 

Schwalberg Will Release 

British Film in Spring 

NEW YORK—A. W. Schwalberg, president 

of Artists-Producers Associates, will distribute 

"Remember, My Love" in the U.S. 

and Canada. It will be released during the 

spring. The picture is based on Johann 

Strauss' comic opera, "Die Fledermaus." It 

was written, produced and directed by Michael 

Powell and Emerlc Pressburger in England. 

Okay TV Pay Pact For 

Post-1948 RKO Films 

HOLLYWOOD—First break in the prolonged 

negotiations between unionites and 

producers regarding to what extent Hollywood 

craftsmen will participate in the revenues 

derived from post-1^48 pictures sold to 

television came when the board of directors 

of the Screen Actors Guild voted to approve 

a settlement with Matty Fox for television 

exhibition of 82 RKO feature pictures made 

after August 1 of that year and approximately 

50 short subjects. 

Details of the deal were announced by 

John L. Dales, national executive secretary 

of the guild. As had been previously reported, 

Pox, circumventing the discussions 

being conducted by the filmmakers and the 

various guilds and union groups, has been 

carrying on direct negotiations with the 

powerful SAG. 

Pox has agreed to pay the guild the sum 

of $715,000, $615,000 of which will be paid in 

36 monthly installments, and $100,000 to be 

paid from his gross television receipts for 

the entire RKO package of 740 feature pictures, 

old and new, when such receipts exceed 

an average of $50,000 a picture. The first 

payment of approximately $17,083 will be 

paid to the guild immediately upon the signing 

of the agreement. Next payment of a 

like amount will be due next July and 

monthly thereafter. 

In the deal. Fox is representing the C. & C. 

Television Corp. with all payments guaranteed 

by the C. & C. Super Corp. 

Dales declared that the guild board will 

now discuss the method of dividing the 

monies to be received among the actor.^ 

appearing in the pictures in question. 

Film capital observers saw in this initial 

move by SAG a catalyst which probably will 

speed up resolution of the volatile issue, 

either through bringing the over-all negotiations 

to early solution or through further 

direct trading between individual groups and 

the distributors of films to video. In either 

event, it is pointed out, the results will probably 

be the same: Early appearance on TV 

of many pictures made after 1948. 

Holiday Openings Start 

Of 'Around the World' 

NEW YORK—Michael Todd and United 

Artists opened "Around the World in 80 

Days" in five theatres during the week in line 

with his schedule of seven openings in eight 

days in key cities during the holiday sea.son. 

The theatres are the Tower in Houston, 

which started showing the Todd-AO film 

Wednesday ( 19) ; the Tower in Dallas, Thursday 

(20); The Film Center, Baltimore, and 

the Sheridan, Miami Beach, Friday (21). and 

the Carthay Circle, Hollywood, Saturday (22K 

The United Artists Theatre in Detroit and the 

Coronet Theati-e in San Francisco will start 

showing it Wednesday (26). 

The pattern of openings was the .same as 

that at the Rivoll Theatre here where there , 

is a reserved-seat ticket sale and limitwl ; 

number of performances during the week. 

Most situations will show the film every 

evening, with matinees Wednesdays, Saturdays 

and Sundays. 

Todd Is visiting each city to aid promotion. 

12 BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956

sTUFLiR5i5 

JOHN SAXON 

starring in Universal's thrilling story 

of today's Rock 'n' Roll generation . . 

told the way f/iey want it 

told 

WotlP^^^. 

Witt EDWARD C. PLAH FAY WRAY • • 

ROD McKUEN 

an important name in the 

Teenage Market following 

Rebel without a Cause^ 

and "Giant" 

JOHN 

SAXON 

LUANA 

PATTEN 

lirected by RICHARO BARTLEJT 

• Written by HERBERT MARGOLIS and WILLIAM RAYNOR • Produced by EOMONO CHEVIE • A UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL PICTURE 

'Universal is hip all the time 

o what cash customers crave!" 

MOr/ON flCim^ HERALD 

will attract capacity business!" 

SOX OFFICE 

"make a picture that appeals 

to teenagers and you've 

got a hit . . . this should 

emerge a box office winner !" 

VARIETY 

"Sure to be a smash with 

the youngsters . . . also has a 

family appeal." film DAILY 

"ace entertainment for youth" 

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Capital Reaction Good 

On Film Code Changes 

WASHINGTON — The repercussions of the 

changes in the motion picture Production 

Code have hit Washington, and, so far, the 

reaction has been favorable on Capitol Hill. 

The first (and so far, only) legislator to 

pubUcly discuss the changes was Sen. 'Estes 

Kefauver (D.-Tenn.) , recently the Democratic 

vice-presidential nominee. As chairman of 

the Senate Subcommittee to Investigate 

Juvenile Delinquency, he commended the 

Motion Picture Ass'n of America for the revisions 

inaugurated in the production code. 

The subcommittee held hearings on the relationship 

between juvenile delinquency and 

crime and brutality in motion pictures in 

June of 1955. In a report issued in March of 

this year, the subcommittee recommended 

many of the changes now in effect in the 

code. 

SCREEN MATURITY SEEN 

"One of our major recommendations was 

the relaxing of those sections of the code 

that previously had been forbidden and were 

not in keeping with the social changes that 

have transpired since it was written," Senator 

Kefauver commented. "Subjects such as narcotic 

addiction, kidnapping and other social 

problems now can be handled by producers, 

provided they are done with restraint, discretion 

and all the other safeguards inherent 

in the code. The provisions in the previous 

code tended to weaken the whole structure of 

self-regulation by the industry because of the 

indignation of producers who were aware of 

apparent inequities of them. 

"It is hoped that this increased flexibility, 

in terms of story content, will bring a greater 

maturity to the screen in performing its 

function as a media of mass communication." 

One of the chief complaints heard during 

the subcommittee hearings was the tremendous 

increase in brutality that had been 

injected into motion picture content. While 

excessive brutality had been outlawed 

previously in a subsection of the code, it has 

been expanded now and made a main section 

of the major provisions. 

While these developments are gratifying to 

the subcommittee. Senator Kefauver said, 

there is still room for improvement. 

ASK INDEPENDENT VOICE 

"It is to be hoped that in forthcoming meetings 

of the board of directors of the Motion 

Picture Ass'n, consideration will be given to 

including representatives of independent picture 

producers along with representatives of 

the major companies on the board of appeals 

which has the power to invoke sanctions 

against those members of the motion picture 

Production Code who violate the provisions of 

the code. This would remove the present 

criticism that, as organized, the board passes 

judgment on Its competitors." 

The subcommittee believes that. In the 

main, the content of both motion pictures 

and motion picture advertising has improved 

greatly since the initial look at the Industry's 

production in 1955. This development was 

anticipated in the subcommittee's report, 

which stated that ". 

. . that the industry, 

osseaalng most of the means, can cure the 

most serious ills of Its own volition." 

Court Rules Against Ban 

On Roadside Advertising 

MONTPELIER, VT.—A precedent-setting 

court decision in Washington county, Vt., 

may be serve to clarify the standing of highway 

advertising throughout the nation. 

This Vermont court recently ruled the 

town of Hartland's antiadvertising ordinance 

invalid and void. The local law did not 

meet standards of Vermont's enabling act, 

the umbrella provision that delegates lawmaking 

authority to municipalities. 

Vermont's enabling act requires zoning 

regulations to be comprehensive—applying to 

all businesses. Hartland's law, however, was 

aimed specifically at restricting highway 

displays. 

Curtis L. Peterson, managing director of 

Roadside Business Assn, reports the precedent 

set by this ruling will be felt in other 

Vermont communities with antiadvertising 

laws on the books. 

"States, and not municipalities, have the 

ultimate power to regulate highway advertising—that's 

an important conclusion of 

this litigation," Peterson said. 

"This legal development helps highway 

businessmen who depend on advertising adjacent 

to highways," he said. "In the past, 

these businessmen have been hampered by 

local laws stimulated by well-meaning but 

unrealistic esthetic groups. This court decision 

makes it obvious that municipalities must 

act within the framework of state laws. And, 

of course, no state has ever passed a law 

that seriously restricts the right to use 

private property for highway advertising." 

FLY IN FOR PREMIERE — Eddie 

Fisher and Debbie Reynolds are shown 

on their arrival at the Idlewild Airport in 

New York from Miami for the charity 

world premiere of the singer's first motion 

picture, RKO's "Bundle of Joy." The 

show was held for the benefit of the First 

Aid for Hungary and CARE on Wednesday 

night (19) at the Capitol Theatre. 

Debbie, Mrs. Fisher in real life. Is costarred 

with her husband In "Bundle of 

Joy," which was completed Just in time 

for her to have her own bundle of Joy, 

Carrie Frances. 

Woman Manager Tops 

SW Promotion Drive 

NEW YORK—Mrs. Diane Gordon, manager 

of the Oritani Theatre, Hackensack, N. J., 

was the grand prize winner in Stanley Warner's 

"Operation Showmanship" drive. She 

will receive a two-week all expense vacation 

trip to England. Second prize went to Irving 

Hillman, manager of the Roger Sherman 

Theatre, New Haven, who will receive a 

$1,000 U.S. bond. Third prize, a $750 bond, 

will go to WiUiam Wyatt, Virginian Theatre, 

Charleston, W. V. 

Harry Kalmine, vice-president and general 

manager of the circuit, listed the following 

other winners: 

Honorable mention prize of a $200 U. S. 

bond, Rodney Collier, Stanley Theatre, Baltimore; 

Dominick Lucente, Broadway, Philadelphia; 

Harry Schlinker, Fresno Theatre, 

Fresno, Calif., and Gerald Luedtke, Rio Theatre, 

Appleton, Wis. 

District managers awards: Tony Williams, 

Newark, $500 bond; James Totman, New 

Haven, $250 bond, and Prank Harpster, Pittsburgh, 

$150 bond. 

For the best record of kiddie shows, Mrs. 

Gordon also won a $350 bond. George Kemp, 

Montauk Theatre, Passiac, N. J., also won 

a $350 bond for the best series of promotions 

and the same prize went to Lou Pordan, 

Memorial Theatre, McKeesport, Pa., for winning 

the miscellaneous income bracket. Mrs. 

Viola Folks, of the west coast-Hollywood 

office, won $100 for the best record of improved 

real estate income. 

Prizes of $500 each go to the following for 

best campaigns: Joe Miklos, Embassy, New 

Britain, Conn., for "U.F.O."; George Birkner, 

Fabian, Paterson, N. J., for "Fastest Gun 

Alive"; William Wyatt, Charleston, for 

"Eddy Duchin Story," and Dominick Lucente, 

Philadelphia, for "Away All Boats." Hillman 

of New Haven also won $100 for his campaign 

on "The Great Locomotive Chase." 

Grand Exhibit Chairman 

Of NAC '57 Convention 

NEW YORK—Lester Grand of the Confection 

Cabinet Corp. of Chicago has been 

named exhibit chairman for the 1957 convention 

of the National Ass'n of Concessionaires 

to be held November 20-23 at the 

Hotel Americana, Miami Beach. The appointment 

was announced by Lee Koken of RKO 

Industries, NAC president, who noted the 

excellent work of Grand as exhibit chairman 

of the 1956 convention here. 

NAC was formerly titled the Popcorn and 

Concessions Ass'n. Its 1957 convention will be 

held at the same time and place as those of 

Theatre Owners of America and the Theatre 

Equipment and Supply Manufacturers Ass'n 

and will include a popcorn-food-beverageconcession 

and vending industries tradeshow. 

Grand said he was confident it will surpass 

New York show. 

"Florida in November," he said, "will be a 1 

the 

big inducement for buyers to combine the 

business convention with a winter vacation at 

Miami Beach. Our exhibition hall, which has 

been specially constructed to adequately 

house 250 king-sized display booths, will offer 

supply firms maximum advantage in displaying 

their items." 

Colorful exhibit brochures have been prepared 

by NAC and will be mailed soon. 

14 BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956 

'

"^ ^î'êrsal-International Picture 

AVAILABLE DEC. 

it's in the wind. . 

.yyjfff^/ is the word! 

VARIETY 

"•Will be written 

'« 'ong remembered 

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^^^ms of t/ieatres 

fortunate en 

to exliiliit it. 

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International Pif;,J. 

BOXOFFICE 

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ECHNICOLOR 

ROCK HUDSON • LAUREN BACALL 

ROBERT STACK-DOROTHY MALONE 

ROBERT KEITH • GRANT 

^M 

WILLIAMS • HARRY SHANNON 

Directed b> Serccnpla) b\ PruduccJ h> 

it L>E_DT 7!ir'OK4|-T-t 

AVni vt^rsal-Inu'^'^"tional Picture 

AVAILABLE Dec. 2sih

22 FALL FEATURES IN HIT CLASS; 

3-HOUR PICTURES TOP THE LIST 

'Giant/ 'War and Peace' 

Shoot Averages Up; 'Lust 

For Life' Ranks Third 

By NATHAN COHEN 

The long-running pictures were the bigmoney 

attractions at the nation's key theatres 

during the fall quarter, with Warner 

Bros.' "Giant" (201 minutest and Paramount's 

"War and Peace" (208 minutes) 

leading a parade of 22 features which 

reached the hit class. Linked with the two 

marathon winners in the top trio of 

autumn hits was MGM's "Lust for Life," 

a comparative shortie at 122 minutes. 

The fall quarter failed to produce as many 

hit features as the summer months—27—but 

measured up about as well as the comparative 

period a year ago. Those features which did 

good business in September, October and 

November, however, were strong attractions, 

shooting business generally above that of the 

first quarter a year ago. 

HIT AVERAGE IS 

UP 

In the three-months ending November 30, 

there were 22 features which scored 120 per 

cent of average business or better to qualify 

as hits. A year ago, there were 23 hits. But 

this year, the hit pictures produced a combined 

average of 161.5 per cent, compared 

to 146.5 per cent scored by the 1955 hits. In 

other words, the better pictures were drawing 

more customers to the theatres than was 

the case a year ago. 

Altogether, the film companies released 

70 features during the autumn months on 

which there have been sufficient playdates 

to indicate their pulling power at the boxoffice. 

The 22 hit features represented 31.4 

per cent of the releases. There were 49 pictures 

which did average or better business, or 

70 per cent of the total output. This is better 

than the summer average when only 63.1 per 

cent of the features did average or better, but 

slightly less impressive than the 1955 autumn 

mark when 73.3 per cent of the features did 

average or better business The brighter in- 

Top Hits of the 1st Quarter 

(September through November) 

AHackl (UA) 

Bad Seed, The (WB) 

Bandido (UA) 

PERCENTAGES 

Best Things in Life Are Free, The (20th-Fox) 

Between Heaven and Hell (20th-Fox) 

Death of a Scoundrel (RKO) 

WFriendly Persuasion (AA) 

Giant (UA) 

Julie (MGM) 

Love Me Tender (20th-Fox) 

Lust for Life (MGM) 

Oklahomal (20th-Fox, CS) 

Opposite Sex, The (MGM) 

Tea and Sympathy (MGM) 

Private's Progress (DCA) 

Secrets of Life (BV) 

'..... 

Secrets of the Reef (Cont'l) 

Shake, Rattle and Roll (AIP) 

USolid Gold Cadillac, The (Col) 

Toward the Unknown (WB) 

SJWar and Peace (Para) 

You Can't Run Away From If (Col) 

O Blue Ribbon Award winner*. 

terpretation, however, is that the lesser product 

in the last three months held up as boxoffice 

fare in greater numtjers than it did 

in the summer months. 

There were five features which exhibitors 

in key theatres reported better than doubled 

their average business. Besides the top three 

hits, the others were "Love Me Tender" 

(211 per cent), the 20th Century-Pox production 

which had Elvis Presley as its patronpulling 

punch, and "The Bad Seed" (203 

per cent), the Warner Bros, adaptation of 

the successful Broadway play. 

"Giant" wound up as the .second best 

grosser of the year, in first run situations 

120 130 140 150 175 200 210 

i33: 

i2ll 

i21( 

215 

Comparative

THE SCREEN'S 

' 

m GOLDSTEIN PRODUCTIONS 

presents 

tar CKtJtB^ 

Year"-Wyatt 

blasts the screen" 

with gun-hot fury! 

Hugh Qi 

NANCY GATES 

• 

RAYMOND BURR 

^-f'T^--' 

y:-fiT^'^-^''^'y^ ^.-'igv-v^'T;--: - 

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co-slaning 

REBA TASSELL 

DONALD MACDONALD 

.«.n„, ROBERT BURTON • EDDIE FIRESTONE 

lo.^ GEORGE ZUCKERMAN .. JESS ARNOLD • saee.â, ., DON MARTIN 

...» BOB GOLDSTEIN • «„ce. ^ HERMAN COHEN • o„ecN .. GERD OSWA'

See TOA-Allied Meet 

On Arbitration Soon 

NEW YORK—A Joint meeting of representatives 

of Theatre Owners of America 

and Allied States Ass'n for the purpose of 

discussing the proposed industry arbitration 

system is expected to be held shortly after 

the holidays. TOA has indicated that it is 

ready to get under way with the project any 

time that Allied gives the signal and, according 

to reports, Allied will announce its 

pl^ns within the next 30 days. 

While Allied has not stated officially that 

its acceptance of arbitration means that it 

wUl not insist on the arbitration of film 

rentals, the consensus in the trade is that 

it means just that. The film rentals angle 

has been regarded as a stumbling block in 

exhibitor unity within the arbitration framework 

and its elimination is regarded as a 

sure sign that the project can get off the 

ground early in the year. 

The only other stumbling block appears 

to be distribution which of late has been taking 

a somewhat cool attitude toward the entire 

enterprise. Major company executives 

who have been close to the preparation of 

the draft, as well as inaugurating the system, 

upon being questioned, have said they had 

no plans to put the necessary machinery into 

operation. On the other hand, it is believed 

by some observers that the distributors are 

simply waiting for exhibition to make the 

first move. 

TESMA-TEDA to Hold 

Joint Florida Meeting 

NEW YORK—The plan of Theatre Equipment 

Dealers Ass'n to hold a joint meeting 

with Theatre Equipment and Supply Manufacturers 

Ass'n somewhere in the midwest 

next fall has been discarded and, instead, 

the two associations will hold sessions in 

Florida immediately preceding the Theatre 

Owners of America-TESMA trade show- 

National Ass'n of Concessionaries conventions. 

TESMA and TEDA will meet concurrently 

on November 17 and 18 at the 

New Americana Hotel, Bal Harbour, Fla. 

The joint TESMA-TOA-NCA conventions will 

be held November 20-23. 

Lee Jones, TESMA president, and J. Eldon 

Peek, board chairman of TEDA, said they 

agreed that several advantages would accrue 

in the joint business and social events. Jones 

said that TESMA members would find it 

much more convenient to have their meetings 

with TEDA at the indicated 

times and 

place, since otherwise it would have become 

necessary for his members to make a separate 

trip to another city with the resultant time 

away from their businesses. 

Speaking for TEDA, Peek said that his 

organization wanted to meet with TESMA at 

a time other than during the trade show 

which had grown so large as to almost eliminate 

the benefits that had accrued for both 

organizations when the trade shows were 

small enough to permit Joint social and business 

meetings. Additionally, Peek said, 

TEDA members who might wish to stay over 

in Florida at the conclusion of the TESMA- 

TEDA sessions could do so and meet with 

the theatre people. 

Wolfe Cohen Is Elected 

Vice-President of WB 

NEW YORK—Wolfe Cohen, president of 

Warner Bros. Pictures International Corp., 

was elected a vicepresident 

of Warner 

Bros. Pictures at a 

meeting Monday (17) 

of the board of directors. 

Cohen is in charge 

of all Warner Bros, 

overseas operations, 

which include all countries 

except those behind 

the Iron Curtain 

and Bamboo Curtain. 

He joined Warner 

Wolfe Cohen Bros, in 1925 as branch 

manager in St. John, Canada. He was promoted 

to Canadian district manager in 1942, 

appointed sales manager in charge of Oceania, 

South America and the Far East in 1944, and 

assigned to his present post in 1948. 

First Run Reports 

(Continued from page 16) 

Search for Bridey Murphy, The 76 

Vagabond King, The 97 

Vâr and Peace 219 

RKO RADIO: 

Back From Eternity 102 

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt 91 

Death of a Scoundrel 120 

First Traveling Saleslady 87 

Tension at Table Rock 87 

REPUBLIC: 

Scandal, Inc 65 

Strange Adventure, A 94 

Thunder Over Arizona 83 

20th CENTURY-FOX: 

Best Things in Life Are Free, The 122 

Between Heaven and Hell 1 22 

Desperadoes Are in Town, The 100 

Last Wagon, The 110 

Love Me Tender 21 

Oklahoma! (CinemoScope) 194 

Stagecoach to Fury 1 06 

Teenage Rebel 113 

UNITED ARTISTS: 

Ambassador's Daughter, The 116 

Attock! 137 

Bandido 118 

Boss, The 89 

Emergency Hospital 100 

Flight to Hong Kong 89 

Gun Brothers 100 

Hot Cors 91 

Huk 93 

Man From Del Rio 100 

Rebel in Town 92 

Shorkf ighters 1 06 

UNIVERSAL: 

I've Lived Before 105 

Pillors of the Sky 97 

Row Edge 94 

Showdown at Abilene 91 

Simon and Laura 114 

Unguarded Moment, The 1 06 

Walk the Proud Land 104 

WARNER BROS.: 

Amazon Trader, The 91 

Bad Seed, The 203 

Burning Hills, The 113 

Cry in the Night, A 103 

Giant 333 

Girl He Left Behind, The 100 

Toward the Unknown 1 27 

MISCELLANEOUS: 

Private's Progress (DCA) 147 

Runawoy Doughters (AlP) t

Ripps Succeeding Hickey 

As MGM Coast Sales Head 

George A. Hickey 

Herman L. Ripps 

NEW YORK—Herman L. Ripps has been 

appointed MGM coast division sales manager 

by Charles M. Reagan, vice-president and 

general sales manager of Loew's. He suc- 

^Lceeds George A. Hickey who will retire at the 

^Bend of the year after 40 years with Loew's 

Btnd MGM. 

Ut Ripps has been assistant ea^stern division 

sales manager with headquarters here. He 

"will take over in Los Angeles early in January. 

Hickey started his career as an actor, later 

becoming an exhibitor in New England. He 

sold his theatres to join the Selznick organization 

in Boston, later becoming asjciated 

with Mutual and Triangle before 

)ining Goldwyn Pictures when that company 

ifent into business. He became district manager 

when the company became Metro- 

Goldwyn-Mayer. 

Exhibitors Seek to Heal 

Martin-Lewis Breach 

NEW YORK—Whether or not it will heal 

the rift nobody knows, but exhibitors evidently 

want Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to 

reconsider their decision to quit as a theatrical 

team and are saying so. Local exhibitors 

have sounded off through the medium of a 

resolution adopted unanimously by the Independent 

Theatre Owners Ass'n. They have 

asked all interested groups everywhere, 

whether in or outside of the industry, to take 

similar action. 

The ITOA resolution recognizes that the 

Martin-Lewis team is a potent boxoffice 

attraction and asks that it be continued "to 

the end that their brand of comedy may continue 

to bring laughter to people everywhere, 

and that the full value of their potential 

be realized by the motion picture industry as 

a whole." 

Martin and Lewis have made what they 

said was their last picture as a team. It is 

"Hollywood or Bust" and will be released by 

Paramount, which is not objecting to the 

attempt to bring about a reconciliation of 

temperamental differences. 

Columbia Dividends Voted 

Both in Cash and Stock 

NEW YORK—Columbia has voted the regular 

quarterly dividend of 30 cents a share 

on the common stock and voting trust certificates 

for common stock, payable January 30 

to stockholders of record Friday (28). It also 

voted a two and a half per cent stock dividend 

on the common and voting trust certificates, 

payable the same date. At the annual 

meeting, A. Schneider, first vice-president and 

treasurer, said it was policy to continue stock 

dividends if they would not cut into the surplus. 

THE TV FRONT IN WASHINGTON 

Taxwise, Antitrustwise^ 

TV Gets the Once-over 

Washington Bureau, 

Boxoffice 

WASHINGTON—There is a lot going on 

in the television industry that is, or could 

be, of great interest to motion picture exhibitors 

that is, with respect to Washington, 

Spokesmen for all segments of the TV industry 

have teamed up in a "last chance" 

drive to sell Congress on repeal of the 10 per 

cent federal excise tax on all-band TV sets. 

Industry spokesmen went before the subcommittee 

of the House Committee on Ways 

and Means, holding hearings on excises and 

possible tax changes, and wai'ned that this 

represents a "last chance" to eliminate a 

price disadvantage which discourages the 

production of sets equipped to recieve the 

UHP (ultra high frequency) band. 

HANDICAPS TV SERVICE 

Joseph Heffernan, a vice-president of National 

Broadcasting Co., told the committee 

that lack of UHP sets prevents the development 

of adequate TV service in all parts of 

the nation. 

However, Rep. Noah M. Mason (R.,-I11.), a 

friend of the motion picture industry, expressed 

doubt that Congress should use tax 

benefits to influence competitive relationships 

within an industry. 

Sen. Warren Magnuson (D.,-Wash.), who 

has radio and TV interests of his own, a 

member of the Senate Committee on Interstate 

and Foreign Commerce, filed a statement 

with the subcommittee pointing out 

that the committee recommended more than 

two years ago that Congress act to encourage 

UHF production. 

He warned that a comprehensive national 

TV system, with multiple services everywhere, 

and an opportunity for numerous local stations, 

cannot develop unless the 70 UHF 

channels are used. 

Meantime, many observers see high stakes 

in the current Department of Justice's antitrust 

attack on Radio Corp. of America- 

National Broadcasting Co. 

A civil antitrust complaint filed in Philadelphia, 

Pa., by the Department of Justice 

will test RCA-NBC's rights to push for TV 

properties in top national markets. In the 

suit, the Department seeks to establish jurisdiction 

over the affairs of an industry which 

heretofore primarily has been the responsibility 

of the Federal Communications Commission. 

ALLEGE AN NBC CONSPIRACY 

In the complaint, the Justice Department 

pictures RCA-NBC as engaged in a conspiracy 

to obtain VHF (very high frequency) 

stations in five of the eight top U. S. markets. 

As a step in this process, the complaint states, 

NBC's power to grant or withhold network 

affiliations has been used to force Westinghouse 

Broadcasting Corp. to exchange its stations 

in Philadelphia, the nation's fourth 

largest market, for NBC's stations in Cleveland, 

the nation's 10th largest market. NBC 

also gave Westinghouse $3 million in cash. 

The Department of Justice listed other 

activities of NBC which it contends places 

its competitors in a less favorable position. 

It asks the court "to order such divestiture 

of the assets of the defendant NBC as the 

court may deem necessary and appropriate." 

Since the Federal Communications Act 

specifies that antitrust convictions should be 

taken into consideration in granting or renewing 

radio and TV licenses, the FCC immediately 

reacted to the Justice Department 

action by suspending further consideration 

of NBC's application for the purchase of 

WKNB-TV, New Britain, Conn., pending the 

conclusion of the case. 

NBC saw itself as "the victim of a jurisdictional 

dispute between two agencies of 

government," since, it pointed out, FCC had 

studied the facts and had decided the transaction 

was in the public interest. 

Actually, television, which ranked as one 

of the nation's most investigated industries 

in 1956, seems to be headed for more trouble 

in '57. 

In 1956, a congressional committee, the Department 

of Justice, and the Federal Communications 

Commission's special network 

study group have been accumulating a mass 

of information about network relationships 

with affiliates, with program producers, and 

with advertisers. 

SEE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS 

During 1957, these probes likely will lead 

to legislative proposals and possibly even 

other court actions, seeking to deal with 

problems that seem to be posed by some 

of the practices under investigation. There is 

no "right wing," or "left wing," in Congress 

on these issues, sometimes, senators such as 

John W. Bricker (R.,-0.) stand right alongside 

such senators as Paul Douglas (D.,-I11.) 

in demanding action against the networks. 

At times, in the year just closing, TV network 

officials shuttled from one congressional 

hearing room to another. They were subjected 

to investigations in their home offices by 

FBI agents working for the antitrust division, 

Department of Justice, and otherwise were 

feeling the heavy hand of government, which 

is quite a price to pay even for high profits. 

Observers here consider it quite ironic, 

considering that the FCC, once considered 

the "watchdog" of the radio-TV industry, is 

made up of officials who seem now to be partial 

to it. From George C. McConnaughey, 

chairman of the FCC, on down, the industry 

is said to enjoy "unusually cordial relationships" 

with FCC. The commissioners are 

praised by network leaders as being "industry-minded," 

and this goes for all of them. 

The only thing is that, in the context of 

things as they are, even faint praise from 

the industry may prove to be damning to 

FCC members, who are supposed to protect 

the public interest. 

Latin American Opening 

NEW YORK—King Brothers' "The Brave 

One" will open Christmas Day at the Avila 

and Lido theatres in Caracas, Venezuela, 

according to Walter Branson, RKO ^ficepresident 

in charge of worldwide distribution. 

It will be the first opening in Latin America. 

BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956 

19

FEATURE REVIEW 

'Battle 

Hymn' 

Universal-International 

entertainment factor 

By IVAN SPEAR 

BT JUST about the time when seemingly 

the theatrical film screen has absorbed 

all that it can take of pictures dealing with 

the Korean War, along comes a feature so 

divorced from formula, so thoroughly heartwarming 

and so masterfully mounted as to 

establish that in the recent conflict there was 

material for still one more photoplay, the 

and commercial possibilities 

of which are beyond question. 

Universal-International's "Battle Hymn" is 

Exhibit A in irrefutable testimony thereof: 

for here is a feature that cannot escape completely 

satisfying theatre patrons of all ages 

and appetites. And to assure its probability 

as one of the top grossers of the coming year 

are three assets: Its literary genesis, the 

enthusiastic word-o'-mouth reactions it is 

certain to generate among initial spectators 

and the presence at the van of the cast of 

rugged Rock Hudson, currently as sizzling an 

item as any showman could desire to adorn 

his marquee. 

The expertly-wrought screenplay by Charles 

Grayson and Vincent B. Evans tells the story 

of Colonel Dean Hess, an ordained minister 

in the Churcn of the Disciples of Christ and 

a ranking Air Force officer, who flew and 

fought in two wars and who won the heart 

of the world because of his humanitarian activities 

in rescuing thousands of Korean orphans 

from the Communists. It is with this 

Universal-International presents 

"BATTLE HYMN" 

In Cinemascope and Technicolor 

Ratio: 2.55-1 

Running time: 108 Minutes 

CREDITS 

Produced by Ross Hunter. Directed by Douglas 

Sirk. Screenplay by Charles Grayson ond Vincent 

B. Evons. Director of photography, Russell Metty, 

A.S.C. Technicolor color consultant, William 

Fritzsche. Special photography, Clifford Stine, 

A.S.C. Unit production manager, Norman Deming. 

Art direction, Alexander Golitzen and 

Emerich Nicholson. Film editor, Russell Schoengarth, 

A.C.E. Set decorations, Russell Gousmon 

and Oliver Emert. Sound, Leslie I. Carey and 

Corson Jowett. Costumes, Bill Thomas. Makeup, 

Bud Westmore. Hair stylist, Joan St. Oegger. 

Assistant directors, Morshall Green and Terry 

Nelson. Technical advisor. Colonel Deon Hess. 

Music, Frank Skinner. Music supervision, Joseph 

Gershenson. 

THE CAST 

Dean Hess Rock Hudson 

Mory Hess Mortho Hyer 

Sgt. Hermon Dan Duryea 

Copt. Skidmore Don DeFore 

Miss Yang Anno Koshfi 

Major Moore Jock Mohoney 

Mess Sergeant Alon Hale 

Deocon Edwords Carl Benton Raid 

Gcnerol Kim Richord Loo 

Lieutenont Maples James Edwards 

Old Mon Phil Ahn 

General Timberidge Bartlett Robinson 

Lieutenont Hollis Simon Scott 

Korean Official Teru Shimoda 

Mojor Horrison 

Corleton Young 

Chu Jung' Kyoo Pyo 

Captoin Reardon Art Millon 

Navy Lieutenant Williom Hudson 

Sentry Paul Sorenjen 

, The children from 

The Orphans' Home of Korea 

portroyed themselves in 

this rr>otion picture. 

Anna Kashli and Kock Hudson bathe 

a Korean orphan in this human-interest 

scene from "Battle Hymn." 

latter phase of Colonel Hess' life and selfless 

credo that the picture concerns itself. 

Resultantly, the offering has a substantial 

spiritual quality that will play no small part 

in attracting acclaim. That is not to be construed 

to mean that the film is lacking in the 

action, excitement and suspense that have 

come to be expected in war pictures. Quite 

to the contrary, there are liberal passages of 

those ingredients and the flying and air combat 

footage need not apologize to any of its 

kind ever photographed. Then, too, there are 

the touches of rough-and-ready G. I. comedy 

without which no projection of Army life 

would be complete. Because the colonel is a 

happily-married man, as well as a man of 

God, the film's romantic quotient is necessarily 

sparse, but there is such a plenitude 

of other superior elements that even the most 

avid of boy-meets-girl devotees will find no 

room for quarrel with the paucity. 

On the performance side, Hudson can be 

credited with a sincere, strong and sympathetic 

contribution on a par with those recent 

appearances that are catapulting him to 

a high niche among Hollywood's male stars. 

His support is of comparable excellence 

throughout, with a particular nod due Dan 

Duryea, to whose capable hands is trusted 

most of the comedy content. Even in the face 

of this over-all superiority, the large number 

of Oriental moppets come close to stealing 

the trouping honors, which is one of the 

sizable reasons highlighting the venture as 

another bright directorial credit for megaphonist 

Douglas Sirk. Many of these youngsters 

were imported from the Orphans' Home 

of Korea, and the ingratiating portion they 

add to the movie's stature and warmth prove 

that bringing them to Hollywood was shrewd 

and profitable production planning. 

For this and the many other high calibre 

assets—cast. Cinemascope and Technicolor, 

and technical details that excel in every department—credit 

goes to producer Ross 

Hunter and his competent staff. 

Slate Three New Films 

HOLLYWOOD— Mel Shavelson's and Jack 

Rose's Independent production company has 

concluded a deal with Bob Hope Enterprises 

calling for the co-production of three pictures 

In the next three years. Inltialer to roll 

under the new pact will be "Youth Is a 

Wonderful Thing," an S&R original comedy 

about a family traveling through Europe, 

which will be lensed In actual locales. 

Warners Remain Aloof 

In 'Doir Controversy 

JTEW YORK—Warner Bros, is standing 

aloof from the controversy with the Catholic 

Church over "Baby Doll." Warners has an 

iron-bound contract to release the Elia Kazan 

piCiUre and any theatre which wants to book 

the production will be .served, according to 

a spokesman. 

The issue came to a head last Sunday (16) 

when Cardinal Spellman, at St. Patrick's 

Cathedral, tor the first time mounted the 

pulpit to condemn a motion picture. He 

warned Roman Catholics that they would be 

commiting a sin if they saw the picture. 

In 1951, he condemned "The Miracle" by 

way of a written statement which was read 

at all masses. 

Cardinal Spellman aimed his criticism at 

the film's theme which he described as "revolting" 

and at the "brazen" advertising. 

Warner Bros, is taking the stand that as 

long as the picture has a code seal and has 

been passed by the New York State Board of 

Censors, plus its contract with Kazan to distribute 

it, the company is not involved. 

Following the cardinal's action, Kazan 

issued a statement in which he said he disagreed 

with the churchmen that "Baby Doll" 

was immoral. He said it was a personal story 

of four "small pitiable" people and that he 

and author Tennessee Williams had tried to 

see them with honesty and charity. 

"Cardinal Spellman, or whoever saw the 

picture for him," Kazan said, "disagrees. But 

in this country judgments on matters of 

thought and taste are not handed down ironclad 

from an unchallengeable authority. People 

see for themselves and finally judge for 

themselves. That's as it should be. It's our 

tradition and our practice. In the court of 

public opinion I'll take my chances." 

Meanwhile, Mayor Robert Wagner protested 

the use of his name and of his wife as 

being sponsors of the premiere of "Baby 

Doll." The Actors Studio, for which the 

benefit debut was held Tuesday night (18), 

said that the names of the mayor and his 

wife had appeared on "some old stationery" 

when the use of the Wagners' names had 

been authorized. 

Name 'Around the World' 

Best Picture of 1956 

NEW YORK—"Around the World in 80 

Days" has been chosen as the best picture 

of 1956 by the Committee on E^xceptional 

Films of the National Board of Review. Henry 

Hart is chairman of the committee. 

The others in its list of ten best follow: 

"Moby Dick," "The King and I," "Lust for 

Life," "Friendly Persuasion," "Somebody Up 

There Likes Me," "The Catered Affair," 

"Anastasia," "The Man Who Never Was" and 

"Bus Stop." 

"The Silent World" was selected as the best 

foreign film, followed by "War and Peace," 

"Richard III," "La Strada" and "Rififi." 

John Huston was named the best director 

for "Moby Dick," Dorothy McGuire the best 

actress for "Friendly Persuasion" and Yul 

Brynner the best actor for "The King and I,' 

"Anastasia" and "The Ten Commandments." 

Debbie Reynolds was named the best supporting 

actress for "The Catered Affair" and 

Richard Basehart the best supporting actor 

for "Moby Dick." 

20 BOXOFFICE December 22. 1956

ALLIED ARTISTS 

presents the forerunners ofta distinguished program 

for world wide t entertainment . 

"'^^Hi^^^^Mi 

Gary 

Cooper 

William Wylers 

GARY COOPER 

AUDREY HEPBURN 

MAURICE CHEVALIER 

co-starring 

DOROTHY MCGUIRE 

introducing Anthony Perkins 

Atso co-starri 

ng Marjorie Main 

Billy 

WiLDER'S 

In 

MagnifKtnt 

COLOR 

PKODUCEO 8/ 

ROBERT AND RAYMOND HAKIM 

GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA 

ANTHONY QUINN 

in Victor Hugo's 

^Hundihack 

OFPan's" 

CJ NEMASCOgI 

and 

COLOR 

4»* '"'^^sî^^J^^^^m 

TONY MARTIN 

and 

VERA-ELLEN 

in the 

dazzling 

musical. . 

'^3^^'^ 

PtODUCEO %y 

MARCEL HELLMAN 

[cinemasco pe 

COLOR 

WHERE PROGRESS 

MAKES THE NEWS 

OF AN INDUSTRY

BETWEEN THE LINES 

By AL STEEN 

A Visit From Santa 

T WAS sitting in front of my fireplace the 

other night with my feet 

on the andirons 

when suddenly a red-garbed figure 

dropped down the chimney and landed on 

the hearth. Neither he nor my feet got 

burned because there was nothing burning 

in the fireplace. Although the stranger 

wore the conventional clothing of St. Nicholas, 

he was clean-shaven. 

•'F\3r a moment I thought you were Santa 

"It was nice of you to drop 

Claus," I said. 

in. May I toast you?" I raised my glass. 

"If you had had a fire, I would have been 

toasted," said the caller. "On the other 

hand, I am Santa Claus. A guy can shave 

now and then, can't he? Besides, my wife 

hadn't seen my face for centuries. Too bad 

she can't grow a beard, too." 

"Well, what can I do for you?" I asked. 

Santa stretched out in my easy chair. 

"Well, I'll tell you, I always like to give 

presents that are wanted. I've always been 

very fond of people in the picture business 

and I thought maybe you could give me a 

hint as to what some of the folks might 

like." 

I 

poured Santa out one of my own concoctions 

known as the Creeping Ivy; after 

one drink, you start climbing up the side 

of a wall. 

"That's right nice of you," I said. "Maybe 

I can help you. Let's see. I think it would 

be nice if you could give exhibition some 

harmony." 

"I'd like to but I can't sing," Santa replied. 

"But most exhibitors have been singing 

the blues." 

"I don't mean that kind of harmony. I 

mean unity. How about giving them one 

big exhibitor organization so that all fights 

can be within one family?" 

"I'll make a note of that," Santa said, 

scribbling on his cuff. 

"And here would be a swell gift. An arbitration 

system all wrapped up in green 

paper and red ribbon." 

"No red tape?" 

"No red tape. And could you arrange it 

so that distributors could get higher film 

terms and exhibitors could pay lower prices 

at the same time?" 

"Oh, sure," said Santa. "If I were my 

father's brother, I'd be my own uncle. But 

I'll make a note of it." 

"And say, how about a complete elimination 

of the admission tax?" I asked. "That 

would be a terrific gift and would permit 

Bob Coyne to go to Washington just for 

sightseeing. At least some exhibitors then 

could break even, and they need the 

money." 

"Very good idea," Santa said, taking another 

sip of my Ivy drink and eyeing the 

wall. 

"Do you think you could send Si Fabian a 

green light from the Justice Department so 

that his Stanley Warner outfit could start 

making pictures?" I ventured. "You could 

have the green light gift-wrapped with his 

own Latex." 

"Well, that's stretching things a little 

far," giggled Santa. "I know exhibitors 

need more pictures—good pictures—and 

new talent. Golly, maybe I can arrange a 

tie-up with some astronomers to discover 

new stars." 

I frowned and took his glass away from 

him. "It's corn like that that killed vaudeville 

and will do the same to television," I 

warned. "And speaking of television, how 

about getting the distributors to agree to 

release only their pre-1912 product to TV?" 

"That's the best gift idea you've suggested 

so far," Santa cried. 

"I'll do it." 

I poured out another Ivy and handed it 

to him. "In that case you can have another 

drink," I said. "By the way, where are your 

reindeer?" 

"They've gone to a drive-in," Santa replied. 

"The Elks are having a convention 

there." 

I 

ignored the remark. 

"Santa," I said, "you've made some very 

nice promises. If you will keep only half of 

them, you will be rendering a very great 

service to a very great industry. I said 

rendering, not reindeering." 

Santa reached over and took my glass 

away from me. 

"It's corn like that that killed vaudeville 

and will do the same to your column," he 

said. 

To make a long story short, Santa is a 

patient in my house. He went back up the 

chimney and came down with the flue. 

Well, there goes my column. 

• 

Allied Press Agent? 

H LLIED Theatre Owners of New Jersey 

wants National Allied to engage a 

full-time press representative. The proposal 

was made at the final session of the 

Dallas convention, but action was deferred 

until the board of directors meeting in late 

January in Cincinnati. 

New Jersey Allied members feel that 

there is a real need for a person who can 

plant constructive stories about Allied's 

activities in the lay press and national 

magazines. The proposal has met with 

mixed reactions, but it is understood that 

the New Jersey boys are going to make a 

strong pitch for the idea at the directors' 

itessions. 

Years ago, the old Motion Picture Theatre 

Owners of America had a publicity 

department which kept the nation informed 

of what was going on in exhibition. Maybe 

the New Jersey unit has a good idea. 

Edwin Zabel Elected 

Bel-Air President 

HOLLYWOOD—Edwin F. Zabel, who recently 

retired as vice-president and general 

manager of Pox West 

Coast Theatres, has 

been elected to the 

presidency of Bel-Air 

Productions in an executive 

readjustment 

of that organization. 

Bel-Air is a partnership 

between Aubrey 

Schenck, who has 

been functioning as 

president, and Howard 

W. Koch. Under the 

new setup, Schenck 

Edwin F. Zabel becomes vice-president 

and executive producer; Koch continues as 

vice-president and in his producer-director 

chores; and Herbert Baerwitz is secretary and 

legal counsel. 

Upon taking the new post, Zabel stated 

that the main function of the company will 

be to continue to provide a minimum of 12 

features a year for release through United 

Artists. However, he said the organization 

will also move into financing and packaging 

of productions with outside producers, and 

will enter the television market in a production 

capacity. 

The selection of Zabel as the company 

president is expected to provide a closer contact 

with distribution outlets and sales. His 

experience in theatre operations will make 

this possible and will permit Schenck and 

Koch to concentrate on production. , 

Simultaneously came word from Warner 

Bros, announcing closing of a deal with 

Zabel for the production and release of 

"Untamed Youth" by Stephen Longstreet, 

with the picture to be produced by Schenck 

and directed by Koch early in January. 

Exhibitors Still Active 

Exploiteers, Mack Finds 

CHICAGO—Theatre exploitation is far 

from "dead" although "it has been some time 

since exhibitors have gone all out in the promotion 

of an attraction or personality," accord 

to Irving Mack of Filmack. Now, with 

the emergence of Elvis Presley, "our records 

show that showmen around the country are 

still 

very much promotion-minded," he said. 

He added that they are "cashing in on what 

has become the hottest name in show business 

today." 

To back up his statement. Mack mentioned 

promotion being used to publicize "Love Me 

Tender," new Presley picture. He said suggestions 

to help put over Presley stunts are 

supplied in the January issue of Filmack 

Trailer Co.'s monthly publication, "Inspiration." 

Among the ideas are Presley New 

Year's Eve shows, rock 'n' roll parties, star 

photo giveaways, record showers, midnight 

shows and contests to discover the local Elvi.s 

for stage appearances. 

Donnell in 'Sweet Smell' 

HOLLYWOOD—Jeff Donnell has been 

leif 

signed by the Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Companies 

for "Sweet Smell of Success," Bm-l 

Lancaster-Tony Curtis costarring drama 

which James Hill is producing. Alexander 

Mackendrick. United Artists will release. 

22 BOXOFFICE : 

: December 

22, 1956

More French Features Are Scheduled 

To Be in CinemaScope and Color 

NEW YORK—The French film 

industry is 

going in more heavily for Cinemascope and 

color than ever before, according to a list 

of current pictures being made in France, 

gotten up by the French Film Office here. 

Among the Cinemascope pictures, all of 

them in Eastman Color, are "The Hunchback 

of Paris," starring Gina Lollobrigida and 

Anthony Quinn, which was made by Jean 

Dellanoy in both English and French versions 

and will be distributed in the U. S. by 

Allied Artists in the spring or summer of 

1957; "Follies Bergere," produced by J. Roitfeld, 

starring Jeanmaire, who starred in 

Paramount's "Anything Goes," and Eddie 

Constantine with ballets by Roland Petit; 

"Michael Strogoff," produced by Les Films 

Modernes, based on the Jules Verne's novel, 

starring Curd Jurgens, German star, and 

Genevieve Page, recently in United Artists' 

"Foreign Intrigue"; "The Adventures of Arsene 

Lupin," produced by Cinephonics-SNE- 

Gaumont, starring Robert Damoreux and 

Liselotte Pulver, and "Typhoon at Nagasaki," 

produced by Pathe-Consortium Cinema, 

starring Jean Marais and Danielle Darrieux. 

Other features in color, are: "Till," produced 

by Films Ariane in Technicolor, starring 

Gerard Philipe with Nicole Berger; 

"Death in the Garden," in Eastman Color, 

produced by Dismage, starring Simone Signoret 

and Georges Marchal; "Four Steps in 

the Clouds," a remake of the successful Italian 

film, in Eastman Color, starring Fernandel, 

which will be distributed in the U. S. 

by Kingsley International; "Paris Palace Hotel," 

produced by Speva Films in Eastman 

Color, starring Charles Boyer with Prancoise 

Arnoul, and "The Land I Come Fôm," produced 

by CIM in Technicolor, starring Gilbert 

Becaud and Francolse Arnoul. 

Black-and-white pictures are: "Mitsou," 

produced by Ardennes Films, starring Fernand 

Gravey, Daniele Delorme and Gaby 

Morlay; "The Witches of Salem," based on 

Arthur Miller's Broadway stage hit, "The 

Crucible," produced by CIPC, SNPC, starring 

Simone Signoret and Yves Montand; "Crime 

and Punishment," produced by Champs 

Elysees, starring Marina Vlady, Jean Gabin, 

Gaby Morlay and Ulla Jacobson; "He Who 

Must Die," produced by Indusfilm-Filmsonor, 

with Jean Servals, the star of "Rififi," and 

Nicole Berger; "Killers and Thieves," produced 

by CLM, directed by Sacha Guitry with 

Magali Noel, the singer of "Rififi," and "A 

Condemned Man Has Escaped," produced by 

SNE-Gaumont, with a cast of nonprofessionals. 

Of these 16 French films, only "The Hunchback 

of Paris" and "Four Steps in the 

Clouds" have American distribution set but 

there is a better chance than usual that the 

others will get American release, not only 

because of the color or CinemaScope but because 

several of the stars are already popular 

with U. S. audiences through their Hollywood 

films or are becoming familiar through 

bookings of their films in art houses. 

Anthony Quinn,, Charles Boyer, Jeanmaire 

and Danielle Darrieux have all starred in 

Hollywood pictures while Gina Lollobrigida 

became a big name mainly through United 

Artists' "Trapeze." Fernandel and Gerard 

Philipe have starred in many important 

French films, all of them shown in U. S. 

art houses while Simone Signoret will be remembered 

from "Diabolique," the French 

film which had more U. S. bookings than 

any other Gallic picture to date. Jean Marais 

and Jean Gabin are also familiar faces. 

In addition to "Diabolique" and "Rififi," 

both of which played many circuit houses in 

the U. S., following their art house runs, 

French films now playing New York and 

other key cities include: "The Snow Was 

Black," starring Daniel Gelin, now in its 

eighth week at the Baronet Theatre; "The 

Grand Maneuver," starring Gerald Philipe 

and Michele Morgan, and "Papa, Mama, the 

Maid and I," which was distributed by Columbia 

International. 

Soon to open in New York and other key 

cities are such French films as: "Nana," 

starring Charles Boyer and Martlne Carol; 

which has been booked at the Little Carnegie 

Theatre; "Pantaloons," Fernandel's first 

Technicolor film, which will open at the FMne 

Arts Theatre, and "We Are All Murderers," 

which will open at the Paris Theatre early 

in 1957. And Warner Bros, will distribute 

the English version of "The Night Does 

Strange Things," in Technicolor, starring 

Ingrid Bergman, Mel Ferrer and Jean Marais, 

early in 1957. 

COLUMBIA PICTURES ANNOUNCES THAT PRINTS OF THE FOLLOWING 

PICTURES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN OUR EXCHANGES FOR SCREENING 

VICTOR MATURE • MICHAEL WILDING • ANITA EKBER6 

CinemaScope ^^^^g>^yiy:^g:^:^^^||;jp^^f^^^^ ^ TECHNICOLOR^ 

Screenplay t>, RICHARD MAIBAUM • Based on , No«ei by A, J. BEVAN • Directed b, TERENCE YOUNG 

• ProducKi by IRVING ALLEN and ALBERT R. BROCCOLI • A WARWICK PRODUCTION 

AIDORAY IRIAN XEI1H ANNE BANCROFT 

J\/rfCI0TFJit^ 

wiih Jocclyn Brando • James Gregory • Frank Albertson • 

Rudy Bond 

Screen Pia, by STIRLING SILIIPHANT . from Ihe Nmel by DAVID GOODIS . Produced by TED RICHMOND 

Directed by JACQUES TOURNEUR • A COPA PRODUCTION 

I 

BILLHALEJ 

AND HIS COMETS 

DONT KNOCK 

THE ROCK 

iiowjuNfffl 

THE TRENIERS • IITTLE RICHARD DAVE APPELL and his APPLEJACKS 

»ltli JOVAOA AND JIMMY BALLARD • Written by ROBERT E KENT and JAMES B GORDON 

Produced by SAM KAIZMAH- Directed by FRED F SEARS.- A CtOVER PROOUCTIOH 

the silent world 

"Tniwr of Tills Year's Cannes Festival top Award, The Golden Palm . A film by JACQUES-YVES COUSTEAU and LOUIS MALLE 

Willi FREDERIC DUMAS, ALBERT FALCO, the divers and tne crew of the Calypso 

TECHNICOLOR^ 

RUISVIISI.IE ON THI: DOCiCS 

introducing 

JAMES DARREN 

an) FREDDIE BELL AND HIS BELLBOYS 

with 

Laurie Michael Jerry Robert 

CARROLL • GRANGER • JANGER • 

BWKE 

Screen Play by LOU MORHEIM am) JACK DeWin 

Based on tlw Novel by FRANK PAIEY • Produced by SAM KATZMAN • Directed by FRED S. SEARS 

A CLOVER PRODUCTION 

it;^*OMC?n^ti*Mi4niTST7B 

•urrin, 

^ 

jAYLOR • SALLY FORREST 

• RAYMOND BURR 

Screen Play iy MILTON GELMAN 

• KrecM by DON WEIS 

Produced by WILLIAM SELF 

BOXOFFICE :: December 22. 1956 

23

*iôUcffmod defiant 

By IVAN SPEAR 

Tax Proposal May Affect 

Independent Producers 

There's a new cause celebre abrewin' in the 

Hollywoodlands and one that bids fair to be 

a substantial contributor to the film capital's 

always active quota of ulcers. It concerns 

the proposed tax code changes being 

mulled by the Department of Internal Revenue 

and in it is seen a potential, sizable 

hurdle that might be tossed into the paths 

of those actors, producers, writers, directors 

—and what bent does your creative urge 

pursue?—who in constantly increasing numbers 

during recent seasons have been organizing 

their own Independent producing companies. 

Everyone has, of course, understood 

that the advantageous tax pwsition generated 

thereby has been among the more important 

factors that caused the rash of hanging out 

of shingles. 

Already many creators and their agents 

who stand also to lose if the T-Men follow 

through with the considered changes—are 

thinking of ways and means to block the 

move. An initial session to toss the problem 

up for grabs was held at the local office of 

the William Morris Agency, which was attended 

by local tax experts, representatives of 

the various guilds, attorneys, and others who 

might be affected. 

It is also pointed out that the exhibition 

branch of the trade will not entirely escape 

the ultimate resylts of the considered revisions 

in taxation inasmuch as their execution 

could easily result in further product 

shortage because they might send back to 

major studio payrolls many prominents who 

are now engaged in making independent 

offerings. 

A subsequent development in the situation 

arose with the formation of the Motion Picture 

Industry Committee to which was recruited 

many of those who attended the 

initial meeting. John L. Dales, executive 

secretary of the Screen Actors Guild, accepted 

the chairmanship of the committee, whose 

initial step was to dispatch a telegram of 

protest to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue 

urging that a public hearing be held 

on the proposed tax changes and predicting 

the probability that even more production 

would be driven abroad if the revisions are 

inaugurated. 

Signatories to the message, along with 

Dales, included representatives of the Ass'n 

of Motion Picture Producers, Society of Independent 

Motion Picture Producers, Hollywood 

AFL Film Council, Artists Managers 

Guild, Alliance of Television Film Producers, 

Writers Guild of America West and Screen 

Directors Guild. 

Marlene Dietrich Is Cast 

In 'Witness' for UA 

What was perhaps the week's most newsworthy 

piece of casting concerned Marlene 

Dietrich, who was set to costar with Tyrone 

Power In Arthur Hornblow jr.'s production of 

"Witness for the Prosecution," proposed 

filmization of the London and Broadway 

play. It will be produced by Hornblow in 

association with Edward Small, and under 

the direction of Billy Wilder for United 

Artists release . . Jacques Bergerac, French 

. 

actor, has been set for a part in Sol C. 

Siegel's production of "Les Girls" for Metro- 

Goldwyn-Mayer . . . Producer Robert Waterfield 

has signed Keenan Wynn to play the 

male comedy lead in Russ-Field's "The Fuzzy 

Pink Nightgown," comedy-suspense drama 

which will star Jane Russell for United 

Artists release. 

Brisk Pre-Yuletide Ups'wing 

Seen in Literary Market 

Surprisingly enough the Hollywood story 

market, which usually encounters a sizable 

dosage of the doldrums at this time of the 

year, displayed a brisk pre-Yuletide upswing, 

auguring well for the new year's production 

activities. "The Perfect Furlough," an original 

romantic comedy by Stanley Shapiro, 

was purchased by Universal-International 

and assigned to Robert Arthur to produce. 

It is a yarn dealing with an American soldier 

who, for morale building purposes, is selected 

from the entire personnel of an Arctic base 

to take a furlough for two weeks in Paris 

with a famous glamor girl . . . Guy Madison 

and Helen Ainsworth, associated in an independent 

filmmaking outfit titled Romson, 

bought Leo Katcher's novel, "The Hard Man" 

and have inked the author to develop the 

screenplay. Film will be produced by Ainsworth, 

starring Madison. Locale of the story 

is El Paso, with our hero portraying a law 

officer who kills too quickly. Romson's initial 

pair of features was distributed by Co- 

. . 

. . . Allied Artists purchased 

lumbia, but no definite release has been set 

for "Man" . "The Masterminds," a comedy 

by Robert Condon about two Englishmen who 

come to New York and blunder their way 

into an immense fortune, has been purchased 

by the Associates and Aldrich. Oscar 

Rudolph, former child actor who has been 

directing television films, has been signed to 

pilot. Condon has been set to write the 

screenplay 

Reginald Rose's "Dino," a screenplay based 

on his hit teleplay of the same title, and has 

signed Sal Mineo to star in it. The film, 

with Bemice Block as producer and Thomas 

Carr directing, has been given a January 21 

starting date. The story deals with the 

reformation of a juvenile delinquent under 

the guidance of a psychiatrist. 

Scott R. Dunlap to Make 

Film for Allied Artists 

Another old timer is getting back into harness. 

Scott R. Dunlap, who for many years 

headed Monogram's production, has completed 

negotiations with Allied Artists—the 

same outfit—to produce "New Day at Sundown." 

It will get away in January. The 

screenplay by George Waggner will be filmed 

In color. 

Martin Rackin has taken over as producer 

of Warner Bros.' "The Helen Morgan Story," 

relieving Richard Whorf, who requested and 

was granted the release because of the pressure 

of duties in launching "Bombers B-52" 

which Is In production at March Field and 

Castle Air Force Base. 

PLAN SUSAN'S NEXT FILM—William 

Dozier, vice-president in charge of production 

at the RKO Studio, and Susan 

Strasberg discuss plans for the filming of 

"Stage Struck," in which she will be costarred 

with Henry Fonda and Herbert 

Marshall, The production will be made in 

color in New York, starting in January. 

Susan flew to Hollywood following her 

Broadway success in "The Diary of Anne 

Frank." 

Technicolor Has Processed 

Five Billion Feet of Film 

They sound like something out of Jules 

Verne—without benefit of Michael Todd 

those statistics released by Dr. Herbert T. 

Kalmus, president and general manager of 

Technicolor, and relating to the output to 

date of that pioneer among the color processing 

outfits. The doctor reported that by the 

end of 1956, Technicolor will have manufactured 

and processed five billion feet of film, 

which would encircle the earth 38 times and 

is enough to keep a projection machine using 

celluloid at the rate of 90 feet per minute 

running continuously for 105 years. 

Positive color 35mm prints manufactured 

by the Technicolor imbibition process account 

for the majority of this footage, though 

the company also has produced substantial 

volumns of prints from various other sizes 

and types of films in recent years. More 

color prints have been made of "Gone With 

the Wind" than of any other picture, this 

picture alone accounting for 2,000 Technicolor 

dye transfer prints totaling some 41 million 

feet of film. 

MGM Halts Production 

Of Cartoons Temporarily 

While much of the industry's limelight 

during recent weeks has been directed toward 

Metro-Goldwyn -Mayer, its executive personnel 

and its future program, Leo's cartoon 

department is getting set for a complete 

shutdown—not because mighty Metro is going 

to stop the production of animated subjects, 

but due to the fact that the studio reportedly 

has a two-year backlog of shorties, and the 

front office brass considers that a halt 

should be called while some of this finished 

celluloid is absorbed by the market. 

Audie Murphy Gets Top Role 

In The Quiet American' 

Coveted by many, the topUning role in 

Joseph L. Mankiewicz's production, "The 

Quiet American," has been given to Audie 

Murphy. Mankiewlcz has written the screenplay 

and will direct the United Artists release 

which goes into production January 28 

In Saigon, Vietnam. "The Quiet American" 

is based on a novel by Graham Greene. 


: December 

22. 1956

^^^ 

FOR AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES WHO NEED CARE 

AND TREATMENT FOR TB AND OTHER CHEST DISEASES 

The entire motivating idea behind your Will Rogers Memorial 

Hospital is one of cooperation and compassion, of uplift, 

encouragement and 

assurance to everyone 

-//c^ Su/j/bSêt-^êHe^M^^'/}(e G/RlSTMAS SALUTE 

who has any kind of 

job in the Amusement Industry, including all departments 

The world renowned facilities and care at Will Rogers are provided 

of radio, television, stage, screen, night clubs, and any other 

industry allied to entertainment. Their immediate families 

are proteaed, too. The essence of the Hospital's existence is 

"All for One and One for AH'," for every individual employee 

does his share of helping to provide this unequalled care and 

at no charge whatever to patients— for medication, for surgery, for 

care and living accommodations while hospitalized. 

The Hospital is supported mainly through voluntary contributions 

each year to the Christmas Salute by all employees. Most individuals 

give the equivalent of one hour's pay, but many give more, 

treatment for all. Thus while one is doing something worthwhile 

for other people they are also protecting him. 

much more. Whatever the amount, the important thing is 

praaically everyone in the Industry shares in its support. 

that 

Wm ROPERS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 

and RESEARCH LABORATORIES S.^'û^cj^.Tei^. 

NATIONAl OFFICE. 1501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 36, NEW YORK r 

Will Rogers Hotpitol gratefully acknowledges contributions of od production by r k o radio pictuu* and space by this publisher. 

80X0FFICE : 

: December 22, 1956 

25

GETTING IT OFF THEIR CHEST, AT YEAR'S END 

Detroit Exhibitors Speak Their Minds 

On Research, Titles, Family Pictures 

By H. F. REVES 

DETTROIT—Constructive criticism of present 

production and distribution policies was 

voiced by a representative sampling of exhibitors 

here. 

Adequate market research was demanded 

by Daniel J. Lewis, film buyer for Cooperative 

Theatres of Michigan, who said: "I find it 

very difficult to understand why people who 

have invested millions of dollars for pictures 

do not use, for the benefit of all concerned, 

the various research services that can be had 

for an analysis of both pictures and picture 

titles." 

CRITICIZES 'STUPID' TITLES 

Lewis criticized "stupid" titles attached to 

a picture, perhaps because of the studio's 

contractual obligation to the author, and 

"stupid" content of films as well, adding: 

"Before a picture is made, we could help 

them by telling them that this particular 

picture cannot get a return from the boxoffices 

throughout the land because of its 

content and title. 

"They can benefit by using proper research 

methods—just as any big successful company 

in other lines does today." 

Another aspect of the problem was suggested 

by the demand of Max Gealer, supervisor 

of Associated Theatres, for Hollywood 

to "quit making so many spectaculars and 

make some good family type pictures . . . 

that is what we need for our neighborhood 

houses especially. The big exploitation type 

of picture that can run downtown is not 

suited to the neighborhoods, where big exploitation 

cannot be done—and the titles may 

drive the customers away." 

"There is a terrific opposition to pictures 

that are not suited for a general family audience," 

summarized Floyd Chrysler of Chrysler 

Associated Theatres, speaking especially 

of small-town situations. "Where you are 

playing two changes and are closed in midweek—and 

when you exclude the entire 

family from coming to the show as a group 

(by the attraction offered), it hurts business. 

In small towns. If you think a film is not 

suitable for children, you exclude a lot of 

adults, 

too. 

FAVORS FILMS IN COLOR 

"There should be more pictures for general 

family appeal—for both children and 

adults—something light and entertaining. 

People as a whole like to go to a theatre to 

laugh and relax." 

Chrysler also suggested: "There Is a big 

trend toward color pictures today—it is very 

acceptable with wldescreen and does not 

cost a lot more. I believe virtually all product 

should be in color today." 

A typical small-town exhibitor. Rex Kinne 

of Whltmore Lake and South Lyon backed 

his viewpoint: "I don't think they make 

enough family type pictures. MGM, for Instance, 

makes probably as fine a type of picture 

as any, but they are not made for the 

masses. They may get good results in the 

large towns—but they are too flowery, they 

are not right for the smaller towns." 

Klnne also was outspoken In criticism of 

screen advertising as nationally prepared, especially 

for seeking to appeal to the "moron" 

trade, which he calls "very misleading. They 

bring out the sex angle, though often there 

is no such thing in the picture. So often the 

parents don't want their children to see the 

picture. So often a good family picture loses 

out solely because of its advertising. I try to 

play all types of pictures, though I will not 

play any picture that is banned by the Detroit 

censors." 

Another exasperating problem voiced by 

Gealer: "There should be more prints so a 

picture can be released in an area sooner. 

By the time pictures are released, the national 

exploitation value is lost—even the 

downtown exploitation value is lost to the 

neighborhoods. 'Guys and Dolls' played the 

neighborhoods almost a year after it was released 

downtown, for instance. 

"There is only one way to make money in 

a theatre—play good pictures and play them 

hot. Even with a shortage of pictures, make 

enough prints so we can play them." 

Gealer said that it often happens that a 

deal is made for a film, and then exhibitors 

are told It cannot be done because there are 

not enough prints available to break it. 

Similarly, Chrysler complained: "the film 

companies themselves have created a shortage 

of prints—perhaps as an economy measure—so 

that many theatres have to close. If 

these theatres could get these pictures earlier, 

while the national advertising is still important, 

it would be a lot healthier for the 

average first run in the small towns." 

Summarizing the balanced general attitude 

of exhibitors toward film producers, Sol Krim 

of the Krim ITieatre said: "I think they are 

coming out with the usual amount of inferior 

product, but they are also coming out with an 

increasing amount of good product. Product 

on the whole has been much better in the 

past year than in the past. 

"The present films are a little more on the 

adult side, speaking not of the moral aspect 

but of the quality. We have a greater number 

of great directors and producers in Hollywood 

today than ever before." 

'Bernie' Sholtz Assigned 

Special Altec Sales Post 

NEW YORK—Bernard Sholtz, well known 

in the theatre equipment field, will become 

special sales representative of Altec Service 

Co. the first of the year, according to H. M. 

Bessey, executive vice-president. As a member 

of the sales staff directed by Marty Wolf, 

sales manager, he will have a roving commission. 

Sholtz, widely known as "Bernie," held 

various sales and executive posts in the theatre 

equipment division of Radio Corp. of 

America from 1929 up to his retirement from 

RCA in 1954. 

Sholtz entered the industry in the distribution 

division of Selznick. Later he was associated 

with Warner Bros, and Pox before 

becoming sales manager of the RCA sound 

device known as Photophone. After the World 

War I armistice, he was a member of the 

American Peace Commission In Paris. 

CALENDARiEVENTS 

DECEMBER 

5 M T W T F S 

1 

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

9 10 n 12 13 14 15 

16 )7 18 19 20 21 22 

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 

30 31

Fred S. Kogod, 57, Dies; 

Washington Circuit Head 

WASHINGTON—Fred S. Kogod, 57, president 

of the K-B Theatres, died last week in 

Doctors Hospital, 

where he had been a 

patient for several 

months. Kogod entered 

the theatre business 

in 1924 when he. 

in partnership with 

Max Burka, purchased 

the local Princess Theatre. 

The present K-B 

circuit holdings include 

the Apex, Flower, 

Langley, MacArthur, 

Naylor, Ontario and 

Colony indoor theatres Fred S. Kogod 

and the Rockville Drive-In, all in this area. 

Kogod was a past barker of Variety Tent 

11, which was planning to honor him with a 

testimonial dinner January 14. 

He was among the first theatremen to 

develop shopping centers and ample parking 

facilities around theatres. He installed in 

each of his theatres a children's room where 

youngsters or parties could watch motion pictures 

in privacy without disturbing the rest 

of the audience. He was a past president of 

the Theatre Owners of Washington. 

A leader of the Adas Israel congregation, 

Kogod made his theatres available to congregations 

of all denominations until they 

could build churches of their own. He was a 

member of the National Conference of Christians 

and Jews, a past worker for the United 

Jewish Appeal and a past president of the 

Jewish Community Center. 

He was a member 

of the local board of public welfare for 

many years. During World War II, Kogod 

served as head of the entertainment division 

of war loan drives. 

He came to this country from his native 

Poland when he was 14. He attended night 

school and worked in Washington grocery 

stores until he was able to buy a grocery 

store. Later he set up a chain of such stores, 

founded the Kogod Dubb Store Fixture Co. 

and became a partner in the Washington 

Refrigeration Co. 

He remained a student throughout his life, 

continuing to study with the aid of a tutor 

such subjects as English, law and political 

science. He was awarded an honorary Doctor's 

degree by the Union Theological Seminary 

in New York. 

Surviving are his wife; his mother; three 

brothers, Samuel and Theodore, both of 

Washington, and Albert of Rio de Janeiro; 

a sister, Mrs. Sossel Schlafstein; four daughters, 

Mrs. Marvin Goldman, Mrs. Erwin Ornstein, 

Mrs. Mildred Glasser and Mrs. Florenz 

Ourisman of Washington, and eight grandchildren. 

ATONJ June Convention 

At N. Y. Lake Resort 

NEW YORK—The Concord Hotel, Lake 

Kiamesha, N. Y., again has been selected as 

the site for the annual convention of Allied 

Theatre Owners of New Jersey. The dates 

are June 2-4, 1957. The choice was made at 

a recent membership meeting which explored 

ways of extending ATONJ activities, according 

to Sidney Stem, president. 

Consideration is being given to the purchase 

of heating fuel on a group basis. 

Sunday Holds as Best Day 

In Winter, Albany Area 

ALBANY—Exhibitors in this area consider 

Sunday the best day for conventional 

theatres from November into April. However, 

Saturday replaces it, in many spots, 

from April or May through October when the 

Sunday weather is pleasant. Sunday still is 

held to be the top day, closely pressed by 

Saturday. 

For drive-ins, reported Harry Lamont of 

Lamont Theatres, Saturday night leads the 

way followed by Friday and Sunday, in that 

order. 

One Albany first run manager declared 

Sunday after 8:30 p.m. has "always been attended 

by a marked slowdown in the sale of 

tickets because people must go to work the 

next day." 

He did not know the reason. 

Several other informants believed there 

had been a decline in the Sunday turnouts 

for the past year or more. When the weather 

is favorable, people take trips in their cars; 

if it rains Sunday afternoon, business picks 

up. Several industry men pointed out that 

Sunday matinees are not as common in small 

communities as they once were. 

Jules Perlmutter, who operates theatres in 

Mechanicville, Whitehall and Ballston Spa, 

all usually classified by the industry as small 

town although Mechanicville is a city of 15,600 

population, said that Saturday and Sunday 

are the only good days, but rated Sunday the 

better. 

"Sunday nights have been off for the past 

year, but I can't tell precisely why," he commented. 

"Saturday is the best night at driveins; 

Friday is next and Sunday is poor, by 

comparison." 

Three branch managers said that under 

certain circumstances they would prefer a 

Wednesday-through-Saturday booking for a 

percentage picture, to a Sunday- through- 

Tuesday date in so-called small towns. Two 

said a Friday-Saturday engagement could be 

more profitable than a Sunday-Monday. Monday, 

by tradition and universal consent, is 

the worst in the week. 

Do the smaller-town situations have to 

come in with a change of bill in order for 

Sunday to be big? Yes, answered various 

informants. This has been true in the Albany 

exchange district for years. 

Matinees, with the exception of weekends 

and perhaps holidays, have meant little, 

grosswise, in this section for at least five 

years. 

The observation of Charles A. Smakwitz, 

former Stanley Warner zone manager in 

Albany and now zone chief in Newark, that 

"Automobiles are the biggest single competition 

to conventional motion picture theatres" 

is shared by others—surely so far as the 

summer months go. 

The present fluidity of population, with 

thousands moving from cities to suburbs, the 

changing trends in employment and leisuretime 

activities, the shifts in economic levels 

of various communities, all have their effect 

on the motion picture business. 

Pittsburgh Sunday Trade Attracted 

Only by Widely Advertised Films 

PITTSBURGH—Only a very good show 

which has been extensively advertised keeps 

theatre cashiers busy on Sundays in most 

theatres of this territory. Sunday matinees 

continue mostly as exhibitions for youngsters. 

Exhibitors in many situations are asking, 

"What's happened to our Sundays?" All 

agree that television programming is 

strongest on Saturday and Sunday and that 

many adults are not leaving home comfort 

and TV viewing to come to the theatre. 

Most exhibitors say that the theatre film 

product is very poor in quality, that only a 

few pictures have audience appeal, although 

the offerings of the home TV receiver cannot 

compare with beautifully projected color 

motion pictures on a widescreen. 

Many exhibitors, especially those out in the 

territory, still play for children on Saturday 

and Sunday afternoons. TV programming 

with action all-day long has injured theatre 

attendance since youngsters stay close to the 

parlor TV receiver. On recent Saturday 

afternoons the kiddies were driven to neighborhood 

theatres, as they are not yet football 

fans and the telecast of grid games 

hurried them out of their homes. 

Shopping centers use much advertising 

space for messages to children, offering free 

shows and attractions, plus gifts and awards 

for weekends. Santa Claus is welcoming the 

youngsters at department stores, supermarkets, 

etc., with pre-Christmas candy 

treats, etc. Most every type of merchandising 

is featuring stunts which in years past 

were the devices of intelligent theatre operators 

and showmen. Now, it is changed, everyone's 

in showbusiness but showpeople. Theatremen 

say that increased overhead and lack 

of cooperation of merchants prevent them 

from engaging in many exploitations they try 

to promote. Merchants, in many instances, 

go out of their way to use TV tieups and 

advertising displays and deny any assistsince 

to the theatreman. Nearly every exhibitor 

we interrogated said that their local 

merchants and store employes are among the 

missing when they check "who's who" in their 

theatres. Many a corner theatre has gone 

the way of the comer store. Folks are hitting 

the highways to shopping centers and drivein 

theatres in season when the offering is 

appealing. 

Saturday, especially Saturday evening, 

generally has slipped in this area, except 

when a real attraction is booked. In some 

situations Saturday night is cash, bonus or 

giveaway night, indicating that business is 

not too good without a gimmick. 

Most drive-in theatres are closed for the 

season but in recent weekends the ozoners 

which remained open offered four to six 

feature pictures, plus six or more cartoons, 

etc. 

BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956 27

' 

Cinema— 

'Anasfasia and 'Rainmaker Start 

Off Strong in Pre-Christmas Slump 

NEW YORK—Two strong new pictures, 

"Anastasia" at the Roxy and "The Rainmaker" 

at the Astor, plus "The Teahouse of 

the August Moon" in its third week at the 

Radio City Music Hall attracted almost all the 

filmgoers not occupied with Christmas shopping 

and all three did excellent business. 

Except for the two-a-day attractions, 

"Around the World in 80 Days" in its ninth 

capacity week at the Rivoli and "The Ten 

Commandments" in its sixth week at the 

Criterion, almost every other picture along 

Broadway was way down. The first week of 

"Huk" at the Globe was fairly good and the 

eighth and final week of "The Solid Gold Cadillac" 

at the Victoria held up well enough, as 

did the fourth week of "Julie" at Loew's 

State. But, "Oklahoma!" at the Mayfair, 

"Love Me Tender" at the Paramount and 

"The Opposite Sex" at the Capitol, all in 

their final weeks, were feeble. 

Some art spots were slightly better, particularly 

"The Silent World" in its 12th 

week at the Paris; "La Strada" in its 22nd 

week at the Trans-Lux 52nd Street; "Lust 

for Life" in its 13th week at the Plaza and 

"Vitteloni" in its eighth week at the 55th 

Street Playhouse. The others were also down. 

Six important new pictures opened before 

Christmas, two of them with benefit openings, 

"Baby Doll" at the Victoria and "Bundle 

of Joy" at the Capitol. The others were "The 

King and Pour Queens," "Hollywood or Bust," 

"The Wrong Man" and "The Wild Party," at 

the Mayfair, Loew's State, Paramount and 

World, respectively. 

(Average Is 100) 

Astor—The Rainmaker (Para) 140 

Baronet—The Snow Wos Black [Continental), 

9th wk 110 

Capitol—The Opposite Sex (MGM), 5th wk 90 

Criterion—The Ten Commondments (Pora), 

6th wk. of two-a-day 1 75 

Fine Arts—Marcelino (UMPO), 8th wk 105 

55th St.—Vitteloni (Janus-API), 8th wk 120 

Globe—Huk (UA) 115 

Guild—The Mognificent Seven (Col), 4th wk 110 

Little Carnegie—Wee Geordie (Times), 11th wk...I15 

Loew's State—Julie (MGM), 4th wk 115 

Mayfair—Oklahoma! (20th-Fox), 7th wk. of continuous 

run 1 00 

Normandie—Rebecca (20th-Fox), reissue, 

4th wk 100 

Paramount—Love Me Tender (20th-Fox), 5th wk.. . 105 

Palace—Judy Garlond vaudeville show, 12th wk. 

. 

.100 

Poris—The Silent World (Col), 12th wk 130 

Plaza—Lust for Life (MGM), 13th wk 125 

Radio City Music Hall—The Teahouse of the August 

Moon (MGM), plus Xmas stage show, 3rd 

wk 180 

Rivoli—Around the World in 80 Doys (UA), 9th 

wk. of fwo-o-doy 200 

Roxy Anastasia (20th-Fox), plus holiday ice re 

180 

Sutton—Secrets of Life (BV), 4th wk 115 

Trons-Lux 52nd St.—La Strada (Trans-Lux), 

22nd wk 

1 20 

M)VMiC!i 

tBOSS 

PiUGS, 

FILMACK 

I321S. 

MANY USES! 

That* 3 from* trailart 

faoture art back* 

grounds, photos and 

compalling off-stag* 

voical NO CONTRACTS, 

NO RETURNS! 

WtltSH 

CHICAGO b ILL 

.•ochi 

Victorio—The Solid Gold Cadilloc (Col), 8th wk.. .110 

Warner—Seven Wonders of the World (SW), 36th 

wk. of two-a-day 

1 35 

World—Woman of Rome (DCA), 6th wk 100 

"Giant' in 6th Week Only 

Buffalo Bill Above 100 

BUFFALO—'Twas the week before Christmas 

and all through first run Row things 

were quiet. "Giant" ended a six-week run 

in the Paramount with 110, "Julie" at Shea's 

Buffalo turned in a 90 on a second week of 

six days, and the others similarly were under 

100. The Century was closed most of the 

week preparing for the opening of "The 

Ten Commandments" Friday with a reserved 

seat policy. 

Buffalo—Julie (MGM), 2nd wk 90 

Center—Death of a Scoundrel (RKO); Man in the 

Vault (RKO) 95 

Century—Closed—The Ten Commandments started 

the 21 St. 

Picnic (Col), 2nd wk 90 

Lafayette—Canyon River (AA) 85 

Paramount—Giont (WB), 6th wk 110 

'Run for Sun' Top Newcomer 

On Baltimore Scene 

BALTIMORE—Business was bogged down 

for its annual pre-Christmas slump. What 

boxoffice business existed was being garnered 

by "Run for the Sun" among the newcomers 

and by "Giant," a fifth-week holdover. Meanwhile, 

exhibitors were devoting time to 

promising holiday attractions. 

Century—Love Me Tender (20th-Fox), 4th wk 75 

Cinema— Frisky (DCA), 2nd wk 90 

Film Centre—Oklahoma! (Magna), 41st wk 70 

Five West—Death of a Scoundrel (RKO), 4th wk. 

. . 90 

Hippodrome—Rock, Rock, Rock (DCA); Please 

Murder Me (DCA) 75 

Little—Fantasia (BV), 5th wk 70 

Mayfair—Showdown at Abilene (U-l); Behind the 

High Wall (U-l) 85 

New—Run for the Sun (UA) 1 00 

Playhouse—Above Us the Waves (Rep), 3rd wk, . . 90 

Stanley—Giant (WB), 5th wk 95 

Town—^The Great American Pastime (MGM) 80 

'Giant' Final Week Tops 

Pittsburgh First Runs 

PITTSBURGH—"Giant" ended a six-week 

engagement at the Stanley after establishing 

a record or two. Business was depressed generally 

and exhibitors looked to new offerings 

as the holiday season approached. 

Fulton— Everything But the Truth (U-l) 60 

Harris—Death of a Scoundrel (RKO) 50 

Penn—The Sharkfighters (UA) 60 

Stanley—Giant (WB), 6th wk 80 

Paramount, WB Pictures 

Open on B'way for Xmas 

NEW YORK—Two new pictures, 

one each 

from Paramount and Warner Bros., opened 

Broadway first runs Saturday (22), in time 

to catch the Christmas moviegoers. 

They were: "Hollywood or Bust," Hal 

Wallis production for Paramount, in Vista- 

Vision and Technicolor, starring Dean Martin 

and Jerry Lewis, which opened at Loew's 

State, and "The Wrong Man," Alfred Hitchcock 

production for Warner Bros., starring 

Henry Fonda and Vera Miles, which opened 

at the Paramount Theatre. 

Absent From Screen Three Years 

Boris Karloff, who recently completed 

"Voodoo Island" for UA, had previously been 

sojourning on Broadway for nearly three years. 

PREVIEW 'BUNDLE' — Walter Branson, 

second from left, RKO vice-president 

in charge of distribution, and Len 

Gruenberg, RKO Empire State district 

manager, extreme left, chat with Cleo 

Moore, Columbia star, and Leonard Field 

at the press preview of "Bundle of Joy" 

at Grossinger's, famous New York mountain 

resort. 

Stars of 'Bundle' Attend 

Capitol Benefit Opening 

NEW YORK—Eddie Fisher and Debbie 

Reynolds, stars of RKO's "Bundle of Joy," 

attended the opening of the picture at the 

Capitol Theatre Wednesday (19), which was 

held as a benefit of First Aid for Hungary, 

Inc., and CARE. 

George Jessel acted as master of ceremonies 

for the affair inside the Capitol, where the 

celebrity group was interviewed by radio, 

TV and TV newsreels, while Harry Wismer, 

radio and TV announcer, kept the Broadway 

throngs informed of the celebrities arriving 

outside the theatre. Lisa Ferraday, Hungarian-bom 

stage and screen actress, was 

official hostess for the occasion. 

Other guests who attended included: 

Mayor and Mrs. Robert F. Wagner, Archduke Leopold 

Hapsburg, Thelma Ritter, George Tabori and 

Viveca Lindfors, Jan Kiepura and Marta Eggerth, 

Betsy Von Furstenberg, Harry Belafonte, Rocky Morciano, 

Tony Canzonieri, Jackie Robinson, Joe Di- 

Maggio, Una Merkel, who plays a featured role in 

"Bundle of Joy," Greer Gorson, Don Ameche, Peggy 

Ann Garner, Tony Perkins, Diana Lynn, Kim Hunter, 

Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Polly Bergen, Hal March, j 

Glenda Farrell, Rosemary Clooney and Koye Ballard, 

as well as Hon. Carmine di Sopio, Irving Ben Cooper, f 

Joseph T. Sharkey, Vincent Impelliteri, Hulan Jack, ' 

John J. Murtagh, Abe Stark and Dept. Comm. James 

R. Kennedy. 

Former president Herbert Hoover headed 

the list of sponsors for the benefit committee. 

The event was kinescoped by WPIX and 

shown later that evening over Channel U. 

WOR-Mutual covered the affair with John 

Wingate reporting and the NBC network was 

represented by Monitor. The Voice of America 

tape-recorded interviews for later broadcast 

to Hungary, Indonesia and Bulgaria. 

Fisher, who was guest at a testimonial 

luncheon in Philadelphia Monday (17), which 

was attended by Walter Branson, Edward L. 

Walton and other RKO sales executives, appeared 

in person at the Capitol Theatre 

Thursday (20) to give away records of his 

songs to the first 500 patrons and, with 

Debbie Reynolds, to autograph photos for 

their fans. 

The overflow audience at "Bundle of Joy" 

contributed a total of $21,000 for the benefit 

of First Aid for Hungary, Inc., and CARE, 

this being the largest amount ever raised by 

CARE at a film premiere. Tiber Eckhardt, 

president of First Aid for Hungary, thanked 

the audience for their support in a brief address 

before the showing of the picture. 

28 

BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956

BROADW AY 

RETURNING from abroad in time for the 

Christmas holidays were Alan Ladd and 

wife Sue Carol, and Clifton Webb, who came 

in on the Mauretania the 20th from Greece, 

where Ladd and Webb starred in "Boy on a 

Dolphin" for 20th-Fox. Michael Rennie and 

Harry Belafonte, who completed "Island in 

the Sun" for 20th-Fox in London, came back 

via BOAC as did Dorothy Dandridge, featured 

in the same picture. • • * Heading back for 

Christmas in Europe were such foreign stars 

as Gina Lollobrigida, who flew to Rome; 

Carmen Sevilla, Spanish star of Paramount's 

"Plamenca," who planed in from Hollywood 

December 18 en route to Madrid; Etchika 

Choureau, French star of WB's "Lafayette 

Escadrille," who flew to Paris, and Gladys 

Cooper, Joan Greenwood and Constance 

Cummings, who returned to their native 

England. 

9 

Rossano Brazzl, Italian star, sailed to his 

native country on the United States December 

17 and John Huston, who directed "Heaven 

Knows, Mr. Allison" for 20th-Pox, flew 

to his home in Ireland. * * * 

Rita Hayworth, 

accompanied by her two daughters, Rebecca 

and Yasmin, left for Hollywood December 

18, where she will make "Pal Joey." Anthony 

Perkins, young Paramount star, got in 

'WILD PARTY' PREVIEW—Mort Nathanson, second from right, United Artists 

publicity manager, and David Scliwartz, far riglit, manager of the World Theatre in 

New Yorli, greet Leonard Feather, noted jazz critic, and Jean Shepherd, disc jocliey, 

far left, at a seminar-preview of Security Pictures "The Wild Party," attended by 400 

musicians, critics and students. Following the screening, a discussion of modem jazz 

and its relation to juvenile delinquency was taped for broadcast. 

Ampa Holds Xmas Party 

With Rothafel Presiding 

NEW YORK—Robert C. Rothafel, managing 

director of the Roxy Theatre, was master 

of ceremonies at the 40th anniversary 

Cliristmas party of Associated Motion Picture 

from Hollywood Advertisers, Inc., 

December at the 

16 

Hotel 

to 

Piccadilly 

spend the 

hohdays in New 

Tuesday 

York. (18). Young Rothafel, 

Vincent nephew of 

Price, 

the 

who 

proceeds and many of those 

just played 

famed who ushered at 

S. L. 

the 

"Roxy" 

Devil 

Rothafel, 

in Warner mentioned 

Bros. 

that 

"The 

the premiere, including Marilyn 

Story 

he was 

Monroe, Marlon 

Brando and Susan Strasberg, 

of 

four 

Mankind," 

years old 

is in New 

when 

York Ampa was 

for a 

round of TV 

founded 

were Actors' 

but 

shows. 

he hoped 

* * • to attend 

Gregory 

Ampa's 

Peck, who 

Studio members. 

100th 

will Christmas 

star in 

party. 

"Thieves Market" and William 

Wyler, 

Others 

who on 

Tex and Jinx 

the dais were: 

were there 

will 

Dave and the 

direct Bader, 

NBC 

for United Artists 

Ampa network 

president, 

release, arrived who 

was also 

introduced 

represented by Monitor, 

December Rothafel, 

the 

19 for huddles with 

Bill 

as well as 

Leonard 

UA 

others in the 

officials and 

room; 

show reported the 

Martin 

event for 

will 

Starr, 

fly to Spain immediately Leon J. 

after January 

Bamberger, 

CBS, WOR-Mutual sent 

Lige Brien, 1. 

Bob Montgomery 

and Hans 

Ray Heatherton and 

his Luncheon at Sardi's 

Barnstyn, representatives 

Ampa treasurer. 

and 

Also taking 

Siobhan 

a bow 

WINS' Jerry 

were: 

Warren 

McKenna's 

Jack 

and the Voice of 

Pegler, 

acclaim 

who 

America 

also 

from critica attended 

and 

Ampa's 

taped interviews. 

first 

public Christmas 

As each guest 

for her 

party 

arrived 

stage 

40 

appearance in Shaw's years ago; Vincent 

and started to walk 

Ti-otta, 

"Saint Joan," 

past 

a red carpet to 

president; 

the 

which will have a return engagement 

theatre, 

Blanche his 

Livingston 

or 

and 

her 

on 

Dorothy name was 

Broadway 

Masters 

announced by 

of 

during the holidays, the Daily 

Martin Starr, 

has 

News. 

master 

All present 

of ceremonies, 

prompted 

received door 

over 

the 5th Avenue Cinema to prizes, many an amplifying 

of them system to 

of 

bring 

the 

the waiting 

liquid 

out 

variety. 

crowds. 

her old British picture, "Daughter 

In addition to those mentioned, notables 

of Darkness" (reviewed in BOXOPFICE in 

present included: 

1954), which will have its first American Foreign Film Critics Name Franchot Tone, Jennifer Jones, David O. Selznick 

showing, starting December 26. * * * Frank 

Mary Martin, Rod Steiger, 

Officers 

Huntington Hartford, 

for 

Kassler, 

1957 

Jane 

Term 

PiClêns, 

president of 

Ben 

Continental 

Gazzora, Siobhan 

Distributing, 

sailed on 

McKenna, Hume 

NEW 

Cronyn, Jessica 

the Independence 

YORK—The Film Tandy, Jo 

Critics 

Von Fleet, Lillian 

for 

Circle 

a sixweek 

the 

of 

Gish 

Serge and Mrs. Semenenko, Elsa Maxwell, Paddy 

stay 

Foreign 

in Europe Language 

to Inspect 

Press 

new 

has elected 

foreign 

Dr. Choyevsky, Martha Scott, Ed Sullivan, Lawrence and 

Tibor 

films. 

Weber, 

Mrs. 

editor Longner, 

of the Helen 

Hungarian 

Hoyes, Charlton 

Journal, 

president 

Heston, George 

Axelrod, George Skouros, Arthur B. Krim, Rev. James A. 

for 1957 at the annual election. Pike, dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divinethe 

Rev. 

Dr. Richard Van Dyck, film Daniel 

editor 

A. Poling, 

of Aufbau, 

was Temple Israel- 

editor of the Christian 

Herald; Dr. William F. 

Pillot 

Rosenblum, 

Starts Publicity 

elected 

the 

vice-president; Mrs. Anna Rev. Marvin Halverson, National Council of Churches 

Krasna, editor of Glas 

of Christ 

Work 

Naroda, 

on 

was and Mrs. William 

'Omar Khayyam' 

named 

Rhinelander Stewart. 

recording secretary, and Leopold 

NEW 

J. Obierek, The premiere tickets also admitted holders 

to a post-premiere champagne supper 

YORK—Leo Pillot has begun working 

on the publicity for "Omar Khayyam," mund Gottlober, director of the American dance at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where 

editor of Czas, was elected treasurer. Sig- 

Paramount picture, under Jerry Pickman, Foreign Language Press, was re-elected executive 

secretary. 

headed the entertainment. Eli Wallach, 

Sammy Davis jr., star of "Mr. Wonderful," 

vice-president in charge of advertising, publicity 

one 

and exploitation, although national release 

is still several months away. The picring 

in "Major Barbara" on 

of the stars of "Baby Doll," currently starture 

was produced by Y. Frank Freeman Maguire 

Broadway, also 

Is Made 

jr., 

Manager attended the party, as did Shelley 

and 

Winters 

stars Cornel Wilde, Michael Rennie, Of Bronx Studio 

Debra Paget, Raymond 

in N. Y. 

and Ruth Gordon, also starring in Broadway 

Massey and John 

Derek. 

NEW 

plays. 

YORK—Charles Maguire sr., an industry 

veteran, has been made manager 

Approximately $40,000 

of 

was raised for the 

the Bronx studio of 

RKO 

Gold Neighborhoods 

Medal benefit 

Book 

Studios 

of the Actors' 

by 

Studio, which will use 

'Persuasion' Martin H. Poll, president. 

the 

He funds "to 

spent several 

experiment with new forms in 

NEW YORK—"Friendly Persuasion" will be of his early years there as 

creative 

a property 

theatre 

the New man 

work." 

Year's Eve and New Year's week and assistant director. The studio is now 

attraction at the RKO metropoUtan neighborhood 

theatres, according to Morey R. Maguire spent I4 years directing training MGM Pep Club 

being modernized. 

Goldstein, 

Elects 

Allied Artists vice-president and and morale films for the U.S. Army Signal PITTSBURGH— 

general sales manager. 

The MGM Pep 

It has 

Club 

Just ended 

has 

a Corps before returning to the industry last elected 

two-week John 

engagement 

Mayer, cashier, 

at the 

president; 

RKO Albee in spring as production manager of the 

Brooklyn. 

Sam Mona Hersh, vice-president; Marlene Klacik, 

Spiegel picture, "End as a Man." 

secretary, and Linda Hone, treasurer. 

BOXOFFICE : : December 22, 1956 

Radio-TV Covers Opening 

Of 'Baby Doll' on B'way 

NEW YORK—Six radio shows and TV 

newsreels covered the $50 a seat benefit 

opening of Ella Kazan's "Baby Doll" at the 

Victoria Theatre Tuesday (18). The Actors' 

Studio benefited from the evening's entire 

29

1 

ALBANY 

. . 

•This area's first big snowstorm of the season, 

which dropped 11 inches, snarled traffic 

and made underfootlng precarious, cut into 

the attendance at the Variety Club's special 

screening at the Sheraton-Ten Eyck Friday 

evening. It was held for members, their wives 

and friends. A Christmas show and party 

for children of the barkers and their companions 

took place at the hotel Sunday 

afternoon. Norman Weitman and Jack 

Hamilton co-chairmanned both affairs . . . 

Tent 9's clubrooms in the Ten Eyck are 

brightly decorated and colorfully lighted for 

the holiday season. George H. Schenck 

supervised the job . . . Mrs. Paul V. Wallen, 

wife of the Leland lessee, was among those 

attending a recent performance in the Ten 

Eyck by tne Talbot brothers calypso band 

from Bermuda . Rudy Bach, salesman, was 

a recent visitor from Lee, Mass. 

A recently adopted Variety Club house 

rule provides for a 25-cent card game fee. 

It is paid as members depart to Steward 

Joseph Singleton. The rule was promulgated 

as an effective way to swell the Tent 9 

treasury. No objection to it has been voiced. 

Gin rummy is the favorite game for barkers. 

James Blackburn, stage manager at the 

Palace, was re-elected president and business 

agent of the stagehands Local 14. Buster 

Foley of the Strand and Harold Parry of the 

Madison were named as treasurer and secretary. 

Paul Lanbe, who managed the recently 

closed uptown Colonial, has moved downtown 

to direct the Stanley Warner Ritz. He 

succeeds Earle Rooney, resigned. Laube 

managed Skouras' Forest Hills Theatre, the 

circuit's Academy of Music in Manhattan 

and the Park Plaza in the Bronx before 

coming to Albany five years ago. He worked 

at the Colonial for Dr. Henry Brown of New 

York . . . Bob Knowles is the new stationary 

engineer at the Strand. Philip "Red" Fagan, 

long relief engineer, had been pinch-hitting 

since the death of Jim Faas ... J. Myer 

Schine, president of Schine Enterprises, and 

wife returned from a visit to Hawaii. 

Christmas vacationers included Virgil Jones, 

Warner salesman, and Dick Young, 20th-Pox 

booker, both in Washington; and Kate Ryan, 

20th-Fox inspector . . . Charlotte Lansing, 

Nancy DeSorento, Harry Aranove and Doris 

Senecal arranged the Warner holiday party 

at Dale's restaurant, Saturday night . . . 

Mary K. Riley, Fox secretary, was glued to 

the television set at the Riley home in 

Schenectady, while her brother Lee jr., a 

halfback for the Pliiladelphia Eagles, starred 

in the game against the New York Giants 

. . . "Giant" ran four weeks in both Albany 

and tJtlca . . . Arthur Newman is conducting 

his new upstate distribution under the name 

of Arthur J. Newman Film Co. In addition 

to the Albany-Buffalo franchise for Astor 

Pictures, he is handling product for UMPO 

and for British Information. 

Theatre to Roger McGory 

SMITHTON, PA.—Linda Theatre here has 

been transferred, effective January 1, from 

Paul Lucas to H. Carl and Roger McGary, 

and theatre name will be changed to the 

Princess. 

Susse Succeeds Goldberg 

As MGM Albany Manager 

NEW YORK—Edward R. Susse has been 

named MGM branch manager at Albany, 

effective January 4, according 

to Charles M. 

Reagan, vice-president 

and general sales manager 

of Loew's. Susse 

i €~.t »- Hi'' will succeed Jack 

Goldberg, branch manager 

there since 1947 

and associated for almost 

29 years with 

MGM sales activities 

in Detroit, Cincinnati 

and Washington as 

well as Albany. 

Edward R. Susse "Although Goldberg 

has reached retirement age," Reagan said, 

"he is active and leaves the organization 

with our very best wishes for his continued 

good health for many years to come." 

Susse, also an MGM veteran, joined the 

company in New York late in 1932 and rose 

from contract clerk to booker there. He became 

a salesman at Buffalo about eight 

years ago. He has spent much time aiding 

exhibitors in picture promotion and the development 

of community good will, and has 

been much in demand as a speaker on industry 

topics. 

Cinema Lodge Xmas Show 

Given at Saranac, N. Y. 

NEW YORK — Burton E. Robbins, past 

president of Cinema Lodge, who first conceived 

the idea of giving a Christmas show 

for the staff and patients of the Will Rogers 

Memorial Hospital at Saranac Lake, N. Y., 

attended the third annual show there Tuesday 

(18), sponsored by New York's Cinema 

Lodge of B'nai B'rith with the cooperation 

of the American Guild of Variety Artists. 

Also attending were the leading citizens of 

the town of Saranac Lake and guest patients 

from nearby Raybrook Veterans Hospital. 

Participants in the show were: Smith and 

Dale with Mable Smith, Helen Kane and 

her husband, Dan Healy, the Two Zephyrs, 

Pablo, Bob Coffee and Lee Marner and an 

accompanist authorized by Local 802, the 

American Federation of Musicians. Robbins 

and Marge Coate, director of sick and welfare 

for AGVA, were greeted on their arrival 

Tuesday morning by Dr. George E. Wilson, 

medical director of the hospital, and 

Ned E. Shugrue, executive vice-president of 

the hospital. 

Robert K. Shapiro, president of Cinema 

Lodge, and Milton Livingston, vice-president, 

who served with Robbins on the committee 

for this year's show, credited Lindy's Restaurant 

for their contribution of sandwiches 

for the entertainers en route to Saranac and 

to the International Liquor Store for providing 

liquid refreshment, as they have done 

the two previous years. 

Warns Council on Tax Levy 

GREENVILLE, PA.—Charles Blatt of the 

Blatt Brothers Theatres, who headquarters 

at Somerset, warned the Greenville council 

that this community faces loss of both theatres 

unless the 10 per cent amusement tax is 

abolished. Council members indicated it will 

be retained, however. 

NEWARK 

"The Ritz Theatre faced a busy Christmas 

week, what with kiddy matinees, as well 

as theatre rentals by two local merchants. 

This is a more cheerful note for this theatre 

since its damage by fire a couple of weeks 

ago when thieves broke into the building by 

the use of a log as a battering ram. The fire 

wrecked the theatre office and storage room 

and caused extensive smoke and water damage 

to the main portion of the building. 

Police said that the thieves apparently 

started the fire after being frustrated in 

looking for money. Near the unopened office 

safe, the three-foot log and a baseball bat, 

plus a pair of pliers and a crowbar were 

found. Several refreshment vending machines 

in the lobby were smashed and looted. 

To enter the theatre, the thieves raised a 24- 

foot ladder against a rear wall and then 

smashed a washroom window with their 

battering ram. The fire was discovered by 

Sidney King, a porter, when he came to work 

at 8 a.m. The blaze was brought under control 

in about 20 minutes. 

Paul Wolf is the new assistant manager at 

the Center Theatre, Bloomfield. There will 

be a free kiddies show there the day before 

Christmas and the day before New Year's, 

both sponsored by local merchants . . . Illness 

was the keynote at the Central Theatre with 

Albert F. Mann, manager, in serious condition 

in a Jersey City hospital for ten days 

or so and Gladys O'Dell, assistant, expected 

back to work, after being ill. The relief 

manager is John Matthews. 

Alfred Barilla, manager of the Ritz Theatre 

in Elizabeth, reported a free morning 

show sponsored by retail merchants to give 

parents a chance to do their shopping while 

their children were entertained. This was 

also done at the Regent Theatre, just down 

the street from the Ritz ... A new assistant 

at the Ritz is John J. Carhart, who teaches 

music during the day and helps Barilla at 

night. Carhart used to be at the Sanford, 

Irvington. 

Edward Kane, 30-year veteran of the theatre 

business, is leaving the Regent Theatre 

in Elizabeth. He will move to New London, 

Conn. ... A show sponsored by the Chamber 

of Commerce and merchants, was planned for 

December 24 at the Beacon Theatre in East 

Orange. 

Klein Theatres, Albany, 

Given Okay on Airer 

ALBANY—Klein Theatres may complete 

the drive-in it started in 1955 at Jericho 

road on Route 9-W in suburban Bethlehem. 

Former supreme court Justice Christopher 

J. Heffernan, serving as referee in the case 

instituted by the Klein corporation, issued 

an injunction which prevents the town from 

interfering with construction of the theatre. 

Heffernan held that the company had a 

vested right to complete the work. 

Klein contended that it acquired the site 

July 22, 1955, and started work on the 

foundation and grading August 16. After that 

date, the theatre concern asserted, the town 

board amended its zoning law to prohibit 

drive-in theatres without special permits. 

This action followed a public hearing at 

which many residents protested against the 

erection of an automobiler. The town thereut>on 

denied a permit to Klein Theatres. 

30 

BOXOFTICE : 

: December 22, 1956

I 

with 

. 

production 

. . Gertrude 

BUFFALO 

/êcil B. DeMiUe's "The Ten Commandments" 

opened Friday (21) at the 

Century. Manager Robert T. Murphy and 

Edward J. Wall, field representative for Paramount, 

put over a big campaign for the 

DeMille classic . . . The last to capitulate in 

Rochester, the Little Theatre in Kodak Town, 

will have a Cinemascope screen by Christmas. 

The East avenue art theatre previously 

had successfully skirted the wide image in 

imported comedies and operas and domestic 

products filmed in regular dimensions. 

W. E. J. Martin, drama-motion picture 

editor of the Courier-Express, has picked his 

"Best 10" of the year—Bus Stop, The Eddy 

Duchin Story, Giant, I'll Cry Tomorrow, The 

King and I, The Man in the Gray Flannel 

Suit, Moby Dick, Picnic, The Ten Commandments 

and War and Peace . . . William 

Brereton, ad-pub chief for the Basil circuit, 

underwent an operation in General Hospital 

and is now on his way to recovery. 

The Palace will reopen Christmas Day after 

being closed a couple of weeks for redecoration 

and repairs. Manager Lewis Eisenberg 

says the theatre will look like a new one . . . 

Art Rose, manager at Buena Vista, is home 

recuperating after a month in a hospital. 

Harvey Relnstein of the New York BV office 

subbed. 

Gene Mielnicki, assistant to Manager Sam 

Gilman of Loew's in Syracuse for the past 

five years, has been called to the service and 

Howard Phillips, student assistant there, is 

O'Hara, sister 

joining the Navy . 

of George H. Mackenna, managing director 

of Basil's Lafayette, died in Niagara Palls . . . 

Mrs. Thomas Fox, wife of one of the engineers 

in Shea's Buffalo, also died . . . Edward 

F. Meade, manager of Shea's Buffalo, and 

Steve Plrozzi, MGM exploiteer, hosted four 

Japanese girls in town in behalf of "Teahouse 

of the August Moon," which starts 

Christmas Day at the Buffalo. The girls were 

in charge of Jere True, stewardess of Japan 

Airlines. 

Sylvania Electric Prodncts, Inc., is selling 

its huge radio and television division plant 

at 254 Rano Street in Buffalo to a corporation 

headed by Iring I. Levick, board chairman of 

Sattler's. The entire plant is being leased by 

Bell Aircraft Corp. The transaction is one of 

the largest industrial real estate deals negotiated 

in the Buffalo area in many years . . . 

Past chief barker of the Variety Club Murray 

Whiteman had a table at the annual Christmas 

party of the Greater Buffalo Advertising 

Club in Hotel Statler Tuesday evening (18). 

Ralph lannuzzi, eastern district sales head 

for Warners, conferred with Nat Marcus, 

local manager. lannuzzi dropped in for a visit 

Arthur Krolick, district manager for 

I'aramount Theatres. 

WSTV-TV Counts the House 

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—WSTV-TV, channel 

9, claims it has 1,045,580 homes in Its 

coverage area. The channel 9 folks state 

that Wheeling's WTRF-TV has only 424,510 

homes. 

A special TV featurette has been prepared 

by Bill Thomas and Howard Pine for their 

of "Bailout at 43,000." 

Stanley Warner Tells Stockholders 

Of Employes Civic Contributions 

Razing of Buffalo Strand 

Evokes Screen Memories 

BUFFALO—With wreckers about to raze 

three buildings on Main street between North 

Division and Eagle streets, the hub of Buffalo's 

recreational life at the turn of the 

century, one recalls with fond memories the 

old Strand Theatre, at one time occupying 

one of the three structures about to be 

wrecked. It was in 1911 that the Gold Dollar, 

then one of Buffalo's swanky saloons, 

was remodeled into the Strand, the first real 

motion picture palace in Buffalo, It even had 

leather-covered seats. 

The Strand followed the Little Hippodrome, 

263 Main Street, the city's first motion picture 

emporium, and the subsequent Bijou 

Dream, formerly on the site of the Bank of 

Buffalo. The Little Hippodrome is still operating 

today. 

The local Strand was the forerunner of 

the New York Strand, reputedly the first 

large motion picture theatre on Broadway. 

The local theatre was managed by the late 

Harold Edel, who later went to the New 

York Strand, and Edward L. Hyman, vicepresident 

of AB-Paramount Theatres, was 

assistant manager. 

The late Mitchell H. Mark and Henry J. 

Brock owned both the Buffalo and New 

York Strands. Before the wreckers move 

in, let's light up the old Strand with 

memory. We'll sit in the dark as the orchestra 

in blue serge suits plays the overture 

and the draw curtain parts. Maybe 

we'll see President Taft or Woodrow Wilson 

in the newsreel. The comedy could be the 

antics of John Bunny and skinny Flora 

Finch, Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew or Broncho 

Billy Anderson in a western fracas. Want to 

drop a nickel in the candy dispenser on the 

back of every other seat for a Lowney chocolate 

cream bar? 

Now comes the feature—the gymnastics of 

the players reminiscent of a grasshopper with 

a jag on . . . Francis X. Bushman, Ben Lyon, 

Mary Pickford, Nazimova, Hazel Dawn, 

Blanche Sweet and all the rest. 

When the orchestra needed a rest a pianist 

or organist took over. In 1914 he played 

"By the Beautiful Sea." It was "The Sunshine 

of Your SmUe" in 1915. "Beautiful 

Ohio," rolled out In 1918. The Strand was 

closed in 1923. 

Rochester City Firemen 

Honor Lester Pollock 

ROCHESTER—^Lester Pollock, manager of 

Loew's Theatre here, was presented a plaque 

from local firemen for the theatreman's long 

service in helping them arrange their annual 

benefit shows. The presentation to Pollock 

was made by Walter J. Adams, fire chief. 

The plaque reads: "To Lester Pollock in 

grateful appreciation for your outstanding 

efforts in behalf of the Rochester Firemen's 

Benevolent Association." 

This year's firemen's benefit, held recently 

in the Eastman Theatre, together with proceeds 

from the citizens committee drive 

totaled $50,966. The fund pays benefits to 

survivors of Rochester firemen. 

NEW YORK—More than ever before, 

circuits 

are encouraging their executives and 

theatre personnel to take an active part in 

local community enterprises, but it has remained 

for the Stanley Warner Corp. to 

make a point of telling its stockholders the 

nature and extent of their activities. 

The last financial report Issued by S. H. 

Fabian, president, devotes a full page to the 

subject, quite apparently with justifiable 

pride, and its reception by stockholders, who 

aren't interested in dividends to the exclusion 

of everjrthing else, has been good. 

The page is headed: "A good showman is 

also a good citizen." The Implication is clear 

—that there is much more to the Industry 

and its people than represented in red ink 

newspaper headlines. 

The point is made with a minimum of text 

through a summary of civic activities, as follows: 

Richard Barry, manager of the Capitol, Chicago, 

president of the Auburn Parl< Chamber of Commerce; 

Lewis S. Black, Warner, Wilmington, director, 

Delaware Safety Council; John Conheim, Stanley, 

Newark, president, Vailsburg Little League; George 

A. Crouch, Washington zone manager, director. 

Cancer Society, District of Columbia; Ralph I. Daves, 

State, Lexington, director, Community Chest; William 

Dworski, Harris, Findlay, president, Northview 

PTA. 

Also, Harry Feinstein, New England zone manager, 

trustee, Children's Cancer Research Foundation; J. M. 

Flynn, Philadelphia district manager, chairman, Malvern 

Fathers and Sons; Louis Fordan, Memorial, Mc- 

Keesport, president, Community Athletics; George 

Froser, Laroy, Portsmouth, director, County Orphanage; 

Joseph K. Freeman, State, Johnstown, chairman, 

Board of Assistance, Cambria County; W. D. Hendley, 

Majestic, Gettysburg, chairman. Youth Committee, 

Exchange Club; Julius Lamm, Colony, Cleveland, 

trustee. Shaker Square Merchants Ass'n. 

Also, William Land, Silver, Silver Springs, director. 

Board of Trade; Bert Leighton, Grand, Lancaster, 

county chairman. Muscular Dystrophy; Dominick 

Lucente, Broadway, Philadelphia, chairman. Boys 

Town of Italy; Willord Ochs, Strand, Akron, member. 

Mayor's Strike Settlement Committee; Ray O'Connell, 

Hamilton, Lancaster, county chairman. Bond Committee; 

Peter Pisano, Avolon, Chicago, president. 

Southeast Chamber of Commerce. 

Also, Sydney Poppay, Strand, York, chairman. 

County Bond Committee; Edward Purcell, Virginia, 

Harrisonburg, director, Shenandoah Valley, Inc.; A. M. 

Roy, Stanley, Utica, director. Boys Club; Jack Sanson, 

Strand, Hartford, director. Chamber of Commerce; 

Ted Schlonger, Philadelphia zone manager, commissioner, 

Delaware River Port Authority; Frank K. 

Shaffer, Dixie, Staunton, president. Community Welfore 

League; M. A. Silver, Pittsburgh zone manager, 

director. Hill City Youth Municipality; Charles A. 

Smakwitz, New Jersey zone manager, general committee, 

Boy Scouts of New Jersey; James A. Totmon, 

assistant New England zone manager, general chairman, 

New Haven YMCA, and Frank Wheatley, Vogue, 

Cleveland, trustee. Van Aken Merchants Ass'n. 

Then Stanley Warner ran out of space. 

Catholic Entertainment Preview 

PITTSBURGH-Father Paul M. Lackner, 

diocesan director, is sponsoring the Catholic 

Preview of Entertainment, published by Steve 

Sanders of Carmel, N. Y., a new magazine 

"giving the positive side of the picture" in 

the Legion of Decency listing. 

YOa CAM B£ SURB OF B€TTef( BUSIHeSS.. 

with SPECIAL 

TRAILERS 

madt with S/iotmonsNp 

know-how by 

Morion Pictor[ Seroic[ co. 

PHOne ORdiuov 3-91E2 


PITTSBURGH 

Mwltt Aft Btttir ThM E»> - How't Your Equlpmmt? 

^he Recent Square Theatre here was closed an Akron projectionist . . , Prank, eldest son 

this week only and the front was rented of Mrs. Martha Michael of the Rex Theatre, 

and special schooling, later entering the 

for 

Mrs. 

the sale 

Sidney 

of Christmas trees . . . Mr. and southside here, is expected to resign his post 

Soltz of the Rhumba Theatre 

S. with the U. diplomatic service at Naples, 

in the city's hill district, returned from Italy, and return to Pittsburgh. 

Miami to spend the holidays at home. The 

Rhumba property will eventually come down 

Max and Martha Shulgold, Crown Film Co., 

in the lower hill redevelopment 

have been 

for the construction 

of the outdoor amphitheatre. Many 

enjoying the preholiday season in 

New York . . . Eastwood Theatre, Frankstown 

of the houses have road, 

been razed 

prepared 

and hundreds 

a free pre-Christmas show for 

of former Rhumba patrons have moved 

Penn Township kiddies . . . Lt. Robert 

to 

C. 

other neighborhoods, Hock, son 

leaving 

of 

but a few 

SW Enright 

potential 

Theatre Manager 

Bill 

customers for the 

Hock, 

PuUerton 

has been enjoying the holidays 

street 

at 

theatre . . . The American 

home. Early In next year, he will depart 

Civil Liberties 

for 

Union of Pennsylvania this week announced 

Korea . . . Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Shadley, 

its opposition 

Meadville 

to 

theatre 

re-establishment 

owners, returned 

of a 

from 

state 

visits 

board of motion with 

picture censors and 

members of their family in 

the bluepenciling 

of comic 

Texas 

and Ohio . . . 

books. ACLU The Harry Rachieles, local exhibitors, 

at Harrisburg 

said any form 

expect to vacation in 

of prior censorship 

Arizona 

is unconstitutional 

and 

California early in '57. 

and that the state's obscenity 

laws provide ample protection against objectionable 

films. 

Gem in Derry, is recuperating very satis- 

Mrs. Fred Piper, wife of the manager of the 

factorily after suffering a heart attack several 

months ago . . . Gordon Gibson of Atlas 

The Variety Club staff—Joe, Jimmle, 

George, Court and Joanne extend season's 

Theatre Supply recuperated in 

greetings 

Montefiore 

. . . Joe Wayne, Warner Bros, 

Hospital, where he underwent 

salesman, 

surgery Friday 

flew to Mexico City for the holidays 

(14) . . . Margaret McGeever, MGM booker, 

to visit his parents . . . Milt Young, Columbia, 

was here working on "Zarak" ... P. 

has shed 15 pounds and can wear her old 

dresses, she says . . . 

Elmer 

Paramount salesman 

Hasley, area exhibitor, has taken off 

Harold Henderson and his wife are enjoying 

18 pounds via strict diet. 

the holidays in Florida. 

Basle and Laskey circuits, each with five Harriet Garlitz, popular ticket seller at the 

theatres, will be licensed and booked in the Village Theatre, Salisbury, killed an 8-point 

future by executives of these firms, except 175-pound buck December 12. She was unable 

to attend her job the following day, pos- 

that George Basle's Route 19 and Mount 

Lebanon drive-ins, the former managed by sibly due to the great excitement of the 

Chuck Degolyer, will be booked by Degolyer. occasion . . . The mother of Floyd Klingensmith 

died at Tarentum, Not related to your 

Route 19 remains open year round, while the 

Mount Lebanon is on a weekend only operating 

schedule for winter months . . . 

correspondent, Floyd is a New Kensington 

radio sportscasterand drive-in theatre owner 

James P. Nash, Wexford outdoor theatre who had formerly been a Columbia salesman 

manager, was cleared by a coroner's jury of here for a number of years . . . John Navoney, 

responsibility in the traffic death of Mrs. Paramount booker, underwent an operation 

Mary Whitfill, 79, of Pine Township, who December 6 and he was back on the job December 

17 . . . Frank Slavik, well known on 

was killed November 29 when she stepped into 

the path of Nash's car in front of her home. Filmrow when he operated the Southern Theatre, 

Eigrht drive-ins 

Wheeling, 

remain 

a few years ago, is retiring 

in operation in the 

city area, all having from electric in-car heaters 

the business after 26 years, having sold 

for rental, and one, 

his 

the Maple, 

Middlefield, 

giving 

Ohio, theatre. 

dishes 

to women ... A baby bom to the Jack Nesbits 

died in nine days. He is with National erator and owner-partner in several drive-in 

Bruno Ferrari, Latrobe construction op- 

Screen here. 

theatres, is reportedly one of the group of 

Herb 

men negotiating the 

Lipton 

purchase of the $3.8 

(formerly Lipman), P.O. Box 

million 

25, Oakland, 

Randall race track in 

Md., who 

Cleveland . . . 

was well known in the 

Harris circuit 

mideast trade some 

neighborhood theatres have 

years ago when he manufactured 

Christmas gift tickets for chil- 

been selling 

a complete theatre sound system 

dren 

here, now which are good for ten 

operates 

different 

Sky 

shows 

Valley Supply Co. 

at 

and 

a cost of 

Lipton 

only $1. For teenagers 

Engineering up to 18 

Co. with research 

years, the circuit's 

laboratories 

Liberty, 

at Swanton, 

South Hills, 

Md., on Deep Creek 

Denis 

Lake, "Sky 

and Perry are offering a special 

Valley, 

ticket 

the Playground in the 

for 

Sky." 

$2.50 

Herb 

which covers 

would 

admission to ten programs. 

like to hear from oldtime 

friends . . . Harry Kodinsky, Variety Tent 

1 new chief barker, and wife Carol are directing 

publicity for the Hunt Armory auto Gorris, then 22, returned to his home in 

Four years ago this week Airman Ernest P. 

show here January 19-26 . . . Ted and Grace Glassport as one of the heroes of the Korean 

Main forwarded a holiday greeting card. He's war. He took over duties as manager and projectionist 

of the Star Theatre, owned by his 

mother Mrs. Stella Gorris, whose late husband 

Peter Gorris had been a pioneer in 

SAM FINEBERG exhibition. Ernest had snuffed out a time 

TOM McCLEARY bomb high in North Korean skies as death 

ticked off the last 32 

]TM 

seconds of survival 

ALEXANDER 

for 

himself and 12 others in a B-29 Superfort 

84 Van Broom Street crew. At that time his brother Gregory "Ted" 

PITTSBURGH 19, PA. was managing the Star Theatre, and he departed 

Phone EXpresi 1-0777 

shortly thereafter for the west coast 

James Carson Marks 

54 Years As Doorman 

JAMES H. 

CARSON 

BEAVER FALLS, PA.—When the Rialto 

Theatre opened its doors in a gala premiere 

54 years ago—Dec. 2, 1902—the 

official doorman and greeter was James 

H. Carson. The theatre, then known as 

the Lyceum, was renamed the Rialto in 

1928. 

Still the happy on-the-job doorman, 

after these 54 years, Carson recalls vividly 

that wonderful "first" night and the premiere 

attraction, "Rice's Show Girl." 

People came from miles around in horse 

carriages and surreys, by streetcar and 

train, and the house was sold out and all 

seats occupied despite a cold rainy snow. 

Asher Hanauer, merchant, was the owner, 

and son Sam S. Hanauer, was manager. 

Both are deceased. On December 3, the 

second night of the theatre's existence, 

Lyman Howe's "moving pictures" were exhibited, 

Carson recalls. 

The Rialto is one of the few theatres In 

the country that has been in continuous 

operation for 54 years. The great plays 

and artists of the golden era of the theatre 

were featured at the local playhouse. 

Robert S. Higgins, manager of the Rialto 

Theatre for Cook & Anderson for a number 

of years, believes that James H. Carson's 

54 years as doorman at this theatre 

is unique and an individual record not 

duplicated or even approached in the 

world of the theatre. 

army. Ernest suffered a breakdown and is 

now living with members of the Gorris family 

in California. Gregory has returned home 

after army duty abroad and is lending a hand 

in the operation of the theatre. Gregory has 

taken a state job with the army services, 

performing his duties in this area. 

Alvin Seller, Ligonler exhibitor, carries a 

sample of magnetic tape In his billfold and 

he'll show it to you if you're interested . . . 

More than 3,000 friends of Children's Hospital 

Joined the Press Old Newsboys for an evening 

of entertainment December 13 at the Stanley 

Theatre. Featured was WB's "The Wrong 

Man," and It was the 15th year that Warners 

have donated the premiere showing of one of 

this company's releases for the benefit affair. 


I 

{PHILADELPHIA 

T Fred Osterstock, veteran executive of the 

Fabian Theatres in Easton, made an 

infrequent visit to Vine street and was welcomed 

by his many friends . . . John Roach 

arranged an elaborate front for "Bundle of 

Joy," holiday attraction at the Stanley Theatre. 

The Plaza at Reading, formerly the Orpheum, 

will be reopened by Walter V. Finch 

jr. of Shamokin and his brother Claude G. 

of Reading. The Plaza is located in the 

Masonic Temple building ... A stickup man 

held up the cashier of the New Broadway 

Theatre, Kensington, last Saturday. Franklyn 

Pease, manager, told police the bandit 

got $40 . . . Leo Barrett has leased his Ashley 

(Pa.) Theatre to Joseph Belanosky. Belanosky 

has closed his theatre in White Haven, 

Pa. 

The state compensation rating bureau has 

established a new classification for drive-in 

theatres, effective with respect to new and 

renewal policies of January 1 and thereafter. 

Previously, such risks were assigned to the 

classification dealing with garages and automobile 

parking lots. The rate for the new 

classification is 47 cents and minimum 

premium is $13 . . . The Bluebird shuttered 

again. 

. . 

Sylvan M. Cohen, elected the new chief 

barker of Variety Tent 13, will be installed 

January 7 at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel 

. . . RKO District Manager Robert FoUiard's 

daughter Patricia married Lt. John Dugan, 

who is an engineer . . . Hy Bettinger is the 

new DCA manager for Philadelphia and 

Washington, John Phalen is the local booker 

and office manager . The Hamilton in Lancaster 

has shuttered . . . The Avenue in Delmar, 

Del., which has been unoccupied for a 

couple of years, was damaged by fire. 

. . . 

Milgram is servicing, booking and buying 

for the Sauconia in Hellertown, the Weller 

in Athens, the Lycoming Drive-In in Williamsport, 

the Starlight in Muncy and the 

Halifax Drive-In in Halifax The 7- 

year-old grandson of Columbia Division Manager 

Harry Weiner died. 

. . The 

"Around the World in 80 Days" will open at 

the Midtown the 27th on a reserved seat basis. 

The Midtown is the only theatre in town 

with the Todd-AO equipment ... A March of 

Dimes luncheon for exhibitors was held 

Tuesday at the Variety Club headquarters in 

the Bellevue Stratford . . . Joe Barrett, manager 

of Freed's Suburban Theatre in Ardmore, 

was drafted into the Army . 

Earle in Atlantic City will be demolished and 

replaced by a parking lot. Built 30 years 

ago by the Stanley Co. at a reported cost of 

a million dollars, it has been closed since 

1944 . . . Hunt's Casino Theatre in Wildwood, 

N. J., closed for refurbishing, reopens Christmas 

Day. 

Manpower shortage has prompted these 

theatres to replace doormen with turnstiles 

Girard, South Philadelphia, Lawndale and 

Locust theatres . . . Hunt theatre interests 

are planning to rebuild the Ocean Pier in 

Wildwood, N. J. . . . The Randolph Theatre, 

following a two-a-day reserved seat policy 

for "The Ten Commandments" engagement, 

was using its regular boxoffice for daily seat 

sales but installed a special boxoffice for all 

advance seat sales. 

PREVIEW '80 

DAYS'—Exhibitors in the Baltimore area attended the recent preview 

of "Around the World in 80 Days" at the Film Centre Theatre, where the picture 

opened December 21. Left to right: Morris Mechanic, Baltimore theatre owner retired 

from active management; Isador M. Rappaport, Film Centre owner; Mike Todd, 

producer of the picture; C. Morton Goldstein, chairman of the Maryland board of 

censors, and C. Elmer Nolte jr., general manager of Durkee Enterprises. 

South Boston, Va., Asked 

To Drop Admission Tax 

SOUTH BOSTON, VA.—The town council 

considered a request of Neighborhood Theatres 

for removal of the city admission taxes. 

The plea, first made several weeks ago by 

Morton G. Thalhimer jr., whose firm operates 

the Halifax Theatre here, was considered 

at a special session late this week. 

Citing figures showing a 61 per cent drop 

in attendance at the local theatre since 1951 

and a 40 per cent drop in boxoffice receipts, 

Thalhimer said the company would have to 

consider closing the theatre if it did not show 

a better return. 

South Boston imposes a two-cent tax on 

adult tickets and a one-cent tax on tickets 

for children. 

Convicts Give $350 

To Variety Tent 1 

Pittsburg h—Grateful convicts at 

Western State Penitentiary have repaid 

kindnesses shown them by contributing a 

check for $350 to Variety Tent 1. Free 

movies which the convicts attend every 

Saturday and Sunday in the penitentiary 

have been sponsored for years by the 

Variety Club, and they represent a tremendous 

morale booster, according to 

Warden Angelo C. Cavell. The money 

turned over to the Variety Club for its 

charities comes from the small profits 

collected from commissary sales for the 

Prisoner's Aid Fund. 

Warden Cavell declared: "Movies are 

vitally important to most of our men for 

it furnishes them a good contact with the 

outside world." He reports that his 

"boys" prefer mysteries, adventures and 

comedies in their screen fare. They are 

shown everything but crime movies, and 

pictures are all screened first by Bernie 

Elinoff, Stanley Warner circuit shorts 

booker. Their favorite male stars are 

Burt Lancaster, Gary Cooper and, 

especially, John Wayne. Their favorite 

female stars? Any actress in skirts. 

Chris Lentz, a custodial officer, operates 

the prison screening room. 

BALTIMORE 

Ocreen star Charlton Heston came rather 

quietly into town in advance of "The 

Ten Commandments" opening at the New 

Theatre . . . The New boxoffice for the reserved 

seat policy was manned by George 

Brotherton and William J. Manning, both out 

of Philadelphia. The "first night," Friday 

(21), was for the benefit of the CARE Himgarian 

relief program. 

Frank Hurley, who handles the boxoffice 

for "Around the World in 80 Days," took one 

day for a trip to New York to view the Christmas 

pageant at Radio City Music Hall . . . 

Fred Perry, owner of the Edgemere Theatre, 

Edgemere, staged a pre-Christmas children's 

show sponsored by druggists in his community. 

He also played host to the Edgemere 

Democrats with a special program . . . The 

Durkee Enterprises' Ambassador Theatre was 

given over to a special morning showing of 

a fight-against-cancer film presented by the 

American Cancer Society. 

Harold DeGraw of the Super-50 Drive-In, 

Cambridge, was here for a meeting of the 

Allied Motion Picture Theatre Owners of 

Maryland meeting. So was Newell Howard of 

the Ulman Theatres, Salisbury, Md. Highlighting 

the meeting was a report on Allied's 

national convention, submitted by Jack L. 

Whittle, the Maryland group's vice-president 

. . . Baltimore Variety Club held its annual 

oyster roast recently and added to the heart 

fund . . . Oscar Cantor, local representative 

for Warner Bros., was recovering from a 

severe grippe attack. 

Tax Appeal Dismissed 

WAYNESBURG, PA.—An appeal from a 10 

per cent tax on admission to a drive-in theatre 

and a skating rink and a $25 tax on pinball 

machines imposed by the Franklin township 

school board was dismissed this week 

by Judge J. I. Hook. Durward Coe and Louis 

Stuler of the Waynesburg outdoor theatre 

and Kenneth Headlee, rink operator, contended 

the levy was unfairly imposed on 

their enterprises only and not on all amusements 

in the township. Coe and Stuler indicated 

the decision would be appealed. 

IBOXOFFICE : 


33

sdo*tdo4t 

^cfixtnt 

MOW that the film industry has got over the 

shock of reading the Films Bill published 

last week, exhibitors are slowly coming round 

to the view that there will be entertainments 

tax relief. Without a tax cut, it will be almost 

impossible for the British Film Production 

Fund to obtain the revenues needed 

by producers during the next ten years. The 

thought that exhibition can even provide 

£3% -millions for the first year of the statutory 

Eady is regarded as highly laughable by 

almost every exhibitor in the country. The 

government however, is already in the process 

of changing the pattern of entertainments 

duty and ironing out the many anomalies 

that have hit exhibitors as a result of 

this duty. Now, Board of Trade President 

Peter Thorneycroft has allowed it to be 

known that there will be some tax relief, 

particularly for the smaller Independent. 

* « • 

Although the film industry recently announced 

with a loud blare of trumpets, an 

arrangement with the BBC to limit the number 

of films available on TV and to provide 

the Corporation with a maximum of 12 good 

features a year plus eight documentaries or 

foreign films, it seems as if something has 

gone wrong. The British companies are only 

too prepared to sell their product on British 

TV and have submitted lists of available 

pictures to the Corporation. The American 

companies have let it be known that while 

they approve of limiting the number of films 

to be seen on TV, they are in no position at 

the moment to sell product to the BBC. In 

addition to this, the Cinema Exhibitors Ass'n 

is protesting against this arrangement and 

even has refused to send observers to future 

meetings between the trade and the Corporation. 

And so it looks that the so-called 

arrangements will amount to nothing by 

the New Year. And this will mean that the 

Corporation will start buying separately without 

reference to the Industry. 

« * * 

The Cinema Exhibitors Ass'n last week dug 

its heels in further by refusing support for 

a proposed BBC program of extracts from 

shorts, sporting and nontheatrical films 

made by the Association of Specialized Film 

Producers; stated there should be no further 

film programs providing extracts on TV and 

vetoed a suggestion for a 30-minute monthly 

closeup of Associated-Redlffusion's (commercial 

TV company) dealing with past film extracts 

from leading Hollywood and British 

successes. 

* • • 

Even right up to the Christmas holidays 

the film studios are being kept very busy. All 

the many production centers, Elstree, MGM, 

Boreham Wood, Plnewood, Shepperton and 

National are crammed with technicians rushing 

to get their films completed if possible, 

before the new year. A roundup of the studios 

shows that over half of the films being made 

are on a co-production basis. At Elstree 

ABPC, there is Columbia's Sabre production, 

"The Haunted," with Dana Andrews and 

Peggy Cummins; "No Time for Tears," an 

Associated British production, with Anna 

Neagle and Sylvia Sym and "Accused," the 

film sponsored by the U. S. Presbyterian 

Church. Beaconsfleld studios has "Time 

By ANTHONY GRUNER 

Lock," a British film with Robert Beatty and 

Lee Patterson; While at Bray, there is "The 

Curse of Frankenstein," Exclusive's sciencefiction 

thriller, with Peter Gushing for 

United Artists. 

• * • 

MGM is packed tight with three large scale 

productions — "Lucky Jim," a Boulting brothers 

picture with Ian Carmichael and Terry 

Thomas; "Action of the "nger," an Anglo- 

American picture from Claridge productions, 

with Van Johnson and Martine Carol for 

MGM release; "Island in the Sun," the Daxryl 

Zanuck picture, with James Mason, Joan 

Fontaine and Joan Collins for 20th Century- 

Fox release; at National studios there is 

"Wanted on Voyage," a Byron Films British 

production for Renown release, with Ronald 

Shiner; "At the Stroke of Nine," a Tower 

production (Anglo-U. S.), with Stephen 

Murray and Patrick Barr; Pinewood has 

one film shooting and two others lined up: 

"High Tide at Noon" for Rank with Michael 

Craig and Betta St. John; Shepperton has 

three — "Esther Costello," the Columbia 

Remus film, with Joan Crawford and Rossano 

Brazzi; "Manuela," Ivan Foxwell's British 

film, with Trevor Howard and Elsa 

Martinelli and "The Admirable Crichton," a 

British film for Columbia, with Ken More, 

Diane Cilento and Cecil Parker. Incidentally, 

Pinewood studios will be very busy indeed 

after January 1 with three productions including 

"Hell Drivers," a story about Britain's 

long distance transport drivers, starring Stanley 

Baker; and Rod Steiger's film, "Across 

the Bridge." 

* • • 

Variety Tent 36 and Columbia Pictures, 

through the cooperation of Warwick Films, 

will donate the proceeds of the "Zarak" premiere 

on January 10 for the Hungarian Relief 

Fund. Variety is hoping to achieve £25,000 

for the fund as a result of the premiere, 

which will be held at the Odeon, Leicester 

Square. Now that Mike Frankovich officially 

has been nominated Chief Barker, it can be 

expected that sparks will begin to fly as Mike 

cracks the whip and attempts to achieve 

this colossal figme for the Variety charity 

function. One of the interesting sidelights 

about the premiere will be 25-guinea seats, 

a top price for any premiere, for which 400 

ticket holders will also receive the hospitality 

of a special champagne supper after the 

show. 

« « • 

The Rank Organization has released news 

that in Rio de Janeiro it has concluded an 

imjwrtant deal with Ribeiro circuit for the 

early release of a lineup of four films. The 

Ribeiro circuit comprises more than 200 theatres 

and is one of the leading circuits in 

that part of the world. The deal will give the 

prod- 

Rank group a first-class outlet for its 

uct in Brazil. The films are "The Black 

Tent," with Anthony Steele, Ealing's "Touch 

and Go," with Jack Hawkins, the Boulting 

brothers "High Treason" and "A Town Like 

Alice," with Peter Finch. Meanwhile, the 

group has announced that it will open its 

new branch in Havana early in the New Year. 

* • • 

Rod Steiger will be making his first film 

in England in January for the Rank Organization, 

entitled "Across the Bridge." This is a 

story of a crooked financier's attempted 

flight from the U. S. into Mexico and is 

based on an original short story by Graham 

Greene. The film will be in black and white 

VistaVision, produced by John Stafford and 

directed by Ken Annakin. Why was Rod 

Steiger picked? Says John Stafford: "This 

role is a one man 'tour de force' completely 

ruthless. Since I saw Steiger's performance 

in "The Big Knife' I knew that he alone 

could play the leading role—the way I 

wanted it played. Steiger, I am most happy ^ 

to say, thinks the script is terrific, and he 

will be arriving in this country in the first 

week in January." 

* • • 

Although the petrol situation is fairly bleak 

over here, the industry doesn't appear to be 

suffering much from shortages as far as 

film transport is concerned. Thanks to the 

cordial relations existing between Wardour 

Street and the various government departments, 

it seems that individual allocations 

to the film transport services have been 

ample, according to most reports. There will 

be considerable economies and a tightening 

up in the method of transport but, all in 

all, no exhibitor is likely to suffer as a result 

of this fuel crisis. 

Belgian Male Film Viewing 

Arbitrated by Opposite Sex 

BRUSSELS—The World of Silence, The 

Swan, The Conqueror, Picnic and The Loves 

of Lady Chatterley were the top grossing 

pictures this year in Belgium. "The World 

of Silence," its popularity due to remarkable 

photography and unusual adventure atmosphere, 

grossed 2,698,120 Belgian francs In four 

weeks and set a record in its field. 

Most popular films with Belgians are those 

in which the female spectator has a chance 

of finding amusement, since Belgian women 

select the films their husbands and boy 

friends see. Lone men, with the exception 

of unemployed and elderly retired gentlemen 

who profit from the comfortable seats for 

a two-hour nap, are rarely seen in the country's 

motion picture theatres. 

Favorite actors with Belgians are Alec 

Guinness and Fernandel. Top actresses in 

public favor are Gina LoUobrigida, Anna 

Magnani, Grace Kelly and Susan Hayward. 

Spectators here are well-behaved. They 

rarely interrupt a program or aimoy their 

neighbors by talking or coughing. However, 

when they are dissatisfied with the film, they 

slam doors and make a row when leaving. 

UA Organizes Nine-Man 

Rome Publicity Unit 

ROME, ITALY—United Artists has organized 

a nine-man publicity unit to publicize 

the Batjac production of "Legend of the 

Lost," starring John Wayne, on an international 

scale. Principal photography will 

begin in Libya January 7 with Sophia Loren 

and Rossano Brazzi costarred. 

Jim Henaghan of Batjac will coordinate 

the staff with David Hanna heading the unit 

as publicity director and Maria Van Slyke 

as feature writer. Ken Danvers will be in 

charge of photography and Pierre Lulgi will 

handle Italian still and publicity photography. 

John Lane, British Journalist, will be in 

charge of the stUl department and will institute 

a system of worldwide servicing of art 

from Rome and the location. Phil Stern will 

cover the publicity from Libya. 

34 


INEWS AND VIEWS THE PRODUCTION CEMTER 

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

Writers Guild Signs 

New Radio-TV Pad 

HOLLYWOOD—Substantial pay increases 

and other benefits were gained for staff 

radio writers as a result of the contract 

signed by KNX-CBS with the television-radio 

branch of the Writers' Guild of America, 

West. 

Retroactive to Aug. 1, 1956, and extending 

through May 31, 1958, the new pact provides 

for base salary rates up to $171 per week for 

continuity and news writers on network 

broadcasts, and includes such emoluments as 

experience fees, acting editor fees and additional 

remuneration for writers performing 

other extra-load duties. 

Prances Inglis, executive director of WGA, 

West, felt that one of the greatest victories 

was pushing the contract closing date forward 

by several months, enabling the guild 

to bargain concurrently with radio staffs in 

New York whose pacts will terminate at 

about the same time. 

Several other agreements for the TV-radio 

branch of WGA, West, are approaching finalization. 

Pact with the major live television 

producers is ready for signature, as is the 

one with the major film television producers. 

The guild's contract with the Alliance of 

Television Film Producers, based in large 

part on its contract with the majors, will 

be ready shortly. Also the first draft of an 

agreement between WGA, West, and the 

networks has been prepared. 

Title Changes 

The Seventh Vow (MGM) to THE SEV- 

ENTH SIN. 

The Happy Road (MGM) to HAPPY ROAD. 

Interpol (Col) to THE MOST WANTED 

WOMAN. 

Man on a Motorcycle (Jana Prods.) to 

MAN ON THE PROWL. 

Tony Muto to 20th-Fox 

HOLLYWOOD — Anthony Muto, former 

eastern head of Movietone News, has been 

signed to a producer contract by 20th-Fox. 

The first picture on Muto's production slate 

will be "SAC Saboteurs," a semidocumentary, 

for which Pat Frank wrote the original story 

and screenplay. It deals with the around-theclock 

security for the Strategic Air Command. 

To Produce "Spook Chasers' 

HOLLYWOOD—Allied Artists has set Ben 

Schwalb to produce "Spook Chasers" and has 

scheduled that Bowery Boys comedy to go 

before the cameras in late February. The 

tscreenplay is by Elwood Ullman. 

BOXOFFICE : : December 22, 1956 

Herbert Yates in Letter to Allied 

Derbies Rogers Statement in Dallas 

HOLLYWOOD—Herbert J. Yates, president 

of Republic Productions, rose to the bait 

that cowpoke star Roy Rogers tossed on the 

waters at the recent Dallas convention of 

Allied States Ass'n of Motion Picture Exhibitors, 

when in a letter to Ruben Shor, 

Allied president, he denied in no equivocal 

terms the statement attributed to Rogers 

that the Valley studio stood as a hurdle in 

the path of his return to making features for 

theatrical distribution. 

Reportedly, Rogers, after seeking the conventioneers' 

reactions as to what type of 

sagebrush fare they would most like to book, 

said that "the Republic prexy has a club 

over my head" because, he contended, Yates 

had threatened to flood the market with old 

Rogers starrers. The threat was averredly 

made at the time Rogers' contract with Republic 

was not renewed. 

Wrote Yates: "I know you want the truth 

and I hope you will pass the following facts 

along to members of your organization which 

refutes the uncalled for remarks made by 

Roy Rogers. 

"The facts are Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers) 

an unknown, was signed by Republic to make 

WELCOME BAG K—Los 

Angeles 

councilman Harold Harby presents a 

resolution by tlie city council commending 

her upon her return from semiretirement 

to play a starring role in "Johnny 

Trouble," to Miss Ethel Barrymore, while 

Stuart Whitman and Carolyn Jones, 

romantic leads in the feature being produced 

by Motion Pictures by Clarion, 

look on. John H. Auer is producing and 

directing the film for Clarion, of which 

John Carroll is executive producer. 

western pictures in 1938. Republic gave him 

the name 'Roy Rogers' and also named his 

horse 'Trigger, the Smartest Horse in the 

Movies.' , We literally spent hundreds of 

thousands of dollars publicizing Roy Rogers, 

worldwide. His pictures, at the height of his 

popularity, were always sold to exhibitors on 

Republic's 'live-and-let-live' policy, mostly on 

reasonable flat rentals. Roy Rogers was with 

Republic for 13 years, his contract expiring 

in May 1951. Republic made 81 pictures 

during this period with Rogers. We did not 

renew his contract because of higher production 

costs and decreasing exhibitor 

demand for his pictures. These factors made 

his pictures unprofitable for Republic to 

produce. 

"As early as 1948 we started re-releasing 

Rogers' pictures made during the period from 

April, 1938 to 1948, three years before his contract 

expired in 1951. Rogers knew this when 

he made his statements at your convention. 

In other words, releasing of Rogers' pictures 

started three years before the expiration of 

his contract. 

"When Republic did not renew Rogers' 

contract and it became necessary for him to 

invest his capital in pictures starring him, 

he stated that making pictures for television 

was a safer investment than making pictures 

for theatres. At that time he knew his latest 

pictures produced by Repubhc for theatres 

had declined in popularity and were unprofitable. 

"In my opinion Roy Rogers at your convention 

knowingly distorted the facts in the 

hope he might ingratiate himself with your 

organization." 

W. R. Frank and UA Sued 

By Mexican Film Concern 

HOLLYWOOD—Suit for an accounting of 

profits on W. R. Frank Productions' "Sitting 

Bull" and for recovery on a $15,000 note has 

been filed in federal court by Cinematografica 

Televoz. Action, filed for the Mexican 

film by attorney Sanford Carter, names 

W. R. Frank, Lucille Frank and United 

Artists as defendants. 

The plaintiff contends it loaned $15,000 to 

Frank on a note and also invested money in 

the film in return for a promised 15 per cent 

of the profits. 

It is stated in the suit that no money has 

been received although the producer's share 

of the profit is reportedly in excess of 

$800,000. 

35

Gov. Knight Attends 

MPPC Dedication 

HOLLYWOOD — Official opening of the 

Samuel Goldwyn Motion Picture Permanent 

Charities Building on La Cienega boulevard 

was scheduled to take place Thursday (20) 

with governor Goodwin J. Knight dedicating 

the edifice. Among those planning to attend 

the ceremonies were Mrs. Knight; Mr. and 

Mrs. Samuel Goldwyn; Y. Prank Freeman, 

chairman of the board of the Ass'n of 

Motion Picture Producers; Steve Broidy, 

chairman of the building committee and 

former president of MPPC; plus many studio 

executives and representatives from various 

philanthropic organizations. 

The $75,000 structure was donated by Goldwyn, 

who was the founder and first president 

of MPPC, which was organized in 1940 

to facilitate the collecting of charity funds 

among film industryites in annual campaigns. 

Since that time more than $19,000,000 has 

been donated and distributed among 17 

charitable agencies in the Los Ange*les area. 

After the dedication, those in attendance 

planned to go to the last scheduled report 

luncheon of the organization, at which chairman 

Jerry Lewis was to announce the 

amounts subscribed during this yea,r's campaign. 

* • • 

To launch a full scale promotional tie-up 

with Air Force recruiting, Universal-International 

held a special screening of "Battle 

Hymn," based on the life of colonel Dean 

Hess, for top Air Force officials at its home 

office projection room, Friday (14). 

Recipients of the Hollywood Women's Press 

Club annual awards were Charlton Heston, 

named most cooperative actor of the year, and 

Deborah Kerr, voted most cooperative actress. 

Llewelyn Miller, past president of the club, 

presented Heston his award at a party in 

New York. His acceptance was tape recorded, 

to be heard by the press women attending the 

Golden Apple Award luncheon Tuesday (18), 

where presentation of the kudos was made 

to Miss Kerr. 

* * * 

In Denver, Colo., where George Murphy, 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer director of public relations, 

was the principal speaker at the 

seventh annual membership banquet for the 

General Maurice Rose Memorial Hospital, he 

was presented with a plaque in recognition 

of his services in the organization's fund drive. 

Natalie Wood, Warner Bros, contractee, and 

Barbara Nicholas, currently appearing in WB 

"The Pajama Game," were hostesses at the 

Sawtelle Veteran's Hospital, Saturday (15) 

at the annual Christmas opening of the 

Purple Heart Gift Shop. They also attended 

a luncheon with hospital officials, followed 

by gift opening ceremonies in which the 

veterans participated. 

Alex March Is Associate Producer 

HOLLYWOOD—Alex March, former producer 

of the CBS-TV Studio One Summer 

Theatre and other television programs, has 

been named associate producer with Paul 

Gregory on "On My Honor" and "The Naked 

and the Dead," two upcoming RKO features. 

LOS ANGELES 

iy|etropoUtan Theatre Corp, planned to play 

host Thursday morning (20) to approximately 

1,800 Senior Citizens—all 65 years of 

age and over—of Los Angeles County at the 

Orpheum Theatre. The annual event is 

sponsored by county supervisor chief John 

Anson Ford. Acting as emcee, KLAC's Alex 

Cooper was to introduce civic dignitaries and 

special guests prior to the showing of Martin 

and Lewis' "Hollywood or Bust." 

Claude Spaeth, for many years manager of 

United Artists' Pour Star Theatre, died of 

a heart attack Thursday (13). Resultantly 

there were a number of managerial changes 

in the UA circuit. Dan Rochin went to the 

Four Star from the Capitol, Glendale, with 

Edward Spritzer moving into the latter spot. 

Don Halstrom, assistant at the UA downtown, 

became manager of the East Los Angeles, 

with Sam Perk going from the latter 

to the UA downtown. Larry Market switched 

from the UA downtown to the UA Pasadena. 

Co-owner of the Variety Theatre, James 

Quinn, bought out his partner Dave Robbins 

... In RKO's Dan O'Shea sales drive, winners 

in the drawing for the past quarter were Mac 

McCallum, Exhibitors Service; Alice Quiroz, 

Fox West Coast; May Freedman, FWC, and 

Helen Perkins, FWC. 

United Artists' assistant national director 

of publicity and advertising, Al Tamarin, 

arrived from New York for conferences with 

district manager Ralph Clarke, local branch 

manager Dick Carnegie and western advertising 

manager Bill SchoU . . . George A. Hickey, 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer western division sales 

manager, planed to San Francisco for confabs 

with branch manager Sam Gardner . . . 

Hugh Brawley, western division manager for 

Distributors Corp. of America, returned from 

Seattle where he opened a new DCA exchange 

. . . Max Burkett, Warner Bros, western 

exploitation chief, returned from the Bay 

City to ready the "Baby Doll" campaign . . . 

Fred Stein, head of Fred Stein Enterprises, 

headed for New York to find product . . . 

Mel Anderson, 20th Century-Fox salesman, 

is on his Arizona swing . . . UA salesman Andy 

Heederick is on his Ridge run. 

Sidney Miller, son of RKO booker Sally 

Miller, has returned from Europe and plans 

to enter UCLA next semester . . . Jack Van 

Leer, film buyer for the Harry Nace Circuit 

in Phoenix, became the father of a baby boy 

Wednesday (12) . . . Among 

the winter vacationers 

are Bill Evidon, Favorite Films 

branch manager, and Joyce Biederman, South 

Lyn Theatres. 

. . 

Earl Brothers, Henderson, Nev., was conferring 

with his booker and buyer, George 

Inghram . Others booking and buying on 

Filmrow were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Markowitz, 

Solano, Solano Beach; Mildred Roth, Pacific 

Drive-ins; Bob Wolf, SouthSide Theatres; 

Roy Laumucchi, Tejon, Bakersfield, and 

Andy DeVine, Paradise, Westchester. 

Jim Schiller, Allied Artists exploiteer, returned 

from San Diego where he set up the 

campaign in connection with the openings 

there of "Friendly Persuasion" on Chlrstmas 

Day. 

Starring with Alan Ladd In Warners' "The 

Big Land" are Virginia Mayo and Edmond 

O'Brien. 

Rainmaker' in Bow 

At the Four Star 

HOLLYWOOD—"The Rainmaker" made its 

bow Tuesday (18) 

at the Four Star Theatre, 

the exterior of which was decorated with a 

facsimile of a rain storm complete with wind. 

Co-masters of ceremonies for KTLA-TV's 

coverage were George Sanders and Louis 

Quinn. Front-of-the-theatre activities were 

emceed by Dick Haynes of KTLA, while Lynn 

Castile taped the event for KHJ and WOR 

and Jack Brown covered for the Armed Forces 

telievision and radio network. 

• » 

As mistress of ceremonies, Bonita Granville 

planned to join master of ceremonies Eddie 

Cantor at the microphones for the telecast 

of RKO's "Bundle of Joy," Friday night (21) 

at the Egyptian Theatre. Local video coverage 

was slated for channel 9, KHJ-TV, from 

8:30 to 9:00 p.m. Kinescopes for later telecasting 

were scheduled by the six other General 

Teleradio TV stations across the country. 

Pension Plan Group Elects 

Fred S. Meyer President 

HOLLYWOOD—At the 

annual meeting of 

the Motion Picture Industry Pension Plan, 

officers elected for 1957 included Fred S. 

Meyer, 20th Century-Fox, president; Bonar 

Dyer, Walt Disney, vice-chairman; Alan 

Jackson, Film Technicians Local 147, secretary, 

and Reve Houck, Electricians Local 728, 

assistant secretary. Mark Bushner is the 

plan's administrator. 

Concurrently, it was disclosed that since 

the plan's inception in October 1953, approximately 

$5,000,000 has been accumulated in 

the fund. First disbursements under the 

pension set-up are scheduled to commence 

in 1960. 

* « « 

On behalf of Warner Bros., actor Karl 

Maiden presented a gavel to the Hollywood 

Foreign Press Ass'n at a luncheon Wednesday 

(19), given by WB to honor the journalists on 

the first anniversary of the founding of the 

organization by members of the one-time 

Foreign Press Ass'n and Hollywood Foreign 

Correspondents Ass'n. 

Independent Studios Form 

Labor Relations Group 

HOLLYW(X)D—Independent film flackeries 

handling independent motion picture productions 

and personalities have formed the 

first association of such firms in show business 

history to handle labor relations, particularly 

in terms of the pending negotiations 

with the lATSE Publicists Ass'n. 

Nine publicity offices have already signed 

up, and others were overtured at a recent 

luncheon. Among the nine members are at 

least two firms known to have signed an 

agreement with the publicists union. 

Nathanson and Associates, industrial relations 

firm, has been retained to represent 

the independents' association in its deals with 

the union. 

Paramount Signs Burl Ives 

HOLLYWOOD—Burl Ives has been signed 

by Paramount for Don Hartman's production 

of Eugene O'Neill's classic, "Desire Under 

the Elms." 


Sterling Purchases 

Colonial in Seattle 

SEATTLE—Sterling Theatres has purchased 

the Colonial Theatre here for $500,000. 

The theatre building has a 60-foot frontage 

on Fourth avenue and is 108 feet deep. It 

was purchased from the estate of John 

Collins. 

John Danz, president of Sterling, said the 

company will modernize the theatre, which 

was built in 1913. 

Sunday Good in Montana 

When Product Has Appeal 

HELENA, MONT.—Sunday is no longer a 

good show day here simply because it is 

Sunday. In fact, several of the larger theatres 

find it necessary to have an exceptionally 

good show to attract patrons, particularly 

this year when TV and almost perfect 

weather were added competition. 

The situation is somewhat different at 

the small theatres. If they are located 

within a short driving distance of a larger 

town, and the larger town offers a choice of 

better shows, then the small operator is out 

of luck. However, if the weather turns bad, 

the small theatre enjoys better attendance. 

Saturday is mostly the youngsters' day at 

territory theatres. School towns depend on 

student patronage and small theatres in 

farming or mining communities get family 

trade after Saturday shopping is done. 

Bank nights and giveaway nights still entice 

crowds. Of course, these same patrons 

must be present some other night of the 

weelc to register in order to qualify for the 

giveaways. 

"Polks look over the pictures advertised in 

the newspapers and if they don't suit them, 

the people just stay home and watch TV," 

said one exhibitor. "Of course, when the 

weather is like it was here in old Montana 

in the fall, it has to be a good picture to 

keep folks off the highways." 

Move Indoors for Winter 

CANON CITY, COLO.—The welcome snows 

which began falling here recently served to 

herald the opening of the Rex Theatre for 

the winter season. Chick Marshall, manager 

of the Sunset Drlve-In, and members of his 

staff put winter wraps on the outdoor theatre 

and "moved indoors" to the Rex to wait 

for spring. The indoor theatre will offer 

regular film entertainment through the winter 

months, Marshall said. 

Frank DeVol Is Signed 

HOLL"5rwOOD—Robert Aldrich has signed 

Frank DeVol for his fourth consecutive assignment 

as composer-conductor on an 

Aldrich film. DeVol will score William 

Conrad's production of "The Ride Back," 

United Artists release. 

Vemon Merrick Joins Staif 

THE DALLES, ORE.—Vernon Merrick, who 

has spent much time in Wasco county since 

August as field representative for Oregon 

Chest, has joined the staff of The Dalles 

theatres as assistant manager, according to 

Richard Lacey, manager. Lacey added that 

Merrick is being retained by the Oregon 

Chest on a part-time basis in addition to 

his theatre duties. 

-M LMOST as old as modern show busi- 

/-i0i ness is that hackneyed mot—when 

business is bad, fire the billposter. 

Despite the hoariness of this quip, its ironical 

pursuit apparently 

still obtains in the motion 

picture industry. 

Business admittedly is 

bad, billposters are being 

fired — and then 

business gets worse. 

Perhaps the most 

classical current example 

of the seemingly 

inexplicable procedure 

is Republic 

Pictures. At the Valley 

Paul Henreid 

studio where 

Republic 

product 

is filmed, the publicity department has been 

completely disbanded. In a recent statement 

from president Herbert J. Yates—which 

vehemently refuted a tradepaper harangue 

that virtually sang a requiem for his company 

as a producer and distributor of theatrical 

film fare—the Republic headman declared 

that his company has sufficient completed 

pictures to supply its market well Into 

1957; and that immediately following the first 

of the new year, additional features will be 

made for theatrical exhibition. 

Yet, very little is being done to acquaint 

the trade and the public with those films, 

finished and/or plarmed. 

Witness the case of "A Woman's Devotion." 

Here is a picture that was produced 

under the title of "Acapulco." As such and 

durimg the time that it was before the cameras, 

it was accorded an average amount of 

publicity—and, under existing circumstances, 

that's woefully little. Shooting having been 

finished, trade, public and press recollection 

of the feature was permitted to completely 

lapse. 

Then out of left field came notice from one 

Sheldon Davis, a free-lance publicist, that the 

press was invited to attend a preview of a 

Republic offering yclept "A Woman's Devotion." 

Sure enough it turned out to be "Acapulco," 

to which title, parenthetically, Yates 

reportedly was opposed. Davis had been hurriedly 

and temporarily retained to impresario 

the feature's debut by John Bass who produced 

it independently and whose possibility 

of deriving fame and fortune therefrom is 

directly dependent upon the number of bookings 

and the amount of patronage it enjoys. 

A somewhat similar stake in the film is that 

of Paul Henreid who both directed and costarred 

in the photoplay. 

As trade press critiques have established, 

"Devotion" is an above-average parcel of 

screen fare, one that could expect notable 

patronage and popularity if treated to reasonable 

dosages of publicity and merchandising. 

But its appearance could have been little less 

obscure had it been suddenly imported from 

Mars. Even mediocre television programs 

these days are being treated to more intense 

and widespread advance build-ups. 

All of which possibly adds up to one of 

the more obvious reasons why people are remaining 

home to watch their living room 

squawk boxes and are staying away in droves 

from theatres that are offering infinitely 

superior entertainment. 

Further anent the demobilization of Republic's 

flackery is an interesting and presumably 

precedential action taken by the 

Publicists' Ass'n, the tub thumpers' union 

affiliated with the powerful lATSE. Its alert 

business manager, Lloyd Ritchie, charged the 

Valley film foundry with violating its agreement 

with the association because during recent 

weeks, publicity releases have been distributed 

that were not prepared and planted 

by a union blurber. These handouts stemmed 

from William Saal, an erstwhile ballyhooist 

of considerable stature and now a studio executive, 

but not a member of the union. 

While the wilderness-voice gesture of the 

PA probably will accomplish few, if any, results 

at Republic, it is nonetheless significant 

because it establishes that Hollywood's organized 

publicists are aware of the hazards to 

themselves and their trade posed by the growing 

fire-the-billposter routine. 

When early in the year the Academy of 

Motion Picture Arts and Sciences brushed off 

Howie Mayer as its press agent and entrusted 

its delicate public relations to the firm of 

Harshe-Rotman, the entirely logical reason 

advanced for the change was that Mayer's 

was an out-of-town outfit—with headquarters 

in Chicago—and resultantly was not ideally 

situated to accord the Academy and its activities 

the year-around attention they so 

badly needed. 

Because of the prestige connected with the 

account, nearly a score of Hollywood freelance 

welkin ringers applied for the vacated 

spot. But the Academicians chose H-R and, 

because it, too, is a Chicago firm, the selection 

was generally considered an out-of-thefrying-pan-into-the-fire 

selection. 

Apparently, however, the fire is kindling 

a few praiseworthy flames that were nonexistent 

under the Mayer tenure. News releases 

relating to Academy affairs arrive more 

frequently. Recently appeared Vol. 1, No. 1 

of Academy Report. It is a four-page, tabloid 

publication which is to appear periodically 

and is designed to "help keep you abreast of 

the activities and goals of your Academy . . . 

policy . . . will be to encourage wide professional 

participation of members in Academy 

activities . . . above all, to mirror achievement." 

While there is virtually nothing in the Initial 

issue of Report that had not previously 

been printed in the trade and general press. It 

nonetheless is a step in the right direction, 

for which a bow is the due of Harshe- 

Rotman. 

BOXOFFICE : 


37

PHOENIX 

The Paramount here will start a policy of 

having Saturday morning shows for children, 

on Saturday, December 22. The master 

of ceremonies for the show will be a local 

TV personality. Trapper Jim, with his horse 

Cherokee. There will be a stage show, serial, 

cartoon and feature. 

Tucson Local 415 of the projectionists 

honored Fred McSpadden, manager of the 

Pox Tucson Theatre, at a breakfast. Union 

a theatre employe as follows—the first big 

home opposition when radio came in; the 

growth of the double feature, giveaways and 

price wars; the war years with theatre business 

booming, and the present challenge from 

television. He believes TV presents the 

strongest opposition, and that in the next 

ten years, some theatre people probably will 

be fighting for existence. He said, "We've 

met all the other challenges and survived, 

and I believe that with good pictures and by 

Booked 

'Persuasion' Is 

In 40 Year-End Showings 

LOS ANGELES—Allied Artists' "Friendly 

Persuasion" will open in 40 situations in the 

San Francisco territory during the Christmas-New 

Year's holiday period, according 

to Harold Wirthwein, western division sales 

manager. 

In San Francisco, where it now is in its 

second week at the Esquire after four weeks 

at the United Artists, the picture will open 

at the Uptown, Crown, Alexandria and Palace 

and in the Mission and El Rancho driveins. 

In Oakland, it has been booked by the 

Senator, Central, Fairfax, Piedmont and 

Pruitvale theatres. 

Other openings include the UC and 

Campus, Berkeley; California and Manor, 

Sacramento; Garden, Gay and El Rancho 

Drive-In, San Jose; Carlos, San Carlos; 

Stockton, Stockton; Village, Town & 

Country; Del Mar, San Leandro; Auto Movie, 

San Pablo; Motor Movies, Hayward; Alameda 

Drive-Ins, Alameda; Hoyo, Willits; State, 

Woodland; State, Ft. Bragg; Ukiah; Areata, 

Areata; Portuna, Portuna; State, Martinez; 

Cal, Santa Rosa; Merced, Merced; State, 

Monterey; Del Mar, Santa Cruz; Cascade, 

Redding; Tulare, Tulare; State, MarysvUle, 

and Sutter, Yuba City. 

Life-Size Elvis Replica 

Stars in Necktie Party 

BEND. ORE.—Manager Ben HoUis had 

mounted a lifesize standee picture of Elvis 

Presley in the Tower Theatre lobby and had 

spread the word that it would be given to 

some lucky girl in the Friday night audience. 

But on Tuesday "Elvis" disappeared when the 

front door of the theatre was left open for 

a few moments. 

Hollis was particularly worried because of 

rumors that a group of t)oys had boasted 

they were going to swipe the guitar-playing 

image and hang it. They did. Hollis received 

a telephone tipoff that he would find "Elvis" 

hanging in the Franklin avenue underpass, 

guitar and all. The manager retrieved the 

replica and gave it personal bodyguard service 

until the Friday night giveaway. 

To Write 'Miracle' for U-I 

HOLLYWOOD—R. Wright Campbell was 

signed by U-I to write the screenplay on 

"The Fifth Miracle," adapted from the novel 

by William Joyce Cowen. Picture will be 

produced by Gordon Kay. 

Fred McSpadden, center, manager of the Fox Tucson Theatre, 

was honored at a breakfast given by the Tucson Local 415 of the 

lATSE projectionists. Shown with him are Al Runkle, president of 

415, and Tom Doherty, business manager. McSpadden was presented 

a clock. 

president Al Runkle presented McSpadden a 

desk clock with the inscription "To Fred 

McSpadden, in appreciation for 15 years of 

pleasant association." Speakers at the breakfast 

included Runkle; Tom Doherty, business 

manager of the union, and Walter Burrows, 

longtime projectionist. McSpadden has been 

in some branch of the theatre business since 

1914 when he started as an usher in the 

Queen Theatre In Houston, Tex. He has been 

with the theatre in Tucson about 16 years. 

He named some of the periods in his life aa 

working together, we can come out on top 

again." The breakfast was arranged by William 

H. Witt, director of public relations. 

The Palms Theatre has "Teahouse of the 

August Moon" booked for the Christmas 

show, and the Pox Theatre "The King and 

Pour Queens." "Friendly Persuasion" held up 

well at the Palms in its fourth week. On a 

Sunday, the line stretched for two blocks, 

and people were waiting two hours in order 

to see the show. 

Discusses Reopening Theatre 

OAK HARBOR, WASH.—R. A. Gardiner, 

owner of the Oak Harbor Theatre, has been 

meeting with local residents and discussing 

the possibility of reopening the theatre here. 

The Oak Harbor has been closed for some 

time. 

Heath Signs Richard Basehort 

HOLLYWOOD—Richard Basehart has been 

signed by Heath Productions to star with 

Richard Widmark in the film version of 

"Time Limit," which Is scheduled to roll 

March 15 at Samuel Goldwyn studios for 

United Artists release. 

UA's "Sweet Smell of Success," now before 

the cameras, is under the production supervision 

of James Hill. 


. . MGM 

DENVER 

Tânagers at the Vogue Art Cinema have been 

changed. Jimmy Church, who has been 

the manager since the house reopened last 

year, has been moved east. Coming here 

was Dick Packer, who has been managing 

the Crescent Art, Louisville, Ky. . . . The 

local Columbia exchange was closed during 

the time the funeral of Jack Cohn was held 

in New York . held its Christmas 

party at the exchange, while Paramount and 

20th -Fox utilized the American Legion clubrooms. 

Robert Hill, Columbia manager, was out a 

John Allen, 

few days because of the flu . . . 

R. H. Mochrie, in charge of sales of "Guys 

and Dolls," New York, were in for conferences 

with Henry Friedel, local manager . . . 

Harry Wood, 20th-Fox auditor, was in from 

New York. 

^ 

Reville Kniffin, assistant western division 

manager, 20th-Fox, and Glen Norris, eastern 

division manager, were in for talks with 

Dick Fulham, branch manager . . . Robert 

Hazard, United Artists salesman covering 

New Mexico and living in Albuquerque, has 

been promoted to city salesman in San Francisco. 

Succeeding Hazard, and also to live 

in Albuquerque, is Jay O'Malin, moved here 

from the Des Moines and Omaha territories. 

To Kansas City for a Universal sales meeting 

went Mayer Monsky, branch manager, 

and Prank Green, William Harrison and Les 

Laramie, salesmen . . . The force at the 

United Artists exchange honored M. R. "Bud" 

Austin with a dinner and presents on his 

recent birthday. The party was at the House 

of Luigi restaurant. 

Theatre folk seen on Pilmrow included 

John Groy, Buena Vista; Elizabeth and Mrs. 

Marie Zorn, Julesburg; Harry McEtonald, Torrington, 

Wyo.; Grin Koonce, Alamosa; Marie 

Goodhand, Kimball, Neb.; George "Scotty" 

Allan, North Platte, Neb.; C. E. McLaughUn, 

Las Animas; Herbert Gumper, Center; 

Mitchell Kelloff, Trinidad; George Kelloff, 

Aguilar; Delbert Stewart, Torrington, Wyo.; 

Frank Childs, Sterling. 

'80 Days' Boothmen to Get 

$28.70 Per Performance 

LOS ANGELES—Projectionists handling 

"Around the World in 80 Days" at the 

Carthay Theatre will be paid $28.70 a performance, 

or a minimum of $172.00 a week 

each, under the terms of a contract completed 

by George Schaffer, business agent 

for projectionists Local 150. 

Additionally, the pact provides that the 

chief operator will draw $25 a week over the 

minimum. For any performance over 12 a 

week, a swing man must be used, and operators 

running more than 12 shows a week 

will draw an additional $28.70 per show. 

Top Product Grosses 

Stay Strong; 

Yuletide Slump Hits Lesser Films 

LOS ANGELES—Inasmuch as many preceding 

years had conditioned them to what 

they might expect, no first run sliowman was 

much surprised—and certainly little perturbed 

— by the pre-yuletlde slump which 

descended on local showcases. In fact, consensus 

was that business was a mite better 

than they anticipated. "The Ten Commtuidments," 

with several special morning matinees, 

exceeded its take for the previous week, 

registering 220 per cent in its fifth frame. 

In second place was "Teahouse of the August 

Moon," which chalked up 190 in its fourth 

stanza. "Secrets of Life," which debuted, and 

"Giant" in its ninth canto tied for third 

position, both scoring 150. 


Chinese Giant (WB), 9th wk 150 

bl Rey, Iris, State, Vagabond Secrets of the Reef 

(Cont'l); The Ship Thot Died of Shome (Cont'l) . . 50 

Egyptian Lost Continent [Lopert); Red Balloon 

(Lopert) 65 

Fine Arts Secrets of Life (BV) 150 

Four Star The Brave One (RKO), 8th wl< 90 

Fox Wilshire Friendly Persuasion (AA), 7th wk.. . 75 

Howaii, Hillstreet, Wiltern Don't Knock the Rock 

(Col); Rumble on the Docks (Col) 60 

Hollywood, Los Angeles, Loyola, Ritz ^Rebecca 

(20th-Fox); The Third Mon (20th-Fox), reissues, 

2nd wk 

Orpheum, Uptown, Vogue Dance With Me Henry 

65 

(UA); The Brass Legend (UA) 60 

Pontages Teahouse of the August Moon (MGM), 

4th wk 190 

Paramount Hollywood Death of a Scoundrel 

(RKO), 4th wk. 

._ 

50 

United Artists Downtown Oklahoma! (Magna), 

57th wk. 

50 

Warners Beverly The Ten Commandments (Para), 

5th wk 220 

Warners Downtown Julie (MGM); The Great 

American Pastime (MGM), 2nd wk 50 

Warners Hollywood—Cineromo Holiday (Cinerama) 

57th wk 60 

'Riviera,' Art Film, Paces 

First Runs in Denver 

DENVER—"Teenage Rebel" at the Centre 

and "The Girl He Left Behind" at the Denver, 

tied for top spot as far as money was 

concerned. "Teenage Rebel" stayed a second 

week. "Oklahoma!" went into its tenth week 

at the Tabor, while "Riviera" held over at 

the Vogue Art Cinema. 

Centre Teenage Rebel (20th-Fox) 95 

Denham The Mountain (Para), 2nd wk 85 

Denver The Girl He Left Behind (WB); The River 

Changes (WB) 90 

Orpheum Port Afrique (Col); The White Squaw 

(Col) 85 

Paramount Man From Dei Rio (UA); Flight to 

Hong Kong (UA) 90 

HANDY 

Tabor Oklahoma! (Mogna), 9th wk 55 

Vogue Riviera (IFE) 110 

"Giant' Breaks Record 

At Frisco Paramount 

SAN FRANCISCO—"Giant" sailed through 

a sixth week and broke the Paramount Theatre's 

long-run record. It continued to reap 

honors by taking the ribbon for the topgrosser 

of the week. 

Fox—Rock, Rock, Rock (DCA) 95 

Golden Gate Tension ot Table Rock (RKO).... 90 

Paramount Giant (WB), 6th wk 125 

St. Francis Shake, Rattle and Rock (AP); Runaway 

Daughters (AP) 100 

United Artists Sharkfighter (UA), 2nd wk 90 

Warfield Everything But the Truth (U-1) 87 

'Oklahoma!' and 'Giant' 

Still Great in Seattle 

SEATTLE—Both "Oklahoma!" and "Giant" 

have been really drawing in the customers. 

Winding up its seventh week at the Blue 

Mouse, "Oklahoma!" chalked up a strong 

200; "Giant," at the end of its fifth week 

at the Music Hall, matched this with 200. 

Another long-run film, "Friendly Persuasion," 

completed its sixth week at the Music Box 

with 140. 

Blue Mouse Oklahoma! (Magna), 7th wk 200 

Coliseum Reprisal! (Col); Seventh Cavalry (Col).. 90 

Fifth Avenue Between Heaven and Hell 

(20th-Fox) 1 00 

Music Box FrierKily Persuasion (AA), 6th wk. ..140 

Music Hall Giant (WB), 5th wk 200 

Orpheum Everything But the Truth (U-l) 90 

/îlnn]^ 

V 

FAMOUS FOR 

^"^^ MANY USES! 

ADVANCE 

tioss 

PilM^ 

FILMACK 

These 3 frame trailers 

feature art b a c k- 


compelling off-stage 

voicel NO CONTRACTS, 

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1327 S.WABASH 

CHICAGO i. ILL 

75^ 

More Grief for Mgr. of Pic 

CRESCENT CITY, CALIF.—Vandals have 

struck again at the Pic Theatre here, slashing 

between 15 and 20 seats. Manager William 

Blair told city police. Only a few days before, 

the large screen was slashed across the 

middle.

of 

. . Frank 

. . The 

Appeal in Newspaper Story Helps 

Solve Kiddy Problem in Wenatchee 

WENATCHEE, WASH. — When teenage 

rowdyism and vandalism became so bad in 

local theatres that one house was forced to 

close, Will Grieme of the Vitaphone and 

Mission theatres and John Bretz of the Liberty 

took the problem to the local newspaper, 

which ran a front page, four-column story 

and photographs. 

Headed, "Teenage Rowdyism Closes Local 

Theatre," the article said that Grieme and 

Bretz "revealed a startling orgy of destruction, 

noisiness and general bad behavior that 

has cut adult attendance to the point that 

the Mission will close at the end of the 

week's run." 

Grieme said that the story and pictures 

in the newspaper proved tremendously effective 

In reducing rowdyism and vandalism. 

"It seems," he said, "most every parent in 

town had a heart-to-heart talk with the 

kids resulting in a marked improvement. 

One patron remarked, 'It is a pleasure now 

to attend a movie." 

The newspaper, in bold face type, gave this 

partial record of unruliness: 

"Slicing of theatre seats with knives. 

the west's largest 

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Ballanttjt 

NEW 

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SPEAKER 

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dealer 

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koropp 

3600 S«n Ysidro Way Sacramento 25, Calif. 

write, wire 

- or phone IVanhoe 9-0941 

THEATRE 

FOR SALE 

So. Calif. Over 1.000 seats. Not 

in LA CO. $2S,500 dn. Others. 

THEATRE EXCHANGE CO. 

5724 S.E. Monrot St. 260 Kearney St. 

Portland 22, Oregon San Franciico 8 Caiil 

Grieme conducted a Daily World reporter 

through the two theatres he manages. E^'ery 

fourth or fifth seat seemed to have a cut 

and constant repair is necessary. 

"Writing of filth on mirrors and walls in 

the women's restrooms with lipstick, requiring 

three paint jobs in recent months. 

"Breaking off plungers on toilets in the 

men's rooms, resulting in flooding of the 

floor. 'We've had at least ten mop-ups for 

that reason,' Grieme said. 

"Breaking of display case windows and glass 

on two full-length doors at the Mission by 

teenagers rushing out of the theatre. 

"Emptying bottles of Coke from the balcony 

on people seated below. 

"Setting on fire a davenport in the men's 

room. 

"Stealing of faucet handles, mirrors and 

even toilet seats. 

"General abuse of the doorman, whom one 

group of students threatened to beat up, 

and of usherettes. 

"Shooting rubber bands and staples at the 

screen. In one instance an apple was thrown 

through the material. 

"Putting gum on seats, so that the next 

person gets it on his or her coat, forcing 

expensive cleaning bills on the theatres. 

"Pushing against a row of seats by a 

group of five or more boys, completely loosening 

the row of seats in which they are sitting 

by tearing loose the fisor bolts. 

"Tearing fixtures off the restroom walls so 

the room had to be remodeled." 

Both theatremen, the article said, found 

that the trouble-makers came from some of 

the best families in town, and Grieme was 

quoted as saying, "95 per cent of the parents 

don't realize what's going on," and adding, 

"Fact is, some of the poorer kids are better 

behaved." 

Jim Johnson Will Manage 

Theatre at Las Animas 

LAS ANIMAS, COLO.-James E. Johnson, 

who has been assistant manager of the Rocky 

Ford Theatre, has accepted the managerial 

post at the Ritz here. Johnson succeeds Mary 

Ann Thomeczek who resigned to accept a 

position in the office at the Port Lyon hospital. 

Owner C. E. McLaughlin says Johnson 

will have full charge of the local theatre. 

One of Johnson's first moves as manager 

was to announce a program, 

, 

interior 

decoration which will include new paint for 

the lobby, boxoffice and lounges. A thorough 

fall housecleaning will accompany the improvement 

work. 

Premiere to Net $30,000 

The world premiere of 

Elia Kazan's "Baby 

Doll" is expected to net $30,000, tax-free for 

Actors' Sftidio. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

"phe Livermore Valley has two new theatre 

managers. William Hayden, at Vacaville 

seven years, has taken over at the State 

Theatre and will manage the new Vine Theatre 

when it opens there. He succeeds Al 

Castle, who is leaving the West Side circuit 

after 17 years. Glenn Coffey has taken over 

as manager of the Valley Drive-In at Pleasanton, 

succeeding Al Fourmet, transferred to 

the Sea View Theatre at Sharp Park. 

The lone Theatre was the scene of the 

Christmas party hosted by the Sacramento 

Bee and radio station KFBK. Assisting with 

the show was Gary Stroh, the 17-year-old 

manager. Joe Meyer, owner of the theatre, 

said 420 youngsters attended. Other Christmas 

parties sponsored by the Bee and KF3K 

were at the Colusa Theatre, managed by 

Garland Silvey; Starlite Drive-In in Turlock- 

Keyes district T Sonora Uptown, owned by 

Robert N. Patton; Tuolumne City Firemen's 

Theatre, William Naismith, manager; Oakdale 

Theatre, M. W. Lathrop, owner; Keyes 

Starlite, Robert L. Lippert chain co-sponsor; 

Modesto's Strand, Redwood circuit, and at 

the Patterson Theatre, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. 

Fink, co-sponsoring; Del Rey, Hughson; Del 

Rio Theatre, with William Peters, owner, cosponsor. 

. 

A new theatre is being constructed at 

Rheem Center near Orlnda city 

council at Walnut Creek has approved a permit 

for construction of a Shakespearean 

theatre on the Lawrence property off the 

Ygnacio Valley road. The structure would 

include a permanent ampitheatre base with 

The Coronet here will open 

1,800 seats . . . 

on the 26th with the Todd-AO "Around the 

World in 80 Days," under sponsorship of the 

World Affairs Council. 

Christmas came to Variety Tent 32 on the 

19th, That afternoon the Variety Blind 

Babies Foundation party was held in the 

YMCA Hall. The blind babies and their parents 

met the Variety Club members, the 

women of Variety and Film Colony Club 

members. In the evening, a gala party for 

the children of Variety members and their 

friends was held with a program of toys, 

rafreshments and Santa Claus in person. Lou 

Ashe was emcee and J. Leslie Jacobs was 

chairman. 

Employes of Fox West Coast in the northern 

area were guests at a holiday party at 

the Villa Hotel in San Mateo on the 19th, 

hosted by Mr. and Mrs. William Thedford, 

division manager, and Frank H. Ricketson, 

general manager . Duino, artist 

associated with San Francisco Theatres for 

27 years, has taken over the management of 

the Balboa Theatre. 

Visitors on the Row included Al Stanford, 

Paso Robles; Charles Pincus, Blumenfeld 

chain, Stockton; Jack Neugebauer, Donner 

Theatre at Truckee and the Kings Beach, 

Jonn^xM 

BOONTON, N. J. 

Large Core 

Greater Crater Area 

meam 

MAXIMUM LIGHT 

Evenly Dhtributed ^ 

in Colo.—DENVER SHIPPING & INSPECTION. Denrer—Acomo 5616 

West Coast— B. F. SHEARER CO. 

in Utah—WESTERN SOUND & EQUIPMENT CO., 264 Eait First 

South St., Salt Lake City, Utah—3-9974 


: December 22, 1956

. . The 

with his wife, family and a new Buick; James 

Lemos, Benicia; Willard Wagner, Antioch; 

Sal and Johnny Enea, Airport Auto Movies; 

Bob Gingerich, Westerner, Carmichael; Ed 

Gates, San Anselmo; Fonzi Parrish, Park at 

Lafayette, and Al Goodwin, San Rafael. 

"La Strada," in its 16th week at the Vogue, 

will be replaced by "The Silent World," the 

first film documentary ever to win a Cannes 

Film Festival grand prize . . . The Warner 

crew celebrated Christmas on the 20th at the 

Richlieu Hotel . . . H. Moussa, auditor, left 

WB for the Seattle office . . . The Lanai in 

Crockett, United California theatre, has 

closed. Asa Syufy was the operator . . . 

Albert Levin is to manage the Coronet here. 

Al Smith, formerly with the Irving, succeeds 

him at the Coliseum . . . John Stefani, Motion 

Picture Service, returned from his honeymoon 

. . . Jesse Levin, General Theatrical 

has taken over the operation of the Capitol 

in Sacramento . . . Juliam Harvey's Bayview 

will be managed by Warren Campling. 

The Orosi Theatre in Orosi, which has been 

presenting motion pictures each Saturday 

and Sunday, has instituted the policy of 

scheduling Mexican made films every Thursday 

evening. John Terrill owns the Orosi . . . 

The estate of Eugene H. Emmick, millionaire 

real estate man and theatre chain operator, 

amounted to more than $2,000,000, according 

to an apprasal filed in the office of the San 

Mateo county clerk. Emmick's will was contested 

last summer by four nieces and 

nephews who charged fraud and undue influence 

on the part of Emmick's brother 

Loren in the distribution of the estate. 

The Lanai Theatre at Crockett has been 

closed for an indefinite period by the United 

California circuit . . . Max Curcutt, WB field 

man, was in town setting up promotions on 

"Baby Doll" which is a Christmas attraction 

here at the Paramount Theatre . . . Lovely 

Gen Sutton has completed her civic duty 

and is off jury service and back at her booking 

desk at Republic . Studio Theatre 

in Sacramento is no longer handled by John 

Bowles. Burt Silvera will do his own booking 

and buying. 

Pledge of Support by Town 

Reprieves Gem at Pioche 

PIOCHE, NEV.—Learning that Mr. and 

Mrs. Charles Thompson, owners and operators 

of the community's only theatre, the 

Gem, were planning to close the house 

permanently because of unprofitable returns, 

a delegation of Pioche residents determined 

to save the theatre. They met with the 

Thompsons and pledged the full cooperation 

of the community in trying to keep the Gem 

open and paying its way. Encouraged by the 

attitude of townsfolk, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson 

have reopened the theatre, which was 

dark for several weeks. 

The Gem has been operated by the Thompson 

family for more than a quarter of a 

century, and Thompson's father, the late 

Charles Thompson sr., operated the first 

movie house in an old hall that was one of 

Pioche's flashy, early day opera houses. 

Hard times at the Gem obviously have resulted 

from the relatively dull times being 

suffered here since mining operations have 

been sharply curtailed for the last few years. 

The only other regular theatre in the county 

is in Caliente, 25 miles to the south. 

Carl Veseth Builds 

New Malta Drive-In 

MALTA, MONT.— Carl Veseth, owner of the 

Villa Theatre here, has begun moving dirt on 

a site here for a new drive-in. The new 

open-air theatre, scheduled to be ready for 

opening by May 1, will be Veseth's second 

major project within the last two years. 

He built the new Villa Theatre here in 

1954-55 and opened it on June 30, 1955. The 

new Villa replaced the old Palace, which 

Veseth had operated here since 1922. The 

new Villa Theatre has a 500-seat capacity. 

Located on the southern edge of Malta, the 

new drive-in will be large enough to accommodate 

200 cars. Plans call for a 60x30-foot 

screen, concession and projection building 

and a 200-car capacity. 

Denver WOMPI Schedules 

Many January Activities 

DENVER—There will be little time for 

members of the WOMPI here to enjoy an 

"after Christmas letdown," because the Club 

calendar already shows important January 

entries. On Monday (7) there will be a board 

meeting at the MGM exchange. This will be 

followed by the monthly meeting of Chapter 

10 on Wednesday (9). Then on Saturday 

(19) the club,will hold a rummage sale under 

the chairmanship of Esther Turman of Republic, 

who asks that items suitable for the 

sale be left at her office. 

In the past few weeks the club members 

have been equaOy busy. Members assisted 

in ticket sales for the Hungarian relief showing 

of "The Mountain" at the Henham. The 

girls also sponsored a Christmas party for 

Filmrow at Cavaleri's restaurant, with a large 

crowd turning out for the affair. Club members 

turned out in force for the recent muscular 

dystrophy telethon, with special thanks 

going to Gerri Jackson, of National Screen, 

who spent considerable time in shipping the 

muscular dystrophy trailers to theatres in 

the exchange area. Another recent group activity 

saw members sending out 250 letters 

to individuals connected with the industry in 

an effort to solicit their aid in the "Enjoy the 

Best—Attend the Movies" drive. 

Retrial of Salt Lake Suit 

Results in Hung Jury 

SALT LAKE CITY—The retrial of the 

Villa Theatre Corp. suit against ABC-Paramount, 

Paramount Film Distributors and 

other defendants, has ended in a "hung jui'y" 

in the court of U.S. Judge WiUis W. Ritter. 

The jury was discharged after a week of 

deliberations. A third trial was indicated. 

The suit was brought several months ago 

by the Villa, which at that time was under 

the ownership and operation of Joseph L. 

Lawrence Theatres. The showhouse has since 

been acquired by Fox Intermountain, which 

is not involved in the case. 

The Villa Theatre Corp. sought $125,000 

tripled damages from the Paramount chain 

and others, charging conspiracy to keep it 

from obtaining first run product. A jury 

found for the Villa and the defendants appealed 

to the circuit court in Denver. The 

circuit court reversed the decision and sent 

the case back to the federal court here for 

retrial. 

SEATTLE 

TTnlted Theatres just concluded a series of 

managers meetings conducted by General 

Manager Jim Bonholzer. Attending were 

Frank Schock, from the Auto View, Spokane; 

Art Lindstrom, Harbor, Aberdeen; Roger 

Cameron of the Auto View, Al Larpenteur 

of the Starlite, and Leon Rader of the Fife, 

all in Tacoma area, and from Seattle 

Frank Smith, Duwamish; Carl Eunick, 

Aurora, and Ross Kinsey, the Midway. 

The new Variety Club officers: Ed Cruea, 

chief barker; Art Greenfield, first assistant; 

Keith Beckwith, second assistant; Lee 

Schulman, property master, and C. B. Gustafson, 

dough guy. New crew members are 

Frank Christy, Fred Danz, Doug Estep, E>oug 

Forbes, ZoUie Volchok and Bud Saffle . . . 

Duwamish Drive-In Manager Frank Smith 

and his wife will leave the day after Christmas 

for Montreal and New York on a vacation. 

. . It's wedding bells on January 12 

. . 

Frank Booths is the new manager of the 

Aberdeen at Aberdeen, replacing Roger Cameron 

who will manage the Auto View at 

Tacoma . 

for Walt Thayer, United Theatres booker, 

and Pay Brown . The Variety Club sponsored 

an all-Filmrow Christmas party Friday 

( 14) at the New Washington Hotel. Arnie 

Eichenlaub, MGM, and his wife Joe celebrated 

their 20th wedding anniversary at the 

party. 

An appeal was made recently to the city 

council by the theatre owners of Washington 

for the repeal or modification of the city's 

admission tax. Dwight L. Spracher, executive 

secretary of the organization, pointed out 

that if tax relief is not granted, more local 

theatres will be forced to close, particularly 

those competing with tax-free theatres in 

the county. By the first of the year, 110 

Washington cities and towns and 28 of the 

39 counties will have eliminated admission 

taxes. 

Glen Haviland, 20th-Fox salesman, and 

Jim Brooks, office manager, have returned 

to work after illness . . . "Anastasia" has been 

booked for the Fifth Avenue as the New Year 

Fred Danz of Sterling was in 

offering . . . 

California for a week inspecting the La 

Mirada at Norwalk and the Hastings at Pasadena, 

both drive-ins. 

Enlarge RKO Parking Lot 

HOLLYWOOD—Construction is under way 

on the addition to the RKO main parking lot 

to provide space for an added 50 cars for 

studio employes. With this addition, there 

will be space for more than 180 cars in the 

lot. 

Divorce to Vivian Blaine 

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.—Actress Vivian 

Blaine, in an uncontested suit, was granted 

a divorce here from Manny G. Frank. They 

were married Jan. 10, 1945 and separated in 

June of 1956. A previous announcement said 

that he would continue as her manager. 

From Gore Vidal's Screenplay 

Fred Coe will produce and Arthur Pann will 

direct "Billy the Kid" for Warner Bros, from 

Gore Vidal's screenplay. 

BOXOFFICE 

: 

: December 22, 1956 41

Guy Thayer Is Appointed 

Veepee of Gross-Krasne 

HOLLYWOOD — Appointment of Guy 

Thayer as executive vice-president of Gross- 

Krasne was announced by Jack Gross and 

Phil Krasne. Upon assuming the new post, 

Thayer will fly to London for meetings with 

the company's representatives there and to 

finalize arrangements for distribution of 

G-K features abroad. 

Since much of Krasne's time henceforth 

will be devoted to distribution development, 

Thayer plans to undertake some of the 

administrative duties formerly handled by 

Krasne. 

Before joining G-K, Thayer was associated 

for 11 years with Roland Reed Productions 

in an executive capacity, for which 

Arthur Pearson has been named to replace 

Thayer. 

'Qivitog' Is First Entry 

In Foreign Films Class 

HOLLYWOOD — A Danish 

production, 

"Quivitoq," is the first entry in the Academy 

of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences foreignlanguage 

film competition this year. Rules 

adopted by the academy's board of governors 

in September established a new plan for voting 

the foreign language film award this 

year as part of the 29th annual awards 

clambake. 

"Qivitoq," produced by A/S Nordisk Films 

Kompagni, was submitted by the Danish 

motion picture industry after all films produced 

in that country during 1956 had been 

considered by a special committee. 

Peck and Wyler to Start 

'Market' Mar. 15 in Spain 

HOLLYWOOD—Joining forces with Gregory 

Peck, William Wyler will direct "Thieves' 

Market" as a joint venture with Melville 

Productions. Wyler and Peck will produce 

the mystery romance set against the background 

of modern Spain. They plan to start 

production in Madrid March 15. The partnership 

reunites the pilot and star for the first 

time since their teaming on "Roman Holiday." 

"Thieves' Market" will be released by 

United Artists. 

Sam Hersh to Film Two 

For Regal and 20th-Fox 

HOLLYWOOD—Sam Hersh, 

who produces 

religious telepix under the Family Films banner, 

has been commissioned by Regal Films 

to make for 20th-Fox release "Hell's Our 

Destination" and "Uncle Charlie," which will 

be Hersh's first theatrical features. Both 

properties will be lensed at Keywest studios 

where Hersh is headquartered. The pictures 

will be included among the 25 low-budget 

films Regal has contracted to make for 20th. 

In TV Cancer Appeal 

HOLLYWOOD—Jean Simmons took time 

out from her costarring role In MOM's "This 

Could be the Night" to tape a series of special 

appeals for the American Cancer Society, to 

be broadcast over more than 800 radio 

stations throughout the United States In 

connection with the organization's current 

drive. 

West: Spyros P. Skouras, president of 20th- 

Fox, arrived from New York for a series of 

meetings with top level company executives 

at the studio. He was accompanied by Secretary-Treasurer 

Don Henderson, Vice-Presidents 

Charles Einfeld and Murray Silverstone, 

and Alex Harrison. 

« « « 

East: Jack L. Warner, president of Warner 

Bros., planed to Gotham for business confabs. 

* * • 

East: Before returning to New York, Charles 

"Bud" Barry, MGM vice-president in charge 

of television operations, headed for San Francisco 

and Portland to confer on TV activities 

in 

those cities. 

* « « 

West: Frank King, president of King Bros. 

Productions, returned from Europe where he 

met with RKO sales officials to set up European 

openings of "The Brave One." 

« * * 

West: Paramount sales chief George Weltner 

and advertising-publicity vice-president 

Jerry Pickman arrived from Manhattan for 

studio huddles and screenings. • 

* « * 

East: Producer Walter Wanger planed to 

New York. 

« * * 

West: William Dozier, RKO's vice-president 

in charge of production, planned to 

return from policy meetings in Palm Beach, 

Pla., in which he participated with Thomas 

F. O'Neil, president and chairman of the 

board of RKO Teleradio Pictures; Michael 

G. O'Neil; Daniel T. O'Shea, president of 

RKO Pictures; Walter E. Branson, veepee in 

charge of distribution; Edward L. Walton, 

administrative vice-president, and Raymond 

Klune, executive manager of studio operations. 

* * * 

East: Milton R. Rackmil, U-I president, 

returned to New York following sales executives 

conference at the studio. 

East: Alfred E. Daff, Universal-International 

executive vice-president, planed to 

New York for home office meetings. 

* « * 

East: George D. Burrows, Allied Artists 

executive veepee and treasurer, planned to 

leave on a business trip to Gotham where 

he expected to remain for several weeks. 

To Produce 'Bomber' 

HOLLYWOOD—At U-I, John Horton has 

been assigned to produce "Runaway Bomber," 

for which Paul Crabtree has been inked to 

write the script from a Saturday Evening 

Post yarn by Frank Harvey. 

Signed for 'Rock All Night' 

HOLLYWOOD—Russell Johnson has been 

inked to star in "Rock All Night," which 

Roger Corman Is producing and directing 

for Sunset Productions' release through 

American International Pictures. 

Screen Gems Now Largest 

Of TV Film Distributors 

With the acquisition of Hygo Television 

Films and its affiliated Unity Television 

Films, Screen Gems, Inc., emerged as the 

largest distributor of television programming 

with 10 national network shows, 11 syndicated 

programs consisting of over 433 half hours, 

736 feature pictures, 216 animated cartoons, 

706 serial episodes and 200 live action 

comedies. Additionally, SG plans to continue 

drawing upon the backlog of over 1,250 Columbia 

features which have not yet been 

made available to TV. 

Stipulated in the integration agreement 

will be the transfer to SG of all personnel 

presently employed by Hygo and Unity, including 

Jerome Hyams, president, and Robert 

Seidelman, who has been second in command. 

* * * 

Plans for production of a feature film based 

on the Frontier Doctor telefilm series; starring 

Rex Allen, are undei- way at Republic. 

Although the series is still shooting, it has 

been sold in over 60 American markets as 

well as in England, and is slated for its 

local debut over K1TV next month. The 

feature, also to be titled "Frontier Doctor," 

is scheduled to roll in March with Allen toplined. 

* * * 

Cally Curtis of Producer Don Fedderson's 

program staff is touring key cities in the 

south and midwest in connection with promotion 

of the "Do You Trust Your Wife?" 

CBS-TV series, starring Edgar Bergen. In 

conjunction with TV editors of the daily 

newspapers in the cities visited. Miss Curtis 

also is seeking prospective participants for 

future segments of the weekly telequiz. 

G-K Acquires Theatre 

To Use as Sound Stage 

HOLLYWOOD—As a further reflection of 

the productional trend, Gross-Krasne has 

acquired what was formerly the Melvan Theatre, 

located on Melrose near Van Ness, and 

adjacent to the California lot, which is devoted 

almost in its entirety to making television 

films. The theatre will be rebuilt into 

a sound stage, bringing the total number of 

sound stages at the California up to ten. 

Since taking over the studio four years ago, 

G-K has added four new sound stages, 20 

cutting rooms, 40 offices, a commissary, two 

projection rooms, a fully equipped rerecording 

studio, and has annexed a former bank building 

at the corner of Meh-ose and Bronson to 

house the new distribution headquarters. 

'Agents' Start Ian. 8 

HOLLYWOOD—Albert C. Gannaway Productions 

plans to roll January 8 on "Government 

Agents," starring Karl Smith, Marty 

Robbins and Web Pierce. Executive producer 

Gannaway will direct from Sam 

Roecca's script. 

Ends Contract Jcmuary 5 

HOLLYWOOD—Herman Hoffman, who 

joined MGM in 1936 as a member of Frank 

Whitbeck's advertising trailer department, 

plans to wind up his directorial contract at 

the studio January 5. 

Harry Andrews has been given the role of 

Stogumber, the British chaplain who helps 

Joan in UA's "Saint Joan." 


: December 22, 1956

'Seven Wonders' Great 

In Chicago Opening 

CHICAGO—The highlight in the Loop Uneup 

was the opening of "The Seven Wonders 

of the World," which had a tremendous week. 

Otherwise grosses all over indicated that pre- 

Christmas activities kept many out of the 

theatres. However, "The Ten Commandments" 

at McVickers held up. 


Carnegie The Life of Emile Zola (WB); The 

Petrified Forest (WB), reissues 170 

Chicago Giant (WB), 8th wk 200 

Esqjire War and Peace (Para), 4th wk 185 

Grand Murder on Approval (RKO); The Broin 

Machine (RKO) 180 

Loop Death of a Scoundrel (RKO), 2nd wk 

Monroe I Am a Fugitive From a Chain 

175 

Gang 

(WB); The Oklahoma Kid (WA), reissues 

McVickers The Ten Commandments (Para), 

175 

3rd wk 290 

Oriental Love Me Tender (20th-Fox), 4th wk. . . 1 70 

Palace Seven Wonders of the World (Cinerama). .350 

Rcosevilt Curucu, Beast of the Amazon (U-I); 

The Mole People (U-I) 190 

State Lake The Girl He Lett Behind (WB), 2nd wk.l65 

Surf Rebecca (UA), reissue, 2nd wk 160 

United Artists Julie (MGM), 3rd wk 200 

World Playhouse My Seven Little Sins (Kl), 

3rd wk 170 

Woods The Teahouse of the August Moon (MGM), 

4th wk 215 

Ziegfeld Illicit Interlude (Hakin), 2nd wk 165 

Reissue of 'Rebecca' 

Tops New Films in KC 

KANSAS CITY—The pre-Christmas . 

slump 

was not too devastating here but exhibitors 

were not offering any top product, holding 

that for the expected big holiday trade. The 

weather has been cold or uncertain but in 

many instances it would seem that shoppers 

were planning on taking in a movie as part 

of the day's routine. The rock-and-roll duo 

at the Midland did not draw like stories of 

the popularity of such dance music and its 

devoted follower's would seem to indicate. 

"Rebecca," a reissue at the Kimo, drew proportionately 

better crowds than any other 

film but Harold Lyon at the Paramount was 

not displeased with his DeMille reissue and 

Bridey Murphy combination. 

Gl3n Thunderstorm (AA) 1 00 

Kimo Rebecca (20th-Fox), reissue 200 

Midland Rock, Rock, Roek! (DCA); Cha-Cha-Cha 

Boom! (Col) 80 

Missouri This Is Cinerama (Cinerama) 240 

Paramount Unconquered (Para), reissue plus The 

Search for Bridey Murphy (Para) 90 

Rcckhill Above Us the Waves (Rep) 90 

Roxy Odongo (Col); Uranium Boom (Col) 75 

Esquire, Uptown, Fairway and Granada Curucu, 

Beast of the Amazon (U-I); The Mole People 

(U-I) 90 

$44,838 Check Presented 

To LaRabida Sanitarium 

CHICAGO — Jack Kirsch, president of 

Allied Theatres of lUinios, and 1956 chief 

barker of the Variety Tent 26 of Illinois, 

presented a check for $44,838.38 to LaRabida 

Jackson Park sanitarium, representing proceeds 

from Variety Club audience collections 

in theatres in the Chicagoland area during 

the week of October 12. 

Sign for Booth Space 

KANSAS CITY — Zella Faulkner, office 

secretary for the Kansas-Missouri Theatre 

Ass'n, reports these companies will have display 

booths at the annual convention which 

will be held at the Pickwick Hotel on February 

26, 27: American Fireworks, Coca-Cola 

Co., L&L Popcorn, Manley, Inc., Mickelberry 

Products, Nestle Co., Dr. Pepper Co., Pepsi- 

Cola Bottling Co., Regal Poppers Supply, Joe 

Stark Enterprises, Howard Strum & Co., 

United Specialty Advertising Co. 

Enter Community Life, Court Youths, 

Adapt to Changes— Lester Stepner 

C H I C A G O—Lester Stepner, publicist 

turned theatre manager, doesn't claim to 

know all the answers, but he does feel he 

has a few logical reasons for keeping an unwavering 

faith in the theatre business. 

He has been in the show business since 

1927, during a period which had its historic 

share of up and downs, and many industry 

changes. Recently, in the midst of a big 

publicity campaign for the opening of "The 

Ten Commandments" at his McVickers Theatre, 

Stepner found himself thinking of the 

contrasts in operation during the past years. 

He started in show business as an associate 

theatrical agent, booking acts with Western 

Vaudeville and the Keith-Orpheum circuits. 

BOB HOPE AN EARLY ACT 

"I was a ten percenter, before AGVA," he 

recalls, "and it wasn't easy! For example, 

one of my first acts was an unknown, sent to 

me by Seymour Simons in Detroit. Despite 

my attempts to place the young fellow, I 

simply couldn't get him a date. Male singles 

were a dime a dozen. I finally had to release 

him to another agency, which got him to put 

a gh-1 in the act. They tried out at the Ritz 

Theatre in Berwlyn, and from that time on 

the team had bookings. T'he unknown was 

Bob Hope." 

When Western Vaudeville and Keith- 

Orpheum moved all their booking to New 

York, Lester encountered some lean days. 

He said the booking setup was not what it is 

today, when the agent sells a show complete 

and buys the acts himself. Stepner had to 

go out to collect his 10 per cent on pay night, 

every time he booked an act in a cafe or 

entertainment spot. He loved show business, 

but this, he decided, was too rough for him. 

He then took a job on the road with vaudeville 

units and bands as advance agent, handling 

publicity and promotion. He broke this 

routine in 1933 to manage a group of 90 

midgets who entertained at Chicago's world 

fare. 

Subsequently, some of the exposition acts 

hired him to publicize their acts on road 

tours. His marriage in 1936 and dwindling 

booking dates at the time presented some 

problems for serious thinking. 

"When the show laid off," he stated, "there 

wasn't any salary, so I figured it was time I 

looked into the possibilities of getting into 

the front end of the theatre. 

I managed this 

all right by getting a job as assistant manager 

for a circuit operating some 30 theatres, 

but business was bad and on a Christmas day 

I was fired." 

JL&S OFFERED JOB 

It was in this dire situation, he said, that 

real good fortune came his way. Johnny and 

.Aaron Jones gave him a job. Recalling in his 

18-year association with Jones, Linick & 

Schaefer, Stepner pointed to the company 

motto, "Live and Let Live" and affirmed 

JL&S has always lived up to it right to the 

letter. "When you are asked to run a job 

for these people, you run it," he added. 

Stepner opened the Evanston Theatre for 

his company in 1955, and while he applies the 

experience he has gained over the years in 

operating the theatre, he feels that changing 

times and flexible minded people require a 

theatre manager to be alerted and ready to 

meet all situations at all times. In his opinion, 

if a theatre manager becomes a part of the 

community in which he operates, he won't 

need to depend on sales of popcorn and candy 

to keep his doors open." 

He believes in giving people the kind of pictures 

they want and then selling the shows 

to them will automatically keep the motion 

picture business profitable. Changing policies 

to meet changing situations in the industry 

in the long run will save many a headache, 

he said. Another necessity, he feels if a 

steady level of patronage is to be maintained, 

is consideration of the interests of children 

and teenagers. He said his special price policy 

for youngsters in the 12-to-17 age group has 

been a huge success. Every Saturday he has 

a children's matinee, and shows only films 

approved by the Legion of Decency and PTA 

groups. 

Since he is very promotion-minded, Stepner 

spends a great deal of time on new program 

ideas. Promotion pieces are regularly handed 

out and mailed. He has over 30 locations 

where he places window cards and program. 

He has found that making the theatre 

available for fund-raising projects is one of 

the most successful ways to assure steady 

patronage. In this connection he advertises 

the facilities at the Evanston, such as its 1,400 

seats, free parking for 2,000 cars, a spacious 

lobby, etc. 

Aside from already successful "going" 

projects, Stepner has a few more promotion 

ideas in work. He planned to inaugurate 

them as soon as "The Ten Commandments" 

has been properly launched and on its way. 

He feels that getting out the aspirin and 

the crying towel when business conditions 

seem dark will never do any one any good. 

"At any rate," he added, so long as there's 

proof that making the effort through proper 

promotion and advertising still brings results." 

Sam Bihr jr.. Architect 

With Fox Midwest, Dies 

KANSAS CITY—Sam Bihr jr., 57, who 

was consulting architect for Fox Midwest 

Theatres in the Uptown Theatre Building 

here, died at Menorah Hospital recently 

of a heart ailment. More than a year ago 

Bihr was on a trip in Illinois for FMW 

when he suffered an attack on the 

highway. Unable to attract the attention of 

passing motorists, he recalled that a nearby 

small town had a new hospital. He managed 

to drive to a filling station outside the 

town. The attendant left his station unattended 

and drove Bihr to the hospital. He 

spent several months in Pinckneyville and 

both he and Mrs. Bihr spoke of the town's 

great interest and helpful cooperation in 

saving his life at that time. His wife, Ruth 

survives him. 

To Reopen at Greenfield, Mo. 

GREENFIELD, MO.—The Plaza Theatre 

here, which was closed by E. A. Peterson 

in July, will be reopened December 28 by 

M. P. Talbott, who has had no previous 

exjjerience in theatre operation. 


CHICAGO 

John Krafcisin, owner of the Apollo Thea- 

* tre, 526 West 47th, and the Cornell, 1923 

West 53rd, has been sentenced to three 

months in jail and fined $5,000 for evading 

taxes. In U. S. district court, Krafcisin 

pleaded guilty to evading income taxes totaling 

$14,750 during 1949 and 1950 and evading 

theatre admission taxes of $4,222 during 

the same two years. William Barnett, an 

assistant U. S. attorney, claimed Krafcisin's 

tax evasions for 1948 to 1952 totaled nearly 

$250,000. Prom 1945 to 1950, Barnett said, 

Krafcisin reported income of $45,000 when his 

actual income was about $450,000. Barnett 

added that the government was being lenient, 

in prosecuting only for 1949-1950. Judge William 

J. Campbell, who passed sentence, 

granted a stay of execution of the sentence 

until January 15 to allow Krafcisin to spend 

the holiday season with his family. 

Radiant Mfgr. Corp. has established a division 

to market a new product called the 

Regiscope, a low cost on-the-spot automatic 

photographic unit. The unit photo-identifies 

persons and their credentials by simultaneously 

showing the customer's face, his check, 

and identification on one 16mm frame of 

film. 

More new arrivals for Christmas week openings 

brightened the Loop theatre scene. "Anastasia" 

arrived at the Oriental December 

21. "Written on the Wind" will open at the 

United Artists Theatre on Christmas Day . . . 

Advance ticket sales to "The Ten Commandments" 

for Christmas gifts totaled $25,000. 

Many of these tickets will be used during the 

holidays and consequently the McVickers 

Theatre will run additional showings. Beginning 

Christmas Day, there will be a showing 

at 2 and one at 7 p.m. 

Several theatre managers made arrangements 

to provide additional revenue to off- 

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Yule Gifts Exchanged 

At WOMPI Charter Fete 

KANSAS CITY—The charter dinner of the 

local chapter of the Ass'n of the Women of 

the Motion Picture Industry was held at the 

Elks Club last Thursday (13). Tables were 

beautifully decorated and an exchange of 

gifts was made, with Mary Heueisen and 

Gretchen Brown subbing for Santa Claus by 

making impromptu beards from the angelhair 

decorations. 

Senn Lawler of Fox Midwest entertained 

them with some quotations about women 

from Bartlett's, not all complimentary, but 

which he was careful to credit to the men 

who had said them. Then he commented on 

how much more relaxed people used to be 

before this age where "life is real, life is 

earnest" and introduced Arthur Cole of Paramount, 

"Dean of Filmrow," who could tell 

them all about those days. 

Cole assured his audience that he had 

thought it might be interesting to entitle his 

talk, "Filmrow Scandals," but then found in 

looking back that there were not enough to 

talk about. The one major scandal he recalled 

occurred when a married man In one 

of the exchanges ran away with an inspectress, 

but this turned out so well for the 

forsaken wife that it seemed to be almost a 

blessing the husband left. She later remarried 

a better man, so Cole really felt the 

inspectress siren had done her a favor. 

In a more serious vein, he complimented 

the WOMPI organization and suggested it 

could make itself felt in the community by 

promoting a better understanding of the 

industry and that each one could consider 

herself an ambassador to the public. 

An Indian headdress had been borrowed 

so that Cole could be made "Chief WOMPI," 

which added a note of informal fun to the 

occasion. In addition to the charter members, 

there were guests including some of the husbands. 

Billie Mistele, first vice-president, 

presided. 

Screen Is 

Slashed Twice 

PONTIAC, ILL.—D. M. Dillenbeck, manager 

of the Crescent Theatre, found two 

long slashes in the theatre's Cinemascope 

screen when he opened the house for business 

on a recent Sunday. Dillenbeck said he 

did not know if someone remained in the 

theatre after it closed Saturday night, 

slashed the screen and then let himself out, 

or if the damage occurred during the Saturday 

night show. The slashes, one seven and 

the other ten inches long, were both on the 

same side of the screen and Dillenbeck said 

a new screen probably would be required. 

Leases at Canton, Kas. 

CANTON, KAS. — Clement Anderes of 

Elmo, Kas., has leased the Canton Theatre 

at Canton from Lester Jones and reopened 

it December 1, showing "Moby Dick." Mr. 

and Mrs. Bob Houseman of Gypsum will 

operate the house for Anderes. 

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^he Roxy Theatre on Lansdowne near 

Macklind avenue in the southwestern part 

of the city will be closed from December 

18-24 and reopen on Christmas Day. It is 

anticipated that a number of other neighborhood 

and suburban theatres in this area 

will also close the weekend until Christmas 

Day to give their employes a chance to do 

their Christmas shopping and to spend 

Christmas Eve with their families . . The 

. 

St. Louis Amusement Co. will take over operation 

of the Columbia Theatre at 5257 Southwest 

Ave. on the 31st. The company has 

purchased that theatre, including the building, 

from Bess Schulter and George P. 

Skouras of New York City. In another deal, 

also effective December 31, the St. Louis 

Amusement Co. purchased the Avalon Theatre, 

4225 South Kingshighway Blvd., from 

Mrs. Schulter and Mrs. Shank. The company 

has been operating the theatre under a lease 

for a number of years. 

All film exchanges in St. Louis will have a 

four-day holiday through Christmas Day, 

and may similarly close the following weekend, 

although official announcements have 

not come through in all cases . . . John L. 

Pyrtle, who worked in this territory for Altec 

for three years prior to Dec. 1, 1955, when 

he took over the Indianapolis area as a service 

engineer for RCA, has returned to install 

and service RCA equipment in the St. Louis 

area. He will go north as far as Quincy, east 

to Centralia and south to Festus, Mo. The 

RCA dealer here is the St. Louis Theatre 

Supply Co., headed by Mrs. Arch Hosier. 

Charles Weeks jr., Dexter, Mo., recently 

joined the sales staff of the A. V. Cauger 

Service, and is traveling the Kentucky- 

Tennessee territory. In the meantime his 

mother has taken over the management and 

operation of the Weeks Theatre in Dexter, 

Mo. Charles jr. literally grew up in the motion 

picture business. His father, who died 

in 1943, opened his first theatre in Dexter 

back in 1907, and throughout the intervening 

years there has always been a Weeks Theatre 

there. 

With the 1957 sessions of the state legislatures 

in Illinois and Missouri soon to open, 

it is most important for exhibitors and others 

in the industry to be personally acquainted 

with the state senators and representatives. 

It is well to be on a friendly basis with your 

legislators. Don't just contact them when you 

want their votes. Invite them to visit your 

theatres and also when possible to drop into 

local business and civic organization meetings 

with you. And don't forget to congratulate 

them when they do something worth 

while, even if it is something that isn't 100 

per cent in agreement with your personal 

political views. Especially, cooperate if you 

receive a reasonable request from a senator 

or representative for help in some situation. 

Remember, they are human, so don't expect 

everything to go entirely the way you would 

like them to. Most controversial legislation 

is the result of compromise. When you appear 

at a legislative committee meeting be sure to 

present accurate facts and good logical arguments 

in favor of your position on a pending 

bill. Make sure to do a good job in presenting 

your case. 

Vincent O'Leary, manager of the Majestic 

at East St. Louis, a Publix-Great States 

house, has been installed as president of the 

Exchange Club of that city . . . Maureen 

Arthur, daughter of David G. Arthur, head 

of the booking department of the St. Louis 

Amusement Co. and chief barker of the 

Variety Club, was the soloist with Ted 

Mack's "On Stage in St. Louis" TV spectacular 

staged at the Municipal Auditorium December 

13 under the sponsorship of the Union 

Electric Co. of Missouri. Maureen who began 

her singing career at the Fox Theatre here, is 

now featured on the NBC TV network. 

John W. Hayton, Carterville, III., was on 

the Row . . . NBC cameramen have been here 

shooting the John Maraczi family's new role 

at their home in St. Louis County for use in 

a documentary film on immigrants in America 

for the United States Information 

Agency. The picture is to be shown in England 

and other old world countries. The 

Maraczi family fled from Hungary in 1945 

and, after five years in Germany, came to 

St. Louis. Maraczi works in a dairy. 

Local area drive-ins equipped with in-a-car 

heaters include: the Cahokia, Alorton, 111.; 

Bel-Air, Granite City, and the Holiday, 

North, South-Twin and Airway, all in St. 

Louis County. The 66-Park-In, and the 

Manchester have heaters on order. In the 

meantime the St. Ann four-screen on the St. 

Charles Rock road in the county, and the 

Broadway Drive-In in St. Louis are operating 

on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

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BOXOFFICE : 

: December 22. 1956 

45

. . From 

KANSAS CITY 

A Very Merry Christmas . . 

The Durwood boys Stan and Dick gave a 

cocktail party and dinner December 13 

at the Pickwick Hotel for film exchange executives 

and dealers. Durwood Theatres was 

founded by their father Ed, whose long and 

colorful career as a showman has culminated 

in training his sons to be showmen in a difficult 

industry period . . . Missouri Pilmrow 

visitors included Basil Fogelson, Marceline; 

Ed Harris. Neosho; Harley FYyer, Lamar; 

Elmer Bills, Salisbury; Bill Silver and A. E. 

Jarboe, Cameron . Kansas : Raymond 

Johnson, Moran; Ernie Block, Sabetha . . . 

Mildred Goldman, Durwood secretary, returned 

from a Pennsylvania vacation. 

Cinerama will offer tliree shows on Christmas 

and on New Year's Day at the Missouri 

Theatre, reports Boris Bernardi, managing 

director. There will be two shows New Year's 

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Eve—one at 7 and one at 10 o'clock. Ralph 

Buhrmester, house manager, is arranging for 

the annual staff party Sunday (23), which 

will include a buffet dinner on the mezzanine 

for the 50 employes and their guests after the 

Sunday night show . . . MGM will give a 

Christmas buffet luncheon Monday (24) in 

the office . . . Bernie Evens, MGM exploiteer, 

is unhappy about having to break in a new 

secretary. Mrs. Ray McGinnis is leaving for 

the west at Christmas with her family . . . 

Peggy Jackson, formerly in the U-I district 

. 

office, is now in the MGM boxoffice department 

. . Jim Witcher, office manager, is recovering 

at home from surgery and should be 

back in the office about the middle of January. 

Allied Artists salesmen will be in until January 

2. The Christmas party was held Thursday 

(20) . . . Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hartman and 

daughter Claudia Jane have returned from a 

trip to California where they visited his older 

daughter Haine, and all visited Disneyland 

together, staying at the Disneyland Hotel 

three days. Ed also found time to see Harold 

Wirthwein and Bill Porter at Allied Artists. 

Young Claudia had been reading about a boy 

who took a train trip and had a dollar to 

spend each day for his meals. Looking up 

from the menu one day she said seriously: 

"What could he get for a dollar?" 

The Universal Club, comprising the whole 

office force, adopted two families for Christmas 

and contributed several baskets of food 

and clothing to them. The families were obtained 

from private sources . . . Charles Burton, 

who operates the Klva at Slater, thinks 

he has the only girl projectionist in the area. 

She is Jo Ann Singleton and he trained her 

himself—says he was training a boy at the 

same time but she worked out better because 

she seemed to watch details of the picture 

more closely . . Sherry Procter, secretary to 

. 

Elmer Rhoden jr., president of Commonwealth, 

was in a car accident last Friday and 

suffered a small concussion. Joan Altman 

has been filling in for her. 

Free sliows sponsored by chambers of commerce 

and merchants have been very popular 

in Kansas this year. At Mrs. D. A. Bisagno's 

Augusta Theatre, Augusta, there were three 

shows sponsored by the CofC, with full 

houses at all of them. There was also a babysitting 

service provided. The Retail Merchants 

Ass'n not only sponsored free shows 

but cash drawings at the Main Street in 

Sharon Springs. A free movie and dance was 

held in Belleville, through the courtesy of 

the local CofC, the movie shown at the 

Blair Theatre, a Commonwealth operation. 

The Malnstreet at Belolt, operated by George 

Werts, gave two free shows under merchant 

cooperation. Paul Ricketts had a series of 

pre-Christmas Saturday shows, working with 

a CofC committee, at his Ness Theatre in 

Ness City. 

That attractive little girl operating the incar 

heater in the 63rd Street Drlve-In ad Is 

Ella Kay Shniderman, younger daughter of 

Alex Shniderman, one of the theatre's partners 

. . . Harley Fryer sold 47 merchants his 

cooperative Christmas promotion plan this 

year. The Lamar, Mo., exhibitor originated 

a plan that netted him SRO at a number of 

his shows and had folks In the community 

beating a path to the doors of merchants 

giving out show tickets . . . Exhibitors Film 

Delivery held its Christmas party Friday (21) 

. . . Shreve Theatre Supply will be closed 

Monday (24) except for emergency calls . . . 

The Warner party was on Thursday (20). 

John S. Allen, division MGM sales manager, 

has been in town conferring with Tom Bailey, 

manager. W. H. Gillilan, auditor, is at the 

local office. "Teahouse of the August Moon" 

is opening New Year's Day at Loew's Midland 

. 

. . Paul W. Crawford is the new chief 

clerk at RCA Service Co. Crawford, who 

worked for the Boese-Hilburn Electric Co. 

and the Wilcox Electric Co. before coming to 

RCA Service, replaces Ed Branch who was 

hospitalized several weeks ago and who is 

contemplating a change of climate to complete 

his recovery . . . Bernice Peel has returned 

to her duties in the Warner office 

after a seven-week leave following a car 

accident in which her arm was broken. 

Cinerama reports its guest certificates, good 

any time for the priced seat indicated, have 

been going very well as Christmas items. 

Conventions are continuing to provide patrons 

in house-filling blocks and companies have 

expressed themselves as appreciating this type 

of entertainment being available in Kansas 

City for the many out-of-town guests . . . Bill 

Welton, Fox Midwest manager at Ai-kansas 

City, Kas., staged a preview rally December 

21 in conjunction with the Junior College 

basketball team and the local Quarterback 

Club. Both sold tickets for him. 

L. E. Pope, pui'chasing agent for Fox Midwest, 

is back at his desk and feeling fine . . . 

Vonceil Jeter, whose voice is known through- 

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: December 

22, 1956

. . 

IBVi 

. 25 

'Out the area because of her long service at 

the FMW switchboard, has passed her written 

test for driving a car and the men in her 

office are gravely reporting that insurance 

rates are sure to go up . . . Bob Hockensmith, 

who recently completed a long and successful 

run of "Secrets of Life" at the Brookside 

Theatre, received a note of commendation 

from the Prairie School PTA for presenting 

programs on the weekend which have family 

appeal for both the kiddies and their parents, 

instead of the "rock-em, sock-em" type so 

many theatres use at this time. 

Fred Harpst is now doing the buying and 

booking for the Dunbar Theatre at Wichita, 

recently purchased from Dickinsons by Fi'ank 

Salome . . . Norris Cresswell, manager of the 

Aladdin Theatre, gave the women who served 

the dinner at Camp Santosage last August at 

the Arthur Cole guest house dedication 25 

theatre passes. Recently 23 of them came in 

a group to use the courtesy tickets . . . Nat 

Hechtman is busy with Christmas business on 

supplying promotion product for these high 

on his business barometer's totem pole: "Westward 

Ho the Wagons," "Disneyland," "Anatasia," 

"The Iron Petticoat," "Hollywood or 

Bust." Son Elliott and wife will be home from 

Missouri University for the holidays. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Rice, who took over 

management of the Ritz Theatre at Burlingame, 

Kas., in March with merchant support, 

closed the show December 1. It was 

understood merchants would try to find another 

manager to keep it open . . . Ted 

Sheahon has resumed the management of the 

Sunflower Theatre at Peabody, Kas., but 

will only keep the house open two nights each 

week, except for some extra shows during the 

Christmas holiday season. 

Clement Anderes of Elmo, Kas., has leased 

theatres in three Kansas towns—the Gypsum 

at Gypsum, the Canton at Canton, and the 

Mov-i-Land at Hope. An overheated floor 

furnace is believed to have started a fire 

which did about $20 worth of damage at the 

Mov-i-Land recently. 

Jack HiUyer, publicity representative for 

United Film Service Co., reports the annual 

convention will be held January 1-5 at the 

Aladdin Hotel here. The company held its 

Christmas party Friday (21) and repeated a 

gift stunt that was popular last year, when 

employes received new silver dollars, based on 

the number of years they had been with the 

company. 

. 

, . and a Happy and Prosperous 

Hew year 

Patron Lines at Theatres in Europe 

Frances Clow, BOXOFFICE representative 

in Chicago, recently returned 

from a flying trip abroad in which she 

visited France, Germany, Switzerland 

and Italy. Here observations on motion 

picture theatres at several stops follow: 

Needless to say, I paid close attention to 

the theatres in the various cities. TV sets 

and TV programs are, perhaps, newer to 

people in Europe than they are here, but 

there is actually more television activity 

there than I had surmised. However, the 

cinema is quite a select spot for entertainment. 

Movie houses there are modern and showplaces. 

There's no popcorn, but from what 

I could observe, the refreshment features are 

a big part of theatre operation. There are 

small bars and spots to catch up on coffee 

and tea. Instead of popcorn, ice cream bars 

and other items which go hand in hand with 

theatre operations here, there are pastries, 

hard rolls, etc. 

The coffee is black and strong, 

usually served with hot milk in case you want 

to temper it a bit, and cognac is certainly 

popular with theatregoers in Europe. 

It seems strange to see life-sized posters 

of Marilyn Monroe, Gary Cooper, Rock 

Hudson and many of the others who star in 

the American-made films so popular in all 

the European cities I visited. Not being able 

to speak any language outside of Dutch and 

English, I had my troubles languagewise, of 

course, but I could make my deductions as 

to what films were being shown from the 

poster pictures. I gathered they do a good 

and potent job of publicizing also, for every 

picture of a star carried picture title announcements 

profuse with descriptive words. 

I always felt our own adjectives were undoubtedly 

fully interpreted in Italian, French 

or German. 

There are many theatres and always I saw 

people lined up waiting to get in. On my 

first night in Europe, when I landed alone in 

Zurich, I passed a great mob of people on 

my way to find a place to have dinner. I 

found they were waiting to enter a theatre 

showing a picture starring Kim Novak. 

I asked several people here and there who 

their favorite stars were. They usually 

shrugged their shoulders and said it was the 

film they liked and that they thought American 

films were wonderful. As an example, 

the elevator boy in my hotel in Rome couldn't 

speak a word of English, but he managed to 

tell me with a certain amount of pride that 

he had learned to "rock and roll" after seeing 

American movies. My interpreter said quite 

a few fads adopted by Europeans were picked 

up from American motion pictures. 

WGN-TV at Chicago Buys 

Rights to WB Library 

CHICAGO—WGN-TV, whose 10 o'clock 

film program has dominated late night viewing 

since 1948, has added the Warner Bros. 

library to its recently acquired TV rights to 

Columbia and 20th-Fox pictures. The station 

also is a member of the NTA film network, 

which runs other 20th-Fox pictures Saturdays 

at 6:30 p. m. 

In announcing the launching of the new 

series, which will start in January 1957, 

Ward L. Quaal, vice-president and general 

manager of WGN, said, "These movie packages 

represent the finest produced by three 

of Hollywood's major film companies." 

WGN brought in Merry Anders to help 

boost the station's seven nights of first run 

films. Among the features in the Warner 

Bros, package are "Saratoga Trunk," "The 

Pountainhead," "King's Row," "Johnny Belinda" 

and "Mildred Pierce." 

WBKB, ABC outlet, launched its Movietime, 

U.S.A., Saturday night (1) with RKO 

and United Artists pictures. This station 

spent more than $90,000 in a two-week campaign 

publicizing the film premiere. Celeste 

Holm was brought here to aid in publicizing 

the series of nightly double features. Opener 

was "The Velvet Touch." 

WBBM-TV (CBS) 

opened its package of MGM fetures at 10 

p. m. Saturday (15) with subsequent schedule 

of midnight Wednesdays and Fridays, and 11 

p. m. on the other four days of the week. 

Named at 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION 

Alexandria, Ind. 

ALEXANDRIA, IND.—Richard Lennartz of 

Anderson has been named manager of Alexandria's 

Town Theatre, replacing Frank 

Lambertson. 

$300,000 to Actors in 1956 

CHICAGO—Wilding Pictures, making industrial 

films in the old Essanay studios 

here, announced payment of $300,000 for 

acting talent during the year 1956. 

BOXOFFICE Fllmrow Reporter 

BOWLING 

KANSAS CITY—Fllmrow 's Bowling League 

reports the following standings on both the 

women's and men's teams after the games 

Friday night (14) 

MEN'S 

WOMEN'S 

Teams Won Lost Teams Won Lost 

Alley Rots... 42 18 Monley SOi/j 14'/2 

K C T's 36 24 Monley, Inc .281/2 I6I/2 

Monley 33 27 Finton Jones. .28 17 

Shreve's . 31'/] Borg & Kim . 20 

Steeplechase 28 32 Hortmon's ...19 26 

Dixie Picts. 271/2 321/2 New 50... 19 26 

Mode O' Day. .24 36 Dixie Ent 15 30 

Hi Lo 5 21 39 101 Service. 14 31

INDIANAPOLIS 

Toe Cantor, chairman of the exhibitor com- 

. . . 

mittee working on plans for the credit 

plan test in Marion County, reported a survey 

to determine public acceptance of the idea 

proved negative and that it will be dropped 

The Levitt brothers, who bought the 

house recently from the A. C. Zaring estate, 

closed the Zaring Egyptian, blaming a combination 

of damage by juveniles and poor business. 

It's the city's oldest de luxe neighborhood 

theatre, opened in 1925 . . . R. O. Clark 

has closed the Star, north side neighborhood 

theatre. 

. . . Ray 

In addition to redecorating the Cinema, 

Pete Fortune has switched it to a class, single 

feature policy. He acquired the house 

recently from Ernie Miller . . Greater Indianapolis 

. 

now plans to hold "Oklahoma!" at 

the Lyric until January 30, when it will be 

followed by "The Ten Commandments." The 

Magna film has been showing profitably 

Proposals are before the 

since August . . . 

Marion County plan commission for two new 

drive-in theatres this month 

Schmertz, 20th-Fox manager, and his staff 

held a Christmas party in the office December 

18, with eats, drinks, gifts exchange 

and a screening on the program. 

. . . 

The Variety Club has scheduled its New 

Year's party and dance for Saturday (29). 

Ted Mendelssohn is chairman of the project 

Marc Wolf, Trueman Rembusch and 

William A. Carroll are members of the 

Indiana Allied legislative committee to watch 

developments at the 1957 session of the 

general assembly . . . Paul Thomas, manager 

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Don Fithian Leases Star 

From C. B. Simmons, 111. 

NEWTON, ILL.—Don Fithian recently took 

over the Star Theatre on a lease from C. B. 

Simmons, owner of the building, who 

previously had been operating the theatre in 

addition to the Fairview Drive-in on Route 

33 between here and Oblong. The drive-in 

closed for the season November 4. 

Simmons, who has long suffered with a 

back ailment, left November 26 for Hot 

Springs where he plans to spend several 

weeks in an effort to improve his health. 

He had planned to close the Star completely 

because he had found it unprofitable to run 

the theatre with hired help under the handicap 

of his physical condition and the competition 

of television. In fact he had advertised 

plans for closing the theatre just prior 

to closing the lease deal with Fithian, who 

had been employed by Simmons as a projectionist. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fithian plan to continue 

shows on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 

Monday nights. Fithian will continue as sales 

manager for the M. R. Brackett Ford automobile 

agency of Newton. 

Roxy Theatre in Delphi, Ind. 

Is Sold to Joe St. Amand 

DELPHI, IND.—The Alliance Theatre 

Corp. of Chicago recently sold the Roxy 

Theatre here to Joe St. Amand, owner of the 

Flora Theatre. St. Amand, who has taken 

charge of the property, has been owner of 

the Flora Theatre for the past 12 years, and 

intends to operate both theatres. 

The sale involved only the business concern, 

as the building in which the theatre is 

housed is the property of Mrs. Rudolph Solomon 

of Chicago, the former Theresa Dreifus 

of Delphi. 

On Three-Night Operation 

STAFFORD, KAS.—The Ritz Theatre has 

been closed on Sunday through Tuesday 

nights, according to the Garden City Telegram, 

"due to increased television attendance 

and ease of transportation to other 

towns for entertainment." However, the week 

of December 30, shows will be given nightly 

with a special New Year's Eve show. John 

Caylor, who is the general manager for the 

theatre for the Dickinson circuit, is also 

manager of the Fix Theatre at St. John, 

which is now operating on Thursday, Friday 

and Saturday nights. Mrs. Frank Gere 

is the manager at the Stafford Ritz. 

Adult Fares Up Ten Cents 

LOUISIANA, MO.—The management of 

the Clark Theatre here announced an increase 

in adult admission effective Sunday 

(2) from 40 to 50 cents. There is to be no 

change in admission for children, which is 

15 cents for children under 12. 

Golconda, III., Scott Closed 

GOLCONDA, ILL.—The Scott Theatre, 

operated by Walter Scott several months, 

was closed December 15. It may reopen 

shortly after the Christmas holiday season. 

Spiro Papas Is Elected 

To Indiana ATO Board 

INDIANAPOLIS—Spiro Papas, executive 

vice-president of Alliance Amusement Co., 

has been elected a director of Allied Theatre 

Owners of Indiana succeeding H. Lisle 

Krieghbaum, who has retired from theatre 

business. 

Papas most recently was chairman of the 

panel on concessions at the 1956 fall convention 

of ATOI. Krieghbaum has been a member 

of the ATOI directorate for 28 years, 

and the board named him an honorary lifetime 

director. 

Buys Two Theatres 

GRAFTON, ILL.—Ralph Johnston of this 

city has purchased the Grafton Theatre here 

and the Brighton (111.) Theatre from Mrs. 

Edith Brands. He plans to present shows in 

Grafton on Fridays and in Brighton on 

Saturdays, and increase later, if business 

warrants. The Brighton had been dark for 

some time. 

Gus Kerasotes Is 111 

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.—Gus Kerasotes, 83, 

head of the Kerasotes Theatres circuit in 

central Illinois, entered St. John's Hospital 

here Wednesday (5) for treatment. 

To Reopen Christmas Day 

FORT WAYNE—The Little Cinema, art 

house, closed the 13th and was scheduled 

to reopen on Christmas Day. 

BOXOFFICE reaches 

the 

m-. people. . 

« 

FIRST 

m Total Circulation 

(21,659) 

in 

CLASS A* Circulation 

(15,751) 

^ 

* Class A circulation counts those who make buying decisions 

in the exhibition field, such as theatre owners 

and managers, circuit executives, film buyers and 

bookers. BOXOFFICE has 5,061 more class A subscribers 

than the No. 2 film tradepaper. 

. and is read 

by more of 

them 

— by far — than 

is any other film 

tradepaper! 

80X0FFICE : 

: December 22, 1956 49

You Can'^t See 

a Crippled 

Heart 

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She doesn't use crutches-but she has a 

crippled heart. 

So do nearly 500,000 American children. 

Fortunately, medical research has given us the knowledge 

to prevent rheumatic fever and reduce heart disease, the 

leading disabler of children. Remarkable surgery is 

giving 

new life to many young hearts afflicted with congenital 

defects or damaged valves. 

But more research is needed to save more hearts. You support 

research-and help all 

hearts-when you give to the 

Heart Fund. 

HELP YOUR HEART FUHD 

Your contribution supports research, 

education and community heart programs 

HELP YOUR HEART 

^ 

BOXOFFICE 


: December 

22, 1956

Miami Area Test Tube Rival Boothmen's Thrust at Local 259 

For Film Polential Checked by Chattanooga Court Writ 

A^TAAAT— 

MIAMI— "Thp "The PTpntpr greater Minmi Miami «rpn area is now 

' "^ 

considered an important test tube for the 

study of feature motion picture potentials 

at the boxoffice," Gill Golden, Warners executive, 

said here recently. 

Golden, who gave his views to George 

Bourke, the Herald's amusement editor, was 

in town for the opening of "Baby Doll" at 

the Paramount, Gables and Lincoln theatres; 

the two former are FST houses, the latter of 

the Brandt chain. The cross-section of national 

area viewpoints which exists here, because 

of 

a population drawn from every part 

of the country, is duplicated nowhere else, 

Golden said. 

BAD SEED' IS 

EXAMPLE 

He pointed out that over the years it was 

discovered that with almost unerring regularity 

a film which faltered in its greater 

Miami first run would suffer a similar fate, 

generally, all over the country. Golden offered 

"The Bad Seed" as an example. There 

was some concern over the public acceptance 

of such a shocking theme as a child murderer, 

so it was given one of its first showings here 

and clicked. The click was universal. 

Conversely, said the executive, a turkey, a 

boxoffice failure that occurs here, rarely does 

any better in the rest of the country. When 

a first run fails to last its engagement here, 

as in the case of a recent personality piece, 

it Is common to see it repeat that poor effort 

,in dozens of other cities. Golden did not submit 

comparisons to the New York test runs, 

in his conversation with Burke, but the 

editor thought it unlikely that these would 

be as accurate as on the grass-roots level. 

In New York, for instance, it was stated, 

there exists a cosmopolitan cross-section of 

class and economic levels, but they offer no 

such general judgment as can be had from 

Miami's flow of new citizens from almost 

every one of the 47 states, as well as from 

Latin American and British areas nearby. 

"Remember," comments Bourke, "when 

you go to the movies locally what you think 

does register all the way back to Hollywood." 

LAVISH ARRAY FOR XMAS 

As to the lavish and expensive array of 

film fare which is currently to be seen on 

local screens, Florida State Theatres supplies 

statistics that $20,000,000 to $30,000,000 

worth of motion picture production will be on 

view in five of its theatres here during the 

(upcoming holiday season. FST operates eight 

greater Miami first runs. 

The above mentioned features represent, 

it was said, the most star-studded array of 

motion picture entertainment ever gathered 

together at one time on one theatre circuit 

of a restricted area. FST head Harry Botwick 

names the specific pictures as "Around 

the World in 80 Days," "The Ten Commandments," 

"Teahouse of the August Moon," 

"Hollywood or Bust" and "Baby Doll." 

"It's all there," says Botwick, "comedy, 

drama, enlightenment, travel and music. You 

enter this wonderful world every time you 

buy a ticket at the boxoffice." 

Richard Todd As Dunois 

Richard Todd will portray Dunois, commander 

of the French forces at Orleans, In 

UA's "Saint Joan." 

CHATTANOOGA—An injunction has been 

issued against picketing of the Tivoli Theatre, 

an Eastenn Theatres, Inc., unit, as the 

latest development in the long feud between 

projectionists Local 259, a long-established 

restricted membership lATSE union, and lA 

card-holding boothmen who have been denied 

membership in 259. 

The injunction was issued by Chancellor 

M. B. Finkelstein against Local 1, formed 

recently by the lA unionists who have been 

refused membership in 259. 

Eastenn Theatres contended that it has 

no contract and thus no disagreement with 

Local 1, and the Tivoli picketing was illegal. 

Local 259 furnishes projectionists for the 

Tivoli. 

"It appears that the defendant union 

(Local 1) is picketing without a labor dispute," 

Chancellor Finkelstein said. "It seems Local 

1 is endeavoring to bring about a breach of 

contract between Loca? 259- and Eastenn, and 

the picketing seems intended to intimidate 

Eastenn Theatres." 

Tom Crutchfield, attorney for Local 1, 

argued that since Eastenn has no contract 

with Local 259 (forbidden by Tennessee's new 

open shop law), its argument that Local 1 was 

seeking to bring about a breach of contract 

didn't hold water. 

Wilby Kincey Promotes 

Three Savannah Men 

SAVANNAH—Several changes in the setup 

of the Wilby Kincey Service Corp. operation 

of the Lucas and Avon theatres here 

have been announced by Earle M. Holden, 

resident manager, following a conference in 

Atlanta with J. H. Harrison, new general 

manager of the company's theatres in Georgia, 

Alabama and Tennessee, and Norris Hadaway, 

newly appointed district manager. 

Major local change will be the promotion 

and transfer to Kingsport, Tenn., of Cecil 

McGlohon, for the past five years manager 

of the Avon. He will manage the State in 

Kingsport, replacing George Deavers, who is 

being transferred to the Tivoli in Chattanooga. 

McGlohon began in the business as 

an usher 12 years ago. 

Robert Dyches, who for the last five years 

has been house manager at the Lucas, has 

been advanced to full managerial status and 

will be transferred to the Avon as manager. 

Kenneth Sikes, who for the last two years 

will move over to the Lucas as house manhas 

been McGlohon's assistant at the Avon, 

ager. 

Holden will remain in Savannah as managing 

director of the Lucas and continue 

to supervise the overall activities of the 

Lucas and Avon. 

Airer Closes at Little Rock 

LITTLE ROCK, ARK.—With the Closing 

of the Broadway Drive-In (Malco) on the 

10th, only one outdoor theatre in this area, 

the Asher, continues fuUtime operation. The 

Razorback and the Riverside have cut to 

weekends only, as has the Scenic (Roy 

Cochran) in North Little Rock. 

Crutchfield cited a recent suit brought by 

Local 1 against 259 in which the court held 

that if a contract did exist, it violated the 

state's open shop law. To this Finkelstein 

asserted that what happened in the previous 

case had no bearing on the present suit. 

Ralph Kelley, one of the lawyers for Eastenn, 

pointed out that contracts are sometimes 

oral as well as written, and an oral contract 

may be breached, too. 

Two years ago a lower court ordered Local 

259 to open its rolls to other projectionists 

and desist from interference with their 

"economic life." This coiu't ruled Local 259 

was violating not only state laws but also 

the lATSE charter. At this time it was 

brought out that Local 259 voting membership 

was restricted to 25 with nonvoting cards 

going to projectionist sons of the older cardholders. 

A few months ago Local 259 started picketing 

the 58 Drive-In, owned by Dr. W. W. 

Fincher and Dr. R. H. Bradley of Chatsworth, 

Ga., and J. M. Treadwell of Dalton, 

Ga. Haskel Burden, president of Local 1, 

said this picketing began after his group 

offered to supply projectionists for the "winter 

relief" schedule at the 58 at $17.50 a night. 

Local 259 wanted $93 for three nights' work, 

he said. 

'Giant' Fourth Week 

Tops Memphis at 175 

MEMPHIS— "Giant" continued to lead the 

field in Memphis with 75 per cent above 

average business in its fourth week. It held 

another week. "Love Me Tender" did only 

average business in its third and final week 

at Loew's State. 


Maico Rebecca (20th-Fox); The Third Man 

(20th-Fox), reissues 75 

Palace Lust for Life (MGM), 3rd wk 100 

State Love Me Tender (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 100 

Strand Magnificent Roughnecics (AA); Canyon 

River (AA) 90 

Warner Giant (WB), 4th wk 1 75 

Schwalberg Names Hearn 

Southern Sales Manager 

NEW YORK—Henry D. Hearn has been 

made southern division sales manager of 

Artists-Pi'oducers Associates by A. W. 

Schwalberg, president. He will cover the 

Charlotte, Atlanta, New Orleans and Jacksonville 

territories out of Jacksonville. 

Hearn's association with Schwalberg dates 

back to F^rst National Pictures. He recently 

disposed of his theatre circuit with 

houses in North and South Carolina and 

Florida. 

Theatres Collect Food 

TUSCALOOSA, ALA.—Three Tuscaloosa 

theatre managers sponsored shows benefitting 

the Goodfellow F\ind here for Christmas 

gifts to deserving families. One or two 

cans of food were the price of admission. 

The shows were sponsored by Otto Miller, 

Druid Theatre; Fred Barton, Bama, and 

J. H. Cleveland, Skyline Drive-in. 

BOXOFFICE : 

: December 22, 1956 SE 51

. . . Milton 

ATLANTA 

gen Hill, U-I district publicist, has returned 

after two weeks in Jacksonville in connection 

with "Written on the Wind," and 

Macon, where he set up radio and television 

campaigns on "Rock, Pretty Baby" and "Pour 

Girls in Town." Universal district manager 

James V. Frew, local manager William 

Kelly, sales manager Sid Whitman and salesmen 

Ed O'Neill, Jim Cronin and Ralph 

Burquist returned from a district meeting 

in Cincinnati. Frew and Kelly reported a 

highly successful get-together. FVew flew 

from the coast, where he attended a district 

manager's meeting, to Cincinnati. 

C. E. Maroney, Liberty, Chickamauga, 

Pity the 

Poor 

Woiking^. 

Siffing, sitting, sitting 

and working all day long. 

Then, the "date" suggests a 

movie . . . you con bet the 

Woiking Goi! thinks of comfort 

first. Your patrons like to relax and 

feci "at home" these days. That's 

why we're so busy replacing worn, 

torn, broken theatre seats for so many 

exhibitors. All work done while the 

show goes on . . . prices surprisingly 

low. Call for o free estimate, todoy. 

WRITE, WIRE or PHONE 

ALpine 5-8459 

MANUFACTURERS 

Foam Itiililii'i 

k 8 P r I II u 

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and sent covers. 

DISTRIBUTORS 

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rahrlCH mid 

general senltne 

supplies. 

theatre seat 

seruice co. 

M 

died December 7 after being stricken with a 

heart attack. Mrs. Maroney closed the theatre 

permanently Saturday (15) . . Hewlett 

. 

Jones, buyer and booker for the Duncan Theatres, 

CarroUton, who suffered a broken 

collarbone recently, was back on the job. Mrs. 

W. M. Osman, Strand, Covington, was recovering 

from a fall resulting in broken 

bones. 

Due to the matinee success over Thanksgiving 

at the Red Bank, Broad Street and 

Skyway drive-ins, Chattanooga, Independent 

Theatres will have Christmas matinees 

in these drive-ins, preceded by an hour rock 

and roll session ... As in previous years. 

Storey Theatres printed special Christmas 

tickets for their suburban theatres here, 

selling them to school teachers for presents 

to their pupils. Storey staged special children's 

shows Saturday (22) and gave the children 

candy, chewing gum and other favors 

. . . J. M. Miller, 78 Drive-In, Jasper, Ala., 

has closed the Manchester Drive-In at Jasper 

for the winter. On Monday (17), he 

closed the Dixie in Cordova, Ala., and it is 

to be converted into a store building . . . The 

fabulous Fox Theatre established a long run 

record with Warner Bros. "Giant," in its 

fifth week. 

In order to give employes time off for 

Christmas, the Crescent Amusement Co., 

Nashville, will shutter the suburban regulation 

houses Christmas Eve, according to Bob 

Hosse, Crescent executive who was a recent 

Filmrow visitor. Visiting here with Hosse 

was W. C. "Pat" Patterson, Crescent booker 

Crandall, U-I press agent, handled 

the appearance of Phyllis McMeem in Jacksonville. 

Her radio and television appearances 

were set up by U-I publicist Ben Hill ... A 

special screening of "The King and Four 

Queens" was held at the RKO exchange 

for disc jockeys. The screening was arranged 

by Irving Shriffin, UA press agent. 

. . . J. L. 

Several Filmrow women celebrated their 

annual Christmas get-together at the Paradise 

room Saturday (15). They were Lynda 

Burnett, Jackie Cowart, Martha Chandler, 

Stella Poulnot, Mildred Castleberry, Phyllis 

Williams, Marie Pinkston, Juanita Elwell, Lois 

Cone, Nell Middleton, Martha Hobson, Grace 

Wooley, Ray Collins, Irma Marshall and Pat 

Brown. Presents were exchanged 

Hutchinson, Ritz, Austell, entered Crawford 

Long Hospital for surgery. He expected to be 

confined to the hospital for about two weeks. 

Two drive-in theatres here fell prey to 

burglars recently when money was stolen 

from cigaret vending machines. The Stewart 

Avenue Drive-In and the Bolton Drive- 

In Theatre were the victims. Police 

held three men for questioning . . . Mrs. 

Jackie Cowart, WOMPI president, entertained 

the board members and committee 

chairmen, at her home on Old Fairburn 

road, Ben Hill, Sunday (16). Following a 

social hour, the regular monthly board meeting 

was held. 

Alabama exhibitors visiting Filmrow were 

Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Whatley, Arabian, 

Arab; Paul Engler, Engler Theatres, Birmingham; 

Fred Yarbrough, Star-Vue Drive- 

In, HlUsboro; Travis Rainey, Hatfield Drive- 

In, Athens; Cecil Grimes, Druid, Tuscaloosa; 

T. E. Watson, Strand, Montevallo, Shelby, 

Columbiana and Alabaster Drive-In, 

Alabaster; J. L. Denny jr., Rex, Alexander 

City: Ward Bennett, Bennett Drive-In, Abbeville, 

and Milt Moore, Coosa, Gadsden . . . 

Georgia exhibitors on the Row were Nat 

Hancock, Roosevelt Theatre, Jefferson; Gordon 

Stonecypher, Cornelia Drive-In, Cornelia; 

Herman Abrams, Richland and Lumpkin; 

Alton Odum, Ritz and Harlem, Thomaston; 

W. M. Snelson and Hugh Pi-ince, Coat-co 

Theatres, Toccoa, and E. P. Clay, Mc- 

Donough, McDonough. From Nashville came 

"Chick" Kurtz of the Bel-Air, Colonial, 

Donelson and Warner Park drive-ins. 

Republic held a Christmas party at the 

exchange on Friday (14). United Artists enjoyed 

a Christmas cocktail party and dinner 

at the Variety Club on the same date. U-I 

employes held their Christmas dinner and 

party at Carmichael's Steak Ranch on Friday 

(21). 

Mary Picket, who passed the test with flying 

colors, has been signed by MGM for the 

role of the divorced wife of Bing Crosby in 

"Man on Fire." 

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Renovation Is Under Way 

At Covington, La., Star 

COVINGTON, LA.—Warren Salles sr., proprietor 

of the Star Theatre, said he expected 

to be able to open the renovated theatre before 

January 1. Among improvements being 

carried out is the placing of a massive new 

marquee of porcelain with animated neon 

lighting. Salles said the inner lobby walls 

will be faced with black Belgian marble, accented 

by new lighting fixtures and aluminum 

framed entrance doors. 

The main lobby will reflect a combination 

of contemporary and conventional theatre 

styling. Carpeting throughout will be a custom 

job in tones of gold, black and coral. A 

new concession bar constructed of glass and 

aluminum will be located in the foyer. 

Free Christmas Showings 

HARTSELLE, ALA,—Two days of free motion 

pictures were Christmas gifts to residents 

of the Hartselle area Thursday and 

Friday. Thirty-three Hartselle merchants 

and a few from nearby towns sponsored the 

showings, with free tickets distributed by 

the sponsoring stores. Manager Hank Farris 

arranged a change of program for the second 

day. 

CHARLOTTE 

Remodeling Job Started 

$300 Drive-In Robbery 

ALBERTVILLE, ALA.—Candy, cigarets and 

food valued by Manager Ray McCuIlougli at 

approximately $300 were taken by burglars 

from the concession stand at the Marshall 

Drive-In. 

.dtK^BS

. . From 

. . Hilton 

"THIS IS THE FUNNIEST 

MOVIE OF THE YEAR!" 

THE FILM THAT IS 

RESPEaFULLY 

DEDICATED TO 

ALL THOSE WHO 

GOT AWAY WITH ITI 

You'll Roar at fhis Hilarious 

Picture about a Gold-bricker 

Who Almost Wrecked on Army! 

HOW 

r) 

C„0 

(5^mumm^ 

ATLANTA • CHARLOTTE 

JACKSONVILLE • MEMPHIS 

MEMPHIS 

. . . 

The Lincoln Theatre at Gould, Ark., a Wren 

showcase, will be dismantled the first of 

the year . . . "Giant," which has broken all 

attendance records at the Warner, was held 

over for a fifth week by Eli Arkin, manager 

Jimmy Gillespie of Dallas, 20th-Fox exploiteer 

for the southwest district, was in 

Memphis in connection with the opening of 

"Oklahoma!" 

Elizabeth Bach, daughter of National Theatre 

Supply Manager C. C. Bach, will be 

married to Stanley Miscki after her graduation 

from the University of Mississippi in 

The annual Christmas party for 

June . . . 

children of Memphis Variety Club members 

was held Saturday (22) . . . Two Memphis 

neighborhood theatres are showing first run 

programs. "Death of a Scoundrel" is at the 

Plaza and "The Queen of Babylon" is at the 

Luciann. 

The Memphis WOMPI chapter has two 

new members, Ruth Cohen and Lea Anne 

Hasley, both of Film Transit . . . Glenn Calvert, 

Warner Bros, booker, has been ill in 

the hospital two weeks . Bailey of 

the Universal shipping department is to be 

married this week to Mary Gene Wright. 

Visitors to Memphis Filmrow included: 

From Tennessee, Amelia Ellis, Ellis Drive- 

. . 

in, Millington: W. P. Ruffin jr., Covington at 

Covington; Norman Fair, Fair at Somerville; 

Louise Mask, Luez, Bolivar; W. O. Taylor, 

Uptown, Dresden . From Mississippi: Harry 

Morrow, Harry's Drive-In, Calhoun City; 

Jesse Moore, Ritz, Crenshaw; J. W. Wofford, 

Union, Union; Bern Jackson and Joe Davis, 

Ellis, Cleveland; Earl Hartzog, Honey, Indianola; 

L. P. Foley, Palace, Tunica; G. C. 

Pratt, Dixie, Fulton; Mr. and Mrs. Grady 

Green, Union, Grenada; R. R. Cox, Eureka, 

Batesville. 

. 

From Arliansas: John Staples, Carolyn, 

Piggott; William Ellas, Murr, Osceola; C. F. 

Bonner and son, Robert, Community, Pine 

Bluff; Tom Ford, Ford, Rector; Anne Hutchins, 

State, Corning; Moses Sliman, Murr, 

Osceola Missouri: Mr. and Mrs. 

Dick Logan, McCutchen, Charleston, and 

J. B. Harper, Missouri, Campbell . . . Whyte 

Bedford of the Ford Drive-In at Hamilton, 

Ala. also was in town again. 

Feted on 25th Anniversary 

WAUSAU, WIS.—Lawrence J. Beltz, manager 

of the Grand Theatre, was given a wrist 

watch by George L. Ruder, president of the 

Wausau Theatres Co., for 25 years of service 

with the company. Ruder made the presentation 

during a surprise luncheon at the Hotel 

Wausau recently, with Beltz' wife and mother, 

friends and local associates in attendance. 

Roger Gorman to Produce 

HOLLYWOOD—James H. Nicholson, president 

and executive producer of Sunset Productions, 

has signed Roger Gorman to produce 

and direct "Rock All Night," scheduled 

for December 15 production from a screenplay 

by Charles B. Griffith. 

Sir John Gielgud will play the role of the 

Earl of Warwick in United Artists' "Saint 

Joan." 

Child League Seeking 

More Child Films 

COLUMBUS—The statewide drive by the 

Ohio Child Conservation League for more 

family movies was sparked by the passage 

of a resolution at the recent convention of 

the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio 

asking producers to make more films of this 

type. 

"The Child Conservation organization is 

not hoping or asking for nothing but Walt 

Disney-type films," said Mrs. Robert Caine, 

Worthington, theatre chairman of the association. 

"We hope for more good movies that 

can be enjoyed by all ages." 

In a story in the Columbus Citizen by 

Pauline Taynor, after an interview with Mrs. 

Caine, it was stated that Friday is still the 

biggest night for children from 8 to 12 to 

"tease Mom and Dad into taking them to the 

movies." Saturday and Sunday matinees still 

are high among weekend activities. 

"But parents and theatre owners mutually 

agree that there are not enough good movies 

made during a year to fill the needs of 

family movie demands—and out of these, 

many good ones are given the wrong type 

of buildup," said Miss Taynor. 

As a result, many children stay home and 

television becomes the substitute, said Miss 

Taynor. "The possible solution? Production 

of the same type of heart-warming films that 

drew large crowds to the theatres even during 

the height of the depression. Perhaps a little 

more concentration on the classics that continue 

to delight 'children' from 6 to 60 might 

be the answer." 

T'he Child Conservation League will appeal 

to Ohio newspapers to carry a rating system 

on films, indicating those which are suitable 

for the whole family. 

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: December 

22, 1956

. . . Variety 

INDUSTRY 

PROFILE 

Bill Kunzman 'Regular' 

On Cleveland Row 

CLEVELAND — Bill 

Kunzman, charter 

member of the Society of MP Engineers, 

was presented a gold life membership card, 

one of very few such cards ever issued, 

at the last SMPE meeting in Washington. 

He has attended 73 semiannual 

SMPE conventions. 

Until his retirement in 1948, Kunzman 

was affiliated with National Carbon Co. for 

47 years, and traveled the United States 

from coast to coast. Only a few industry 

members remember that his association 

with the motion picture industry started 

away back in 1905 when for one year, he 

owned and operated the Bijou Theatre in 

Fremont, Ohio, one of the first nickelodeons 

in this part of the country. 

"Those were the days when we bought 

our film from the Kole & Heinz Distributing 

Co. which had offices on East 

55th street, Cleveland. Even the name of 

this company is long forgotten in local 

motion picture history. Among the contemporary 

Cleveland theatres of that era 

were Sam Bullock's American on the 

Square, Max Lefkowich's Wonderland, the 

Eureka and Marlow Hall. I don't remember 

who ran these two theatres. But I 

do know it's a far cry from my 1905 

nickelodeon to the present day palaces of 

entertainment. It was interesting to watch 

the industry grow and develop. Now from 

the sidelines I am just as interested 

watching the industry change to meet 

modern entertainment conditions." 

Kunzman officially is on the retired list, 

but his interest in the motion picture industry 

has not dimmed in the least. He is 

a Filmrow "regular" where he always is 

given a warm and hearty welcome. 

Reopen at Hopkinton 

HOPKINTON, IOWA—The Iowa Theatre 

here reopened recently after being closed for 

nearly a year. The theatre will be under the 

supervision of John Loop, assisted by Duane 

Billings. The house will be open four days 

a week—Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday and 

Wednesday. 

Earl Holliman Signed 

HOLLYWOOD—Producer Hal Wallis has 

signed Earl Holliman to star in "The Last 

Train to Harper's Junction" for Paramount 

release. A newcomer, Holliman made his 

screen bow in "The Rainmaker." 

To Direct 'Dead lockey' 

HOLLYWOOD—Richard Thorpe has 

been 

set to direct MGIVTs "Tip on a Dead Jockey," 

which will star Robert Taylor. Edwin H. 

Knopf will produce the motion picture, to be 

filmed in Spain and at the studio. 

To Score The Tin Star' 

HOLLYWOOD — Perlberg-Seaton have 

signed Elmer Bernstein to originate the score 

for their western, "The Tin Star," now winding 

up at Paramount with Henry Fonda and 

Anthony Perkins in the leads. 

JACKSONVILLE 

^ÔMPI members passed up their annual 

Christmas party in favor of concentrating 

their efforts on soliciting needed supplies 

for the Pine Castle School for Retarded 

Children, advised Sarah Keller, WOMPI president. 

Contributors were urged to leave their 

presents in one of the following offices: 

Talgar, Howco, Columbia or United Artists 

Tent 44 held its first organizational 

meeting following the election of a new 

crew for 1957. 

Irving Mack, head of the Pilmack Trailer 

Co., paid a fine compliment to Florida exhibitors 

following his recent visit here to attend 

the MPEOF annual convention at the Hotel 

Roosevelt. He particularly commended the 

gathering for having "much more excite- 

. . . 

ment and many more gimmicks" than some 

regional conventions The Florida Greyhound 

Lines loaned a new bus and driver to 

Jim Levine, manager of the Florida Theatre, 

for the opening of Columbia's "You Can't 

Run Away From It" and he had it covered 

with immense banners for display in all 

parts of town on opening day. 

Sheldon Mandell reopened his beautiful 

St. Johns Theatre with the United Artists 

film "The King and Four Queens" after the 

theatre had undergone a complete two-week 

"beauty treatment" ... A fine Christmas 

party was staged in the Warner Bros, 

offices by John Tomlinson and his staff . . . 

Setzer's supermarkets have tempting displays 

of holiday foods in the lobbies of several 

local theatres . . . Bill Beck has 

secured the services of young motion picture 

star Sal Mineo who is scheduled to 

make personal appearances here for two days 

to bolster Beck's Florida premiere of Universal's 

"Rock, Pretty Baby" at the suburban 

first run Five Points Theatre. 

the best source of supply for the finest 

in approved 

equipment 

^ 

Bill Fiore, a veteran staff member at the 

San Marco Theatre, suggests a good way for 

keeping children from telling theatre cashiers 

that they are "11 years old" when they 

have passed the 12th milestone and are 

faced with the necessity of buying a teenage 

When the kids line up 

or adult theatre ticket. 

under the marquee to see a Saturday or holiday 

show, Bill goes down the line and tells 

them that each child will be the guest of the 

theatre during the week he or she has the 12th 

birthday. In that way. Bill says, children 

are protected from the temptation of lying 

about their age when confronted by a questioning 

cashier, and they have a feeling of 

pride in growing up. "After they've once 

admitted their age, they won't go back to 

being kids again," Bill declared, "and a free 

show is a big event in their lives." 

Louis J. Finske, president, Florida State 

Theatres, has designated the Christmas salute 

collection fof the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital 

among all FST employes as the Jim 

Cartwright Salute in honor of the late FST 

district supervisor in Daytona Beach who 

always took a leading part in drives for the 

hospital. 

. . Projectionist Bill 

Visiting exhibitors: Harold Poppell, Gainesville; 

B. B. Garner, Lakeland; Hoyt Yarbrough, 

St. Augustine; James Partlow, Orlando; 

Jim Ochs, Dania; Jerry Fender, 

Brunswick, Ga.; Jack Fitzwater, Tampa, and 

Harlow Land, Mayo . 

Harden never misses a day reading verses 

out of a Bible which was presented to him 

by an Inverness, Ala., minister in 1903. 

Nick Ray to Direct Two 

HOLLYWOOD—Nicholas Ray has been 

inked to direct two films in 1957-58 for Schulberg 

Productions, the new company headed 

by Budd and Stuart Schulberg. First of the 

features—both originals by Budd Schulberg 

—will be "On Eighth Avenue," a prizefighting 

story. The second will be "In the Everglades," 

which deals with conflicts between 

Seminole Indians and white settlers. 

,MASC0«** 

^^RtOPHONIC 

Vi*l>C SCRECH' 

everything 

for the 

theatre 

except film 

wil-kin theatre supply, inc. 

atlanta, ga. • charlotte, n. c. 

BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956 

55

MIAMI 

fînerama, now in its second week at the 

Roosevelt Theatre, plans some extra 

shows during the holidays. On Christmas 

Day there will be three showings. On New 

Year's Eve an extra late show is scheduled, 

and on New Year's Day there will be three 

the sole Cinerama showing in 

shows. This is 

Florida . . . PST stresses the possibility of 

tickets to "Around the World in 80 Days" 

as Christmas presents. Giftwrap a pair for 

a friend or relative, suggests the circuit . . 

. 

McComas' Tropicaire and Dixie drive-ins 

had a large combined ad on "Rock, Rock, 

Rock." The event was a weekend attraction. 

FST invited press, radio and TV representatives, 

as well as civic representatives, to 

Heres Your Chance 

to 

get in the 

BIG 

MONEY 

Be Sure 

to Play 

As a screen 

game, Hollywood takes 

top honors. As a boxofiice attraction, 

it is without equal. It has 

'•- 

been a favorite wîth theatregoers for 

15 years. 

Write today for complete details! 

Bfe sure to give seating or car 

capacity. 

HOLLYWOOD 

AMUSEMENT 

COMPANY 

3750 Oakton St. 

Skokie, Illinois 

a preview of "Around the World in 80 

Days" on a recent Sunday night. The audience 

was welcomed by southeastern chief 

executive Harry Botwick, who spoke a few 

words of greeting before the start of the 

film. Other representatives of the company 

welcomed guests as they arrived. Among those 

were Howard Pettengill, Al Weiss, Ralph 

Puckhaber, Sam Rowland and Al Click. The 

audience was highly enthusiastic and many 

complimentary remarks were heard for the 

method in which the lists of credits were run 

at the picture's conclusion. 

Yiddish-American vaudeville has opened 

at Caplan's Variety Theatre. There also is a 

featui-e presentation . . . Wometco put on a 

sneak preview at three first runs and invited 

Christmas shoppers to shop Saturday evening 

and then come In and rest . . . The Boulevard 

Drive-In had an in-person appearance 

of the TV personality, "Tumbleweed." 

The Hallandale Drive-In took a small ad 

to call attention to its big ad on the same 

page for a Saturday evening of four feature 

films . . . Phyllis McMeen, the UCIjA junior 

who elected to become a press agent instead 

of taking a screen test after winning a 

"Strike It Rich" program, is in town in connection 

with the forthcoming " showing of 

"Written on the Wind" . . . Motion picture 

actress Gloria DeHaven will be married to 

Iccalite Dick Fincher at his mother's home 

here in January. 

An usher at the Riviera Theatre went 

cricket-hunting recently when nobody in 

greater Miami could produce a cricket to be 

used on the Steve Allen TV show, originating 

from here. The usher went to the piney woods 

near the theatre, captured a cricket off a 

palmetto frond and supplied the wanted prop 

... A localite, described as a "movie fan of 

long standing" by Herb Rau, called the latter 

to say that from now on he was staying home 

with TV, because with this medium "at least 

I have a choice. When a commercial comes 

on the screen I can pick up the evening paper 

and read for a while. But I can't do that in 

my favorite theatre anymore." He said he 

went to this theatre recently to see "Julie," 

but found himself in a captive audience, forced 

to watch what he described as "twenty minutes 

of commercials for all kinds of products" 

in between features. He reported considerable 

booing among this captive audience 

when the commercials hit the screen, and 

that several patrons demanded their money 

back. Rau found this situation "surprising" 

for a film such as "Julie," supposedly the 

fifth highest grosser in the nation today. 

Florida State Theatres is sponsoring a talent 

search in four theatres in conjunction 

with the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, which is 

to originate in Miami in January. Entry 

blanks are at the participating theatres: 

Cinema, Coral and Regent. 

Mitchell Wolfson, co-owner of Wometco 

and WTVJ, has been awarded a plaque by 

the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce for 

"exceptional public service" in helping found 

the Dade County citizen's safety council. 

Because he starred In "The Hitler Gang" 

several years ago, Bobby Watson was chosen 

to portray Adolph Hitler in WB's "The Story 

of Mankind." 

An Editorial Comment 

On Producers' Trials 

Columbus—Commenting: on the 

dilemma 

facing 20th-Fox on whether to let 

Elvis Presley die in "Love Me Tender," 

the Columbus Dispatch stated editorially: 

"We're glad we're in the newspaper business." 

The Dispatch noted that the producers 

had aslied for comment from 

movie fans on the proposed demise of the 

bobbysox idol. The original ending called 

for Elvis to succumb but the studio had 

received certain intimations from Presley 

fans that unfortunate boxoffice repercussions 

might be felt unless the sideburned 

hero of the bobbysox brigrade is 

permitted to stay alive. The compromise 

is that Elvis is killed in the next-to-last 

scene. But the final scene will show him 

picking himself up and walking toward 

the heavens, guitar in hand, singing the 

theme song. 

91 From Foreign Lands 

HOLLYWOOD—Ninety-one visitors from 

29 foreign nations were guests of the international 

committee of the Ass'n of Motion 

Picture Producers during November, chairman 

Carl Schaefer reports. Newspaper correspondents 

made up nearly one-third of the 

total count, with the remainder of the visitors 

coming from the fields of government, 

education, law, business and industry. 

To Script *Harlow' Story 

HOLLYWOOD — Arthur Ross has been 

signed by 20th-Fox to script "The Jean Harlow 

Story" from an original treatment by 

Adela Rogers St. John. According to production 

chief Buddy Adler, either Jayne Mansfield 

or Marilyn Monroe will essay the title 

role. 

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Sunday Losing as Best 

Columbus Show Day 

By FRED OESTREICKER 

Trend in the Columbus, Ohio, area is 

away from Sunday as the best show day, 

although rainy Sundays will do fairly 

well. A number of patrons who used to attend 

theatres on Sunday nights have 

shifted to Sunday matinees, so that they 

can see the big Sunday night TV shows. 

Bright days do send prospective patrons 

out on the roads on Sundays. Saturday 

matinees, on nonfootball days here, are 

still fairly good and Saturday nights, with 

a strong picture, are the best of the week. 

Friday nights suffer from opposition from 

high school football games and social 

events, but if the attraction is strong 

enough it will do good business. 

One exhibitor thinks the long weekend 

from Fi-iday night to Monday morning 

iretatl stores don't open until noon Monday) 

has cut into theatre attendance as 

much as any other factor. "People got into 

the habit during the war of traveling 

long distances to see husbands, fiances, 

sons and brothers," said he. "Now they think 

nothing of going to towns several hundred 

miles away on weekends to visit friends 

or relatives, shop or have fun away from 

home." 

"There is no such thing as regular family 

attendance at the movies," said he. 

"Decline of family-type pictures may have 

something to do with this but ever since 

the war we've noticed a disintegration of 

family attendance. The parents go to 

parties and the children come to the theatres 

in groups with their friends." 

Monday through Thursday is the week's 

low period, especially during the school 

year and heavy shopping seasons. Matinees 

generally have slumped, with the decline 

of pictures aimed particularly at women. 

"There's too much violence to attract 

women." He advised producers to return to 

pictures which entertain and leave a good 

taste in the mouth. 

NEW ORLEANS 

The Robertsdale Theatre, Robertsdale, Ala., 

closed December 11 . . . The Victory Theatre, 

Loxley, Ala., closed December 10 . . . 

In New Orleans booking and around Filmrow 

were A. L. Royal, Royal Theatres, Meridian, 

Miss.; W. E. Limmroth, Giddens & 

Rester Theatres, Mobile, Ala.; C. H. Crossley, 

Ritz, Royal and Starlite Drive-In, Laurel, 

Miss.; W. Shiell, Marrero Drive-In, Marrero; 

Ed Jenner, drive-in at Laurel, Miss.; Levon 

Ezell, Ritz, and Pix theatres, Pascagoula, 

Miss., and Ed Delaney, Pike Theatre, Magnolia. 

WOMPI's party for the orphans of the 

city was a huge success . . . The Variety Club 

telethon over the weekend, to raise funds for 

cerbral palsy children of New Orleans, was a 

success. 

Allied Artists will film some of the scenes 

in "The Victor Riesel Story" in the East. 

or 

Who 

are 

you? 

or 

/vnn.. jQftA«-«i^ 

mr. in-between? 

whoever you are, circuit executive, 

drive-in or indoor theatre operator, booker 

or buyer, film 

salesman or equipment 

dealer, (and wherever you are) you will find 

it 

pays to read the Sectional 

Editions of BOXOFFICE. 

dOXOFFICE ' Nationally extensive- Locally 

intensive 

BOXOFFICE : 

: December 22, 1956 57

CLYDE E. WEED Portrait by Fabian Bachrach 

225514 Anaconda Employees 

Are Buying U. S. Savings Bonds 

"In October, 1955, only 34% (11,140) of the nearly 

33,000 Anaconda organization employees in this country 

were buying U. S. Savings Bonds through the Payroll 

Savings Plan. 

"Late in 1955, we conducted a simple person-toperson 

canvass which put a Payroll Savings Application 

Blank in the hands of every employee. There was no 

pressure, no special promotion — just the Application 

Blank. Our employees did the rest. 

"Recently, our records showed that 22,514 of our men 

and women—69% — are now Payroll Savers. Every new 

employee is given a Payroll Savings Application Blank 

and an opportunity to join with his fellow workers 

in building personal security through systematic thrift. 

"We believe The Payroll Savings Plan— with an enrollment 

of 8,000,000 employees of more than 40,000 

companies— is a significant contribution to the Government's 

eflFort to check inflation and maintain a sound 

CLYDE E. WEED, President 

The Anaconda Company 

Why not take a personal interest in your Payroll Savings 

Plan? Your State Director will be glad to show you 

how to install the Payroll Savings Plan or revitalize an 

existing plan. Phone, wire or write, today, to Savings 

Bond Division, U. S. Treasury Department, Washington, 

D. C. 

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

thanks, jor their patriotic donation, the Advertising Council and 

BOXOFFICE 


: December 22, 1956

. . Filmrow 

I 

United of Oklahoma HOUSTON Houston ITA Names 

Adds R. M. Downing 

OKLAHOMA CITY—United Theatre Owners 

of Oklahoma's board of directors at its 

December meeting elected R. M. Downing, 

Collinsville, as a director to replace Harold 

Bowers, Tulsa. 

The board also invited Albert Sindlinger 

of Sindlinger Reports to be a speaker at the 

annual UTOO convention here in March. It 

UTOO 

was also decided to write letters to all 

members and ask them to suggest items for 

the UTOO convention agenda. 

Board members also heard a report on the 

National Allied convention in Dallas by Bernard 

McKenna and E. R. Slocum. Next meeting 

of the board will be January 7, 1957. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

Cervices were held here Fiiday (7) for Cecil 

Wills, longtime projectionist who died in 

Wesley Hospital after an illness of less than 

a week. Wills, 62, had been employed for the 

past two decades at the local 20th-Pox 

screeningroom. A projectionist since he was 

15. Wills was one of the last charter members 

of the local booth union. Survivors include 

his wife Ruth; two sons, Charles and Maurice, 

both of Oklahoma City: his mother, Mrs, 

Gertrude Dissing, and a half brother, Conrad 

Dissing. 

. 

G. W. Archer has closed the Butler Theatre 

at Butler, Okla., for the winter . . . The 

Fix at Wewoka will be closed temporarily 

while Bill Jensen is in the hospital. Jensen 

was injured recently in an automobile accident 

experienced a fairly busy 

Monday last week, despite icy roads following 

a sleet storm. At least one person was 

hurt as a result of the ice. Tina Wells of 

National Theatre Supply fell on the ice and 

strained her knee. 

Late vacationers at MGM are Bob Egbert, 

booker, who returned to his desk; Vera 

Strickland, off this week, and Eulalia Sample, 

who left Monday (17) . . . Exhibitors seen 

on Filmrow: H. S. McMurray, Dumas; Clint 

Applewhite, Carnegie; Bill Jones, Sand 

Springs; Eddie Jones, Tulsa; A. R. Walker, 

Broken Arrow; Oral Wingard, Jay and Grove: 

Ben Terry, Woodward; Lamar Guthrie, Eric; 

Jep Holman, Lindsay; Roy McCoy, Edmond; 

Rudolph Smith, Mountain View, and Truman 

EUerd, Blanchard. 

The best costs 

no more 

from Oklahoma Theatre Supply. 

Tîlt Overman, formerly with Cinerama in 

Dallas, is now with Interstate Theatres. 

He was here last week handling publicity on 

the Fred Astaire Almeda dance studio which 

will be formally opened January 19 . . . Lillian 

Kunkle, Southwestern Theatre Equipment 

Co., is moving to Dallas with her husband 

and children. She has been replaced by Mrs. 

Muriel Wilkinson who likes her work so much 

that she drives 47 miles daily (she lives in 

Deer Park) to do it. This is her first job in 

Houston in an office. The past five years 

have been spent working at home where there 

are three little Wilkinsons, aged 4, 3 and 1. 

Tom Vincent from Southwestern was in 

Weslaco on business . . . Henry Harrell, 20th- 

Fox manager, headed for the Rio Grande valley 

the 8th to spend about a week looking 

after accounts there . . . Manager John Winberry 

was at Mission during the week conferring 

on business with Border Theatres' 

R. D. Leatherman . . . Columbia's office manager 

Jim Hudgens and wife will spend a week 

during Christmastime in Dallas. They, along 

with son Gene and family from Jacksonville, 

Fla., will be visiting son Charles "Fînny" 

Hudgens, who is a Warner Bros, employe. 

All eight grandchildren of the Hudgens will 

enliven the scene. 

"Giant" was held over a sixth week at the 

Majestic . . . Willie's done it again. Willie 

Ratcliff, that is, offered an eight-unit show at 

his Epsom Drive-In ... A runnerup was the 

Irvington Drive-In with a seven-unit show 

. . . "The Search for Bridey Murphy" had its 

first Houston showing at the Wayside Theatre. 

"Inside Detroit" was back showing at the 

Trail Drive-In. It's one of the pictures in 

which Houston's own Tina Carver does a fine 

job . . . One of our shoot-em-up western films 

kept six of 86 Hungarian refugees from coming 

to Texas to live. They believed the cowboy-Indian 

Wild West era was current and 

declined the invitation of the Hungarian 

Freedom Committee . . . The Universal building 

on Danville street is now roofed and 

floored. 

Student Arts Theatre 

Started at Denton, Tex. 

DENTON, TEX.—The Plaza Theatre, which 

has been operated a number of years as a 

family type theatre by H. J. Robinson, has 

been extensively remodeled and reopened as 

the Denton Student Arts Theatre. The new 

policy will include the art features now being 

distributed on the foreign and domestic market. 

The opening attraction was "Diabolique," 

a French film. 

The theatre will have two showings a day 

at 2 and 7:30 p. m. Free coffee will be served 

in the lobby at all times. 

Denton is the home of two state-supported 

colleges, Texas State College for Women and 

North Texas State College. 

Robinson also operates the El Rancho 

Drive-In here. 

Ratcliff President 

HOUSTON—Willie Ratcliff, owner of the 

Epsom Drive-In, was elected president by the 

Houston Independent Theatre Ass'n Friday 

(7) at Frontier Inn. Alvin Guggenheim, manager 

of the Willowin, Broadway and Yale 

theatres, was elected vice-president. Dan 

Goodwin, manager of the Lone Star Winkler 

Drive-In, was chosen secretary-treasurer and 

Dick Wygant, Heights Theatre, was named 

chairman of the nominating committee. 

Lowell Bulpitt, Boulevard Theatre, is retiring 

president. 

An after-hours party for all the industry, 

which had been postponed the first week in 

December, was rescheduled for the Variety 

Club January 15. 

Presented for a first reading was an amendment 

calling for return to bi-weekly meetings 

instead of the present monthly meeting. The 

amendment will be read and voted upon at 

the January 4 meeting. 

Pawhuska CofC Arranges 

Two Yule Shows for Tots 

PAWHUSKA, OKLA. — The retail merchants 

committee of the Chamber of Commerce, 

in cooperation with Fred Brewer of 

the Kihekah Theatre, arranged to give local 

youngsters free movies on two Saturday 

mornings before Christmas. Police were assigned 

to be on hand as the shows let out to 

aid children through the busy pre-holiday 

traffic. 

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BOXOFFICE : 


sw 59

MOSE-ING 

THROUGH 

By EARL MOSELEY 

THE SHOW business Santa Claus of Fort 

Worth is Elmer Gordon, red suit, whiskers, 

jolly laugh and all. The juvenile patrons 

of the Fort Worth Twin Drive-In really look 

upon him as Santa Claus, too, for he plays 

the part to the hilt. In the three years he 

has been the local Leon Theatres manager, 

Gordon has not only given away candies, nuts 

and fruits to the kiddies, but has added such 

giveaways as electric trains and bicycles. 

Turkeys also go along in the deal. 

His snack bar, with a storeroom larger than 

most area drive-in stands in their entirety 

and situated to serve both sides of the dual 

lot with convenience, is dressed up with 

Christmas decorations to make it a veritable 

fairyland for the kids. Gordon really makes 

the holiday an event to remember. 

While December is considered a slow month 

at boxoffices, both indoor and out, Gordon 

believes that remembering the children tends 

to increase his receipts. After all, the kids 

want to see Santa and the parents have to 

buy tickets to get in and he likes the role. 

Gordon has been in show business since 

1921, six years of which were spent in the cafe 

business. The combined experience with the 

two lines has become invaluable in the operation 

of the 1,200-car ozoner and he believes 

in making good use of all holidays, irregardless 

of the time of the year in which they fall. 

This is his trick to beat the pre-yule slump. 

* • • 

Video Independent Theatres has tied in its 

Christmas gift book sales campaign with the 

giveaway of a brand new automobile. With 

each gift book sale the buyer is given a 

chance to get in on the drawing, to be held 

December 28. 

Best Wishes to All 

Central & West Texas 

.By EARL MOSELEY. 

Our Friends 

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2750 E. Houston San Antonio, Texas 

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STORMY MEADOWS 

Stoneltigli Hotel Dallas, Texas 

Elmer Gordon as 

Santa Claus 

Robert B. Miller, manager of the circuit's 

three theatres in Cleburne, has taken the gimmick 

a step further to bolster sales in his 

area. Miller set up a contest with his employes 

with a five-winner system. First prize 

winner receives a five-day paid vacation; 

second prize winner, a four-day leave; third 

prize, three days, and so on. And he has instructed 

them to go out and sell and not wait 

for the buyer to come to them. All employes 

are eligible, including the projectionists. 

Typical of his manner. Miller said: "I hope 

I finish in last place over the entire circuit 

because it will be one of the most successful 

sales drives that ever failed! It will mean 

that the rest of the circuit really did something 

big with them." 

The circuit prize for the most books sold 

is $100 for the manager. 

With gift book posters planted in several 

strategic spots, one of them adorns the tail 

gate of the company pickup truck. It is 

bannered: "Blow your horn and I will stop 

and sell you a gift book!" 

The gift books are issued in two denominations: 

the $5 and $2.50. However, the sales 

campaign has been focused on the five dollar 

book, with 98 per cent of the Cleburne record 

sales from this category. 

Miller personally treated his gang to a pre- 

Christmas party at the local Legion Hall December 

7, beginning at 11:30 p.m. 

• • * 

Since the beginning of motion picture the- 

HOT DOGS sell like HOT CAKES 

when served with America's best-fasfm' dressing! 

2921 COMMERCE • DALLAS, TEXAS 

WIIH HflSI 

PROJECTOR REPAIRS ALL MAKES 

MECHANISMS — MOVEMENTS 

I r\ It U/AITCDC 

8548 San Fernando 

— ARC CONTROLS & MOTORS • LUU WALICK^ DA 10341 Dallas, Texas i 

atres, December 25 has always been regarded 

as a day to make an extra buck at the boxoffice 

and with concessions. In the majority 

of nighttime indoor situations an extra matinee 

is added. The daily matinee situations 

look forward to above average attendance 

for Christmas Day, and most drive-ins anticipate 

their best December night, based on the 

fact that most are 12-month operations in 

this area. But few of them have ever closed 

just to enjoy a normal Christmas holiday, 

indoor or ozoner. 

We recall our Christmas in Ranger in 1943 

when we anxiously waited for the feature to 

arrive via train from Lubbock in time for the 

2:15 opening. It didn't arrive until nearly 

four; but we opened nevertheless with a western 

that was booked into the "B" house. It 

worked out very well since the Arcadia patrons 

not only got "I Dood It," but a yuletime 

bonus of Buster Crabbe as well. 

• 

We were alone in Breckenridge a year later 

and we recall having had generator trouble 

all day long in the old National. 

In 1945 we were working with Price J. 

Lawson at the Plaza in Brownwood. Lawson 

was a family man and we weakened to let 

him off for the day to be with his family. 

However, he returned to spell us an hour 

while we ate our traditional hotdog. A year 

later it wasn't that easy. Mealtime came and 

all the cafes had closed for the holiday. The 

Plaza manager, Mrs. Effie Kearley, found herself 

in the same boat with us, but we were 

rescued with a delicious home-cooked dinner 

from two of her friends. The only catch to 

it was she received no silverware with it. 

However, we managed to save ourselves from 

the brink of starvation by digging into the 

food with our fingers and with paper cups 

improvised into scoops. 

The day before we had worked for Erving 

M. Boone at the Lyric and gotten a radio out 

of the bargain. We kept it several years, too. 

We were in Dallas in 1947, working at the 

old Cliff Queen Theatre. For us, it represented 

our first Christmas at home with our 

We 

mother and two sisters for several years. 

were as anxious for the program to end on 

the 24th as if we still believed in Santa ourselves. 

Even though General Manager Ted 

W. Lewis came by the booth with a gilt, and* 

projectionist Norman Strieker paid us a visit, 

The Bells of St. Mary's" rolled on and on. 

Near the end of the fifth reel, Manager 

Guimillon Montgomery discovered there were 

only two young teeners left in the house. He 

prvailed upon them to leave, but, even then, It 

was pushing midnight. When we got home, 

we stayed up all night long enjoying the 

amazement of being home for the holiday, 

and capped it off by working an extra shift 

later that day and night. 

Up until now, the resume seems fairly 

typical of most show people whose circumstances 

have prevented them from attempting 

the holiday like the "civilians." But now 

the plot changes—for us, anyway. While we 

have written the success stories of many area 

showmen during the last year, we believe that 

Christmas 1948 was the beginning of ours. 

We were employed at the Ervay Theatre 

then and a party was given by Jerry Passmore 

and his wife at their home for the employes. 

Projectionist Marshall Rose of the 

Cliff Queen brought along the candy girl as 

his date. We got acquainted with each other 

that night. Less than four months later we 

were married. 

The following Christmas we were expecting 

a cherished present that didn't arrive until 

(Continued on next news page) 

60 


People who go places like a light refreshment... 

That's why Pepsi-Cola is America's 

fastest growing soft drink 

And Pepsi means more drinks per gallon—more profit per drink, too! 

Pepsi-Cola Company, 3 West 57th Street, New York 19, New York 

BOXOFFICE : 


61

MOSE-ING 

(Continued from preceding news page) 

January, our first daughter. Thereafter, 

Christmases were changed for us. We began 

to really enjoy Santa Claus time again, from 

living the excitement and charm through our 

little one. We now have two daughters that 

we can live it through. For most of us show 

people, we must live the event through those 

we love. But then, what else is Christmas? 

As our daughter Andrea began to grow 

older, we became choosy where we worked on 

Christmas Eve. Although we had our choice 

of higher scaled jobs on her third holiday 

with us, we relieved projectionist Jack Jenkins 

at the Vogue, only because it was the 

nearest theatre to our home. When we got 

out, we hurried home to be Santa Claus. 

After Donna came, we were employed at the 

Sunset Drive-In at Brownwood. Christmas 

Eve was booked with "Gone With the Wind." 

However, it was substituted at the last minute 

with "Rogue Cop" (two hours and 11 minutes 

shorter) and we gave our thanks for that. 

But last year Christmas Eve fell on Saturday 

and we ran a midnight preview before 

St. Nick arrived. The kids had been in 

slumberland quite a while when we arrived 

home for the Christmas bit. 

Yes, Christmas is for the children. 

On close 

inspection, we have found that New Year's, 

Easter, the 4th of July, Labor Day and 

Thanksgiving are also set apart from the 

older show people. 

However, we Moseleys have our own solution 

for it. 

We have set aside our own holiday, 

that of April 13 each year. We have 

taken this day as the one when we do not 

work, and we live like other people do on 

regular holidays. We do not worry and we 

have fun. We have used it in this fashion 

since 1950. 

Why April 13, you might ask? Well, that 

is our wedding anniversary. 

We four Moseleys want to wish everyone a 

Merry Christmas. 

62 

Named 

Pat Murphree Is 

To Texas Frito Position 

DALLAS—M. M. "Pat" Murfree has been 

named exclusive state broker for Champion 

ethe 

Foods, a division of 

Frito Co. The 

company will feature a 

special barbecue made 

especially for theatres 

and is to be sold 

through dealers to 

ki 

them. Murphree will 

head the new fine 

foods theatre division, 

recently created by the 

company. 

"This barbecue will 

not be sold in stores," 

Pat Murphree Murphree explained. 

"It has a finer hickory-smoked flavor for 

better spreading." 

Murphree has had 36 years experience in 

show business, which has included the management 

of theatres, operating his own film 

exchange, photography, acting and traveling 

with special attractions. 

Olen Nuckols Heads 

Oklahoma City Tent 

OKLAHOMA CITY—Olen Nuckols has 

been elected chief barker of Variety Tent 22, 

replacing Don TuUius. Installation will be in 

January. 

Other new officers named by the crew include 

Paul Rice, first assistant; Robert Busch, 

.second assistant; Jake Guiles, property 

master, and C. P. Motley, dough guy. 

Open Again at Moulton, Tex. 

MOULTON, TEX.—The Star Theatre here, 

which had been dark for some time, has been 

reopened by Mr. and Mrs. Willie Hoepfl jr., 

who leased the theatre from Bill Reeves. 

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LUBBOCK— B 

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COMPO 

Kyle Rorex, executive director of 

COMPO of Texas, sent out 8x5 Merry 

Christmas folders informing members of 

the trade that COMPO is moving its 

Dallas headquarters from 2008-A on 

Jackson street to 2013-A Young St. 

DALLAS 

H round the World in 80 Days," the second 

Todd-AO roadshow attraction, opened 

Thursday (20) at the Tower. Producer Mike 

Todd and R. J. O'Donnell, Interstate vicepresident, 

hosted a luncheon for the press in 

the Statler-Hilton Hotel prior to the first 

performance. "80 Days" is being shown on 

the same reserved-seat basis as "Oklahoma!" 

which ran 24 weeks. J. C. easier continues 

"Seven Wonders of the 

as manager . . . 

World" has been running continuously at the 

Melba here since May 1. 

Lew Bray jr. of the Queen in McAllen has 

brought along his many press clippings anent 

the various exploitation stunts he has tried 

there successfully and won awards for. His 

wishes are to transplant himself into a theatre 

in this area and he is using the excellent 

reviews to back up his application. His dad 

owns a small circuit in the Rio Grande valley 

. . . Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Herber were in 

east Texas Friday (14) for the funeral of 

Mrs. Herber's uncle . . . D. W. Usry, a veteran 

of many years in show business who is now 

.serving as relief projectionist at the Cleburne 

theatres, left Wednesday (19) for West Point 

to visit with his son there over the holidays. 

He will return January 3. 

Denton Manager J. P. Harrison reported 

through Harrel McKinzie that "Love Me 

Tender" opened there with higher boxoffice 

percentage totals than "War and Peace," 

"The Greatest Show on Earth" and "Ti-apeze." 

Three policemen were on duty inside the 

theatre at all times. On top of that "Friendly 

Persuasion" created an alltime house record 

two weeks before "Love Me Tender" that has 

not been broken. Oddly though, the title song 

of the Gary Cooper film is sung by Pat Boone, 

formerly of Fort Worth, and a strong contender 

throughout the nation with Presley 

in the pop field. 

Henry Lucht, one of the owners of the Sunset 

Drive-In at Brownwood, reported his 

mother recently died in Chicago. He and his 

wife left immediately for the funeral . . . 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Needham celebrated the 

sixth anniversary of the Camp Bowie Drlve- 

In there with a $l-a-carload night . . . 

Robert E. Moran has closed his Hi-Vue Drlve- 

In in south Oak Cliff for extensive remodeling. 

He plans to reopen Christmas night. 


People Harder to Entertain^ Says Russ Leddy 

Retiring 43-Year Green Bay Showman Feted by Industry in Milwaukee 

GREEN BAY, WIS.—Americans are harder 

to entertain then they used to be, according 

to Russell Leddy, manager of the Orpheum 

here since 1939 and a showman for 43 years. 

Leddy retired recently simultaneously with 

the transfer of the Orpheum operation from 

the John R. Minahan Trust Estate, Inc., to 

the Marcus Theatre Management Co. of Milwaukee. 

Leddy left for a winter stay in California. 

On his return he will act in an 

advisory capacity in the management of the 

Orpheum. Dick Brown, Leddy's assistant, 

was promoted to manager by Marcus Theatres. 

"The more people see of anything the more 

difficult they are to please. They get spoiled. 

They expect and demand more. It's like eating 

cake," Leddy said. 

SAW MANY CHANGES 

Since Leddy went on the stage as an actor 

before World War I he has seen many 

changes come to the entertainment field. He 

was there for the folding of the stock drama 

company, the death of vaudeville, the passing 

of the silent movie, the demise of radio 

drama, the arrival of television, and the 

development of the widescreen movie. 

It all adds up, he said, to proof of the 

fact that "there's always a lot of room for 

Improvement, no matter what the media is." 

A motion picture that seems excellent today 

may be laughed at tomorrow. The same holds 

true for almost everything, including plays, 

radio, and television, he said. 

He observed how pwor most old movies 

seem compared with those of today. He predicted 

that in five or six years today's television 

show will be obsolete. 

Leddy was honored at a farewell luncheon 

at the Schroeder Hotel in Milwaukee a few 

days before he and his wife left for California. 

Russ tried vainly to keep his forthcoming 

retirement a family secret, but somehow 

word leaked out, and the day before he 

and his wife left for the west coast, some 75 

close friends and associates gathered together 

to pay tribute to the veteran showman, 

even though it of necessity, was a 

hastily arranged affair. For, as matters stand 

now, had there been sufficient time to "do it 

up right," there would have been ten times 

the number present. 

STARTED IN MILWAUKEE 

Although Leddy's activities were at Green 

Bay the last 17 years, there were a number 

of reasons for holding the dinner in Milwaukee. 

Russ started his show business career 

there 43 years ago at the old Schubert Theatre 

as an actor. He played in stock companies 

for a number of years until World 

War I, and then entered the Army. 

After being mustered out, he returned to 

his first love and trod the planks of the 

various vaudeville circuits until 1928, when 

he teamed up with Milwaukee's Eddie Weisfelt 

to produce stage shows in that area. 

Veteran showmen of that era still recall the 

brilliance and glamor associated with their 

productions, which were staged at the Wisconsin, 

Palace, Strand, Alhambra, Oriental, 

Tower and many other houses. 

"But in 1929," Russ recalled, "along came 

A scene at the farewell luncheon gfiven Russ Leddy at the Schroeder Hotel in 

Milwaukee. Leddy, manager of the Orpheum in Green Bay, retired after 43 years 

in the theatre business, and left for California on a vacation. Standing, left to 

right: Harold J. Fitzgerald, Cap Thurwachter, Jack Lorenz, F. J. McWilliams, Leddy, 

Ben Marcus, Mrs. Leddy, Vic McCormick, Charles Brock, Andy Spheeris and Sig 

Goldberg. 

the crash and things really began to tighten 

up. However, Harold Fitzgerald, who at the 

time headed up the Fox-Midwesco, circuit as 

general manager, offered me a manager's job 

at the Garfield Theatre, and I accepted it. 

And for the next few years I moved from one 

house to another wherever Fitz felt I was 

needed." 

By this time Leddy's skill and know-how 

relative to promotions and showmanship in 

general came to the attention of radio station 

officials and very soon he was offered 

a proposition to become production manager 

for station WISN. 

After due thought and deliberation he 

With no holds barred he 

joined the station. 

sailed in and put on some of the most Interesting 

programs of the day. 

Best remembered, while with WISN, was 

his "Down by Herman's" skit. A series which 

ran for years, and subsequently developed 

into a byword among the listening audience. 

Minnesota Theatres 

To Collect for Hungary 

Minneapolis—Ben Berger, president of 

North Central Allied, and Charles Wlnchell, 

president of the Minnesota Amusement 

Co., arranged for the filming of a 

two-minute trailer appeal for theatre 

collections for Hungarian relief, following 

a conference here with the Minnesota 

Hungarian relief committee. 

Cedric Adams, local newspaper columnist, 

will voice the appeal. 

Winchell is endeavoring to arrange a 

special benefit showing of "Friendly 

Persuasion" with the Minneapolis Symphony 

orchestra at the State Theatre 

here and Berger wants to do similarly 

with "Tea and Sympathy" in all his 

situations. 

Corresponding to the Amos 'n' Andy vernacular 

or "Oh Oh!" and "Ah's regusted!" Leddy 

had his fans following this pattern: "Where 

ya goin'?" And the response was certain to 

be; "Down by Herman's." 

His success over WISN brought forth an 

offer from station WTMJ and, according to 

Russ, "It was such an attractive offer I just 

couldn't turn it down. So I moved over to 

WTMJ, where I remained until 1937." 

But the glamor of the theare was still in 

Leddy's veins and with a standing offer from 

Fitzgerald he returned to the Fox circuit until 

1939, when he was offered the position at 

Green Bay's Orpheum. Here, he soon became 

one of the city's foremost civic leaders. 

Fact of the matter is, with the city fathers 

behind him, for years he has been the area's 

Santa Claus. Even "brought" him in by train, 

plane and reindeer for the occasion. 

His familiar "Ho Ho Ho Ho!" as he greeted 

the masses congregated was a signal for a 

rousing cheer from both young and old, and 

he says he always got as much of a kick out 

of it as did the kids and grownups for that 

matter. With Leddy in retirement, however. 

Green Bay is going to miss that spark behind 

many of the civic celebrations. 

With this sort of a background it is understandable 

why it was a must, that some sort 

of an honor be accorded him at Milwaukee, 

even though it be hastily arranged. For, as 

many of his associates have often said, "Let 

there be anything doing in show business, say 

a testimonial to one of the guiding lights of 

the industry, and Russ could be depended 

upon to be present." 

Come Allied convention time, and as a 

director and committee chairman, Russ 

always handled the panels on key town discussions 

and is given much of the credit for 

many of the solutions which were obtained. 

He gave freely of his time for both Allied and 

(Continued on following page) 

BOXOFFICE : 

: December 22, 1956 NC 63

i George 

Harder to Entertain, 

Says Russ Leddy 

(Continued from preceding page) 

the Variety Club as well, and his retirement 

will be felt in all directions. 

Gracing the speaker's table at the luncheon 

in his honor were: Harold J. Fitzgerald, better 

known as "Mr. Movies" and now also in retirement 

to handle his diversified empire; Cap 

Thurwachter, another veteran showman in 

retirement; Jack Lorenz, manager at 20th- 

Pox; F. J. McWilliams, Portage, oldest man 

in the theatre business in Wisconsin; Vic 

McCormick, Green Bay, his old boss; Charlie 

Brock, Green Bay, long a friend and associate 

of both Leddy and McCormick. Brock, it will 

be recalled, was one of the Green Bay Packer 

football mainstays some years ago. Russ, it is 

said, was always on the sidelines during a 

game, and if the Packers won, Russ would 

chide Brock for not having run up a bigger 

score; and if they lost, he wanted to know 

why, and would point out in the films later, 

where poor judgment was used. 

But to continue with the personalities at 

the table, there were, Ben Marcus, of the 

circuit bearing his name, president of Allied, 

and naturally, master of ceremonies; Andy 

Spheeris, representing the Variety Club a^ 

chief barker, and interested in radio station 

WEMP, the Riverside, Towne and other 

theatres, and Sig Goldberg, with several theatres 

in the Wausau area, and former president 

of Allied. 

In this setting, sat Russ and his wife, as 

each one took the floor for a few moments to 

recall some of the highlights of Russ' long 

career in show business. 

Russ was presented a gold watch, while his 

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wife received a beautiful big white orchid. 

In addition to those already named, others 

who were present included 

Harold Pearson, Allied executive secretary, 

and wife; Morrie Anderson, RKO; Bennie 

Benjamin, Screen Guild; Byron Borszak, 

broker; Al Camillo and Al Frank, Fox Wisconsin; 

Dave Chapman, Harry Olshan, Columbia; 

George Devine, Paramount; George 

Edgerton, 20th-Fox; John Schuyler, Fred 

Florence, Delft circuit; Jack Frackman, Republic; 

Gen-y Fânzen, Cinema; Pat Halloran. 

Universal; Joe Imhof, UA; Sam Kaufman, 

broker. 

Also Rudy Koutnik, Highway 15 Outdoor; 

Al Kvool, Standard Theatres; A. J. Larson, 

National Theatre Supply; George Levine, 

Layton Theatre; Johnny Mednikow, National 

Screen Service; Harry Perlewitz, Colonial 

Theatre; Bernard Sherman, Sherman circuit; 

Dorothy Douglas, Al Sickels, Ollie Trampe, 

Ray Trampe, Film Service; Joe Strother, 

Henry Toilette, Marcus Theatres; Hugo Vogel, 

Theatre Supply; Harry Zaidens, lawyer; Stan 

Gross, Warner Theatres. 

Also Tony LaPorte, Avalon Theatre; Billy 

Pierce and wife. Savoy Theatre; Mrs. Evelyn 

Gutenberg, Grand Theatre; Mrs. Lydia Fox, 

Mrs. Vera Mellin, Allied; Angelo Provinzano, 

Pix Theatre; Joe Plotkin, restaurant owner; 

Clem Kraemer, Fern Theatre; John Kemptgen, 

Andy Kenny, Hilda Albrecht, Harry 

Schlar, MGM; Arlisle Roggenbach, secretary, 

Saxe. 

Cal Bard jr. Gets $11,250 

In Auto Damage Action 

WAHOO, NEB.—Calvin Bard jr., former 

Omaha United Artists salesman, was awarded 

$11,250 for Injuries suffered in an auto accident 

on Highway 30A a mile west of Wahoo 

Nov. 24, 1954. 

A Saunders County district court, out five 

hours, also awarded Bard $662 for auto damages. 

Bard's car and one driven by Edwin E. 

Hallberg of Wahoo coUided when the Hallberg 

auto attempted a turn off the highway. 

Bard is now on the United Artists sales staff 

at Dallas, Tex. 

OMAHA 

TTd Christiansen, exhibitor at Ord, is showing 

steady recovery after a long illness 

and is spending more and more time at the 

. . . 

. . . Jack Andrews, 

theatre. He was host to approximately 1,500 

children at the annual Christmas party sponsored 

by the Chamber of Commerce 

United Artists held its annual dinner party 

at the Paxton Hotel 

Columbia salesman, visited his son Brooks in 

Texas. Young Andrews, an insurance instructor, 

is doing well after a year in the hospital. 

Mrs. Bill Redenbo of the New Theatre at 

Stapleton, widely known for her sewing skill, 

put in a lot of hours before Christmas on 

fancy work for her two daughters . . . Dixie 

L. Hickman, secretary to Joe Jacobs at Columbia, 

as a first year bowler won fifth place 

in the Good Fellows tournament at the Rose 

Bowl . . . Fred Fejfar, MGM salesman, reported 

his wife somewhat better with sciatica 

after a stay in the hospital. 

Howard Kennedy, who has the Bow Theatre 

at Broken Bow, has been busy sorting his 

fine herd of Shorthorn cattle for feeding and 

Linn Pitts, Paramount salesman, 

shipping . . . 

and his family left for a trip to Dallas 

and Houston. They planned to visit Wally 

Johnson, former Friend exhibitor, en route 

. . . Iz Weiner, Universal manager, and salesmen 

Harry Fisher and Carl Reese attended a 

district sales meeting at Kansas City. 

John Preston, owner of the Coronado Theatre 

at Humphrey, reported that his mother 

is ill in the hospital at Columbus . . . Martin 

Hoberman has joined the Columbia staff as 

assistant booker . . . The United Artists staff 

received two extra checks before Christmas. 

Every member got at least a week's salary 

as a Christmas present and all shared in the 

prize money which the exchange won in the 

company's drive. 

Art Goodwater, who has the Capitol Theatre 

at Madison, has been shelling corn from 

his farms for cattle and hog feeding operations. 

One of the farms was practically dried 

out, the other did very well. 

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64 

BOXOFFICE 

: : December 22, 1956

, . When 

Glenn Slipper to Go 

To Coast With NTS 

OMAHA—Glenn Slipper, with National 

Theatre Supply here for many years, will 

leave January 2 to join the office in Los 

Angeles. 

Slipper came to Omaha from Los Angeles, 

where he was with National eight years ago. 

Hs was manager of the Omaha branch and 

later of the Omaha and Des Moines branches 

when they were consolidated. About a year 

ago the two branches were discontinued and 

Slipper remained as representative for this 

area. Los Angeles is his home town. 

Bill Allison will replace Slipper and he has 

moved here from Kansas City and established 

residence. Allison formerly was with the company 

in Denver and Oklahoma City and went 

to Kansas City about two years ago. He has 

worked both sides of the Nebraska territory 

and is familiar with the whole midwest area. 

a former exhibitor at Dalhart, Tex. 

He is 

Film industry members will give a farewell 

stag at the Birchwood Club December 27 for 

Slipper and Jay O'Malin, who is transferring 

from the Omaha United Artists branch to 

Albuquerque, N. M. Pat Halloran, 307 North 

16th St., is in charge of reservations. 

Elwin Murray Manages 

Legion-Run Showhouse 

WALLACE, NEB.—Elwin Murray is the 

new manager of the Legion Theatre here, sucreeding 

Warren Smith, manager for the 

past three years. The theatre is owned and 

operated by the members of American Legion 

Post 213, who volunteer their time and work 

to keep this business operating. They feel 

that it has contributed to the economic and 

social life of the community. 

The theatre was opened in January 1954 

with new projection equipment. When 

patronage continued to grow, the Legion 

members decided to install air conditioning. 

A year ago a new widescreen was added as 

well as more projection equipment at a cost 

of $1,400. This debt has been very nearly 

paid off. 

Hearty Again, Fred Deuth 

Holds Free Film Party 

HERON LAKE, MINN.—To celebrate his recovery 

from an injury suffered three months 

ago, Fred Deuth opened the doors of his Lake 

Theatre and welcomed some 800 guests to 

two free performances. The theatre had been 

closed since Deuth ruptured a spinal disc 

and was confined to his home. 

Deuth, who has been operating the theatre 

here for the past ten years, is a devoted 

family man, and the Heron Lake Theatre is 

a family operation. Mrs. Deuth and the 

children "help out" regularly. Deuth has also 

made his theatre a family theatre and two 

nights every week, Tuesday and Wednesday, 

the admission price for an entire family is 

still 60 cents. 

Long-Time 

Theatreman Dies 

GOTHENBURG, NEB.—Glen Van Wey 

died here recently after an illness of several 

months. He was 67. With his son Ernest, 

Van Wey had owned and operated the Sun 

Theatre here for many years. 

MINNEAPOLIS 

Jess McBride, Paramount manager, took an 

active part in helping to make KMGM- 

TV's telethon to raise funds to fight muscular 

dystrophy a success. More than $50,000 was 

One of the "hits" ot 

pledged by listeners . . . 

the Warner Bros. Christmas party at the 

Hotel Leamington was an amusing skit written, 

produced and acted by the branch's 

feminine employes . anybody called 

the U-I exchange this week the operator 

greeted him or her with "Merry Christmas." 

Ivan Fuldauer, MGM division press representative, 

is remaining in town to handle the 

exploitation duties at the local branch until 

he ?,ppoints a successor to Bob Stone, who resigned 

to become head of public relations at 

the KMGM television station . . . Earl Palnblit. 

Paramount booker, quit to move to Los 

Angeles where he'll enter another kind of 

business . . . "Love Me Tender" breaks for 

the 28-day earliest availability theatres here 

January 1, according to Jack Cohan, 20th- 

Fox manager. 

Ralph Maw, MGM manager, and Northwest 

Air Lines were hosts at a Japanese sukiyaki 

dinner party and a screening of "Teahouse of 

the August Moon" and a good time was had 

by all. The repast and the picture won the 

guests' raves . . . LeRoy J. Miller, U-I manager, 

and the exchange's salesmen were in 

Phil Jason, 

Chicago for a sales meeting . . . 

Cinerama managing director here, accompanied 

the Minneapolis Philharmonic male 

singing group to Chicago where they appeared 

in person at the Windy City premiere 

of "Seven Wonders of the World." Their 

voices are heard in this picture which now 

is in its 20th big week at the Century Theatre 

here. 

Ben Berg:er and Lowell Kaplan, back after 

attending a meeting of operators and managers 

of independent legitimate theatres in 

New York, believe the future holds the 

promise of more touring attractions for 

Minneapolis and other cities . . . Lowell 

Kaplan, Berger circuit buyer-booker and Lyceum 

Theatre manager, will go to New York 

next week with the family for a three-week 

vacation in the big town where his wife's 

The withdrawal of the 

relatives reside . . . 

"Baby Doll" prints temporarily has resulted 

in the cancellation of the picture's bookings 

into the Minneapolis and St. Paul Orpheums 

day and date New Year's week. In its place 

the houses will have "Written on the Wind." 

The Christmas week attraction will be 

"Bundle of Joy." 

Young Earlybirds Catch 

Santa Claus at New Ulm 

NEW ULM, MINN.—About 250 

youngsters 

passed up their usual late Saturday morning 

sleep to visit with Santa Claus bright and 

early at the children's Christmas party 

which went on all day at the New Ulm Theatre. 

The Civic and Commerce Ass'n sponsored 

the affair. Santa brought some 2,000 

sacks of candy to the theatre and distributed 

them between shows, which were held at 9 

and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Streams of 

youngsters attended through the day. 

ADVANCE 

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BOXOFFICE : 


65

Pal Halloran Elected 

Tent 16 Chief Barker 

OMAHA—Pat Halloran, Buena Vista representative 

for this territory and formerly 

with 20th-Fox, was elected chief barker of 

Variety Tent 16, succeeding J. Robert Hoff. 

Don Hammond, owner of the Seven Seas 

and Hammond Booking Agency, is first assistant, 

and Norman Nielsen, RKO representative 

is second assistant, Glenn Trump, Ak- 

Sar-Ben official, is dough guy and George 

Regan, 20th-Fox manager, is property master. 

Members of the crew are Ross Lorello, 

operator of a steak house; Frank Gartner, 

Film Transport; Sam Stern, Forty Bowl; Joe 

Jacobs, Columbia manager; Bill Barker, 

Co-Op Booking Service; Abe Slusky, Playland 

Park, and Lyle DeMoss, radio station official. 

Hoff is international canvasman. 

The election took place at the annual dinner 

dance at the Blackstone Hotel. Halloran 

said the inaugural ball will be held late in 

January. J. Robert O'Donnell of Dallas will 

be the installing officer. 

Halloran said the membership drive, including 

a stag at the Fireside Inn, had been 

very good. 

"We may be heading for the biggest membership 

Variety has ever had," he said. 

Three Industryites Named 

On 'Ten Top Goofs' List 

MINNEAPOLIS—The University of Minnesota 

Daily, the student newspaper, has a new 

year's top ten designation and selection—"the 

ten top goofs of 1956." And it includes among 

these "goofs" Marilyn Monroe, Mervyn Le- 

Roy and Elvis Presley. 

Screen star Miss Monroe gets in the list 

because "her desire to play Natasha in 'War 

and Peace' and Lady Macbeth, while not 

properly a goof, is a goofy ambition." Says 

the Daily: "With such fearsome desires and 

loads of money behind her, we tremble in anticipation 

of seeing her, ultimately, as St. 

Joan." 

The "goof" grade Is made by film director 

LeRoy because "his production of 'The Bad 

Seed' is a celluloid confirmation of Hollywood's 

infancy, embodied and preserved in 

the production code." 

It's explained by the Dally that Elvis Presley 

Is "a great enigma." Says the newspaper: 

"We feel that anyone who could cause 

such excitement, become such a success and 

shock so many worthy people must have 

goofed somewhere. The question of where 

is still a problem. But, In deference for the 

self-righteous, we have tacked him on the 

bottom of our list. Can so many unbiased 

critics be wrong?" 

The list also includes Sir Anthony Eden, 

Niklta Krushchev, Jawaharlal Nehru, Gemel 

Abdel Nasser, Drew Pearson, Harry Truman 

and Ellen Borden Stevenson. 

Hold Yule Party at Rialto 

GRAND RAPIDS, IOWA—The Rialto Theatre 

and the local Lion's Club teamed up 

to hold a special Saturday afternoon show 

and Christmas party for children, admission 

to which was one new toy to be given 

away or a repairable used toy. Collecting and 

repairing used toys has been an annual 

project of the Lion's Club here for many 

years. 

MILWAUKEE 

Cam Leghorn of Columbus, Wis., owner of 

the Plainfield Theatre in Plainfield, Wis., 

informs that the report in this column in the 

issue of Dec. 1, 1956, that this theatre was 

to be sold at auction was incorrect. We are, 

therefore, pleased to publish this correction. 

WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee Journal television 

station, has purchased an outstanding 

group of Warner motion pictures, it was 

announced by Walter J. Damm, vice-president 

of the Journal Co., and general manager 

of radio and television. According to 

Damm, none of the films has been shown 

in Milwaukee television. Included are The 

Adventures of Mark Twain, Maltese Falcon, 

Night and Day and Watch on the Rhine. 

Starring in the films are Dennis Morgan, 

Pat O'Brien, James Stewart, Jack Carson, Joe 

E. Brown, Wayne Morris, Edward Everett 

Horton, Doris Day, Loretta Young, Jane 

Wyman, Marlene Dietrich, James Cagney, 

Edward G. Robinson, Ginger Rogers, Barbara 

Stanwyck, and others. 

Herbert Krahn was elected president of the 

billposters Local 12, succeeding Michael 

Riley. CharUe Key was elected business agent, 

succeeding Bob Buxrude, who resigned in 

November. Ed Glaubitz was re-elected secretary-treasurer. 

The Warner Theatre's loss is the Juneau's 

gain, for in a recent shift, Wally Rieck, former 

house treasurer at the Warner, moved 

into the manager's slot at the Juneau. At 

this writing, Rieck's job hadn't been filled, 

and Manager Al Meskis, with Tom Senger, 

assistant, were doing double duty on the 

chores. Karen UUenberg is the new secretary 

to Harold Pearson, executive secretary of 

Allied of Wisconsin. 

A score or so of pickets, carrying signs, 

plodded around the Pabst Theatre entrance. 

The bill was the Yugoslav state company of 

dancers and musicians. A few of the cards 

bade welcome to the Kolo visitors, but most 

of them denounced President Tito and his 

regime most furiously. In a previous attraction, 

"The Chalk Garden," starring Ruth 

Chatterton, a virus infection forced Miss 

Chatterton to withdraw from the cast, the 

first time on the nationwide tour she has 

found this necessary. Her understudy Audrey 

Ridgwell took over the role. 

W. R. Frank and UA Named 

In Lawsuit for $15,000 

MINNEAPOLIS—W. R. Frank, local circuit 

owner and occasional Hollywood producer, 

and United Artists are co-defendants in a 

$15,000 federal court suit and for an accounting 

of profits on Frank Productions' "Sitting 

Bull," which UA distributes. 

The plaintiff is Cinematografica of Mexico 

which seeks recovery on a $15,000 note. It 

contends it loaned the amount on a note and 

also Invested money in the film and furnished 

physical facilities and services in return 

for a promised 15 per cent of the profits. 

The suit alleges the note is unpaid and 

although the producer's share of the profit 

is reported to be in excess of $800,000, no 

money has been received. 

Among the stars signed for UA's "Saint 

Joan" are Richard Widmark, Anton Walbrook, 

Felix Aylmer and Barry Jones. 

Twin City Scores Sag 

In Week Before Xmas 

MINNEAPOLIS—As to be expected, the 

week before Christmas for the most part 

spelled the usual boxoffice grief. Zero temperatures 

didn't help any, either, nor did 

the fact that the stores were open evenings. 

None of the few newcomers was able to overcome 

the handicap. The holdovers did relatively 

much better. They included "Julie" 

and "Oklahoma!" in their fifth and fourth 

weeks, respectively, and "The Girl He Left 

Behind" and "Tempest in the Flesh" in their 

second. 

Gopher Julie (MGM, 5th wk., five days 90 

Lyric The Girl He Left Behind (WB), 2nd wk...lOO 

Pon Port Afrique (Col); The White Squaw (Col) 70 

Orpheum Odongo (Col) 75 

Radio City Everything But the Truth (U-l).... 85 

State Oklahoma! (20th-Fox), 4th wk 110 

World Tempest in the Flesh (Pacemaker) 2nd wk. 95 

Omaha Grosses Slump 

In Holiday Doldrums 

OMAHA—The holiday doldrums engulfed 

Omaha's first run theatres and all the downtown 

grosses skidded below average. "Love 

Me Tender" went way down in its second 

week at the Omaha after only a fair opening 

week. 

Brandeis Tension at Table Rock (RKO) 

Omoha Love Me Tender (20th-Fox), 2nd wk. . . . 

80 

75 

Orpheum Teenage Rebel (20th-Fox); Stagecoach 

to Furv (20th-Fox) 85 

State The Great American Pastime (MGM) .... 80 

Drop in Color Productions 

Hurts Drive-In Business 

MINNEAPOLIS—As far as drive-in theatres 

are concerned, the present Hollywood 

trend away from color and back to black and 

white is an adverse development and likely 

to prove injurious to the boxoffice, in the 

opinion of Reno Wilk, Triangle Outdoor 

Theatres circuit general manager. 

Wilk points out that as of early last month, 

with 269 production seals issued, only 116 

were for tinters. 

"Color pictures are ozoners' bread and butter," 

says Wilk. "Patrons much prefer them 

and they invariably do the better business 

for the outdoor theatres. They show up much 

better than black and white on outdoor 

screens. During the past season I believe we 

didn't play more than a half-dozen pictures 

other than in color." 

It's all the more unfortunate for the drivein 

theatres that this apparent drift away 

from color, for economy or other reasons, 

because it comes at a time when the television 

color pace is accelerating and when more 

people may be attracted to summertime video 

with its likely not-so-old and better theatre 

features. Also, the increasing number of TV 

color sets and the growth of home air conditioning 

make it all the more essential that 

outdoor theatres be at their full strength, 

Wilk feels. 

Get $481 From Safe 

RACINE, WIS.—Burglars took a total of 

$481.73 from an office safe at the Uptown 

Theatre here recently during an earlymorning 

break-in. The money was taken 

after the 400-pound safe had been pulled 

from the theatre office into a hallway on the 

mezzanine floor and then broken open. Several 

bank deposit slips also were missing. 


Sky Drive-In, Adrian, 

Installs Heaters 

DETROIT—The policy of 12-month operation 

of outdoor theatres has been brought 

to Michigan for the first time as "Michigan's 

Pioneer Ail-Year Drive-In Theatre," the Sky 

Drive-In at Adrian, is continuing seven-daya-week 

operation until the end of the year. 

In January, the plan is to go to weekend 

operation only for the remainder of the 

winter. 

Commenting on the installation, William C. 

Jenkins jr., who manages the house, operated 

by William G. Jenkins, said, "The two types 

of heaters we have are working very well. 

Of course, it is nothing like summer business." 

The house is using a front page to announce 

the innovation in its regular weekly 

programs. A cartoon figure, chest filled with 

pride, announces "Open the year 'round 

exclusive in-car electric heaters." 

One other Michigan theatre has been wired 

for heater installations, but is not equipped 

for operation this winter. As far as is known, 

these are the only state airers equipping for 

winter operation, aside from some possible 

experimental installations, and the credit for 

pioneering in active service goes to the Sky. 

The recent heavy snows have proved a good 

break-in period. 

Carrying out a policy of specialized promotion, 

the Jenkins' are using a personal 

calling card printed on the back with an 

arresting, apparently moving optical illusion. 

Wilding-Henderson Co. 

Formed With Merger 

DETROIT—Organization of Wilding-Henderson, 

with studios at 13525 Livernois Ave., 

was announced here as the result of a merger 

arrangement between Wilding Picture Productions, 

leading industrial film producer, 

and A. J. Henderson Associates, which operated 

the studio on Livernois. It is understood 

that Wilding acquired the capital 

stock of Henderson. The Wilding organization, 

long maintaining headquaters in Chicago, 

was formerly located here. 

Industry Mason's Lodge 

Elects Harry Williams 

DETROIT—Harry Williams was elected 

master of Daylight Lodge 525, Detroit's Masonic 

organization made up primarily of 

show people, to succeed Milton R. Vine, 

formerly with the National Theatre orchestra. 

Others elected were: George Rapp, Sydney 

Gould, Joseph Brown, Philip Majeske, Sherwin 

Vine, Bruce Young, Max Pearl, Marvin 

Share, Nathan Dworin, Hy Jacobs, Paul 

Pitzer and Louis Markowitz. 

Nate Forrest to Retire; 

At Universal 42 Years 

DETROIT—Believed to be the oldest employe 

in length of service on the Motor City's 

Pilmrow, Nathaniel E. "Nate" Forrest, porter 

for U-I, is retiring December 24. He has 

been with Universal for 42 years, a record 

considered unmatched in the local industry. 

His departure also marks the move of U-I 

out of the Film Exchange building where it 

has been housed for about 30 years, to its 

own new exchange building across the street. 

DETROITER SAYS PROTECTION STILL 

ESSENTIAL 

Warns First Runs in Neighborhoods 

Would Create Too Many Problems 

By H. P. REVES 

DETROIT—Protection on films is essential 

to the typical exhibitor, and works in both 

dn-ections to aid the prior as well as the 

subsequent run, according to Sol Krim, Detroit 

independent exhibitor, who made the 

statement in an interview challenging the 

trend of industry thinking toward spreading 

out first runs. 

PLAYS OFFBEAT PICTURES 

Krim's declaration was directed specifically 

to recent statements in the trade press by 

fcam Pinanski of Boston and Judge Joseph P. 

Uvick, former president of Michigan Allied. 

Krim himself operates a house with a variety 

of experience, in the rather mixed category of 

a suburban semi-art first run theatre. To 

clai'ify his own position, he defines his basic 

policy as "offbeat pictures that the downtown 

theatres will not buy because they will 

not do well with it." This, he said, is generally 

true all over the country, even in New 

York citing the relative success of art films 

on say 59th Street and their comparative 

failure on Broadway. This background and 

the necessity of competing with major first 

runs for product makes his post a good observation 

point for the problems of both first 

and subsequent runs, and both downtown and 

neighborhood houses. 

"In the 25 years I have been in show business, 

I have never seen a downtown theatre 

saturate a picture by holding it too long," 

Krim said, scorning the primary reason 

usually given for attacks on the downtown 

runs. "On the contrary, when they held it 

a long time it usually was good for the subsequet 

runs—as the long run aroused the 

curiosity of the patron who does not come 

to the theatre often." 

Supporting the existing framework of 

established runs, Krim said, "The first runs 

serve as a guinea pig. Many pictures lay an 

egg in the first runs, and as a result the 

subsequents lay off buying it. Or sometimes 

they are able to buy a film under a B 

classification because it did not fare as well 

as anticipated." The first runs thus serve 

as an essential market-tester or purchasing 

agent function for the subsequents, he contends. 

TROUBLE FOR SMALL HOUSES 

Perhaps more important is the problem 

which would be created for the typical small 

neighborhood theatre by a spread of first 

runs into their own areas, Krim believes. 

"The less important theatres in the neighborhoods, 

who are really having a struggle, 

will find first run theatres in their own back 

yards—literally next door or across the 

street." 

The effect on business at the smaller house 

is obvious, but there is an important byproduct 

that would compound the injury, he 

believes. "This would mean that the so-called 

neighborhood theatres playing first runs 

would run pictures longer than the half or 

full week they have usually played. This 

would mean really saturating a picture—and 

right in the neighborhood where it could no 

longer do a profitable business on subsequent 

run." 

The proposals to move first runs to the 

neighborhoods, Krim charges, have "absolutely 

no regard for the subsequent run theatres 

beyond the second run—the exhibitors who 

are really suffering from poor business—in a 

large city area. It might work in smaller 

cities where there are fewer theatres and 

fewer classes of runs." 

Conceding that modem neighborhood theatres 

have such advantages as accessibility 

and good parking facilities, Krim challenged 

the analogy which has been given of department 

stores decentralizing, simply "because 

these stores also maintain as their 

prime outlet and showcase a big downtown 

store, several times the size of any suburban 

branch." 

Turning to terms of exhibition, he declared, 

"It is not the distributor who insists 

on protection—it is the exhibitor who 

insists on what he is entitled to. The elimination 

of protection would mean that the 

neighborhood theatre on a subesequent run 

would, in self defense, have to advertise a 

coming attraction while it was still playing 

at the first run—which would be very unfair 

to the first run (whether it was a downtown 

or neighborhood first run). 

"Further the first run operator never knows 

whether he will find it economically justifiable 

to pull a picture until a very few days 

in advance. As a result of this, the subsequent 

runs would not be able to book in 

advance properly—so the situation would be 

a logical (and economic) impossibility." 

Morganfield, Ky„ Theatre 

Sold by W. E. Horsefield 

STURGIS, KY.—W. E. Horsefield of Mor- 

the Morgan Theatre there 

ganfield has sold 

to Dr. William Humphrey and Edwin Johnson 

of Sturgis. Horsefield became a resident 

of Morganfield in 1932 when he bought the 

old theatre there. In 1936 the present Morgan 

building was built and attained widespread 

notice as western Kentucky's first air conditioned 

motion picture house. 

Horsefield and Edwin Johnson became 

partners when they bought the old Sturgis 

Ritz Theatre and started operating it. In 

1942 the new theatre was established in what 

used to be the gymnasium of the EMBA 

building, and the Ritz became the Victory. 

Johnson purchased Horsefield's interests in 

the Victory last January. Horsefield retains 

his theatre at Marion, which he said he plans 

to keep in operation. 

'Giant' Sixth Week Stay 

Sets Record at Detroit 

DETROIT — "Giant" is 

setting a new house 

record for the Michigan Theatre, 4,029-seat 

flagship house of United Detroit Theatres, 

by becoming the first feature to be held for 

a sixth week. Only one or two have run five 

weeks in the history of the big house, which 

dates back approximately 30 years. Advertising 

for "Giant" was being run for "last three 

days," "last two days," etc., when attendance 

continued so strong—rated at around twice 

normal after five weeks—that an extra week 

was added, upsetting local booking schedules. 

BOXOFFICE December 22, 1956 ME 67

. . Betty 

. . . Morrie 

. . Local 

. . The 

. . Loew's 

DETROIT 

J^rs. Alma Thomas, who has served on the 

BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award panel 

tor 13 years, received a special testimonial for 

her liaison service between films and the 

church from the metropolitan district Ministers 

Wives Alliance 

. Pussner, 

Paramount head booker, took a vacation, 

staying around town . . . Pierre LaMarre of 

Cooperative Theatres handled arrangements 

for the Variety Club party honoring the cast 

of "A Hatful of Rain" . 

. . Milton Herman, 

supervisor of the Detroit Theatre Enterprises, 

moved his office to the Roxy Theatre, a more 

centralized location in the circuit . . . Jean 

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Cupples, office secretary for Allied Theatres, 

said that the December board of directors 

meeting was postponed because of the holidays 

and absence of a number of exhibitors. 

. . . Mrs. 

Harley Ennis jr. and his wife Barbara, who 

run the Posen Theatre at Posen, each managed 

to get a buck during the hunting season 

—a record . . . John Vallier, who operates 

the most northerly theatre in the exchange 

territory, the St. Ignace at St. Ignace, was 

in town for an eye examination 

Elizabeth Moon closed the Palace Theatre at 

Petoskey for the winter . . . Bill Napier of the 

film exchange projection room, reported Bill 

Green of the Music Hall progressing at New 

Grace Hospital but expected to be there a few 

more weeks. Bill's sister Gertrude has been 

doing a wonderful job keeping things going 

for him. 

Richard Graff, U-I manager, led his sales 

cohorts, Bill Waldholz, Phil Stanton and 

Ernie Ziegler to Pittsburgh for a confab, just 

prior to opening of the new exchange here 

Weinsteln, UA sales manager, reported 

booking of "The King and Pour 

Queens" to open January 16 at the Michigan 

Theatre . Row visitors included Cass 

Beechler of Charlotte, Rene Germani of Monroe, 

and Jack and George Ryser of Albion. 

Francis Light missed bowling in the Nightingale 

Club for the first time because of illness. 

Robert Bloch, who had been ill, recovered 

sufficiently to return to his team. 

Christmas Greetings—A. Milo DeHaven of 

Toledo, formerly manager of the Grand and 

Belmont in Highland Park, led the Christmas 

card parade this year . . . Ray Scheetz 

sent greetings via steamboat . . . Ann and 

Maxie Gealer of Associated Theatres had 

Santa standing aboard a gift train. 

Dillon M. Krepps, managing director of the 

United Artists Theatre, closed his house December 

20, taking the holidays to get set for 

the opening of "Around the World in 80 

Days" 

. President Theatre, operated 

by the Affiliated Theatres cii'cuit, has been 

converted for use as a church. It was formerly 

known for years as the Ideal, under 

the management of the late Julius London 

. . . Victor Carlson, house manager of the 

United Artists, returned from a vacation 

spent at home in time to get in for the last 

week of "Oklahoma!" . . . Roger H. Lewis, 

UA advertising chief, was on the visitors 

roster. 

Cancer Society Honors 

Industry Employes 

DETROIT—Michigan's theatre employes 

were honored for their services in presenting 

the problems of cancer to the public at the 

annual dinner of the southeastern Michigan 

division of the American Cancer Society, held 

at the Women's City Club on Thursday. A 

plaque and certificate of appreciation were 

presented to the lATSE, represented by 

Gilbert E. Light, both as president of the 

Michigan Alliance and as business agent of 

projectionists Local 199, and to Roy R. Ruben, 

secretary of Local 199. Mrs. Ruben was also 

a guest at the event. Stagehands Local 38 and 

the Pontiac, Mount Clemens and Ann Arbor 

locals also were honored. 

The union has contributed the services of 

some 40 men for special shows running about 

two hours on education for cancer prevention. 

COLUMBUS 

/îant" equaled the year's long-run record 

here by opening a fifth week at the RKO 

Grand. "Guys and Dolls" played five weeks 

here earlier in the year . . "Love Me Tender" 

. 

was held for four additional days after a first 

. . . Loew's Ohio offered 

week at the Palace 

five hours of entertainment for one price in 

a special Christmas shoppers matinee Saturday 

(15). "Knights of the Round Table" plus 

four color cartoons and the regular dual bill. 

Howard Pearl, Detroit exploiteer for United 

Artists, was here for the advance campaign 

on "The King and Four Queens" which opens 

December 31 at Loew's Ohio . Broad 

has a booking of the Cinemascope version of 

"Oklahoma!" starting December 31 . . . 

Samuel T. Wilson, theatre editor of the Dispatch, 

was the subject of a full page promotional 

ad in the Dispatch with laudatory 

quotes on his work by Ed McGlone, RKO 

city manager; Walter Kessler, manager of 

Loew's Ohio; J. Real Neth, Neth Theatres. 

Loew's Ohio and Loew's Broad have installed 

"mechanical valets" in restrooms. 

Items offered at ten and 25 cents include 

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Sunday Slip Blamed UA Executives Guests at Luncheon 

On Top Employment 

CLEVELAND—There is a definite trend 

locally away from Sunday night theatregoing. 

Sunday night full houses are a thing of the 

past. The heavier attendance falls on Friday 

and Saturday nights. 

"There are many reasons for this," says 

Frank Cost, manager of Associated's Lake 

and Shore theatres. "Cleveland is a highly 

industrialized city. There is peak employment. 

These employes make up the masses 

that used to fill our theatres. Today with 

tensions high, these employes want to get to 

bed early Sunday night to be ready for work 

on Monday morning. Another factor is the 

working mother. She, too, has to be up early 

Monday morning to report for her job. But 

before leaving home she has to get the household 

in shipshape and get the children off 

to school. Late Sunday night hours just 

don't fit into this pattern of life." 

S. P. Gorrel, one of the owners of General 

Theatres, is of the opinion that the newspaper 

publicity given to juvenile delinquency 

has resulted in greater parental care of 

children. "Parents want their children home 

early Sunday night so as to be ready for 

school the following day." These two situations, 

it is believed by a great many exhibitors, 

also account for generally poor business 

Monday through Thursday. 

Theatre owners in small towns complain 

that planned school activities have seriously 

cut into weekend theatre attendance of young 

folk. 

Steve Vernarsky of the Palace Theatre, 

Hubbard, said weekend football, basketball 

and soccer games have cut heavily into his 

Friday night attendance which used to be 

tops. "And on Saturday nights the young 

people would rather get into an automobile 

and drive to a nearby town. It's the restless 

urge of youth, but it sure plays havoc with 

our business." 

Over in New London, John Guthrie solved 

his problem by having only one show a night 

at 8 p.m. "My people like to see a show from 

the beginning," he said "In a small town 

like New London everybody knows everybody 

else. They like to meet and chat in the 

lobby before the show starts. And they like 

to stop on the way out to discuss the picture 

with their fellow patrons. The policy has 

worked out all right." 

John St. Peter Is Elected 

Billposters President 

DETROIT—John St. Peter was elected 

president of Local 94 of billposters, billers and 

distributors to succeed Walter Frank. Other 

officers: vice-president, Luren Yeo; secretarytreasurer. 

Matt J. Kobe; business agent, 

.Michael Noch, who also is president of the 

international; chairman of trustees, George 

Kapano; trustees, Cass Frederick and John 

Frederick. Noch is starting his 20th year in 

the office and Kobe his 18th. 

Noch is leaving for Louisiana to spearhead 

a major organizational drive following repeal 

of the state right-to-work law. 

Two New ITO Members 

TOLEDO—Carl Long, Eastwood, and Edward 

Bialorucki, Ohio, are new members of 

the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio. 

United Artists hosted a luncheon at the Statler Hotel in Cleveland last week (5) 

for exhibitors when James A. Velde, UA general sales manager, and Gene Tunlck, 

eastern manager, were in the city. Above, left to right, are Tunick, Nate Schultz, 

Allied Artists executive; Sam Schultz, AA branch manager; P. E. Essick, Modern 

Theatres; Velde; Jack Essick, and Jim Kalafat, Associated circuit. 

Shown here are Dan Rosenthal, UA branch manager; Harold Raives, Schine Ohio 

district manager; Velde; Ruth Gardiniere, booker for Cooperative Theatres of Ohio; 

Jack Shulman, owner of the Lake Theatre in Painesville and the Lexington in Cleveland; 

Sam Gorrel, one of the partners in General Theatres, and Jim Shulman of the 

Lake and Lexington theatres. 

Above are Dan Rosenthal; AI Vermos, Yorktown and Mercury theatres; Velde; 

Jack Silverthorne, Hippodrome manager; Lewis Horwitz, Washington circuit; Abe 

Kramer, Associated circuit; Gene Tunick, and Jack Shulman. Some 50 theatre owners 

of Cleveland and the surrounding towns were present for the luncheon. Milton E. 

Cohen, eastern division manager, introduced Velde who made it plain that his visit 

to the major exchanges of the country was to get to know the company's custonvjrs 

"not," he said, "to tell you how to run your business nor to have you tell us how to 

run our business." 

Theatre Advertising Test 

Suggested by Ohio ITO 

COLUMBUS—A test 

to determine whether 

the public likes its pictures "straight"—uninterrupted 

by advertising slides—has been 

suggested in an Independent Theatre Owners 

of Ohio bulletin to members, which said: 

"Let two theatres in the same town play the 

same picture at the same time. One can play 

it at regular admissions without any interruptions. 

The other can sell screen ads 

to merchants to be put on every 20 minutes 

between reels. No admission to be charged, 

but the money for advertising to be regarded 

as offsetting the lack of admission charge. We 

believe that in most communities a large fraction, 

if not a majority, would go to the theatre 

and pay for not having any interruptions 

rather than see the picture chopped up as it 

is on television." 

John T. Millen, 72, Dies 

DETROIT—Johr^ T. Millen, 72. who was 

with a Detroit motion picture supply firm in 

the 1920s, died December 7. He subsequently 

won fame as director of the Detroit 

Zoological Park for 17 years until his retirement 

in 1944. His wife May Belle survives. 

BOXOFFICE : 


6a

. . Work 

17 

J 

CINCINNATI 

^hristmas and New Year parties are 

planned for Variety Club members and 

friends. On Saturday night (22) "Theatre- 

Supper- Shindig" is the name given the 

Christmas treat, starting with a supper premiere 

at 8:30 at the Palace Theatre screening 

room, cocktails in the clubrooms at 10, a 

surprise gimmick and supper. On Monday 

night (31) beginning at 9:30, "your ticket 

calls for all you want to eat and drink. 

Everything to bring 1957 in with a bang! 

It'll be an evening of fun-packed celebration. 

Music by Vic Russ' orchestra." Call the 

Variety Club early for reservations. 

Among exhibitors on the Row were Frank 

Carnahan and Bud Hughes, Manchester, Ky.; 

Joe Joseph, Salem, W. Va.; Jack Needham, 

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Columbus; Christian Pfister, Troy; Martin 

Junk, Frankfort; Fred Krimm and Lloyd 

Hildebrand, Dayton . is progressing 

on the two new drive-ins of Sam Levin, one 

on Ferguson road in Covedale, Cincinnati, 

and the other in Dayton. 

. . . 

Hatton Taylor, district manager, RKO, 

spent three days in the Cincinnati office conferring 

with Manager Lee Heidingsfeld . . . 

Florence Kipp, manager of the RKO Paramount, 

Cincinnati, held two children's morning 

shows on Saturday (22), sponsored by 

the merchants of the area who provided the 

tickets of admission to the children. One 

showing was at 9;30 and the other at 11:30 

Howard G. Minsky, Paramount division 

manager, visited local Managar E. C. De- 

Berry. The branch moved into new quarters 

at 1634 Central Parkway Friday (21). 

The Paramount Pep Club held its annual 

Christmas party Monday (17) at the Variety 

clubrooms. The evening included a buffet 

dinner, dancing and distribution of gifts . . . 

Student booker Barry Malas, Paramount, has 

been inducted into the armed services, and 

the office is on the lookout for a replacement 

. . . The advance ticket sales on "The Ten 

Commandments" are so heavy, the RKO 

management is arranging for an extra morning 

show. 

Detroit National Drops 

First Run Action Policy 

DETROIT—The new policy of first run 

action pictures has been dropped by the 

downtown National Theatre, operated by the 

Saul Korman circuit, after two weeks because 

of unfavorable patron reception. The advance 

in admission prices, from 50 to 60 

cents, established with the new policy, will 

be continued, but the house is returning to a 

subsequent run basis, with three changes a 

week, featuring action type films. 

Frequency of theatregoing habits was a 

major factor in the decision to switch back. 

The National found it had developed a substantial 

volume of patronage from steady repeat 

customers, who came two or three 

times a week and were disappointed when 

they found the bill was still the same a few 

days later on the full week runs. 

The situation was emphasized by a considerable 

number of patron complaints, from 

customers who were such regular patrons that 

they did not bother to look at the advertising 

out front, but just bought a ticket and 

walked in, only to return with the squawk 

that they saw the same bill a few days ago. 

Numerous refunds were made in such instances 

and Korman decided the house 

should return to its accustomed policy. 

BOWLING 

DETROIT—Half-points marked the top 

scores in the Nightingales Club Bowling 

League; 

Team Won Lost Tcom Won Lost 

Not'l Corbon 26V2 13Vi Amui't Sup. . 23 

Ernie Forbes .. 25 15 NTS Supply ... I6V2 231/2 

Altec 20 20 Local 199 15 25 

Everybody was rolling low this week. Only 

fair scorers were Roy Thompson sr. 190; Jack 

Colwell 190; Stewart Aplin 185; Edgar Douville 

185, and Floyd Akins 180. 

Big Ones Continue 

High at Cleveland 

CLEVELAND—The big ones continued to 

stay big at the boxoffice, with "The Ten 

Commandments" and "Cinerama" doing neck 

and neck business under a reserved seat 

policy. "Ten Commandments," in its fourth 

week at the Ohio, was way up to 350 per cent. 

"Oklahoma!" in CinemaScope hit a strong 

150 in its fifth and final week at the Stillman. 

At the Heights Art Theatre, "Private's 

Progress" continued to maintain a better than 

average weekly take and was held for a fourth 

week. 


Allen Giont (WB), 6tln wk 110 

Hippodrome The Mole People (U-l); Curucu, Beost 

of the Amozon (U-l) 160 

Heights Art Private's Progress (DCA), 3rd wk...I05 

Ohio The Ten Commandments (Para), 4th v/k., 

roadshow 350 

Palace This Is Cinerama (Cinerama), 4th wk 

State Everything But the Truth (U-l) 80 

Stillman Oklahoma! (20th-Fox), 5th wk 1 50 

Holdovers Remain Strong 

In Cincinnati Key Runs 

CINCINNATI—Grosses held up very well, 

even with three of the downtown houses 

showing holdovers. "Giant" in its fourth week 

at the Albee led with 160, and stayed for a 

fifth. "Between Heaven and Hell" at Keiths 

was next with 150, warranting a second week. 

Albee Giont (WB), 4th wk 160 

Grand Love Me Tender (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 130 

Keiths Between Heaven and Hell (20th-Fox) . . . . 150 

Palace Oklahoma! (20th-Fox), 4th wk 120 

'Commandments' and 'Giant' 

Divide Honors in Detroit 

DETROIT—The trend of business was 

notably downward, but not more than normal 

for the pre-Christmas season, despite a few 

significant exceptions. "Giant" held for a 

record sixth week at the Michigan, continuing 

to divide the big business with "The Ten 

Commandments." 

Adams Julie (MGM) 1 40 

Broadway Capitol Tension at Table Rock (RKO); 

The Man in the Vault (RKO) 80 

Fox—Love Me Tender (20th-Fox); Desperados Are 

in Town (20th-Fox), 3rd wk 70 

Madison The Ten Commandments (Para), 

3rd wk 250 

Michigan Giant (WB), 5th wk 200 

National Larceny (U-l); Shakedown (U-l) 60 

Palms Port Afrique (Col); 7th Covolry (Col).... 100 

United Artists Oklahoma! (20th-Fox), 6th wk... 75 

Ciiy Manager Entertains Staff 

PORTSMOUTH, OHIO—Phil Zeller, city 

manager for the local Columbia and Garden 

theatres, entertained 22 employes and their 

guests at a Christmas party Tuesday (18) 

at 11 p.m. It was the fourth annual yuletide 

party hosted by Zeller since he assumed his 

present position. 

ADVRNCll 

tBOSS 

?WJG1 




compelling 

off-stage 


NO RETURNSI 

riLMACK 

l}21S.WAtASH 

CHICAGO i. ILL. 

eachi 


: December 22, 1956

» 

BV Officers in Boston 

For 'Cinderella' Plans 

BOSTON—Nine officials of the Buena 

Vista Distributing Co. and Walt Disney Productions 

came in from New York to meet a 

group of New England exhibitors at a luncheon 

at the Sheraton Plaza Hotel Tuesday 

(11) in advance of "Cinderella," which is to 

be rereleased during the midwinter school 

vacation holidays in this territory. 

Al Margolies, director of advertising and 

publicity for BV, said: "'Cinderella' is being 

handled in every way as a new production. 

Everything surrounding the film is newnew 

pressbook, new stills and new merchandise, 

all to appeal to a new group of children." 

Lockwood-Gordon Managers Confer 

M. J. MULLIN SPEAKS 

Leo P. Samuels, president of Buena Vista, 

opened the proceedings following the luncheon. 

He introduced Martin J. MuUin, president 

of New England Theatres, who said, 

"We are indeed fortunate to have this fourth 

Buena Vista production for our territory." 

Samuel Pinanski, president of ATC, said: 

"Buena Vista started a happy precedent in 

having the New England area as a kickoff 

for their productions. But it occurs to me 

that while BV is streamlining their business 

on the one hand, they might take into 

account the antiquated system of availabilities 

now existing with all companies, and 

make this film available to a great many 

more theatres than heretofore." 

Vincent Jefferds, head of merchandising 

for Walt Disney Productions, told of the imposing 

list of merchandising tie-ins and the 

tremendous distribution of kiddy attractions 

connected with the film. He introduced the 

district manager of W. T. Grant stores for 

New England, who explained the plans for 

128 Grant stores to back the film. 

W. T. GRANT TIE-IN 

"For the first time in the history of the 

Grant stores, we are using a motion picture 

New 

tie-in with our merchandise. In the six 

England states we are spending $4,000 in 

our 128 stores for displays to carry the 'Cinderella' 

theme to our customers. Aside from 

this, we will be in the newspapers, on the 

radio in all our outlets on the 'Cinderella' 

story, starting in each locale one week before 

the playdate in your theatre and continuing 

for one week on. We are planning 

prizes among our managers for the best display 

in our store windows. Prizes will be 

offered children for the best coloring contests, 

and popularity contests are being set 

up with the winning girl receiving a complete 

Cinderella costume and the winning boy 

getting a Prince Charming outfit. As we are 

planning a big Cinderella display on a local 

level, we are welcoming all theatre managers 

in each location to work closely with 

us for the best results." 

Seated at the head table were Leo P. Samuels, 

president of BV; James V. O'Gara, 

eastern division manager; Louis Gaudreau, 

business manager; Robert Dorfman, exploitation 

manager; Leo Greenfield, assistant eastern 

division manager; Irving H. Ludwig, domestic 

sales manager; Vincent Jefferds, head 

of merchandising for Walt Disney Productions, 

and Irving Handlesman, sales promotion 

manager for merchandising for Walt 

Disney Productions. 

BOSTON—Lockwood & Gordon Enterprises 

held a general meeting of district managers 

and drive-in managers at the home office 

here recently. The annual get-together was 

called by Douglass Amos, general manager. 

Arthur Lockwood, president of the circuit, 

welcomed the group. 

Highlight of the meeting was the promotions 

and showmanship session, devoted 

to planning for the 1957 drive-in season. 

Managers were urged to stress public relations 

and promotions. A concessions contest 

was announced in which all managers wUl 

compete for substantial prizes, with the 

winner receiving an all-expense trip to 

Seekonk Drive-In Planners 

Win Latest Court Test 

BOSTON—In the continuing court action 

of the Independent Amusement Co., operator 

of the Bay State Drive-In at Seekonk, 

versus the town of Seekonk and Hyman E. 

Lepes and Norman Zalkind of Pall River, 

Superior Court Judge Vincent Brogna returned 

a favorable verdict for the defendants. 

Seekonk had given Lepes and Zalkind a 

permit to build and a license to operate a 

drive-in one mile from the Bay State. The 

Independent Amusement Co. initiated court 

action against the town, contending that the 

height of the proposed screen tower was a 

violation of the town zoning ordinance. 

Attorneys for the plaintiff have given 

notice of their intention to appeal. 

New Britain Rotary Club 

Hears Sperie Perakos 

HARTFORD — Sperie Perakos, general 

manager of Perakos Theatre Associates, took 

stock of the motion picture industry at a 

luncheon meeting of the New Britain Rotary 

Club. 

This is a comparatively young industry, he 

noted, but it has had a tremendous growth 

and has overcome many problems in the 

process. 

With the advent of television, a great 

challenge arose, he said. "Quality films and 

technical improvements are the obvious 

answers," he concluded. 

He was introduced by his younger brother, 

Peter Perakos jr., office manager and 

assistant to general manager, of the independent 

Connecticut circuit. 

Bermuda for two. The winners will be announced 

at the end of the 1957 season. 

During the two-day session, many operational 

problems were discussed, with several 

managers addressing the group on particular 

experiences they had had. 

In the photo, left to right, front row: 

William Dougherty, district manager; Norman 

Rolfe, district manager; Max Yunik, office 

manager; Douglass Amos, general manager; 

John O'Sullivan, district manager. Back row: 

Ray Thayer, Robert Duffy, Wilfred Howard, 

William Staples, Donald McPhee, Harry 

Sullivan, Vincent Youmatz, Harry Johnson, 

David Miller and Francis Cahalan. 

Interstate Theatres 

Trying Art Policy 

BOSTON—Interstate Theatres Corp. is 

trying out a midweek "art" policy in ten 

theatres in the New England territory. In 

each situation the new policy is on alternating 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays and managers are 

announcing the project by direct mailing, 

letters and follow-up postcards. With the 

emphasis on direct mail, the theatres are 

using a minimum of newspaper space to put 

over the innovation. Trailers are used on all 

theatre screens in the circuit. 

The policy, under the direct supervision 

of James Mahoney, general manager, is being 

closely scrutinized by officials of the 

circuit in an effort to assure establishment of 

the "art film" habit in each locale. During 

Christmas week, for instance, the circuit 

cancelled the art policy to emphasize holiday 

shows for children. After the first of the 

year the art policy will be continued. Theatres 

involved in the project are the Old 

Colony, Plymouth; Center, Hyannis; State, 

MUford; Strand, Southbridge, and Mahaiwe, 

Great Barrington, Mass.; Star, St. Johnsbury; 

Opera House, Bellows Falls, and Lyric, 

White River Junction, Vt.; Scenic, Rochester, 

N. H., and the Saybrook, Old Saybrook, Conn. 

The films booked by the circuit are the 

better English films, Italian opera films and 

the French and Italian pictures which have 

had successful runs in art houses in the 

key cities. Titles are "Mr. Hulot's Holiday," 

"Private's Progress," "The Sheep Has Five 

Legs," "Diabolique," "The Ladykillers" and 

"Too Bad She's Bad." 

BOXOFFICE : 


NE 71

' 

' 

' ' ' 

. . The 

HARTFORD 

Jockey Daly of the Blue Hills Drive-In will 

leave for Florida next month to vacation 

several weeks. Mickey attended the victory 

dinner for U. S. Rep-elect Edwin H. 

May at the Hartford Statler hotel the other 

night. Other theatremen present were Steve 

and Peter Perakos jr. of Perakos Theatre 

Associates . . . Elvis Presley's first film "Love 

Me Tender," has given show-wise theatremen 

in this territory some inspiration for 

unique ad copy in newspapers. The independent 

Strand, Mystic, for example, ran the 

line, "Elvis! Elvis! Presley! Presley! Bring 

mother and grandma to see this one!" 

Peter Walker, a 29-year-old Hartford 

native, took the long road to Hollywood, 

where he is now portraying Sterling Hayden's 

brother in "Valerie," for Hal Makelim 

Productions. Walker went to Paris seven 

years ago in search of a stage career, later 

appeared in five French films, and starred 

with Dolores Gray in the television film 

series, "Holiday in Paris." He returned to 

the U. S. early in the year. 

. 

Sal Adorno jr. of the Middletown Drive-In, 

advertising the double bill, "Blackboard 

Jungle" and "These Wilder Years," had this 

line, "Teenage Adventures" . . Morris 

Keppner of the Burnside Theatre Corp. was 

in New York . . . The Adorno houses in 

Middletown and Loew's Poll theatres 

throughout Connecticut sold Christmas gift 

ticket books. 

A Bugs Bunny cartoon carnival was held 

at the Eastwood, East Hartford, and Elm, 

West Hartford, December 15. Eighteen color 

cartoons were shown and free chocolate was 

distributed to youngster patrons. The regular 

admission scale prevailed . . . Vince 

Capuano of the Elm has been re-elected vicepresident 

of the Elmwood Business Associates, 

suburban businessmen's promotional group 

. . . The West Springfield Majestic doublebilled 

Academy Award winner "Marty" and 

"The King and I." 

Mrs. Hazel Florian of the Lockwood & 

Gordon Strand, Winsted, had area manufacturers 

and merchants underwrite a 

Christmas party December 8. An aide dressed 

as Santa Claus distributed candy, prizes and 

other novelties. Comedies and cartoons were 

screened . 

YOO CAM ee SUM Of BETTBR BUSIMeSS... 

'/ pV with SPICIAL 

Ml TRAILERS 

mod* with Shctmtanship 

know-how by 

Mon Pi[ioii[ SmyiEE ed. 

2 5 HYDE SI 

PHOnC ORduiav 3 9IE} 

OF DRIVE-IN 

THEATRE 

MORT ENGLAND, Broker 

85 Van Braani St. Pittsburgh 19, Pa. AT 1-1760 

lust' Third Week 

High in Boston 

BOSTON—The first 

heavy snowfall of the 

season arrived on Sunday and killed business 

for that day and the next. With the Christmas 

season upon shoppers, downtown theatres 

took another dip. Only one theatre 

had a new program, reporting below average 

business. 


Astor The Ten Commandments (Paro), 

3rd wk 110 

Beacon Hill Rififi (UMPO), 5th wk 80 

Boston Seven Wonders of the World 

(SW), 1 5th wk 90 

Exeter Street Richard III (Lopert), 5th wk 90 

Kenmore Lust for Life (MGM), 3rd wk 125 

Metropolitan Giant (WB), 6th wk 85 

Saxon Oklohoma! (Magna), 13th wk 90 

State and Orpheum Nightfall (Col); Seventh 

Cavalry (Col) 80 

Rififi' Is High With 150 

In Providence 

PROVIDENCE—Despite inclement weather 

and brisk Christmas shopping, "Rififi" playing 

at the Avon Cinema racked up 150 to lead 

all local first run houses. It was held. "The 

Girl He Left Behind," running at the RKO 

Albee, was next with 120. All other situations 

reported slightly less than average business, 

largely because of a Sunday night rainstorm. 

Albee The Girl He Left Behind (WB), . . 120 

Avon Rififi (UMPO) 150 

Loew's—The Black Sleep (UA); The Creeping 

Unknown (UA) 90 

Majestic Giant (WB), 4th wk . . . 90 

Strand Canyon River (AA) 

80 

Fourth Week Holdovers 

Tops in Hartford 

HARTFORD—"Rififi" seems destined for 

a long engagement at the Art Theatre. The 

French import in a fourth week at the 

Hartford Theatre circuit house grossed 150 

per cent. 

Allyn— 1,000 Yeors From Now (SR); Invasion USA 

(Col), reissue dq 

Art^Rififi (UMPO), 4th wk 150 

E. M. Loew—Seventh Cavalry (Col); Last Man' to 

Hang (Col), 2nd wk 90 

Palace Mon Bait (LP); Bad Blonde (LP) 

reissues 

' 

gj 

Parsons Lust for Life (MGM), Vth' wk.! 120 

Poll— Everything But the Truth (U-l); Accused of 

Murder (SR) 

) jq 

Strand—The Sharkfighters (UA); Fighting 

Trouble (AA) H5 

'Giant' Rates Well in Its 

Last New Haven Week 

NEW HAVEN—"Giant," the fh'st film ever 

to go four weeks at the Roger Sherman, 

brought in a respectable 90 per cent of normal 

revenue In its final quarter. Elsewhere, a 

pairing of "Juke Girl" and "Girls On Probation" 

gave Loew's College a big boost. 

College—Juke Girl (Federal.; Girls on Probation 

(Federal) 

J25 

Paramount—Mon From Del' Mo '(UA),' ' Flight ' to 

Hong Kong (UA) 05 

Poli—Lust for Life (MGM); The Mon la'Armed 

(Rep) 

105 

Roger Sherman Giant 

'.'.'.'.'.'. 

(WB), 4th wk 90 

Peter Perakos Sr. Offers 

Athletic Scholarships 

HARTFORD—Peter G. Perakos sr., president, 

Perakos Theatre Associates, will offer 

two perpetual football scholarships to senior 

members of the New Britain High School 

team. Perakos, long noted for philanthropic 

gestures, will set aside $500 to be divided 

equally, going to a lineman and backfleld 

man, to be selected by a sports-minded committee 

of the area. 

PROVIDENCE 

The recent cold weather, record-breaking 

for the time of year, forced the shuttering 

of many nearby drive-ins. Staging a 

last-minute stand against the bitter winds 

and biting cold were the Cranston, Boro 

and Lonsdale . Avon Cinema used 

large newspaper space to herald a screening 

of 

"Rififi." 

Again and again, theatregoers desiring to 

patronize their favorite neighborhood houses 

find themselves facing a dilemma, especially 

if they have seen the good attractions at the 

first run houses. The most recent aggravating 

situation saw "War and Peace" presented 

simultaneously at nearly a dozen neighborhood 

situations. 

The Sunday Journal devoted the entire 

front page of the amusement section to a 

feature story on the removal of the oncefamous 

organs in the Strand, State and 

Majestic. Carrying a picture of Chester 

McLean, Strand house-manager, and pictures 

of the relics of the organs, the article stirred 

up many nostalgic memories for older moviegoers. 

A resident of nearby Hope Valley, 

Theo Smith, is buying up the instruments 

"to save them from the scrap-pile." He 

repairs the organs, donating them to 

churches. He is also assembling a complete 

unit for his home. 

The Avon Cinema presented an all-disney 

show for the Rhode Island premiere of 

"Secrets of Life." In addition to the main 

attraction, other Disney films shown were 

"A Cowboy Needs a Horse" and "Cow Dog." 

Nelson Wright, manager of the Avon Cinema 

for the last four years, is leaving theatre 

business to enter private industry. He plans 

to associate with a relative in a Chevrolet 

agency in nearby North Attleboro. Wright 

has made a host of friends during the past 

few years, and his willingness to participate 

in all civic and philanthropic activities 

stamped him as a man of remarkable abilities. 

Sgt. George Blessing, amusement Inspector 

and film censor for the city of Providence, 

recently was promoted to lieutenant ... To 

promote gift books of theatre tickets, Phil 

Nemirow, Albee manager, is giving Speidel 

cuff link and tieclasp sets to male purchasers 

of the $5 and $10 books and earrings and 

brooch sets to the feminine patrons as an 

extra bonus. The gift books come in units 

of $3, $5 and $10 and afford a 10 per cent 

saving over regular admission prices. 

Joseph F. Reed Sr. Dies; 

Connecticut Exhibitor 

NEW HAVEN—Joseph F. Reed sr., 70, 

opsrator of two Connecticut theatres, died 

in Torrington Thursday (6). He operated the 

Bantam Theatre in Bantam and the Bryant 

Memorial Theatre in Washington. A native 

of New Haven, Reed was owner of a real 

estate and insurance business here before 

entering the theatre industry 15 years ago. 

His wife, Mrs. Constance Culpepper Reed, 

will continue to operate the theatres. Other 

survivors Include a son, a daughter, a brother 

and a sister. Funeral services and burial were 

held in Torrington. 

Warners' "Baby Doll" stars Karl Maiden, 

Carroll "Baby Doll" Baker and Ell Wallach. 


: December 22, 1956

THE YEAR'S SENSATION !! 

HELD OVER.,. 

...FROM COAST-TO-COAST 

ty 

AFRICA 'v4 

EXPLODES with 

NAKED 

^^TERROR! 

AND NOW 

JUST 

COMPLETED 

AN 

EXTENDED 

HOLD OVER 

RUN 

IN 

TRANS-LUX 

THEATRE 

BOSTON ! 

73

. . UA's 

NEWHAMPSHIRE 

JJew Hampshire's vacation and toxirist business 

for 1956 reached an estimated $194 

million, it has been disclosed by Ernest L. 

Sherman, executive director of the N. H. 

Planning and development committion. This 

represents an increase of nearly 11 per cent 

over the 1955 vacation-travel trade income 

of 175 million. 

The Nashua board of education has banned 

Elvis Presley-type haircuts and blue jeans 

in the Gate City's schools . . . The children's 

Christmas party scheduled in Rochester 

Saturday (15) under sponsorship of the 

greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, 

was moved to the Scenic Theatre, instead of 

being held in the squai-e as in previous years. 

Santa greeted the youngsters and the program 

included cartoons, Christmas music and 

other entertainment. 

Officials at the University of New Hampshire 

in Durham have estimated that only 

about 100 jobs are available for students in 

the village itself but these are "safe bets" 

year after year. The Franklin Theatre is one 

of the business establishments where student 

labor is a tradition, it was pointed out. It is 

the only motion picture house in the area 

. . . The State in Manchester offered genuine 

shark's teeth to the first 300 boys and girls 

attending a Sunday afternoon showing of the 

Victor Mature film, "The Sharkfighters." 

Joseph A. Herbert, who once operated a 

motion picture theatre in Montreal, is now 

president and treasurer of J. A. Herbert & 

Sons, a big retail furniture firm in Manchester, 

which has just completed its fifth expansion 

in less than ten years . . . Film 

actress Bette Davis, now living in Cape Elizabeth, 

Me., participated in a Hungarian relief 

program at the University of New Hampshire 

Thursday (6). She read Edna St. Vincent 

Millay's narrative poem, "The Murder of 

Lidice," which was written shortly after the 

Nazis' infamous destruction of the Czech 

village of that name during World War II. 

Three House Records Set 

By 'Giant' in New Haven 

NEW HAVEN—"Giant" set still another 

record at the SW Roger Sherman. 

The WB drama became the first film to 

play four weeks at the Sherman. Several 

other films have gone three weeks during 

the 30-year history of the downtown house, 

the most recent being "Battle Cry," but 

"Giant" is the only film to surpass the threeweek 

mark. 

/W^^ FAMOUS FOR 

*^Z^ MANY USES! 

Th«ta 3 frame trailart 

ADVANCE faotur* art backgroundt, 

photos and 

compolling off-ttog* 

voical 

^SS NO CONTRACTS, 

NO RETURNSI 

piUCi 

FILMACK 

IJ21S.WAIASH 

CHICAGO i III 

•achi 

Bill Dougherty Promoted 

To L&G District Chief 

BOSTON—A ppointment of William 

Dougherty as district manager in Connecticut 

for Lockwood & 

Gordon Enterprises 

has been announced by 

Arthur Lockwood, 

president. Dougherty 

will be in charge of 

the circuit's theatres 

in Norwalk, Bridgeport 

and Danbury. 

Dougherty has been 

with the circuit for ten 

years. He started as 

an usher at the Webb 

Wethers- 

Playhouse, 

William Dougherty field. Conn., then 

climbed the L&G ladder by serving in succession 

as assistant manager and then manager 

of circuit theatres in Providence, Windsor, 

Danbury, Wethersfield, Torrington, 

Bridgeport, East Windsor and Norwalk. His 

most recent assignment was as manager of 

the Norwalk Drive-In. 

BOSTON 

The Medford Twin Drive-In not only called 

it a day on Sunday (9), when the first 

snowfall hit this area, but closed its gates 

for its first season. The Meadow Glen Drive- 

In, on the other side of Medford, weathered 

the storm but announced its closing date as 

of a week later. There are now only three 

drive-ins open, all operated by Northeast 

Drive-In Theatres Corp., Michael Redstone, 

president. These are the Neponset and VFW 

Parkway drive-ins here and the Revere Drive- 

In at Revere. No closing date has been set 

for these three theatres. Redstone's huge 

Suffolk Downs Drive-In in East Boston, 

now under construction, is set to open after 

the first of the year. This new and handsome 

theatre is "winterized" for twelve 

months playing time. 

James W. Evans, ex-vaudevillian who is 

supposed to have started Ray Bolger on his 

theatrical career, died in Marion of a heart 

attack while attending a testimonial dinner 

in his honor at the Harbor restaurant on 

December 8. 

At the request of Jimmy Cagney, who was 

toastmaster at the recent Jimmy Fund banquet 

last June, Miss Nellie Manley, chairman 

of the fourth annual Deb Star ball has 

forwarded a check for $2,000 to the Children's 

Cancer Research Foundation. The check 

was accompanied by the following letter: "On 

Oct. 21, 1956, the makeup artists and hair 

stylists of the motion picture industry 

presented the 13 top motion picture Deb 

Stars on the Bob Hope TV-show. James 

Cagney, with Bob Hope, made the presentation. 

In gratitude to Mr. Cagney, we would 

l.ke to donate this sum of $2,000 to the Children's 

Cancer Research Foundation. This is 

a most worthy cause and one of the important 

charities to which Mr. Cagney subscribes." 

Perakos Managers Party 

HARTFORD—Sperle Perakos, general manager, 

Perakos Theatre Associates, scheduled 

the circuit's annual managers party for midnight 

at the Elm. West Hartford, on Saturday 

(15). 

BRIDGEPORT 

. . . Val 

tjdward Fisher sr.. former film actor and 

now house manager of the American 

Festival Shakespeare theatre in Stratford, 

has sponsored a Hungarian refugee 

Peterson, civil defense administrator, and his 

wife were house guests of Mr. and Mrs. Albert 

Pickus in Stratford. Pickus owns the Stratford 

Theatre and is civil defense head in 

that town. 

Stanley Warner City Manager Jean Du- 

Barry and his 

22nd wedding 

wife Frances celebrated their 

Sympathy to 

anniversary . . . 

John Pastor, projectionist at the American, 

on the death of his mother-in-law, and to 

Thomas Colwell, projectionist at the Beverly, 

on the death of his mother . The Warner 

. . 

and Merritt have "Baby Doll" set for New 

Year's Eve . . . Abe Bernstein of UA was in 

ahead of "The King and Four Queens." 

NEW HAVEN 

Area showmen at the Pioneers dinner included 

Harry Shaw, manager, and Lou Brown, 

. . . Burglars 

advertising-publicity director, of Loew's Poli- 

New England Theatres; John Pavone, AA 

exchange manager; retired exhibitor Michael 

Tomasino; MPTO's Herman Levy; Al Pickus, 

Stratford Theatre, and Jack Schwartz of the 

West End Theatre in Bridgeport . . . Jim 

Dolan, assistant manager at Loew's Poll, resigned 

to work for a midtown bank. A successor 

has not been named 

forced an exit door at the Fishman Lawrence 

Theatre, stole $15 from the ticket booth and 

overturned the safe. T'he burglars were unsuccessful 

in an attempt to open the safe, 

however. 

. . . 

Jimmy Nelson was working on "Rock, Rock, 

Rock" at Loew's College . Abe Bernstein 

helped promote "The King and Four 

Queens" at Loew's Poll in Bridgeport and the 

Roger Sherman here The W. T. Grant 

Co. bought two holiday shows, free for kids, 

at the Roger Sherman. 

VERMONT 

M'ew fire and safety regulations affecting 

theatres and other places of public 

assembly have been drawn up by the Vermont 

Department of Public Safety. They would 

go into effect 60 days after approval by Gov. 

Joseph Johnson. Each would have the effect 

of law and carry penalty provisions. Chester 

M. Kirby, deputy state fire marshal, said a 

public hearing will be held on the measures 

at the State House in Montpelier Tuesday 

(18) and Wednesday (19) to give people an 

opportunity to file objections and make suggestions. 

"It is not our wish to be dictatorial," 

he said. "We want merely to establish a 

standard to go by." 

Members of the local high school senior 

class held a benefit sale in the lobby of the 

Rialto Theatre in Waterbury December 1. 

Bridgeport Airer 

Closed 

HARTFORD—George E. Landers, division 

manager, E. M. Loew's Theatres, reports 

shuttering of the Candlelite Drive-In, 

Bridgeport, for the season. 


Abe Garson Retiring; 

Theatres to Odeon 

TORONTO—A. I. Garson, general manager 

of the joint enterprise operated in the Maritimes 

by Garson Theatres and Odeon Theatres, 

will retire at the year's end and Odeon 

will take over the Garson interests, according 

to L. W. Brockington, president of Odeon. 

The theatres are the Casino, Garrick, Oxford 

and Hyland in Halifax; Strand and Kent 

in St. John; Capitol and Empress in Moncton; 

Roseland, Academy and Highland Drivein 

in New Glasgow; Jubilee in Stellarton; 

Odeon in North Sydney; Strand in Sydney 

Mines and Capitol in Yarmouth. The district 

manager will be Lee April, with Lou Michelson 

as assistant. 

The president and directors of Odeon have 

expressed their regret at Garson's decision to 

retire, and their appreciation of his past 

services and their best wishes to him in his 

retirement. 

OTTAWA 

H unique stunt has been arranged by Manager 

Ed Burrows of the Odeon at Kingston, 

Ont., and Manager Pat Lambert of the 

Odeon, Kingston-on-Thames, England, in a 

half-hour Transatlantic telephone call December 

24 during which Christmas greetings 

and other messages will be exchanged between 

persons of the two theatres, particularly war 

brides now in Canada. Lambert is a former 

resident of the eastern Ontario city . . . Prank 

Gallop, manager of the Centre, officiated in 

the presentation of a $500 Foto-Nite award 

on the stage of the theatre to Emile La- 

Branche who qualified for the cash by attendance 

at the Francais when his name was 

called the previous week. 

Ross McLean, successor to John Grierson as 

commissioner of the National Film Board, is 

back in Ottawa after lengthy service with 

UNESCO in Paris. McLlean, who quit NFB 

in a disagreement with the Canadian government 

over a checkup of film board personnel, 

said he had received several industry offers, 

but expected to become a permanent resident 

of Toronto . . . Morris Berlin of the Somerset 

drew quite a crowd Friday night (14) by presenting 

an Elvis Presley imitation contest on 

the stage, for which there were eight local 

aspirants. 

The Famous Players Capitol became a concert 

hall December 13, when a program was 

presented by the Ottawa Philharmonic Society 

with Maureen Forrester, contralto, as 

soloist . . . After Manager Don Dickerson ol 

the Centre, Pembroke, presented a $250 movie 

game prize to Beatrice Kuno, announcement 

was made that the theatre had dropped the 

weekly contest because of lack of public Interest. 

Norman Simpson, a brother of General 

Manager Russ Simpson of the Ottawa Valley 

theatre circuit at Renfrew, has been promoted 

to manager of the St. John branch of 

of Canadian Paramount Pictures with which 

Russ had been Toronto manager for a long 

time. Norman was previously a Paramount 

salesman in Winnipeg. 

Gordon Sherreffs is writing "Rio Bravo" 

for Allied Artists. 

TORONTO 

T argely through the promotion work of 

Charles Mason of Canadian JARO, the 

CBC television network gave practically a 

half-hour pictorial program on the sinking 

of the German pocket-battleship Graf Spee 

in World War II along with interviews by 

naval seamen who participated in the spectacular 

episode depicted in "The Battle of 

the River Plate," which will have its Canadian 

premiere Christmas week at Odeon theatres 

in Toronto, Ottawa, London, Winnipeg, 

Vancouver and Victoria . . . "Khamishia," 

the second Israeli feature to reach Canada, 

opened Monday (17) at the Vaughan, Toronto, 

a unit of Bloom & Fine Theatres. The 

engagement was sponsored by the Ziona 

chapter of Hadassah. It was at this theatre 

that "Hill 24 Doesn't Answer" had a long run. 

One of the last engagements at the Hollywood 

before it becomes a first run unit of 

Famous Players Canadian Corp. was the 

Canadian premiere of the British picture, 

"Eye Witness." The Hollywood has been operated 

for a quarter of a century by Allen's 

Premier Theatres. The new manager wUl be 

Len Bishop, formerly with Shea's, which will 

close shortly . . . The executive organization 

for 1957 of Toronto Variety has been rounded 

out by the appointment of Phil Stone, newspaper 

and radio commentator, as ceremonial 

barker. 

. . . 

For Its latest off-beat one-night performance 

at $1 admission, the Christie screened 

"The Land," a Ukrainian feature. The Palace 

at St. Catharines had "The Merry Wives of 

Windsor" and the Hyland, London, featured 

"Boris Godunov" The Paramount at 

Brantford, Ont., broke its film policy by having 

a stage presentation of "Hamlet" by a 

touring company last Monday night under the 

sponsorship of the University Women's Club 

of Brantford. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra 

was on stage at the Palace, Hamilton, 

Wednesday for a concert sponsored by the 

Hamilton Police Ass'n. 

Stan Jacobson of Premiere Productions secured 

nice cooperation from the CBC television 

network with a program showing preparations 

for the opening of Circle December 27 

as a stage theatre, with "Uncle Willie." 

Second TV Station Okayed 

For Quebec City Location 

OTTAWA—The transport department of 

the Dominion government has issued a 

license to a second company in Quebec City, 

Television de Quebec, to operate a television 

broadcasting station primarily for Englishlanguage 

programs. Quebec City therefore 

becomes the first place in Canada to have 

two privately owned TV outlets. 

The original station there, CFCM-TV 

started July 17, 1954, and this Is one of two 

video units in which Famous Players Canadian 

Corp. holds a 50 per cent interest. 

Announcement was made by the transport 

department, however, that the new station 

in Quebec City will use the same transmitter 

and other equipment as CFCM-TV which 

specializes in French-language programs. 

The government department did not reveal 

the executive personnel of the new company 

at Quebec City. 

Quebec Allied Asks 

Lowered Age Limits 

MONTREAL—The Quebec Allied Theatrical 

Industries, at its annual meeting here recently, 

renewed its fight against the provincial 

law banning admission of children 

under 16 to theatres, and voted to ask that 

the age limit be lowered to 14. The Quebec 

government has barred children under 16 

from attending theatres since 1927. 

However, children are permitted to attend 

film showings in parish halls, and the theatre 

owners protested that these halls are not 

as safe as theatres. 

The organization also voted to ask the 

provincial government to repeal the amusement 

surtax on tickets costing $1 or less and 

to lower the amusement tax from 10 per cent 

to 8 per cent on tickets costing 75 cents and 

less. 

Doris Robert, Granby theatre operator, was 

re-elected president and other renamed officers 

include J. Arthur Hirsch, honorary 

president; Leo Choquette, vice-president; 

William E. Lester, chairman of the executive 

committee; William Elman, secretary, 

and George E. Arnott, treasurer. 

The directors are Joseph DeSeve, L. K. 

Jones, Charles Magnan, B. C. Salamis, Arthur 

Bahen, John Ganetakos and George Destounis. 

The organization decided to translate into 

French all materials to be issued from the 

office of H. C. D. Main, coordinator, in connection 

with the forthcoming Name the 

Oscars Contest of the Motion Picture Industry 

Council. These will be distributed 

through the Quebec association. 

Eglinton and Towne Team 

For Run of 'Persuasion' 

TORONTO—A new Famous Players theatre 

team, the Eglinton and Towne, will 

make a start at Christmas with an unlimited 

run of "Friendly Persuasion." The Eglinton, 

formerly teamed with the University, has 

been playing "War and Peace" as an individual 

theatre. 

The downtown Odeon will have "The Battle 

of the River Plate" for its holiday attraction, 

while the Hyland and Christie will 

have "A Lamp Is Heavy." 

The University wUl continue with Its 

roadshow engagement of "The Ten Commandments" 

with prices scaling up to $2.50, 

and "Oklahoma!" in Todd-AO is scheduled 

to remain for a 35th week at the Tivoli. These 

are the only holdovers for the Christmas 

season in Toronto. 

"The Girl Can't Help It" has been booked 

to follow "Love Me Tender" at Shea's, and 

other Christmas offerings are promised as 

follows: "Teahouse of the August Moon" at 

Loew's; "Hollywood or Bust" at the Imperial, 

and "Westward Ho the Wagons!" at the 

Uptown. 

Revives Two Foreign Films 

TORONTO — The International Cinema 

filled in the preholiday week with a revival of 

two features, one British and the other 

French, for a double bill which consisted of 

"Hobson's Choice" and "The Sheep Has Five 

Legs." 


MONTREAL 

Morthem Electric Co. here reported its Dominion 

Sound Equipments, Halifax, occupied 

new offices at 117 Howe Ave., rear, 

during the week of December 10. J. McEwan, 

Halifax district manager, said the company's 

new quarters will provide office and warehouse 

space the company badly required to 

handle the rapid expansion of business in 

the Nova Scotia area . . . The Capitol Theatre 

reported progress in its sale of tickets 

for "The Ten Commandments," which has 

obtained a "for the entire family" classification. 

Therefore, the film, to be shown exclusively 

by the Capitol starting December 

21, will be available to children under 16 

years of age. "The Ten Commandments" is 

an exclusive engagement at the Capitol. 

dent of Peerless Films, has left to spend some 

days at his company's Toronto offices. 

. . John 

Alphonse Patenaude, former owner of a 

theatre circuit in Montreal and Quebec and 

now a resident of St. Hubert, a suburb of 

Sam Pearlman, 

Montreal, was a visitor . . . 

eastern division manager for Cinerama, was 

a Montreal visitor for a few days and, according 

to reports, told his friends he considers 

Montreal his second home . 

Levitt, salesman for Columbia, and his wife 

will spend the Christmas holidays in New 

York City, visiting their daughter . . . Patrick 

Flannagan, accountant, is replacing Mrs. 

Jeannine Provost-Gaboury, who has resigned 

from Quebec Cinema Booking. 

RBMcriffiAU 

for 

MODERN THEATRE PLANNERS 

. . . 

. . Columbia's 

L. M. Bleackley, vice-president and managing 

director of Perkins Electric Co., was on 

business in Toronto . . . William Lester, vicepresident 

and general manager of United 

Amusement Corp., and assistant George Destounis 

also were in Toronto on business 

Eloi Cormier has left on his first business 

trip for Paramount since taking over the 

position of salesman at the beginning of the 

month. He is now traveling in the Ottawa 

valley . . . Art Bell, well-known booker on 

the local film exchange, formerly with RKO 

and then with Paramount in New York City, 

is now with Allied Artists in the same capacity, 

replacing Andre Link, who has been 

promoted salesman for IFD . 

Montreal office was closed in the afternoon 

December 11 in memory of Jack Cohn, who 

died m New York City . . . Jack Roher, presi- 

I 

g 

t 

Greetings 

1 HARRY BURKO 

SUITE 417 

3445 Cote des Neiges Rd. 

MONTREAL 

VSWEaKSMOMCaMOMnMCXKSWSaf£«£»£«:£«(£ 

Perkins Electric Co. reported a number of 

contracts being filled in various school halls 

and motion picture theatres. At the Laurier 

Theatre, Hull, Que., owned by Paul Lafontaine 

and Leo Lanctot, Perkins Electric has 

remodeled the stage and orchestra space. 

Some 50 seats were removed in order to enlarge 

the stage to accommodate radio broadcasts. 

Perkins reported using some 370 yards 

of new materials in redecorating the Laurier 

Theatre ... At the Rio, Longueuil, Que., 

Perkins renovated and modernized the stage. 

The Rio is owned by Henri Choquette . . . 

The Catholic school board of St. Johns, Que., 

engaged Perkins for stage decoration work 

to Sacred Heart and Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrix 

schools, while in the town of Mount Royal, 

the local protestant school board awarded to 

Perkins Electric contract for draperies, rigging 

and lighting equipment for the Russell 

school. 

Marcel Bellerive, owner of the Alamo Theatre, 

Chateauguay, Que., spent some time In a 

Montreal hospital and on his discharge from 

hospital visited the film exchange. Other 

visitors to Pilmrow were Guy L' Heureux, 

manager of the Imperial Theatre, St. Johns, 

Que., and Maurice Phaneuf, manager of the 

Granada, Sherbrooke, both units of United 

Amusement Corp.; A. Robert, of the Labelle, 

Labelle, Que., and Nat Cohen of the Crown, 

Brownsburg. 

Robert Letendre, president of the executive 

council of the Montreal Festivals Society, a 

provincial government agency, announced 

that Pierre Brasseur, one of the most notable 

stars of the French screen and stage, has 

accepted an invitation to participate in the 

21st festival next summer. 

Two Shows of Week Held 

In Six FPC Theatres 

TORONTO—Famous Players Canadian divided 

six theatres here for two Shows of the 

Week instead of the usual one combination. 

"Between Heaven and Hell" played the Beach, 

College and Parkdale, while another trio, the 

Capitol, Runnymede and St. Clair, featured 

"The Bad Seed." 

In the Odeon circuit there were also two 

groupings, with "Port Afrlque" on the screens 

of the downtown Odeon, Palrlawn and Colony, 

and "The Killers" at the Danforth and 

Humber. 

The title role In United Artists* "Saint 

Joan" will be played by 18-year-old Jean 

Seberg. 

ENROLLMENT FORM FOR FREE INFORMATION 

The MODERN THEATRE 

PLANNING INSTITUTE 

825 Van Brunt Blvd. 

Kansas City 24, Mo. 

Gentlemen: 

12-22-56 

Please enroll us in your RESEARCH BUREAU 

to receive information regularly, as released, on 

the following subjects for Theatre Planning: 

Acoustics 

n Lighting Fixtures 

Air Conditioning Plumbing Fixtures 

D Architectural Service j-, p,^-,^^^^,^ 

D "Black" Lighting 

D Building Material 

n d • .• t 

n Carpets 

n Coin Machines 

D Complete Remodeling 

D Decorating 

U Projection Lamps 

D Seating 

^ Signs and Marquees 

Sound Equipment 

D Television 

D Drink Dispensers D Theatre Fronts 

n Drive-In Equipment D Vending Equipment 

n Other Subjects 

Theatre 

Seating Capacity.. 

Address 

City 

State 

Signed 

Postage-paid reply cards for your further convenienc* 

in obtaining information are provided in The MODERN 

THEATRE Section, published with the first issue of 

each month. 


: December 22, 1956

Mayor Orders Action 

In Complaint of Film 

TORONTO—Police action was ordered by 

Mayor Nathan Phillips when complaints 

reached him while attending a dinner in the 

King Edward Hotel that "Untamed Mistress," 

playing the downtown Casino, was objectionable 

in its sex theme. The mayor ordered 

Police Inspector George Elliott to investigate, 

saying he hoped to have the picture withdrawn 

"if the film is as bad as it's described." 

Mayor Phillips declared, "Toronto is no 

place for this sort of nonsense," while civic 

controller Ford Brand asked, "What happened 

to the censor board and how did such 

a thing get through?" 

In jurisdictional procedure, the municipality 

has no control over the censoring of 

motion pictures, although it issues annual 

licenses for the operation of theatres. The 

examination of all films is vested in the Ontario 

board of censors. 

An official of the provincial board said 

that "Untamed Mistress" had been approved 

after some portions had been deleted. If objections 

are raised in a formal protest, the 

board follows the policy of giving a picture 

further study, but complete condemnation 

seldom comes in Ontario. 

Actually, the showing of "Untamed Mistress" 

at the Casino was its second Toronto 

run, the picture having recently played two 

Famous Players theatres, the Bloor and Oakwood, 

along with the Century, a Bloom & 

Fine unit. 

Dorothy St. Edwards, manager of the 

Bloor, declared: "I heard people say it was 

horrible, but there was no organized complaint. 

I saw it right through once and I 

thought it was terrible, but I can say that 

about other pictures—it's not the same as 

saying it's objectionable." 

Chairmen of Committees 

Named for Variety Tent 

TORONTO—N. A. Taylor, chief barker of 

Variety Tent 28, has named Dan Krendel, 

first chief barker, as chairman of the organization's 

vital fund-raising committee. 

Krendel and the other committee chairmen 

will name their own committeemen. 

Two key committees will be headed by 

Chester Friedman, property master. Friedman 

will again supervise the souvenir program 

for the annual baseball game and will 

act as publicity director for the tent. 

Other committee chairmen are: liaison 

with Variety Village, J. J. Fitzgibbons jr., assistant 

chief barker; public relations, James 

B. Nairn; finance, R. W. Bolstad; house, Len 

Bishop; production and entertainment, M. L. 

Axler; out of town fund-raising, John Kurk; 

movies for shut-ins, J. A. Troyer; sick and 

welfare and Village visits, Ben Granatstein; 

ceremonial barker, Phil Stone, with Larry 

Mann as alternate; press clipping library, 

Ben Halter; liaison with women's committee, 

Clare Appel; telephone committee, Joe Barmack, 

and membership, Ralph Dale. 

The heart fund trustees are David Griesdorf, 

Harry Mandell, William A. Summerville 

jr., J. J. Fitzgibbons sr.. Conn Smythe and 

Jack Kent Cooke. 

VANCOUVER 

Ted Bielby, former manager of the FPC 

Alma Theatre, is back from a Honolulu 

holiday. While he was away, the circuit closed 

the house for lack of business. A. E. Mc- 

Manus, president of lATSE Local 348, was 

away on a California vacation . . . The oneman-in-a-booth 

plan by the circuits will take 

effect late this month, when seven veteran 

booth workers will retire on pensions paid 

by the union and the chains . . . Added to the 

"adults only" list by the B. C. censors are 

The Beast of Hollow Mountain, Autumn 

Leaves, Girls in Prison, Strange Intruder and 

Cruel Tower. 

The Cinemascope version of "Oklahoma!" 

had been scheduled as the holiday attraction 

at the FPC Capitol Theatre. However, the 

booking was nullified when Odeon Theatres 

secured an interim injunction restraining 

20th-Fox from releasing "Oklahoma!" to any 

theatres other than those in the Odeon circuit 

Famous Players have two less theatres 

. . . in British Columbia. The 1,112-seat 

Strand in Trail was gutted by a fire. Manager 

Alex Barclay and his wife, who lived 

over the theatre, escaped in night clothes 

at 6:30 in the morning. The safe, with the 

receipts and Christmas gift tickets, was 

saved. Damage to the theatre block which 

included stores, was estimated at $275,000. 

FPC also turned the key in the Alma, a suburban 

theatre reopened two months ago. It 

will be sold for real estate. 

A picture for which the negative cost 

over $3,000,000 attracted $15 one night recently 

in a local subiurban house . . . Most 

theatres in this area have eliminated matinees 

. . . Ivan Ackery is supervising raising 

funds for the CPP benevolent fund with a 

turkey raffle . . . Pat Johnson, who resigned 

from the Orpheum and went to Fairbanks to 

work in a supper club, is back in her former 

job as cashier at the d-t Orpheum. Theatre 

folks and friends attended the trade ball 

and dinner held at a Forbidden City supper 

club Sunday (9). 

Motion picture business over September- 

November in this area dropped 25 per cent 

under that recorded for last year during the 

same period, exhibitors reported. TV was not 

the only factor cited as important. Showmen 

also blamed increasingly severe economic 

HANDY SUBSCRIPTION 

conditions in this area, with lumber and 

fishing also off. 

A local paper ran a story about the internal 

troubles of lATSE Local B-72. "There's 

quite a behind-the-scenes story to the internal 

battle which almost broke up a union 

meeting of local theatre employes. According 

to a witness, more than 40 members walked 

out after an official bitterly opposed by their 

group was re-elected." The paper added that 

the opposed members wanted a new executive 

and not a one man operated local. The 

matter is now in the hands of the lATSE in 

New York for a new election of officers. 

The band box Studio Theatre, 436-seat d-t 

art house, will be closed for two weeks for a 

$15,000 remodeling job. The big change will 

be the installation of a wall-to-wall screen. 

This means the owners will have to knock 

the walls out and widen the house before 

they can install a widescreen ... A noticeable 

increase in installment buying is blamed by 

theatremen as an important factor in their 

attendance. Credit is being watched closely 

by merchants and consumers. 

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The production of Warners' "Billy the Kid" 

scheduled for early spring.

ST. 

JOHN 

ISobert R. Murphy, who upon the retirement 

of Manager Patrick J. Hogan took over the 

Paramount branch here a few weeks ago, has 

resigned. He has returned to Montreal where 

he has taken up a position with a TV film 

supplier of shorts. Murphy was Paramount 

Montreal manager before coming to St. John 

and had been with the company for 22 years. 

In St. John to take over the office is Norman 

Simpson, Winnipeg salesman and 

brother of Russ Simpson, former Toronto 

manager for Paramount and new general 

manager of the Valley circuit in Ottawa. 

The FPC Capitol, Halifax, was rented to 

the Halifax Celebrity Concerts on a Sunday 

evening when Tito Gobbi, Baritone, gave a 

concert. Many Sunday evenings have been 

rented for the same purpose. The Capitol 

is the largest theatre in the Maritimes, with 

close to 2,000 seats . . . The FPC Paramount, 

Halifax, held an "Elmer's Theatre Party" 

Saturday morning with the showing of a Roy 

Rogers western and cartoons. Candy was 

given to the first 600 children attending and 

prizes were given from the stage. The show 

was sponsored by the Halifax Junior Board 

of Trade and the Halifax branch of the 

Children's Film Library committee of Canada. 

Admission to the show was to members 

of the "Elmer the Safety Elephant" Club. 

Romeo Nowlan, after an absence of several 

months, has returned to his old post as manager 

of the Roxy, Richibucto, N.B., and the 

Pine, Buctouche. Both theatres are owned by 

Harry Adkin . . . Kenneth Williamson, assistant 

manager of the FPC Paramount, 

Moncton, has been promoted to manager of 

the Savoy, Glace Bay, replacing Edgar Connors. 

. . . 

Peter Bianichinl, owner of the Family, Reserve 

Mines, N.S., has returned home after an 

extended visit to Italy. The Family is now 

operating Friday and Saturday evenings only 

. . . Keith Briggs is operating his Brigg's Theatre, 

Plaster Rock, on Monday, Tuesday, Friday 

The 

and Saturday evenings only Green Theatre, Florence ville, N.B., owned by 

S. Green & Sons, is temporarily enjoying excellent 

boxoffice due to the large influx of 

labor working on the Beechwood power dam. 

The Capitol in Woodstock, N. B., opened 

on a recent Sunday night, but after one performance 

a delegation from the Woodstock 

Ministerial Ass'n appealed to the town council, 

pointing out that Sunday showing for admissions 

violates the Lord's Day act. The 

council then instructed the solicitor to apply 

to the provincial attorney-general to prosecute. 

The F. G. Spencer Co., owner and operator 

of the Capitol, decided to discontinue 

Sunday shows. At present in northern New 

Brunswick there are several theatres operating 

on Sundays without interference. 

Mana.ger Harrison Howe of the Paramount, 

St. John, reported a very successful week with 

"Love Me Tender." The preholiday slump hit 

the Maritimes early this year—about the 7th. 

Several managers report the sales of Christmas 

gift tickets have been off compared to 

last year. 

'Commandments' Stays 

Leader in Toronto 

TORONTO—The week before Christmas 

most ace theatres in Toronto continued with 

holdovers as preparations were made, with 

exceptions such as "The Ten Command- 

The DeMille 

ments," for holiday attractions. 

epic in its fourth week at the University 

easily led the week's grosses. Loew's brought 

in "Power and the Prize" which was slightly 

above average at the boxoffice. 


Eglinton Wor and Peoce (Para), 4th wk 105 

Hyland The Long Arm (JARO), 2nd wk 95 

Imperial Tension at Table Rock (RKO) 100 

Loew's The Power ond the Prize (MGM) 105 

Nortown The Solid Gold Codillac (Col), 3rd wk. . . 95 

Odeon Port Afrique (Col) 95 

Shea's Love Me Tender {20th-Fox), 3rd wk 95 

Tivoli Oklahoma! (Magna), 34th wk 95 

Towne Lust for Life (MGM), 6th wk 95 

University The Ten Commandments (Para), 

4th wk 125 

Uptown Everything But the Truth (U-l), 2nd wk. 95 

Storms, Fogs and Christmas 

Slow Vancouver Trade 

VANCOUVER—Business was "tepid" here 

with storms, fog and Christmas shopping 

hurting theatres. The only bright spot was 

the fourth and final week of "Giant" at the 

Orpheum, although it was way down from its 

former business. "Julie" gave the Capitol a 

below average week. 

Cinema Strange Intruder (AA); Cruel Tower 

(AA) 

Fair 

Orpheum Giant (WB), 4th wk Good 

Plozo Miami Expose (Col); Convicted (Col) Fair 

Strand My Teenage Daughter (IFD); "The Young 

Guns (AA) 

Fair 

Vogue Between .Fair 

Heaven and Hell (20th-Fox) . . . 

^ .• ^ 

^v> '4 i 

Boxoffice reaches 

the 

right 

people. . 

FIRST 

in Total Circulation 

(21,659) 

in 

CLASS A* Circulotion 

(15,751) 

*Clas$ A circulation counts those who malce buying decisions 

in the exhibition field, such as theatre owners 

and managers, circuit executives, film buyers and 

bookers. BOXOFFICE has 5,061 more class A subscribers 

than the No. 2 film tradepaper. 

. and is read 

by more of them 

— by far — than 

is any other film 

tradepaper! 


: December 22, 1956

• ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

• ADLINES & EXPLOITIPS 

• BOXOFFICE BAROMETER 

• EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

• FEATURE RELEASE CHART 

• FEATURE REVIEW DIGEST 

• REVIEWS OF FEATURES 

• SHORTS RELEASE CHART 

• SHORT SUBJECT REVIEWS 

• SHOWMANOISING IDEAS 

mrrnm. 

THE GUIDE TO B BETTER BOOKING AND B U S I N E S S - B U I L D I N G 

Mana/ 

Winter Film Series 

Sold by Clubwomen 

A Festival of Art Films—five showings 

spaced approximately a month apart during 

the winter, except December was 

skipped—has assured a substantial extra 

profit for the Grand Theatre, managed by 

Wally Kemp, at Grand Island, Neb. 

Kemp promoted the series through the 

Grand Island Woman's Club, splitting SO- 

SO with the club after expenses. The 

women have a tidy mortgage on their new 

clubhouse and welcomed the chance to hew 

it down a bit. 

Booked for the series—from November 

1 to March 5—were Romeo and Juliet, The 

Prince of Players, The Beggar's Opera, The 

Virgin Queen and The Detective. 

The club sold season tickets at $4.50, no 

single admissions. Tickets bought at any 

time during the series are the full $4.50. 

This was to set up the festival as a prestige 

affair. 

Club members in formal dress handle the 

boxoffice, and ushering at each showing. 

Coffee is served during intermissions. The 

club sold sig ads in a six-page program, 

which further added to the proceeds. 

A cafe, cafeteria, dairy, baking company 

and photographer studio made block ticket 

purchases. 

Results have been very satisfactory, 

Kemp reports. 

'Lust for Life' Interest 

Built by Working Artist 

An artist was commissioned to paint a 

scene from "Lust for Life" on the theatre 

front above the marquee two weeks in advance 

of playing date for the film at 

Brandt's Flamingo Theatre in Miami 

Beach. Interest in progress of the artist's 

brightly colored picture led many passersby 

to become interested in seeing the MGM 

story of Van Gogh's life. 

Managing director Louis Fishkin also 

capitalized on another employment of the 

artist as an interest-arousing promotion by 

hiring him to set up his easel in Miami 

Beach's busiest sections during the film's 

showing. At these points where a maximum 

number of passersby would look over 

the artist's shoulder while he worked, he 

painted additional scenes from the motion 

picture. Printed posters attached to the 

easel provided onlookers with the theatre 

name and playdates for the film. 

Dance Contest, 

Aid Rock' 

Here's the float, featuring a dance teani, which toured New York City in behalf of the openings in 

Loew's metropolitan theatres of "Rock, Rock, Rock," There was extensive merchandising promotion 

for the rock and roll feature with music and record shops and department stores. Alan Freed, Chuck 

Berry and Connie Francis, appeared on the stage at some of the theatres. 

A dance marathon, starting at 11:30 

p.m., was staged by Bob Kessler, manager 

of the Benn Theatre at Philadelphia 

for "Rock, Rock, Rock." The prizes 

all promoted, were a $25 savings bond to 

the winning couple; $10 pair of shoes for 

both sexes, and third, shirts and ties. 

Motion pictures in 16mm were taken 

of the dancing derby and then shown the 

following week at the bank, shoe store, 

record shop and haberdashery which 

Major Break on 'Girl' 

In a major publicity break for 20th- 

Fox's "The Girl Can't Help It," a fourpart 

profile of Jayne Mansfield appeared 

in Hearst newspapers across the nation. 

Scenes from the rock 'n' roll comedy in 

which Miss Mansfield makes her film debut 

illustrate the series. The Mansfield 

biography was started in the Los Angeles 

Herald-Express and next appears shortly 

in the Boston Advertiser and Boston Record-American, 

and Milwaukee Sentinel. 

Following its run in the Hearst newspapers, 

the film feature will be syndicated 

to other newspapers over the country. 

donated the prizes. The films also were 

shown in the Benn lobby. All the spectators 

and dancers were notified to be 

on hand for this by big display at theatre. 

The dancing contest was announced 

by a screen trailer two weeks in advance, 

newspaper ad plugs, in tie-in deal with 

local dance studio, co-op heralds, essay 

contest in newspaper, record player in 

lobby and window cards. 

15-Foot Presley Cutout 

On Sidewalk Out Front 

Chuck Barnes, manager of the Kansas 

City Granada, emphasized that Elvis Presley 

is a BIG attraction by displaying a 15- 

foot 

cutout of the famous guitar man on 

the sidewalk in front of the theatre during 

the engagement of "Love Me Tender." The 

gigantic figure was provided with a tossing 

torso, while a loud speaker above the figure's 

head broadcast Presley's songs In a 

realistic manner. Further realism was 

achieved with a cardboard cutout of a 

hound dog seated at Elvis' feet. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : Dec. 22, 1956 

315 — 1

on radio and TV programs, the Teen Canteen 

and at the Famous ballroom. A picture 

of her with "Tender" lobby display 

was published in the Sunday American. 

Some 5,000 fan photos were given away. 

At Indianapolis, Dal Schuder. manager 

of the Circle, got the usual disc jockey 

cooperation and record dealer playdate 

placarding. To get photos in the local 

News and Times newspapers, Schuder had 

members of the Elvis Presley fan clubs 

gather at the theatre and unveil a two- 

'ided 11 -foot cutout of Elvis. Passes were 

given to the presidents, with one receiving 

a promoted album on a drawing. 

"Tender" drew the largest crowd at the 

Circle since "White Christmas" in 1954. 

Joel Chaseman ond Buddy Dean, standing, WITH disc jockeys, and Natt Hodgdon, stooping, general 

manager for Century and New Theatres, Baltimore, showing a window display in the Baltimore shopping 

district on a "Love Me Tender" contest. The prize was an Elvis Presley shirt, with copy — "Elvis 

Presley . . . Gave 

the Shirt off His Back." 

Young Salt lake Crowds Eat Up 

Street Act of 

Radio station KALL at Salt Lake City, 

which features its disc jockey shows, 

entered enthusiastically in promotion of 

"Love Me Tender" at the Rialto, supplying 

a soundtruck, disc jockeys and a 12-yearold 

Salt Laker with sideburns and guitar 

who had all the Elvis Presley motions 

down pat. 

While the sound truck played Presley 

records the young Elvis imitator went 

through the proper motions on busy street 

sites and in front of the theatre. The young 

crowds ate it up, Gene Bowles, Rialto 

manager, reports. The ballyhoo extended 

through opening day (Thanksgiving) and 

part of the next. 

Bowles scheduled a 10 a.m. to midnight 

run the first five days, Wednesday through 

Sunday. An all-girl matinee one morning 

filled the house. 

"All day long from 10 a.m. 'till 10 p.m. 

you could hear the music of the old coinchanger 

working overtime to keep the 

theatre packed not only with the younger 

set. but also with the oldsters who became 

curious when seeing the continuous line 

waiting to see the show. We had to hire 

extra help for the concessions counter." 

Bowles promoted a real live hound dog 

and a pair of blue suede shoes as contest 

prizes. 

Photos of Presley were given to all 

Presley Imitator 

girls 

In line at 10 a.m. each day. 

KALL tape-recorded the Presley sessions 

In front of the house and later broadcast 

It over a dies jockey show, girl squeals 

and all. 

At Baltimore, Natt Hodgdon, manager of 

the Century Theatre, lined up all three 

local radio stations in an Elvis Presley 

contest in which the grand prize was a 

shirt worn by the pelvis-shaker, with three 

45 rpm record players, 15 Presley albums 

and 35 records of "Love Me Tender." 

Contestants were asked to list songs recorded 

by Presley. The shirt was obtained 

through RCA Victor and the records from 

D&H Record Co., RCA distributor. 

The Presley shirt was featured in a large 

window of a downtown department store. 

Hodgdon had the pretty president of the 

Elvis Presley Club of Baltimore to appear 

Station KALL provided a soundtruck, their own 

disc jockeys and a 12-year-old Elvis Presley 

expert for a street promotion on "Love Me 

Tender" which Gene Bowles of the Rialto 

Theatre describes as "tremendous." 

Turkeys Fail to Attract 

Pre-Thanksgiving Trade 

John Denman, Pox Intermountain Theatres 

at Salt Lake City, reports a recent 

promotion that failed! 

Denman offered 100 turkeys in the four 

theatres he manages here in an attempt 

to hypo business during the week before 

Thanksgiving. Patrons who could answer 

several multiple-choice questions on history 

most closely were awarded the turkeys. 

Denman reported business was even off 

more than expected the Monday prior to 

Thanksgiving despite the contest. He believes 

that people are so used to seeing 

television contestants win thousands of 

dollars that they can't be lured out by 

small prizes. 

Showmanship Contest 

Under Way on 'The Sun' 

An exploitation contest for theatre managers 

in the United States and Canada 

who play Warner Bros.' "Chasing the Sun," 

a WarnerColor Featurette, has been 

launched with the cooperation of the many 

Florida state attractions which highlight 

the motion picture, and many of the Miami 

Beach hotels. The contest, which runs 

from December 1 through June 15, will 

send 15 winning theatre managers and 

their wives on a two week all-expense paid 

trip to Florida. 

The picture was aceorded a gala world 

premiere in three houses in the Miami 

area—the Beach in Miami Beach, the 

Olympia in Miami and the Gables in Coral 

Gables—December 5. 

Books on 'Wild Party' 

United Artists has arranged a wideranging 

book promotion with Fawcett Publications 

that will spotlight "The Wild 

Party" at 100,000 bookstores, newsstands 

and drugstores in 34 major market areas. 

Elvis Standee Is Prize 

Lou Cohen and Al Corey, Loew's Poll, 

Hartford, tied up with radio station 

WPOP for an Elvis Presley contest, offering 

the theatre six-foot lobby piece of the 

teenage hero for the best letter on "Why 

I'd Like the Lifelike Display of Elvis Presley," 

as part of the campaign. 

— 316 — BOXOFFICE Showmcmdisor : : Dec. 32, 1956

3,000 on Mailing List 

Of UA Digest in 1957 

Twelve issues of the United Artists Digest 

will be mailed to approximately 3,000 

newspaper editors, motion picture critics, 

feature writers, columnists, radio and television 

commentators and theatre promo- 

^ \ tional personnel during 1957, it was re- 

'W ported at the United Artists' fieldmen's 

recent convention ty Mort Nathanson, 

publicity manager. 

The Digest, a UA-pioneered publicity 

service manual, contains feature stories, 

picture layouts, column items, stills and 

byline stories plugging current and forthcoming 

releases. 

Nathanson said that since the inauguration 

of this feature United Artists has received 

an impressive volume of mail from 

editors around the country, praising the 

concept and practicality of the project. 

.' 

Christmas at Concession Counter 

ffOf-lPAV^^fl^ 

Show Honoring Teacher 

Aids Scholarship Fund 

The Ric Theatre at Richmond, Mich., 

managed by Charles Howard, held a special 

benefit show to honor a well-liked teacher 

recently. The entire net proceeds of both 

shows were turned over to the Jesse Burroughs 

scholarship fund to help local students 

obtain a college education. Miss 

Burroughs is retiring as band director after 

33 years of service. 

The Chamber of Commerce and local 

schools cooperated in the sale of tickets 

for the event, and the chamber itself do- 

, nated $300 toward the fund, 

' 

wan^ Howard attracted nationwide attention 

about two years ago when he established 

a local weekly Richmond Area Shopping 

and Entertainment Guide as a public 

service when the town was without a local 

paper. He stIU maintains the weekly. 

\X4 luiif !o, 

Elmer G. Grordon, manager of the Twin 

Drive-In Theatre at Fort Worth, Tex. for 

the C. D. Leon circuit, decorated his spacious 

concession stand again this year 

for Christmas, with a special display featuring 

all sorts of candies, roasted peanuts 

and Washington state apples. Also 

included is an electric train, complete with 

tunnel, which Gordon is shown operating 

Each year, Gordon has become Santa 

Claus for the children attending the drivein, 

complete with costume, whiskers and 

all. Patrons are invited to bring along 

their cameras and take pictures of him 

talking to their children. It has proven extremely 

popular. The boxoffice receipts 

are given a lift. 

Gordon also makes use of other holidays 

and designs his campaign with children 

in mind. The children have strong memories 

for this sort of thing, he has found, and 

remind their parents of each event. 

Suggests Speed Package 

Reusable Layout 

Tapping the mounting interest in auto 

racing—sports car, stock car and hot rod 

—Pox Midwest has worked out a highly exploitable 

"Speed Show" idea for an action 

change, usable in almost any situation. 

The circuit has worked up an attentiongetting 

ad which combines graphic art 

work with a big heading done in "windswept" 

style hand lettering. The head 

reads "Z-OO-OO-M! Giant 5-unit Speed 

Show A Thousand Thrill-Streaked Shocks." 

The ad is designed so that features or 

short subjects can be switched by routing 

out titles and replacing with new titles 

and casts. The circuit currently is working 

out details of a SPACE-ORAMA SHOW, 

following the same reusable ad style, for 

the popcorn change. 

A 'Tin Star' Pocket Book 

Pocket Books, Inc., New York, will publish 

a pocket book version of "The Tin 

Star," now shooting at the Paramount 

Studio, coincident with the release of the 

picture next year. 

Art O'Brien Uses Door-to- Door Approach 

In Direct-Mail Canvass for Patronage 

Short of ringing doorbells and conducting 

a house-to-house canvass for patronage, 

no approach could be more to the 

point than the direct mail campaign being 

used by Manager Arthur T. O'Brien of 

Tjockwood & Gordon's Webb Playhouse in 

Wethersfield, Conn. The thing that makes 

O'Brien's "door-opener" a welcome one to 

the recipient is the invitational card good 

for two adult admissions at the Webb 

Playhouse. 

The letter accompanying the pass is 

written in a friendly, tasteful tone which 

serves to underline the "personal treatment" 

approach, with out beating the prospective 

patron over the head a la TV commercials. 

It begins, "We would like you to 

be our guest at a fine show at the Webb 

Playhouse," and goes on, "It is not the 

usual custom to invite folks to come to 

the theatre without charge; as our admission 

price is quite low in comparison to 

the fine evening's entertainment that it 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : Dec. 22, 1958 — 317 — 

provides. However, you may have gotten 

out of the moviegoing habit during the 

summer. If so, we would like you to take 

this opportunity of reminding yourself of 

the many conveniences and pleasures to 

be enjoyed at Wethersfield's beautiful little 

theatre." 

The letter includes pertinent information 

as to free parking facilities, show times, 

seating comfort and airconditioning and 

concludes with a friendly reiteration to 

use the enclosed guest card. O'Brien is 

taking this means of introducing his theatre 

to new residents of the community 

and to reintroduce it to patrons who have 

slipped away in recent months. 

Jitterbug Contest at Theatre 

Frank Dzikot of the Rivoli, Hartford, 

held a jitterbug contest during an afternoon 

program, with prizes to best-rated 

performers.

Promotion at the Theatre and on the Streets 

%iim msm bSÎW

Gift Features Added 

At Yuletide Matinees 

Frank Murphy, Loew's Theatres division 

manager at Cleveland introduced a special 

"Bonus Feature" to patrons attending any 

Loew theatre in his district on a Saturday 

matinee throughout December. Every Saturday 

noon a feature other than the 

scheduled attraction is being shown, both 

for the regular admission. He selected four 

outstanding reissues with an appeal 

especially to the younger patrons as the 

"gift" pictures; namely, December 8, "War 

of the Worlds"; 15, "The Kentuckian"; 22, 

"The Long, Long Trailer," and 29, "Knights 

of the Round Table." 

00 

I 

modern 

TODAY at 

movie • 

your favorite FOX theatre 

UA Mails 17,000 Folders 

On King Showmen Event 

Some 17,000 brochures have been mailed 

by United Artists "King of Showmen" contest 

awarding $2,500 in cash and a trip to 

Hollywood for two to the theatreman 

staging the best local promotion on "The 

King and Four Queens." The three-color 

mailing piece details the method of judging 

and the rules of the contest, which 

is open to all theatremen in the United 

States and Canada who play "The King 

and Four Queens" prior to June 1957. 

The mail-out covers every circuit and 

virtually every independent exhibitor in 

the domestic territory. United Artists 

branch offices, salesmen and fieldmen are 

also being supplied with a contest information 

folder. 

The "King of Showmen" will be selected 

on the basis of campaign ingenuity, originality, 

coverage and efficiency. Neither 

the size of the theatre nor the amount of 

the money spent on the campaign will be a 

factor in the judging. The contest panel, 

which will make the final selection, includes 

Robert Waterfield and Jane Russell 

of Russ-Keld; Clark Gable, who stars in 

"The King and Four Queens"; Roger H. 

Lewis, national director of advertising, 

publicity and exploitation, and 11 tradepaper 

editors. 

Trick Film Combinations 

Sometimes Hit Jackpot 

The boxoffice potential of "trick combinations" 

of motion pictures was underscored 

in a recent Commonwealth Theatres 

Messenger, Issued to managers of 

the midwest circuit. Cited were some of 

the surprising big moneymakers of this 

year such as "Wichita" and "The Phenix 

City Story," "Oklahoma Woman" and "Female 

Jungle," 'East of Eden" and "The 

Weak and the Wicked" and "They Were 

So Young." A new combo that is clicking 

,_ around the country is "Hot Blood" and 

] 

"Rock Around the Clock." 

As a jackpot combo for youngsters, the 

Messenger suggested a Mickey Mouse Club 

showing of twelve cartoons followed by a 

Little Rascal short, booked for a Saturday 

morning matinee. 

Fred Souttar, district manager for Fox Midwest at Wichita, Kas., and others 

in the circuit organization there, recently came up with a short campaign based on 

a feeling that, since so many old movies are being shown on TV, the word "movie" 

has been somewhat stigmatized with age. 

Their campaign to give new prestige to "movies"—GO MODERN . 

. . GO 

MOVIE!—has been developed with special ad mats and slugs (reproduced above) 

and posters. 

The Commonwealth circuit, also headquartered at Kansas City, obtained the 

consent of the Fox organization to use the idea in all its situations. The jingles 

in the smaller mats are also being worked up with music in platters for radio 

stations. A short trailer header also is being used by Conunonwealth—ordered 

from Filmack—which plugs the GO MODERN . . . GO MOVIE! angle, to be used 

ahead of preview trailers. 

Railway Tickets Given 

Railway ticket handouts, labeled "First 

class entertainment 'Bhowani Junction,' 

were given out at the main railways stations 

in Chatham, England, when that picture 

played at the Regent Theatre. Manager 

G. Williams and his assistant, G. 

Pemble, also had four-foot, six-inch by 

five-inch streamers at the main bus stop 

adjacent to the theatre, with copy reading, 

"Alight Here for 'Bhowani Junction.' " Directional 

arrow signs were distributed over 

a wide area, with copy, "This Way to 

'Bhowani Junction.' Follow the Sign of 

the Arrow." 

HvLshand-îWets Now! 

Manager Walter Kessler and his Loew's 

Ohio staff in Columbus have become "husband 

sitters" during the pre-Christmas 

shopping rush. Manager Kessler reported 

many husbands come to the theatre to 

relax while their wives go Christmas shopping. 

Many husbands, in turn, are "children 

sitters" for their children during 

their wives' shopping tours. 

BOXOFFICE Showmandiser : : Dec. 22, 1956 — 319 — 

Theatreman Suggests 

A Thanksgiving Prayer 

Sal Adorno sr. of M&D Theatres, Middletown, 

Conn., used this copy with his 

Thanksgiving Day ads: 

"Enjoy your freedom . . . give thanks!! 

"For 'All' that we have while others 

suffer, let us remember with thanks and 

prayer . . . let's all share our good fortune 

with those less fortunate . . . Contact your 

church or synagogue . . . Red Cross or 

CARE . . . Truly Give Thanks!" 

The M&D Palace and Capitol opened a 

little later than usual Thanksgiving afternoon—at 

about 3:15— "so that our employes 

could enjoy Thanksgiving dinner 

with their families!" 

Presley Contest on Sfage 

George Haddad, Gem Theatre, Willimantic. 

Conn., sold a record shop on sponsorship 

of an Elvis Presley amateur contest 

in behalf of "Love Me Tender." Over 

$100 in prizes went to participants in a 

stage show on opening night. To add to the 

competition, Haddad announced there 

would be "no age limit" for contestants.

BOXOFFICE 

BAROMETER 

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

the 20 Icey cities checl(ed. Pictures with fewer than five engagements are not listed. As new runs 

ore 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. 

iVKSR^R^ 

.W. 

1 

OQSwan, 

L. 

Fcalu^'-' r-:-:i.:' : .-in ;q'j3-o is nctiona! release date. Running 

time is in parentheses. ^ is for CinemaScope; x VistaVision; ^ Superscopc; n" Naturamo. Symbol tJ 

denotes BOXOFFICE Blue Ribbon Award; Z^- color photography. Letters end combinotions thereof indicate 

story type: (C) Comedy; (D) Dramo; (Ad) Adventure-Drama; (CD) Comcdy-Droma; (M) Musical; (W) Western. 

(Complete key on next page.) For review dates and Picture Guide page numbers, see Review Digest. 

Feature 

chart 


a Wicked Wife (75) D..5606 

Nigel I'atrick, Molra Lister 

as Come On, The (83) ®..D..5608 

Anne Baxter, Sterling Jlayden 

O Crashing Las Vegas (62). C. 5609 

Leo Gureey, Huntz Hall, M. Castle 

IB Thunilerstorm (81) D . . 5604 

Linda C^hristian. Carlos Ttiompson, 

Charles Koivin 

m Navy Wife (83) C..5611 

Joan Bennett, Gary Merrill, 

Shirley Yaraaguchl 

gl Screaming Eagles (81) . . D. .5610 

Tom Tryon, Jan Merlin 

gl Crime in the Streets 

(91) Or.. 5614 

John Cassavetes. James VVhitmore 

H ©Naked Hills, The (73) 0D..5605 

|)a\iil Wayne, Keenan Wynn 

M Kinn of the Coral Sea 

(74) Ad. 5617 

Chips llaftcrty, lima Adey 

HQFirst Texan (82) ©••W..5615 

Joel- McCrea, Felicia Farr 

\S\ Three for Jamie Dawn 

(81) D..5618 

Laiaine Hay, lUcardo Montalban 

O Magnificent Roughnecks 

(73) CD.. 5616 

Jack (^rson, Mickey Rooney 

m, Hold Back the Night 

(SO) 

D..5621 

John Payne, Mona Freeman 

COLUMBIA 

Over-Exposed (80) D..835 

Cleo Moore, Richard Crenna 

Harder They Fall. The (109). D.. 827 

Humphrey Bogart, Rod Steiger, 

Jan Sterling 

Blackjack Ketchum, Desperado 

(76) W..831 

Howard Duff, Maggie Mahoney 

Rock Around the Clock (77). M.. 838 

Johnny Johnston, BUI Haley 

©Jubal (101) © W..833 

Glenn Ford. Ernest Borgnine. 

Rod Steiger, Valerie French 

©Cockleshell Heroes (97) ©.0..8I3 

Jose Ferrer, Trevor Howard 

©Safari (91) © Ad.. 839 

Victor .Mature, Janet Leigh, 

John Justin, Roland Oliver 

Secret of Treasure Mountain. 

The (68) W..832 

William Prince, Valerie French 

SStorm Over the Nile 

(80) © 0D..829 

Anthony Steel, Laurence Harvey 

U©Eddy Duchin Story, The 

(123) © DM.. 101 

Tyrone Power, Kim Novak 

Earth vs. the Flying Saucers 

(83) SF..102 

Hugh Marlowe, Joan Taylor 

Werewolf, The (80) Ho. .103 

Don Megowan, Joyce Holden 

M-G-M 

S ©Tribute to a Bad Man 

(95) © M..626 

James Cagney, Irene Papas 

The (112) © CD. .628 

Grace Kelly, Alec Guinness, 

Louis Jourdan 

l©Gaby (97) © D..627 

Leslie Caron, John Kerr 

|g ©Bhowani Junction 

(110) © Ad.. 631 

Ava Gardner, Stewart Granger, 

Abraham Sofaer, BUI Travers 

m Catered Affair, The (93). CD. .633 

Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, 

Debbie Reynolds 

B] Fastest Gun Alive, The 

(90) W..634 

Glenn Ford, Jeanne Oain, 

Broderlck Crawford 

Somebody Up Thera Likes Me 

I 

(113) D..635 

Paul NeviTBan, Pier Angell, 

Everett Sloane, Sal Mhieo 

PARAMOUNT 

©Anything Goes (108) ®.M..5513 

Ring Crosby, Donald O'Connor, 

Mltzi Gaynor, Jeanmalre 

Scarlet Hour, The (95) (8..D..5514 

Carol Ohmart, Tom Tryon, 

Elaine Stritcb, Jody Lawrance 

©Birds and the Bees, The 

(94) ® C..5515 

George Gobel, Mltzl Gaynor, 

David Niven, Reginald Gardner 

t^©Man Who Knew Too Much 

(120) ® D..5520 

James Stewart. Doris Day 

Leather Saint (86) ®....W..5521 

John Derek. Jody Lawrance, 

Paul Douglas 

©That Certain Feeling 

(103) ® C..5522 

Bob Hope. Eva .Marie Saint. 

Pearl Bailey, George Sanders 

Proud and Profane, The 

(111) ® D..5524 

William Holden, Deborah Kerr, 

Thelma Hitter, Dewey Martin 

RKO RADIO 

BJWay Out, The (78) D..6U 

Mona Freeman, Gene Nelson 

01 Bold and the Brave, The 

(90) ® D..612 

Mickey Rooney, Wendell Corey, 

Nicole Maurey 

a ©Great Day in the 

Morning (92) © D..ei3 

Virginia Mayo, Robert Stack, 

Ruth Roman 

j While the City Sleeps 

(100) D..a5 

Dana Andrews, Ida Uiplno, 

Rhonda 

Fleming 

i Murder on Approval (70). D.. 614 

Tom Conway, Delphi Lawrence 

(See Reissues) 

> 

5 

g] ©Canyon River (80) ©.W..5620 

(Jeorge Montgomery, Peter Graves 

51 Young Guns, The (84) . .5622 

Hiiss Tamblyn, Gloria Talbott 

li©No Place to Hide 

(71) D..5603 

David Brian. Marsha Hunt 

Autumn Leaves (108) D..104 

Joan Cravtford, C31ff Robertson 

©He Laughed Ust (77) . . .M. .105 

Frankle Lalne, Lucy Marlow 

B] These Wilder Years (91).. D.. 636 

James Cagney, Barbara Stanwyck 

m ©High Society (107) (8. MC. .637 

Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, 

Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm 

©Pardners (88) ® C..5523 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, 

Lorl Nelson, Jackie Loughery 

0©War and 

Peace 

(208) ® D..5625 

Henry Fonda, Audrey Hepburn, 

Mel Ferrer, Vittorlo Gassman 

(Special engagements only) 

©First Traveling Saleslady 

(92) CD.. 701 

Ginger Rogers, Barry Nelson, 

Carol (Huuinlng 

d 

> 

O 

c 

g] Strange Intruder (82) . .D. .5619 

Edmund Purdom, Ida Lupino 

ig 

Fighting Trouble (61).. C. 5623 

Ilnntz Hall, Stanley Clemaitji 

gS Calling Homicide (61) .My. .5624 

liiU Elliott, Kathleen Case 

HYaqui Drums (71) W..5625 

liod Cameron, Mary Castle 

H Cruel Tower, The (80) D . . . . 5629 

John Erlcson, Marl Blanchard 

1 Blonde Sinner. The (73). D. .5635 

Diana Dors, Yvonne Mitchell 

I 

i>©Friefldly Persuasion 

(137) CD.. 5657 

Gary Cooper, Dorothy McOulre 

g] High Terrace, The (70). D.. 5630 

Dale Itobertson, Lois Slaxwell 

m Hot Shots (61) C. .5632 

Huntz Hall, Stanley Clements 

(S Chain of Evidence (64) .My. .5701 

Bill Elliott, James Lydon 

Gun for a Town (72). . .W. .5702 

Dale Robertson, Rossana Rory 

gS Attack of the Crab 

Monsters 

Ho.. Feb 

Richard Garland. Pamela Duncan 

m Not of This Earth Ho.. Feb 

Paul Birch, Beverly Qarl»nd 

H ©Last of the Badmen 

© 0D..F«b 

George Montgomery, Meg Randall 

H ©Jeannie © M..Mar 

Tony Martin, Vera-Ellen 

gS Footsteps in the Night. .My. .Apr 

Bill Elliott, Don Haggerty 

@ ©Dragoon Wells Massacre 

© W..Apr 

Barry Sullivan, Mona Freeman 

Q Daughter of Dr. Jekyll. . Ho. .May 

John Agar, Glori* Taltmtt 

1984 (91) D..110 

Michael Redgrave, Jan Sterling 

Miami Expose (73) D..106 

Lee J. Cobb, Patricia Medina 

Storm Center (87) D..108 

Bette Uavls, Brian Keith 


USolid Gold Cadillac (99). .C. .112 

Judy Holliday, Paul Dauglaa, 

Arthur OConnell, Fred Clark 

©Port Afrique (92) My.. 113 

Pier Angell, Phil Cuts, 

Dennis Price 

Spin a Dark Web (76) . . . . My. .107 

Faith Domergue, Lee Patterson 

Cha-Cha-Cha BoomI (72).. M.. 114 

Mary Kaye Trio, Perez Prado 

©Reprisal! (74) W..U5 

Guy Madison, Felicia Farr 

©Odongo (85) © Ad.. 109 

Rhonda Fleming, Macdonald Carey 

White Squaw, The (73) . . . .W. .116 

David Brian, May Wynn 

©You Can't Run Away 

From It (95) © C..118 

June Allyson, Jack Lemmon 

Suicide Mission (70) Doc. .123 

07th Cavalry (75) W..121 

Randolph Scott. Barbara Hale 

Gamma People, The (79) D . . Ill 

Paul Douglas, Eva Bartok 

Last Man to Hang, The (75) . My . . 117 

Tom Conway, Elliabeth Sellars 

Rumble on the Docks (82).. D.. 124 

Jamei Darren, Michael Granger 

©Zarak (99) © D..126 

Victor Mature, Anita Ekberg 

Nightfall (78) D..127 

Aldo Ray, Anne Bancroft 

Don't Knock the Rock (SO). M.. 125 

Bill Haley and his Comets 

Ride the High Iron (74) . . . .D. .128 

Don Taylor, Sally Forrest 

Full of Life C.Feb 

Judy Holliday, Richard Conte 

Wicked as They Come D..Feb 

Arlene Dahl. Phil Carey 

©Fire Down Below © Ad.. Mar 

Rita Hayworth, Robert Mitchiim 

©Beyond Mombasa © Ad. 

Cornel Wilde, Donna Beed 

©Seven Waves Away © . 

Tyrone Power, Mai Zetterlinj 

End As a Man D. 

Ben Gazsara, Jaoei OlseD 

rail Rider, The OD. 

Randolph Scott, Maureen O'Bullivan 

©Silent World. The Doc.. 

Indersea Documentary 

©Interpol D. 

Victor Mature, Anita Ekberg 

©Lust for Life (122) ©....D..701 

Kirk Douglas, Anthony Qulnn, 

Pamela Brown, Everett Sloane 

O ©Tea and Sympathy 

(112) © D..702 

Delrorah Kerr, John Kerr 

ll Power and th^ Prize, The 

(98) ©.... D..703 

Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Mueller 

|§ ©Opposite Sex, The 

(117) © C..705 

June Allyson, Joan Collins, 

Leslie Nielsen, Jeff Richards 

a Rack, The (100) D..706 

Paul Newman, Anne Francis 

IS Julie (99) D..709 

Doris Day, Louis Jourdan, 

Barry Sullivan, Frank Lovejoy 

O Great American Pastime 

(90) C..710 

Tom Ewell. Anne Francis 

U ©Iron Petticoat, The 

(96) ® CD.. 712 

Bob Hope. Katharine Heitbiirn 

©Teahouse of the August Moon 

(123) © CD.. 713 

Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford 


a Edge of the City {..)..D..714 

John Cassavetes, Kathleen Maguire 

a Slander (..) D..717 

Van Johnson, Ann Blyth 

©Invitation to the Dance M . 

Gene Kelly. Igor Yoiiskevltch 

©Raintree County ©65 D.. 

Elizabeth Tavlor. Montgomery Clift 

©Barretts of Wimpole St. ®..D.. 

Jennifer Jones, John Gielgud 

Living Idol, The © D . 

Steve Forrest. LUliane Montevecchi 

©Little Hut. The C. 

Ava Gardner. Stewart Granger 

©10,000 Bedrooms © M.. 

Dean Martin, Eva Bartok 

Vintage, The D. 

Pier Angell. Mel Ferrer 

Hot Summer Nights D . 

Le.ilie Nielsen. Colleen Miller 

©Designing Woman © 0.. 

Gregory Peck. Lauren Bacall 

©Vagabond King, The 

(88) ® M..5601 

Katbryn Grayson, Oreste 

Search for Bridey Murphy, The 

(84) ® D..5602 

Teresa Wright. Loris Hayward 

©Mountain, The (105) ®..D..5603 

Spencer Tracy, Claire Trevor, 

Robert Wagner 

©Hollywood or Bust 

(95) ® C. 

Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, 

Anita Ekberg, Pat &owley 

5605 

©Three Violent People 

(..) ® W..5604 

(Carlton Heston, Anne Baxter, 

Gilbert Roland, Tom Tryon 

©Rainmaker, The ® D . . Feb 

Katharine Hepburn. Burt Lancaster 

Fear Strikes Out ® D..Mar 

Anthony Perkins, Karl Maiden 

©Ten Commandments. The ®..D.. 

C. Heston. Y. De Carlo, A. Baxter 

©Omar Khayyam ® 

Ad. 

Cornel Wilde. Dehra Paget 

©Gunfight at OK Corral ® W. 

Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas 

©Funny Face ® 

MC. 

Fred .\stalre, Audrey Hepburn 

Lonely Man, The ® W.. 

Jack Palance. Anthony Perkins 

©Beau James ® D.. 

Bob Hope, Vera Miles 

©Joker. The ® CD.. 

Frank Sinatra. Jeanne Crahi 

3E Back From Eternity (98). D.. 703 

Robert Ryan, Anita Ekberg. 

Rod Steiger, Phyllis Kirk 

|g Beyond a Reasonable 

Doubt (80) D..702 

Dana Andrews, Joan Fontaine 

m ©Tension 

(93) 

at Table Rock 

W. .704 

Richard Egan, Dorothy Malone 

53 Finger of Guilt (84) My. .705 

Richard Basehart, Mary Murphy 

U Death of a Scoundrel 

(119) D..707 

George Sanders, Yvonne De Carlo 

a Man in the Vault (73). .My. .709 

William Campbell, Anita Ekberg, 

liaren Sharpe, Berry Kroeger 

m Bundle of Joy (98) C..710 

Debbie Reynolds, Eddie Fisher 

U ©Public Pigeon No. 1 

(79) C..708 

Red Skelton, Vivian Blaine 

gi Brave One (100) D..706 

Michel Ray, Jol Lansing 

13 Young Stranger, The (..).. D . 

James MacArthur, Kim Hunter 

J\ Cyclops, The SF. .Feb 

James Craig, Gloria Talbott 

S X-the Unknown SF. .Feb 

Dean Jagger, William Russell 

g Silken Affair, The C. .Feb 

David Nlven. Genevieve Page 

IS ©Guilty? 

My.. Feb 

John Justin, Barbara Laage 

a That Night! D..Feb 

John Beal, Augusta Dabney 

gl ©Day They Gave Babies 

Away, The CD.. Mar 

Glynis Johns, Cameron Mitchell 

U©Run of the Arrow W..Mar 

Rod Steiger, Serlta Montell 

©Jet Pilot ® D.. 

John Wayne, Janet Leigh 

DO 

m 

30 

O 

o 

00 

BOXOFFICE BooidnGuide : : Dec. 22, 1956

FEATURE 

CHART 

TIm K«y ts ImtUn and comblnotloiii tliMVof Indicating ttory typa: (Ad) Adventurc-Dramo; (Ac) Action- 

Drama; (An) AnImated-AcHan; (C) Comedy; (CD) Comedy-Drama; (Cr) Crime-Drama; (DM) Drama 

with Music; (Doe) Documentary; (D) Drama; (F) Fantasy; (FC) Farce-Comedy; (Ho) Horror-Drama; (HI) 

Historical-Drama; (M) Musical; (My) Mystery; (OD) Outdoor-Drama; (SF) Science-Fiction; (W) Western. 

REPUBLIC 

[S stranger at My Door 

(85) D..5507 

Maedonald Ckrey, Patricia Hnllna 

O GZanzabuiiu (64) Doc..5S08 

Lewis Cotlow's African Safari 

GiOCircus Girl (88) 0..S506 

Special pro.iurtlon 

a Terror at MidnJBht (70). My. .5536 

Scott Brady. Joan Vohs 

20TH-FOX 

©Revolt of Mamie Stover, The 

(93) © D.. 608-0 

Jane Russell, Richard Egan 

©Mohawk (79) OD.. 609-8 

Soott Brady, RIU Gam, 

Neville Brand 

©Hilda Crane (87) © D. .611-4 

Jean Simmons, Jean Pierre Aumont, 

Guy Madison 

UNITED ARTISTS 

©Alexander the Great 

(141) © D..5621 

llictiard Burton, (Haire Bloom, 

Iredrlc March (Prerelease) 

Timetable (79) Cr..5609 

Mark SUvens, FeUcta Farr 

Brokw Star (82) W..5614 

Howard Duff, Uta Baron 

Creeping Unknown (78) . . .SF. .5620 

Brian Doolevy, Margla Dean 

UNIVERSAL-INT'L 

Kettles in Uie Ozarks (81) . .C. .5615 

Marjorle Main, Arthur llunnicutt 

©Backlash (84) W. .5616 

Richard Wldmark, Donna Reed 

Creature Walks Among Us, The 

(78) SF..5617 

Ji-lf Morrow, Leigh Snowden 

I 

WARNER BROS. 

B 

Miracle in the Rain (107) D. .512 

Jaiie Wyman. Van Johnson 

@] ©Serenade (121) DM. 516 

Mario LiUKa, Joan Fontaine. 

Scrita Montell, Vincent Price 

U> 

o 

m QManrlck Ouecn 

(90) (g) W..5509 

Barabara Stanwirek, Barry Sullivan 

aOOaliota Incident (88). W.. 5510 

Linda Darnell, Dale Rot)ertaon 

(21 OThunder Over Arizona 

(75) (gi W..5511 

Skip Homeler, Krlstlne Miller 

5S ©Lisbon (90) ® 0..5512 

Ba)' Mllland, Maureen O'Hara 

a strange Advwturi, A 

(70) D..55J7 

Joan Erans. Ben Cooper 

(S ©Daniel Boone, Trail 

Blazer (76) Ad.. 5513 

Bruce Bennett, Lon (*aney 

a Scandal, inc. (79) D..5514 

liobtrt Hutton, Patricia Wright 

S9 Man Is Armed, The 

(70) Ac. 5538 

Dane Clark, May Wynn 

a Above Us the Waves (92) . D . . 5601 

John Mills, John Oregson 

3] ©Woman's Devotion, A 

(88) . . 5602 

Ralph Meeker, Janice Rule 

©Tears for Simoti ( . 

. ) . D . 

David Farrar, Julia Arnall, 

Daild Knight 

©Congress Dances, The 

(..) © M.. 

Johanna Matz and (lennan cast 

©In Old Vienna (..) M.. 

Heinz Roettlnger, Robert KllUck 

©Accused of Murder 

() ® D.. 

David Brian, Vera Ralston 

Affair in Reno ( . - ) D 

lota Lund, Doris DlogietoD 

Man in Question, The D 

EUa RabiM, natt Fur 

Ourango Gunfighter (g) . 

Ben Cooper, Anna Marta Alberdiettl 

Heirs Crossroads

Apr 

FEATURE CHART 

^HORTS CHART 

INDEPENDENT 

. .M. .Nov 56 

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL 

Oklahoma Woman (73) D . . Jun 56 

iiiehard Uenning, Peggie Castle 

Female Junole (71) D . . Jun 56 

Jayne Matistield, Lawrence Tierney 

Girls in Prison (87) Ac. .Jul 56 

Kichard Denning, Joan Taylor 

Hot Rod Girl (75) Ac. Jul 56 

Lori Nelson. John Smith 

The She-Creature (77) Ho .. Aug 56 

Maria li^nglish, (iiester Morris 

It Conquered the World (75) SF. .Aug 56 

Teter Graves. Beverly Garland 

Shalie, Rattle and Rock (77). . 

I'a;s Unniino. Lisa flaye 

Runaway Daughters (88) D.. Nov 56 

Maria English. Lance Fuller 

©Naked Paradise (..) Ac. Jan 57 

Kichard Denning. Beverly Giirland 

©Flesh & the Spur ( . ) . Ac .. Jan 57 

John Agm, Maria English 

ARLAN 

Living North, The (74) Doc. 

Kilmed in Lapland: native cast 

(liiglish narration) 

ASSOCIATED FILM 

Wild Dakotas (73) W.. Feb 56 

Bill Williams. Coleen Gray, Jim Davis 

Blonde Bait (71) D.. Apr 56 

Beverly Michaels, Jim Davis 

Three Outlaws, The (74) (D^35. .W. .May 56 WOOLNER BROS. 

Neville Brand, Bruce Bennett, Alan Hale 

Frontier Gambler (..) W..0ct56 

John Bromfield, Coleen Gray 

ASTOR 

Dynamiters, The (74) D.. Apr 56 REISSUES 

Wayne Morris, Simone Sllva 

Fear (82) D..May56 

Ingrid Bergman, Mathlas Wleman 

Passport to Treason (70) Md..Jun56 

Itod Cameron, L,ois Maxwell 

©Men of Sherwood Forest (77) . .Ad. Sep 56 

Don Taylor, Eileen Moore 

BANNER 

©Wetbacks (86) AC. . May 56 

Lloyd Bridges, Nancy Qates 

BUENA VISTA 

©Littlest Outlaw, The (75) D . . Feb 56 

Pedro Armendariz, Andres Velasquez 

©Great Locomotive Chase (85) ©. D. Jul 56 

Fess Parker. Jeff Hunter 

©Davy Crockett and the River 

Pirates (81) Ad.. Jul 56 

Fess Parker. Buddy Ebsen 

©Secrets of Life (70) Doc . Nov 56 

©Westward Ho, the Wagons 

(..) 0D..DecS6 

Fess Parker, Kathleen Crowley 

CONTINENTAL 

Night My Number Came Up (94) . .D. .Feb 56 

.Michael Itedgrave, Alexander Knox 

©Ladykillers, The (93) D.. Mar 56 

Norma Shearer, 

Alex Guinness, Cecil Parker, Johnson 

Katie 

of Shame (91) . . D. Ship That Died .Sep 

Iiiehard Attenborough, George Baker PARAMOUNT 

56 

©Secrets of the Reef (72) Doc. Oct 56 

Undersea chronicle 

DOMINANT 

Walk the Dark Street (74).... Md.. 

Chuck Connors, Don Ross, Regina Gleason 

DCA 

Wages of Fear (106) D.. Feb 56 

Yves Montand, Charles Vanel 

Mar 56 

Please Murder Me (76) D . . 

Angela Lansbury, Raymond Burr 

Frisky (98) CD. .Apr 56 

Gina Lollobrlgida. Vittorio De Sica 

©Jedda the Uncivilized (88) D.. Jun 56 

Narla Knnogh, Robert Tudewali 

Private's Progress (99) C. .Sep 56 

Richard Attenborough. Dennis Price 

Woman of Rome, The ( . ) D . . . Oct 56 

(ilna Lollobrigida, Daniel Gelin 

M . . Dec 56 

Rock, Rock, Rock ( . 

Alan Freed, 

. 

Frankle I^man 

EDEN 

One Way Ticket to Hell (65) D.. Feb 56 

Non-professional cast 

©Man of Africa (75) OD.. 

Frederick Bijuerenda, Violet Mukabuerza 

EMBASSY 

Wiretapper (SO) D . . Feb 56 

Bill Williams, Georpla Lee 

Godzilla, King of the Monsters 

(80) Ho.. Apr 56 

Raymond Burr, Japanese cast 

(English dialog and narration) 

GIBRALTAR 

©Fury in Paradise (77) D.. 

Peter Thompson, Rea Iturbide 

Silent Fear (66) D.. 

Andrea King, Peter Adams 

IFE 

©Lease of Life (93) D.. Jan 56 

Robert Donat. Kay Walsh 

(English dialog) 

©Madame Butterfly 

(114) Filmed Opera. .Jun 56 

i- cod 

Kaoru Yachigusa, Nicola Filacuridl 

(llalo-Japunese; English commentary) 

JACON 

Rosanna (72) D. .Jun 56 

lios-ana I'ode-ta, Crox Alvarado 

iDiilihi'd in English) 

Midnight Episode (78) C. Aug 56 

Stanley Holloway, LiesUe Dwyer 

Forbidden Cargo (S3) Ac. .Sep 56 

Ni;el Patiick, Elizabeth Seliars 

JANUS 

Bullfight (76) Doc. .Jul 56 

ICnglish narration 

LOUIS 

deROCHEMONT 

Helen Keller in Her Story (formerly 

'The Unconquered") (55). Doc. .Apr 56 

Narrated by Katherine Cornell 

MAGNA 

Oklahoma! (140) T-AO DM.. Oct 55 

ti.iidon MacKae, Shirley Jones 

TOP PICTURES 

©Frontier Woman (80) W . 

Cindy Carson, Lance Fuller, Ann 

56 

Kelly 

TRANS-LUX 

©Dance Little Udy (87) D.. Mar 56 

•Mai Zetterling, Terence Morgan 

Lovers and Lollipops (85) CD.. Apr 56 

LnrI March, Gerald O'Loughlin 

Swamp Women (75) D . . Apr 56 

Beverly Garland, Marie Windsor, C. Matbews 

BUENA VISTA 

©Fantasia (81) M . . Feb 56 

(Hijperscope added, with 4-track sound and 

stereophonic sound.) 

©Song of the South (95) M . . Feb 56 

Riitli Warrick, Bobby Driscoli, Luana Patten 

COLUMBIA 

©Ten Tall Men (97) Ad..Nav56 

Burt L,ancaster, Jody Lawrance 

Rogues of Sherwood Forest (80). .Ad. .Nov 56 

John Derek, Diana Lynn, Alan Hale 

OCA 

Brute Force (96) P. .Jun 56 

Lurt l*incaster, Yvonne D« Carlo 

Naked City (96) D.. Jun 56 

[luv\ard Duff, Barry Fitzgerald 

MGM 

©Annie Get Your Gun (107) M.. Jun 56 

Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Louis (^hern 

Boom Town (116) D.. Oct 56 

Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Hedy L&marr 

Marie Antoinette (149) .. Nov 56 

Tyrone Power 

Tale of Two Cities (128) . . Nov 56 

D 

Ronald Colman, Eliiabeth Allan 

May 56 

©Streets of Laredo (92) W. . 

William iioiden, Macdonald Carey 

Two Years Before the Mast (98) . . . . May 56 

Alan Ladd, Brian Donlevy, William Bendii 

©Whispering Smith (89) W.. May 56 

Alan Laii. Robert Preston, B. Marshall 

RKO 

Big Sky, The (112) 0D..Apr56 

Kirk Douglas, Dewey Martin, E. Tbreatt 

Flying Leathernecks (102) D . . May 56 

John Wayne, Robert Ityan, Janis (^rter 

Lusty Men (113) D.. May 56 

Susan Hayward, Robert Mltchum 

King Kong (100) F-Ad..Jun56 

Bruce Cabot, Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong 

I Walked With a Zombie (69) ... Ho. .Jun 56 

Frances Dee, James Ellison, Tom Conway 

Citizen Kane (119) D.. Jul 56 

Orson Welles, Joseph Gotten 

20th-FOX 

Third Man, The (105) 0.. Aug 56 

Orson Welles, Joseph Gotten, Valll 

Rebecca (127) D.. Oct 56 

iûrence Olivier, Joan Fontaine 


High Noon (85) W. .Jun 56 

Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Katy Jurado 

UNIVERSAL-INT'L 

©Tap Roots (109) D.. May 56 

Van Heflin, Susan Hayward, Ward Bond 

©Kansas Raiders (80) W.. May 56 

.\udie Murphy, Tony (îrtis, B. Donlevy 

Killers, The (102) D.. Sep 56 

Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, 

Edmond O'Brien 

Sleeping City, The (85) My. .Sep 56 

Richard Conte, Ck>leen Gray, Alex Nichol 

WARNER BROS. 

Distant Drums (101) W.. Jun 56 

Gary Cooper, Marl Aldon 

Dallas (94) W. .Jun 56 

Gary Cooper, liuth Roman 

COLUMBIA 

ALL-STAR COMEDIES 

4-21 

S414 Come On Seven (16) . . Feb 56 

8415 Army Daze (I61/2) . . . Mar 56 

S416 Andy Goes Wild (17). Apr 56 -f 11-17 

(1956-57) 

1475 Pardon My Nightshirt 

(I6J/2) Nov 56 -t- 

11-17 

ASSORTED FAVORITES 

5424 Black Eyes & Blue 

(I6I/2) Feb 56 

5425 Renovated (I8I/2) Mar 56 

8426 Get Along Little Zombie 

(17) May 56 

(1956-57) 

1421 Clunked in the Clink 

(16) Sep 56 

1422 When the Wife's Away 

(17) Oct 56 

1423 She Took a Powder 

(I6I/2) Dec 56 

CANDID MICROPHONE 

(One-Reel Specials) 

8553 Subject 5, Series 2 (11) Jan 56 

8554 Subject 6. Series 2 

(IOI/2) Mar 56 

8555 Subject 1, Series 3 (ll)Jun 56 

S556 Subject 2, Series 3 (10) Jul 56 

(1956-57) 

1551 Subject 3, Series 3 

(10/2) Sep 56 

1552 Subject 4, Se- ies 3 

(11) Dec 56 

CAVALCADE OF 

BROADWAY 

1951 Cafe Society (11) Sep 56 

1952 Blue Anjel (lOi/2) Nov 56 

. . . 

1953 Village Barn (101/2) . Dec 56 

CINEMASCOPE FEATURETTE 

(Technicolor) 

8441 Wonders of Manhattan 

(16) Feb 56 ++ 1-21 

8442 April in Portugal (20) .Apr 56 .... 

(1956-57) 

1441 Wonders of New Orleans 

(19) Jan 57 

COLOR FAVORITES 

(Technicolor Reissues) 

8606 Cagey Bird (eVi) Jan 56 

8607 Boston Beanie (6) Feb 56 

. . . 

S60S Swiss Tease (6) Feb 56 

8609 Peekootyar Sitcheeayshun 

(7) Mar 56 

8610 Phoney Baloney (7).. Apr 56 

8611 Pickled Puss (6i/a) . . Apr 56 

8612 Uncultured Vulture 

(5

SHORTS 

CHART 

Short subjects, listed by company, in ordei of releose. Running time follows title. First Is nationol release 

montii, second the dote of review in BOXOFFICE. Symbol between dotes is rating from BOXOFFICE 

review, it Very Good, -f Good. =r Fair. — Poor. x= Very Poor. Photography: Color and process as specified. 

o-z ACQ oe o:q 

Sie-9 To Boo or Not to Boo 

(7) Sep 56 

S16-10AS the Crow Lies 

(6) Sep 56 

S16-11 Slip U) Some Redskin 

(7) Sep 56 

S16-12 Boo Scout (g) .... Sep 56 

CASPER CARTOONS 

B15-1 Red, 

(Technicolor) 

White & Boo (6) Oct 55 + 1-28 

B15-2 Boo Kind to Animals 

(6) Dec 55 1-21 

B15-3 Ground Hog Play (6). Feb 56 3-17 

B15-4 Dutch Treat (6) Apr 56 + 5-26 

B15-5 Penguin for Your Thoughts 

(7) Jun56 + 7-21 

BlS-6 Line of Screaramage 

(6) Aug 56 + U-17 

(1956-57) 

B16-1 Fright From Wrong 

(6) Nov 56 

GRAN1LAND RICE SPORTLIGHTS 

R15-1 Sportini Dogs Afield 

(9) Oct 55 -f 10-22 

R15-2 A Nation of Athletes 

(9) Nov 55 -f 1-28 

R15-3 Animal-Spotts Quiz 

(9) Feb 56+ 3-24 

R15-5 Carolina Court Champs 

(10) Mar 56+ 5-26 

R15-4 Winter Wonder Trails 

(9) Apr 56 + 6-9 

R15-6 iWen Who Can Take It 

(9) Jun56 + 7-21 

HERMAN & KATNIP 

(Technicolor Cartoons) 

H15-1 Mousieur Herman (6) Nov 55 1-21 

H15-2 Mouseum (6) Feb 56 + 3-17 

H15-3Will Do Mousework 

(6) Jun56 7-21 

H15-4 Mousetro Herman (6). Aug 56 + 10-13 

NOVELTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

P15-3 Kitty Cornered (6).. Dec 55+ 1-21 

P15-4 Sleuth but Sure (6) . Mar 56 + 5-26 

P15-5Swah the Duck (6).. May 56 + 9-15 

P15-6Pedô & Lorpn7o rfi).Jul56 + 10- 6 

(1956-57) 

P16-1 Sir Irving and Jeames 

(7) Oct 56 + 11-17 

POPEYE CARTOONS 

(Technicolor) 

E15-3 A Job for a Gob (6) . Dec 55 + 1-21 

E15-4 Hillbilling & Cooing 

(6) Jan 56+ 1-21 

E15-5 Popeye for President 

(6) Apr 56+ 5-26 

E15-6 0ut to Punch (6)...Jun56+ 7-21 

E15-7 Assault & Flattery (6). Jul 56 10- 6 

E15g Insect to Injury (6) . .Aug 56 + 11-17 

(1956-57) 

E16-1 Parlei Voos Woo (6) . Oct 56 + 11-17 

TOPPERS 

M15-1 Three Kisses (10)... Oct 55 + 12- 3 

M15-2 Reunion in Paris(lO) Nov 55 + 1-28 

M15-3 Animals a la Carte 

(10) Jan 56 i: 1-21 

M15-4 There's Gold in Them 

Thrills (10) Mar 56 — 3-31 

M15.5 Uns and Downs (9) . May 56 + 5-26 

M15-6 Herman Hickman's Football 

Review (10) Aug 56 + 12-15 

. VISTAVISION SPECIALS 

V15-2VV Visits Panama 

(10) JunSe + 7-21 

V15-1 Ring Presents Oreste (10) . 

ff 

V15-3VV 10- 6 

Visits Gibraltar 

(10) Aug 56 ff 10-13 

V15-4VV Visits Austria 

(17) Oct 56 H- 12-15 

v 

RAY WHITLEY REISSUES 

63.401 Musical Bandit (16) Oct 55 

63.402 Bar Buckaroos (16). Dec 55 

SCREENLINERS 

64.205 Her Honor, the Nuise 

(8) Jan 

64.206 Fortune Seekers (8). Feb 

64.207 We Never Sleep (g).Mar 

64.208 Where Is Jane Doe? 

(8) Mar 

64.209 Merchandise Mart 

(8) Apr 

64.210 Phonies Beware (8). May 

64.211 Emergency Doctor 

(8) Jun 

64.212 Law & The Lab (8) . .Jul 

(1956-57) 

74.201 The Dikes (10) Sep 

74.202 Lonely Guardian 

(11) Oct 

74.203 St uoole in the 

North (10) Nov 

56 

56 + 

56 + 

SPECIALS 

, 73,101 Alert Today-Alive 

Tomorrow (ISi/j) . . .Sep 56 

73.102 Born to Ficjht (15). Oct 56 

73.103 Alaska Lifeboat (21) Nov 56 

SPORTSCOPES 

64.303 Boiiefish and Barracuda 

(8) Oct 55 + 

Canadian Carnival (S) Nov 55 + 

RKO RADIO 

BROWN-KIRKWOOD 

REISSUES 

63.601 Heart Troubles (16). Sep 55 

63.602 Put Some Honey in the Pot 

(17) Nov 55 

EDGAR KENNEDY REISSUES 

63.501 No More Relatives 

(18) Sep 55 

63.502 How to Clean House 

(18) Oct 55 

63.503 Dig That Gold (17). Nov 55 

63.504 Contest Craty (17) . . Dec 55 

GIL LAMB REISSUES 

63.301 Groan and Grunt (17) Sep 55 

63.302 Bashful Romeo (16). Oct 55 

LEON ERROL REISSUES 

53.701 Wife Tames Wolf (17) Sep 55 

63.702 Oad Always Pays 

(18) Oct 55 

63.703 Spook S«eaks (19) .. Nor 55 

63.704 In Room 303 (17) . . Dec 55 

MY PAL REISSUES 

63.201 Doi of the Wild (21) Oct 55 

63.202 Pal. Canine Otttctivi 

(22) Not 55

| 


Canyon River (AA) — George 

Montgomery, Marcia Henderson, 

Peter Graves. This is just a fair 

western, with a story that has 

been used before. The operator 

summed this one up pretty well, 

saying anything he missed while 

threading up the machine was 

not missed. Played Wed. -Sat. 

Weather: Snow and cold. 

Harold Bell, Opera House, Coaticook. 

Que. Pop. 6,341. 

First Texan, The (AA)—Joel 

McCrea, Felicia Farr, Jeff Morrow. 

This picture is very good. 

Story tells what happens before 

and after fall of the Alamo. Only 

thing wrong here is that It failed 

to draw. Played Pri., Sat. 

Weather: Cold.—W. L. Stratton, 

Lyric Theatre, Challis, Ida. Pop. 

728. 

Paris Playboys (AA)—Leo Gorcey, 

Huntz Hall, Bernard Gorcey. 

A routine funster for the fans 

who still stick to this long-time 

team of slapstick clowns. Doubled 

with "Shotgun" for disappointing 

business. Played Fri., Sat. 

Weather: Lovely.—Bob Walker, 

Uintah Theatre, Fruita, Colo. 

Pop. 1,463. 

Return of Jack Slade, The 

(AA) — John Ericson, Mari 

Blanchard, Neville Brand. A 

waste of flim. Superscope doesn't 

mean a thing in black and white. 

Just a western to fill a bill and 

win not excite anyone outside of 

your AA sales personnel. Below 

normal. Played Thurs., Pri., Sat. 

Weather: Fair.—Ken Christianson, 

Roxy Theatre, Washburn, 

N. D. Pop. 913. 

COLUMBIA 

Eddy Duchin Story, The «3ol) 

—^Tyrone Power, Kim Novak, 

Victoria Shaw. A good sob story, 

but not for small towns at Columbia's 

50 per cent terms. Drew 

less than average business, so I 

took a loss. The women patrons 

liked it. Played Tues., Wed., 

Thurs.—W. L. Stratton, Lyric 

Theatre, Challis, Ida. Pop. 728. 

It Should Happen to You (Col) 

—Judy Holliday, Peter Lawford, 

Jack Lemmon. Comedy de luxe. 

Judy Holliday sure is a scream. 

More laughing than I have heard 

in the theatre for some time, the 

laughs so plentiful it was difficult 

to get the words. They say 

he that laughs last laughs best. 

I laughted when I counted the 

boxoffice so I guess I laughed 

last. The trouble is business has 

gone. Back a few years ago this 

picture would have filled the 

house. Today it drew better than 

average, but by no means a house 

full. No kicks. Played Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Slightly cold.—Fred L. 

Murray, Stran(} Theatre, Spiritwood, 

Sask. Pop. 355. 

Safari (Col) — Victor Mature 

Janet Leigh, John Justin. Still 

think this very good entertainment, 

even if some operator had 

cut out part of the bath scene 

from our print. Tops in animals 

and suspense of Mau Mau. Below 

average business. Played 

Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: Okay. 

—Ben Spainhour, Twilight Theatre, 

Greensburg, Kas. Pop. 1,- 

723. 

Teenage Crime Wave (Col)— 

Tommy Cook, MoUie McCart, Sue 

English. After advertising heck 

out of "Rebel- Without a Cause" 

for a month, Warners got scared 

to have James Dean's name on 

the Uintah marquee at the same 

time they had it on the big city 

marquees announcing the opening 

of "Giant," so they jerked the 

print a week ahead of my playdate. 

We put this little "rebel" 

in at the last minute, but folks 

thought I'd pulled a deliberate 

switch on them and they didn't 

like it. Doubled with "Uranium 

Boom" and starved out. Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Bad wind. 

Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita, C3olo. Pop. 1,463. 

Grand Picture 

Here, boys, is one grand picture, 

"Count Three and Pray." 

One of the best pictures I have 

played this year. Drama in 

Cinemascope. You will be 

proud to stand at the boxoffice 

and watch your patrons 

leave the theatre and hear the 

nice things they have to say. 

Business average the first 

night, but built up to about 140 

per cent of average the second 

night. A few pictures like this 

and we would be able to have 

Christmas turkey. 

FRED L. MURRAY 

Strand Theatre 

Spiritwood, Sask. 

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

Billy the Kid (MGM)—Reissue. 

Robert Taylor, Brian Donlevy, 

Ian Hunter, This picture is still 

a pretty good draw, but you can 

see a big difference in the new 

photography compared to this. 

Can be bought right and you can 

make a few bucks. Played Tues., 

Wed. Weather: Good.—W .L. 

Stratton, Lyric Theatre, Challis, 

Ida. Pop. 728. 

Cobweb, The (MGM)—Richard 

Widmark, Lauren Bacall, Charles 

Boyer. This is a hard picture to 

write on. I do not think I can do 

the picture justice. This is a good 

picture that was not too well 

liked here, but drew a strong 

average. The story about a clinic 

doctors and nurses and their 

troubles is just plain good, but 

not enough action to suit my action 

fans, which makes up the 

greater part of my patronage. My 

advice is play the picture. You 

will not hurt your business any. 

Played Mon., Tues. Weather: 

Good.—Fred L. Murray, Strand 

Theatre, Spiritwood, Sask. 

Diane (MGM)—Lana Turner, 

Pedro Armendariz, Roger Moore. 

Excellent film, but not the type 

that does any business around 

here. Didn't even meet the film 

cast. Looks like MGM has nothing 

for small towns anymore. 

Played Wed., Thurs. Weather: 

Fair.—A. Madril, La Plaza Theatre, 

Antonito, Colo. Pop. 1,255. 

I'll Cry Tomorrow (MGM)— 

Susan Hayward, Richard Conte, 

Eddie Albert. I first read the 

book and then saw the show. 

From a strictly acting standpoint, 

I think this is absolutely tops by 

XHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

lABOUT PICTURESi 

Susan Hayward. From a boxoffice 

standpoint, my farmers 

were not interested in the antics 

of an alcoholic woman, so didn't 

make expenses on it. Played Sun., 

Mon. Weather: Cool.—I. Roche, 

Vernon Theatre, Vernon, Fla., 

and Starlite Drive-In, Chlpley, 

Fla. 

Meet Me in Las Vegas (MGM) 

—Dan Dailey, Cyd Charisse, Paul 

Henreid. A musical great that 

did normal business. Rental too 

high, so not a moneymaker. 

Really a good musical. Sell the 

cowboy western angle and should 

do okay in small towns. A musical 

that did normal business, so it 

must be great. Played Sun., Mon., 

Tues.—Ken Christiansen, Roxy 

Theatre, Washburn, N. D. 

Northwest Passage (MGM) 

Reissue. Spencer Tracy, Robert 

Young, Walter Brennan. This 

oldie beat "To Hell and Back" 

and "Picnic" of the two Sundays 

preceding it on the Sunday opening, 

but a light snow on Monday 

and the junior class play on 

Tuesday were more obstacles 

than a young Spencer Tracy 

could overcome. Yet, price considered, 

it still held its own better 

than any of the stretchies of the 

month. Used the "White Tail 

Buck" with it for a long, but 

thoroughly enjoyable program 

that I think everyone liked. 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues. 

Weather: 

Lovely, snow, cold.—Bob 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, 

Colo. Pop. 1,463. 

PARAMOUNT 

Lucy Gallant (Para)—Jane 

Wyman, Charlton Heston, Claire 

Trevor. It had to be the title 

that made this fine little picture 

so hard to sell. Those whose 

resistance was low loved this oil 

field story, but we didn't get our 

pitch across to as many as I'd 

hoped. Wyman just doesn't lend 

her talents to a dud. Business 

just average. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: First snow. — Bob 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, Fruita, 

Colo. Pop. 1,463. 

Rose Tattoo, The (Para) — 

Anna Magnani, Burt Lancaster, 

Marisa Pavan. Not suited to my 

customers. I should have checked 

before buying.—Frank E. Sabin, 

Majestic Theatre, Eureka, Mont. 

Trail of the Lonesome Pine 

(Para)—Reissue. Sylvia Sidney, 

Fred MacMurray, Henry Fonda. 

Someone at Paramount must 

have decided I'd closed for they 

forgot to send the right print until 

playdate. Then, to melt away 

those up and down 269 miles between 

them and starvation flats, 

they put the cans on an airship 

and wired me to meet it at 7 

p.m. in Grand Junction. Though 

we have a 12-year habit of starting 

the show at 7 p.m., I did as 

they said. Guess they thought we 

started at midnight, as they put 

the film on the plane that goes 

to Grand Junction via the Grand 

Canyon and Vegas. U-I shipped 

Sunday's show early, so we ran 

it after 8 p.m. when I finally got 

back. I'd have sued them for gas 

money, my usual 25 cents per 

hour wages and the loss of full 

houses for Friday-Saturday and 

Sunday-Monday, but about the 

time I got around to thinking 

about it Brunks comedians, who 

were parked on the school lot 

four doors south were sending 

so many of my customers down 

to use our restroom that I took 

up the pipe earlier than usual and 

got into such a sweet dream that 

I just plumb forgot about it until 

I started pounding out these reports. 

Dang such a memory! 

Well, I could blame it all on the 

golden rule and hope they do the 

same next time I pull a boo-boo. 

But that's like believing in Santa 

Claus and after 12 years of buying 

motion pictures, that's impossible! 

Those darn Brunk comedians 

got the business for both 

changes. It could have helped 

some if we'd known what we were 

going to play, so we could have 

unconfused the ticket buyers.— 

Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Fruita, Colo. Pop. 1,463. 

RKO RADIO 

Escape to Burma (RKO)—Barbara 

Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, 

David Farrar. You can pass 

this one and you won't miss a 

thing. Picture okay for TV, but 

too weak for theatre use. Lost 

money. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good.—W. L. Stratton, 

Lyric Theatre, Challis, Ida. 

First Traveling Saleslady, The 

(RKO)—Ginger Rogers, Barry 

Nelson, Carol Channing. This 

is a show that all the magazine 

reviews said is no good. I liked 

it, my patrons liked it, the boxoffice 

liked it, so why shouldn't 

it be called a good show? Played 

Fri., Sat. Weather: Warm.—B. 

Berglund, Trail Theatre, New 

Town, N. D. Pop. 1,200. 

Glory (RKO) — Margaret 

O'Brien, Walter Brennan, Charlotte 

Greenwood. Good film that 

drew an average crowd. Pretty 

nice trailer, too. Same old 

Margaret O'Brien magic, I'd say. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Fair.—A. Madril, La Plaza Theatre, 

Antonito, Colo. Pop. 1,255. 

Film Good Deed 

I have been intending to 

write for some time to this 

column. Some weeks ago we 

played "Quo Vadis." In this 

film the apostle Peter preached 

a sermon. We showed the film 

on Friday- Saturday. The next 

Tuesday a young man came to 

me and said, "Mr. Finley, did 

you know that three people 

were saved at your show Friday?" 

I said, "Are you joking?" 

He said, "No. I am one of them. 

I never went to church or Sunday 

school much, but that 

sermon in the picture proved to 

me how wrong I have been. 

Now, I am going to church and 

Sunday school." 

W. M. FINLEY 

Lyric Theatre 

Norfork, Ark. 

REPUBLIC 

City of Shadows (Rep)—Victor 

{ 

McLaglen, Kathleen Crowley, •* 

John Baer. Well, we got stuck 

again. If you don't play this 

(Continued on following page) 

j 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : Dec. 22, 1956 11

The EXHIBITOR HAS HIS SAY 

(Continued from preceding page) 

one, it can't hurt you. Why don't 

they give this kind to TV and 

help us? Played Wed.-Sat. 

Weather: Winter is just about 

here.—Harold Bell, Opera House, 

Coaticook, Que. Pop. 6,341. 

King of the Cowboys (Rep) 

Reissue. Roy Rogers, Smiley 

Burnette, Peggy Moran. Had so 

many letters from folks who read 

these pages telling me the biggest 

grosses they had chalked up 

in months had been with an old 

Rogers and a corn show that I 

got hungry enough to try it. This 

bumped into the annual Harvest 

Carnival on Friday night and did 

almost as much as we've been 

doing on that evening. Holy 

smoke, how they flocked out for 

the Saturady afternoon baby-sitting 

session, and Saturday night 

was a little better than most, so 

we ended up with a fair gross. 

Doubled with "Untamed Heiress." 

Played Pri., Sat. Weather: Lovely. 

—Bob Walker, Uintah Theatre, 

Pruita, Colo. Pop. 1,463. 

20th 

CENTURY-FOX 

Adventures of Sadie, The (20th- 

Fox) — Joan CoUins, Kenneth 

More, George Cole. I still say 

if they would leave these English 

things in England a lot of 

us would be better off. Only 

thing appreciated in this was 

Joan Collins. I'll bet she said, 

"What a sad adventure!" when 

it was over. Played Wed.-Sat. 

Weather: Snow and cold. — 

Harold Bell, Opera House, Coaticook, 

Que. Pop. 6,341. 

Bus Stop (20th-Fox)— Marilyn 

Monroe, Don Murray, Arthur 

O'Connell. This was disappointing. 

After such a terrific national 

advertising campaign, I expected 

excellent returns. Don Murray 

made the show and not Marilyn 

Monroe. At least, she has lost her 

oomph" in these parts. Played 

Sun., Mon. Weather: Snowy.— 

Duane EUickson, Park Theatre, 

Wautoma, Wis. Pop. 1,376. 

Left Hand of God (20th-Fox) 

—Humphrey Bogart, Gene Tierney, 

Lee J. Cobb. Had heard so 

much about this that I was expecting 

too much I gue.ss. Bought 

on scale, it came much cheaper 

than the flats I've been using 

from this hitless company all 

summer, but it certainly didn't 

play to any crowds. I enjoyed the 

story and think most folks did 

too, but heard many make the 

comment that Bogie was miscast. 

Played Sun., Mon.—Bob 

Walker, Uintah Theatre, PruiU. 

Colo. Pop. 1,463. 


Johnny Concho (UA)—Prank 

Keenan Wynn, WUliam 

Sinatra, 

Conrad. This is really good and 

It's a western which Is different. 

So everybody was satisfied. 

Played Sun., Mon. Weather: 

Fair.—B. Berglund, Trail Theatre, 

New Town, N. D. Pop. 1,200. 

Trapeze (UA)—Burt Lanca.ster. 

Gina LoUobrlglda, Tony Curtis. 

Good business until you count up 

the overage and the cost of the 

extra advertising. Then the darn 

thing breaks even, and that's aU. 

This 1.S the last I buy on those 

brutal term-s. I'm no Bosley 

Crowther. but to tell the truth, 

I wasn't much Impressed with 

the picture. I've bought better 

for $12.50. Played Sun., Mon. 

Weather: Good.—Prank R. Mc- 

Lean, Roxy Theatre, Coulterville, 

111. Pop. 1,160. 

UNIVERSAL-INTERNAT'L 

Abbott and Costello Meet the 

Keystone Kops (U-D—Bud Abbott, 

Lou Costello, Fred Clark. 

They made better shows than 

this in 1910. To top it off, the 

first reel had the sound track 

scratched from start to end, so, 

all in all, business and picture 

were zero. Played Pri., Sat. 

Weather: Good.— W. L.'stratton, 

Lyric Theatre, Challis, Ida. 

Away All Boats (U-D—Jeff 

Chandler, George Nader, Julie 

Adams. Very good picture. Lots 

of action and good cast, but I 

played it pretty late. Those who 

came enjoyed it to be sure. 

Played Sun., Mon., Tues.—Kenneth 

M. Gorham, Town Hall Theatre, 

Middlebury, Vt. Pop. 3,614. 

Far Country, The (U-I) — 

James Stewart, Ruth Roman, 

Walter Brennan. Man, oh, man, 

what I could have done with this 

blockbuster a few years back. If 

any of you play later than I do 

and haven't used this, then get 

it in soon. It has a cast to thrill 

you, a story to excite everyone 

and color to wrap up the package 

as it should be. The print 

came days early, so I slipped five 

minutes of the first reel on the 

screen every night and made 

them groan when I went back to 

the featm-e of the evening. This 

got a few more out, but it just 

earned the terms, even so. Played 

Sun., Mon., Tues. Weather: 

Lovely.—Bob Walker, Uintah 

Theatre, Pruita, Colo. Pop. 1,463. 

Francis in the Haunted House 

(U-I)—Mickey Rooney, Virginia 

Welles, James Flavin. This has 

only run one night and has two 

more to go. The one night was 

slightly above average in draw, 

but nothing to write home about. 

It seems that Francis still has 

some appeal for the overalls and 

jumper crowd, but no draw for 

the ladies in silk or the men with 

clean necks. At least, not here. 

It seems to me I detected a new 

voice in Francis, or did the mule 

have a cold? Rooney 's appearance 

replacing O'Connor had no 

effect. Played Sun., Mon., Tues. 

Weather: Cold.—Olin Evans, 

Starlite Drive-In, Florala, Ala. 

Ride Clear of Diablo (U-D— 

Audie Murphy, Susan Cabot, Dan 

Duryea. Here is an oldie, which 

everybody should pick up. Had 

played it at my other location 

in Ray, so I knew it was a good 

western. Played Wed., Thurs. 

Weather: Good.—B. Berglund, 

Trail Theatre, New Town, N. D. 

WARNER BROS. 

River Changes, The (WB)— 

Rossana Rory, Harold Maresch, 

Renate Mannhardt. Another flop 

at the boxoffice, because of cold 

weather. The show Is very good 

and better than the preview 

looked. Probably the preview 

chased some patrons away. 

Played Wed. Weather: Very 

cold, little snow.—Harry Hawk- 

Inson. Orpheum Theatre, Marietta, 

Minn. Pop. 380. 

FOREIGN 

ARGENTINA 

FEATURES. 

Foreign-language productions by native country listed olphabetlcally 

by title, followed by running time. Date shown is issue of BOXOFFICE 

in which review appeored. Name of distributor is in parentheses. 

Beviewed 

Dark Ri»«r (88) 4-28-56 

( 

Times).. H. Del Carrll, A. BenetU 

AUSTRIA 

©Don Juan (90) 7- 7-56 

(Times) . .Cesare Daoora, Josef Melnrad 

BRITAIN 

Angel Who Pawned Her Harp (73) . . 4-28-56 

(Dominant) . .Diane CUento. Felli Aylmer 

Appointment in London (96) 12-31-55 

(Assoc. Artists) . D. Bogarde, Sheridan 

. Dlnab 

Cliance Meeting (94) 8-27-55 

(Pacemalier) . .Odlle Versols, David Knight 

Court Martial (105) 10- 1-55 

(Klngsley) . .David Nlven, Margaret Lelghton 

Cure for Love, The (97) 11-26-55 

(Assoc. Artists).. R. Donat, Benee Asherson 

Eight O'ClocIt Walk (87) 8-20-55 

(

An interpretive anaiysis of lay and tradepress reviews. The plus and minus signs Indicate 

degree of merit. Listings cover current reviews, updated regularly. This department serves 

olso as an ALPHABETICAL INDEX to feature releases. Symbol U denotes BOXOFFICE 

Blue Ribbon Aword Winner. Photography: O Color; ^CinemoScope; (St VistaVlsion; ^ Superscope; 

® Noturoma. For listings by compony^ in the order of release, see Feature Chart. 

/Review digest 

AND ALPHABETICAL INDEX 

— Very Good; -r Good; — Fair; — Poor; — Very Poor. In the summary tf is rated 2 pluses, — as 2 minuses. 

GQ IXCC 

1 

> 

D *- .S-= i-^ 

= .£ w « " * « 

1 

u. IXDc la.£ Izo 

1985 ©Ahdullali's Harem (88) Com.-Dr..20-Fox 6-23-5fi + + ± + — ± 5+3— 

1958 ©Alexander the Great (141) © Drama. U A 4-7-56++ ft + +f -f 4+ #12+ 

2006 ©Amazon Trader, The (41) Doc WB 8-25-56++ + + + ++ ± ± 9+2— 

1998 ©Ambassador's Dauohter. The 

(102) © Comedy-Drama UA 8-4-56+ + + ++++++ ++11+ 

1965 ©Animal World, The (82) Doc WB 4-21-56+ + + + ++ ± + 8+1— 

1916 ©Anything Goes (108) ® Musical. .Para 1-21-56 ++ + + + ++ + ++10+ 

2024 ©Around the World In SO Days 

(170) T-AO Fantasy-Adv UA 10-27-56 ++++++++++++++14+ 

1994 As Long as You're Near Me (101) Dr.. WB 7-21-56 ± + ++ 4+1— 

2011 Attack! (106) War-Drama UA 9-15-56+ ++ + + ++ + ++10+ 

1963 Autumn Leaves (108) Drama Col 4-21-56 ± ± + + + S: ++ 8+J- 

1973 ©Away All Boats (114) « Drama.... U-l 5-19-56 ++ ++ ± ++ ++ + ++ 12+1- 

—B 

2035 Baby Doll (114) Drama WB 12- 8-56 ++ ++++++++ 10+ 

2007 Back From Eternity (98) Drama RKO 9- 1-56 + ++ + + + + 7+ 

194-i ©Backlash (84) Western U-l 3-3-56+ + + + + ± ± 7+2— 

1996 Bad Seed, The (129) Drama WB 7-28-56++ ± + ++ ++ ++ ++ 12+1— 

2004©Bandido (92) © Adventure UA 8-18-56 ++ + + + + + + 8+ 

1931 Battle Stations (81) Drama Col 2-18-56 ± + 2: ±: + ± + 7+4— 

2005 ©Beast of Hollow Mountain, The 

(79) © Western Horror-Drama UA 8-25-56+ + + + — — — 4+3— 

1986 Behind the High Wall (85) Drama.. U-l 6-23-56+ — ± ± ± 4+4- 

2016 ©Best Things in Life Are Free, 

The (104) © Musical 20th-Fox 9-29-56++ + + + + + ++ 9+ 

2021 ©Between Heaven and Hell 

(94) ©War-Drama 20th-Fox 10-20-56 + + ++ ++ ± ++ ±10+2— 

2012 Beyond a Reasonable Doubt 

(80) Drama RKO 9-15-56+ ± ± + ± +f — 7+4— 

1969 ©Bhowani Junction (110) © Or... MGM 5-5-56++ ++++++ + ++ ++13+ 

2012 ©Bigger Than Life (95) © Dr...20th-Fox 9-15-56+ ++++++++ + +11+ 

1956 ©Birds and the Bees (95) ® Com... Para 3-31-56+ + + + + ++ + 8+ 

1984 Black Sleep, The (83) Horror UA 6-16-56+ ± + + i: — S+3— 

1958 Blackjack Ketchum, Desperado 

(76) Western Col 4- 7-56 ± ± + ± + + ±: 7+4— 

1953 Bold and the Brave (90) ® Drama.. RKO 3-24-56+ ++ ± + ± ± + 8+3— 

2038 Blonde Sinner (74) Drama AA 12-15-56 + + 2+ 

2006 Boss, The (87) Drama UA 8-25-56 ++ ± ++ + + ± — 8+5— 

1942 Brain Machine, The (72) Drama RKO 3- 3-56 ± ± ± + — ± 5+5— 

2037 Brass Legend, The (79) Western UA 12-15-56 + 1+ 

2013©Brave One, The (100) © Drama. .RKO 9-22-56++ + + ++++++ 10+ 

1930 Broken Star, The (82) Western UA 2-11-56+ ± ± ± + — 5+4- 

2026 Bullfight (76) Documentary Janus 11- 3-56 ± + ++ + 5+1— 

2037 ©Bundle of Joy (98) Comedy RKO 12-15-56 +f 2+ 

1998 ©Burning Hills, The (92) © W'n WB 8-4-56+ + + + ± + ± 7+2— 

2003 ©Bus Stop (94) © Com.-Or....20th-Fox 8-18-56 ++ ++++++++++ ++14+ 

2022 Calling Homicide (61) Mystery AA 10-20-56 + + + ± 4+1— 

2001 ©Canyon River (80) ©Western AA 8-11-56 ± + + + ± + — 6+3- 

1968 Catered Affair, The (93) Com. -Dr... MGM 4-28-56+ +f ± + ++ + + 9+1— 

2014 Cha-ChaCha Boom! (72) Musical Col 9-22-56+ ± + + ± ± ± 7+4— 

1934 ©Cockleshell Heroes (97) © Drama. .Col 2-18-56 ++ ++++++++++ ++14+ 

1945 ©Comanche (87) © Outdoor UA 3-10-56+ + + + ++++ ± 9+1— 

1925 ©Come Next Spring (92) Drama Rep 2-4-56++ + + + ++++ +10*+ 

1933 Come On, The (82) ® Drama AA 2-18-56 ++ 

— ± ± ++ — 6+4— 

1983©Congo Crossing (87) Adventure U-l 6-16-56 ± ± ± + ± + — 6+5— 

1940 ©Conqueror. The (HI) © Drama. .RKO 3-3-56++ + ++ + ++++ ++12+ 

1925 ©Court Jester, The (101) (?) Com... Para 2-4-56++ + ++++++++ ++13+ 

1947 Creature Walks Among Us, The 

(78) Science-Fiction U-l 3-17-56+ ±. ± — ± ± — 5+6— 

1961 Creeping Unknown, The (79) Sc.-F UA 4-14-56+ ± ± d: + — 5+4— 

1945 Crime Against Joe (69) Mystery UA 3-10-56 ± ± + + + 5+2— 

1962 Crime in the Streets (91) Drama AA 4-14-56+ + - + + ++ ± 7+2- 

1987 Crowded Paradise (93) Melodrama. .Tudor 6-30-56+ + + + — 4+1— 

2004 Cry in the Night, A (75) Suspense. .WB 8-18-56 ± ± — + + + — 5+4— 

2028 ©Curucu, Beast of the Amazon 

(76) Horror-Drama U-l 11-10-56 + + + + it ± = 6+4— 

—D 

1998 ©Dakota Incident (88) Western Rep 8- 4-56+ + + + + + ± 7+1- 

2037 Dance With Me Henry (80) Comedy.. UA 12-15-56 ± 1+1— 

1994 ©Davy Crockett and the River Pirates 

(81) Adventure BV 7-21-56+ ± ± + + ± 6+3- 

1962 ©Day of Fury, A (78) Western U-l 4-14-56+ + ± + — ± ± 6+4- 

1910 Day the World Ended 

(80) ® Science-Fiction AlP 1- 7-56 ± ± ± ± 4| < 

1977 ©D-Day the Sixth of June 

(106) © War-Drama 20th-Fox 6-2-56++ ++++++++ + ++13+ 

2025 Deadliest Sin, The (75) Drama AA 11- 3-56 :*: ±: ± ± ± 5+5— 

2026 Death of a Scoundrel (119) Drama.. RKO 11- 3-56 ++ + ± + + + 7+1— 

2030 Desperadoes Are In Town, The 

(72, ® Western 20th-Fox 11-17-56 ++ ± ± ± ± 6+4— 

1937 ©Doctor at Sea (92) ® Comedy Rep 2-25-56 ± *++* — + + 7+4— 

1981 Dynamiters. The (74) Mystery Astor 6- 9-56 ± 1+1— 

—E 

1977 Earth vs. the Flying Saucers 

(83) Science-Fiction Col 6-2-56+ + ± + + + — 6+2— 

" 

g ^ " 

£ o-m is — 

m ccz > u. 

1979 0©Eddy Duchin Story, The 

(123) © Drama With Music Col 6-9-56-+ ++ + ++ ++ +t ++ 13+ 

1720 Edge of Hell (78) Drama 

(Reviewed as "Tender Hearts") .. .U-l 2-26-56 1 a: ff + 

15+2- 

1954 Emergency Hospital (62) Drama UA 3-24-56+ ± ± — - 5+5- 

2029 ©Everything But the Truth 

(S3) Comedy U-l 11-17-56 + + ± + + ± 6+2- 

—F— 

1986 Fastest Gun Alive (90) Western.... MGM 6-23-56+ + ± + + ++ + 8+1- 

1991 Fear (82) Drama Astor 7-14-56 + 

1+ 

2033 Finger of Guilt (84) Mystery RKO 12- 1-56+ + + + It S+1- 

1984 ©First Texan, The (82) © Western.'.AA 6-16-56 ++ + ± ± it ++ ± 9+4- 

2004 ©First Traveling Saleslady, The 

(92) Comedy-Drama RKO 8-18-56— — ± - + 2+4- 

2017 Flight to Hong Kong (88) Action UA 10- 6-56 + ± + + ± - 5+3- 

1949 ©Forbidden Planet (98) © Sc.-F. .MGM 3-17-56 ++ + + S: ++ + - 8+2- 

1975 ©Foreign Intrigue (100) Drama UA 5-26-56+ — ± + ± + 5+5- 

192S©Forever Darling (96) Comedy MGM 2-11-56+ — — ± ++ + ++ 7+3- 

2033 ©Four Girls in own (94) © Drama. U-l 12- 1-56 ± + ± + 4+2- 

1989 Francis in the Haunted House 

(SO) Comedy U-l 7-7-56+ + + + it It - 6+3- 

2017 0©Friendly Persuasion 

(138) Folk Comedy- Drama AA 10- 6-56 ++ + ++ 

1913 Fury at Gunsight Pass (68) Western.. Col ^1-14-56 + + 

1955 ©Gaby (97) © Drama MGM 3-31-56+ + 

2012 Gamma People, The (79) Melodrama. .Col 9-15-56 ± — 

1897 Ghost Town (75) Western U A 12-17-55 + ± 

2024 ©Giant (201) Drama WB 10-27-56 ++ ++ 

2025 Girl He Left Behind (103) Comedy.. WB 11- 3-56 ± ++ 

2009 Girls in Prison (87) Melodrama AlP 9- 8-56 ± ± 

1971 Godzilla, King of the Monsters 

(80) Horror- Drama Embassy 5-21-56 + ± 

1957 Goodbye, My Lady (91) Drama WB 4- 7-56++ + 

2032 Great American Pastime (89) Com.. MGM 11-24-56 + it 

1973 ©Great Day in the Morning 

(92) !§ Hist. Western Drama RKO 5-19-56+ + 

1976 ©Great Locomotive Chase, The 

(85) © Historical Spy Drama BV 5-26-56 + ± 

2034 Great Man, The (98) Drama U-l 12- 1-56 — ++ 

2011 Gun Brothers (79) Western UA 9-15-56 it it 

2036 Gun the Man Down (78) Western UA 12- 8-56 ± it 

2000 ©Gunslinger (S3) WesUrn AlP 8-4-56 — 

—H— 

1956 Harder They Fall, The (109) Drama.. Col 3-31-56 ++ ++ 

1993 ©He Laughed Last (77) Mus-Com Col 7-21-56 ++ + 

1996©HiBh Society (107) ® Mus-Com.. MGM 7-28-56++ ++ 

l%9©Hilda Crane (87) © Drama. .20th-Fox 5- 5-56 + + 

18S8 Hill 24 Doesn't Answer 

(100) Drama Confl Dis 12- 3-55 + 

1995 Hold Back the Night (80) Drama AA 7-28-56++ ± 

2038 ©Hollywood or Bust (95) ® Com.. Para 12-15-56 + + 

1941 ©Hot Blood (85) © Drama Col 3-3-56+ + 

2002 Hot Cars (60) Action UA 8-11-56 — ±. 

2009 Hot Rod Girl (75) Action-Drama. .. .AlP 9- 8-56 it ± 

1909 Houston Story (79) Melodrama Col 1-7-56+ it 

2002 ©Huk (84) Action UA 8-11-56+ ± 

1943 Lum & Abner Abroad (72) Comedy. Howco 3-10-56 ± 

2010 ©Lust for Life (112) Q Drama. . . .MGM 9- 8-56 ++ 

1894 I'll Cry Tomorrow (119) Drama.... MGM 12-17-55 ++ + 

1974 ©Invitation to the Dance 

(93) Ballet Film MGM 5-19-56+ + 

1993 I've Lived Before (82) Drama U-l 7-21-56 ± ± 

—J— 

2007©Jedda the Uncivilized (88) Drama.. DCA 9- 1-56 + 

1917 Joe Macbeth (90) Melodrama Col l-a-56 d: ± 

1991 Johnny Concho (84) Western UA 7-14-56 ++ + 

1958 ©Juhal (101) © Western Col 4- 7-56 + + 

2018 Julie (99) Suspense-Drama MGM 10- 6-56 ++ ± 

—K— 

1946 Kettles in the Ozarks (81) Comedy.. U-l 3-10-56+ ± 

1976 Killing, The (S3) Suspense-Drama UA 5-26-56+ + 

1990 y©KinB and I, The (133) 

©55 Dramatic Musical 20th-Fox 7-7-56++ ++ 

1980 ©Kiss Before Dying, A (94) © Dr..UA 6- 9-56 it +f + ± 

1946 ©Ladykillers, The (93) Cora.. .Confl Dis 3-10-56 + 

1932 ©Last Hunt, The (108) © 0utd'r..MGM 2-18-56 ++ 

2032 Last Man to Hang, The (75) Drama.. UA 11-24-56 ± 

2008 ©Last Wagon, The (109) © W'n..20-Fox 9- 1-56 ++ 

1910 ©Lease of Life (93) Drama IFE 1- 7-56 + 

1978 Leather Saint, The (86) ® Drama.. Para 6- 2-56 ± 

1997 ©Lisbon (90) Adventurt Reg 8- 4-56 ++ 

2031 Love Me Tender (90) © Outdoor. 20th-Fox 11-24-56 + 

1981 Lovers & Lollipops (80) Com-Dr T-L 6- 9-56 ±

REVIEW DIGEST- Very Good; -^ Good; — Fair; — Poor; = Very Poor. 

«< 

I 1"o 

—M 

1975 ©Madame Butterfly (114) Ouera IFE 5-26-56 + 

L971 SMagic Fire (94) Biog. -Drama Ren 5-12-56 ± 

!000 Magnificent Roughnecks (73) C-Dr...AA 8- 4-56 ± 

'.021 Man From Del Rio (82) Western UA 10-20-56 -f 

1957 y©Man in the Gray Flannel Suit 

(153) © Drama 20lli-Fox 4- 7-56 tt 

1970 UQMan Who Knew Too Much, The 

(120) ® Suspense- Drama Para 5- 5-56 -ft 

.979 ©Massacre (76) Western 20th-Fox 6-9-56* 

.970 ©Maverick Queen (90) ® Western Rep 5- 5-56 + 

L924QMeet Me in Las Vegas 

(112) © Musical MGM 2- 4-56 H 

!019©Men of Sherwood Forest 

(77) Adventure-Drama Astor 10-13-56 + 

597 Miami Expose (73) Crime-Drama Col 8-4-56 + 

.926 Miracle in the Rain (107) Drama WB 2- 4-56 H 

.989 ©Moby Dick (116) Sea Drama WB 7- 7-56 -H 

.952 ©Mohawk (79) Outdoor 20th-Fox 3-24-56 + 

:02S Mole People, The (78) ilorror U-l 11-10-56 ± 

1015 ©Mountain, The (105) (?) Drama... Para 9-29-56 -ft 

981 Murder on Approval (70) Mystery.. RKO 6- 9-56 ±

1 

Opinions on Current Productions 

Feature reviews 

Symbol © denotes color photography; ® Is ClnamoScope; ® VistaVision; (g) Superseope. For story synopsis on each picture, see reverse side. 

Zaiak F 

Ratio: Adventure Drama 

2.55-1 © 

Columbia (126) 99 Minutes Rel. Jan. '57 

Screen-flooding spectacle, high-rolling adventure and sultry 

sex are the qualities that have carried many Warwick films 

to noteworthy popularity and profits. Herein all of them 

are evident in precedential abundance. The first is supplied — 

through the impressive employment of Cinemascope and i^ 

Tchnicolor to ensnare the breathtaking beauties of the 

terrain against which the picture was photographed and the 

vast hordes of extras and horses utilized in the battle 

sequences, among the most striking ever filmed. Virile 

Victor Mature and his swashbuckling are the mainspring 

of the derring-do; while Anita Ekberg, displaying more of 

epidermis than talent, is responsible for the sexy quotient. 

What matters it that the more critical of spectators will 

find fault with the fact that the story fails, to the point of 

considerable confusion, to weld into a consistent whole the 

offering's innumerable productional assets; or that the 

cutting job is obviously and shriekingly haphazard? The 

ticket buyers who seek action and scope in outsize doses 

and they are a dominant majority in most situations 

should flock to see the feature and feel that they've had 

more than their money's worth. Irving Allen and Albert 

R. Broccoli produced, Terence Young directed. 

Victor Mature, Michael Wilding, Anita Ekberg, Bonar 

CoUeano, Finlay Currie, Bernard Miles, Frederick Valk. 

Full oi Lite F ^ 

'"""' 

i 

Columbia ( ) 91 Minutes Rel. Feb. '57 

A warm-hearted, engaging and hilariously funny comedy 

dealing with pregnancy, but in a manner to make it acceptable 

and enjoyable to every type of audience and to 

young and old alike. Judy Holliday, who deserves special 

praise for burdening herself with a maternity wardrobe 

throughout, once again proves herself a superb comedienne 

and she receives top-flight support from Salvatore Baccaloni, 

rotund Metropolitan Opera basso, who is a delight 

as a lovable, wine-imbibing Italian father. The picture will 

also win the wholehearted support of Catholic patrons, 

who will take such scenes as an obviously-pregnant bride 

being married by a priest in good-natured fashion. For, as 

all in the spirit of fun and the laughs frequently drown out ff"; 

directed by Richard Quine and acted by the expert cast, it's cket 

some of the dialog. The title is particularly apt, since the '^"' 

story by John Fante deals with expectant parents and all 

the amusing details of prenatal care, including the frantic 

ride to the hospital although Judy's pains prove to be only 

indigestion. Judy and Baccaloni supply most of the laughs 

but they have fine support from Richard Conte, hitherto 

a serious actor, who is fine as the worried husband, and 

from Joe DeSantis as a priest. Fred Kohlmar produced. 

Judy Holliday, Richard Conte, Salvatore Baccaloni, 

Esther Minciotti, Joe DeSantis, Silvio MinciottL 

The Black Whip 

Ratio: 

2.55-1 

Western 

20th-Fox (628-8) 77 Minnies Rel. Dec. '56 

Effort to transcend sagebrush formula in favor of dramatics 

and mood is a hazardous undertaking as many a 

more costly western has established. This is especially true 

when the screenplay upon which such attempted transition 

Is predicated fails to have the required body and creditabll- 

}ty; and, further, when the finished product fails to possess 

the standard action that is expected by the confirmed addicts 

of boots-and-saddles fare. Considering that this comparatively 

modestly budgeted film patently is hobbled by both of 

those shortcomings, it still assays as an acceptable booking 

for the supporting niche. The picture, however, falls short 

of the standards set by the first two in the series of actioners 

that Regal Films is producing to round out 20th's 

own production program. The feature's redeeming qualities 

lie in performances which, considering the material with 

which the actors were confronted, are generally acceptable. 

Special mention is due a comparative newcomer, Paul 

Richards—he's the man with the whip—who is a cast standout 

in an unsympathetic role. Another asset—and a 

merchandisable one—is the use of RegalScope. Charles Marquis 

Warren directed for producer Robert Stabler. 

Hugh Marlowe, Coleen Gray, Richard Gilden, Angle 

Dickinson, Strother Martin, Paul Richards, Charles Gray. 

Use 

iding 

have 

olden 

'Mcp- 

The King and Four Queens 

F 

Ratio: Western 

2.551 (g) O 

United Artists (5701) 90 Minutes Rel. Dec. '56 

If it weren't for the sardonic, tongue-in-cheek attitude 

that Clark Gable applies to his delineation of the male entry 

in the title, this off-beat western might easily have been 

plunged into a morass of implausibility, could have, in fact, 

becomes a bit ludicrous. As is, the feature pans out as an 

impressively mounted offering which the average ticket 

buyer—if he doesn't too critically analyze the plot premise 

will find engro-ssing and satisfactory. There are plenty of 

assets to attract initial patronage. First, there is "King" 

Gable, whose casual and virile talents are well known and 

herein demonstrate why he has always been among the 

screen's more popular male luminaries. Backing him is a 

quintet of competent femme troupers who offer spectators 

virtually any kind of element they may seek—action, sex, 

sentiment, chicanery, wholesomeness, even cleavage—displayed 

by curvaceous Barbara Nichols and in such proportions 

as to challenge Code limitations. Adding to the 

competent name-worthy cast are Cinemascope and De Luxe 

Color both effectively employed to photograph the ruggedly 

beautiful backgrounds. A Russ-Pield-Gabco production, 

able Raoul Walsh skillfully directed for producer David 

Hempstead and executive producer Robert Waterfield. 

Clark Gable, Eleanor Parker, Jo Van Fleet, Jean Willes, 

Barbara Nichols, Sara Shane, Roy Roberts. 

Wesiward Ho the Wagons! F 2.55a """s 

©""' 

Buena Vista 86 Minutes Rel. Dec. '56 

Neither showmen nor their customers will be surprised to 

find that Walt Disney's first live-action western reflects the 

same artistry, painstaking care and superiority that have 

characterized his countless preceding films of varied length 

and subject matter. The old maestro has created a sagebrush 

saga that bypasses the hackneyed cliches of its category, 

that has no truck with the moods and hysterical emotions 

found in many other off-beat gallopers, but nonetheless 

boasts sufficient action and suspense to satisfy sixgiui 

fans. This apparently difficult combination was accomplished 

through an honest and realistic approach to the 

chore of depicting the story of the hardships and hazards 

that confronted the hardy men, women and children who 

braved an uncharted wilderness to blaze a trail to new 

homes in the west. The result is an engrossing, epic achievement 

which is brought to lusty life through the employment 

of many top and patronage-assuring—and highly exploitable— 

qualities, principally Cinemascope and Technicolor 

to accent the sweeping background and overwhelming 

spectacle; and an effective, hard-working cast headed by 

Fess Parker of "Davy Crockett" fame. Deftly directed by 

William Beaudine for producer Bill Walsh. 

Fess Parker, Kathleen Crowley, Jeff York, David StoUery, 

Sebastian Cabot, George Reeves, Doreen Tracy. 

The Cruel Tower 

p Ratio: Action 

' 1.85-1 Drama 

Allied Artists (5629) 80 Minutes Rel. Oct. 28, '56 

Perhaps a critique of this 

faltering effort should concern 

itself with trying to determine to whom the tower will be 

the the crueler—the theatremen who book it or the ticket 

Their collective names may 

buyers who view it. If any conclusion is to be reached from 

the story structure, it must be that the circuitous parcel of 

screen scrivening is dedicated to the proposition that 

steeplejacks live and love dangerously—and let the bodies 

fall where they may. In undertaking to establish such 

premise, writer Warren Douglas touched briefly upon a 

myriad of plot ideas, but he failed to terminate any one of 

them. Confronted with these literary handicaps, the cast 

was virtually helpless—although it boasts some reasonably 

well-known troupers, who in past performances have Individually 

proven their talents. 

add some slight marquee value to the programs upon which 

the picture appears in the supporting niche, but certainly 

the film will add nothing to the" entertainment worth of 

the bill. Spots of action and sex are so patently dragged 

into the snail-paced procedure, that they fail to give the 

ensemble the lift for which they were contrived. Lew 

Landers directed for producer Lindsley Parsons. 

John Ericson, Marl Blanchard, Charles McGraw, Steve 

Brodie, Peter Whitney, Alan Hale, Diana Darrin. 

The reviews on these pages may be filed for future reference in ony of the following ways: (1) In ony standard three-ring 

loose-leaf binder; (2) Individuolly, by company. In ony standard 3x5 card Index file; or (3) In the BOXOFFICE PICTURE 

GUIDE three-ring, pocket-size binder. The latter, including a year's supply of booking and doily business record sheets, 

may be obtoined from Associated Publication!, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo., for $1.00, postage paid, 

2040 

BOXOFFICE BookinGuide : : Dec. 22, 1956 2039

FEATURE REVIEWS Story Synopsis; Exploitips; Adiines for Newspaper and Programs 

THE STORY: "The King and Four Queens" (UA) 

Fascinating scoundrel Clark Gable hears of four brothers, 

three of whom were killed while one escaped after stealing 

$100,000 in gold. Only their mother knows where the loot 

is hidden. Gable works his way into her household, which 

also includes the wife of one and widows of the three ^_ 

deceased men. All four females vie for Gable's attention. V_ 

Eventually he steals the gold and leaves with one of the 

girls. When they are pursued by the sheriff and his posse, 

returns the stolen wealth, receives $5,000 reward for its 

return, and rides off to meet the femme. 

EXPLOITIPS: 

In all stores where they sell playing cards suggest window 

and counter displays of this merchandise with a hand 

showing "The King and Four Queens," plus production stills 

and picture credit placards. Marquee emphasis should be 

accorded Clark Gable. Decorate the lobby with western gear. 

CATCHLINES: 

Fancy Clothes and Fancy Talk—Camouflage for a Past 

Gun and a Steel-Trap Mind ... He was Safer Gambling 

and Shooting Than as the Target of Four Predatory Women,

1 concession 

\1'ES: 15c per word, minimum Sl.SO, cash with copy. Four consecutive insertions for price 

three. CLOSING DATE: Monday noon preceding publication date. Send copy and 

answers to Box Numbers to BOXOFFICE, 825 Van Brunt Blvd., Kansas City 24, Mo. • 

cueeinG HOUSE 

POSITIONS WANTED 

Projectionist: Desires job in Florida, Tenn., 

ibama, Arizona, New .Meilco, Mississippi, 28 

:rs in booth. Boxoffice, 7360. 

l.ool(ing for Help? Write us. We hare the 

Ight" man for the "right" job. Commercial 

ployment, 652 Chestnut St., Gadsden, Alabama. 

House Manager or Assistant; 7 years experience 

.assistant manager, age 28, married, no 

Idren. Wife can cashier necessary. Want 

If 

Ition with future. Dave Lewis, 3118 So. Dumas 

I'nue, Oiilahoma City, Oklahoma. 

Manager, experienced would like first run contional 

theatre, will consider advertising or 

istant to top executive. Family, 35, permanent, 

lofflce. 7363. 

Mature but energetic manager, thoroughly exieneed 

in all phases. Emphasizing exploitation 

promotion. Would like job anyre. 

Boxoffice, 7368. 

HELP WANTED 

ilegister with us for better positions. Nationie 

service. Commercial Employment, 652 

^tnut St., Gadsden, Alabama. 

tVanted: Manager for upper New York State 

situation. Top salary paid. Answer, giving 

iplete background and experience. Boxoffice, 

7. 

tanager Wanted for large Drire-In nieatre in 

;e city of Southern State. Open all year, 

fer experienced man with record of acliievet 

as business builder and successful operator, 

ipensation, salary plus percentage of profit. 

1 charge will be given to right man. Send 

tograph and full informatloo in first letter, 

office, 7361. 

\rt Theatre manager wanted. Established house 

large northeastern city. Applicant need not 

;ess previous "art" experience, but must 

' e.\-cellent managerial background and be 

icularly adept at advertising and publicity. 

te in confidence, Boxoffice, 7364. 

lanager wanted for conventional house. Desire 

oltation minded man under 35 years of age. 

experience and qualifications. P.O. Box 562, 

? Charles, La. 

Vanled theatre manager immediately. In Iowa 

ity seat town. Permanent. State qualificas 

and reference first letter. .\11 replies conntial. 

Boxoffice. 7373. 

REPAIRING 

our speakers (cones), microphones, driver-unltx 

ns) completely rebuilt. Western Electr,onlcs 

3311 Houston Ave.. Houston 9, Texas. 

EQUIPMENT WANTED 

'anted: Used booth equipment. Ad\1se what 

have and price. Boxoffice, 7365. 

omplete drive-in equipment, sound, projection, 

esslon. 300 speakers, 90 amp lamps. East of 

ilssippi. Cash deal. Boxoffice, 7366. 

'anted, used theatre booth equipment. Frank 

rs, 602 W. Jackson St., Paris, HI. 

tUY! 

SELL! TRADE! 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—USED 

Excellent coated Projection Lenses—many 

brand new! WoUensak "Sunray", Series I: 2", 3", 

3W. 3%", 5", 5%", 6", 7%"— $35 pair. 

Superllte, Series III C coated: 2%", 3", 314"— 

$150 pr. Trades taken. Write or telephone order 

today. Dept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corporation, 

602 W 52nd Street, New York 19. 

Arclamps galore! Forest 40/165 amp. w/14" 

reflector, excellent condition, $250 pair; .\shcraft 

"B," Ballantyne, $250: Strong Mogul, 

Brenkert enarc, $350: Peerless magnarc. $395. 

Dept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 

52nd St., New York 19. 

Good used pair DeVry 3500 portable 35mDi 

projectors, amplifier and speaker. $400 F.O.B. 

Clifton Droke, 637 Alabama Street, Bristol, Tenn. 

Wanted: Used theatre booth equipment. We 

dismantle. Leon Jarodsky, Lincoln Theatre, Paris, 

Illinois. 

Late model rebuilt ultraphone sound heads, 

very reasonable. Also available from stock, parts 

for a]] models of ultraphone sound heads. Write 

for price list. Projection Senice t Supply Co., 

Ill No. 11th St., Minneapolis 3, Minn. 

Used and new equipment at bargain prices, popcorn 

kettles repaired. Mid-South Theatre Suppfy 

Co., 502 So. Second, Memphis, Tenn. 

Good condition, 1,000 used Heywood-Wakefield 

theatre chairs, upholstered backs, leather bottoms. 

Will sacrifice to clear storage space. 

Boxoffice, 7372. 

You save at Star! Pair Tushinsky lenses, 

$179.50; latest magnarc lamphouses, slightly 

used. $495; Century mechanisms, rebuilt, $795 

pair; 8" Adler aluminum letters, 40c; best buys 

on new and used lenses. Star Cinema Supply, 

621 West 55th St.. New York 19. 

Low intensity users, upgrade that light at 

fraction of usual cost! Pair Strong 1 kw high 

lamps, with reflectors, only $175. Ozark Playgrounds 

Theatres, Willow Springs. Mo. 

GENERAL EQUIPMENT—NEW 

Amazing saving! Holmes parts, new surplus: 

1000VV-T-20C13 Mog. prefocus lamps, $25 dozen; 

intermittent movements, $24.50; Star sprocket 

assembly, $10; sound lens, $9.95; BE14070 vertical 

drive shaft w/5 gears, bearings, $9.75; 2000' 

magazines, upper and lower (rebuilt), $25 set. 

Dept. cc, S.O.S. Cinema Supply Corp., 602 W. 

52nd St., New York 19. 

DRIVE-m THEATRE EQUIPMENT 

Antitheft Device for speakers gives complete 

protection for only 57c per speaker! E.\hibltors: 

Protect your speakers now against costly and 

repealed losses. In use now throughout L*. S. 

Speaker Security Co., Dept. 623, Willow Ave. 

at 17th St.. Hoboken, N. J. 

STUDIO AND PRODUCTION 

Mitchell 35mm single system camera with RCA 

sound, lenses, magazines, tripod, etc., $15,000 

value, $6,995; Kllegl 5000W studio spots on 

stands, $300 value, $159.50; new tripod triangles, 

$16.95; .Mitchell 35min Standard tracking camera, 

$995: Moviolas from $195; Hallen synchronous 

magnetic 16mm recorder, $1,495 value, $695; 

American Cinematographer's handbooks, Vi Price, 

$2.50. Dept. cc, S.0.8. Cinema Supply Corp., 

602 W. 52nd St., New York 19. 

THEATRES FOR SALE 

Theatre sales! Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, 

Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas. Ralph Erwin, Licensed 

Broker, 1443 South Trenton. Tulsa. 

West coast theatres for sale. Write for list. 

Theatre Exchange, 260 Kearney St., San Francisco 

8, Calif. 

Outstanding opportunity in Texas. 3 drive-ins 

in fast growing industrial city, population almost 

doubled since 1950, only drive-ins in 25 miles, 

includes 27 acres of valuable land, nice home on 

property, excellent year around profitable operation. 

600, 500 and 350 speakers, paved, top condition. 

Take 5 times 1954 or 1955 net profit, there 

is no catch or gimmicks, have more important 

interests that demand attention. No lease, 20% 

down to right party, balance in 8 to 12 years. 

Write, Boxoffice, 7239. 

Two drive-ins, n«ar Army installation, central 

Texas town of 40,000. Excellent opportunity. 

$100,000 will handle. No drive-in opposition. 

Write, call or wire, Marvin Godwin, 2008-A Jackson, 

Dallas, Texas. RI 2-8128 or LA 1-3037. 

270-seats, building and equipment, excellent 

condition. CinemaScope, air conditioned. Joy 

Theatre, West Rutland, Vt. 

300-car drive-in theatre for sale. All equipment 

in excellent condition. CinemaScope screen and 

lens. College town and county seat. $45,000, 

$15,000 will handle. Write, Box 190, Chadron, 

Neb. 

Theatre, southwest Wisconsin. Widescreen, Cinemascope, 

air conditioned. All new equipment. 

Inquire, Boxoffice, 7370. 

For sale, complete drive-in theatre. Dirt cheap, 

must be moved. M. D. Otterback, Wellington, Kas. 

Need partner with $20,000 or more to invest 

in drive-in theatre. Excellent opportunity. BoiolTlce, 

7371. 

Have listings on drive-in and indoor theatres 

for sale or lease in Southwest. Some towns without 

competition. Bob Morley, Berger-Briggs & 

Co., 215 Third S. W., Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 

Franchised territories now open! No investment 

of money required. If you know your film 

territory, have high integrity and will work, we 

have a golden proposition to make. Write complete 

qualifications to. Nationwide Theatre Pronwtlons, 

326-328 N. 7th St., Allentown, Pa. 

Drive- In Theatre, So. E. Ga. Xlnt profit oppty! 

Resort ar. 3 years old. Low taxes. No other 

drive-ins! Dept. 8298. Drive-In Theatre, S. W. 

Colo. Well equipped & good loc. Li\1ng quarters. 

Good profits. Owner other Interests. Dept. 

23848. Chas. Ford t Associates, Inc., 6425 

Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. 

Handy 

THEATRE SEATING 

Chair supplies, parts for all chairs. Fensln 

Seating. C!hicago 5. 

Repairing and reupholstering in your theatre. 

Fensln Seating, Chicago 5. 

New spring seats for all chairs. Fensln Seating. 

Ctiicago 5. 

Patch-o-seat cement, permastone anchor cement. 


Seat coverings, sewed combination, all styles. 


Plastic leatherette, all colors, send sample. 


tipholstery fabrics, all types, send sample, 


Cash for your old theatre chairs. Fensln Seating, 

Cliicago 5, 111. 

Professional reupholstering. Factory trained crew. 

Free estimate anywhere. For sale: 5.000 good 

used chairs, all types. 0G1.ESBY EQUIPMENT 

Co., 20356 Grand River, Detroit, KEiiwood 3-8740. 

Several lots of late type chairs. Bargain price. 

Write for exact photo. Chicago Used Chair Mart, 

829 S. State St.. Chicago 5, 111. 

25"x26" plastic leatherette, good quality, SSc 

each. 27"x27" for spring edge, 65c each. 

Chicago Used Chair Mart, 829 S. State St., 

Chicago. 

1.889 late theatre chairs, 1,000 plywood. 

Plywoods wanted. Lone Star Seating, Box 1734, 

Dallas, Texas. 

POPCORN MACHINES 

Popcorn machines, all makes and styles. Replacement 

kettles for all poppers. Complete replacement 

unit fits most machines, $185. 120 

So. Halsted, Chicago. III. 

Guaranteed Star popcorn machine with new 

motor, drink cooler. Tornado blower, six aluminum 

reels and other miscellaneous equipment. $500 

takes all. Box 415, Rio Vista, Calif. 

THEATRE TICKETS 

Prompt Service. Special printed roll tickets. 

100,000, $31.95; 10,000, $9.90: 2,000, $5.70. 

Each change in admission price, including change 

In color, $4.00 extra. Double numbering extra. 

F.O.B. Kansas Oty, Mo. Cash with order. 

Kan.sas City Ticket Co., Dept 11. 100 W. 18th 

St.. K:in.sas City. Mo. 

1ND HELP OR POSITION 

Through 

BOXOFFICE 

Classified Advertising 

||reatest Coverage in the 

Field at Lowest Cost 

Per Reader. 

insertions for the price of 3 

BUSINESS STIMULATORS 

Bingo, more action! $4.50M cards. Other 

games available, on-off screen. Novelty Games Co., 

106 IJogers Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Build attendance with real Hawaiian orchids. 

Few cents each. Write Flowers of Hawaii, 670 

S. Lafayette Park Place, Los Angeles 5, Calif. 

Bingo-die-cut cards. Increase your boxoffice. 

75 to 100 numbers, $4.50 per .M. Best Cards. 

Premium Products, 346 West 44lh St., New York 

36. N. Y. 

Below cost: 16 Page Min. Comic Books. Use 

on kid days, in concession. Advertise with Bm. 

600 books, 6 titles. $5.00 Postpaid. No C.O.D. 

This price only while present supply lasts. 100 

samples $1.00. Art LaMan Adv. Service, 2211 

E. 14th, Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

COFFICE : : December 

22, 1956

Coming attraction trailers carry a 

lot 

of weight with theatre audiences. 

Every independent statistical 

survey'' proves that trailers 

are primarily responsible for 

the 

attendance of every third 

movie 

patron. So, don't be penny-wise 

and pound foolish. Let the Prize 

Baby take a load off your mind 

and give your grosses a lift at 

minimum cost 

with trailers. 

5J'WOMAN'S HOME COMPANION 

Survey showed 31 per cent went to the movies because of TRAILERS! 

nmmmi^^Cê^ service 

{,y pniif taar Of wi inousmr 

SINDLINGER 

Survey showed 34.2 per cent went to the movies because of TRAILERS! 

NATIONALTHEATRES CIRCUIT IN 21 STATES 

Survey showed 43 per cent. went to the movies because of TRAILERS! 

'TtaiUt5 — ^koufmen *5 Socko Sale5mQn /

Boxoffice-December.22.1956

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